Employment Specialist

Could you help someone in recovery build confidence, discover their strengths and take the next step into meaningful employment? Join Recovery Connections as an Employment Specialist and support people accessing drug and alcohol treatment to achieve sustainable employment, improve wellbeing and realise their potential.

Deadline: 18th September 2026

• North East
• Full-time

Job overview

About Recovery Connections
At Recovery Connections, we believe that recovery is possible for everyone. We are a lived experience organisation that puts people, communities and relationships at the heart of everything we do.
Our teams work alongside people to build hope, create opportunities and support positive change. We are passionate about reducing stigma, promoting inclusion and helping people to achieve their goals.

Role

This is a role that’s all about possibility. As an Employment Specialist, you’ll support people in recovery to move towards meaningful, paid employment — often for the first time in a long time.

You’ll work alongside people receiving drug and alcohol treatment, helping them build confidence, identify their strengths, and take practical steps towards work, education or training.

You’ll hold a caseload of around 25 people, supporting them for up to 9 months, with additional in-work support once they’ve secured employment.

At its heart, this role is about belief — belief in people’s potential, in recovery, and in the power of employment to transform lives.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Be Doing

• Build strong, trusting relationships with people accessing support
• Complete personalised vocational profiling to understand strengths, goals and ambitions
• Support with job searching, CVs, applications and interviews
• Help people overcome barriers such as confidence, wellbeing, travel and benefits
• Working as Part of a Team
• Work alongside clinical teams, key workers and partner services
• Take part in case discussions to ensure joined‑up, holistic support
• Promote employment as a key part of recovery and raise expectations
• Engaging Employers
• Build relationships with local employers,collegesand training providers
• Identifyopportunities in both the open and “hidden” labour market
• Support employers to create inclusive, supportive workplaces
• Provide advice on reasonable adjustments and ongoing support
• Supporting Job Retention
• Provide ongoing support once someone starts work
• Stay alongside individuals and employers to help sustain employment
• Respond early if someone is struggling, reducing risk of job loss

The person

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve their goals
• Can build strong relationships with a wide range of people
• Is proactive, organised and solution-focused
• Is comfortable working in a fast‑paced, sometimes complex environment
• Sees potential where others might see challenges
• Experience supporting people facing barriers to employment
• Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
• Ability to manage a caseload and work independently
• Understanding of the challenges faced by people with substance misuse or related needs
• Experience working within substance misuse or mental health services
• Knowledge of welfare benefits and employment support systems
• Understanding of the IPS model

WhatYou’llBring

• A compassionate, non‑judgemental approach
• Confidence in working with both individuals and employers
• Resilience and perseverance
• Strong problem‑solving skills
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and recovery

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