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- Tasks: Support young people in finding and sustaining meaningful employment through tailored guidance.
- Company: Groundwork NE & Cumbria, a charity focused on community and environmental improvement.
- Benefits: Full-time role with a supportive team and opportunities for personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives while building valuable skills.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others succeed.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to creating better places and improving prospects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Closing Date: March 24, 2026
Contract Type: Paid
Region: Groundwork North East and Cumbria
Hours: Full Time – 37hpw
Location: Roles across Cumbria, including Barrow in Furness, Copeland, Allerdale & Carlisle
About us
Groundwork NE & Cumbria is a long‑established environmental and community charity with over 30 years of experience creating greener, healthier and more resilient places across the region. Our mission centres on Creating Better Places, Improving People’s Prospects, and Promoting Greener Living, helping communities thrive no matter the challenges they face. We deliver hundreds of locally‑led projects each year, including initiatives that support young people into education, training and employment, helping them overcome barriers, build life skills, and reach their full potential.
About the role
We’re looking for an Employment Specialist to support the delivery of our Connect to Work programme. You’ll use the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model to provide person‑centred IAG support to a caseload of around 25 clients, helping them move into and sustain meaningful employment. You’ll build strong employer relationships to source suitable vacancies and work closely with partners including health providers, mental health services, JCP, and other employment organisations to ensure joined‑up support. This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure endorsed by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
About you
- Passionate in supporting young people to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
- A strong communicator, confident engaging with clients, employers and partners.
- Equipped with strong analytical and problem‑solving ability, able to assess needs and identify effective employment solutions.
- Person‑centred, empathetic and passionate about helping others succeed.
- Skilled at building positive, trusting relationships.
- Highly organised with the ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines.
- Confident working independently and collaboratively.
Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 24th March 2026
Please note, should we receive a high volume of applications, we may look to close the role early, therefore we recommend an early application.
Make yourself at home: We want you to be yourself at Groundwork and we value everything that makes you unique. We recognise and celebrate your difference and together we make Groundwork a special and great place to work. As a Disability Confident employer we offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role.
At Groundwork we ensure that we provide a safe environment for adults, children and young people to take part in any activity or service that we organise. We are committed to creating a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and comprehensive process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all the people we appoint are suitable to work with our children, young people and adults.
This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.
We reserve the right to close this advert at any time.
Employment Specialist – Connect to Work (Cumbria) in Carlisle employer: UKundwork London
Contact Detail:
UKundwork London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist – Connect to Work (Cumbria) in Carlisle
✨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
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its mission. Groundwork NE & Cumbria is all about creating better places and improving people's prospects, so think about how your skills can contribute to that vision.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As an Employment Specialist, you'll need to engage confidently with clients and employers. Role-play common interview questions with a friend or family member to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our mission at Groundwork.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist – Connect to Work (Cumbria) in Carlisle
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for helping others and your unique experiences.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Employment Specialist. Use keywords from the job description to show us you’re a perfect fit!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a strong communicator, it’s important to demonstrate this in your written application. Use clear and concise language, and make sure to convey your ability to engage with clients and partners effectively.
Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last minute! We might close the role early if we get a lot of applications, so get your application in as soon as you can. Head over to our website and submit your application today!
How to prepare for a job interview at UKundwork London
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the Connect to Work programme and the IPS model. Familiarise yourself with Groundwork NE & Cumbria's mission and values. This will help you demonstrate your passion for supporting young people and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As an Employment Specialist, strong communication is key. Prepare examples of how you've effectively engaged with clients, employers, and partners in the past. Think about specific situations where your communication made a difference, and be ready to share these during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Ability
Be prepared to discuss how you've assessed needs and identified effective employment solutions in previous roles. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, showcasing your analytical skills and ability to overcome barriers.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a positive connection with your interviewers. Be empathetic and personable, as this reflects the qualities needed to support clients effectively. Remember, they want to see how you can build trusting relationships, so let your genuine passion shine through!