Employment Specialist Connect to Work

Could you help people with health conditions build confidence, overcome barriers and move into meaningful employment? Join Groundwork as an Employment Specialist and deliver personalised Connect to Work support, helping people across Newcastle secure and sustain rewarding employment through the evidence-based IPS approach.

Deadline: 31st July 2026

• North East
• Full-time

Job overview

Groundwork is a federation of independent charities, called Groundwork Trusts, working under a common brand to a single federation strategy. A national organisation, Groundwork UK, supports the activities of Groundwork Trusts by running programmes, initiatives and campaigns that generate national resources for local delivery and support improvements in quality and impact.

We support local communities and businesses to build capacity and resilience as this is vital if we are to tackle hardship, achieve a just transition to net-zero and help nature recover in a way that reduces inequality and leads to better work and healthier, happier lives.

What this means in practice is: helping people get jobs and supporting the growth of the green economy; reducing the waste of energy, food and water; creating and maintaining biodiverse, accessible green spaces; supporting businesses to be more successful and responsible; and empowering communities to take action to improve their health and wellbeing and the local and global environment.

The way we work:

• connects people with each other, with opportunity and with nature
• builds knowledge and confidence so that people feel more in control of their future
• delivers social, economic and environmental outcomes in an integrated way.

Role

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.

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

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of people with health conditions, disabilities or other barriers to employment, providing personalised support to help them achieve sustainable employment outcomes.
• Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach, offering tailored information, advice and guidance focused on each individual's goals, strengths and aspirations.
• Build strong relationships with local employers to identify suitable job opportunities and access both advertised and hidden vacancies.
• Support clients throughout their employment journey, including job searching, securing employment, sustaining work and return-to-work planning where required.
• Work collaboratively with health services, mental health providers, Jobcentre Plus and community organisations to provide joined-up employment support.
• Develop effective referral pathways and positive partnerships with stakeholders to maximise opportunities for clients.
• Provide ongoing in-work support to both clients and employers to promote job retention and long-term success.
• Maintain accurate records, monitor progress and ensure compliance with service standards, KPIs and data protection requirements.
• Deliver a high-quality, community-based service that meets IPS fidelity standards and achieves positive outcomes for participants.

The person

• 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.