Employment Specialist

Could you help someone in recovery discover their strengths and take their next step towards meaningful employment? Join Recovery Connections as an Employment Specialist and support people accessing drug and alcohol services to build confidence, overcome barriers and achieve their employment goals through the evidence-based IPS approach.

Deadline: 10th July 2026

• North East
• Full-time

This is a role that’s all about possibility. As an Employment Specialist, you’ll support people in recovery to move towards meaningful, paid employment — often for the first time in a long time.

You’ll work alongside people receiving drug and alcohol treatment, helping them build confidence, identify their strengths, and take practical steps towards work, education or training.

You’ll hold a caseload of around 25 people, supporting them for up to 9 months, with additional in-work support once they’ve secured employment.

At its heart, this role is about belief — belief in people’s potential, in recovery, and in the power of employment to transform lives.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Build strong, trusting relationships with people accessing support
• Complete personalised vocational profiling to understand strengths, goals and ambitions
• Support with job searching, CVs, applications and interviews
• Help people overcome barriers such as confidence, wellbeing, travel and benefits

Working as Part of a Team

• Work alongside clinical teams, key workers and partner services
• Take part in case discussions to ensure joined-up, holistic support
• Promote employment as a key part of recovery and raise expectations

Engaging Employers

• Build relationships with local employers, colleges and training providers
• Identify opportunities in both open and “hidden” labour markets
• Support employers to create inclusive and supportive workplaces
• Provide advice around adjustments and ongoing support

Supporting Job Retention

• Provide ongoing support once someone starts work
• Stay alongside individuals and employers to help sustain employment
• Respond early if someone is struggling, reducing risk of job loss

You’ll work within the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model — an evidence-based approach that:

• Focuses on rapid access to paid employment
• Is led by individual choice and preferences
• Is fully integrated with treatment teams

We work in a way that is:

• Strengths-based
• Non-judgemental
• Rooted in lived experience

You don’t need to have a “perfect” background — what matters most is your belief in people and your ability to connect, motivate and support.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve their goals
• Can build strong relationships with a wide range of people
• Is proactive, organised and solution-focused
• Is comfortable working in a fast-paced, sometimes complex environment
• Sees potential where others might see challenges
• Experience supporting people facing barriers to employment
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Ability to manage a caseload and work independently
• Understanding of the challenges faced by people with substance misuse or related needs
• Experience with in substance misuse, mental health or similar services
• Knowledge of the welfare benefits system
• Awareness of the IPS model

What You’ll Bring

• A compassionate, non-judgemental approach
• Confidence in working with both individuals and employers
• Resilience and perseverance
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and recovery