Somerset Council
Inclusion Lead - Supported Employment
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Salary: Grade 9, Ranging from £43,149 - £47,665 per annum. Contract: 3 Year fixed term contract in line with current DfE Experts at Hand funding. Hours: 37 Hours a week. Closing date: 6 October 2026
About the Role
Inclusion Lead (Specialist Supported Employment) Opportunity – Careers & Pathways, Supported Employment Team
This vacancy is within our Careers & Pathways Team supporting a team of Learning Mentors (Supported Employment) to join Somerset’s Experts at Hand (EAH) programme within the Supported Employment Team. This new role will help schools, post-16 providers and employers strengthen preparation for transition, progression and adulthood, reduce the risk of young people becoming NEET, and create more inclusive pathways into education, training and employment.
Working through training, coaching, consultation and practical support, you will help build the confidence and capability of education settings and partners through your team, particularly in supporting young people with SEND and additional vulnerabilities. You will also help develop employer relationships, inclusive work experience opportunities, supported internships and employment pathways.
This role focuses on strengthening links between services, supporting inclusive practice and helping to remove barriers to participation and progression. We are looking for applicants with experience in management, reporting and data tracking, education, SEND, careers, young person support, employment services or related fields who can build strong relationships and influence practice across a range of settings.
This is an exciting opportunity to help shape a new county-wide approach to preparation for adulthood and supported employment across Somerset.
If you are passionate about inclusion, employment and improving outcomes for young people, we would love to hear from you.
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How You'll Make a Difference
- Drive inclusive education across Somerset, supporting education and other stakeholders help children and young people achieve their full potential.
- Implement solutions and champion positive outcomes and remove barriers to learning, development, and future success.
- Provide expert advice and practical solutions to support education and stakeholders
- Build strong relationships and work collaboratively to create inclusive, supportive learning environments.
- Support smooth educational transitions through a solution-focused approach.
- Lead a small team of Learning Mentors (Supported Employment), promoting collaboration and best practice across the team.
- Monitor progress, maintain accurate records, and use data to ensure the right support is in place.
- Build trusted partnerships with schools and other stakeholders, ensuring they feel informed, valued, and empowered.
- Travel across Somerset to meet stakeholders to make a real impact where it matters most.
What You'll Bring
- Experience supporting children and young people with SEND, and/or vulnerability and disadvantage.
- The ability to identify and respond to a wide range of complex needs.
- Experience working in Key Stage 4 and/or post-16 settings.
- Knowledge of post-16 pathways, careers guidance, and supporting successful transitions beyond Year 11.
- An understanding of child and adolescent development, including the impact of disability and trauma.
- Strong partnership-working skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with professionals and partner agencies.
- A degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience and expertise.
Why Join Us?
At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
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- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most enhanced and secure pension schemes.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
- Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
Find out more about working at Somerset Council: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/
Further Information
- 30 day’s annual leave (additional to bank holidays).
- Flexible working available, using a Hybrid model – working from home and your contracted work base.
- Linked to locality and can be across Somerset.
- Interviews will take place from 16th October.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.
For an informal discussion about the role, you can contact Deanne Mahony, Supported Employment Lead at deanne.mahony@somerset.gov.uk
We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.
You can find a copy of the job description here: RP048 Education - Inclusion Lead (Various Specialisms).pdf
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