At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health and disabilities to find meaningful employment.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and various employee schemes.
- Other info: Collaborative role with community focus and excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them achieve their career goals.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others, strong relationship-building skills, and experience in relevant fields.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 € per year.
Are you passionate about helping people unlock their potential through meaningful employment? We are looking for a motivated Employment Specialist to support people living with mental health conditions, long-term physical health conditions, or disabilities to move into work that suits their skills, strengths, and ambitions. Working across Medway and Gravesham, you will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model as part of the Connect to Work programme. This evidence-based approach focuses on helping people move into competitive employment quickly, with personalised support that continues once they start work. Full IPS training will be provided, so if you bring the right passion and people skills, we will equip you with the rest.
Due to the nature of the role, all applicants must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
What you will be doing:
- You will manage a caseload of around 25 participants who are motivated to start or return to work, providing personalised support from first meeting through to sustaining employment.
- Your role will include:
- Identifying participants' skills, strengths, and career aspirations
- Creating Vocational Profiles and tailored Action Plans
- Supporting with CV writing, job searching, applications, and interview preparation
- Delivering one-to-one and group coaching to build confidence and employability skills
- Helping participants overcome barriers including benefits concerns, health disclosures, or workplace adjustments
- You will also play an important role in connecting participants with opportunities in the local labour market.
- Build strong relationships with local employers across North and East Kent
- Identify opportunities in both the advertised and hidden job market
- Match participants to suitable vacancies and coordinate interviews
- Work with employers to promote inclusive recruitment and reasonable adjustments
This role is highly collaborative and community-focused. You will work closely with clinical teams, community organisations, training providers, and employers to ensure participants receive holistic support. Once someone starts work, your support doesn’t stop. You will continue to provide in-work coaching and guidance, helping participants settle into their role, build confidence, and sustain long-term employment.
About you:
We are looking for someone who is passionate about people and motivated by helping others achieve their goals. You may come from a background in:
- Health or wellbeing services
- Employability or welfare-to-work programmes
- Adult skills, training, or education
- Recruitment or employer engagement
You will also bring strong relationship-building skills, the ability to motivate and coach individuals, and confidence working independently within the community. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference in people's lives through employment, we would love to hear from you.
About Us:
We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends, and a sense of community. We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally, the wellbeing of the employees who work for us is also important. Joining us as an employee, we will offer you the following benefits:
- Flexible working
- Training and development opportunities
- Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
- Season Ticket Loan Scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Crisis Loan Scheme
- Electric Car Scheme
- 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part-time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave
Employment Specialist - Medway And Gravesham - Medway employer: The Forward Trust
The Forward Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals to achieve meaningful employment, particularly in the Medway and Gravesham areas. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, we offer flexible working arrangements, comprehensive training opportunities, and a supportive work culture that fosters personal and professional growth. Join us to make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying unique benefits like Wellbeing Days and access to various financial schemes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist - Medway And Gravesham - Medway
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local job market! Research companies in Medway and Gravesham that align with your values and the kind of support you want to provide. This will help you tailor your approach when reaching out to potential employers.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local events or workshops related to employment and mental health. Building relationships with community organisations and employers can open doors for both you and the participants you'll be supporting.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your interview skills! Whether you're interviewing for this role or helping others prepare, mock interviews can boost confidence. Use feedback to refine your approach and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to empower people through meaningful employment.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist - Medway And Gravesham - Medway
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see how motivated you are to support people in finding meaningful employment, so share any relevant experiences or stories that highlight this.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Employment Specialist. Highlight your skills in coaching, relationship-building, and any experience with mental health or employability programmes. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’d be a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about what we do at StudySmarter.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Forward Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the IPS model and how it applies to the role. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions or disabilities in the job market. This will show your passion for helping others and your commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As an Employment Specialist, you'll be working closely with participants and employers. Prepare examples of how you've built relationships in the past, whether through coaching, mentoring, or community engagement. Highlight your ability to motivate and support individuals in their journey towards employment.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle sensitive situations. Think about potential barriers participants might face and how you would help them overcome these challenges. Practising your responses can help you feel more confident during the interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few questions ready to ask the interviewer. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of employers they partner with, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.
