Employment Specialist - Connect to Work Sunderland

Location: Sunderland - this is a hybrid role with regular travel to sites across the Sunderland area. This is a full-time permanent role (37 hours per week). The role of Employment Specialist is to deliver a programme, providing person‑centred employment support to individuals with health conditions, disabilities, and complex barriers to work. Using a Supported Employment model (IPS or SEQF), the role holder will enable participants to explore, gain, and sustain competitive paid employment.

The role will involve partnership working with Jobcentre Plus, local employers, NHS and social care services, refugee organisations, and wider community stakeholders, to create pathways into work and deliver ongoing support to ensure job retention and sustainable outcomes. The post holder will be expected to work with a caseload of 20 – 25 individuals with health conditions, disabilities, and complex barriers to work defined as wishing to gain competitive (paid) employment. The post will involve working in more than one location, travel will be required, and it is therefore essential that the role holder can travel independently within the contract defined region. It may be necessary on occasion for the post holder to work outside of standard office hours.

Person Specification

Knowledge

• Essential: A relevant Level 4 qualification (e.g., in Information, Advice and Guidance; Health and Social Care; Supported Employment) OR equivalent, substantial experience in a related field.
• A comprehensive understanding of the systemic and personal barriers faced by individuals with health conditions, disabilities, and refugee backgrounds in accessing and sustaining employment.
• Labour Market Intelligence: In‑depth knowledge of the local and regional labour markets, including growth sectors, employer needs, and available training opportunities.
• Desirable: Understanding of Supported Employment either Individual Placement Support (IPS) principles and fidelity standards or Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF). Degree level qualification in a relevant field. Knowledge of safeguarding frameworks and responsibilities.

Experience

• Essential: Demonstrable experience managing a caseload of individuals with complex needs and multiple barriers, guiding them to achieve sustainable employment outcomes.
• Experience using coaching or motivational interviewing techniques.
• Proven ability to engage and influence employers to create employment opportunities.
• Experience working to and achieving outcome targets.
• Desirable: Previous Supported Employment experience or Supported Employment trained. Sales, recruitment, or account management experience. Direct or indirect experience of supporting those with disabilities, health conditions or complex barriers to employment.

Salary & Benefits

£28,925.00 per annum. Benefits include: 30 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata), 2 days of paid volunteering per year (pro rata), Matched Pension Scheme, Life Assurance, Discounted gym memberships, Health care cash plan, Retail discounts, Cycle to work scheme, Wellbeing App, Access to training portal to help support your own CPD.

Edt is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults whom we work with and come into contact with around the world. All applicants are subject to thorough screening and successful candidates are subject to the relevant level of criminal record checks with national police authorities or the UK’s Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). This will be at minimum a basic DBS check. Edt is a proud Disability Confident Leader. We take practical steps to ensure that disability inclusion is not only part of our values but part of our everyday actions. We are committed to creating a working environment where disabled employees are supported, valued, and empowered to thrive in their role. If you are disabled or require specific adjustments during the application process, please do let us know how we can support you.

Deadline for Applications midnight Monday 06 April (Please note, we reserve the right to close our vacancies early if sufficient applications are received).

How to apply To be considered for this vacancy, applicants are required to complete and submit a fully completed application form through our website. Please note that we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position. Candidates must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. This role will require the successful candidate to go through an enhanced DBS check.