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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in finding and sustaining meaningful employment through tailored guidance.
- Company: Join Groundwork NE & Cumbria, a charity dedicated to creating better communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Why this job: Empower young people to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others succeed.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 28383 - 31683 £ per year.
Salary: £28,383 - £31,683 per annum
Hours: Full Time - 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term initially until March 2028
Location(s): Roles across Cumbria, including Barrow in Furness, Copeland, Allerdale & Carlisle
About us
Groundwork NE & Cumbria is a long-established environmental and community charity with over 30 years of experience creating greener, healthier and more resilient places across the region. Our mission centres on Creating Better Places, Improving Peoples Prospects, and Promoting Greener Living, helping communities thrive no matter the challenges they face. We deliver hundreds of locally-led projects each year, including initiatives that support young people into education, training and employment, helping them overcome barriers, build life skills, and reach their full potential.
About the role
We’re looking for an Employment Specialist to support the delivery of our Connect to Work programme. You’ll use the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model to provide person-centred IAG support to a caseload of around 25 clients, helping them move into and sustain meaningful employment. You’ll build strong employer relationships to source suitable vacancies and work closely with partners including health providers, mental health services, JCP, and other employment organisations to ensure joined-up support.
About you
- Passionate in supporting young people to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
- A strong communicator, confident engaging with clients, employers and partners.
- Equipped with strong analytical and problem-solving ability, able to assess needs and identify effective employment solutions.
- Person-centred, empathetic and passionate about helping others succeed.
- Skilled at building positive, trusting relationships.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines.
- Confident working independently and collaboratively.
Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 24th March 2026
Please note, should we receive a high volume of applications, we may look to close the role early, therefore we recommend an early application.
This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure endorsed by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Make yourself at home: We want you to be yourself at Groundwork and we value everything that makes you unique. We recognise and celebrate your difference and together we make Groundwork a special and great place to work. As a Disability Confident employer we offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role.
At Groundwork we ensure that we provide a safe environment for adults, children and young people to take part in any activity or service that we organise. We are committed to creating a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and comprehensive process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all the people we appoint are suitable to work with our children, young people and adults.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship; the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
No agencies please.
Employment Specialist Connect to Work employer: Groundwork NE & Cumbria
Contact Detail:
Groundwork NE & Cumbria Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist Connect to Work
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Before your interview, do a bit of research on Groundwork NE & Cumbria. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your passion for supporting young people aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as someone who truly cares about the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to employment support and client engagement. Think of examples from your past experiences that showcase your problem-solving skills and ability to build relationships. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your personality! During the interview, let your passion for helping others shine through. Be yourself and don’t be afraid to share your personal journey or experiences that have shaped your desire to work in this field. Authenticity can really make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply early through our website! Since the closing date is approaching, don’t wait until the last minute. Get your application in as soon as possible to increase your chances of being considered. Plus, applying early shows your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist Connect to Work
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting young people shine through in your application. We want to see how you connect with our mission of helping communities thrive and how you can make a difference.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills. We’re looking for strong communicators and problem-solvers, so showcase those abilities clearly!
Be Person-Centred: Emphasise your empathetic approach and ability to build trusting relationships. We value candidates who can demonstrate their commitment to person-centred support, so share examples from your past experiences.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the role early if we get a lot of applications, so head over to our website and apply as soon as you can!
How to prepare for a job interview at Groundwork NE & Cumbria
✨Know the IPS Model Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how you would apply this model in your role as an Employment Specialist, especially when it comes to providing person-centred support to clients.
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
During the interview, express your genuine passion for supporting young people and helping them overcome barriers. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've made a positive impact on someone's journey towards employment.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Skills
Since you'll be engaging with clients, employers, and partners, it's crucial to showcase your communication skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and prepare to discuss how you build relationships with various stakeholders.
✨Be Organised and Ready to Manage a Caseload
Highlight your organisational skills by discussing how you manage multiple tasks and deadlines. Prepare to share strategies you've used in the past to keep track of client progress and ensure that you provide timely support to each individual.