Employment Specialist
Locations: Norwich (7 posts), North Norfolk (2 posts)
Hours: 37 per week - subject to Four Day Week scheme following 6-months in post
Contract: 5-year programme (Apply online only))
Salary: £29,970 per annum
Leave: 23 days plus bank holidays
Application Deadline: 21st October (midnight)
Expected Start Date: Around 1st December
Interview Date: Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th October
(Including evening interview slots to accommodate availability)
Reports to: reports to Connect to Work Project Manager
About the Role
This is a key position within Norfolk County Council's Connect to Work project, supporting disabled people and those with health conditions to secure sustainable employment. Using the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you will manage a caseload of participants with complex barriers to employment, providing person-centred support through their complete journey to work. The role combines direct participant support with employer engagement, building partnerships across health, community and voluntary sectors to transform lives through meaningful employment.
Key Responsibilities
Manage an active caseload delivering the full 5-stage IPS model: engagement, vocational profiling, employer engagement, job matching, and in-work support
Complete vocational profiles and co-produce action plans focused on participant goals, strengths and support needs
Provide practical job-search support including CV development, applications, interview preparation and careers guidance
Proactively develop employer relationships, generating suitable vacancies and promoting inclusive hiring practices
Advocate for participants, negotiating reasonable adjustments and exploring hidden employment opportunities
Deliver ongoing in-work coaching and support, including workplace visits and retention planning
Embed with clinical teams and primary care settings, attending MDT meetings as an employment specialist
Coordinate warm referrals and joint planning with VCSE partners, Jobcentre Plus, adult learning providers and community services
Work peripatetically across community venues, health settings, partner premises and Future Projects offices
Meet contracted targets for referrals, job starts, sustainments and employer engagement
Maintain accurate records on CRM systems and comply with data capture protocols
Follow safeguarding procedures, equality practices and health & safety policies
About You
You are a tenacious and resilient practitioner with strong emotional intelligence and experience delivering employment support programmes. You have knowledge of trauma-informed practice and understand the needs of people with health conditions and disabilities. Experience with IPS or supported employment approaches is essential, along with proven employer engagement and job brokering skills. Understanding of welfare benefits, the Equality Act 2010, and ICT systems including Excel and CRM platforms is required. You must be able to work independently, manage priorities effectively, and build trusting relationships at pace.
About Future Projects
Future Projects is a Norwich-based charity dedicated to tackling poverty, exclusion, and disadvantage. We provide high-impact services across education, wellbeing, employment, and youth support. We are a Real Living Wage, Disability Confident, and Four Day Week Gold Standard employer.
Additional Information
Nine roles available across Norwich and North Norfolk
Highly mobile role requiring flexibility for evenings/weekends
No line management responsibilities
Enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK required
Full induction including IPS training provided
Programme delivery until 2030