Connect to Work Employment Specialist

Surrey County Council; Reigate; Hybrid; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading council is looking for an Employment Specialist focused on delivering the Connect to Work program. The role involves supporting residents facing employment barriers and requires substantial community engagement along with employer relationship management. Ideal for candidates passionate about inclusivity and skilled workforce development.

Benefits

26 days holiday (rising with service)

Employee Assistance Programme

Local government pension

Learning and development resources

Lifestyle discounts

Option to buy additional annual leave

Qualifications

• Experience in 1-2-1 employment support settings.
• Knowledge of the IPS model and employment market.
• Competence in managing stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of participants for employment support.
• Build relationships with employers to facilitate job placements.
• Provide in-work support and encourage participant success.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Organizational skills

Education

Relevant degree or equivalent experience

Job description

• Category: Economic Growth and Development
• Contract type: Fixed term
• Working hours: 36 hours per week
• Posted on: 30 May 2025
• Closing date: 29 June 2025
• Directorate: Environment, Property & Growth
• Location: Woodhatch Place, 11 Cockshot Hill, Reigate, RH2 8EF

Description

The starting salary for this role is £35,730 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. It is a 2-year fixed term post, with the potential for extension for up to a further 3 years when funding is confirmed.

Surrey County Council is launching 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).

Rewards and Benefits

• 26 days' holiday (prorated for part time staff), rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 30 days after 5 years' service
• Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
• An extensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
• Up to 5 days of carer's leave per year
• Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
• A generous local government salary related pension
• Lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, shopping and many more
• 2 paid volunteering days per year
• Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources

About the Team

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

This role 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.

Key participant responsibilities include:

• Vocational profiling
• Action planning
• Job searching
• CV writing
• Job matching
• Signposting to training
• In-work support when employment is secured.

Employer support will involve:

• Building trusted relationships to understand the available job opportunities
• Assisting with candidate training needs before recruitment
• Work with employers on job adjustments, including possible job carving
• Navigating related support such as Access to Work
• Providing continued contact and underpinning support after recruitment to ensure sustained success.

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

To be considered for shortlisting for this position, your application will clearly evidence the following:

• Working at pace in a target-driven, 1-2-1 employment support setting, managing caseload of jobseekers with diverse needs
• Demonstrating knowledge and experience of meeting employer workforce needs and acting as a bridge between these and opportunities presented by the residents on your caseload
• Managing stakeholder relationships, especially with employers, using tailored communication
• Using case management systems to manage participant information and records effectively

To apply,please send a copy of your CV and outline your experience and suitability for the role responding to these three questions:

• Outline 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 experience of working with and engaging employers and stakeholders to help generate opportunities for individuals.
• Provide detail on how you have worked as part of a team to ensure the best outcomes.

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.

The job advert closes on Sunday 29th June with interviews planned for mid-July.

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

Local Government Reorganisation

Surrey County Council is preparing for Local Government Reorganisation which will allow us to implement the Government led policy of devolution, which is all about giving more powers to local areas.

Currently, Surrey has a two-tier council system, with 11 district and borough councils and a county council, all responsible for different services. All these councils will be reorganised into a smaller number of new unitary councils which will come into effect in April 2027. At this point, this role will be transferred, with all existing terms and conditions intact into one of the new unitary councils.

Join our dynamic team and shape the future of local government. Make a lasting impact with innovative solutions and improved services for our community. Help us build a brighter future for our residents!

Our values are as important as our abilities and shape who we are as an organisation. Discover more about our values .

Before submitting your application, we recommend you read the job description. Our Life at Surrey handbook also attached provides insights of the culture at Surrey and how as a valued employee, you can help shape our Council.

Our Commitment

Surrey County Council is proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. A guaranteed interview will be offered to all disabled applicants where:

• The candidate has evidenced the minimum criteria for the role through their application
• The candidate has chosen to share that they have a disability on the application form

Our application form and onboarding process will provide an opportunity to request any reasonable adjustments for the interview and/or the role. We want to be an inclusive and diverse employer reflecting the community we serve and particularly welcome applications from all underrepresented groups.