At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to provide tailored employment support and help individuals achieve their career goals.
- Company: BCHA, a charitable housing association dedicated to ending homelessness and supporting independence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £33,502, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Join a mission-driven team focused on equality and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by empowering individuals to overcome barriers and find meaningful employment.
- Qualifications: Experience in employment support and team leadership; passion for inclusive opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
About BCHA
South West based charitable housing association BCHA was founded over 50 years ago with a continuing mission to meet housing need and end homelessness.
We aim to achieve this through the building and provision of affordable and secure homes, and by supporting individuals to take control and lead independent, fulfilled lives.
Whether we are developing sites or supporting people with housing, learning or living skills, we believe in equality, the importance of every individual and the right to be valued and treated with dignity and respect.
Our doors are open to everyone.
Role Summary
At BCHA, we support people across the South of England to build stability, independence and opportunity.
Through BCHA Learn, we provide free courses, skills development and tailored employment support to help people move forward, achieve their ambitions and access meaningful opportunities.
As Lead Employment Specialist, you will play a key role in leading a team of Employment Specialists, providing coaching, guidance and support to ensure we deliver effective, person‑centred employment services.
Alongside managing and developing your team, you will hold your own caseload, supporting people to overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve sustainable employment outcomes.
You will use evidence‑based approaches, including the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, to ensure our services are focused on individual strengths, aspirations and goals.
In this role, you will
- Lead, support and develop a team of Employment Specialists through effective supervision, coaching and performance management.
- Provide high‑quality employment support to individuals with health conditions, disabilities and other barriers to employment.
- Work with participants to identify their strengths, skills and aspirations, creating personalised plans to help them achieve their employment goals.
- Build strong relationships with employers to create inclusive, sustainable job opportunities.
- Provide ongoing support to participants and employers, including workplace coaching and guidance to help people succeed in their roles.
- Monitor service quality, outcomes and performance, ensuring delivery meets IPS fidelity standards and/or Supported Employment Quality Framework requirements.
- Work collaboratively with partners across health, employment, education, social care and the wider community to provide joined‑up support.
- Contribute to service development, innovation and continuous improvement.
We’re looking for someone who
- Has experience delivering employment support and helping people move towards sustainable work.
- Has experience leading, coaching or supervising staff and supporting their professional development.
- Understands strengths‑based, person‑centred approaches and the importance of inclusive employment.
- Can build positive relationships with employers, partners and stakeholders.
- Is passionate about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
- Is confident managing performance, quality and service improvement.
- Safeguarding
Safeguarding children and adults is our first priority.
BCHA follows safer recruitment procedures and ensures that all candidates are treated fairly, consistently and in compliance with current legislation.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of people, expecting all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.
Requirements
- Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) qualification (Level 3) or willingness to work towards Coaching qualification.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Employment Specialist (Permanent, Full Time, - £33,502 per annum) Southeast Dorset and BCP in Bournemouth
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by BCHA.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like BCHA.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at BCHA.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at BCHA. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Employment Specialist (Permanent, Full Time, - £33,502 per annum) Southeast Dorset and BCP in Bournemouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of BCHA. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Lead Employment Specialist (Permanent, Full Time, - £33,502 per annum) Southeast Dorset and BCP, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at BCHA
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of BCHA. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
