Employment Support Advisor

North East Combined Authority; North East; Remote; GBP 27,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

North East Combined Authority is seeking an Employment Support Advisor to help unpaid carers stay well and in work. You will provide tailored information, advice and coaching to carers in work or transitioning to suitable roles, addressing barriers and supporting career progression.

The role involves managing a varied caseload, understanding carers’ rights (flexible working, Carer’s Leave) and preparing carers for conversations with employers.

Qualifications

• Experience delivering confidential, person-centred information, advice and guidance.
• Experience managing a varied caseload with outcome-focused support.
• Knowledge of employment rights for carers, including flexible working and Carer’s Leave.

Responsibilities

• Provide confidential information, advice, guidance and coaching to unpaid carers.
• Assess needs and agree tailored, outcome-focused support plans with actions and reviews.
• Explain workplace rights and options, including flexible working and Carer’s Leave.
• Assist carers to prepare for conversations with employers and arrange practical adjustments.
• Support carers to address barriers affecting confidence, wellbeing or progression.
• Provide employability support to move carers into suitable employment.
• Collaborate with Carers Centres, employers and partner agencies for referrals.
• Maintain accurate case records and contribute to monitoring and service improvement.

Skills

Caseload management

Guidance delivery

Employment rights knowledge

Communication skills

Digital literacy

Travel readiness

Job description

Employment Support Advisor

Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: 12 month fixed term contract

Base: Hosted by a partner carers organisation, with travel across the relevant delivery area

Salary: £29,503 pa

Closing date: 6 November 2026

Interview date: w/c 16 November 2026

Support unpaid carers to stay well and stay working

Are you passionate about helping unpaid carers with health conditions remain in work, progress in their careers and balance employment with their caring responsibilities?

Supporting Unpaid Carers to Stay Well and Stay Working is a regional programme providing practical, carer-informed employment support across the North East.

We are looking for skilled and compassionate Employment Support Advisors to provide tailored information, advice and guidance to unpaid carers who are in work or moving directly to more suitable employment.

This is an opportunity to make a direct difference by helping carers understand their workplace rights, address barriers, improve their confidence and wellbeing, and develop practical plans to sustain employment.

About the role

• Provide confidential, person-centred information, advice, guidance and coaching to unpaid carers.
• Assess individual needs and agree tailored, outcome-focused support plans with clear actions and reviews.
• Help carers understand workplace rights and options, including flexible working and Carer’s Leave.
• Support carers to prepare for conversations with employers and identify practical adjustments or flexible arrangements.
• Help carers manage barriers affecting their confidence, wellbeing, career progression or ability to remain in work.
• Provide employability support where a carer needs to move directly into more suitable employment.
• Work closely with local Carers Centres, employers and partner agencies to provide joined-up support and effective referrals.
• Maintain accurate case records and contribute to monitoring, outcome evidence and continuous service improvement.

About you

• Experience of providing confidential, person-centred information, advice, guidance or coaching.
• Experience of managing a varied caseload and delivering outcome-focused one-to-one support.
• An understanding of the barriers unpaid carers may experience in sustaining employment, learning or career progression.
• Knowledge of employment rights relevant to carers, including flexible working and Carer’s Leave, with the ability to keep this knowledge current.
• The ability to assess needs, agree practical action plans, review progress and maintain accurate records.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain complex information clearly.
• A collaborative, reliable, flexible and solution-focused approach, with a commitment to equality, inclusion, safeguarding and the dignity of unpaid carers.
• Strong digital skills and the ability to work independently, manage competing priorities and travel efficiently across the relevant North East delivery area.

Why join us?

You’ll play an important role in helping unpaid carers remain in employment, move into more sustainable work and access learning or progression opportunities. Your support will help carers reduce workplace barriers and balance work with their caring responsibilities.

You’ll join a collaborative regional programme that works alongside Carers Centres, employers and partner organisations to improve employment outcomes for unpaid carers across the North East.