Community employment specialist jobs

Earliest Start Date: 2nd November 2026

Contract: 12 Months with Potential for Exentension

Job Title: Known internally as "Key Work Manager (Maternity Cover)"

Location: 30 Petworth Street, Battersea, SW11 4QW. The post will also involve working in the community so some local travel will be required.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week, including some evening & occasional weekend work

About the Role

As Key Work Manager you will lead on and oversee all Key Work activity at Carney’s Community. This includes undertaking key work yourself on a one to one basis with young people involved in the criminal justice system as well as managing a small team of key workers.

You will provide advice, practical support and befriending to a caseload of participants, aged 11-30, who are at risk of/involved in offending; to encourage and enable them to participate in Carney’s Community’s personal development opportunities and to access the wider services and support they may need in order to give them the best chances of being “the best they can be”. This will involve supporting young people to engage in positive and constructive activities, attend Youth Justice Service or Probation appointments and creating opportunities for their personal, social and emotional development

You will work alongside the employment support manager to plan and deliver the employment group, supporting participants that attend this group and leading specific employment programmes. As manager of the key work project you will oversee the small team of key workers, provide support, guidance and supervision. You will be involved in monitoring and reporting for the project, collecting feedback from participants. You will manage referrals to the project from other organisations including schools, social services, probation and the youth justice service.

About You:

You must have proven experience of working directly with young people in a youth work or key work setting, providing one to one support. You will have the ability to empathise and mediate for young people, a strong understanding of the local area, barriers facing young people, the interplay between material disadvantage, vulnerability and social exclusion and be highly skilled in diplomacy, professional distance, demonstrating empathy, boundaries and sound judgement. You will have experience managing other staff or volunteers.

About Carney’s Community

We support young people living in and around Wandsworth, targeting ages 11-30 facing extreme challenges including criminal justice system involvement or care experience. Carney’s works differently by providing long-term, consistent, unconditional support with empathy; a safe space and activities including boxing, bike workshops, employment support, studio sessions, mentoring and key work. Inspired by boxing legend Mick Carney, the charity was founded in his name after his passing in 2011, building on work led by our co-founders. We aim to create a “virtuous cycle”: while support is free of charge, we ask that when young people are ready, they channel the positivity they have received into others. As a result, many go on to volunteer, mentor, join our staff team or even set up their own community initiatives. Former participants make up the majority of our workforce. They provide the most authentic role models, people who genuinely understand the challenges our young people face and who show what is possible. For our young people we strive for equality and aim to: Improve Physical and Mental Health; Improve Education, Skills and Employability; Improve Community Engagement; Reduce Offending and Reoffending.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for an IPS Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Employment Services in Redbridge.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The Employment Specialist will work one to one with service users who have serious mental health needs, helping them set employment goals and overcome barriers to getting into work. They will support clients with job searching, CVs, interview preparation and in work support, while also building relationships with local employers to identify suitable job opportunities. The role involves working closely with clinical teams and community partners, promoting the service, supporting clients to understand how work may affect their benefits, and helping people stay in employment once they have secured a job.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

The key skills for this role are strong employer engagement, relationship building and partnership working, alongside the ability to build trusting relationships with service users and understand their individual barriers to employment. The person needs to be confident working one to one with people with serious mental health needs, helping them set career goals, develop CVs, prepare for interviews and overcome barriers to work, while also building relationships with employers to create suitable opportunities. They should be confident working with clinical teams, community partners and other stakeholders, promoting the service and finding creative solutions that help service users move into and stay in sustainable employment.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for an IPS Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Employment Services in Waltham Forest.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The Employment Specialist will work one to one with service users who have serious mental health needs, helping them set employment goals and overcome barriers to getting into work. They will support clients with job searching, CVs, interview preparation and in work support, while also building relationships with local employers to identify suitable job opportunities. The role involves working closely with clinical teams and community partners, promoting the service, supporting clients to understand how work may affect their benefits, and helping people stay in employment once they have secured a job.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

