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 recovery and personal growth.
- 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 employer: TipTopJob
The Forward Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals facing mental health challenges and disabilities to achieve their career aspirations. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying comprehensive benefits such as wellbeing days, a contributory pension scheme, and ongoing training. Join us in our mission to create accessible employment opportunities and help transform lives in the Thanet, Dover, and Folkestone/Hythe areas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist : Thanet
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research The Forward Trust and understand their mission, values, and the impact they have on the community. This will help you tailor your conversations and show genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to employment support. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to coaching, mentoring, and advocacy. Role-play with a friend or use our resources to boost your confidence and communication skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your enthusiasm for the role and keep you top of mind.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist : Thanet
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through in your application. We want to see how your passion aligns with our mission to support people facing challenges in their employment journey.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in health-related services or employability. We love seeing how your skills and strengths can contribute to our team and the participants we support.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure you communicate your ideas effectively without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this fantastic opportunity.
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 the position.
✨Showcase Your Passion
This role is all about helping people achieve their career goals, so be ready to share your passion for inclusion and equality. Think of specific examples where you've made a difference in someone's life or helped them overcome barriers to employment. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Practice Makes Perfect
Get comfortable with common interview questions related to coaching, mentoring, and relationship-building. Practising your responses with a friend or in front of a mirror can help you articulate your thoughts clearly. Remember, it's not just about what you say, but how you say it!
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the team, the training you'll receive, or the challenges participants face. This shows that you're engaged and eager to learn more about how you can contribute to the organisation's mission.
