Employment Support Specialist (LSE)

Northumberland County Council; Morpeth; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government council in Morpeth is seeking a motivated Employment Support Specialist to join its Employability Service. This role focuses on providing tailored support to individuals, primarily those who are neuro-divergent, helping them secure meaningful employment. Key responsibilities include managing a caseload, engaging with employers, and delivering outreach services in various community settings. A full UK driving license is required. Competitive benefits include annual leave and pension enrollment.

Benefits

26 days annual leave plus public holidays

Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme

Flexi scheme with up to 2 days flexible leave available per month

Qualifications

• Experience in employability, community engagement, or health/social care.
• Strong interpersonal, organisational, and IT skills are required.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage complex referrals.

Responsibilities

• Manage a small caseload with tailored support.
• Deliver outreach services across community settings.
• Engage with employers to secure suitable roles.

Skills

Experience in employability

Community engagement

Health/social care

Strong interpersonal skills

Organisational skills

IT skills

Job description

Employment Support Specialist - Connect to Work Programme

Northumberland Skills offers residents a variety of full and part‑time courses, apprenticeships, and employability advice and support across Northumberland. We are looking to appoint a motivated and community‑focused Employment Support Specialist as part of Northumberland County Council’s Employability Service. You will work on the Connect to Work programme, part of the national Get Britain Working strategy.

This role is part of the Local Supported Employment Initiative specifically to support people who are neuro‑divergent. You will manage a caseload of clients who are employed and economically inactive and live in Northumberland. Following the SEQF supported employment model you will help residents into meaningful or better employment.

You’ll work with employers to identify suitable roles for your people on your caseload and provide tailored in‑work support that will include building confidence, guiding both the individual and employer through initial tasks, and advising on workplace adjustments during those crucial first weeks. We are looking for individuals who believe that if someone wants to work, they should be supported to do so and that with your help, it is possible.

This is an outreach role, so you’ll meet people where they are – including community partner settings and working on employer sites helping them into meaningful, lasting jobs.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a small caseload, providing tailored, person‑centred support aligned to the SEQF Fidelity model.
• Deliver outreach services across Northumberland in community settings, employer sites, GP surgeries, and job centres.
• Engage with employers to secure suitable roles and provide in‑work support on employer sites.
• Collaborate with partners including SEND organisations, Adult Services, NHS, DWP, housing providers, and voluntary sector organisations.
• Support residents through vocational profiling, action planning, and integration with wider support services to move them into good work.

Essential Requirements

• Experience in employability, community engagement, or health/social care.
• Strong interpersonal, organisational, and IT skills.
• Ability to work autonomously across agencies and manage complex referrals.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Knowledge of local services and employment challenges is desirable.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus public/bank holidays, rising to 31 days after 5 years of service (pro rata for part‑time employees).
• Automatic enrolment into the Local Government Pension Scheme.
• Flexi scheme (if applicable) – up to 2 days flexible leave available per month (pro rata for part‑time employees).

Why choose us?

Northumberland County Council’s (NCC) vision is ‘Land of Great Opportunities’, for current and future generations. We believe there is no better place to live and work.

Post details

This post is funded until January 2030.

For an informal discussion, please contact Rachel Druce: 07768671071 E: [e-mail]

While our team will have a base in Morpeth, the role will involve working across the county. We are particularly keen to hear from you if you can provide strong coverage in the West region of the county.

Further Information

Please note that this is a full‑time position but applications on a secondment or part‑time basis would be considered for the right applicant.

For guidance on completing your application and for information about our Equality and Diversity principles, please see the attached guidance notes.

Equality and Diversity

We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. If you have a disability and would prefer to apply in a different format, please see the alternative methods below. This information will be treated as confidential and will only be used to check that you meet the essential requirements of the post.

Alternative application format

• British Sign Language: northumberlandcc-cs.signvideo.net
• For those with speech difficulties or hearing loss: Text relay service dial 018001 01670 623930

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