The key skills for this role are strong employer engagement, relationship building and partnership working, alongside the ability to build trusting relationships with service users and understand their individual barriers to employment. The person needs to be confident working one to one with people with serious mental health needs, helping them set career goals, develop CVs, prepare for interviews and overcome barriers to work, while also building relationships with employers to create suitable opportunities. They should be confident working with clinical teams, community partners and other stakeholders, promoting the service and finding creative solutions that help service users move into and stay in sustainable employment.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

We’re looking for a compassionate and motivated Community Connector to join our GP Integrated Mental Health Service and Mental Health Integrated Community Service in Surrey Heath.

This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of local communities, supporting people with their mental health and wellbeing by helping them access the right support at the right time. Working alongside GPs, mental health practitioners, partner agencies and community organisations, you will provide timely assessments, brief psychosocial interventions and practical support that helps people build on their strengths, overcome barriers and connect with services, activities and networks that promote independence and recovery.

As part of Catalyst Support, you will be joining a Surrey charity committed to supporting wellness together through kindness, integrity and commitment. We are looking for someone who is confident working with people experiencing mental health challenges, able to build positive relationships with professionals and community partners, and passionate about making support more accessible, joined-up and person-centred.

Location: Surrey Heath
Salary: £30,280
Hours: 35 hours across Monday to Friday
Contract type: Permanent

Key responsibilities:

To work jointly with the Mental Health Practitioner in conducting assessments, including risk assessment, and to work with patients to support them in identifying their socially determined needs and goals, provide self-management tools and facilitate the development of personal support plans

• To provide a range of motivational and structured psychosocial interventions
• To promote independence through an enabling asset-based approach that draws on individuals’ strengths, preferences and ‘natural’ support networks
• To establish effective working relationships with a range of agencies to facilitate a ‘joined up’ approach to support plans
• To liaise with, develop and maintain good relations with GPs, practice managers and other health practitioners across mental health and physical health pathways and wider support networks
• To provide continuity throughout recovery; engaging the patient with key services such as Safe Havens, accessing CMHRS, and providing support for those engaged with and leaving CMHRS, and linking into local wellbeing services and activities
• To co-ordinate and support patients to access a range of community services such as wellbeing services, housing providers, family and carer support services, debt and employer advisors where appropriate
• To assist with community resource mapping exercises and maintain a database of community resources; map where there are gaps in provision across the PCN and wider geography and work with other VCS organisations to develop resources where most needed
• To promote and support (where necessary) advised follow up actions from physical health checks for people with serious mental illness
• To support patients to engage with local peer support workers and volunteering services
• To support and supervise any peer support workers linked to PCN
• To work with the service to identify opportunities to expand provision particularly in local communities where there is a lack of service provision identified
• To broker and establish new partnerships between public and voluntary sector agencies to enhance service delivery and access to services
• To develop and sustain professional relationships with service users, partner agencies and appropriate external agencies
• To complete locally agreed quality outcome measures, with patients and to undertake regular reviews
• You may be required to cover duties not listed within this job description.

About the organisation

Through Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health, and wellbeing—together, every step of the way.

 About you

Essential:

• A diploma or degree in an appropriate subject, e.g. counselling, psychology, social work, probation, mental health, or Health and Social Care Level 3; and/or a minimum of two years’ community experience in drug, alcohol or mental health work.
• Understanding and ability to work to confidentiality, consent, information sharing and safeguarding policies within an integrated service.
• Good communication and written skills, with a commitment to accurate and confidential record keeping.
• Ability to interact effectively with the client group, colleagues and other professionals while maintaining clear boundaries.
• Ability to break down stigma and barriers associated with working with the client group.
• Understanding of the issues and needs of the client group.
• Knowledge and understanding of community working and lone working, with the ability to maintain safety while working in the community.
• Ability to work to all policies, procedures and standards of the service and joint-working arrangements with key partners.
• Good understanding of personal limitations, with the ability to identify when to seek advice and support and deal with emotionally challenging issues objectively and professionally.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviour, anger and verbal aggression from patients.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, Outlook and Excel.
• Ability to enter data onto a database as required by the service.
• Demonstrates Catalyst’s values of kindness, commitment and integrity.
• Ability to maintain equal opportunity standards at all times.
• Ability to be resilient when working with the client group, while demonstrating compassion and willingness to go the extra mile.
• Ability to maintain respect for the client group, peers and partners.
• Adaptable to change.
• Dynamic and self-motivated.
• Proactive, motivated and energetic.
• Ability to work calmly in a challenging environment.
• Capacity to innovate and work flexibly on own initiative as well as part of a team.
• Commitment to developing skills and knowledge through ongoing learning and development.
• Ability to work flexibly across operational hours.
• Ability to work to the policies, procedures and standards of the charity.

