Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist

Full-Time 31022 - 33699 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
WMJobs

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support residents in finding and sustaining employment through tailored programmes.
  • Company: Join Stoke-on-Trent City Council, a proud and inclusive employer.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, excellent pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
  • Other info: Diverse workplace committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them overcome employment barriers.
  • Qualifications: Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience, with good communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 31022 - 33699 £ per year.

Directorate: Chief Executive’s Section: Economic Development – Jobs, Enterprise and Training

Location: Swann House

Grade: Level 7

Salary: £31,022 - £33,699 per annum

Hours: 37 hours per week

This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.

About us

We are a city of strengths, with a proud heritage and bright future. Working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council is more than just a job; it’s about making, protecting and improving the services for the local population, reducing inequalities and improving independence for the people who live and work in the city. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.

The Stoke-on-Trent City Council JET (Jobs, Enterprise & Training) service supports the residents of the city with all matters surrounding employment, including if you have recently been made redundant. The Connect to Work service is a voluntary employment programme aimed at supporting those with disabilities, health conditions and complex personal challenges through a tailored programme of support to overcome obstacles to employment and sustain employment.

The main purpose of the role is to deliver Connect to Work on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions. This is an exciting and rewarding role supporting people who wish to work to find and sustain work through a range of supported interventions.

You will provide person-centred support to clients, including vocational profiling to identify skills and interests and any barriers to employment. You will develop SMART action plans based on needs and employment goals and support with job preparation. There will be elements of employer engagement in the role and you have up to six months to continue to support a client once they are in employment.

Key Responsibilities

  • Providing individualised, person-centred support to residents including delivering impartial, high-quality information, advice and guidance.
  • Source opportunities for residents through tailored job search and regular contact with local employers to explore hidden employment opportunities.
  • Provide education and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating adjustments and ongoing contact with the employer to ensure job retention.

About You

  • Ideally a level 3 professional qualification or equivalent level of experience.
  • Some knowledge of employer legislation.
  • Understanding the employment needs and challenges faced by people who experience labour market exclusion.
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills.

What we offer

  • A competitive salary based on your skills, experience and talent.
  • Hybrid and flexible working options.
  • An excellent local authority benefits pension scheme.
  • Professional development through learning opportunities, regular training sessions and apprenticeship and management schemes.

Pre-Employment Checks

  • Right to Work in the UK.
  • Proof of address.
  • Satisfactory references.
  • Occupational Health Clearance.
  • Evidence of professional qualifications or registrations.
  • DBS check at the appropriate level (if applicable for the role).

Additional Information

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment. This position is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the successful applicant will be subject to a criminal record check from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Please note that if an employee who is currently at risk of redundancy within the organisation applies for this vacancy their application will receive priority. If this happens you will be advised accordingly.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Stoke-on-Trent City Council, we believe our strength comes from the diversity of our community, and we want our workforce to reflect that. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences. We understand that some people, especially those from underrepresented or marginalised backgrounds, may hesitate to apply if they don’t meet all the listed requirements. If this role interests you and you think you could be a good fit, we encourage you to apply. We are proud of what makes each of us unique and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels included, can be themselves, and can succeed together.

Employment Specialist employer: WMJobs

West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer that champions a collaborative and inclusive work culture, offering employees the chance to make a tangible impact in the public sector. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, WMCA supports its staff in navigating the complexities of local governance while fostering a dynamic environment that values innovation and adaptability. Located in the heart of the West Midlands, employees benefit from a vibrant community and access to a range of resources aimed at enhancing their career journey.

WMJobs

Contact Details:

WMJobs Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist

Join HR Networks

Get involved in HR-specific communities, like the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and local HR meetups. This is a fantastic way to connect with industry professionals and learn about job openings before they even hit job boards!

Make Your Presence Known

Attend HR conferences and workshops in your area to network with potential employers. Don't be shy—introduce yourself, exchange business cards, and let them know you're keen on a full-time role in HR. Who knows, you might just land a friendly face at WMJobs!

Leverage Your University Connections

If you’re a recent grad or still in uni, tap into your career services and alumni network. Many universities have connections with companies looking for HR talent, so get those leads and apply through our website for a smoother application process.

Showcase Your HR Passion

Create content around HR topics you’re passionate about, like employee engagement or diversity initiatives. Share articles or insights on LinkedIn to demonstrate your knowledge and get noticed by recruiters. It’s a subtle yet effective way to show you’re the right fit for a full-time role at WMJobs.

We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist

Person-Centred Support
Vocational Profiling
SMART Action Planning
Job Preparation
Employer Engagement
Communication Skills
Interpersonal Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your HR Skills:When you’re crafting your CV, make sure you highlight specific HR skills that are relevant to the role at WMJobs. Include any experience with recruitment processes, employee relations, or performance management, and don’t forget to mention your familiarity with HR software or tools that could give you an edge.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine, so tailor it to WMJobs and the specific HR role. Highlight your passion for people management and how your unique approach can help foster a positive workplace culture. Be sure to sprinkle in examples from your past experiences that illustrate your problem-solving abilities and interpersonal skills.

Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any HR certifications or relevant training under your belt, be sure to showcase them! These qualifications can really set you apart from other candidates when applying for this full-time HR position at WMJobs. List them prominently on your CV to catch the hiring manager's eye.

Align with Company Culture:Make sure your application speaks to WMJobs's values and culture. Research the company and align your experiences or values with what they stand for. This will show them that you're not only a fit for the role but also for the overall vibe of the team and organisation.

How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs

Brush Up on HR Best Practices

As you're diving into human resources, it’s crucial to be well-versed in the latest HR practices and legislation. Get familiar with key topics like employee engagement, talent acquisition, and diversity initiatives, as these could easily pop up in your interview with WMJobs.

Know Your Recruitment Tools

Most HR roles involve using various recruitment tools and ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems). Make sure you can comfortably discuss platforms like Workday or Greenhouse. If you've had direct experience, share those examples; if not, show your eagerness to learn!

Highlight Your People Skills

A full-time HR role at WMJobs will require strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to share stories that demonstrate how you’ve successfully navigated conflicts or supported team members in past experiences. Authenticity goes a long way in this field.

Stay Current with HR Trends

Being up to speed with current HR trends, like remote working protocols or mental health initiatives, can set you apart. Be ready to discuss how these trends could impact WMJobs and how you would contribute to adapting HR strategies.