At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with health needs in finding meaningful employment.
- Company: Cranstoun, a compassionate organisation dedicated to changing lives.
- Benefits: Fixed-term contract until April 2028 with a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Join a diverse team focused on innovation and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping others achieve their employment goals.
- Qualifications: Experience in employment support and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 31124 - 38040 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed term contract – April 2028
Positions Available: 1
Location: Sandwell
Job reference number: 1751
At Cranstoun, we are always in search of talented and experienced individuals to join us. An exciting opportunity has arisen to be part of our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) team. Cranstoun provides a range of services for those affected by alcohol and other drugs across the area. Our skilled and compassionate people work closely with service users and their families to change and save lives.
We’re proud of our teams who have a positive attitude, a desire to go the extra mile to make a difference and create a world class service. IPS is an innovative project to help people with health needs back into work.
Do you understand the importance of work and the vital role it can play in the lives of those with health conditions or disabilities? Do you take pride in what you do, and can you think creatively about how different organisations can work together to deliver a better service? Are you happy to talk with employers and help match people into meaningful work?
The roles will deliver supported employment to people in community treatment for substance use, who may be affected by other health conditions or disabilities, using the Individual Placement and Support approach (IPS). The aim is to help people into paid work in a way that respects their preferences and choices.
About you
- We would like you to have experience talking to employers and helping people into work.
- We want great communication skills and the ability to build relationships with everyone from the frontline up to CEO level.
- Negotiation skills and commercial acumen.
- Drive, passion, and commitment.
- Proven ability to build rapport with people and especially understanding issues for people affected by substance misuse or similar conditions.
- Boundless enthusiasm, excellent teamwork, and the ability to work in a target driven environment.
If this sounds like you, then you might be ideal for the Employment Specialist role. Our IPS team aims to increase the number of people moving into employment from specialist community health services.
Applicants must be able to provide satisfactory evidence of their right to work in the UK at the application stage. Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment. The post is subject to an Enhanced DBS Disclosure and relevant barred lists check.
We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work.
IPS Employment Specialist (Sandwell) employer: Cranstoun Group
Cranstoun is an exceptional employer, dedicated to social justice and harm reduction, offering a supportive work environment that values employee growth and development. Located in Sandwell, our team enjoys a collaborative culture focused on making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve, with opportunities for professional advancement within our diverse range of services. Join us in creating positive change while benefiting from a permanent contract and a balanced work-life schedule.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist (Sandwell)
✨Get Involved in Local Community Projects
One of the best ways to land a temporary role in social work is to dive headfirst into local community projects. Volunteer your time or skills at local charities or community centres to not only gain experience but also to connect with professionals in the field. They might just have some insider knowledge on temporary positions that pop up!
✨Engage with Social Work Networks
Join online forums and social media groups specifically for social workers. Platforms like Facebook or LinkedIn have dedicated groups where professionals share temporary job opportunities. Being an active member can help you stay in the loop and even get recommendations from those already in the field.
✨Attend Workshops and Seminars
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences related to social work in your area. These events aren't just great for learning; they're also hotbeds for networking! You never know who might be hiring or can point you towards a temporary position while you're soaking up new skills.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website!
When you spot a role that piques your interest, especially for a temporary position, make sure to apply directly through our website! This not only shows your commitment to Cranstoun Group, but also gives you an edge by putting your application right in front of the hiring team. Let’s get you moving on that path to your next opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Employment Specialist (Sandwell)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let's highlight why you're passionate about social work and how your values align with those of Cranstoun Group. Share specific experiences where you made a difference, as this field thrives on genuine motivation and connection.
Demonstrate Relevant Experience:When listing your experience, focus on any internships, volunteer roles, or temporary positions you've had in social work or related fields. Those skills are gold! Think about situations where you helped individuals or communities, and don't forget to mention any relevant certifications, like safeguarding or mental health first aid.
Keep It Concise and Relevant:Remember, for a temporary role, hiring managers want to see how you fit in and can hit the ground running. Keep your CV clear and to the point, showcasing only the experience that really matters for the role at Cranstoun Group. We recommend a two-page limit – make every word count!
Emphasise Flexibility and Adaptability:Considering this is a temporary position, it's vital to show you can adapt to new environments quickly. In your application, highlight any past experiences where you had to adjust to different teams or roles smoothly. This shows you understand the nature of temporary work and are ready for the challenge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cranstoun Group
✨Sharpen Your Empathy Skills
In social work, it's all about understanding and connecting with people from diverse backgrounds. Make sure to prepare some examples from your experience where you've demonstrated empathy and resilience. Practising active listening techniques can help you articulate your approach during the interview with Cranstoun Group.
✨Know Your Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with key social work theories and frameworks, like the ecological systems theory or person-centred approaches. These concepts might pop up during your interview for the temporary IPS Employment Specialist (Sandwell) role at Cranstoun Group, so it's good to have a couple of insights ready to share.
✨Highlight Flexibility and Adaptability
Since this is a temporary position, showcasing your flexibility is key. Be prepared to discuss past experiences where you quickly adapted to new environments or changing client needs, which is crucial in the dynamic world of social work.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your decision-making skills and ethical judgement. Think about how you would handle specific challenges you might face in the field. Having a clear structure for your answers will show Cranstoun Group that you can think critically and act effectively under pressure.
