Employment Consultant

Beating Time; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization based in Birmingham is seeking an Employment Consultant to assist individuals leaving prison. The role involves supporting candidates by addressing barriers to employment and advocating for their skills with local employers. Candidates should have excellent communication skills and be comfortable working in sensitive environments. This is a full-time permanent position offering a salary of £30,000 – £34,000 per annum.

Qualifications

• Empathetic, resilient and proactive with excellent communication skills.
• Confident and comfortable working in prison environments.
• Strong written skills to prepare CVs and disclosure statements.

Responsibilities

• Identify candidates approaching release who are seeking employment.
• Build strong relationships with candidates to address barriers to work.
• Support individuals through release and into the community.

Skills

Empathy

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Interpersonal skills

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a motivated Employment Consultant to support people leaving prison into meaningful work by building strong relationships with candidates, employers and partner organisations.

Responsibilities

• Identifying candidates approaching release who are seeking employment.
• Building strong relationships with candidates to understand and help address barriers to work, such as ID, banking and family contact.
• Supporting individuals through release and into the community with regular check-ins.
• Building and maintaining relationships with prison staff and other stakeholders.
• Organising monthly job surgeries both in prison and in the community.
• Connecting with local and national employers, advocating for candidates and promoting their skills.
• Collaborating with probation services, local authorities and third-sector organisations.
• Logging candidate progress using a CRM system.

Essential qualifications and qualities

• Empathetic, resilient and proactive with excellent communication skills.
• A genuine commitment to inclusion and the ability to build strong relationships across different sectors.
• Confident and comfortable working in prison environments (security clearance required).
• Empathetic, non-judgemental and an excellent listener.
• Awareness of the barriers faced by people with convictions and a commitment to helping overcome them.
• Strong interpersonal skills – able to connect with everyone from candidates to CEOs.
• Organised, IT-savvy and confident with record-keeping and CV/disclosure materials.
• Strong written skills to prepare CVs and disclosure statements.
• Experience in recruitment, case management or related work is an advantage but not essential.
• A driving licence and access to a car is required for prison visits (expenses covered).

Role details

• Position: Employment Consultant
• Location: Birmingham (office-based in Digbeth at least 3 days a week, with weekly prison visits)
• Salary: £30,000 – £34,000 per annum
• Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
• Contract: Permanent
• Closing date: 5pm, 22 September 20

About the Programme

This is the UK’s first peer-led employment initiative designed to support prison leavers into sustainable work. The programme empowers people with lived experience of the criminal justice system to support others, creating opportunities that reduce reoffending and change lives for good. You’ll be joining a supportive, passionate and diverse team committed to making a real difference.

Application process

Please submit a CV and 1-page cover letter stating out: what skills, experiences and interests you have that fit this role and why you want to work with people leaving prison.

If you are shortlisted, you will be invited for a formal interview (online or in person) and a short task to show how you think. Finally, you will be asked to visit the Birmingham office for coffee with the team.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Caseworker, Resettlement Officer, Employment Adviser, Recruitment Consultant, Probation Case Manager, Support Worker. #INDNFP