Employment Specialist

ONSIDE; Massachusetts; On-site; USD 34,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

26 days’ annual leave plus bank hols

Pension scheme

Staff wellbeing & development

Job summary

ONSIDE is a charity delivering employment support across Worcestershire. We seek an IPS Employment Specialist to deliver personalised, strength‑based employment support under the Connect to Work programme, including job matching, in-work support and employer engagement.

You will work with participants facing barriers to employment, building confidence, identifying strengths and securing paid work that aligns with their goals within IPS and SEQF principles.

Qualifications

• GCSE English and Maths at grade C/4 or above.
• Experience coaching or mentoring individuals facing barriers to employment.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage and prioritise an agreed caseload and respond to individual needs.
• Provide tailored 1:1 coaching, mentoring and job-search support.
• Engage with employers to promote inclusive recruitment and job opportunities.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to performance reporting.

Skills

Coaching

Mentoring

Advocacy

Communication

Education

GCSE English/Maths (C/4)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Salary: £26,000–£28,000 FTE per annum (pro rata)
Hours: 25 hours per week
Location: Worcestershire (community-based across the county)
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: Tuesday 1st December 2026
Interview date: Thursday 17th December 2026

About ONSIDE:

ONSIDE is a charity working across Worcestershire and Herefordshire, established in 1993 stemming from a belief that everyone has the right to be a valued human being and to be treated in a just and fair way. In support of this belief we provide a range of support and services to ensure fairness and equality for adults who may be vulnerable, disadvantaged or discriminated against.

We make a difference to the lives of over 14,000 people a year through our dedicated team of experienced staff and volunteers recruited, trained and supported to work as advocates, mentors, befrienders and appropriate adults.

Our people are passionate about what they do, value difference and diversity, and bring creativity and innovation to their work. We are committed to fairness and justice, acting with integrity and taking personal responsibility for making a positive difference.

Whatever your role at ONSIDE, you’ll be part of an organisation that is passionate about making a positive difference in people’s lives.

About the role:

At ONSIDE, we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to thrive in meaningful employment. We are passionate about breaking down barriers, creating opportunities and supporting people to achieve goals that matter to them.

As part of the government’s Connect to Work programme, we are looking for a passionate IPS Employment Specialist to join our growing team across Worcestershire.

This is not a traditional employment support role. You will work alongside people facing barriers to employment, helping them discover their strengths, build confidence and secure paid work that matches their aspirations. Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model and Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF), you will provide personalised support that is ambitious, strengths-based and focused on real jobs in the local community.

You will also work directly with employers, championing inclusive recruitment practices and helping businesses recognise the value that diverse talent brings to their workforce. Your work may include carrying out a vocational profile with a participant, developing relationships with local employers or supporting someone in their first weeks of work.

The IPS Employment Specialist will deliver high-quality employment support through the Connect to Work programme, helping people facing barriers to employment move into and sustain paid work. Working within IPS and SEQF principles, the postholder will provide person-centred employment support, employer engagement, job matching and in-work support to achieve sustainable employment outcomes.

Participant support

• Manage and prioritise an agreed caseload, responding to individual needs and urgent support requirements.
• Receive and process referrals using a zero-exclusion approach where individuals express a desire to work.
• Complete vocational profiles, identify barriers and agree career goals with participants.
• Co-produce SMART employment action plans and review progress regularly.
• Provide tailored 1:1 coaching, mentoring and job-search support aligned with participants’ strengths, preferences and aspirations.
• Provide ongoing in-work support and job coaching to participants and employers to sustain employment.
• Deliver group coaching and mentoring where appropriate to participants’ needs.

Employer engagement

• Build employer relationships and understand local labour-market opportunities across Worcestershire and beyond.
• Identify inclusive employment opportunities that match participant aspirations and strengths.
• Promote Access to Work, workplace adjustments and inclusive recruitment practices.
• Deliver employment, education and skills presentations or workshops for employers, partners and young people.
• Create opportunities through networking, direct employer engagement and job carving approaches.

Partnership working

• Work with health, wellbeing, community and social care services, making onward referrals where additional support is needed.
• Build positive relationships with training providers, colleges, DWP and voluntary sector organisations.
• Attend multidisciplinary meetings and contribute employment-focused expertise.
• Maintain knowledge of local support, including substance misuse, young people’s and homelessness services.
• Work with the Onside Volunteer Manager to recruit and support volunteers who help participants access community services and build independence.

Quality, data and performance

• Maintain accurate case notes, action plans and participant records on the CRM within required timescales, recording activity and progress against key performance indicators.
• Record employment outcomes, sustainment and employer engagement, and provide management information requested by commissioners and DWP.
• Contribute to IPS fidelity reviews and SEQF standards, using participant feedback to improve services and inform business planning.
• Follow safeguarding procedures, GDPR, data-sharing agreements and organisational policies; raise concerns with Onside’s Safeguarding and Professional Guidance Lead.
• Keep up to date with relevant employment, education and training legislation and government programmes.

In addition, all ONSIDE employees are expected to:

• Work in line with ONSIDE's values, policies and procedures.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding appropriate to their role and raise concerns promptly.
• Promote equality, diversity, inclusion and individual empowerment.
• Work collaboratively and flexibly with colleagues across the organisation.
• Contribute to the development and sustainability of ONSIDE.
• Take responsibility for their own learning, development and wellbeing.
• Support appropriate promotional, community and networking activities.

ONSIDE People

• Are passionate about what they do.
• Value difference and diversity.
• Are creative and innovative in their approach.
• Are committed to fairness and justice.
• Have integrity and take personal responsibility.

Essential

• GCSE Grade C/4 or above (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.
• Knowledge of barriers to employment, including disability, mental health, neurodiversity and complex social needs.
• Understanding of inclusive employment practices, reasonable adjustments, safeguarding and equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience supporting people facing barriers to employment through coaching, mentoring, advocacy or strengths-based support.
• Experience developing personalised action plans and achieving positive outcomes.
• Experience working collaboratively with employers, community organisations and partner agencies.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, coaching and motivational skills.
• Ability to assess needs, identify barriers and develop tailored employment plans.
• Ability to manage a varied caseload, prioritise workload and maintain accurate records.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Office and digital case management systems.
• Understanding of confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Ability to travel independently across Worcestershire and work flexibly to meet participant and employer needs.
• Commitment to equality, inclusion, empowerment and continuous professional development.

Desirable

• Level 4 Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) qualification or equivalent.
• IPS, SEQF or Supported Employment training or experience.
• Mental Health First Aid or coaching/mentoring qualification.
• Knowledge of DWP programmes, Access to Work, welfare benefits and local employment support.
• Experience of employer engagement, job matching, job carving and in-work support.
• Experience in employability, mental health, disability, substance misuse, homelessness or community services.
• Experience of achieving performance targets and delivering employability workshops.
• Knowledge of Worcestershire’s employment, training and community support services.
• Ability to interpret performance information and contribute to service improvement.

ONSIDE’s benefits

• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Pension scheme.
• Company sick pay scheme, after qualifying service.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay, after qualifying service.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Access to the premium Calm app.
• Employee Engagement Forum, ensuring colleagues’ voices are heard.
• Your birthday off.
• A supportive working environment and a positive work–life balance culture.
• Support for continuous professional development.