Introduction

Employment advisers help a variety of people into jobs within the local area. They may work with people who have disabilities, those who live in deprived areas, people from ethnic minority communities or the long-term unemployed. Often an employment adviser will work on a specific council project, for example as part of a local economic regeneration project, or a programme aimed at finding work for those with learning disabilities.

Work Environment

Employment advisers are usually office-based, but may spend time visiting employers.

Normal working hours are 37 hours a week, mainly during normal office hours, though flexitime arrangements are common.

Daily Activities

Employment advisers may be involved in a wide range of activities relating to the recruitment and development of their clients including:

• liaising with local employers regarding the possible work opportunities available and working closely with them on induction and training programmes;
• scanning local newspapers and websites for relevant job opportunities for their clients;
• assessing the skills of candidates, matching their skills to the job opportunities available and assisting them with CVs, applications and interviews;
• monitoring the progress of successful candidates, providing coaching and mentoring for them in their new jobs and ensuring that employer training and induction programmes are carried out as agreed;
• working in partnership with other important contacts such as Jobcentre Plus, the council’s social services and/or economic development department, local schools and colleges, careers and Connexions services, recruitment agencies, parents and carers.

Skills & Interests

Employment advisers need to be:

• excellent communicators,
• sensitive and diplomatic when dealing with a wide range of people,
• persuasive negotiators,
• comfortable working on their own initiative,
• knowledgeable about the impact of unemployment;
• motivated, enthusiastic and committed to making a difference in people’s lives,
• committed to equal opportunities and promoting diversity.

Entry Requirements

There are no set entry requirements and often, previous experience may be more important than qualifications. You may be expected to have some experience providing advice and information or working with people on a one-to-one basis. If the role involves working alongside people with disabilities, some previous experience within a caring environment may be required.

Some councils may ask for an NVQ/SVQ level 2 or 3 in advice and guidance.

Estimated salary range

£16,000-24,000 per year.

Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

Future prospects & opportunities

There may be opportunities to progress to more senior management positions. There may also be opportunities to develop within other departments in the council such as social services, the youth service, the children’s information service, education or economic development and regeneration.

Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Caring For Your Community.
Alternatively, follow this link to view all career profiles placed in the same job area.

Further Information & Services

From your local council.

Ento www.empnto.co.uk

Community Service Volunteers www.csv.org.uk

Follow this link for social services recruitment contacts within local councils in your area.

You may find further information about this area of work in your local Connexions service/careers office/school careers library – under V or AA.

What should I do next?

Look for current local government Employment Adviser vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers – The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in – ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.