At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges to secure meaningful employment.
- Company: Join Blackpool Council and make a difference in your community.
- 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 relevant 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) NEW Blackpool Council Posted yesterday Blackpool and Fyld[...] employer: Blackpool
Blackpool Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work environment that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With flexible working options, generous annual leave, and comprehensive training opportunities, employees can achieve a healthy work-life balance while making a meaningful impact in the community. The role of IPS Employment Specialist in Blackburn not only allows for personal development but also fosters strong relationships with local employers, contributing to the recovery and employment of individuals facing serious mental health challenges.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Ips Employment Specialist (Blackburn) NEW Blackpool Council Posted yesterday Blackpool and Fyld[...]
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local employers in Blackburn! We recommend reaching out to them directly, either through LinkedIn or by visiting their offices. Building those relationships can really set you apart when it comes to landing that job.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Whether it's face-to-face or over the phone, being able to clearly express how you can support individuals with serious mental illnesses is key. We suggest role-playing with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of networking! Attend local job fairs or community events where you can meet potential employers and other professionals in the field. We believe these connections can lead to great opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Finally, make sure to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we often have exclusive roles listed there that you won’t find anywhere else.
We think you need these skills to ace Ips Employment Specialist (Blackburn) NEW Blackpool Council Posted yesterday Blackpool and Fyld[...]
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the IPS Employment Specialist role. We want to see how you can support individuals with serious mental illnesses and help them find suitable employment.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since building relationships with local employers is key, don’t forget to demonstrate your persuasive communication abilities in your application. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully engaged with others in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Experience:If you have a Level 3 qualification in IAG or relevant experience in employment support, make it stand out! We’re looking for candidates who can show they’ve made a positive impact in similar roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Blackpool
✨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 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 how you would approach this in Blackburn.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong persuasive communication is essential for this role. During the interview, practice clear and confident communication. You might even want to prepare a brief pitch on how you would advocate for a client to an employer, highlighting your ability to negotiate reasonable adjustments.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
With the need for excellent time management and organisational skills, come prepared with examples of how you've managed multiple tasks or projects simultaneously. Discuss any tools or methods you use to stay organised, as this will reassure them of your capability to handle the demands of the role.
