At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing barriers to employment and help them secure meaningful job opportunities.
- Company: Join a leading local authority-owned company dedicated to making a real impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous leave, and a range of employee perks.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and community support.
- Why this job: Make a difference in people's lives while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: A Level 3 qualification or equivalent experience; passion for helping others is key.
The predicted salary is between 26116 - 32000 £ per year.
Location: Hybrid/Field-Based (Across West Kent)
Salary: £27,642
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week
At The Education People, we believe that everyone deserves access to meaningful employment, no matter their background. We’re excited to be delivering the Connect to Work programme across Kent, as such, we’re expanding our Supported Employment Service and are looking for a driven and compassionate IPS Employment Specialist to deliver real impact for individuals who face disadvantage in the labour market.
Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you'll manage a dynamic caseload and work closely with employers, partners, and communities to secure job and training opportunities for your participants. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a person-centred environment and wants to create lasting change through high-impact employment support.
Key Responsibilities- Manage a significant caseload, assessing each individual’s strengths, aspirations, and support needs using the IPS model.
- Deliver one-to-one, personalised employment support and signposting to services when needed.
- Engage and build strong relationships with employers, identifying opportunities aligned to your clients’ goals.
- Support individuals to gain, sustain, and progress in employment—offering job coaching, career planning, and in-work support.
- Collaborate across multi-agency settings and maintain strong stakeholder partnerships to enable integrated support.
- Record and report progress against goals and KPIs, keeping accurate, up-to-date records.
- Promote inclusion and safeguard wellbeing in all interactions, ensuring safe work environments through risk assessments.
- A Level 3 qualification (or equivalent experience).
- Ideally some experience delivering support via the IPS or SEQF model.
- A track record supporting people facing barriers to work—such as disabilities, mental health challenges, or social exclusion.
- Strong knowledge of the UK welfare and employment system.
- Experience managing employer relationships and achieving job outcomes.
- Excellent time management, communication, and record-keeping skills.
- Confidence working independently as well as part of a wider support network.
- Salary of £27,642
- 25 days annual leave plus your birthday off
- Life assurance cover at four times salary
- Pension scheme
- Additional benefits including retail and gym discounts, health cash plan and cycle to work scheme
- Volunteer days and access to a comprehensive wellbeing programme
- Tailored learning and development support with real opportunities to progress
CSG is the UK’s largest local authority-owned trading company (LATCO), generating over £700 million in revenue per annum and supporting more than 16,000 education and public sector customers globally. We are growing through a combination of organic development, acquisitions and strategic partnerships. Our 35+ businesses deliver services across education, IT, HR, legal, energy, procurement and more, all focused on delivering meaningful impact.
As a locally owned organisation, we take pride in reinvesting a significant proportion of our profits into frontline services, helping strengthen the communities we serve.
Inclusion & AccessibilityWe are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified people of all backgrounds. As a member of Inclusive Employers with Silver Accreditation, we are actively building an environment that supports inclusion, flexibility and belonging for all colleagues. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.
IPS Employment Specialist employer: Landscapeservices
Landscapeservices is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Aylesford where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will benefit from 25 days of annual leave that increases with service, alongside opportunities for continuous improvement and professional development. Join us to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive culture that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist
✨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 Landscapeservices.
✨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 Landscapeservices!
✨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 Landscapeservices, 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 Landscapeservices 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 IPS Employment Specialist
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 Landscapeservices:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Landscapeservices! 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 Landscapeservices
✨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.
