About the role:
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.
An application form must be completed to apply for this role. Please head over to our website to download a form https://recoveryconnections.org.uk/job/ips-employment-specialist-sto/
Please note we do not accept CV's.
What You’ll Be Doing
Supporting People into Work
- 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 the open and “hidden” labour market
- Support employers to create inclusive, supportive workplaces
- Provide advice on reasonable 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
Our Approach
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
- Provides ongoing, personalised support
We work in a way that is:
- Trauma-informed
- Strengths-based
- Non-judgemental
- Rooted in lived experience
About You
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
Skills & Experience
Essential
- 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
Desirable
- Experience working within substance misuse or mental health services
- Knowledge of welfare benefits and employment support systems
- Understanding 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
What We Offer
- A values-led, supportive organisation
- Training and development in IPS and beyond
- The opportunity to make a real, lasting difference
- A team that truly cares about people and community
Additional Information
- Flexibility may be required to meet the needs of the service and people supported
- A full driving licence and access to a vehicle may be required for the role
- This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check
An application form must be completed to apply for this role. Please head over to our website to download a form https://recoveryconnections.org.uk/job/ips-employment-specialist-sto/
Please note we do not accept CV's.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £30,067.00 per year
Work Location: In person
