Continuing Employment support service (CESS) Brokers

A vacancy has arisen for two Brokers. One will need to be based in the Milton Keynes/Buckinghamshire area, the other in Kent or North Surrey, to work on the highly successful Continuing Employment support service (CESS), which operates only in the South East Region, is funded solely by SEEDA, and brokers support for all those affected by redundancy.

The role entails responding to official and substantiated notifications of redundancy within 48 hours, by engaging the company, describing the support that can be given, then delivering presentations, as required, on state benefits, pensions and national Insurance contributions, as well as organising support from partners who will deliver workshops as required by the company on CV and interviewing techniques, skills analysis, job search etc. The programme works closely with Jobcentre Plus (JCP), and brokers are required to ensure all information is sent to JCP to answer weekly queries from MPs, and the Prime Minister’s office.

Key Skills required:

• Effective communication, interpersonal and negotiating skills to establish excellent relations with senior personnel.

• The ability to communicate sensitively with companies and their workers.

• Good Oral and written skills including presentation skills (both on a one to one basis and to large numbers)

• Ability to represent the programme at high profile meetings with external partners and organisations.

• Knowledge of State benefits and pensions as well as an understanding of the business community of the areas is preferred, but not essential.

• Ability to deliver reports at short notice to a demanding timescale, to JCP.