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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to empower individuals in recovery to find meaningful employment.
- Company: Recovery Connections, dedicated to supporting those overcoming addiction in the North East.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for professional growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by helping others achieve sustainable work and rebuild their lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in employment support and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Join a compassionate team focused on challenging stigma and fostering recovery.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Stockton and Hartlepool | Recovery Connections
Fixed term contract
Lead Change. Empower Recovery.
Join Recovery Connections as a Senior Employment Specialist and help shape the future of supported employment in the North East. You’ll guide a dedicated team, build employer partnerships, and support individuals in recovery to achieve meaningful, sustainable work.
Deadline: 4th January 2026
North East
Full-time
Job overview
Recovery Connections is here for anyone in the North East of England who has experienced drug or alcohol problems, and who wants things to be better. We work to challenge the stigma that surrounds both addiction and the people who’ve been through it. This is support that welcomes and understands. We understand what it’s like and we know what works (as well as what doesn’t). Which is why we place such value on empathy, honesty, and community.
Role
The Senior Employment Specialist will provide employment professional supervision to a team of Employment Specialists and will lead the on-going development of Individual Placement and Support Model within the service(s). The Senior Employment Specialist will also hold a reduced caseload of his or her own, managing a limited caseload of people in drug and alcohol treatment services who wish to return to, or start, paid employment. The people you work with will be worked with for up to 9 months, plus up to 4 months of in-work support.
The employment specialist will be required to build effective working relationships with local employers, training providers and colleges to secure employment and education opportunities for people in community treatment for substance misuse, including ensuring the service is focused on accessing the ‘hidden’ labour market. There is a requirement to provide job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualised to the interests and uniqueness of the people supported, whilst following the evidence-based principles and procedures of IPS supported employment.
Ongoing support will be required according to both the employee and employer’s needs to enable people who have experienced dependency on drugs and/or alcohol retain employment once secured. The employment specialist will be required to develop the day-to-day operational practices of the Employment Specialist Team and the provision of IPS supervision to Employment Specialists based in your locality.
Responsibilities
- To provide leadership and employment professional supervision to Employment Specialists within the team.
- To provide field mentoring to employment staff to enable them to further develop their practice and increase outcomes.
- To liaise with Public Health England, senior practitioners and managers within the service, and the local authority commissioner, around the on-going implementation of the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support Model.
- To work with client key workers and clinical staff, including through case conferencing, to ensure that clients receive appropriate support from everyone involved in their care during the return to work process.
- To lead a local employer engagement strategy to involve employers (including the local authority and partner services), and open-up and secure work experience and paid employment opportunities for people in treatment for drug and/or alcohol dependency.
- To provide advice and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating adjustments and on-going contact with supervisors to ensure job retention.
- To assess individual support needs related to work which might typically include help with benefits, travel to work, managing health and work etc.
- To work flexibly on occasion as required by clients and employers, which may require some working out of normal office hours.
- Promote the profile of employment and working embedded within the team to raise expectations around the ability of clients to attain paid work.
The person
Please download a full job description for person specification.
Senior IPS Employment Specialist employer: IPS Grow
Contact Detail:
IPS Grow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior IPS Employment Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Employment Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in supported employment and your ability to build partnerships. Make sure they see how you can lead change and empower recovery.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t be shy about following up! After interviews or networking events, drop a quick message to thank them for their time and reiterate your interest. It shows you're keen and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got all the latest job openings, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications this way!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior IPS Employment Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Employment Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience in supported employment and how you can lead a team effectively. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Recovery Connections!
Showcase Your Empathy: In your application, let us know about your understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in recovery. Share any personal experiences or insights that demonstrate your empathy and commitment to supporting those in need. This is key for us!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and passion for the role.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the position. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Recovery Connections!
How to prepare for a job interview at IPS Grow
✨Know Your IPS Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how it works, its principles, and how you've applied it in your previous roles. This shows that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Empathy Skills
Since this role involves supporting individuals in recovery, it's crucial to demonstrate your empathy and understanding. Prepare examples of how you've helped others overcome challenges, particularly in employment settings. This will highlight your ability to connect with clients on a personal level.
✨Build Employer Partnerships
Think about how you would engage local employers to create job opportunities for those in recovery. Come prepared with ideas or strategies you've used in the past to build these partnerships. This will show your proactive approach and commitment to helping clients find meaningful work.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making abilities. Practice responding to situations where you need to balance client needs with employer expectations. This will help you demonstrate your critical thinking and adaptability during the interview.