Desirable

• If holding a professional qualification, maintain up-to-date professional registration, e.g. BACP, HCPC, BPS or recognised equivalent.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental, counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working where possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation, and wellbeing/EAP resources

Safeguarding & Checks

• This role is subject to a basic DBS check.
• A past history of drug/alcohol issues or criminality will not necessarily exclude you from this role; we encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate.
• All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment.

We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Are you passionate about supporting individuals back into employment?

Job Title: Employment Specialist – Connect To Work
Salary: £28,951 - £32,316 per annum
Hours: Full Time – 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location(s): Roles across Cumbria, including Barrow in Furness, Workington & Carlisle

About us

Groundwork NE & Cumbria is a long‑established environmental and community charity with over 30 years of experience creating greener, healthier and more resilient places across the region. Our mission centres on Creating Better Places, Improving People’s Prospects, and Promoting Greener Living, helping communities thrive no matter the challenges they face.

We deliver hundreds of locally‑led projects each year, including initiatives that support young people into education, training and employment, helping them overcome barriers, build life skills, and reach their full potential.

About the role

We are looking for a passionate individual who will support individuals with health conditions to move into and sustain meaningful employment through the Connect to Work programme

We’re looking for an Employment Specialist to support the delivery of our Connect to Work programme. You’ll use the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model to provide person‑centred IAG support to a caseload of around 25 clients, helping them move into and sustain meaningful employment.

You’ll build strong employer relationships to source suitable vacancies and work closely with partners including health providers, mental health services, JCP, and other employment organisations to ensure joined‑up support.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate in supporting young people to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
• A strong communicator, confident engaging with clients, employers and partners.
• Equipped with strong analytical and problem‑solving ability, able to assess needs and identify effective employment solutions.
• Person‑centred, empathetic and passionate about helping others succeed.
• Skilled at building positive, trusting relationships.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines.
• Confident working independently and collaboratively.

Closing date: Friday, 7th September 2026
Please note, should we receive a high volume of applications, we may look to close the role early, therefore we recommend an early application.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure endorsed by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

We want you to be yourself at Groundwork and we value everything that makes you unique. We recognise and celebrate your difference and together we make Groundwork a special and great place to work. As a Disability Confident employer we offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role.

At Groundwork we ensure that we provide a safe environment for adults, children and young people to take part in any activity or service that we organise. We are committed to creating a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk.Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and comprehensive process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all the people we appoint are suitable to work with our children, young people and adults

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

No agencies please.

About the role 

The Community Education and Prevention Manager provides strategic and operational leadership for Women and Girls Network’s (WGN) Community Education and Prevention work, shaping how we deliver prevention, engagement and survivor participation across London in response to Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

As Community Education and Prevention Manager, you will lead a multidisciplinary team working across community outreach, prevention education and survivor involvement. You will ensure all work is grounded in Black feminist, intersectional, trauma-informed and anti-racist practice, and that survivor experience is central to how programmes are designed, delivered and developed.

You will oversee a portfolio of work delivered across key partnerships, including initiatives focused on Black and Global Majority young women, pan-London sexual violence prevention collaboration, and WGN’s wider survivor participation and engagement activity.

