Employability Adviser

We are looking for an Employability Adviser with a passion for diversity and inclusion to join our team. Could that be you?

Who are we?

Deaf Action is a deaf-led charity, supporting and celebrating deaf people. We were established in 1835 and work with deaf people across Scotland and the South of England. Our work is geared towards empowering all deaf people to achieve their potential and fully participate in society, with equality of rights, access, and opportunity.

About you

You will be a BSL-fluent, motivated individual with a background in employability, support work, or community services. You will have experience working with deaf people or those facing barriers to employment, and be confident in delivering one-to-one coaching, building relationships with employers, and tailoring support to individual needs. Strong communication, empathy, and a passion for equality and inclusion are essential.

The role

We are launching an Employability Support Programme for deaf individuals in Edinburgh who are unemployed or looking to progress in their careers.

Deaf people face barriers including lack of qualifications, language access, and inadequate workplace support. This role will aim to address those challenges by providing personalised, holistic support tailored to individual needs, such as job search help, careers advice, volunteering and training access, in-work support, and confidence-building. The BSL-fluent Employability Adviser will support clients to move towards work, into employment, or into a better role.

Key responsibilities of the role include: 

• Engage and Support Clients: Reach out to deaf individuals in the community, including young people in schools, to offer tailored employability support.
• Assess Needs & Plan Support: Carry out assessments and co-create personalised action plans to guide clients on their employment journey.
• One-to-One Coaching: Provide practical support with CVs, job applications, interview preparation, and understanding employment rights.
• Bridge to Opportunities: Help clients access mainstream services and transition into training, volunteering, or education.
• Vocational Pathways: Connect clients to relevant work placements, volunteering, and skills training, offering support throughout.
• Employer Partnerships: Build relationships with inclusive employers, promote deaf awareness, and identify suitable job opportunities.
• Aftercare & In-Work Support: Support clients in their new roles and offer guidance to employers to ensure long-term success.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Level 2 (minimum).
• Fluency in British Sign Language (minimum Level 3 or equivalent experience).
• Lived experience of deafness or extensive experience working with deaf people.
• Experience delivering employability, careers, or skills development support.
• Strong understanding of the employment challenges faced by deaf people.
• Ability to develop and maintain trusting relationships with clients and partners.
• Self-motivated, well-organised, and confident working independently.
• Commitment to equality, diversity, and the social model of disability.

 Desirable:

• Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) Level 3.
• Experience working in or with education, social work, or third-sector employment services.
• Familiarity with Access to Work and other employment-related schemes.
• Experience using case management or outcome monitoring tools.

What’s on offer?

• Occupational pension scheme with employer contributions of 6%.
• 32 days leave (including bank holidays).
• An additional day off for your birthday.
• 24/7 access to an Employee Assistance Programme provided by Health Assured.
• Death in service benefit.
• Ongoing support for learning and development through our PDR process.

PVG checks will be required.

Applications are welcome from all sections of the community.

We expect you will share our commitment to the core values of Deaf Action.