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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in recovery to find meaningful employment and build confidence.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering change.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping others rebuild their lives through work.
- Qualifications: Strong people skills and a belief in recovery through employment.
The predicted salary is between 26000 - 28000 £ per year.
Location: Medway
Salary: £26,000 - £28,000 per annum
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
About The Role
Do you believe work can be a powerful part of recovery? We are looking for an Employment Specialist to join a supportive, forward-thinking team in Medway, helping people in structured drug and alcohol treatment move into meaningful, sustainable employment. This is a full-time role (35 hours per week) where you will play a key part in helping individuals rebuild confidence, develop skills, and take positive steps toward long-term recovery through employment. This isn’t just about jobs, it’s about confidence, purpose, and long-term change.
You will work with a caseload of around 25 clients, using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (full training provided) to help people identify strengths, set goals, and take real steps into work that suits their preferences and recovery journey. You will also be out in the community, building relationships with employers, unlocking hidden opportunities, and making sure clients are matched to roles where they can thrive.
What you will be doing:
- Managing a caseload of clients in structured treatment, supporting them into sustainable employment
- Delivering the IPS model (training provided) in a person-centred, strengths-based way
- Supporting CVs, job searches, applications, interview prep and career planning
- Building strong relationships with local employers and negotiating tailored job opportunities
- Working closely with clinical teams as part of an embedded recovery service
- Providing in-work support to help clients sustain employment long term
- Challenging barriers, tackling stigma, and promoting recovery through work
What we are looking for:
We are open to experience from roles such as:
- Support Worker
- Employment Professional / Advisor
- Recovery Worker
Most importantly, you will bring:
- Strong people skills and a belief in recovery through work
- Confidence working independently and managing a caseload
- The ability to build trust with clients, employers, and clinical teams
- A proactive, solutions-focused mindset
- Commitment to person-centred, strengths-based practice
You will be part of a service that sees employment as a key step in recovery, not an afterthought. Every CV written, every interview secured, every job sustained is a real, measurable change in someone’s life. If you are ready to combine employability expertise with meaningful social impact, we would love to hear from you.
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 of 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 employer: Forward Trust
Contact Detail:
Forward Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Get out there and network! Attend local job fairs, community events, or workshops related to employment. Meeting people face-to-face can open doors that online applications just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Don’t underestimate the power of a good chat. Reach out to potential employers directly, even if they’re not advertising roles. A friendly conversation can lead to hidden opportunities!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or family. The more comfortable you are, the better you'll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Remember, we’re here to help! Check out our website for resources and tips tailored to your job search. We want to see you succeed in landing that perfect role!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Employment Specialist role. Highlight any relevant experience in supporting individuals, especially in recovery or employment settings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you believe in recovery through work. Share personal stories or insights that demonstrate your passion for helping others rebuild their lives through meaningful employment.
Showcase Your People Skills: In your application, emphasise your strong people skills. We want to see how you build trust and rapport with clients and employers, as this is crucial for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this impactful role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Employment Specialist and the IPS model. Familiarise yourself with how employment can aid recovery and be ready to discuss your thoughts on this approach.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
This role is all about building relationships, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully connected with clients or employers in the past. Highlight your ability to build trust and rapport.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like supporting a client facing barriers to employment. Think through your responses in advance, focusing on your proactive and solutions-focused mindset.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready. Ask about the team dynamics, the support available for new employees, or how success is measured in this role. It shows you're genuinely interested and engaged.