IPS Employment Specialist in Harrogate

Position Overview

We are currently looking for an Individual Placement Support (IPS) Employment Specialist to join our team on a full‑time basis in Harrogate / Northallerton. The role co‑located within specialist drug and alcohol services will work closely with recovery service staff to support a small caseload of service users into employment opportunities. A driving licence would be beneficial but is not essential. The successful candidate will work across Scarborough and surrounding areas, supported with IT equipment and a mobile phone.

Salary: The advertised salary demonstrates the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries allow for progression within the pay band.

Responsibilities

• Build partnerships with employers to identify a sustained pipeline of job opportunities and understand local employer needs in order to bring new employment opportunities for people on our programmes.
• Work with clients (managing a caseload of up to 25) who have substance‑use support needs, assisting them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences.
• Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (training will be provided); provide person‑centred advice and guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.
• Work as part of the Substance‑use treatment team at North Yorkshire Horizons, maintaining positive and integrated relationships, fostering a holistic approach to recovery through employment.
• Actively promote our clients as potential employees and raise awareness of the service.

Qualifications & Skills

• Positive attitude, flexibility, empathy, proactivity, enthusiasm towards challenges and the ability to motivate others.
• Knowledge of drugs, alcohol, working with ex‑offenders, the benefits system or disadvantaged people would be an advantage.
• Experience of managing a caseload.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• A passion for making a difference to peoples' lives.
• A valid driving licence and access to a private vehicle is preferred for required travel across Scarborough.
• Will be provided with IT equipment and a mobile phone to support service‑user engagements across multiple sites.

Benefits

• 27 days' annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
• Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
• Life assurance (3× annual salary)
• Enhanced sick pay and family‑friendly pay
• Birthday leave and the option to buy up to five extra days' annual leave
• Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
• 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
• Recognition and long‑service awards via Way to Go and Aspirations portals
• £500 “Recommend a Friend” bonus
• Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
• Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
• Free will‑writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

Equal Opportunities

We are proud to be an equal‑opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities – especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments to support applicants with disabilities or health conditions. All applicants are welcome and may request assistance during the application process.