Job Role: IPS Employment Specialist (Connect to Work)
Location: Walsall (Community-based / outreach role)
Salary: Up to £35,400 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday)
 
Role Overview
We are recruiting an experienced and motivated IPS Employment Specialist to deliver the Connect to Work programme across Walsall.
This is a fully community-based, outreach-focused role, where you will work directly within local services and partner organisations rather than from an office base. As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will support individuals experiencing health-related barriers to secure and sustain competitive employment, using a person-centred and evidence-based approach aligned to the IPS model.
You will work closely with health teams, community services and employers, embedding yourself within multidisciplinary environments to deliver high-quality support that promotes recovery, independence and long-term employment outcomes.
 
Key Responsibilities
IPS Delivery & Case Management

• Deliver the IPS Connect to Work model in line with fidelity principles and programme targets
• Manage a caseload of participants motivated to start or return to work
• Develop tailored vocational profiles and action plans based on individual needs
• Support individuals to identify strengths, skills and realistic employment goals

Participant Support & Job Outcomes

• Deliver practical employment support including:
• CV writing
• Job search and applications
• Interview preparation
• In-work support and job sustainment
• Provide ongoing, personalised support to help participants secure and retain employment
• Support participants with workplace adjustments, disclosure and benefits-related guidance

Employer Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with local employers
• Source suitable job opportunities aligned to participant preferences and aspirations
• Promote inclusive hiring practices and support employers to understand individual needs
• Advocate on behalf of participants to support successful job outcomes

Partnership & Multi-Disciplinary Working

• Work as an embedded practitioner within partner services (e.g. health, community, support services)
• Attend regular MDT meetings and contribute to integrated care planning
• Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to support participant progression
• Operate flexibly across community settings to meet service and participant needs

Administration, Targets & Quality

• Maintain accurate, timely and compliant records of all activity
• Monitor performance against programme targets and outcomes
• Ensure delivery aligns with IPS fidelity standards and contractual requirements
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery

 
 
 
 
 
 
Essential Criteria

• Experience delivering within an IPS, employability or welfare-to-work programme
• Strong understanding of the IPS model or similar supported employment approaches
• Experience supporting individuals with health-related or complex barriers to employment
• Proven ability to manage a caseload and achieve employment outcomes
• Strong employer engagement and relationship-building skills
• Ability to work independently across community-based settings
• Excellent communication, organisational and time-management skills
• Confident using IT systems and maintaining accurate records

 
Desirable Criteria

• Experience working within health, mental health or community services
• Knowledge of benefits, employment support and in-work progression
• Experience working within multi-disciplinary or partnership environments
• IPS fidelity knowledge or accredited IPS experience

 
Personal Attributes

• Person-centred and empathetic approach
• Proactive and outcome-focused
• Resilient and adaptable
• Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
• Ability to build trust and rapport quickly

 
Additional Information

• This is a fully outreach-based role with no fixed office base
• Regular travel across Walsall and surrounding areas required
• Flexible working approach required to meet participant and service needs

 
How to Apply
For more information or to apply for the IPS Employment Specialist role, please contact:
Robert Rowe 07935 141342 rrowe@trigonrecruitment.co.uk