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- Tasks: Support young people in overcoming barriers to employment and achieving their career goals.
- Company: Isle of Wight Youth Trust, a leading charity for youth wellbeing.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, 26 days leave, and training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of young people in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting young people with complex needs and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a passionate team dedicated to empowering youth and fostering positive change.
The predicted salary is between 27237 - 28582 £ per year.
Location: Isle of Wight Youth Trust, Newport and across the Isle of Wight community
Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £27,237 - £28,582
Applications close: 12pm on Wednesday 25th March 2026
Interview date: Thursday 2nd April 2026, including an Action Planning Exercise
Are you passionate about helping people overcome barriers and move into meaningful employment? The Isle of Wight Youth Trust is seeking a motivated and compassionate Employment Specialist to join our Connect to Work team. In this role, you will support individuals facing barriers to employment by providing personalised, practical support to help them move towards sustainable work. You will work directly with participants to understand their strengths, aspirations and challenges, helping them develop the confidence, skills and opportunities needed to progress into employment.
Key Responsibilities
- Build trusting, supportive relationships with participants
- Provide person-centred employment support tailored to individual needs and goals
- Help participants identify aspirations and develop realistic plans
- Support individuals with CV preparation, job applications and interview skills
- Work proactively with local employers to identify suitable job opportunities
- Promote access to training and education that supports employment outcomes
- Support participants to overcome barriers to work
- Maintain accurate records and track progress using internal systems
- Work collaboratively with partners, community organisations and other services.
About You
We are looking for someone who has / is:
- A minimum of 1 years’ experience in supporting young people (under 25) with complex needs and ideally barriers to employment, education and/or training.
- A strong communicator with excellent listening skills
- Empathetic, approachable and non-judgemental
- Passionate about supporting people to achieve their goals
- Confident working with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds
- Motivated, organised and able to manage their own workload
- Comfortable using IT systems and maintaining accurate records
- Committed to helping people progress into sustainable employment
- Experience supporting individuals into work, training or personal development will be highly beneficial.
About Us and Why Join Us
The Isle of Wight Youth Trust is the Island's leading charity dedicated to the emotional wellbeing and mental health of children and young people. For over 40 years, we have provided free, confidential support to young people aged 5 to 25, offering counselling, mental health services, and a wide range of early intervention and prevention programmes. We are proud to be deeply rooted in the Island community, working in schools, community settings, and our dedicated Newport hub. We are driven by a genuine belief that every young person deserves to thrive. Joining the IOWYT means becoming part of a passionate, values led team where the work you do every day makes a tangible difference to young lives.
In addition to the satisfaction of working for a charity that genuinely changes young lives, we offer a competitive package of rewards and benefits, including:
- People's Pension scheme
- Sovereign Healthcare Plan
- 26 days annual leave plus Christmas closure
- A dedicated wellbeing day each year
- Flexible working arrangements
- Employee Assistance Programme
- A variety of discounts
- Training and development opportunities
Additional Information
A Full UK driving licence and DBS enhanced check (performed upon appointment) are requirements of the role. The Youth Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone we support.
Interested?
If you are passionate about helping people move forward in their lives and want to be part of a team making a real difference in the community, we would love to hear from you. Please visit our recruitment portal to view the full job description and person specification and apply, submitting both your CV and a full covering letter. It is essential that you outline how you meet the requirements of the post against the person specification in your covering letter. Applications not made via the Youth Trust recruitment portal or incorrectly submitted will not be considered. If you have any issues with uploading your documents or would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact recruitment@iowyouthtrust.co.uk
Let’s make a difference — together.
Employment Specialist – Connect to Work - Isle of Wight Youth Trust in Newport employer: Isle of Wight Youth Trust
Contact Detail:
Isle of Wight Youth Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist – Connect to Work - Isle of Wight Youth Trust in Newport
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the Isle of Wight Youth Trust inside out! Research their values, mission, and the specific challenges they tackle. This way, when you chat with them, you can show that you're not just another candidate but someone who genuinely cares about their work.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before your interview, run through common questions and think about how your experiences align with the role. Don’t forget to prepare for that Action Planning Exercise – it’s a great chance to showcase your skills in real-time!
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn to get insider tips about the culture and expectations at the Youth Trust. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm and initiative, which they’ll love!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t just apply; engage! When you submit your application through our website, follow up with a friendly email expressing your excitement about the role. It’s a simple way to stand out and show you’re keen to be part of their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist – Connect to Work - Isle of Wight Youth Trust in Newport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employment Specialist role. Highlight your experience supporting young people and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain how your experiences align with the person specification. Be sure to show your passion for helping others and how you can contribute to our mission at the Isle of Wight Youth Trust.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a strong communicator, it's important to demonstrate this in your application. Use clear and concise language, and make sure to proofread for any errors. We appreciate attention to detail and effective communication!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our recruitment portal! It’s essential for us to receive your application correctly. If you have any questions or need help, just drop us an email at recruitment@iowyouthtrust.co.uk. We’re here to help!
How to prepare for a job interview at Isle of Wight Youth Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the role of an Employment Specialist. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities and think about how your experience aligns with them. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in the position.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Since this role involves supporting individuals facing barriers to employment, be prepared to discuss your approach to building trusting relationships. Share specific examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated empathy and understanding, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Prepare for the Action Planning Exercise
The interview includes an Action Planning Exercise, so practice creating realistic plans for hypothetical participants. Think about how you would assess their needs and set achievable goals. This will not only help you during the exercise but also demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, you'll likely have the chance to ask questions. Use this opportunity to inquire about the team dynamics, the types of challenges participants face, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your enthusiasm and helps you gauge if the organisation is the right fit for you.