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: Enjoy flexible working, training opportunities, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team focused on recovery and empowerment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting inclusion and equality.
- Qualifications: Experience in health services or recruitment, with strong communication skills.
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 Hythe employer: TipTopJob
The Forward Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to empowering individuals facing mental health challenges and disabilities, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in Thanet, Dover, and Folkestone/Hythe. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package, including wellbeing days and a contributory pension scheme, we foster a culture of inclusion and personal growth. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the community while advancing your career in a mission-driven organisation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist : Thanet in Hythe
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local job fairs, workshops, or community events where you can meet potential employers and other professionals. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You never know when you’ll bump into someone who could help you land that dream job. Prepare a short, engaging introduction about yourself and what you’re looking for. Keep it casual but confident!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After meeting someone or applying for a role, drop them a quick email or message to express your interest. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to show your enthusiasm for joining our mission to make employment accessible for all. Let’s get you started on this journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist : Thanet in Hythe
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, coaching, or recruitment. We love seeing how your skills can directly contribute to the role of Employment Specialist.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your points are easy to read and get straight to the heart of why you’re a great fit for us.
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 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, have a few questions ready to ask. This shows your interest and helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you. You might ask about their approach to building relationships with local employers or how they measure success in supporting participants.
