IPS Employment Specialist

We are looking for motivated, passionate self-starters who want to kickstart a career in the mental health sector. These position, with on-the-job training, is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and support those with mental health needs.,

• Supporting and motivating individuals with mental health conditions to access and sustain paid employment.
• Regularly meeting with clients to listen, offer support and help them identify their best job match, reflecting their skills and aspirations.
• Supporting the clients through CV production, interview techniques and managing their health at work.
• Advocating for your clients by educating and engaging with employers regarding the IPS service.
• Sourcing job opportunities for your clients through regular contact with local employers within the community.
• Promoting employment and raising expectations around the ability of service users to access paid employment, breaking down the barriers for them., Prepare individuals for a return to work by supporting people to understand their skills, aspirations, and goals by offering employment profiling, job matching, action planning and employment case management support.

Rapid job search and support

Focus on rapid job search with service users, whilst utilising local support networks to help individuals overcome their barriers to employment. Assess individual support needs related to work which might typically include help with in- work benefits, travel to work, managing health at work etc. and continue providing this once in employment to ensure they retain work. Deliver and promote employment workshops, employment surgeries and job clubs to service users who are not able to access the caseload.

Employer engagement and service promotion

Employer engagement and Service Promotion: Source job opportunities for service users through tailored job search and proactive engagement with employers to open-up and secure paid employment. Engage employers to access the hidden labour market or carving out jobs where specific tasks can be assigned by using a variety of methods such as face to face contact, social media platforms (e.g. LinkedIn), phone and email. Build effective working relationships with local training providers, local colleges and external employers to secure education opportunities and paid employment. Provide advice and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating adjustments and on-going contact with supervisors to ensure job retention. Build the profile of the employment service and promote co-production within the clinical team, alongside raising expectations around the ability of service users to access paid work.

IPS model implementation and administration

Throughout your role you will be implementing the evidence-based employment practice Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model and its fidelity approach. The model focuses on delivering a person-centred, high-quality service and results, meeting and exceeding sustained job outcome targets for people accessing the service. Another key part of this role is the administrative aspect, through keeping accurate and appropriate records of casework, providing information for monitoring and evaluation, and recording the progress of individuals. Thus, it is essential that the postholder is efficient, responsible, can maintain a high level of personal organisation and has strong IT skills of using word processor and data systems.

We welcome applications from all experience levels and backgrounds. What you will need is the ability to motivate and build relationships with service users, strong organisational skills, the confidence to communicate and engage with a range of employers, and a fundamental belief that anyone with a mental health condition can work. Firstly, you will need strong and persuasive communication skills, excellent time management and exceptional organisational skills. Also, the ability to initiate and develop relationships with a variety of individuals and be able to engage employers using a variety of methods such as via the telephone or face-to-face in the community. It would also be helpful, but NOT essential, if you have experience of working with people with mental health support needs (or similar groups) OR have experience working in employment support services (or equivalent), this can include working with people on a one-to-one basis, offering motivation and support, or engaging with a range of stakeholders. We are actively interested in individuals who have experience using a persuasive communication style or promoting a service to a variety of audiences, this can include marketing, recruitment, or sales roles.

Experience & Skills

• Significant experience of working with people with mental health difficulties or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector
• Experience of supporting people to obtain or keep work, Own personal lived experience of using secondary mental health or addiction services
• Own personal lived experience of recovery from mental health difficulties
• Experience and knowledge of the benefits agency and all disability/employment related benefits, A commitment to learning about and working within the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model
• An understanding of the principles and practices of supported employment.
• Good presentation, negotiation, and marketing skills. negotiation skills
• An understanding of the employment needs and difficulties of people who experience mental health challenges
• Ability to work independently, reliably, and consistently
• Basic word processing/computing skills
• Excellent time management and organisational skills, Ability to provide vocational assessments and profiling.
• Ability to see solutions rather than problems.
• Ability to work in strength-based ways.
• Ability to work independently of direct supervision, Educated to degree level or equivalent workplace experience.

Working for Central North West London NHS Trust

You will also be part of the Trustwide Employment Services Team which comprises of over 40 people.

• an attractive pension scheme
• a range of staff networks
• travel discounts
• employee assistance programme
• discounts at hundreds of retailers nationwide

This role is an excellent opportunity to start a long-term career within the mental health sector, develop your skills and a gateway to the vast number of opportunities within CNWL. Apply today to become an IPS Employment Specialist and make a real difference!

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