Employment Specialist; Connect Programme

Employment Specialist (Connect to Work Programme) Richmond and Wandsworth Shared Staffing Arrangement

Location:

York Street, London Rate: £22.75 per hour PAYE / £29.70 per hour Umbrella

Contract:

3 Months

Start Date:

ASAP Working Pattern: 3-4 days per week office/community based DBS Requirement:
Enhanced DBS Required Driving Requirement:
None Required About the Role Richmond and Wandsworth Councils are seeking an enthusiastic and passionate Employment Specialist to join the Connect to Work Programme. This is an exciting opportunity to support individuals facing barriers to employment, helping them secure meaningful and sustainable work that positively impacts their health, wellbeing, and future prospects. Working within the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) models, you will provide person-centred, trauma-informed employment support to a caseload of up to 25 participants.

You will build strong partnerships with employers, healthcare professionals, social care teams, training providers, and community organisations to deliver outstanding employment outcomes.

Key Responsibilities Manage a caseload of up to 25 participants, delivering tailored employment support and action plans. Provide trauma-informed, person-centred advice, guidance, and coaching to individuals with diverse and complex needs. Support participants to identify career goals and access sustainable employment opportunities. Develop positive relationships with local employers, focusing on accessing opportunities within the hidden job market. Deliver IPS fidelity-based employment support and maintain compliance with SEQF standards.

Assist individuals at risk of losing employment by providing workplace support and guidance. Work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, social workers, statutory services, and community partners. Facilitate one-to-one appointments, workshops, and group employability sessions both in person and virtually. Create, implement, and regularly review individual employment pathway plans. Maintain accurate participant records, performance data, and reports in accordance with GDPR and organisational policies.

Promote the benefits of employment to referral agencies and partner organisations. Support continuous service improvement and contribute to achieving programme targets and outcomes. About You We are looking for a motivated and resilient individual who is passionate about supporting vulnerable people into employment. Essential Experience and Skills Experience working within IPS, Supported Employment, Employability, Welfare-to-Work, or a similar employment support environment.

Experience supporting vulnerable adults, including individuals with health conditions, disabilities, mental health challenges, or multiple barriers to work. Strong ability to build effective relationships with employers, stakeholders, and participants. Experience managing a caseload and achieving employment-related outcomes. Excellent communication, coaching, and motivational interviewing skills. Ability to work independently while managing competing priorities. Strong report writing, data management, and IT skills.

Desirable Experience Knowledge of IPS Fidelity Standards and the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF). Experience working alongside health and social care professionals. Understanding of trauma-informed approaches and strengths-based practice. Knowledge of local labour market trends and employer engagement strategies.

What We Offer Opportunity to work within an innovative and collaborative shared service arrangement. Meaningful work supporting residents into sustainable employment. Exposure to multi-agency partnership working across health, social care,…