At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in achieving their career goals and securing meaningful employment.
- Company: Join The Forward Trust, a social enterprise dedicated to empowering lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, training opportunities, wellbeing days, and generous annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting inclusion and equality.
- Qualifications: Experience in health services or recruitment, strong communication skills, and a passion for advocacy.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on transforming futures through work.
The predicted salary is between 20800 - 36400 £ per year.
Are you passionate about helping people achieve their career goals? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of those living with mental health conditions, long-term physical health challenges, or disabilities? We’re looking for a full-time Employment Specialist (35 hours/week) to join our Connect to Work team across Thanet, Dover & Folkestone/Hythe. You’ll support participants to secure and sustain meaningful employment, using their skills, strengths, and aspirations as the guide.
Due to the nature of the role, all applicants must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle.
Who we’re looking for:
- Experience in health-related services, employability, adult skills, or recruitment.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Confidence in coaching, mentoring, and advocacy.
- Passion for inclusion, equality, and removing barriers to employment.
What you’ll do:
- Manage a caseload of motivated participants and deliver tailored support from job search to sustained employment.
- Provide one-to-one and group coaching on CVs, applications, interviews, and employability skills.
- Build strong relationships with local employers, match participants to suitable roles, and negotiate workplace adjustments.
- Offer ongoing in-work support to ensure participants thrive.
- Collaborate with community organisations, clinical teams, and training providers to remove barriers to employment.
This is your chance to make a tangible difference in people’s lives every day while working in a supportive, collaborative, and recovery-focused environment. You’ll receive full IPS/Connect to Work training, develop your skills, and be part of a team that empowers people to achieve their employment goals and build lasting independence. If you’re ready to help people transform their futures through work, apply now and join our mission to make employment accessible for all!
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 and the employees who work for us are 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 - Thanet, Dover & Folkestone/Hythe - Thanet employer: The Forward Trust
Contact Detail:
The Forward Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist - Thanet, Dover & Folkestone/Hythe - Thanet
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your field. Attend local job fairs, workshops, or community events. The more people you meet, the better your chances of landing that dream job!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interview, do some mock interviews with friends or family. This will help you feel more confident and ready to tackle those tricky questions when they come up.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When reaching out to potential employers, make sure to highlight how your skills align with their needs. Show them why you're the perfect fit for their team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s just good manners!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist - Thanet, Dover & Folkestone/Hythe - Thanet
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 you can make a real difference in the lives of those facing challenges, so share your experiences and motivations clearly.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Employment Specialist. Highlight your relevant experience in health-related services or employability, and don’t forget to showcase your strong communication and relationship-building skills.
Be Specific in Your Examples: Use specific examples to demonstrate your coaching and mentoring abilities. We love seeing how you've helped others in the past, so include details about your approach and the outcomes achieved.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our mission to make employment accessible for all.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Forward Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Employment Specialist inside and out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, like managing a caseload and providing tailored support. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Passion
During the interview, let your passion for helping others shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to inclusion and equality. This will resonate with the interviewers and demonstrate that you align with their mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to build relationships. Think of examples from your past where you've successfully coached someone or removed barriers to employment. This will showcase your practical experience and approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few thoughtful questions ready about the team dynamics or the training you'll receive. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow and contribute to the organisation's goals.