At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges to find meaningful employment.
- Company: Join a close-knit team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 40 days holiday, and travel reimbursement.
- Other info: Ongoing training and career development in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping others on their recovery journey.
- Qualifications: No degree needed; practical experience in support roles is valued.
We are recruiting for an IPS Employment Specialist to join a supportive, close-knit team delivering high-quality Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services across Winchester. This is a community-based role, working directly with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, supporting them into sustainable, meaningful employment as part of their recovery journey. You will be embedded within clinical teams, working collaboratively with healthcare professionals while also building strong relationships with local employers.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing a caseload of around 20 clients, providing tailored, person-centred employment support
- Meeting clients face-to-face in the community to develop career plans, CVs, and job search strategies
- Actively engaging with local employers to identify opportunities (including hidden jobs)
- Supporting clients with interviews, applications, and in-work support
- Providing guidance around benefits, disclosure, and workplace adjustments
- Attending clinical meetings and contributing to a holistic recovery approach
- Maintaining accurate records using IPS systems and contributing to performance targets
What a Typical Week Looks Like
- Around 3 client meetings per day
- Minimum 6 face-to-face engagements per week (clients or employers)
- Fridays: Team meetings, planning, and admin time (no client appointments)
- Regular shadowing, mentoring, and ongoing training provided
What We’re Looking For
This role suits someone who is:
- Proactive and self-driven, able to take initiative rather than wait for direction
- Resilient and adaptable, comfortable working in a fast-paced, target-driven environment
- A strong communicator who can build relationships with both clients and employers
- Comfortable with outreach and employer engagement (calls, visits, networking)
- A team player who enjoys working collaboratively
Backgrounds That Work Well
You don’t need a degree; in fact, practical experience is often more valuable. We’re particularly interested in candidates from:
- Employability / Welfare to Work
- Mental Health or Support Work
- Recruitment or Sales
- Retail or Customer-Facing Roles
- Teaching Assistants or similar support roles
Essential Requirements
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (travel reimbursed at 45p per mile)
- Ability to travel across the Winchester area
- Strong organisational and admin skills
- Genuine interest in supporting people with mental health needs into employment
What’s On Offer
- Salary: £29,343
- 40 days holiday (including bank holidays)
- Mileage paid at 45p per mile
- Ongoing training, mentoring, and career development
- Supportive team culture with regular supervision and collaboration
The Bigger Picture
You’ll be working to a high-fidelity IPS model, where success is measured by real outcomes helping people move into competitive, paid employment. The team works towards achieving 40% of clients entering employment, making this a rewarding role where your impact is clear and meaningful.
Recruitment Process
Interviews are ASAP. If you want a role where you can make a genuine difference, work in a supportive team, and take ownership of your caseload, this could be a great fit. Please apply via this advert; we aim to respond to everyone. If you haven’t heard back within 72 hours, please complete the Send Us A Message form on the Contact Us page of the Red 5 People website, and we guarantee a real person will respond. For more details about the role, please call the office and ask for Lawrence (number available on the Red 5 People website).
Employment Coach in Winchester employer: All The Top Bananas
My Four Wheels is an exceptional employer, offering a rewarding career as a Trainee Driving Instructor with flexible working hours and the potential to earn up to £50,000+ annually. With comprehensive training provided through our new Training Academy, employees benefit from ongoing support and resources, ensuring a fulfilling journey towards becoming a qualified instructor while enjoying the satisfaction of teaching locally in Westfield, Surrey.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Coach in Winchester
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at All The Top Bananas.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from All The Top Bananas!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like All The Top Bananas, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at All The Top Bananas or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Coach in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to All The Top Bananas:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to All The Top Bananas! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
