Jobs

This vacancy is temporary until March 2027
 
The North East Mayoral Strategic Authority secured funding for the DWP Economic Inactivity Trailblazer and began delivery in 2025. This flagship programme supports the Government’s ambition to reduce economic inactivity and help more people into work, initially piloted across eight areas through a one-year test-and-learn model.

Now in year two, Priority 1 of the Trailblazer provides an opportunity to support Durham County Council’s locality working by developing tailored, place-based approaches. It aims to improve employment outcomes, strengthen collaboration, and drive system change to tackle persistent economic inactivity. By building local capacity to understand and respond to need, it will enable more effective pathways into services and support. The Employer Engagement Coordinator will be a key member of a dedicated team responsible for delivering this programme.

WHAT IS INVOLVED? 
 
You will take the lead in actively engaging with local employers to understand workforce requirements and current challenges. This will involve collaboration with a diverse range of stakeholders, including public sector bodies, private enterprises, government-led initiatives, business networks, large corporations, and SMEs.

The role will also involve facilitating connections that help align labour supply with demand, including linking individuals to social value opportunities created through DCC procurement contracts and other suitable existing roles.

We encourage you to contact Michelle Blades, Area Coordinator via email at michelle.blades@durham.gov.uk to arrange an informal discussion about the role. 
 
WHAT WILL I NEED? 
 

• Degree or equivalent in a relevant business discipline, and/or able to demonstrate extensive relevant experience associated with the role.
• Substantial experience of engaging with businesses, particularly micro and small businesses
• Significant experience of developing and managing business relationships
• Experience of developing collaborative relationships with partners, business support networks and training providers
• Experience of leading and shaping partnership working, identifying common goals and putting in place shared action plans.

Please refer to the attached person specification for the full criteria. 

INTERVIEWS
 
Interviews will be held on week commencing 29th June.
 
We operate a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants that can show they meet all the essential criteria and have indicated they have a disability, are a looked after young person, care leaver or a veteran.
 
OUR OFFER TO YOU

We offer a competitive rewards package that includes attractive salaries, a generous annual leave entitlement of 27 days (rising to 32 after five years’ continuous local government service), membership of the excellent contributory career average Local Government Pension Scheme, and a range of flexible working arrangements including hybrid working (home and office) where applicable. Explore the full range of rewards and benefits on our website

Rewards and benefits are subject to individual terms and conditions.
 
EQUALITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION
 
We are a proud equal opportunities employer and believe a diverse workforce brings fresh ideas and drives service improvement. We welcome applications from everyone and make employment decisions based on skills and ability. As a Disability Confident Leader, we actively encourage applications from disabled and neurodivergent people and offer support throughout the recruitment process.
 
HOW TO APPLY

Please note, we do not accept CVs. All applications must be submitted online via the Northeast Jobs portal. Use the ‘Person Specification’ section of the form to clearly demonstrate how you meet the essential (and where possible, desirable) criteria. Applications that do not evidence the essential requirements will not be shortlisted.

Please visit our website to understand our position on using AI to support your application and for guidance on completing your application.
 
If you require assistance when applying for this role, please contact our Recruitment Helpdesk on 03000 26 27 27, or via email RecruitmentREG@durham.gov.uk
 
All correspondence relating to your application will be sent from donotreply@northeastjobs.org.uk. Kindly check your spam/junk folder regularly to ensure you don’t miss any updates.
 
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Company: Durham County Council

Salary: Grade 10 £38,220 - £41,771

Location: Spennymoor, Durham

Sector: Education

Job Role: Teaching Assistant