At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in recovery to find meaningful work and build confidence.
- Company: Join Recovery Connections, a supportive organisation dedicated to helping youth thrive.
- Benefits: Make a real difference while gaining valuable experience and skills.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Empower young people to achieve their goals and transform their lives.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others, strong communication skills, and a proactive attitude.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Do you want to support young people in recovery to build confidence and take their first steps into meaningful work? Join Recovery Connections as a Young Person's IPS Employment Specialist in Sunderland, helping 16-25-year-olds achieve sustainable employment, education or training. This is more than a job - it's an opportunity to walk alongside young people as they rebuild confidence, rediscover their strengths, and take meaningful steps into employment.
As an Employment Specialist, you'll support young people aged 16-25 who are in recovery from drug and alcohol use to access paid work, training, or education. Using a supportive, strengths-based approach, you'll help people identify what matters to them and take practical steps towards achieving it. You'll hold a caseload of around 25 young people, supporting them for up to 9 months, with additional in-work support once they've secured employment. At the heart of this role is belief – belief in people's potential, in recovery, and in the power of meaningful work.
Responsibilities- Supporting People into Work
- Build strong, trusting relationships with young people
- Carry out personalised vocational profiling to understand each person's goals, strengths and interests
- Support with job searching, applications, CVs and interview preparation
- Help people overcome barriers such as confidence, wellbeing, travel, or benefits
- Working as Part of a Team
- Work closely with key workers, clinicians and wider teams to support each person holistically
- Take part in case discussions and contribute to joined‑up care planning
- Advocate for employment as a key part of recovery
- Engaging Employers
- Build relationships with local employers, colleges and training providers
- Identify opportunities in both the open and 'hidden' labour market
- Support employers to create inclusive, supportive workplaces
- Provide advice on reasonable adjustments and ongoing support
- Supporting People to Sustain Work
- Stay alongside people once they start work, offering reassurance and support where needed
- Respond early if someone is struggling, helping them stay in employment
- Work flexibly around the needs of both individuals and employers
You'll work within the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model – an evidence‑based approach that focuses on:
- Rapid job search based on individual preference
- Integration with treatment teams
- Ongoing, personalised support
You don't need to have a perfect background – what matters most is your belief in people and your ability to connect, motivate and support.
We're looking for someone who:- Is passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve their goals
- Can build meaningful relationships with a wide range of people
- Is proactive, organised and motivated
- Sees potential where others might see challenges
- Is comfortable working flexibly and creatively
- Experience supporting people facing barriers to employment
- Understanding of the challenges faced by young people (16‑25)
- Knowledge of supported employment approaches or willingness to learn
- Awareness of the impact of substance use and mental health on employment
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Experience working within substance misuse or mental health services
- Knowledge of welfare benefits and employment support systems
- Understanding of the IPS model
Young Person's IPS Employment Specialist in Sunderland employer: Recovery Connections
Recovery Connections is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering young people in recovery by providing them with the support they need to achieve meaningful employment. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, allowing you to make a real difference in the lives of 16-25-year-olds in Sunderland. With a strong focus on professional development and a commitment to holistic care, we offer a unique opportunity to engage with local employers and help shape supportive workplaces while advocating for the potential of every individual.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Young Person's IPS Employment Specialist in Sunderland
✨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 Recovery Connections.
✨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 Recovery Connections.
✨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 Recovery Connections.
✨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 Recovery Connections. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Young Person's IPS Employment Specialist in Sunderland
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 Recovery Connections. 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 Young Person's IPS Employment Specialist, 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 Recovery Connections
✨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 Recovery Connections. 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!
