Employability Officer
AfC Band 4 (pro rata) plus a High Secure Environmental Allowance of £1,818.72 per annum (pro rata)
Hours 18 (0.5 WTE) per week
Contract Duration Fixed term for 12 months from the date of appointment.
Are you passionate about helping people develop skills, confidence and pathways into employment?
This is an exciting time to join the State Hospital. Over the last 18 months, we have significantly expanded our employability activity, developing new opportunities, partnerships and routes into employment as part of our commitment to supporting local communities, widening access to careers and strengthening future workforce pipelines. We are now seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Employability Officer to help drive the next phase of this work and support the continued growth of our employability offer.
Working within the Human Resources Department, you will play a key role in supporting the delivery of the State Hospital's Employability and Recruitment Strategy. You will work closely with employability participants, apprentices, managers and external partners to create meaningful opportunities that help individuals develop workplace skills, confidence and experience.
The role will involve coordinating employability placements, providing job coaching and practical support to participants, supporting employability-related recruitment activity, and working with managers across the organisation to develop sustainable placement and apprenticeship opportunities. You will also act as a key point of contact for participants and managers, helping to ensure placements are well-supported, structured and beneficial for everyone involved.
We are looking for someone with experience in employability, job coaching, recruitment, education, workforce development or a related support role. You will be an excellent communicator with the ability to build relationships, influence and engage managers and stakeholders, and support individuals from a wide range of backgrounds to achieve their goals. You should also be educated to SCQF Level 7 or 8, HNC/HND equivalent, in a relevant discipline, or be able to demonstrate equivalent knowledge and skills gained through relevant experience.
You should be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities and confident using Microsoft Office applications. Experience of apprenticeships, employability programmes or supporting individuals facing barriers to employment would be advantageous.
We offer a highly flexible approach to working hours and are open to discussing working patterns that meet both individual and service needs. The key requirement is that the postholder maintains a consistent and visible presence to support participants, build relationships with managers and ensure employability activities are delivered effectively.
In return, this role offers a unique opportunity to help shape and develop an expanding employability function within a national NHS organisation, working with colleagues and partners to create opportunities that have a genuine and lasting impact on people's lives.
Closing Date The closing date for applications is 11.59pm on Tuesday 18 August 2026. For an informal discussion please contact Gareth Grindlay, HR Advisor and Employability Lead on 01555 842107 or [email protected].
If you have any queries or require assistance regarding the application form or recruitment process, please contact the HR Team on [email protected] to discuss your requirements.
NHS Scotland is committed to encouraging equality and diversity among our workforce and eliminating unlawful discrimination. The aim is for our workforce to be truly representative and for each employee to feel respected and able to give their best. NHS Scotland welcomes applications from all sections of society. It should be noted that the State Hospital is a high secure hospital and the current organisational position based on a risk assessment is that we welcome applications from people under the age of 18 for non clinical roles however to be eligible for a clinical role applicants should be 18 years and older. Should you have any questions in relation to this please contact [email protected]
Right to Work
To work in the UK, you must have valid permission granted by UK Visas and Immigration. NHS Scotland Boards check this as part of pre-employment checks, which can be evidenced through visas or settled/pre-settled status. For details, visit the GOV.UK website.
Some posts may allow sponsorship under the Skilled Worker or Health & Care Worker visa, but only if the employer is a licensed sponsor and the role meets salary thresholds. Please note: The State Hospital is NOT licensed to issue certificates of sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship. It is essential that you confirm your right to work before applying.
Artificial Intelligence
Candidates should provide responses that are accurate, authentic, and reflective of their own knowledge, skills, and experience. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist in drafting responses is permitted, provided that all information is factual, verifiable, and can be supported by evidence if requested. By submitting your application, you confirm that your answers are truthful and represent your personal experience. Any misleading or fabricated content may result in your application being withdrawn from the recruitment process.
