Lead Employment Specialist (Permanent, Full Time, - £33,502 - 35,016 per annum) Southeast Dorset and BCP

South West based charitable housing association BCHA was founded over 50 years ago with a continuing mission to meet housing need and end homelessness. We aim to achieve this through the building and provision of affordable and secure homes, and by supporting individuals to take control and lead independent, fulfilled lives. Whether we are developing sites or supporting people with housing, learning or living skills, we believe in equality, the importance of every individual and the right to be valued and treated with dignity and respect. Our doors are open to everyone.

Position:

At BCHA, we support people across the South of England to build stability, independence and opportunity. Through BCHA Learn, we provide free courses, skills development and tailored employment support to help people move forward, achieve their ambitions and access meaningful opportunities.

As Lead Employment Specialist, you will play a key role in leading a team of Employment Specialists, providing coaching, guidance and support to ensure we deliver effective, person-centred employment services. Alongside managing and developing your team, you will hold your own caseload, supporting people to overcome barriers, build confidence and achieve sustainable employment outcomes.

You will use evidence-based approaches, including the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, to ensure our services are focused on individual strengths, aspirations and goals.

In this role, you will:

• Lead, support and develop a team of Employment Specialists through effective supervision, coaching and performance management.
• Provide high-quality employment support to individuals with health conditions, disabilities and other barriers to employment.
• Work with participants to identify their strengths, skills and aspirations, creating personalised plans to help them achieve their employment goals.
• Build strong relationships with employers to create inclusive, sustainable job opportunities.
• Provide ongoing support to participants and employers, including workplace coaching and guidance to help people succeed in their roles.
• Monitor service quality, outcomes and performance, ensuring delivery meets IPS fidelity standards and/or Supported Employment Quality Framework requirements.
• Work collaboratively with partners across health, employment, education, social care and the wider community to provide joined-up support.
• Contribute to service development, innovation and continuous improvement.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience delivering employment support and helping people move towards sustainable work.
• Has experience leading, coaching or supervising staff and supporting their professional development.
• Understands strengths-based, person-centred approaches and the importance of inclusive employment.
• Can build positive relationships with employers, partners and stakeholders.
• Is passionate about breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
• Is confident managing performance, quality and service improvement.

BCHA Safer Recruitment: Safeguarding children and adults is our first priority and we will ensure we follow safer recruitment procedures.

As an employer, we will do everything possible to prevent unsuitable people obtaining employment with BCHA. Our overall aim is to ‘deter unsuitable applicants from applying for roles with children and adults, and we will ensure that all candidates are treated fairly, consistently and in compliance with current legislation.

BCHA is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of people, and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

Rolling interviews on offer. We will interview once we have received the application.

Closing date 9th August 2026

Interview date: 10th August 2026

Welcome Week; September

Requirements:

Information, Advice & Guidance (IAG) qualification (Level 3) or willingness to work towards

Coaching qualification

Ability to remain calm under pressure