This role brings together strategic leadership, team management, service development and external collaboration to strengthen WGN’s impact, reach and influence within the sector.

This role is offered on a part-time basis (3 days / 21 hours per week). 

Job description 

As the Community Education and Prevention Manager, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership for community education and prevention work, ensuring programmes are high-quality, coherent and grounded in WGN’s feminist, trauma-informed, anti-racist and intersectional values.

• Lead and develop a multidisciplinary team, fostering reflective practice, collective care, accountability and a supportive, learning-focused working culture.

• Hold responsibility for safeguarding across community education and prevention activity, ensuring safe, consistent and survivor-centred practice across all delivery.

• Drive programme development and improvement using survivor voice, community insight, data and sector learning to strengthen impact and innovation.

• Build and sustain strong partnerships and external relationships across community organisations, statutory services, education settings and VAWG sector networks, while representing WGN externally and contributing to income generation and sustainability.

Closing date and interviews

This vacancy will close at 9am on Monday 14 September 2026. Interviews will take place shortly thereafter, and shortlisted candidates will be notified of the arrangements.

We encourage early applications, as we reserve the right to close the vacancy before the advertised closing date should we receive a high volume of applications or identify a suitable candidate.

The selection process will consist of two interview stages and a role-related assessment task. Interviews may be conducted either in person or remotely, depending on panel availability and logistical requirements, and may involve a combination of both formats throughout the process. Candidates invited to participate will receive full details of each stage, including the assessment task and interview arrangements, in advance.

About us 

Women and Girls Network (WGN) is a pan-London organisation that supports women and girls affected by all forms of gendered-based violence. Our overall aim is to promote, preserve and restore the mental health and well-being of women and girls who have experienced, or are at risk of, gendered-based violence, whilst working towards a society free of gendered-based violence.

We do this by:

• Providing women-only holistic and seamless therapeutic services, which meet women and girls’ needs and contribute to total and sustainable recovery from the experiences of violence.
• Evidencing the impact of gendered-based violence and presenting this information in appropriate forums to affect social change in attitudes towards, and responses to, gendered-based violence.
• Developing good practice in the sector by providing training and guidance on specialist service provision and the development of culturally appropriate service delivery.

WGN is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer and a member of The London VAWG Consortium, Halo Code, and Helplines Partnership.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

We are deeply committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity, resilience and strength of the women and girls we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black and Global Majority women and applicants with Lived Experience, including those who may not meet every criterion.

WGN is an equal opportunities employer.

Exemption

This post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, and is open to female applicants only, due to the nature of the role.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Community Engagement Practitioner to play a pivotal role in our Voluntary Community Sector service in Enfield.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

You will work as part of a multidisciplinary NHS team alongside clinicians, social workers, and community partners to support adults with moderate to severe mental illness. Holding a caseload of service users, you will act as their key contact, contributing to care planning, monitoring progress, and supporting safe discharge using the RiO clinical records system. Together with service users, you will develop person-centred recovery plans focused on social goals and community integration, building strong therapeutic relationships through trauma-informed and strength-based approaches. You will help individuals access local resources, attend appointments, and engage in wellbeing activities, peer support, and psychoeducational groups. Collaboration is central to the role, as you will liaise with statutory and voluntary organisations, attend clinical meetings and community events, and advocate for recovery-focused, jargon-free communication. You will ensure accurate documentation, uphold safeguarding and health & safety standards, and actively participate in supervision, training, and professional development.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

We are looking for someone with NVQ Level 4 in Care (or equivalent) or at least two years' experience in a mental health setting. You will bring a strong understanding of mental health issues, recovery, and co-production principles, alongside experience of working collaboratively with professionals, services, and communities. Knowledge of care planning, risk assessment, recovery tools, and the Mental Health Act is essential, as are excellent communication, relationship-building, and group facilitation skills. You should be confident using IT systems, resilient and adaptable, able to work independently or as part of a team, and committed to person-centred, trauma-informed practice.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

10–12 hours per week | £10,582–£12,698 per annum pro rata (£37,037 FTE) | Fixed term for 5 years to July 2031 | 3% pension

CHOICE IN HACKNEY is looking for an experienced and motivated Disability Employment Coach to support disabled people to move towards employment, volunteering, education and training, while developing the confidence, skills and practical strategies needed for sustainable employment.

