Somerset Council
Connect to Work Employment Specialist (Drug and Alcohol Recovery Focus)
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Connect to Work Employment Specialist (Drug and Alcohol Recovery Focus)
Salary: £25,989 - £28,142 per annum. Hours: Full-time (37 hours per week – Negotiable). Contract: Permanent Closing date: 01/11/2026
Help People in Recovery Build Positive Futures Through Employment
At Somerset Council, we believe that meaningful employment can be life-changing.
Could you help someone in recovery from drug and alcohol dependency to take the next step towards a more confident and independent future? For many people in recovery, finding meaningful work can be a turning point – brining confidence, stability and purpose.
We're looking for a motivated and compassionate Employment Specialist to support people accessing drug and alcohol recovery services to find, secure and sustain paid employment. Working as part of the Connect to Work programme, alongside our Drugs and Alcohol Service, you'll help individuals overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve greater independence through work.
This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives while contributing to Somerset's ambition to improve health, wellbeing and economic inclusion for local communities. The role is based on evidence-based supported employment approaches, including Individual Placement and Support (IPS), and adopts a strengths-based, person-centred approach to helping people achieve their aspirations.
Role Purpose
As an Employment Specialist, you will work directly with people in recovery who are motivated to find, return to or progress in employment.
We are looking for someone who is passionate about helping people achieve their goals and who recognises the important role employment can play in recovery.
You'll build trusted relationships with participants, helping them identify their strengths, skills and ambitions through vocational profiling and personalised action planning. Working alongside recovery services, employers and community partners, you'll provide practical and ongoing support that enables people to achieve sustainable employment outcomes.
No two days are the same. One day you may be supporting someone to prepare for an interview, the next working with an employer to create an opportunity, attending a multi-agency meeting, or helping an individual navigate the challenges of balancing employment with their recovery journey.
Key responsibilities
- Supporting People in Recovery: By managing a dedicated caseload of individuals, building positive and trusting relationships, and co-producing personalised employment action plans tailored to individual needs.
- Employer Engagement: Develop relationships with employers across Somerset, identify suitable employment opportunities and act as a bridge between employers and participants to support successful job outcomes.
- Partnership Working: Work closely with drug and alcohol treatment services, health professionals and training providers, help individuals access training and skills development, and contribute to integrated support planning and recovery-focused interventions.
- Employment Advice and Guidance: Support participants with CV development, job searching and applications. Provide interview coaching and preparation and encourage career progression and long-term employment sustainability.
- Quality and Performance: Maintain accurate records and case management information, monitor outcomes and participant progress.
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About you
You don’t need to have worked in drug and alcohol services before – what matters most is your ability to build trust, see peoples potential and remain alongside then as they make lasting changes. We are looking for someone who is passionate about helping people achieve their goals and who recognises the important role employment can play in recovery. If you are compassionate, hopeful and motivated by seeing people succeed, this could be the role for you.
You may already have experience in:
- Substance misuse services
- Employment and employability support
- Careers advice and guidance
- Mental health services
- Health improvement
- Social prescribing
- Rehabilitation or criminal justice services
What you’ll bring
- Experience supporting people facing barriers to employment.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to motivate, encourage and support people through change.
- Experience working collaboratively with a range of partners and stakeholders.
- A strengths-based and person-centred approach.
- Resilience, empathy and a solution-focused mindset.
- Strong organisational and IT skills.
- A commitment to equality, inclusion and improving outcomes for Somerset residents.
About the team
The Connect to Work team sits within Somerset Council’s Economic Development, Skills and Climate Service. By joining us, you’ll be part of an organisation dedicated to inclusion, community impact, and creating opportunities for local people. We work closely with employers, health services, training providers, and community partners across the county to support residents into work that improves lives, strengthens communities, and promotes economic inclusion. Together, we are committed to delivering high-quality, person-centred support that makes a real difference.
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As an important member of our Connect to Work Team you will work closely alongside the Somerset Drug and Alcohol Service (SDAS).
Why Join Us?
At Somerset Council, we're a progressive organisation committed to improving lives and shaping better services for our communities. Based in one of England's most beautiful counties, it's a great place to build your career and enjoy an excellent quality of life.
- Generous annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional leave.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS), one of the UK's most generous and secure pension schemes.
- Flexible and hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance, where service needs allow.
- Health and wellbeing support, including access to confidential employee assistance services.
- Paid volunteering opportunities, helping you make a difference both inside and outside of work.
Find out more about working at Somerset Council: https://www.somerset.gov.uk/jobs-and-careers/working-at-somerset-council/
Additional information
- 25 days of annual leave (additional to bank holidays), pro rata
- This is a community-based role with a requirement for travelling around the local area. Some hybrid working options are available. We welcome applications from candidates based in different areas of Somerset.
Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this role. We are only able to proceed with candidates who already have the right to work in the UK without the need for VISA sponsorship.
For an informal chat about the role, you can contact Andrew Lloyd, Health Improvement Manager, via email at andy.lloyd@somerset.gov.uk. Or contact Jodie Reading, Public Health Specialist, via email at Jodie.reading@somerset.gov.uk.
We believe diversity makes us stronger and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences, whose unique perspectives help us better serve the people of Somerset.
You can find a copy of the job description here: TR0266 Connect to Work Employment Specialist.pdf
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