Employment Specialist Hythe

Employment Specialist - Folkestone/Hythe /Dover

Location:

Folkestone

Salary:
Up to £28,000 depending on experience

Vacancy Type:
Permanent, Full Time

Looking for a role where you can genuinely change lives?

At The Forward Trust, we're looking for compassionate, motivated Employment Specialists to join our Connect to Work team across Folkestone / Hythe and Dover. This is a full-time role working 35 hours per week, although part-time or reduced hours will also be considered depending on business needs and service requirements.

If you enjoy helping people build confidence, overcome barriers and move towards a better future, this could be the perfect opportunity to make a real difference every day.

You’ll support people facing barriers to employment, including mental health challenges, long‑term health conditions, disabilities and other life circumstances, helping them find meaningful work, sustain employment and progress towards greater independence.

You’ll manage your own caseload and provide personalised support throughout each participant's employment journey, including:

• CV writing, job applications and interview preparation
• Career coaching, confidence building and job searching
• Delivering one‑to‑one and group support sessions
• Building relationships with local employers and identifying opportunities
• Supporting inclusive workplaces and reasonable adjustments
• Providing in‑work support to help people sustain and progress in employment
• Working closely with community organisations, health services and training providers to remove barriers and create joined‑up support

Full IPS / Connect to Work training will be provided, along with ongoing development and support.

Experience in the areas listed below is desirable but not essential, as comprehensive training will be provided to successful candidates.

• Employability or recruitment
• Health, wellbeing or support services
• Adult learning or skills programmes
• Coaching, mentoring or support work

You’ll also bring:

• Strong communication, relationship‑building and transferable skills
• Confidence working with people from diverse backgrounds
• A positive, supportive and person‑centred approach
• A genuine belief that everyone deserves access to employment opportunities

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle is essential for this role.

We value your time and commitment, which is why all business‑related travel mileage and site parking costs can be fully claimed back.

• 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'd 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 (2× annual salary)
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

The Forward Trust commits to providing opportunities to everyone. We want to ensure we have a diverse team with a range of lived and professional experiences. This includes those with ‘Lived Experience’ of addiction, offending, or homelessness.