You will provide one-to-one employment coaching, helping participants identify their strengths, aspirations and goals and develop personalised action plans. You will support people to overcome barriers to employment through practical coaching, encouragement, problem-solving and appropriate signposting.

You will also help plan and deliver CHOICE IN HACKNEY’s Job Club, creating accessible and engaging sessions that encourage confidence, peer learning and mutual support. Alongside this, you will develop relationships with employers, recruitment agencies, training providers and partner organisations to create opportunities for disabled people.

The role recognises that employment can take different forms. You will support participants to explore volunteering, work experience, apprenticeships, self-employment, social enterprise and entrepreneurship where appropriate. You will also provide suitable in-work support to promote job retention, workplace integration and career progression.

An important part of the post will be maintaining contact with programme alumni, monitoring longer-term employment, training and wellbeing outcomes and contributing to an active alumni network offering Job Club activities, peer support, mentoring and employer engagement.

We are looking for someone with experience supporting disabled people into employment, education or training, together with experience of employment coaching, careers guidance, employability support or vocational rehabilitation. You will need excellent coaching and motivational skills, an understanding of disability and barriers to employment, and knowledge of reasonable adjustments and inclusive recruitment.

CHOICE IN HACKNEY is a Disabled People’s Organisation committed to the Social Model of Disability, equality, inclusion and independent living, and welcomes applications from disabled people and people with lived experience.

Are you passionate about supporting people into employment? 

Do you enjoy networking and building productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders?  

Are you proactive, resilient and able to work both independently and collaboratively within local communities to help people achieve their employment goals and improve their mental wellbeing? 

If so, we would love to hear from you. 

South East London Mind's Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Service helps people experiencing mental health challenges to secure and sustain paid employment. 

We are currently recruiting: 

• Five permanent IPS Employment Specialists in Greenwich 
• Two permanent IPS Employment Specialists in Bromley 

These roles will be embedded within Community Mental Health Teams and the Mental Health Hub, working closely alongside healthcare professionals and Mental Health Advisers.

As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will support people referred by clinical teams and Mental Health Advisers, helping them achieve their employment aspirations through the evidence-based IPS model. You will manage a caseload of approximately 20 to 25 clients, providing personalised support from vocational profiling through to securing employment and sustaining work in line with their preference. Full IPS training will be provided. 

A significant part of your role will take place in the community rather than behind a desk. You will actively engage and build relationship with local employers, develop local employment opportunities, identify vacancies that may not be advertised, and negotiate workplace adjustments or job carving opportunities to support clients into suitable employment. 

You will also contribute to weekly multidisciplinary meetings with colleagues from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust to ensure employment support is fully integrated within clients' wider recovery journey. 

What You'll Be Doing:

• Managing a caseload of clients seeking employment.
• Completing vocational profiles and developing personalised employment plans.
• Supporting individuals with job searching, applications and interview 

We welcome applications from people with a variety of backgrounds and levels of experience. Most importantly, you will have excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to motivate and engage others, strong organisational skills, and a genuine belief that everyone with a health condition or disability can work and contribute meaningfully to their community. 

What We Are Looking For:

• Employer Engagement & Relationship Building - the ability to confidently initiate, develop and maintain relationships with employers using a range of approaches, including telephone outreach, online engagement and face-to-face networking within the community. 
• Record Keeping & Organisation - strong attention to detail, ensuring accurate and timely recording of case notes, outcomes and performance data to support service delivery and achieve targets. 
• Collaboration - the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams, building positive relationships with healthcare professionals and other stakeholders to enhance participant outcomes. 
• Resilience & Perseverance - a solution-focused approach, with the determination to overcome challenges, advocate for participants and remain positive when faced with barriers to employment. 
• Innovation & Creativity - the confidence to explore new approaches, identify opportunities, challenge barriers to employment and promote inclusive employment practices with local employers. 

