At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges to secure meaningful employment.
- Company: Join a dedicated team making a real difference in Blackburn.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Access to travel benefits and employee discounts for a balanced lifestyle.
- Why this job: Empower others while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in IAG or equivalent experience in employment support.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 35412 £ per year.
Contract Details
- Contract Type: Permanent
- Contract Hours: 37 per week
- Salary: NJC Grade F SCP 19-24 £32,061 - £35,412
- Closing Date: 11th June 2026
About the Role
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an ICB funded programme available nationally, offering around one year of supported employment to eligible participants to help them find or stay in work. The role is based in Blackburn and involves working in town centre offices and across the wider community, requiring local travel and use of a vehicle on a daily basis. Liaising with local employers and building strong relationships is essential.
Key Responsibilities
- Support people with serious mental illnesses (SMI), key barriers to work or struggles to stay in work to secure suitable paid employment aligned with their career aspirations.
- Deliver the Individual Placement and Support model, providing holistic, person‑centred support, advice and guidance.
- Initiate and develop regular relationships with local employers, using email, telephone and face‑to‑face contact, and broach reasonable adjustments and working patterns to help clients achieve or retain sustainable employment.
- Build trust with health and allied professionals to ensure high‑quality referrals and promote recovery through employment.
Qualifications and Experience
- Level 3 qualification in IAG or equivalent, or a minimum of two years’ demonstrable experience providing employment support, advice and guidance.
- Strong persuasive communication, excellent time management and exceptional organisational and administrative skills.
- Ability to initiate and develop relationships with local employers and produce positive outcomes.
- Access to a vehicle to attend appointments on a daily basis.
Benefits
- Achievable work‑life balance through flexible working options.
- Annual leave: 26 days per year, rising to 28 days after five years and 32 days after ten years; additional leave available via salary sacrifice.
- Competitive pension scheme.
- Generous special leave provisions for caring responsibilities, domestic emergencies and bereavement.
- Maternity, paternity and adoption leave above statutory minimum.
- Childcare voucher scheme.
- Corporate leisure scheme.
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including e‑learning via iPool.
- Regular supervision, support and annual appraisal.
- Occupational sick pay scheme and health support.
- Awards scheme recognising outstanding employees.
- Travel benefits such as train season tickets, car sharing, cycling schemes and staff parking.
- Free health MOT at corporate events.
- Free independent face‑to‑face counselling and helpline.
- Mental Health First Aid support.
- Employee discounts to national attractions.
Additional Requirements
This post requires access to PSN services or networks and the successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic Disclosure check of unspent convictions through DBS, provide satisfactory references, medical clearance, evidence of essential qualifications and proof of legal working in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
Ips Employment Specialist (Blackburn) employer: Blackpool Council
As an IPS Employment Specialist in Blackburn, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to empowering individuals with serious mental illnesses to achieve their career aspirations. The company offers a flexible work-life balance, generous annual leave, and comprehensive training opportunities, fostering a culture of growth and recognition for outstanding contributions. With strong community ties and a commitment to employee well-being, this role provides a meaningful opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives while enjoying a range of benefits.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ips Employment Specialist (Blackburn)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with local employers in Blackburn. Attend job fairs, community events, or even just pop into businesses to introduce yourself. Building those relationships can really help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You never know when you'll meet someone who could help you land that job. Have a quick, engaging summary of your skills and experience ready to go, so you can impress them on the spot.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A simple thank-you email can go a long way. It shows you're genuinely interested in the role and helps keep you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources and support to help you along the way. Plus, it’s a great way to show your commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Ips Employment Specialist (Blackburn)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the IPS Employment Specialist role. Highlight your experience in providing employment support and your ability to build relationships with local employers, as these are key aspects of the job.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to emphasise your strong communication and organisational skills. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate how you've successfully supported individuals with serious mental illnesses or similar challenges.
Be Person-Centred:Since this role is all about providing holistic, person-centred support, make sure to convey your understanding of this approach in your application. Share any relevant experiences where you’ve put the needs of clients first.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, so don’t hesitate to take that step!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackpool Council
✨Know Your IPS Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Individual Placement and Support model thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with how it works, its benefits, and how it can help individuals with serious mental illnesses. This knowledge will show your passion for the role and your commitment to supporting clients effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Local Employers
Since liaising with local employers is key, think about how you can demonstrate your relationship-building skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with employers in the past, and be ready to discuss strategies for initiating those conversations in Blackburn.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong persuasive communication is essential for this role. During the interview, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Use specific examples from your experience where your communication made a positive impact on clients or employers.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
With the need for excellent time management and organisational skills, come prepared to discuss how you prioritise tasks and manage your time effectively. You might even want to share a time when you juggled multiple responsibilities successfully, as this will highlight your ability to handle the demands of the job.
