Senior Employment Specialist & Team Leader — IPS

Forward Trust; Florida; On-site; USD 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

Forward Trust in Margate is seeking a Senior Employment Specialist / Team Leader to guide a team of IPS Employment Specialists delivering person-centred employment support across Thanet, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe. You will also manage a small caseload and provide direct employment assistance.

This role blends leadership with practical placement work, coaching and employer engagement while ensuring IPS fidelity. A full driving licence and travel across multiple locations are required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of management experience in employment/skills/health/community services.
• Strong CV, job-search and interview coaching for jobseekers facing barriers.
• Proven ability to coach and support clients toward employment goals.
• Ability to build confidence, motivation and sustainable careers for participants.
• Experience working with employers to arrange interviews and feedback.
• Ability to match skills to vacancies and support job placement.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a team of IPS Employment Specialists.
• Provide regular coaching, guidance and feedback for service delivery.
• Manage a small caseload and provide direct employment support.
• Help participants identify skills, strengths and career aspirations.
• Support CVs, job searches, applications and interview prep.
• Build participants' confidence, self-esteem and motivation.
• Develop relationships with employers and identify opportunities.
• Liaise with employers to arrange interviews and feedback.
• Match participants to suitable vacancies.
• Support participants to move into employment and sustain it.
• Develop partnerships with employers, community organisations and health services.
• Maintain operational oversight to meet Connect to Work requirements.
• Promote IPS fidelity and best practice across the team.
• Contribute to continuous service improvement and problem solving.
• Maintain accurate records of activity and outcomes.

Skills

Management experience

Coaching & mentoring

CV/job-search support

Employer liaison

IPS knowledge

Driving licence

Job description

Forward Trust in Margate is seeking a Senior Employment Specialist / Team Leader to guide a team of IPS Employment Specialists delivering person-centred employment support across Thanet, Dover, Folkestone and Hythe. You will also manage a small caseload and provide direct employment assistance.

This role blends leadership with practical placement work, coaching and employer engagement while ensuring IPS fidelity. A full driving licence and travel across multiple locations are required.