Employment Support Officer

Are you passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve their employment goals? We are seeking an Employment Support Officer to support people experiencing homelessness, or those with a history of rough sleeping, to progress towards sustainable employment through training, volunteering and work experience.

You will work with our residents to create personalised pathways towards employment. You will also work closely with employers, training providers and partner organisations to create new opportunities for our clients.

22.5 hours per week | fixed-term contract (This is a 12-month fixed-term contract, with the possibility to extend after this time)

Salary: £17, 282 per annum (pro rata based on a 22.5 hour week)

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct one-to-one assessments to identify clients’ employment aspirations, skills, experience and support needs.
• Develop and review personalised employment action plans with realistic and achievable goals.
• Provide or sourcing practical employability support, including CV writing, job applications, interview preparation and job search techniques.
• Deliver or source confidence-building and workplace skills development activities.
• Build positive relationships with local employers to create work placements, work experience and employment opportunities.
• Work collaboratively with training providers, support agencies and partner organisations to maximise client support.
• Provide ongoing in-work support to help clients sustain employment and successfully transition into the workplace.
• Maintain accurate client records and monitor outcomes against agreed targets and reporting requirements.

What we are looking for…

We are looking for someone who is motivated by making a positive difference and who can build trusting relationships with individuals facing complex challenges.

You will have:

• Experience of providing employment, careers, welfare, coaching or support services.
• Excellent communication, active listening and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to motivate, empower and support individuals to achieve positive outcomes.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Experience of building effective relationships with employers, stakeholders and partner agencies.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and database/client management systems.
• An understanding of the barriers faced by people experiencing homelessness, rough sleeping or social exclusion (desirable).
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Requirements and Benefits

Reporting to: Client Services Manager

Location: Harrogate

Benefits include:

• Opportunities for professional development and career progression.
• 33 days (pro rata) annual leave (including bank holidays) pro rata plus birthday leave.
• Healthcare package.
• Travel benefits.
• Workplace pension scheme.

About us

Harrogate Homeless Project provides people experiencing homelessness with a safe place to stay and the support they need to build confidence and move towards independent living.

We work with partners to give people facing disadvantage hope of a different future; we empower people to change their lives.

Harrogate Homeless Project is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

How to Apply

Please send your CV and a brief covering letter to Iain McLeod. 

Closing Date: 7 September 2026

We will assess applications as they are received and interview suitable candidates on a rolling basis. Therefore, we reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated closing date if a suitable candidate is appointed. Early applications are encouraged.