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.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on transforming futures through work.
- 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.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 30000 € per year.
Location: Thanet, Dover and Folkestone/Hythe
Salary: Up to £30,000, depending on experience
Vacancy Type: Permanent, Full Time
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 and 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’s 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 peoples 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.
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 for part time employees)
- Access to Blue Light Card
- 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
- Contributory Pension Scheme: Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years service and up to 9% thereafter
- Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
- Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)
Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
Our Commitment to Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and adults at risk. Forward Trust follow safer recruitment practices and support a culture of openness and accountability.
Employment Specialist : Thanet in Dover employer: TipTopJob
The Forward Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals facing challenges related to mental health and disabilities. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive team culture, we empower our staff to thrive while helping others achieve their career goals. Join us in a rewarding role where your contributions will directly enhance the community and foster lasting change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist : Thanet in Dover
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, attend local events, and connect with organisations that align with your passion for helping others. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common interview questions and role-play with a friend or family member. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine in front of potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When applying for jobs, make sure to highlight your relevant experience and skills that match the job description. Show them why you're the perfect fit for their team and how you can help make a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist : Thanet in Dover
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 difference in the lives of those facing challenges, so share your experiences and motivations!
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Employment Specialist. Highlight relevant experience in health-related services, coaching, or recruitment, and don’t forget to showcase your strong communication skills!
Be Specific in Your Examples:Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements. Whether it’s a successful coaching session or a time you helped someone secure a job, we love hearing about real-life impacts you've made.
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, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our mission there.
How to prepare for a job interview at TipTopJob
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Employment Specialist inside 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
This role is all about helping people overcome barriers to employment. Be ready to share personal stories or experiences that highlight your passion for inclusion and equality. Employers love to see candidates who are not just qualified but also truly care about the mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle specific situations, like supporting someone with a mental health condition. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully coached or mentored someone. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, training opportunities, or how they measure success in this role. This shows that you're engaged and serious about contributing to their mission.
