At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in finding and maintaining employment through tailored action plans.
- Company: Join Wiltshire Council, a friendly and inclusive workplace.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and strong commitment to diversity.
- Other info: Three positions available, with flexible location options across Wiltshire.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building employer partnerships.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting people into work and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 32578 - 34811 £ per year.
Salary: £32,578 - £34,811 per annum
Hours per week: 37 hours
Interview date: Week commencing 12 October 2026
Are you passionate about supporting people to find and keep paid employment? Join our Connect to Work programme and make a real difference to individuals across Wiltshire. As an Employment Specialist, you’ll work face-to-face with participants who are unemployed or at risk of losing their job. You’ll help them overcome barriers such as health conditions or disabilities, identify their skills and goals, and create action plans that lead to sustainable employment. You’ll also provide ongoing in-work support to ensure success.
Your role will involve:
- Building strong relationships with local employers to create inclusive job opportunities
- Advising on reasonable adjustments
- Promoting approaches like “place, train and maintain”
- Managing a caseload of up to 25 participants
- Keeping accurate records
- Working flexibly within the community to meet programme targets
We’re looking for someone with experience supporting people into work, ideally those with complex needs. You’ll need excellent communication skills, knowledge of employment practices, and the ability to motivate and guide participants. An NVQ Level 4 (or equivalent experience) is required, along with a good understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion.
If you want a role where you can change lives and build strong employer partnerships, apply today and help us connect people to work. Please note that there are 3 positions available - 1 role will be primarily based in the Salisbury area and another 2 roles will be countywide across Wiltshire. If you have a preference on location, please specify this on your application.
Why us?
Wiltshire Council is a friendly, welcoming place to work, with a 'One Council' ethos. Our hybrid working model means office staff are on site for at least half their hours, community-based staff carry out at least half their admin time in a workplace, and customer‑facing roles work entirely from their service location. We are committed to creating a workplace where positive relationships thrive and everyone feels engaged, supported and able to do their best. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying or harassment. Everyone is expected to promote a culture of inclusion, dignity, trust and respect, guided by our vision and Our Identity.
Contact details: Katie Cross, Service Manager: Skills, Employment & Partnerships Development, at Katie.Cross@wiltshire.gov.uk
Please ensure to regularly check your spam or junk folder for any communication from us regarding the status of your application.
Application criteria: Please download and read the role description and person specification carefully before you apply. We understand that AI tools can support you in preparing job applications. However, we value authenticity and would encourage you to ensure your submission genuinely reflects your own experiences, skills, and motivations.
We are firmly committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and to the principles of inclusion and diversity in both employment and the delivery of services.
Statement of commitment to equality and inclusion: Disability Confident Employer
Application process: Wiltshire Council does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from recruitment agencies that are not appointed under a current, valid contract or approved supplier arrangement (including through our neutral vendor, Comensura). Submission of unsolicited CVs or candidate details to the Council, whether directly or to individual employees, will not be considered as an introduction and will not create any obligation on the Council to pay any fees. If a candidate whose details have been submitted speculatively is subsequently appointed through a compliant route, no agency fee will be payable in respect of the unsolicited submission. Agencies wishing to work with the Council must do so only via our approved procurement processes and neutral vendor arrangements.
Employment Specialist employer: Wiltshire
Wiltshire Council is an excellent employer for aspiring lifeguards, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises safety and community engagement. With opportunities for career growth through NPLQ training and a commitment to employee development, you will find a rewarding role that not only enhances your skills but also allows you to make a positive impact in the lives of pool members. Join us in a vibrant location where teamwork and public service are at the heart of what we do.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Wiltshire.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Wiltshire!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Wiltshire, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Wiltshire or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Wiltshire:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Wiltshire! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Wiltshire
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
