At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals secure and sustain competitive employment through coaching and support.
- Company: FareShare Midlands, the largest food redistribution charity in the region.
- Benefits: 25 days holiday, pension contributions, sick pay, and enhanced family leave.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to fighting hunger and creating opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by tackling food waste and supporting local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in supported employment models and strong communication skills.
We are advertising for 3 roles (2 x Full Time, 1 x Part Time 0.5FTE).
Salary: £31,817 per annum (pro rata for Part Time). Fixed Term Contract to 31.3.27.
Location: Gravelly Hill, Birmingham B24 8HZ.
Benefits: 25 days holiday, pro-rata, 5.5% Employer Pension Contribution including Life Cover, Occupational Sick Pay Benefits & Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity Leave and Pay, plus more.
Reporting to: Employability Manager.
About FareShare Midlands:
FareShare Midlands is the region’s largest food redistribution charity, tackling inequality, transforming lives and ensuring no good food goes to waste. We rescue surplus food and redistribute it to 650 local charities and community organisations, feeding 60,000 people every week. We also invest in communities, providing education, training and volunteering opportunities, helping over 700 individuals to date to build a better future. Together, we’re fighting hunger, reducing food waste and creating opportunities across the Midlands.
About the Role:
We are seeking an experienced Supported Employment Specialist with a strong background in IPS (Individual Placement and Support) or SEQF (Supported Employment Quality Framework) models to join our team. The successful candidate will work directly with participants to help them identify, secure, and sustain competitive employment while building strong partnerships with employers and community support providers. This is a hands-on role that combines vocational coaching, employer engagement, and individualized support planning.
Key Responsibilities:
- Identify, recruit, and register eligible participants, conducting inductions and assessing individual employment barriers.
- Work with participants to develop personalized vocational profiles, action plans, and career goals.
- Deliver one-to-one and group coaching, employability workshops, and workplace skills training.
- Apply the SEQF supported employment model, guiding participants through all five stages to achieve and sustain competitive employment.
- Identify and develop relationships with local employers to create suitable, inclusive work opportunities.
- Negotiate reasonable adjustments, job carving, and return-to-work strategies with employers.
- Support employers to embed inclusive practices that meet business needs and participant goals.
- Maintain accurate records of participant progress, outcomes, and employer engagement in line with SEQF standards.
- Arrange access to training opportunities and develop partnerships with specialist support providers.
- Ensure all placements and employment opportunities comply with safeguarding, health, and safety requirements.
Essential Skills:
- Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
- Experience delivering one-to-one and group coaching or training sessions.
- Ability to assess understanding, adapt resources, and provide tailored guidance.
- Skilled at coaching, motivating, and inspiring participants to achieve employment goals.
- Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, or other employment barriers.
- Proven record in employer engagement and achieving positive participant outcomes.
- Knowledge and practical experience of SEQF or IPS supported employment frameworks.
Desirable Skills:
- Knowledge of the food industry and retail sector in the Midlands.
- Understanding of food waste and food poverty issues.
- Level 3 IAG (Information, Advice, and Guidance) in Employability.
- Understanding of welfare benefits.
How to Apply:
If you would like to apply for this role, please create a supporting statement to demonstrate your suitability and to explain your interest in both the job and FareShare Midlands. Please send your supporting statement with a copy of your CV.
We continue to strive to ensure that the profile of our staff and volunteers reflects the diverse communities we serve across the Midlands. As such we encourage and welcome applications from all our communities. We particularly welcome applications from people from ethnically diverse backgrounds as they are currently under-represented within FareShare Midlands.
Closing date for applications is Wednesday 3rd June 2026.
SEQF Employment Specialist employer: FareShare Midlands
FareShare Midlands is an exceptional employer dedicated to tackling food waste and inequality in Birmingham. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer generous benefits including 25 days of holiday, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional growth through hands-on coaching and community engagement. Join us in making a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SEQF Employment Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research FareShare Midlands and understand their mission, values, and the impact they have on the community. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to food redistribution and employment support. Building relationships can give us insights into the company culture and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to supported employment and coaching. Think about your past experiences and how they align with the role of SEQF Employment Specialist. We want to hear your success stories!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A simple thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity can leave a lasting impression. Plus, it shows that you’re genuinely interested in joining the team at FareShare Midlands.
We think you need these skills to ace SEQF Employment Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement:Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the SEQF model. Show us why you're passionate about the role and how you can contribute to FareShare Midlands' mission.
Tailor Your CV:Don’t just send a generic CV! Tailor it to reflect the key responsibilities and essential skills mentioned in the job description. We want to see how your background fits perfectly with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, clarity is key. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that’s easy to read and gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website:Make sure to apply through our website for the best chance of being considered. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at FareShare Midlands
✨Know Your SEQF Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in the Supported Employment Quality Framework. Brush up on its principles and how they apply to your potential role. Being able to discuss specific examples of how you've used SEQF or IPS models in your previous work will show that you’re the right fit.
✨Showcase Your Coaching Skills
Prepare to talk about your experience in delivering one-to-one and group coaching sessions. Think of specific instances where you’ve motivated participants to achieve their employment goals. This is a hands-on role, so demonstrating your ability to inspire and guide others is key.
✨Research FareShare Midlands
Get familiar with FareShare Midlands’ mission and values. Understand their impact on the community and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to their goals. Showing genuine interest in their work will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their approach to employer engagement or how they measure participant success. It shows that you’re engaged and serious about the role, plus it gives you insight into whether this is the right fit for you.
