At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients in finding and sustaining employment while adhering to best practices.
- Company: Join Hestia, a diverse and inclusive organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Empower individuals, develop your skills, and enjoy a supportive work environment.
- Other info: We value diversity and offer guaranteed interviews for applicants with disabilities.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on people's lives and help them achieve independence.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health support and strong communication skills are essential.
We are Hestia. We make a difference. At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for an Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Employability Services in Merton.
Sounds great, what will I be doing?
You will support a caseload of 20 – 25 clients to find competitive and sustained employment. Around 20% of referrals will be to assist clients to remain in work if struggling, or return to work, if off sick. Employment Specialists will follow the 8 principles of IPS, adhere to the IPS Fidelity Scale and achieve monthly targets and KPIs with the required administration and compliance.
What do I need to bring with me?
You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.
You will bring a strong understanding of mental health and employment support, including experience helping individuals with mental health conditions or other barriers to find, return to, and sustain employment. You will have knowledge of employment models such as IPS and a commitment to recovery-focused, person-centred practice. With excellent communication and interpersonal skills, you will confidently engage with clients, stakeholders, and partners, building effective relationships and delivering creative, solution-focused support. You will be highly organised, able to manage your time, prioritise tasks, and work to deadlines in an outcome-driven environment.
You will demonstrate a positive, professional, and self-motivated approach, with a genuine belief in the value of employment in improving wellbeing and independence. Strong assessment, action planning, and record-keeping skills are essential, alongside proficiency in Microsoft Office and database systems. You will also be empathetic, resilient, and committed to equality, diversity, and continuous personal and professional development.
Interview Steps
We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.
- Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
- Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.
Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.
We are a disability confident employer
Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.
Safeguarding Statement
Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.
Important Information for Candidates
If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed. We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.
Employment Specialist in Merton employer: Hestia Housing and Support
At Hestia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment in Merton. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our supportive culture, where you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on individuals' lives while receiving ongoing training and development. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and empowers you to thrive both personally and professionally.
Contact Details:
Hestia Housing and Support Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist in Merton
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know Hestia and its mission! Research their values and the work they do. This will help you connect your experiences with what they stand for during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since you'll be engaging with clients and stakeholders, role-play common interview questions with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your lived experience! If you've faced challenges similar to those of the clients you'll support, don’t hesitate to share how that shapes your approach to helping others.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Hestia.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist in Merton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for helping others shine through. We want to see your genuine interest in supporting individuals on their journey to employment.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to mention any experience you have with mental health support or employment services. We love seeing how your background aligns with our mission and values!
Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to share your lived experiences if they relate to the role. We value authenticity and believe it can make a real difference in connecting with clients.
Keep It Organised:Structure your application clearly and concisely. We appreciate well-organised submissions that make it easy for us to see your skills and qualifications at a glance.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hestia Housing and Support
✨Know Your Values
Before the interview, take some time to understand Hestia's core values and mission. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, especially around equity, diversity, and inclusion. This will show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've helped individuals with mental health conditions or barriers to employment. Highlight your understanding of the IPS model and how you've applied it in real situations. This will demonstrate your practical knowledge and commitment to recovery-focused support.
✨Engage with Empathy
During the interview, focus on building rapport with the hiring manager. Use active listening skills and respond thoughtfully to their questions. Show your empathetic side by discussing how you’ve supported clients in challenging situations, which is crucial for an Employment Specialist.
✨Be Organised and Prepared
Make sure you have all necessary documents ready, including your CV and any relevant certifications. Prepare questions about the role and the team to show your interest. Being organised will reflect your ability to manage a caseload effectively, which is key for this position.
