Location: Hybrid/East Sussex
Salary/package: £27,642 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full-Time, 37 hours per week

Join The Education People (TEP) as an Employment Support Officer and make a real difference by supporting individuals who face barriers to employment. This is a rewarding opportunity to combine people-focused support with strong partnerships that help change lives for the better.

Due to the nature of work being carried out, an Enhanced DBS check (provided by the Company) will be carried out and this role requires a full UK driving licence and use of a personal vehicle, with business mileage reimbursed in line with company policy.

Who we are

The Education People (TEP), part of Commercial Services Group (CSG) excels in delivering essential services that significantly impact the lives of children. With a team of specialists in various educational fields, they take pride in offering expert-driven services including early years and childcare, equality and inclusion, school improvement and professional development, ensuring comprehensive support for educational institutions.

Why this role matters

The Employment Support Officer plays a vital role in helping disadvantaged individuals overcome barriers to work by providing tailored advice, training, and in-work support. The role is key in building strong relationships with employers and partners to create meaningful opportunities, while ensuring each person receives person-centred guidance. It is important as it directly improves people’s employment prospects, independence, and life chances.

The Employment Support Officer will be working directly with clients on the Connect to Work Programme within specific areas of East Sussex.

What you’ll be doing

• Provide one-to-one advice and support to individuals who are seeking employment and/or other opportunities and signpost them to other services where appropriate.
• Effectively assess individual needs, goals and milestones to ensure everyone accessing the service receives person-centred provision and develop action plans, monitoring individuals progress against those plans.
• Manage a significant caseload, understanding the skills, abilities, needs and vocational aspirations through use of a Vocational Profile and use this information to identify a good job match by assessing the skills required.
• Engage with prospective employers who will offer employment and other opportunities which match the skills, aspirations and needs of those using the services.
• Ensure jobs are evaluated and risk assessed, keeping up to date with safeguarding practices and procedures.
• Provide job coaching to assist individuals to perform their work responsibilities in such a way that fosters independence.

What we’re looking for

• Excellent communication skills both verbal and written.
• Proficient IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office packages.
• Ideally some experience delivering support via the SEQF or IPS model.
• Experience of working with individuals disadvantaged in the labour market in an enabling role is desirable but not essential.
• An understanding of the barrier’s individuals with a disability or disadvantage face in trying to access employment and the impact of social exclusion.
• Proven experience of managing a significant caseload whilst maintaining customer service standards.

What you’ll get in return

• 25 days annual leave.
• Life assurance cover (4x salary).
• Pension scheme with up to 8% employer contribution.
• Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, health cash plan and cycle to work scheme.
• Volunteer days and access to a comprehensive well-being programme.
• Tailored learning and development support with real opportunities to progress.

Why CSG?

Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £800 million in revenue and supporting 16,000 education and public sector customers worldwide. With more than 1,800 employees across the UK, France, Dubai and Bangkok, we are working towards becoming the global leader in education and public sector solutions.

We are expanding rapidly, with annual growth of around 25 percent, supported by a blend of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our 33 trading businesses deliver a wide range of services including education management, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and supplies.

CSG is wholly owned by local authorities, and a significant proportion of our profits is reinvested into frontline public services. Over £77 million has already been returned, reflecting our commitment to combining commercial performance with meaningful social impact.

Inclusion & Accessibility

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.