Are you passionate about helping people overcome barriers to employment and achieve meaningful careers?
Do you want a role where you can make a lasting difference by supporting people into sustainable paid employment while building strong relationships with local employers and community partners?
If so, we'd love to hear from you! United Response is looking for a dedicated Employment Specialist to join our Employment Team supporting people across the Liverpool City Region – Knowsley.
LOCATION: Liverpool City Region – Knowsley
FUNCTION: Employment
HOURS: 37.5 hours per week, 52 weeks per year
SALARY: £26,500 per annum plus Essential Car User Allowance
United Response is a registered charity, founded in 1973. Our mission is to ensure that individuals with learning disabilities, mental or physical support needs have the opportunity to live life to the fullest. We support around 2,000 people across more than 300 locations throughout England and Wales, with over 3,600 dedicated staff.
Our Employment Team is committed to supporting people with disabilities, learning disabilities, neurodiverse conditions, mental health needs, and those from disadvantaged or complex backgrounds to prepare for, secure, and sustain meaningful paid employment. We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in work and live independently.
We're looking for a motivated and compassionate Employment Specialist who is committed to empowering individuals to achieve their employment goals. You'll be confident working independently, building relationships with employers, and providing personalised support that enables people to succeed in the workplace.
The ideal applicant will have:
- GCSE Maths and English (Grade 4/C or above) or equivalent
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Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
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Strong organisational and IT skills
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The ability to motivate and support individuals with a wide range of needs
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A flexible approach and willingness to travel throughout Knowsley and surrounding areas
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The ability to work collaboratively with employers, health professionals and community organisations
Desirable experience includes:
- Experience within supported employment or job coaching
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Understanding of the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)
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Knowledge of the barriers people with disabilities or mental health needs may face when seeking employment
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Understanding of inclusive employment practices and reasonable workplace adjustments
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Knowledge of employment initiatives including Supported Internships, Apprenticeships and Access to Work
As an Employment Specialist, you will:
- Deliver high-quality supported employment services using the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF)
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Work one-to-one with individuals to identify their strengths, aspirations and employment goals
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Develop personalised vocational profiles and employment action plans
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Support individuals with job searching, applications and interview preparation
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Build strong relationships with employers to create inclusive employment opportunities
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Provide in-work support, job coaching and workplace training to promote long-term job retention
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Work closely with health professionals, community organisations and local partners to generate referrals and deliver joined-up support
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Negotiate reasonable adjustments and support employers to develop inclusive workplaces
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Maintain accurate records, monitor outcomes and contribute to programme success
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Deliver support within community settings, employer premises and across the Knowsley area
United Response offers a comprehensive benefits package for all employees, including:
- Pension contribution
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Travel to work scheme (season ticket loan)
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Cycle to work scheme
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Access to free occupational health, physiotherapy, counselling and advice services
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Employee shopping discounts and eligibility for the Blue Light Card
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Access to an online shopping platform with discounts from over 3,500 retailers
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Fully paid training and access to nationally recognised qualifications
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2x basic salary life assurance scheme
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Refer-a-friend bonus scheme
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A collaborative and supportive team environment
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Excellent opportunities for career development and progression
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Two Wellbeing Days each year because your wellbeing matters
United Response is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We expect all staff to share this commitment.
Successful applicants in regulated activity will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
United Response is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to the Mindful Employer values and are a Disability Confident employer, providing support to applicants with mental and/or physical disabilities.
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