At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health needs to achieve sustainable employment through tailored guidance.
- Company: Join a dynamic partnership between Dorset HealthCare and Dorset Mental Health Forum.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop your skills, and make a real difference in people's lives.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Empower others while growing in a rewarding role that values empathy and support.
- Qualifications: Degree level education and experience in employability or mental health support.
Are you passionate about supporting people and empathetic to the diverse needs of those accessing mental health services? Do you want to grow in a challenging yet rewarding role? If so, you might be the ideal candidate for our team. We are recruiting Band5 Employment Specialists to join Dorset Work Matters, supporting clients across Dorset. Powered by expansion funding, this role reflects our commitment to widening access to vital employment support services.
Dorset Work Matters is a proven partnership between Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust and Dorset Mental Health Forum. Since 2019, the service has provided evidence‑based support to individuals with mental health diagnoses, helping them secure paid employment through the nationally recognised Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.
As an Employment Specialist you will work closely with NHS teams, employers and partners to build trust and provide practical, tailored support to help clients achieve sustainable employment. While based within a Community Mental Health team, most of your work will be community‑based. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Note that visa sponsorship is not available; applicants must hold a valid right to work in the UK.
Responsibilities
- Work collaboratively with clients to identify employment goals, develop CVs and application forms, and prepare effectively for interviews.
- Support clients in discussing their mental health condition with potential employers, should they choose to disclose.
- Provide welfare benefits advice and calculations to help clients make informed employment decisions.
- Engage directly with local employers to create and secure tailored job opportunities, including job carving.
- Deliver ongoing in‑work support to both clients and employers, ensuring sustainable employment outcomes.
- Adhere to quality standards and compliance requirements of the IPS Fidelity Model, striving to meet or exceed the service's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records in line with Service and IPS Fidelity Model requirements.
- Demonstrate strong organisational skills by managing caseloads efficiently, prioritising tasks, and meeting deadlines.
- Perform a high volume of administrative duties with attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in reporting, documentation and data entry.
- Actively support the recovery and employment success of individuals with mental health conditions, recognising how employment contributes to their well‑being.
Qualifications & Experience
- Educated to degree level or equivalent training in a relevant field.
- Experience or knowledge of employability or the labour market.
- Level3 Diploma in Employability Services Sector Qualification.
- Experience working with people with mental health problems or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector.
- Experience of partnership working, negotiation and liaison work with other stakeholders and agencies.
- Previous experience of delivering a service using the IPS model.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage your own time effectively and independently.
- Highly motivated with a genuine belief that employment will help the recovery of someone with a mental health condition.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a range of people.
- Lived experience or experience of recovery from a mental health condition.
- Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables you to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
- Team‑oriented and works collaboratively within a mixed‑disciplinary team.
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (cost covered by the Trust).
Additional Information
- Visa sponsorship is not available; successful candidates must have a valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship.
Employment Specialist in Bridport employer: Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive environment for aspiring nephrologists. With a focus on professional development, extensive training, and opportunities for research and teaching, employees can thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful patient care in a vibrant community. The work culture promotes collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for those looking to make a significant impact in healthcare.
Contact Details:
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist in Bridport
✨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 Cardiff and Vale University Health Board.
✨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 Cardiff and Vale University Health Board!
✨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 Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, 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 Cardiff and Vale University Health Board 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 Specialist in Bridport
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 Cardiff and Vale University Health Board:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Cardiff and Vale University Health Board! 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 Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
✨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.
