Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with barriers to employment in finding and maintaining jobs.
- Company: Join a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to improving lives through education and employment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 30 days holiday, health care cash plan, and a matched pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 4 qualification or relevant experience in employment support.
- Other info: Hybrid role with travel across Leeds; great for those passionate about inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 28925 - 31695 £ per year.
Location: Leeds - this is a hybrid role with regular travel to sites across the Leeds area. This is a full-time permanent role (37 hours per week) commencing in March 2026 - Subject to contract win.
Job Purpose
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 (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, in particular the 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.
A full list of job objectives can be found in the job description.
Deadline for applications: ongoing (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. Please be aware that this role requires the successful candidate to undergo an enhanced DBS check.
Salary & Benefits
Starting salary: £28,925.00 - £31,695.00 dependent on experience/qualifications, plus annual increments. 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.
We understand that artificial intelligence (AI) tools (such as ChatGPT) can be helpful when applying for jobs – especially for those who require additional support during the recruitment process. However, while you may decide to use AI tools for ideas or pointers, we request that you do not rely heavily on them when answering questions. We are looking for responses that are personal to you, including details and examples of your abilities and work experience to date, and we consider copying and pasting AI-generated responses to be a misuse of AI tools. Likewise, we do not use AI-driven recruitment screening software, because we value authenticity and prefer to make personal connections with our candidates. If you have used AI to support your application – including in emails and responses to questions – please disclose this on your application form. If you would like clarification on how AI can be used in your application to EDT, please contact the Recruitment team via the EDT website.
About the organisation
At edt, we exist to increase the life chances of individuals by improving education and skills outcomes. As a not-for-profit organisation, we improve education systems at scale, deliver expert careers and employability services, and conduct world-class research to inform practice and impact outcomes. We apply this expertise to support learners from their first steps through to the world of work.
Find out more on the edt website.
Employment Specialist - Expression of Interest in Sunderland employer: Education Development Trust
Contact Detail:
Education Development Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist - Expression of Interest in Sunderland
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your field. Attend local job fairs, workshops, or community events. The more people you meet, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or family. This will help you feel more confident and ready to tackle any questions that come your way.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let your enthusiasm shine through. Share why you're excited about the role and how you can make a difference in their organisation.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application, so make sure you submit it directly on our site. It’s the best way to ensure we get your details and can consider you for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist - Expression of Interest in Sunderland
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so share your experiences and what makes you passionate about supporting individuals with complex barriers to employment.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Employment Specialist. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Experience: Don’t hold back on sharing your relevant experience! Whether it’s managing a caseload or working with local employers, we want to see how you've made an impact in similar roles. Concrete examples will make your application stand out.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember, the best way to apply is through our website! It’s straightforward and ensures your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role there too!
How to prepare for a job interview at Education Development Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the Supported Employment model and the specific barriers faced by individuals with health conditions and disabilities. Brush up on local labour market trends and employer needs, as this will show your commitment to helping others find sustainable employment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience managing a caseload of individuals with complex needs. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've successfully guided people towards achieving their employment goals, and don’t forget to mention any coaching or motivational techniques you've used.
✨Engage with Employers
Think about how you can influence local employers to create job opportunities for your clients. Be ready to share any past successes in building partnerships or engaging with businesses, as this is crucial for the role of an Employment Specialist.
✨Be Ready for Flexibility
Since this role involves travel and potentially working outside standard hours, be prepared to discuss your availability and willingness to adapt. Highlight any previous experiences where you’ve had to be flexible in your work schedule or location.