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 in Kent 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 a contributory pension scheme, wellbeing days, and ongoing training. Join us in our mission to create accessible employment opportunities and transform lives in the Thanet, Dover, and Folkestone/Hythe areas.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist: Thanet in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections and let them know you're on the job hunt. You never know who might have a lead or can introduce you to someone in the industry.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Get comfortable with common interview questions and role-play with a friend. The more you practice, the more confident you'll feel when it’s time to shine.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! Research the companies you're interested in and customise your pitch to show how your skills align with their mission. This shows you're genuinely interested and not just sending out generic applications.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist: Thanet in Kent
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 those facing barriers to employment.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in health-related services, employability, or coaching. We love seeing how your skills can directly contribute to our team and the people we support.
Be Authentic:When writing your cover letter, be yourself! Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to inclusion and equality. We appreciate genuine voices that resonate with our values.
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 and the specific challenges faced by individuals with mental health conditions or disabilities. Research The Forward Trust and their mission to empower people. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your genuine interest in the position.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences that highlight your communication, coaching, and relationship-building skills. Think about times when you've successfully supported someone in achieving their goals or overcoming barriers. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the team dynamics, the training provided, or how success is measured in this role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your values.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way in interviews. Be honest about your passion for inclusion and equality, and share why you want to make a difference in people's lives. Let your personality shine through, as they’re looking for someone who fits well within their supportive and collaborative environment.
