IPS Employment Specialist
Location: Cheshire West – Community-Based
Salary: £31,767 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time

Please note: due to the community-based nature of this role, a full UK drivers license and access to own vehicle is required.
  
Role Overview:
We are recruiting an IPS Employment Specialist to support individuals experiencing severe mental health difficulties to secure and retain sustainable paid employment that reflects their skills, aspirations and vocational preferences. As an Employment Specialist, you will work within the community across Cheshire West, providing personalised employment support using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach. Full IPS training will be provided where required.
  
Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of clients with mental health support needs who are motivated to start or return to work
• Deliver employment support in line with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model
• Adhere to the key IPS principles and fidelity requirements
• Complete vocational profiles to understand clients’ skills, aspirations, preferences and employment goals
• Develop individual action plans to support clients into sustainable competitive employment
• Provide tailored support with job searching, CVs, applications, interview preparation and career development
• Identify and address barriers to employment, including benefits and welfare considerations and disclosure of mental health needs
• Attend clinical team meetings as an embedded IPS practitioner
• Develop strong working relationships with mental health, PCN and VCFSE teams to generate referrals and promote the service
• Promote an inclusive service that encourages self-referrals
• Build relationships with local employers and identify both advertised and hidden employment opportunities
• Provide tailored and supported job-search activity based on each client’s individual goals
• Continue to support clients once employment has been secured through regular contact, monitoring and tailored in-work support
• Work with employers to support job retention, including reasonable adjustments and return-to-work strategies
• Develop relationships with colleges, training providers and other external organisations
• Maintain accurate records and complete all required administration and data capture
• Work independently and reliably within a community-based setting
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of vocational rehabilitation and mental health-related employment support
• Follow all relevant policies and procedures, including safeguarding, information governance, equality and diversity
• Participate in mandatory training and ongoing professional development
• Travel throughout Cheshire West as required

  
You will:

• Build and maintain strong employer relationships
• Develop an understanding of local labour markets and employment opportunities
• Identify opportunities that match individual clients’ strengths, needs and preferences
• Promote the benefits of inclusive employment
• Work with employers to identify and overcome workplace barriers
• Support employers with reasonable adjustments and appropriate workplace strategies
• Explore opportunities for job carving where appropriate
• Maintain effective employer engagement records

About You:
We are looking for an Employment Specialist who is passionate about supporting people to achieve their employment goals and who genuinely believes that individuals experiencing mental health difficulties can succeed in paid employment. 
  
Applications are also welcomed from candidates with transferable experience in areas such as SEND, mental health, recovery, supported housing, community support or other frontline support services, provided you have a strong interest in helping people progress towards employment.
  
You will ideally have:

• Experience supporting people with mental health needs, or a similar client group within health, social care or the voluntary sector
• Experience working with individuals on a one-to-one basis
• An understanding of the employment challenges faced by people experiencing mental health difficulties
• Knowledge of a broad range of occupations and employment opportunities
• Experience supporting people into or within employment
• Experience working towards outcomes and targets
• Strong communication, motivational and listening skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust and rapport
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities
• The confidence to influence and engage decision makers and external stakeholders
• The ability to work independently and use initiative
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively within a multidisciplinary team

Essential:

• Level 2 English and Maths, as a minimum
• Degree-level education or equivalent experience
• Full UK driving licence and access to own vehicle

Desirable:

• IPS training
• Level 3 Diploma in Employability Services Sector Qualification
• Level 3 Advice and Guidance qualification
• Knowledge of benefits and disability/employment-related benefits

Personal Qualities

• Non-judgemental and trustworthy
• Empathetic and understanding
• Passionate about making a positive difference
• Motivated and committed to supporting people into sustainable employment
• Resilient and tenacious when faced with setbacks
• Self-aware and committed to continuous professional development
• Confident building relationships with clients, employers and professional partners
• Flexible and willing to travel across the region

Apply Today!
If you’re passionate about helping people overcome barriers, achieve their employment goals and move into sustainable, meaningful work, we’d love to hear from you.
  
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact Tiff Bennett on 07593692814 or email tbennett@trigonrecruitment.co.uk.
  
This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Candidates already registered with the DBS Update Service are particularly welcomed.