Employment & development
Employment & Return-to-Work Support
Returning to work is not a race. We help you work out what is realistic, prepare with confidence and plan a transition you can sustain.
What this service offers
Many people who have been unwell for a long time want to work again — but worry about coping, explaining a gap, or becoming unwell again. Employment support at KND starts with your health and energy, not with job adverts.
Together we look at what kind of work could fit your life now, the skills and experience you already have, and the adjustments that might make work more manageable. The aim is a transition that is designed to reduce unnecessary pressure and adjusted around your individual needs.
Who it’s for
- People returning to work after long-term illness, burnout or a mental health break
- People who have been out of work for a while and are unsure where to start
- People in work who are struggling and want to plan a more sustainable way of working
- People thinking about a change of career because their health has changed
What you can expect
- A first conversation about your situation, your energy and what you want from work
- Honest, practical guidance — no pressure to apply for anything before you are ready
- Help recognising transferable skills from work, caring, volunteering and life experience
- Support preparing for conversations with employers about adjustments and flexible working
What support may include
Shaped around what you need
Every person is different, so support is tailored. Depending on your goals, it may include:
- Exploring suitable roles, sectors and working patterns
- CV, application and interview preparation
- Planning a gradual or phased return
- Understanding reasonable adjustments and flexible working requests
- Energy and workload planning for the working day
- Signposting to Access to Work and other official support
What this service doesn’t provide
Being clear about our limits helps you get the right help. This service does not offer:
- Medical, occupational health or clinical assessments
- Legal representation in employment disputes (we can signpost to Acas and Citizens Advice)
- Guaranteed job placements or outcomes
Meet our advisor
Danh Tehe Amos, Volunteer Employment & Jobs Search Advisor
Danh brings more than 15 years of NHS leadership experience and earlier work as an employment consultant to his volunteer role at KND, focusing on people returning to work after long-term illness.
Questions about employment support
More answers on our FAQs page.
Do I have to tell an employer about my health condition?
That is your decision. We can talk through the pros and cons of sharing information, what you might say, and how to ask for adjustments without sharing more than you want to.
What if I am not ready to apply for jobs yet?
That is completely fine. Plenty of people start by rebuilding routine, confidence or skills first. Employment support can begin long before any application.
Can you help me stay in the job I already have?
Yes — support can include preparing for a return-to-work meeting, planning a phased return or thinking through adjustments that could make your current role more manageable.
Often used alongside
- Employment & developmentSkills TrainingSmall, steady-paced training in communication, confidence, time and energy management, and the practical skills that make work more manageable.View service
- Recovery & wellbeingOne-to-One MentorshipRegular one-to-one conversations with a mentor who helps you set realistic goals, rebuild confidence and plan practical next steps.View service
- Employment & developmentAdvice SessionsAn informal conversation to help you understand your options, ask questions and decide on a next step — with no commitment.View service
Interested in employment support?
Get in touch and we will talk through whether it is the right fit for you now — no commitment, no pressure.