Employment Specialist: Empowerment & Inclusive Hiring

As an Employment Specialist you will play a vital role in working alongside people with mental health conditions and disabilities to gain sustainable paid work. You will receive all the training and support you need to take on the role and have access to a wide range of opportunities to develop your skills whilst working at SYHA. We welcome applications from all experience levels and backgrounds.

Key Responsibilities

• Use a strengths‑based coaching style to encourage sustainable outcomes for the individuals in your caseload.
• Build relationships with employers to understand their recruitment needs and source individualised employment opportunities based on people's preferences.
• Work with employers to support their employees who are struggling due to their health to thrive in the workplace.
• Motivate people, ensuring frequent engagement and focusing on developing their skills and confidence to enable them to find and sustain meaningful and fulfilling employment.
• Work with health partners to provide an integrated and well‑rounded employment service.
• Advocate for your caseload by educating and engaging with employers regarding the employment service.

Eligibility & Qualifications

• We are seeking a positive, proactive and compassionate person with the following qualities:
• Commitment, drive and integrity to challenge inequality and break down barriers, with a strong belief in a strength‑based approach and tailored goals.
• Ability to build relationships and communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders using a variety of methods such as in‑person or via email.
• Excellent organisational skills, including diary management, with the ability to manage various tasks and priorities.
• Excellent IT skills and confidence to learn new CRMs and MS 365 and proficiency in using Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
• Confidence to work out in the community, meeting new employers, advocating for the people who want to work, and showcasing all our service has to offer.
• Strong ability to record information accurately and timely.
• Ability to travel within South Yorkshire and hold a full valid driving licence with access to a vehicle for work.
• Experience in using a persuasive communication style, motivational interviewing or promoting service to a variety of audiences, e.g. coaching, recruitment, sales, education, training, mentoring or sales roles.

Key Skills & Experience

• Ideal candidates will have:
• Experience working with people with mental health conditions or disabilities.
• Networking and relationship‑building skills.
• Experience with Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model or similar person‑centred placement approach.
• Experience recruiting or supporting employment for people with health conditions.

Benefits & Compensation

• Salary: £27,092 per annum
• Working hours: 37 hours per week (including some weekend and evening working)
• Additional benefits:
• Leave: statutory bank holidays plus an additional 4 SYHA days, pro‑rata.
• 5% pension contribution.
• Excellent flexible working options including flexi time, condensed hours, part time and job share.
• Employee discount scheme (SYHA Rewards).
• Employer‑paid Westfield Health.
• Counselling.
• Discounted gym membership.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Access to a wide range of programmes to train and develop you.
• Essential car user allowance of £94.36 per month plus mileage expenses.

Additional Information

• SYHA does not hold a sponsorship licence and is unable to provide visa sponsorship.
• For the purposes of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 this is an excluded job.
• Closing date: Sunday 31 May at midnight.
• Interview dates: 10th, 11th or 12th June.