IPS Employment Specialist (Drugs & Alcohol)

The Employment Specialist Role:

This is a community-based role where no two days are ever the same.

You'll spend your time meeting people where they are, whether that's within treatment services, local communities, cafés, employers' workplaces or out and about supporting someone to attend an interview.

You'll work with a caseload of around 25 people, getting to know them as individuals so that you can build an individualised support plan that helps them move towards employment. Your role is to help people recognise what they're capable of, overcome challenges that may have held them back previously, and support them into a role that's right for them.

You'll also spend time building relationships with employers across Leicestershire and Rutland, creating opportunities that simply wouldn't exist if we waited for vacancies to appear online.

What the day-to-day role will look like:

• Build genuine relationships with people accessing drug and alcohol treatment who want to work.
• Help people understand their strengths, interests and ambitions through vocational profiling and regular one-to-one support.
• Work alongside treatment teams so employment becomes a natural part of someone's recovery experience.
• Support people to prepare for work, search for jobs, apply for vacancies and feel confident during interviews.
• Develop relationships with local employers and create opportunities that match the goals of the people you support.
• Continue supporting people once they're in work, helping both employee and employer where needed to make employment sustainable.
• Keep accurate records that reflect the journey people are making, not simply the activity completed.
• Work in line with IPS Fidelity standards whilst always remembering that every person's journey is different.

What we are looking for:

We're far more interested in you as a person and what experience you have to offer, than the job title you've had previously.

You may already have experience within IPS, employability or substance misuse services. Equally, you may have supported people in another setting where you've helped individuals build confidence, overcome challenges and achieve positive outcomes.

Most importantly, we're looking for someone who can build trust and good relationships

Someone who is organised, self-motivated and comfortable working independently in the community.

Someone who enjoys talking to employers just as much as supporting participants.

Someone who genuinely believes people can achieve more than they sometimes believe themselves.

We would like you to have:

• Experience supporting people on a one-to-one basis.
• Confidence building relationships with a wide range of people.
• Strong communication and listening skills.
• The ability to organise your own workload and manage competing priorities.
• A positive, resilient attitude.
• An understanding of the challenges people may face when returning to employment.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle, as travel across Leicestershire and Rutland forms a significant part of the role.

Experience of IPS, employability or drug and alcohol services would be an advantage, but it isn't essential if you can demonstrate transferable skills and the right values.

What its like to work at Intuitive Thinking Skills:

We're proud of the culture and teams we have created and developed.

You'll be trusted to manage your own diary, supported by experienced managers and encouraged to bring your own ideas rather than simply following a process.

We're a team that celebrates success together, supports each other when things are difficult and never forgets why we do what we do.

If you're looking for a job where every day has purpose, you'll fit in well here.

What we offer as a package:

Alongside a competitive salary, you'll receive:

• 26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
• Opportunity to buy or sell annual leave.
• Company pension.
• Occupational sick pay.
• Ongoing learning and development.
• Regular touchbases and support with your manager.
• Opportunities to progress within a growing organisation.

Additional Information

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

The role is primarily community based, with approximately 65% of your time spent working alongside participants, employers and partners across the community. The remaining time will be based within the local treatment service or partnership hub.

Occasionally you'll need to work flexibly to meet the needs of participants or employers, but we believe flexibility should work both ways.

Intuitive Thinking Skills is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcomed, respected and given the opportunity to succeed.