Employability Specialist

Worcestershire County Council; Y Ferwig; Hybrid; GBP 31,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Specialist training

Hybrid working

LGPS pension

Learning & development

Flexible working

Job summary

Worcestershire County Council is seeking an Employability Specialist to join the Connect to Work programme, a supported employment initiative guiding young people aged 18–24 into meaningful paid work. You will deliver personalised one-to-one support, helping individuals identify strengths, set achievable goals and pursue sustainable employment.

You will also build relationships with local employers to promote inclusive recruitment and identify suitable opportunities, delivering services in line

Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support to young people aged 18–24 facing barriers to employment.
• Support individuals to build confidence, identify strengths, set goals and take steps toward sustainable employment.
• Engage with local employers to promote inclusive recruitment and identify opportunities.
• Deliver employability support in line with vocational profiling, job matching and in-work support.

Job description

Job Title: Employability specialist

Salary: £30,817 - £32,929 per annum

35 Hours per Week

Location: peripatetic, County wide

Team: Connect To Work Permanent

The Role:

This role is part of the Connect to Work programme, a supported employment initiative designed to help people with disabilities, health conditions, neurodivergent conditions, and other barriers to employment move into and sustain meaningful paid work. Using a personalised, strengths-based approach, the programme supports individuals to achieve their employment goals while working closely with employers to create inclusive workplaces.

In this rewarding role, you will support young adults aged 18–24 who are facing barriers to employment, including long‑term unemployment, low confidence, mental health challenges, disabilities, neurodivergent conditions, long‑term health needs, or limited qualifications. Through personalised one-to-one support, you will help individuals build confidence, identify their strengths, set achievable goals, and take practical steps towards sustainable and meaningful employment.

Alongside working directly with young people, you will build relationships with local employers to promote inclusive recruitment practices and identify suitable job opportunities. You will provide ongoing support to both employers and participants, helping individuals to settle into work, develop their skills, and thrive in the workplace.

Working as part of the Connect to Work programme, you will deliver support in line with supported employment principles, including vocational profiling, job matching, employer engagement, and in‑work support. Knowledge and understanding of the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) and its application within supported employment services is desirable. You will also work collaboratively with colleagues and partners across local government, health services, education providers, and community organisations to achieve positive outcomes for young people.

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a countywide programme that is making a real difference in reducing youth unemployment and improving life chances. You will join a friendly and supportive team committed to helping people overcome barriers, realise their potential, and achieve lasting employment outcomes.

In return, you will receive:

• Access to specialist training and ongoing professional development
• Opportunities to contribute to innovative employability projects across Worcestershire a role where you can make a measurable difference in the lives of young people.

Benefits:

• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part‑time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, don't worry because if you join us without a break, we'll match your holiday up to 31 days. If you're successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.
• Equality & Diversity: The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.

Benefits:

• Great Holiday Entitlement: As well as bank holidays, you'll get 26 days paid holiday (pro rata for part‑time staff). This goes up to 31 days when you have been with us for 5 years. If you get more than 26 days where you work now, don't worry because if you join us without a break, we'll match your holiday up to 31 days. If you're successful and want to take advantage of this do let us know!
• Brilliant Pension Scheme: The Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) is a nationwide, career average pension scheme and is a valuable part of the pay and reward package for employees working in local government.
• Professional Learning & Development: We actively encourage learning and development for all our staff should they want to progress further or explore other areas within the organisation.
• Flexible Working: We are proud to offer hybrid working to provide a better work/life balance where possible.
• Equality & Diversity: The County Council is committed to equality of opportunity for all citizens and celebrates the diversity of all its residents.

Application Closing Date: 20th November

Anticipated Interview Date: TBC