Employment Specialist
The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) team, in collaboration with The Growth Company (GC), is recruiting an Employment Specialist to support participants in drug and alcohol treatment through the Recovery Works programme. The role focuses on using a multi‑channel, multi‑agency approach to help individuals enter, sustain, and progress in employment.
The substance misuse programme is an evidence-based employment intervention designed to help people with drug and alcohol dependencies secure and maintain paid work. Fully integrated within treatment services, IPS Employment Specialists provide tailored job‑seeking support, career guidance, and ongoing in‑work assistance for both participants and employers.
At GC, we are committed to making a lasting difference to people’s lives across the North of England and beyond. Our skilled advisors and keyworkers support a wide range of individuals from those recently unemployed to those facing multiple, complex barriers such as physical disabilities, mental health challenges, or financial difficulties, helping them move towards meaningful and sustainable employment.
Key responsibilities:
1. Manage a caseload of 24 clients motivated to start/return to work using the IPS approach.
2. Create Vocational Profiles and Action Plans to help clients achieve sustainable employment.
3. Assist with job search, CV production, application forms, interview techniques, and career development.
4. Build relationships with clinical teams to generate referrals and promote employment.
5. Attend weekly team meetings and provide ongoing support after employment is secured.
6. Ensure accurate documentation and assess client needs related to work, including benefits/welfare advice.
7. Source job opportunities through tailored searches and employer contacts.
8. Educate and support employers to ensure job retention.
About you:
9. A warm, approachable style to delivery is required in order to build relationships and rapport.
10. Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiating skills.
11. Ability to work in a target-driven environment, with a focus on the successful achievement of job outcomes and sustained outcomes.
12. Developing knowledge of a broad range of occupations and jobs.
Skills required:
13. Deliver one-to-one and group sessions to at least Grade 2 standard.
14. Understand issues affecting individuals with multiple barriers to employment.
15. Expertise in support agencies for complex needs (., debt, substance misuse, housing).
16. Place customers into suitable and sustained employment.
17. Knowledge in guidance, advice, and counselling environments.
18. Experience with disabled people or similar client groups in substance use treatment, health, social services, or the voluntary sector.
19. High-level guidance skills for one-to-one and group sessions.
20. Experience with people with multiple and complex needs, including health conditions and disabilities.
We are currently unable to provide sponsorship for work permits or visas. Therefore, we can only consider candidates who already have the legal right to work in the UK.
Artificial intelligence can assist you during the application process, but every example and statement you include must be honest, accurate, and based on your own real experiences. If plagiarism is detected, meaning you present someone else’s ideas or experiences, or AI‑generated content, as your own, your application may be withdrawn, and internal applicants could face disciplinary action.
At GC, safeguarding the welfare of all individuals including vulnerable adults and young people is a top priority, and we expect all staff to uphold this standard. All appointments follow Safer Recruitment Procedures, including a DBS check carried out by Due Diligence Limited (DDC Ltd), at no cost to the successful candidate.
Please note: It is a legal offence to apply for a role involving regulated activity if you are on the Barred List.
We are committed to increasing workforce diversity and offer a guaranteed interview to applicants who meet the essential criteria and either have a disability or are from a diverse ethnic community.
If this applies to you, you can request consideration under this scheme during the application process. Your request will be shared only with the Hiring Manager and Internal Recruitment Team.