Employment Development and Training Worker

Employment Development and Training Worker

Location: Riverside Unit, Prestwich Hospital, Manchester, M25 3BL

Salary: £30,000 per annum pro rata (£15,000 for the 6-month contract)

Hours: 40 hours per week, generally 9.00am–5.30pm, Monday to Friday

Contract: 6-month Fixed-Term Contract, with option to extend

Closing date: 31 October 2026

Make a difference by helping people move towards employment and training

Are you passionate about helping people overcome barriers to employment and reach their potential?

First Step Trust (FST) is looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Employment Development and Training Worker (EDTW) to join our team at the Riverside Unit, Prestwich Hospital, Manchester.

FST is a charity that provides work experience, training and employment opportunities for people who have been excluded from working life because of mental health difficulties or other disadvantages. We support people to build confidence, develop skills and take positive steps towards further training and employment.

As an EDTW, you will play a key role in making this happen.

About the role

You will support workforce members throughout their journey with FST — from initial recruitment and development through to external work placements, further training or paid employment.

You'll build positive relationships with workforce members, referral agencies, employers and other services, helping to create opportunities that support people's individual goals.

• Recruiting and supporting new workforce members joining the project.

• Providing employment support, including job searching, CV preparation and interview preparation.

• Developing relationships with local employers, employment agencies and other organisations to create suitable work placement and employment opportunities.

• Delivering a range of training courses and supporting workforce members to gain recognised qualifications.

• Networking with local services and referral agencies to promote FST's work placements and training opportunities.

• Monitoring progress and maintaining accurate records and reports.

• Working alongside workforce members as colleagues and supporting the day-to-day running of the project.

• Working in accordance with FST policies and procedures and the requirements of the host unit.

• Completing the necessary training to work within a medium secure environment.

• You may also be required to support other areas of the project as reasonably required.

About you

We're looking for someone who is confident working directly with people and who can motivate, support and encourage individuals to develop their skills and move towards their employment goals.

• Experience in a face-to-face customer service or employment advice/support role.

• Experience delivering training in a workplace environment.

• Experience using digital technology, including social media and other online platforms.

• Experience managing, recording and monitoring progression.

• The ability to work independently, plan and prioritise your workload.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.

• Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, email, internet and social media.

• The ability to develop and maintain a network of employer contacts.

• The ability to promote FST effectively to referral agencies and other organisations.

• A willingness to learn and use new technologies.

• A commitment to equality of opportunity and opposing discrimination.

• An understanding of and commitment to the values and approach of First Step Trust.

• A commitment to health and safety at work.

• Knowledge of the benefits system would be desirable, as would a current full driving licence.

Why join First Step Trust?

This is an opportunity to take on a rewarding role where your work can directly contribute to helping people develop skills, gain experience and move closer to employment, education or further training.

You'll be part of a supportive team working collaboratively with workforce members, NHS colleagues, employers and community organisations to create meaningful opportunities for people who may face barriers to entering or returning to work.

Important information

Interviews will be conducted throughout the advertising period, so applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible.

The successful candidate will be required to work in accordance with the policies and procedures of the host unit, including security and confidentiality requirements, and undertake all necessary training for working within a medium secure environment.

If you are motivated by helping people develop their skills and access meaningful opportunities, we'd love to hear from you.