At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in overcoming barriers to employment and finding meaningful work.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Join a supportive team committed to creating positive change in the community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives every day while building your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in employability, health services, or coaching is a plus.
Location: Thanet
Salary: £26,000 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Looking for a role where you can genuinely change lives? At The Forward Trust, we’re looking for compassionate, motivated Employment Specialists to join our Connect to Work team across Thanet, Dover and Folkestone / Hythe. This is a full-time role working 35 hours per week, although part-time or reduced hours will also be considered depending on business needs and service requirements.
If you enjoy helping people build confidence, overcome barriers and move towards a better future, this could be the perfect opportunity to make a real difference every day. You’ll support people facing barriers to employment, including mental health challenges, long-term health conditions, disabilities and other life circumstances, helping them find meaningful work, sustain employment and progress towards greater independence.
What you’ll be doing
- You’ll manage your own caseload and provide personalised support throughout each participant’s employment journey, including:
- CV writing, job applications and interview preparation
- Career coaching, confidence building and job searching
- Delivering one-to-one and group support sessions
- Building relationships with local employers and identifying opportunities
- Supporting inclusive workplaces and reasonable adjustments
- Providing in-work support to help people sustain and progress in employment
- Working closely with community organisations, health services and training providers to remove barriers and create joined-up support
Full IPS / Connect to Work training will be provided, along with ongoing development and support.
What we’re looking for
- Experience in employability or recruitment
- Experience in health, wellbeing or support services
- Experience in adult learning or skills programmes
- Experience in coaching, mentoring or support work
You’ll also bring:
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Confidence working with people from diverse backgrounds
- A positive, supportive and person-centred approach
- A genuine belief that everyone deserves access to employment opportunities
A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential for this role.
For more than 25 years, The Forward Trust has helped people overcome challenges including addiction, offending and unemployment to build healthier, more stable futures. We’re committed to creating a supportive, flexible and inclusive working environment where our people can thrive while making a genuine impact in the communities we serve.
About Us
We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often-interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community. We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important.
Joining us as an employee, we will offer you the following benefits:
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Crisis Loan Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
To Apply
If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.
Employment Specialist in Dover employer: Forward Trust
At The Forward Trust, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community. Our supportive and inclusive work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering flexible working arrangements and comprehensive training opportunities. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we provide a range of benefits including generous annual leave, a contributory pension scheme, and unique initiatives like the Cycle to Work scheme, ensuring our team members thrive while helping others build better futures.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist in Dover
✨Tip Number 1
Networking is key! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local job fairs, workshops, or community events where you can meet potential employers and other professionals. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interview, do a mock session with a friend or family member. This will help you get comfortable with your answers and boost your confidence. Plus, it’s a great way to refine your pitch!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply! We’ve got loads of resources and tips to help you land that job. Plus, applying directly through us gives you a better chance of standing out. So, what are you waiting for? Get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist in Dover
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employment Specialist role. Highlight your experience in employability, coaching, or support services, and don’t forget to showcase your strong communication skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for helping others and how your background aligns with our mission at The Forward Trust. Keep it personal and engaging!
Showcase Relevant Experience:When filling out your application, be specific about your past roles related to employment support or coaching. We want to see how you’ve made a difference in people’s lives before!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand The Forward Trust's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with their work in supporting people facing barriers to employment. This will help you connect your experience to their goals and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences that highlight your skills in employability, coaching, or support services. Think about times when you've helped someone overcome challenges or built relationships with employers. These stories will demonstrate your capability and passion for the role.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Since the role involves CV writing and interview preparation, practice answering common interview questions. You might even want to do a mock interview with a friend or family member. This will help you feel more confident and articulate during the actual interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, be ready to ask insightful questions about the role and the team. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values. Consider asking about their approach to supporting employees or how they measure success in helping clients.
