Employment Specialist – Connect To Work

Role overview

Groundwork NE & Cumbria is hiring an Employment Specialist to support people with health conditions into suitable work and help them stay in employment through the Connect to Work programme. The role uses the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) approach to deliver person-focused information, advice and guidance to a caseload of roughly 25 clients.

About the organisation

Groundwork NE & Cumbria is an established charity working across the region for more than 30 years. Its work focuses on creating better places, improving people’s prospects and encouraging greener living, with a strong emphasis on community-led projects that help people grow, overcome barriers and move towards education, training and work.

The organisation also supports young people in building skills and progressing into education, training and employment, while helping them unlock their potential and navigate challenges.

Key duties

The postholder will work directly with clients to understand their needs, identify suitable employment routes and support them into meaningful work. They will also develop employer connections to identify vacancies and collaborate with partner organisations such as health services, mental health teams, Jobcentre Plus and other employment agencies to provide coordinated support.

Working details

This is a full-time post of 37 hours per week on a fixed-term contract running initially until March 2028. The role is based in Newcastle upon Tyne.

Pay

The salary for this position is £28,951 to £32,316 per year.

Additional information

The closing date for applications is Friday 17 July 2026, although the employer may close the vacancy earlier if a large number of applications is received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

The role requires an Enhanced Disclosure through the Disclosure and Barring Service. The employer also states that the post is not available to candidates who need UK Visa Sponsorship and that applicants must already have the right to work in the UK.

Groundwork values individuality and states that it is a Disability Confident employer, offering a guaranteed interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria. The organisation also emphasises safe recruitment and safeguarding for adults, children and young people. No agencies should apply.

Candidate profile

The ideal candidate will be committed to helping people, especially young people, overcome barriers and achieve their goals. They should communicate clearly with clients, employers and partners, work well on their own and as part of a team, stay organised, manage a varied caseload and deadlines, and bring empathy, problem-solving ability and strong relationship-building skills.