Employment Specialist

Job Summary

An exciting new opportunity has arisen to expand the Workways IPS (Individual Placement and Support Supported Employment) team across Devon Partnership NHS trust. Workways are recruiting an Employment Specialist to work in Mid Devon. This will be working with the Core Community Mental Health teams in Crediton and Tiverton. Workways admin base is in Exminster, near Exeter, but day to day work for the post holder will be based within Mental Health teams and in the community of the area of work. The post holder will receive management and clinical supervision from Workways. The post holder will be involved in assisting Workways clients to find and receive support while in paid employment using the evidence-based Individual Placement & Support (IPS) approach. Experience of supporting employers and helping people with a health condition (preferably mental health-related) to find employment are essential to the role.

Please note that applicants requiring a certificate of sponsorship should review the link \”Coming to work in the UK Visa information\” on the advert to see if they meet the requirements as this role does not meet the standard salary threshold for a skilled worker visa.

About Devon Partnership Trust

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people\’s recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do.

Values and Equality

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience – we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trust\’s core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

The postholder works as part of the Workways team in line with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) evidence-based best practice and provides specialised vocational assessment. The postholder will manage a caseload of no more than 20 people (per wte) who are experiencing mental health problems and wish to enter or remain in employment in line with IPS principles.

Communication and Working Relationship Skills

• Be the linked Employment Specialist to one or two mental health teams, in line with IPS fidelity.
• Develop working relationships with a range of other agencies that might best help individuals to achieve their employment goals (e.g., local colleges, training providers, external supported employment services).
• Liaise regularly with mental health services workers, users and carers groups and other health‑related agencies over learning and work issues.
• Establish, maintain and nurture employer contacts with the aim of increasing options for people to find employment. Aim to contact at least one new employer every week.
• Promote the benefits of employing and supporting people with mental health issues to employers.
• Support employers to enable the person using the service to sustain their position, including regular communication and training on managing particular situations.
• Be available on the end of the phone for advice and support to employers and others as required.
• Promote and publicise Workways to learning and work providers and the wider community by giving talks or presentations as agreed with the service manager.
• Be able to sensitively deal with confidential and complex information regarding an individual\’s health and employment history.
• Work closely with the person using the service ensuring appropriate, prompt, proactive and clear communication at all times.
• Respond to requests for general information regarding mental health and employment, following DPT policies.
• Keep the Workways team informed of current work to ensure continuity of work during absences.
• Assist with covering admin and reception duties at times of staff shortages.

Analytical and Judgmental Skills

• Following assessment of a new applicant to the service, offer the most relevant interventions in line with the IPS approach.
• Monitor progress with clinical outcomes of own caseload and report monthly to team lead.

Planning and Organisational Skills

• Ensure effective use of resources within own work.
• Organise and plan own caseload and manage clinical/non‑clinical time effectively.
• Prepare, organise and run training for employers and other learning and work organisations on mental health issues.
• Lead planning and running of recovery courses and groups such as Preparing For Work.
• Work flexibly to meet individuals\’ needs, potentially outside normal office hours.

Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatment and Therapy

• Work in a recovery-focused way at all times.
• Manage caseload of no more than 20 people per WTE.
• Help individuals achieve and retain paid work with proactive engagement.
• Provide IPS vocational assessment and co‑write action plans.
• Monitor and evaluate action plans to measure progress.
• Provide interventions to assist with problem solving, confidence building, work‑related skills.
• Support individuals in the workplace to maximise success.
• Provide ongoing support after employment to sustain positions.
• Maintain professional relationships, confidentiality and boundaries.
• Plan and implement recovery courses or groups on topics such as interview techniques, CV writing, assertiveness.
• Work with those with additional problems such as learning difficulties or physical conditions.

Responsibility for Policy and Service Development Implementation

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the IPS approach.
• Keep Workways informed of current VR issues and evidence-based practices.
• Provide easily accessible written and electronic information on learning and work issues.
• Contribute to the development of local policies and good practice documents.
• Increase employer engagement through recruitment and retention support.
• Network with peers to maintain professional links across the Trust.

Responsibility For Finance, Equipment and Other Resources

• Ensure resources are used safely, efficiently and effectively.
• Handle small amounts of petty cash on occasion.
• Act as a purchase card holder if required.

Responsibility for Human Resources (Supervision, Training, HR Advice)

• Provide informal and ad‑hoc clinical support and supervision to the administration team.
• Supervise students on placement as per service manager agreement.
• Assist with new staff induction.

Responsibility for Information Resources and Administrative Duties

• Maintain accurate statistics, clinical records, training given and outcomes.
• Use IT systems for data entry, e‑mailing, internet and word processing.
• Assist in reviewing administration processes to ensure fit for purpose.

Responsibility for Research and Development

• Participate in reviewing and developing new working practices.
• Participate in staff surveys.
• Conduct clinical audits.

Freedom to Act

• Work under general supervision while making independent decisions on day‑to‑day basis.

Any Other Specific Tasks Required

• Participate in learning opportunities to keep skills up to date.
• Attend monthly supervisory meetings.
• Have yearly personal development and review meetings, plus six‑monthly reviews.

Qualifications

• Degree in Occupational Therapy, Careers Guidance, Vocational Rehabilitation or equivalent.

Desirable: NVQ4 in Advice and Guidance or a Coaching skills qualification.

Experience

Essential:

• Knowledge of the IPS approach to supported employment.
• Knowledge of employment needs and difficulties of people with mental health problems.
• Understanding of mental health conditions and current services.
• Understanding of current research and thinking about vocational rehabilitation services.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills for developing relationships and reporting.
• Persistence and perseverance when engaging with people and employers.
• Recovery focus and commitment to helping people find/retain paid work.
• Problem‑solving and lateral thinking skills.
• Initiative and decisive action when working with employers.
• Reflective practice and critical appraisal of own performance.
• Professionalism, self‑management and punctuality.
• Enthusiasm for vocational rehabilitation and networking skills.
• Ability to work with employers and to be directive and encouraging.
• Non‑judgemental approach to varying needs.
• Physical mobility across geographic area.
• Competent IT skills (Word, Email, Internet, PowerPoint, Excel).
• HPCC registration if qualified as OT; commitment to CPD.

Desirable:

• Supervisory, motivational interviewing, presentation, facilitation, mediation skills.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Knowledge, problem‑solving, communication, professionalism, organisational, competence, mobility, IT, HPCC registration if OT.

Desirable:

• Supervisory, motivational interviewing, presentation, facilitation, mediation skills.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and will require a submission to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly CRB) for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer Details

Devon Partnership NHS Trust
Crediton Hospital
Western Road
Crediton
Devon
EX173NH
Website: https://www.dpt.nhs.uk/

Pay

Band 5: £31,049 to £37,796 a year. Permanent contract, full‑time, res.