At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with barriers to employment in finding meaningful work.
- Company: Join a friendly team at Blackpool Council making a real difference.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Access to a vehicle is essential for community engagement.
- Why this job: Transform lives by helping others achieve their career aspirations.
- Qualifications: Level 3 in IAG or 2 years of relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 31093 - 38003 £ per year.
Contract Type: Permanent
Contract Hours: 37 per week
Salary: NJC Grade F SCP 19-24 £32,061 - £35,412
Closing Date: 20th August 2026 12 Noon
PLEASE NOTE THIS POST IS NOT IN BLACKPOOL IT IS IN Kirkham and Wesham.
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 (Kirkham and Wesham) NEW Blackpool Council Posted today Blackpool and[...] employer: Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd.
Blackpool Council is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and families through its innovative Family Hubs. With a strong commitment to employee development, a supportive work culture, and a focus on meaningful community impact, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a difference while enjoying flexible working hours and additional benefits. Join a passionate team that values collaboration and strives for excellence in early help services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ips Employment Specialist (Kirkham and Wesham) NEW Blackpool Council Posted today Blackpool and[...]
✨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 Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd..
✨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 Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd.!
✨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 Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd., 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 Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd. 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 Ips Employment Specialist (Kirkham and Wesham) NEW Blackpool Council Posted today Blackpool and[...]
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 Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd.:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd.! 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 Blackpool Skip Hire Ltd.
✨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.
