At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals with health conditions find and sustain meaningful employment.
- Company: Join a pioneering social enterprise dedicated to inclusive growth.
- Benefits: Full-time role with opportunities for personal and professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on continuous learning and support.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by supporting their journey to employment.
- Qualifications: Experience in helping people into work and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Could you help people with health conditions build confidence, overcome barriers and return to meaningful work?
Join The Growth Company as an Employment Specialist in Trafford and deliver personalised IPS support that helps people with mild to moderate health conditions achieve sustainable employment.
- North West
- Full-time
- Job overview
Who we are At the Growth Company, we don’t just respond to change; we shape it.
We are a pioneering social enterprise rooted in Greater Manchester and delivering across the UK.
Founded on the principles of inclusive and sustainable growth, we drive innovation across place promotion and investment, business support, skills and careers, people‑focused services, and insight‑led impact.
Role
The Growth Company’s (GC) Employment, Justice and Health team are seeking an Employment Specialist to join our Individual Placement Support (IPS) team, to increase the number of people moving into employment from specialist community health services.
The IPS Primary Care (IPS PC) service supports individuals with mild to moderate health conditions to find and sustain employment.
We offer personalised, one‑to‑one support, focusing on rapid job search and matching individuals to suitable roles.
We work closely with primary care and local health services to provide joined‑up support, while helping individuals build confidence and manage their health alongside work.
Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of around 24 clients who are motivated to start/return to work.
Working with participants to progress them on their journey towards employment by delivering the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach and overcoming their work, skills health, and personal circumstances barriers to ultimately support participants into sustainable work.
- Develop effective working relationships with a range of external agencies that can help individuals to achieve their employment goals.
This may include local colleges and training providers.
- Partake in continuous learning about disability and mental health conditions, their impact, and how they can be managed and undertake mandatory training as required.
- Meet and support clients to understand their key skills, aspirations, and goals by completing a Vocational Profile and producing an Action Plan to help them obtain and sustain competitive employment.
This includes support with their job search, CV production, application forms, interview techniques, and career development.
- Assess client support needs relating to work which may include benefits/welfare advice, disclosure of mental health symptoms, etc., and provide support and guidance.
- Source job opportunities for clients through tailored job searches and regular contact with local employers to explore hidden as well as advertised employment opportunities.
- Provide education and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating adjustments, return to work strategy, and ongoing contact with the employer to ensure job retention.
- The person
- Experience talking to employers and helping people into work.
- Great communication skills and the ability to build relationships with everyone from the frontline up to CEO level.
- Negotiation skills and commercial acumen.
- Drive, passion, and commitment.
- Proven ability to build rapport with people and especially understanding issues for people with barriers to employment.
Skills Required
- Strong interpersonal, communication, and negotiating skills.
- Ability to work in a target-driven environment, with a focus on the successful achievement of job outcomes and sustained outcomes.
- High-level guidance skills, with the ability to deliver one-to-one and group sessions to at least Grade 2 standard.
- Previous experience working on outreach and lone working.
- Experience in guidance, advice & counselling environments.
- An understanding of working with disabled people, or a similar client group within health, social services, or the voluntary sector is desirable.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Employment Specialist in Trafford employer: IPS Grow
Join the South West London and St George’s Mental Health Trust as an Employment Specialist, where you will be part of a pioneering team dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health challenges in their journey towards meaningful employment. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth and development, offering unique opportunities to engage with local employers and make a tangible impact in the community. With a commitment to inclusivity and recovery, we provide a supportive environment that values your contributions and encourages your career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist in Trafford
✨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 IPS Grow.
✨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 IPS Grow!
✨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 IPS Grow, 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 IPS Grow 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 Trafford
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 IPS Grow:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to IPS Grow! 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 IPS Grow
✨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.
