Lead Employment Specialist & IPS Team Leader

THE FORWARD TRUST; Thanet District; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Forward Trust seeks an experienced Senior Employment Specialist / Team Leader to head a team delivering IPS-based employment support across Thanet, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe. You will balance leadership with hands-on coaching, modelling best practice and ensuring high-quality, person-centred support.

Travel across the specified areas is required; we value strong relationships with employers, robust case management and a commitment to recovery-oriented employment support within Connect to

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of management experience in employment, skills, health, community or related service.
• Proven ability to coach and develop staff to deliver high-quality CV, job-search and interview support.
• Experience building relationships with employers to create opportunities.
• Ability to support individuals with barriers to employment and recovery pathways.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise, and develop IPS Employment Specialists across multiple sites.
• Provide coaching and feedback to ensure high-quality service delivery.
• Manage a small caseload while modelling best practice in employment support.
• Collaborate with partners to identify and secure job opportunities for participants.
• Maintain accurate records and ensure IPS fidelity in practice.

Skills

Leadership

Coaching

Employer engagement

Case management

Client advocacy

Job description

The Forward Trust seeks an experienced Senior Employment Specialist / Team Leader to head a team delivering IPS-based employment support across Thanet, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe. You will balance leadership with hands-on coaching, modelling best practice and ensuring high-quality, person-centred support.

Travel across the specified areas is required; we value strong relationships with employers, robust case management and a commitment to recovery-oriented employment support within Connect to