Connect Employment Specialist

Job Overview

• Full‑time position preferred but part‑time is also considered.
• Fixed‑term contract to the end of the programme – 31 March 2029.
• Salary range: £25,989 – £28,142 per annum for 37 hours per week.
• 30 days annual leave, excluding bank holidays.
• The role will impact the lives of Somerset residents with complex barriers to employment.
• Your primary work base will be your nearest Somerset Council office. On a day‑to‑day basis, you will work within local communities, delivering support from Community Employment Hubs, partner organisations’ premises, and a range of community venues. Remote working may be available in line with organisational policies and service requirements.
• Regretfully, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for visa sponsorship.

We’re working to improve the lives of people in Somerset – and you’ll be a key part of that. Your day‑to‑day work will involve:

• Developing a clear understanding of the barriers to employment faced by disadvantaged individuals who are experiencing labour‑market exclusion.
• Maintaining awareness of supported employment models, fidelity and inclusive practices.
• Providing advice, guidance and/or support to individuals seeking employment.

• Level 2, 3 or 4 – Certificate/Diploma in Advice and Guidance or equivalent.

We’re looking for a compassionate, motivated Employment Specialist to help Somerset residents facing barriers—such as health conditions, disabilities, or multiple disadvantages—move into meaningful, sustainable work.

In this role, you will:

• Conduct vocational profiling and create personalised employment plans.
• Provide practical support with job‑searching, CVs, applications, interviews, and job‑matching.
• Offer guidance on benefits, workplace adjustments, and disclosure.
• Work closely with employers, health professionals, and community partners.
• Support people both into work and to stay in work through ongoing in‑placement support.
• Maintain accurate records and meet fidelity standards to ensure high‑quality delivery.

• We promote a healthy work‑life balance and offer flexible working arrangements wherever possible, including working from home.
• Generous annual leave allowance, with the opportunity to purchase additional leave.
• Staff discounts in gyms.
• Employee Assistance for the times you may need some support and a variety of employee wellbeing services.
• Auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme and optional pension enhancement through our Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme.
• A Flexible Benefits Scheme via salary sacrifice to obtain a cycle for work and health screenings.
• My Staff Shop offering discounts in shops, online shopping, restaurants, cinema tickets, insurance benefits and more.

Salary range: £25,989 – £28,142 per annum for 37 hours per week.

For an informal chat about the role, please contact Colleen Blake, 07392 316158, c

Interviews will take place on 24th / 25th March 2026.

When completing your application/CV please provide your full employment history and ensure that any gaps in employment are explained. Please start with your current or most recent employment.

This post requires a criminal background check via the Disclosure procedure.