You’ll be trained in the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach — an evidence-based model that puts the individual at the centre of their employment journey. You’ll provide practical, personalised support while working closely with clients, employers and referral partners to build relationships and open doors to new opportunities.

This is a rewarding role where you can see the difference your support makes — from helping someone take their first steps towards employment through to supporting them to succeed and stay in work.

What you’ll do

As an Employment Specialist, you’ll:

• Manage a caseload of people with mental health support needs who are motivated to start or return to work
• Deliver personalised employment support in line with the IPS approach, with full training provided
• Follow the eight key IPS principles that underpin the 25-point Fidelity Scale
• Build trusting relationships with clients and understand their individual skills, interests, aspirations and employment goals
• Complete vocational profiles and develop personalised action plans to help people achieve and sustain competitive employment
• Provide practical support with job searching, CVs, application forms, interview preparation and career development
• Identify suitable job opportunities through tailored and supported job searches
• Develop relationships with local employers to uncover both advertised vacancies and opportunities within the hidden job market
• Build positive relationships with employers, promote inclusive recruitment and identify potential employment opportunities
• Work with employers to understand support needs and put appropriate strategies in place to reduce barriers in the workplace
• Explore options such as job carving — creating suitable opportunities by tailoring or redistributing elements of existing roles — as well as reasonable adjustments
• Continue providing personalised in-work support after employment has been secured, helping both clients and employers sustain successful working relationships
• Conduct regular visits and monitor progress to ensure clients receive the right support at the right time
• Develop effective partnerships with external organisations that can help individuals achieve their employment goals, including colleges and training providers
• Work independently and reliably within the community, using your initiative to deliver high-quality IPS practice

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who is person-centred, proactive and genuinely passionate about helping people achieve their potential.

You’ll ideally have:

• A degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience
• An understanding of the employment needs and challenges faced by people experiencing health difficulties
• Experience of, or an understanding of, working with people with health support needs or a similar client group within health, social care, community or voluntary sector settings
• A natural ability to build close, trusting and productive relationships
• Strong communication and organisational skills
• The confidence to work independently, use your initiative and develop positive relationships with clients, employers and partner organisations
• The ability to promote a service and create new opportunities through effective networking and relationship-building
• A full driving licence and regular access to a car, as the role involves travel within the community

Previous IPS training or experience would be desirable, but it is not essential. Full training will be provided to help you develop your knowledge and confidence in the IPS approach.

Overseas equivalent qualifications will be considered.

Bring your experience. Make a difference.

We welcome applications from people with lived experience and recognise the valuable perspective this can bring to the role. We particularly encourage applications from individuals who can demonstrate how their lived experience has helped them develop skills and insight relevant to supporting others.

If you’re motivated by helping people overcome barriers, believe everyone should have the opportunity to achieve their employment goals, and want a role where your work can make a lasting difference, we’d love to hear from you.