Successful applicants will be expected to undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Closing date: Sunday 23rd August (11:59pm)

Likely interview date: Week beginning 14th September

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications.

About Us

SEL Mind supports people with mental health problems and dementia in the boroughs of Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark. We are proud of our diverse workforce and know that our organisation is made stronger by the variety of backgrounds, experience, and ideas within it. We promote a culture of inclusion and representation, and are working hard to build a workforce that even better reflects the communities we support.

SEL Mind is somewhere that you can be your authentic self without fear of discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodivergence, gender, age, lived experience of mental health problems or anything else that’s part of who you are.

Read more about staff benefits and why staff love working here on our website.

Employment Specialist

Location: 17 Mann Island, Liverpool L3 1BP, UK

Salary:  up to GBP 30,000 - yearly

Vacancy Type: Full time (37 hours per week) - permanent

Company Description

Catch22 exists to help build a society where everyone has a good place to live, good people around them, and a fulfilling purpose. We call these our '3Ps'.

We achieve this in two ways. First, we improve lives on the frontline through delivery of public services. Secondly, we use our knowledge to change 'the system', to fix the complex web that can trap and disempower those it was set up to help. With the heart of a charity and the mindset of a business, we are uniquely placed to deliver on this challenging agenda.

The Catch22 Employability division provides skills and employability provision on a range of programmes, both public and corporate funded. We pride ourselves on supporting the most disadvantaged in society to improve their prospects resulting in improved social mobility and sustainable positive change.

Job Description

Our Employability division is expanding due to the procurement of a new Liverpool Connect to Work contract, and we therefore look to welcome an Employment Specialist into our experienced team. This role is often referred to as a career coach.

 As an Employment Specialist, you will play a vital role in supporting individuals facing barriers to employment, education and training to achieve their career aspirations and build brighter futures. The Supported Employment Specialist will deliver high-quality, person-centred employment support in line with the SEQF fidelity model. This role is focused on enabling people with disabilities, learning difficulties/disabilities, neuro-diverse conditions, poor mental health or individuals from other disadvantaged and/or complex backgrounds to prepare for, secure, and sustain meaningful paid employment aligned with their goals, while promoting inclusion, independence, and long-term wellbeing.

The role combines one-to-one support, employer engagement, collaboration with multidisciplinary mental health teams/community organisations and promote integration with Region’s Employability network.

Key duties:

• Deliver personalised, strengths-based employment support to individuals facing barriers to employment, education and training.
• Build trusted relationships with participants to identify aspirations, develop vocational goals and support progression into sustainable outcomes.
• Apply supported employment principles, including vocational profiling, job matching, rapid job search and in-work support, to achieve positive participant outcomes.
• Work collaboratively with employers, referral partners and community organisations to create opportunities and remove barriers to progression
• Please click here to see the full job description and person specification

Qualifications

We will need you to have:

• Five GCSEs or equivalent at Grade C/4 or above
• Knowledge of supported employment principles and employer engagement techniques.
• Qualification in Supported Employment/IPS or work towards achievement within 9 months
• Experience with learning disabilities/ASD/mental health/complex health challenges and/or disadvantaged groups

Desirable Criteria:

• Experience delivering supported employment services
• Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) skills – IEP Level 2/3
• Understanding of welfare benefits and employment legislation

Benefits:

• Accredited SEQF level 3 qualification - delivered by The Busy Group
• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays, rising to 33 days with service.
• Pension scheme with matching contributions of up to 4%
• Access to discounted shopping opportunities and employee assistance programme

 We aim to review applications as quickly as possible. However, due to the volume of interest we receive, we may not be able to contact all applicants individually. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful this time.

