Employment Specialist - Medway and Gravesham


Company:	Forward Trust
Salary:	£26,000 to £28,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Medway
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	16 Oct 2026
Closing date:	30 Oct 2026

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Summary

Are you passionate about helping people unlock their potential through meaningful employment?

We’re looking for a motivated Employment Specialist to support people living with mental health conditions, long-term physical health conditions, or disabilities to move into work that suits their skills, strengths, and ambitions.

Working across Medway and Gravesham, you’ll deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model as part of the Connect to Work programme. This evidence-based approach focuses on helping people move into competitive employment quickly, with personalised support that continues once they start work. Full IPS training will be provided, so if you bring the right passion and people skills, we’ll equip you with the rest.

Due to the nature of the role, all applicants must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll manage a caseload of around 25 participants who are motivated to start or return to work, providing personalised support from first meeting through to sustaining employment.

Your role will include:

Identifying participants’ skills, strengths, and career aspirations

Creating Vocational Profiles and tailored Action Plans

Supporting with CV writing, job searching, applications, and interview preparation

Delivering one-to-one and group coaching to build confidence and employability skills

Helping participants overcome barriers including benefits concerns, health disclosures, or workplace adjustments

You’ll also play an important role in connecting participants with opportunities in the local labour market.

Build strong relationships with local employers across North and East Kent

Identify opportunities in both the advertised and hidden job market

Match participants to suitable vacancies and coordinate interviews

Work with employers to promote inclusive recruitment and reasonable adjustments

This role is highly collaborative and community-focused. You’ll work closely with clinical teams, community organisations, training providers, and employers to ensure participants receive holistic support.

Once someone starts work, your support doesn’t stop. You’ll continue to provide in-work coaching and guidance, helping participants settle into their role, build confidence, and sustain long-term employment.

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Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident

Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.