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- Tasks: Support and coach a team while delivering tailored employment support to individuals.
- Company: Join the largest local authority-owned trading company in the UK, dedicated to transforming lives through meaningful employment.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a culture of progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by helping individuals overcome barriers to employment in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in IPS or SEQF employment support and strong relationship-building skills are essential.
- Other info: Hybrid/field-based role across Kent and Medway with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36233 - 40400 £ per year.
At The Education People, we believe meaningful employment transforms lives and everyone deserves access to it. As we expand our delivery of the Connect to Work programme across Kent and Medway, we’re now recruiting a Senior IPS Employment Specialist to join our growing Supported Employment Service.
This role is ideal for someone with experience delivering IPS or SEQF employment support who has also led or supported a team. You’ll carry a reduced caseload while supporting a team of Employment Specialists, modelling high-quality practice, and maintaining fidelity to the IPS approach. You’ll be responsible for performance coaching, operational support, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, helping the service meet its goals while delivering life-changing support to individuals facing barriers to employment.
Key Responsibilities:- Support and coach Employment Specialists to deliver person-centred IPS support in line with fidelity standards and service KPIs.
- Carry a reduced personal caseload, delivering one-to-one tailored employment support using the IPS model.
- Act as a first point of escalation for day-to-day queries and practice concerns, promoting quality and consistency across the team.
- Monitor service performance through data reporting, case audits, and reflective practice.
- Develop strong employer relationships to identify and create inclusive job opportunities for clients.
- Provide job coaching, in-work support, and guidance tailored to each individual’s strengths and aspirations.
- Facilitate collaborative working with internal and external partners to ensure integrated support.
- Promote safeguarding, risk management, and inclusion across all service delivery.
- Contribute to service development through feedback, innovation, and role modelling of best practice.
- Proven experience delivering employment support using the IPS or SEQF model.
- Experience in a line management, team leader, or mentoring role.
- Strong understanding of barriers to employment faced by people with disabilities, mental health challenges, or social disadvantage.
- Experience supporting individuals into employment or training and achieving measurable outcomes.
- Excellent relationship-building skills with employers and stakeholders.
- Strong communication, organisation, and time management skills.
- Confidence working independently and supporting others in a fast-paced, field-based environment.
- 25 days holiday rising to 30 for long service, plus bank holidays.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- Life assurance cover.
- Access to Kent Rewards.
- A culture of progression and development.
- Flexible working arrangements.
About Commercial Services Group: Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the largest, local authority-owned trading company (LATCO) in the UK, wholly owned by Kent County Council. CSG generates over £800m in revenue per annum and provides services to over 16,000 education and public sector customers globally. CSG is striving to be recognised as the global leader in Education and Public Sector services, currently operating in 86 countries with 1,800 staff across 33 trading brands. Their expertise spans HR Services, IT Services, Energy, Education Resources, Procurement, and more. CSG is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified individuals of all backgrounds. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.
Senior IPS Employment Specialist employer: Commercial Services
Contact Detail:
Commercial Services Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior IPS Employment Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the IPS model and its principles. Understanding how to deliver person-centred support will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees in similar roles. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable during your application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've supported individuals facing barriers to employment. Highlighting measurable outcomes from your past experiences will showcase your effectiveness in this field.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the Connect to Work programme and its impact on the community. Being knowledgeable about the programme will show your genuine interest in the role and the difference you can make.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior IPS Employment Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior IPS Employment Specialist position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application effectively.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience with IPS or SEQF employment support. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully supported individuals into employment, particularly those facing barriers.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Since the role involves supporting a team, make sure to highlight any previous leadership or mentoring experience. Discuss how you've coached others and contributed to a positive team environment.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the values and mission of The Education People. Mention your commitment to promoting inclusion and safeguarding, as these are crucial aspects of the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Commercial Services
✨Showcase Your Experience with IPS
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience delivering IPS or SEQF employment support. Highlight specific examples where you successfully supported individuals facing barriers to employment, as this will demonstrate your understanding of the role.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership Skills
Since the role involves supporting a team of Employment Specialists, share your experiences in line management or mentoring. Talk about how you've coached others and promoted high-quality practice within a team setting.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Abilities
Strong relationship-building skills are crucial for this position. Prepare to discuss how you've developed relationships with employers and stakeholders in the past, and how you can create inclusive job opportunities for clients.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and how you handle day-to-day queries or practice concerns. Think of scenarios where you had to promote quality and consistency across a team, and be ready to share your approach.
