Employment Specialist

Stoke-on-Trent City Council

Directorate
:
Chief Executive

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

These are fixed posts for 12 months.

This advert is open to both internal and external applicants.

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. And that’s where you come in. We are always looking for people of the highest calibre with skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver our compelling vision.

Stoke-on-Trent City Council’s diverse and talented workforce is its greatest asset and most valuable resource. The skills, knowledge and experience of our c.4,600 employees are essential to delivering our ambitions and vision for our organisation and Stoke-on-Trent. We want to be an employer that people are proud to work for, and where our staff are supported, developed and rewarded in an inclusive way that helps them to excel and to deliver the high-quality services that our residents need.

Further information on why work for us

We are seeking a motivated and compassionate Employment Specialist to deliver the Department for Work and Pensions’ Connect to Work programme in Stoke-on-Trent.

This voluntary supported employment programme helps people with disabilities, health conditions and complex barriers move into and sustain meaningful employment.

You will provide person centred support using the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF), managing your own caseload from vocational profiling through to in work support.

The Jobs, Enterprise and Training (JET) team sits within the Council’s Economic Development service and plays a key role in supporting residents into work while helping businesses access the skills and talent they need to grow.

Working closely with employers, training providers, DWP and community partners, JET delivers a range of employment and skills programmes that contribute to the city’s wider economic growth ambitions.

As part of the broader Economic Development team, you’ll be joining a forward‑thinking service focused on creating a stronger, more inclusive local economy for Stoke-on-Trent.

• Provide one to one, person centred employment support Develop SMART action plans with clear employment goals
• Support CV writing, job search, applications and interview preparation
• Deliver high quality Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers
• Source vacancies, including hidden opportunities, and negotiate job opportunities
• Support workplace adjustments and job carving where appropriate
• Provide on the job coaching and sustained in work support
• Maintain accurate case records and contribute to performance targets
• Work in community venues and employer settings across the city

• Holds a Level 3 qualification (or equivalent experience) in supported employment or a related field
• Has experience supporting people with disabilities or those facing labour market exclusion
• Understands employment legislation and workplace adjustments
• Has experience of employer engagement and securing paid job outcomes
• Can manage a caseload effectively in a performance driven environment
• Is confident building partnerships with employers, training providers and community organisations
• Can advocate on behalf of clients and negotiate positively
• Demonstrates empathy, resilience and a non judgemental approach
• Is committed to equality, diversity and inclusive employment

• 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

Further information on our Rewards and Benefits can be found here

For more information on the role, please contact the…