Could you help people in recovery build confidence, discover new opportunities and achieve meaningful employment? Join Change Grow Live as an Employment Specialist and support people accessing drug and alcohol treatment services in Crewe to secure and sustain paid work through the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.
Deadline: 23rd October 2026
- North West
- Full-time
Job overview
Want to do work that actually changes lives? Join Change Grow Live, one of the UK’s leading health and social care charities. Guided by our core belief to “Believe in people,” we provide free, confidential, and judgement-free support to individuals facing challenges with substance use, homelessness, domestic abuse, and the criminal justice system.
Why Build Your Career With Us?
- Real Impact: Everyday, you will support people in overcoming barriers, realizing their potential, and transforming their lives within local communities.
- Inclusive & Supportive Culture: We celebrate diversity and value lived experience, ensuring our teams are as varied as the communities we serve.
- Growth & Progression: We invest heavily in our people, offering excellent training, professional development opportunities, and a clear path for career growth.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, generous annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and dedicated wellbeing support.
Whether you are an experienced practitioner, looking to start your career in social care, or want to contribute through a support role, we provide an environment where you can truly thrive.
Role
Help turn recovery into opportunity.
The right job can change more than someone’s income.
It can build confidence, create stability and open up new possibilities.
We’re looking for an IPS Employment Specialist to join our Crewe service, helping people receiving drug and alcohol treatment move into sustainable paid employment that reflects their strengths, interests and ambitions.
This is employment support with purpose.
Why this opportunity?
- Individual Placement and Support is an evidence-based approach that brings employment support directly into treatment services.
- You’ll work with a caseload of around 25 people, supporting them from their first conversation through to finding and sustaining meaningful paid work.
- You won’t wait for someone to become “job ready”. You’ll start with what matters to them, build on their strengths and help remove the barriers that may be holding them back.
- Working alongside treatment colleagues, local employers and partner organisations, you’ll create opportunities that work for both the individual and the employer.
Responsibilities
You’ll:
- Deliver high-quality employment support in line with the IPS model.
- Help people identify their skills, employment goals and preferred career direction.
- Support job searches, applications, interview preparation and workplace transitions.
- Build strong relationships with employers across Crewe and the surrounding area.
- Identify suitable paid opportunities and promote inclusive recruitment.
- Work closely with treatment teams to provide coordinated, person-centred support.
- Help people sustain employment by responding early when challenges arise.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to service performance and reporting.
The person
You believe that meaningful employment can play an important role in recovery.
You’ll be confident building relationships, approaching employers and supporting people who may have experienced barriers to work.
You’ll bring:
- Experience of supporting people towards employment, training or positive life change.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Confidence engaging with employers and developing new opportunities.
- The ability to manage a varied caseload and balance competing priorities.
- A person-centred and outcomes-focused approach.
- Good organisation, IT and record-keeping skills.
- A commitment to working collaboratively within an integrated treatment service.
- A degree-level qualification or equivalent professional experience would be welcomed. Experience supporting people affected by drug or alcohol use, mental health needs or other barriers to employment would also be valuable.
You don’t need previous IPS experience. You’ll receive comprehensive training and ongoing support to develop your skills and knowledge.
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Employment Specialist in Crewe employer: IPS Grow
At Shaw Trust, we are dedicated to creating a supportive and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. Our commitment to social purpose means that as an Employment Specialist, you will play a vital role in transforming lives while enjoying a collaborative culture that values your contributions. With opportunities for professional development and the chance to make a meaningful impact in the South West community, Shaw Trust is an exceptional employer for those passionate about social mobility and equality.
