At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with barriers to employment in finding meaningful work.
- Company: Join a friendly team making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, training opportunities, and health support.
- Other info: Access to a vehicle is essential; travel within the community involved.
- Why this job: Transform lives through employment support while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Level 3 in IAG or 2 years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 32061 - 35412 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Hours: 1x 37 per week
Salary: NJC Grade F SCP 19-24 £32,061 - £35,412
Closing Date: 9th June @ 23.59
Please note this role is based in Hyndburn & Rossendale.
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) is an ICB funded programme, available nationally, which offers around 12 months of supported employment to eligible participants to help them to find or stay in work.
Do you want to be part of a friendly and dynamic team whilst making a genuine difference in transforming people's lives? With on-the-job training, becoming an IPS Employment Specialist is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and support those with long term health conditions and/or barriers to employment in Blackpool to get back to or stay in work.
The supported employment approach requires our IPS Employment Specialists to support people both in our town centre offices and in the wider community and therefore some travel locally will be involved and applicants need to have use of a vehicle on a daily basis. Liaising with and meeting local employers at their premises is also an essential part of the role and therefore excellent relationship building and communication skills are essential.
As an IPS Employment Specialist you will play a rewarding and vital role in helping clients find meaningful and fulfilling employment that aligns to their career aspirations. You’ll receive the specialist training and support you need to develop your skills but must have strong and persuasive communication skills, excellent time management, and exceptional organisational and administrative skills.
Working with colleagues across a range of referral agencies, sometimes within an integrated team setting, you will manage a caseload of clients with an SMI, key barriers to work or who are struggling to stay in work, to support them to secure suitable paid employment in line with their preferences. Building trusting relationships with a range of health and allied professionals will be an essential part of the role to ensure we receive good quality referrals into the service and to promote recovery through employment.
You will deliver a model of employment support called Individual Placement and Support (IPS), for which full training will be given, which provides holistic person-centred support, advice and guidance.
You must have the ability to initiate and develop relationships with local employers on a regular basis, using a variety of methods including email, telephone and face to face in the community, building positive and meaningful relationships. Where suitable you will also be brokering reasonable adjustments and working patterns to help your clients achieve or retain sustainable employment.
We are looking for individuals who hold a Level 3 in IAG or equivalent or have a minimum of 2 years demonstrable experience providing employment support, advice and guidance. We encourage applications from candidates with lived experience. Having access to a vehicle to attend appointments is essential for the post.
From the moment you join us, you’ll receive a number of benefits, including:
- Achievable work-life balance through a range of flexible working options
- Annual leave - in addition to public holidays, you will be eligible to take 26 days of annual leave in each financial year, rising to 28 days after five years’ service and 32 days after ten years. Additional leave can be purchased via salary sacrifice
- Competitive pension schemes
- Generous special leave provisions to help employees deal with caring responsibilities, domestic emergencies and bereavement
- Maternity, paternity and adoption leave above the statutory minimum
- Childcare voucher scheme
- Corporate leisure scheme
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including access to the e-learning site 'iPool'
- Regular supervision and support plus annual individual appraisals
- Occupational sick pay scheme and health support
- Outstanding service awards - this annual awards scheme recognises dedicated and outstanding employees!
- A range of travel benefits, such as train season ticket, car sharing, cycling schemes, staff parking and more.
- Free health MOT at corporate health events held throughout the year
- Free independent, face-to-face counselling and helpline
- Mental Health First Aid support
- A range of employee discounts to national attractions
This post requires access to PSN (Public Services Network) services or networks and the successful post holder will be required to undertake a Basic Disclosure check of unspent convictions through Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS). This post is also subject to satisfactory references, medical clearance, evidence of any essential qualifications and proof of legal working in accordance with the Asylum and Immigration Act 1996.
Ips Employment Specialist (Hyndburn & Rossendale) employer: Blackpool Council
As an IPS Employment Specialist with Blackpool Council, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to transforming lives through meaningful employment. Enjoy a range of benefits including flexible working options, generous annual leave, and comprehensive training opportunities, all while making a significant impact in the Hyndburn & Rossendale community. With a strong focus on employee well-being and professional growth, this role offers a rewarding career path for those passionate about helping others succeed.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ips Employment Specialist (Hyndburn & Rossendale)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local employers in Hyndburn & Rossendale! We should be proactive in reaching out, whether it’s through emails or popping into their offices. Building those relationships can really set us apart.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! We need to be persuasive and clear when talking to clients and employers. Role-playing scenarios with friends or colleagues can help us feel more confident.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay organised! Managing a caseload means we need to keep track of appointments and follow-ups. Using tools like calendars or task management apps can help us stay on top of everything.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Ips Employment Specialist (Hyndburn & Rossendale)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of an IPS Employment Specialist. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since excellent communication is key for this role, don’t shy away from demonstrating your persuasive abilities in your written application. Share examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you have experience in providing employment support or working with individuals facing barriers to employment, make sure to emphasise this in your application. We want to see how you can bring your unique background to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and allows you to keep track of your application status easily.
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackpool Council
✨Know Your IPS Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with how it works and be ready to discuss how you can apply it in real-life scenarios. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since excellent communication is key for this position, prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships in previous roles. Think about times when you’ve liaised with employers or supported clients, and be ready to share these stories during the interview.
✨Demonstrate Your Organisational Skills
As an IPS Employment Specialist, you'll manage a caseload of clients. Be prepared to discuss your time management strategies and how you prioritise tasks. You might even want to bring a simple example of a system you use to keep track of your work.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Local Employers
Since part of the role involves meeting local employers, do some research on businesses in Hyndburn & Rossendale. Think about how you would approach them and what value you could bring to their workforce. This will demonstrate your proactive attitude and readiness to engage with the community.