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, supportive work environment, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on community impact and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building valuable relationships.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others succeed.
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 People’s 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 in Whitehaven employer: Groundwork NE & Cumbria
Groundwork NE & Cumbria is an exceptional employer dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer opportunities for professional development while making a meaningful impact in the community through our Connect to Work programme. Our collaborative culture, commitment to diversity, and emphasis on safeguarding ensure that every team member can thrive and contribute to our mission of improving people's prospects across Cumbria.
Contact Details:
Groundwork NE & Cumbria Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist – Connect to Work in Whitehaven
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Groundwork NE & Cumbria.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Groundwork NE & Cumbria.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Groundwork NE & Cumbria.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Groundwork NE & Cumbria. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist – Connect to Work in Whitehaven
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Groundwork NE & Cumbria. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Employment Specialist – Connect to Work, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Groundwork NE & Cumbria
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Groundwork NE & Cumbria. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
