Employment Specialist – Folkestone, Hythe & Dover

About the role

Join The Forward Trust’s Connect to Work team to help people overcome barriers to employment. You will support individuals with mental health challenges, long‑term health conditions, disabilities and other life circumstances to find and sustain meaningful work.

Key responsibilities

• Manage a personal caseload and guide participants through every stage of their employment journey.
• Provide CV writing, job application assistance and interview preparation.
• Deliver career coaching, confidence‑building activities and job‑search support.
• Run one‑to‑one and group support sessions.
• Build relationships with local employers and identify suitable job opportunities.
• Support inclusive workplaces and arrange reasonable adjustments.
• Offer in‑work support to help participants maintain and progress in employment.
• Collaborate with community organisations, health services and training providers to remove barriers.

Required profile

• Experience (desirable) in employability, recruitment, health & wellbeing, adult learning, coaching or mentoring.
• Strong communication and relationship‑building abilities.
• Confidence working with diverse backgrounds and a person‑centred approach.
• Genuine belief that everyone deserves access to employment.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential).

Required skills

What we offer

• Full IPS / Connect to Work training and ongoing professional development.
• Permanent, full‑time contract (35 hours per week) with the possibility of part‑time or reduced hours.
• Salary up to £28,000 per year, dependent on experience.