Connect to Work Employment Specialist

Description

The starting salary for this role is 36,873 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. It is initially fixed term until 31 March 2027 with an expected extension for a further 3 years once funding is approved.

Surrey County Council is establishing a new function to deliver the Connect to Work programme. As an Employment Specialist, you will be at the heart of this exciting initiative delivering Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to residents facing barriers to employment, while also supporting employers by bridging workforce needs with local talent from priority groups. This role is ideal for those passionate about making a real difference in people's lives and contributing to a more inclusive, skilled local workforce.

The role is hybrid with substantial travel across Surrey to meet programme participants and employers. As part of the role, you will also be expected to attend the office at least one day a week in Woodhatch Place, Reigate (usually Tuesday).

Our Offer to You

26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' serviceOption to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leaveA generous local government salary related pensionUp to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per yearPaternity, adoption and dependents leaveAn Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeingLearning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resourcesWellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shoppingA chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residentsAbout the service

The Economy and Growth function, consisting of over 40 people, is dedicated to driving sustainable economic development across Surrey, working collaboratively as 'One Council' to support strategic priorities that benefit the county's 1.2 million residents. The team provides key services in business support, innovation, skills, and infrastructure, and works with major employers like Amazon, McLaren, and Samsung to strengthen the regional economy, which is home to 110,000 businesses and contributes 50 billion annually to the UK economy.

We are establishing a new programme within the Economy and Growth function to deliver the 'Connect to Work' supported employment programme. This ambitious new initiative is part of a national roll-out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Launched through the government's 'Get Britain Working' White Paper, this initiative is part of a broader range of programmes addressing skills gaps, responding to employer need and driving local growth to achieve the best outcomes. Connect to Work will use the established model of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) which is an evidence-based 'place then train' method of supported employment.

About the Role

Your role as an Employment Specialist is vital to delivering 'Connect to Work', operating in a fast-paced, target-driven environment across the county. You will manage a caseload of participants, supporting them to gain or return to paid competitive employment by following IPS principles and aiming for high fidelity compliance. Your approach will be person-centred and holistic, focusing on matching participants with suitable employment while also addressing employer needs to ensure the programme's success. Employment opportunities are central, so your role will balance supporting participants throughout their employment journey with providing employers a capable workforce.

You will work closely with Job Centre Plus, health and social care, charities and employers to encourage referrals from residents and identify existing and 'hidden' employment opportunities that can allow participants to flourish in the role. At least 60% of your time will be spent in the community, meeting participants in comfortable settings and building relationships with employers and referral organisations. You will work both independently and as part of a team to help secure paid employment for at least 50% of participants. A systematic approach is expected, using the programme's management and Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems, with ongoing reporting integrated into daily tasks.

Shortlisting Criteria

In order to be considered for shortlisting, your application will clearly evidence the following skills and align with our behaviours:

Working at pace on a 1-2-1 basis in a target driven employment support setting (or similar) managing a caseload of people with diverse needs looking for work Demonstrable knowledge and experience of meeting employer workforce needs, an ability to be a bridge between employer workforce needs and the opportunities presented by the residents on your caseloadManaging relationships with a range of stakeholders, especially employers, tailoring communication style appropriately for the audienceUtilising case management systems (or similar) to effectively manage participant information and recordsTo apply, please send a copy of your CV and outline your experience and suitability for the role responding to these three questions:

Outline your experience of working in an employment support setting and providing 1-2-1 support and advice to achieve the best outcome for the individual.Outline your experience of working with and engaging employers and stakeholders to help generate opportunities for individualsProvide detail on how you have worked as part of a team to ensure the best outcomes Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description & Our Life at Surrey handbook to get an insight into working at Surrey.

Contact us

Please contact us for any questions relating to the role. This could be to discuss flexible working requests, transferable skills or any barriers to employment.

For an informal discussion please contact us by e-mail at .

The job advert closes at 23:59 on 24 December with interviews planned for the first week in January. Please note, the advert may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications.

We look forward to receiving your application, please click on the apply online button below to submit.

We are a disability confident employer which means if you have shared a disability on your application form and have evidenced you meet the minimum criteria, we guarantee you an interview.

Ad ID: 5417514164