At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health and disabilities to find meaningful employment.
- Company: 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 collaborative team focused on positive change and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through employment support.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others, strong relationship-building skills, and community engagement experience.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 € per year.
Location: Medway
Salary: Up to £30,000, depending on experience
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
Are you passionate about helping people unlock their potential through meaningful employment? We are looking for a motivated Employment Specialist to support people living with mental health conditions, long-term physical health conditions, or disabilities to move into work that suits their skills, strengths, and ambitions. Working across Medway and Gravesham, you will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model as part of the Connect to Work programme. This evidence-based approach focuses on helping people move into competitive employment quickly, with personalised support that continues once they start work. Full IPS training will be provided, so if you bring the right passion and people skills, we will equip you with the rest. Due to the nature of the role, all applicants must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
What you’ll be doing
- You will manage a caseload of around 25 participants who are motivated to start or return to work, providing personalised support from first meeting through to sustaining employment.
- Your role will include:
- Identifying participants' skills, strengths, and career aspirations
- Creating Vocational Profiles and tailored Action Plans
- Supporting with CV writing, job searching, applications, and interview preparation
- Delivering one-to-one and group coaching to build confidence and employability skills
- Helping participants overcome barriers including benefits concerns, health disclosures, or workplace adjustments
- You will also play an important role in connecting participants with opportunities in the local labour market.
- Build strong relationships with local employers across North and East Kent
- Identify opportunities in both the advertised and hidden job market
- Match participants to suitable vacancies and coordinate interviews
- Work with employers to promote inclusive recruitment and reasonable adjustments
This role is highly collaborative and community-focused. You will work closely with clinical teams, community organisations, training providers, and employers to ensure participants receive holistic support. Once someone starts work, your support doesn’t stop. You will continue to provide in-work coaching and guidance, helping participants settle into their role, build confidence, and sustain long-term employment.
About you
We are looking for someone who is passionate about people and motivated by helping others achieve their goals. You may come from a background in:
- Health or wellbeing services
- Employability or welfare-to-work programmes
- Adult skills, training, or education
- Recruitment or employer engagement
You will also bring strong relationship-building skills, the ability to motivate and coach individuals, and confidence working independently within the community. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference in people’s lives through employment, 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)
Employment Specialist - Medway and Gravesham in Northfleet employer: Forward Trust
The Forward Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals through meaningful employment, particularly in the Medway and Gravesham areas. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and a supportive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Our focus on community collaboration and holistic support ensures that our employees can make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a rewarding career with generous benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist - Medway and Gravesham in Northfleet
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on The Forward Trust. Understanding their mission and values will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to employment support and mental health. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the role, so you can share real examples that highlight your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the role and the team. This can give you valuable insights and might even help you stand out during the hiring process.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your appreciation for the opportunity and reinforces your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you fresh in their minds!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist - Medway and Gravesham in Northfleet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see how motivated you are to support people in finding meaningful employment, so share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight this.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Employment Specialist. Highlight your skills in coaching, relationship-building, and any experience with mental health or employability programmes. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and structure your thoughts logically. This will help us quickly understand your qualifications and enthusiasm 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 the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at Forward Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the IPS model and how it applies to the role of an Employment Specialist. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions or disabilities, and think about how you can support them effectively.
✨Show Your Passion
This role is all about helping people unlock their potential, so let your passion shine through during the interview. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting others in their journey towards employment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, like helping someone overcome barriers to employment. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully motivated or coached individuals, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of employers you’ll be working with, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
