At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients in finding and maintaining competitive employment while adhering to best practices.
- Company: Join Hestia, a diverse and inclusive organisation making a real difference in people's lives.
- Benefits: Flexible working, commitment to diversity, and opportunities for personal growth.
- Other info: Simple interview process with a focus on values and competencies.
- Why this job: Empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence through meaningful work.
- Qualifications: Experience in mental health support and a passion for helping others succeed.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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 Employment Services in Merton.
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 the needs and experiences of people with mental health conditions, including those who may be disengaged from services, and experience providing effective mental health care and support. You will have a commitment to co-production, ensuring service users are actively involved in shaping services that meet their cultural and individual needs, and experience using feedback mechanisms to drive continuous improvement.
Strong leadership and organisational skills are essential, including experience managing services within budget and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of practice. You will have excellent knowledge of mental health, housing, community care, health and safety, and welfare benefits legislation, with the ability to recognise deteriorating mental health and respond appropriately.
Confident representing the organisation externally, you will be able to deliver presentations, develop promotional materials, and build positive relationships with partners and stakeholders. Strong IT skills are also essential, with the ability to produce accurate reports and support staff to maintain high standards of client record-keeping and data quality.
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 a 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 Norfolk employer: Hestia Housing & Support
At Hestia, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment where every employee can thrive. As an Employment Specialist in Merton, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact by empowering individuals to achieve independence while benefiting from our commitment to professional development and a supportive team culture. We offer a range of employee benefits, including a guaranteed interview scheme for applicants with disabilities, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to contribute to our mission of making a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist in Norfolk
✨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 Hestia Housing & Support.
✨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 Hestia Housing & Support!
✨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 Hestia Housing & Support, 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 Hestia Housing & Support 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 Norfolk
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 Hestia Housing & Support:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Hestia Housing & Support! 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 Hestia Housing & Support
✨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.
