Connect Employment Specialist

Position: Connect to Work Employment Specialist
The starting salary for this role is £36,873 per annum based on a 36-hour working week. It is initially fixed term until 31 March 2027 with an expected extension for a further 3 years once funding is approved.

Surrey County Council is establishing a new function to deliver the Connect to Work programme. As an Employment Specialist, you will be at the heart of this exciting initiative delivering Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to residents facing barriers to employment, while also supporting employers by bridging workforce needs with local talent from priority groups. This role is ideal for those passionate about making a real difference in people's lives and contributing to a more inclusive, skilled local workforce.

The role is hybrid with substantial travel across Surrey to meet programme participants and employers. As part of the role, you will also be expected to attend the office at least one day a week in Woodhatch Place, Reigate (usually Tuesday).

Our Offer to You

26 days' holiday, rising to 28 days after 2 years' service and 31 days after 5 years' service
Option to buy up to 10 days of additional annual leave
A generous local government salary related pension
Up to 5 days of carer's leave and 2 paid volunteering days per year
Paternity, adoption and dependents leave
An Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) to support health and wellbeing
Learning and development hub where you can access a wealth of resources
Wellbeing and lifestyle discounts including gym, travel, and shopping
A chance to make a real difference to the lives of our residents

About the service

The Economy and Growth function, consisting of over 40 people, is dedicated to driving sustainable economic development across Surrey, working collaboratively as 'One Council' to support strategic priorities that benefit the county's 1.2 million residents. The team provides key services in business support, innovation, skills, and infrastructure, and works with major employers like Amazon, McLaren, and Samsung to strengthen the regional economy, which is home to 110,000 businesses and contributes £50 billion annually to the UK economy.

We are establishing a new programme within the Economy and Growth function to deliver the 'Connect to Work' supported employment programme. This ambitious new initiative is part of a national roll-out by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). Launched through the government's 'Get Britain Working' White Paper, this initiative is part of a broader range of programmes addressing skills gaps, responding to employer need and driving local growth to achieve the best outcomes.

Connect to Work will use the established model of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) which is an evidence-based 'place then train' method of supported employment.

About the Role

Your role as an Employment Specialist is vital to delivering 'Connect to Work', operating in a fast-paced, target-driven environment across the county. You will manage a caseload of participants, supporting them to gain or return to paid competitive employment by following IPS principles and aiming for high fidelity compliance. Your approach will be person-centred and holistic, focusing on matching participants with suitable employment while also addressing employer needs to ensure the programme's success.

Employment opportunities are central, so your role will balance supporting participants throughout their employment journey with providing employers a capable workforce.

You will work closely with Job Centre Plus, health and social care, charities and employers to encourage referrals from residents and identify existing and 'hidden' employment opportunities that can allow participants to flourish in the role. At least 60% of your time will be spent in the community, meeting participants in comfortable settings and building relationships with employers and referral organisations.

You will work both independently and as part of a team to help secure paid employment for at least 50% of participants. A systematic approach is expected, using the programme's management and Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems, with ongoing reporting integrated into…