employment advisor

A recent evaluation of the role of employment advisors in NHS talking therapies has shown improved mental health for patients where there is a combined offer of employment support and psychological treatment. In light of these outcomes, we are excited to confirm our plan to expand our employment offer in TALKWORKS, Devon's NHS Talking Therapies Service. The expansion enables us to appoint a number of employment advisors to join our already established workforce.

The employment advisor role will involve working alongside a team of therapists to ensure that a personalised package of combined psychological treatment and employment support is available to all patients who require support with remaining in employment, returning to employment following a period of absence, or seeking new employment. We have a position available in South Hams and West Devon Tavistock on a fixed term basis until March 2026 and we are looking for an enthusiastic person who has a commitment to our part of the county. The service covers a large geographical area and we strive to maintain a strong and healthy team culture. These posts will be based in Tavistock but we also have bases in Ivybridge and Totnes. We welcome applications from positive and motivated individuals who have a keen interest to contribute towards developing and shaping the employment support offer within our service.

Main duties of the job:

• To provide information, advice and guidance to all NHS Talking Therapies patients who choose to receive employment support. This may include supporting people to remain in, return to, and gain employment.
• To collaboratively establish employment goals with patients and produce a personalised action plan to help them to achieve these.
• To empower patients to make better decisions about their working lives through improving communication with their colleagues and managers in the workplace.
• To work closely with external employment related services including Jobcentre Plus, Work & Health Programme providers, employers, trade unions, and employment agencies.

About Us:

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do.

Our values:

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trust's core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Job responsibilities:

This role is designed to offer employment advice to people engaging with therapy in TALKWORKS, Devon's Primary Care NHS Talking Therapies Service. The post holders will work closely with clinicians who provide psychological therapies to people with common mental health problems. The post holder will manage a caseload of patients, providing employment support and advice. This advice will range from single sessions to regular appointments with patients, and may continue for up to one month post therapy.

The role will involve working directly and indirectly with Jobcentre Plus, employers, trade unions and employment agencies to help people retain employment and secure employment opportunities.

Duties And Responsibilities:

• Offer patients support agreeing a written action plan with the person detailing the steps to be taken to either get back into or retain employment and the appropriate support route.
• Advocate on behalf of the patient with prospective employers if necessary, aiming to identify work solutions that will overcome or minimise difficulties within the workplace.
• Establish any return to work issues, potential behaviour in the workplace, possible work solutions.
• Develop in-depth knowledge of the local labour market, local support and new initiatives, taking into account the needs of the patient to support effective interventions.
• Work closely with the person using the service ensuring appropriate, prompt, pro-active and clear communication at all times.
• Develop effective working relationships with a range of other agencies who might be better able to help individuals to achieve their employment and/or education goals.

Person Specification:

Communication and Working Relationship Skills:

• Effective written and oral communication skills.
• Organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise and plan own caseload.
• Ability to assess individual strengths in relation to employment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• A caring, responsible and positive approach.

Knowledge:

• The post holder will have a good understanding of return to work planning.
• Knowledge of the secondary effects on the individual that could be caused by their mental health experience, including loss of employment.
• Knowledge of employment and disability related benefits.

Experience:

• Experience of providing vocational/employment support as part of a prior role.

Qualifications:

• A degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience in employment advice or mental health.

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous criminal convictions.