At a Glance
- Tasks: Help clients with mental health needs secure sustainable employment and improve their wellbeing.
- Company: Community-focused organisation dedicated to supporting individuals on their employment journey.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Empower others while building relationships with local employers and enhancing community inclusion.
- Qualifications: Experience with mental health support and strong interpersonal skills required.
The predicted salary is between 29556 - 35413 € per year.
Position: Employment Specialist
Location: Basingstoke
Salary: £29,556 - £35,413
Type: Permanent
This role will be covering Basingstoke and is community based working and site based work in clinical settings. Working with clients, health professionals, service providers and employers, IPS Employment Specialists are focused on making sure a person's journey into employment, with associated improved social inclusion and wellbeing is as easy as possible. You will work with clients (managing a caseload) who have mental health support needs, to assist them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences.
Your role will be to deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (for which training will be given); providing person centred advice and guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.
The Role
You will work with people on their individual employment journey from vocational profiling to the point where they no longer require face to face in work support. The six key stages on a typical journey are: outreach/referral; vocational profiling; action planning; job search activities (including working on a one to one basis with employers to match people with appropriate employment); job placement and coordinating support whilst in employment; managing withdrawal of support as the in work support is no longer required.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of around 20 clients who have mental health support needs who are motivated to start/return to work.
- Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach for which training will be given.
- Meet and support clients to understand their key skills, aspirations and goals through completing a Vocational Profile and produce 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's support needs related to work which may include benefits/welfare advice, disclosure of mental health symptoms etc., and provide support & guidance.
- Attend weekly clinical team meetings as an embedded IPS practitioner.
- Source job opportunities for clients through tailored job search 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 on-going contact with the employer to ensure job retention.
- Build relationships with colleagues in clinical teams to engage and generate referrals and create collaborative working partnerships with clinical staff (promoting employment as a positive intervention in the recovery journey).
- Once employment has been secured continue to provide quality service through conducting regular visits, effective monitoring and in-work support to clients and employers to help sustain employment.
- Spend time getting to know local employers, in order to negotiate job opportunities that meet each individual's strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.
- To challenge inequalities experienced by clients and address existing discrimination, whilst ensuring a process of learning for the organisation.
- Work with employers to promote the service, identify job opportunities and ensure appropriate strategies are in place to reduce barriers in the workplace – this can include exploring 'job carving' i.e. carving small slices of work from the duties other staff do not have time to do.
Required Skills and Experience
- Experience/understanding of working with people with mental health support needs, or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector.
- Experience of working with someone on a one-to-one basis.
- Proven experience of meeting and exceeding outcomes and targets.
- Experience of managing multiple tasks at any one time.
- Previous experience of working assertively to influence decision makers.
- Experience of supporting people to obtain or keep work.
- Experience of working within mental health services.
- Previous experience of delivering a service using the IPS model.
Employment Specialist in Basingstoke employer: LinkedIn
As an Employment Specialist in Basingstoke, you will join a supportive and dynamic team dedicated to empowering individuals with mental health support needs to achieve sustainable employment. Our organisation fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises personal growth and professional development, offering comprehensive training in the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach. With a focus on community engagement and strong relationships with local employers, we provide a meaningful opportunity to make a positive impact on clients' lives while enjoying a fulfilling career in a vibrant location.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist in Basingstoke
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the local employers in your area! We should spend time building relationships with them, as this can open doors for our clients. The more we understand their needs, the better we can match our clients to suitable job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Networking is key! Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential employers and other professionals in the field. We can share insights and create connections that might lead to job placements for our clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of a good follow-up! After meeting with employers or clients, we should always check in. This shows our commitment and keeps us on their radar when new opportunities arise.
✨Tip Number 4
Encourage clients to be proactive in their job search! We can help them develop their own strategies and confidence to reach out to employers directly. Plus, applying through our website can streamline the process and keep everything organised.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist in Basingstoke
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Employment Specialist role. Highlight your experience with mental health support needs and any relevant skills that align with the IPS approach. We want to see how you can make a difference!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about helping clients secure employment and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Experience:In your application, be sure to showcase any previous experience working one-on-one with clients or in mental health services. We love seeing how you've made an impact in similar roles, so don’t hold back!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Let’s get started on this journey together!
How to prepare for a job interview at LinkedIn
✨Know the IPS Approach Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its key stages and how it benefits clients with mental health support needs. This will show your potential employer that you're not just interested in the role, but that you’re also committed to the approach they value.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role involves working closely with clients and local employers, be prepared to discuss your experience in building positive relationships. Think of specific examples where you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve a common goal, especially in a community or clinical setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as supporting a client with mental health challenges or negotiating job opportunities with employers. Practise your responses to these scenarios, focusing on your problem-solving skills and empathy.
✨Demonstrate Your Passion for Employment Support
Let your enthusiasm for helping others find sustainable employment shine through. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to improving social inclusion and wellbeing for individuals with mental health support needs. This will resonate well with the interviewers.
