Job overview

Recovery Connections is a prominent Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO) and registered charity in the North East of England. Led by individuals who have personally navigated substance use, it offers a community-focused approach to drug and alcohol rehabilitation, providing residential care, peer support, and employment and housing assistance.

Role

About the role:

This is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to walk alongside young people as they rebuild confidence, rediscover their strengths, and take meaningful steps into employment. As an Employment Specialist, you’ll support young people aged 16–25 who are in recovery from drug and alcohol use to access paid work, training, or education. Using a supportive, strengths-based approach, you’ll help people identify what matters to them and take practical steps towards achieving it.

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

At the heart of this role is belief — belief in people’s potential, in recovery, and in the power of meaningful work.

Responsibilities

What You’ll Be Doing

Supporting People into Work

  • Build strong, trusting relationships with young people
  • Carry out personalised vocational profiling to understand each person’s goals, strengths and interests
  • Support with job searching, applications, CVs and interview preparation
  • Help people overcome barriers such as confidence, wellbeing, travel, or benefits

    • Working as Part of a Team

  • Work closely with key workers, clinicians and wider teams to support each person holistically
  • Take part in case discussions and contribute to joined-up care planning
  • Advocate for employment as a key part of recovery

    • Engaging Employers

  • Build relationships with local employers, colleges and training providers
  • Identify opportunities in both the open and “hidden” labour market
  • Support employers to create inclusive, supportive workplaces
  • Provide advice on reasonable adjustments and ongoing support

    • Supporting People to Sustain Work

  • Stay alongside people once they start work, offering reassurance and support where needed
  • Respond early if someone is struggling, helping them stay in employment
  • Work flexibly around the needs of both individuals and employers

    • Our Approach

    You’ll work within the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model — an evidence-based approach that focuses on:

  • Rapid job search based on individual preference
  • Integration with treatment teams
  • Ongoing, personalised support

We also work in a way that is trauma-informed, strengths-based, and rooted in lived experience.

The person

About You

You don’t need to have a perfect background — what matters most is your belief in people and your ability to connect, motivate and support.

We’re looking for someone who:

  • Is passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve their goals
  • Can build meaningful relationships with a wide range of people
  • Is proactive, organised and motivated
  • Sees potential where others might see challenges
  • Is comfortable working flexibly and creatively

    • Essential Experience & Knowledge

  • Experience supporting people facing barriers to employment
  • Understanding of the challenges faced by young people (16–25)
  • Knowledge of supported employment approaches or willingness to learn
  • Awareness of the impact of substance use and mental health on employment
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills

    • Desirable

  • Experience working within substance misuse or mental health services
  • Knowledge of welfare benefits and employment support systems
  • Understanding of the IPS model