At Catch22 we value equality, diversity and inclusion. We are wholeheartedly committed to the principle of equality of opportunity, both as an employer and as a provider of services. Diversity and Inclusion is part of what we do every day, working to deliver our vision to build a strong society where everyone has good people around them, a purpose, and a good place to live.

Catch22 is committed to rigorous safeguarding and safer recruitment practices; ensuring that every individual within the organisation has been safely and appropriately checked.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Catch22, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for an Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Connect to Work service in Harrow.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

An Employment Specialist helps people with mental health conditions, disabilities, or other barriers to find, keep, or return to work. They manage a caseload of clients, provide one-to-one support such as career guidance, CV writing, job searching, interview preparation, and workplace coaching, while also building relationships with employers to create job opportunities and arrange workplace adjustments when needed. They track client progress, maintain accurate records, and work closely with healthcare and community services to help clients achieve sustainable employment outcomes.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

The essential skills for this Employment Specialist role are the ability to build trusting relationships with clients, strong communication and interpersonal skills, knowledge of supporting people with mental health conditions or other barriers to employment, and the ability to motivate and coach people towards work goals. The role also requires good organisation and time management, experience managing a caseload, confidence engaging with employers and partner organisations, accurate record-keeping and administration skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and databases. Being empathetic, person-centred, self-motivated, and committed to equality and diversity are also important personal qualities.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Team Leader to play a pivotal role in our IPS Service in Camden.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The Team Leader will provide operational leadership for a team of Employment Specialists delivering an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service for people with severe mental illness and complex mental health needs. The role is responsible for managing team performance, ensuring service quality, meeting contractual and IPS fidelity standards, and supporting staff through supervision, coaching, mentoring and training. The post holder will oversee caseload management, monitor assessments and support plans, coordinate employer engagement activities, and maintain strong working relationships with NHS partners, commissioners and community stakeholders. They will also hold a small caseload when required, ensuring service users receive personalised, recovery-focused support to obtain and sustain competitive employment, while contributing to service development, compliance, reporting and continuous improvement. 

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

The successful candidate will have significant experience in IPS, employment support or related services, together with proven experience leading and developing teams in a target-driven environment. They will possess strong coaching, performance management and decision-making skills, with the ability to monitor service quality, analyse performance data and implement improvements. Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills are essential, along with the ability to build effective partnerships with mental health services, employers and external agencies. The candidate will be highly organised, able to manage competing priorities, and committed to promoting recovery-focused, strengths-based and person-centred approaches. Strong IT skills, an understanding of data protection and safeguarding requirements, and a genuine belief in the positive impact of employment on mental health and wellbeing are also required.

Interview Steps

Screening calls will be held on 17th September over Teams, with 1st stage in-person interviews w/c 21st September.

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Working across South Essex, as a Specialist Outreach Support Worker you'll provide trauma-informed, person-centred support to people at risk of homelessness, helping them maintain their accommodation and access the services they need to thrive.You'll use your specialist knowledge and experience to support customers with complex needs, promote tenancy sustainment, and contribute to improving homelessness prevention practice across the team and wider service. You’ll be part of a team that’s inclusive, customer-led, and always striving to do better, for our communities and for each other.  

As you'll be be traveling across the South Essex region, a UK driving licence and access to a car is essential for this role. 

What you’ll do

• Manage a caseload of customers, delivering tailored support that promotes independence and positive outcomes.
• Support customers with complex needs, including budgeting, education and training opportunities, tenancy-related issues, and access to specialist services.
• Carry out assessments, risk assessments, support planning, reviews, and crisis intervention as required.
• Run drop-ins across South Essex, offering support, encouragement, and practical help
• Work collaboratively with statutory, voluntary, and community organisations to improve outcomes for people at risk of homelessness.
• Support customers to access services relating to mental health, substance misuse, physical health, employment, and wellbeing.
• Maintain accurate customer records, case notes, and performance data in line with organisational and regulatory requirements.

