Employment Specialist – Connect to Work Isle of Wight
Would you like to be part of building a brilliant values driven team to deliver quality outcomes for those looking to return to work?
Company Overview
Palladium is a global impact organisation with 3,000 employees in over 90 countries. We are mission‑driven, and our work contributes to positive social and economic impact.
Programme Overview
Connect to Work is a UK government‑funded initiative that supports individuals with disabilities, health conditions or other complex challenges in finding and maintaining employment. The programme offers up to 12 months of guidance for unemployed participants, or up to 4 months for those at risk of losing a job. Support is delivered through local partnerships.
Location and Salary
The role is based in the Newport office, with travel across the island to community venues. Salary: £27,976 – £29,500, depending on experience, with travel expenses reimbursed.
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
- Champion clients by actively promoting them to employers and raising awareness of programme support.
- Create and follow individualised action plans, ensuring effective activity.
- Conduct regular check‑ins to track progress before and after employment.
- Advocate for our programmes by working in partnership with employers to foster inclusive recruitment.
- Build employment opportunities through proactive engagement with potential employers.
- Facilitate work experiences (placements, trials, shadowing) with suitable employers.
- Provide ongoing in‑work support to sustain and grow employed clients’ roles.
- Address clients’ personal constraints, offering challenge, advice and guidance to develop recruitment skills.
- Identify and recommend vacancies and training solutions in consultation with the team.
- Maintain high‑quality client records in line with quality standards and contractual requirements.
- Develop knowledge of local signposting services (disabilities, housing, benefits, etc.).
- Meet performance targets, KPIs and all quality and compliance measures by delivering high‑quality employability provision.
Skills and Experience
- Passion for working with people and a solution‑focused approach.
- Experience supporting people facing barriers to employment, including health conditions and disabilities.
- Ability to provide one‑to‑one support and constructive coaching.
- Proven track record of building networks and strong partnerships to support client goals.
- Flexibility to work varied hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
- Strong organisational skills and caseload management.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality requirements.
Desirable
- Driving licence and access to a car for community delivery.
- Track record of helping individuals progress into work.
- Understanding of supported employment programmes (e.g., IPS).
- University degree or equivalent performance in sales, customer service or case‑management roles.
- Knowledge of the local employment market.
- Experience with welfare and benefits guidance, and understanding of mental and physical health challenges.
Key Competencies
- Creative intelligence.
- Ability to motivate, challenge and inspire.
- Proactive and solution focused.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Kind, personable and approachable.
- Performance and target focused.
- Excellent organisation and prioritisation skills.
- Determination and drive to make a positive difference.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
Palladium welcomes applications from all sections of society and actively encourages diversity to drive innovation and success. All job applicants and employees receive equal and fair treatment regardless of background.
Disability Confident Employer Statement
We will offer a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria an interview. Reasonable adjustments and accommodations are available.
Safeguarding Statement
All successful candidates will undergo a safeguarding‑focused interview and a rigorous due diligence process.
Employer Information
Palladium International is a Real Living Wage Employer.
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