At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals overcome barriers to employment through training and support.
- Company: Harrogate Homeless Project, dedicated to empowering those facing homelessness.
- Benefits: Professional development, 33 days annual leave, healthcare package, and travel benefits.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to equality and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in employment support and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 27835 - 34021 £ per year.
Are you passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve their employment goals? We are seeking an Employment Support Officer to support people experiencing homelessness, or those with a history of rough sleeping, to progress towards sustainable employment through training, volunteering and work experience. You will work with our residents to create personalised pathways towards employment. You will also work closely with employers, training providers and partner organisations to create new opportunities for our clients.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct one-to-one assessments to identify clients’ employment aspirations, skills, experience and support needs.
- Develop and review personalised employment action plans with realistic and achievable goals.
- Provide or source practical employability support, including CV writing, job applications, interview preparation and job search techniques.
- Deliver or source confidence-building and workplace skills development activities.
- Build positive relationships with local employers to create work placements, work experience and employment opportunities.
- Work collaboratively with training providers, support agencies and partner organisations to maximise client support.
- Provide ongoing in-work support to help clients sustain employment and successfully transition into the workplace.
- Maintain accurate client records and monitor outcomes against agreed targets and reporting requirements.
What we are looking for…
- Experience of providing employment, careers, welfare, coaching or support services.
- Excellent communication, active listening and interpersonal skills.
- The ability to motivate, empower and support individuals to achieve positive outcomes.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- Experience of building effective relationships with employers, stakeholders and partner agencies.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and database/client management systems.
- An understanding of the barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping or social exclusion (desirable).
- A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
Requirements and Benefits
- Reporting to: Client Services Manager
- Location: Harrogate
- Benefits include:
- Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
- 33 days (pro rata) annual leave (including bank holidays) pro rata plus birthday leave.
- Healthcare package.
- Travel benefits.
- Workplace pension scheme.
About us
Harrogate Homeless Project provides people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay and the support they need to build confidence and move towards independent living. We work with partners to give people facing disadvantage hope of a different future; we empower people to change their lives. Harrogate Homeless Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.
Closing Date: 7 September 2026
Employment Support Officer in Harrogate employer: South West Community Chaplaincy
Age UK Bradford District is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of older people within the community. With a flexible and hybrid working environment, a supportive team culture, and a strong commitment to professional development, employees can thrive while building lasting relationships and partnerships that drive community engagement. Join us in creating a positive change and enjoy the satisfaction of knowing your work truly matters.
Contact Details:
South West Community Chaplaincy Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Support Officer in Harrogate
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to South West Community Chaplaincy, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Support Officer in Harrogate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of South West Community Chaplaincy. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at South West Community Chaplaincy. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at South West Community Chaplaincy
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with South West Community Chaplaincy.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary Employment Support Officer role at South West Community Chaplaincy, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show South West Community Chaplaincy that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