What you’ll need

You're a compassionate and resilient professional who is passionate about helping vulnerable people achieve stability and independence. You're able to build trust quickly, work effectively with people in crisis, and deliver meaningful support that makes a lasting difference. You're a proactive team player who combines excellent communication skills with strong problem-solving abilities and a customer-centred approach.

• Experience supporting vulnerable people in housing, homelessness, or substance misuse services
• Strong knowledge of housing law, homelessness prevention, and welfare benefits
• Confidence engaging with people in crisis and chaotic situations
• Ability to create strength-based support plans and carry out assessments
• Excellent communication, IT, and record-keeping skills
• Good numeracy skills, including the ability to support customers with budgeting, debt management, and benefit maximisation.
• A proactive, organised, and customer-focused approach to your work.
• The ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Willingness to work flexibly, including outside normal office hours when needed
• A UK driving licence and access to your own car

What you’ll get in return

• 25 days’ annual holiday (plus bank holidays)
• Flexible benefits scheme including healthcare, dental, tech, vouchers, and more
• Up to 10% pension contribution
• Family-friendly policies

PLEASE NOTE: As an employer, Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer.

Interviews will be held in person at our Pitsea office on the 21st September.  

At Hestia, we live by our values and are committed to a more equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation that provides a variety of services such as Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery, Mental Health & Complex Needs and Criminal Justice. We are committed to empower people to rebuild their lives and regain independence. 

The service you will work in….

Huddleston Close & Grand Union place are supported accommodation services for complex mental health needs. Our service is designed as an alternative to acute mental health intervention and to prevent further institutionalisation.

Running as move on services, Huddleston Close & Grand Union Place are aimed at facilitating the development of necessary skills and empowering adults to re-join the community independently. You will be joining a successful team on a full-time basis, with fantastic leadership and supportive colleagues. We offer a welcoming environment and a collaborative service. The team have won Hestia's best practice award on 3 occasions. 

A day in this role looks like….

As a Mental Health Recovery Worker at Hestia, you will play a crucial role in our Mental Health and Complex Needs service. Your contributions will directly influence the lives of our service users, guiding them towards a path of empowerment and independence.

A day will never look the same and some of the things you can expect to do/be responsible for are:

• You will empower a caseload of clients to manage their health and wellbeing, maintain their independence, identify their strengths and achieve their goals and aspirations.
• Be responsible for the empowerment and well-being of service users, using person-centred planning and Recovery Approaches, a key-work system to enable them to attain and sustain a tenancy, enjoy a good quality of life and avoid repeat hospital admissions.
• Work in partnership with outside agencies involved in the care and support of service users.
• Support the Team Manager to oversee performance related to the contract including KPIs.
• Ensure that service users are able to attend and participate in a range of socially inclusive activities and skills development opportunities.
• Advise on health services, education, training and employment opportunities.

Why Hestia?

Joining Hestia means more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger. We offer a supportive, inclusive and resolution driven work environment where your contributions are recognised and valued. As a member of our team, you will have the chance to grow both personally and professionally while making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

We are looking for candidates who bring a combination of passion, expertise, and dedication to the table. To excel in this role, you should possess:

• Experience of working with people who have experienced mental health and / or dual diagnosis issues in a paid or voluntary role.
• The capacity to work with people who may display challenging behaviour and to defuse potentially difficult situations.
• Having a solution focused approach and the capacity to work constructively and collaboratively towards problem solving.
• A calm, non-judgemental and anti-discriminatory approach.
• The ability to work within a structured, busy and sometimes pressured environment.
• Willingness to work unsociable hours; Early, late, overnight (sleep-in cover) and weekend duties as part of a team rota required.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and ability to address them appropriately.
• Experience and skilled in IT applications such excel, word, outlook and powerpoint. 

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer…

Hestia is a disability confident employer, committed to the employment and career development of individual with disabilities. As part of this commitment, we operate a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We will also accommodate reasonable adjustment during the selection and interview process and throughout your employment with us.