At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals overcome barriers and secure meaningful employment in mental health support.
- Company: Southdown Housing Association, a leading provider of housing and care in Sussex.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, health cashback scheme, interest-free loans, and professional training.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by supporting their journey to employment.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and understanding of mental health employment challenges.
The predicted salary is between 23900 - 31600 € per year.
Hastings | Southdown Housing Association
Permanent contract
Are you passionate about helping people overcome barriers and find meaningful work that transforms their lives?
Deadline: 16th March 2026
South East
Full-time
Job overview
Location: Hastings base, covering Hastings and Bexhill
Base Salary: £27,942 per year
Technical Premium*: 5% additional to salary of £1,397 per year (based on base salary) effective from 1 April 2026 – reviewed annually.
*The technical premium is paid in addition to the base salary in recognition of the external benchmarking for the role. Conditions apply.
Essential Car User Allowance: £1,000 per year
Role
What you’ll be doing:
Southdown’s Work & Wellbeing Service helps people accessing treatment for mental health support, back into employment. As an Employment Specialist, you’ll be working in partnership with Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust and co-located within the Neighbourhood Mental Health Team, with some remote and community-based working.
Working as part of the Secondary Mental Health Care team, you’ll support clients in treatment for varied mental health issues, assisting them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences. You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model; providing person centred guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.
Do you understand the importance of work and the vital role it can play in the lives of those with mental health conditions?
We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience such as Employability Practitioner, Employment Specialist, Recruiter, Employment Advisor, Employment Support Officer, Career Specialist or Job Coach. Or you may be looking for a new challenge and believe you have the transferable skills to support individuals to fulfil their employment goals.
Perks and benefits:
- Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
- Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
- Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
- Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
- Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
Responsibilities
What you’ll need for the role:
- You will need exceptional communication skills, be reactive to the differing needs of the client and be able to adapt your approach as appropriate.
- An understanding of the employment needs and challenges for people experiencing mental health issues.
- Knowledge of the principles of co-production and a personalised care approach.
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown.
- A full driving licence is essential along with access to your own vehicle or a vehicle insured for you.
What would be nice:
- Experience supporting clients experiencing mental health challenges, including those in crisis and/or facing complex challenges.
Training:
Our award winning in house training team will help you to gain valuable qualifications, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.
How to apply:
Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form.
Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Employment Specialist in Hastings employer: IPS Grow
Southdown Housing Association is an exceptional employer dedicated to transforming lives through meaningful work. Located in Hastings, our supportive work culture fosters professional growth and offers unique benefits such as a health cost cash-back scheme, interest-free loans, and access to the Easit Network for travel discounts. Join us in making a difference while enjoying a fulfilling career in the mental health sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist in Hastings
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you get the chance to meet potential employers, be ready to share your story and how your skills align with their needs. Keep it concise and engaging – you want to leave a lasting impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Research the company culture! Before any interview or networking event, dive into what makes the organisation tick. This will help you tailor your conversations and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist in Hastings
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:Make sure to express your passion for helping people in your application. We want to see that you genuinely care about supporting individuals with mental health challenges and helping them find meaningful work.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! Take the time to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the Employment Specialist role. We love seeing how you connect your background to our mission.
Be Clear and Concise:When filling out the application form, keep your answers clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Early:Don’t wait until the last minute to apply! We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible, as positions can close early if we receive a lot of applications. Head over to our website and get started!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPS Grow
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of an Employment Specialist and the IPS model. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues in the job market. This knowledge will help you answer questions confidently and show your passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As communication is key in this role, prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients or employers in the past. Think about times when you adapted your approach to meet different needs – this will demonstrate your flexibility and understanding.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the support provided to clients, and how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the company is the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
Authenticity goes a long way. Be honest about your experiences and how they relate to the role. Share your passion for helping others and your understanding of the importance of work in transforming lives. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
