At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with Serious Mental Illness to find and thrive in meaningful jobs.
- Company: Join Mid and North East Essex Mind, a champion for mental health and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 36 days holiday, flexible working, and a competitive pension.
- Other info: Part-time options available; we value diversity and welcome all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by empowering others and promoting workplace inclusivity.
- Qualifications: No specific qualifications required; passion for helping others is key.
The predicted salary is between 24600 - 37500 £ per year.
We are seeking a passionate Employment Specialist to support people with serious mental illness into meaningful, sustainable employment.
Salary: £30,900 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: Base Colchester with travel around the Tendring area
About the role
As an IPS Employment Specialist, you’ll play a vital role in helping individuals with Serious Mental Illness (SMI) find, secure, and retain meaningful employment. Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you’ll deliver person‑centred support and work collaboratively with employers, health professionals, and community partners.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting participants from initial engagement through to sustained employment
- Developing tailored, strengths‑based employment action plans
- Building relationships with local employers and identifying job opportunities (including hidden vacancies)
- Working in partnership with mental health services to integrate employment into recovery
- Providing in‑work support, coaching, workplace adjustments and advocacy
- Promoting rapid job search in line with IPS principles
- Developing strong links with job centres, charities and community organisations
- Recording outcomes, tracking progress and contributing to service performance targets
- Spending significant time in the community engaging with participants and partners
About you
You will be a motivated and compassionate professional with experience supporting adults with complex mental health needs. You’ll bring excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to build trust with a wide range of stakeholders.
You will also have:
- Experience of partnership working and multidisciplinary collaboration
- Knowledge of mental health, safeguarding, and relevant legislation
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Confidence using Microsoft Office 365
- The ability to work flexibly and independently in the community
- A full UK driving licence and access to transport (or ability to travel independently)
A qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance (Level 3) or willingness to work towards this is advantageous.
About the organisation
Mid and North East Essex Mind is committed to ensuring everyone has the opportunity to build a brighter future. We deliver inclusive, high‑quality services that support people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Our values underpin everything we do: listening, co‑producing services, building trust, embracing inclusion, encouraging innovation, and fostering a supportive environment for both service users and staff.
Other roles you may have experience of could include:
Employment Advisor, Job Coach, Vocational Specialist, Recovery Worker, Mental Health Support Worker, Careers Advisor, Employment Consultant, IPS Practitioner
We offer our staff a range of health, wellbeing, lifestyle and financial benefits to ensure that we fully support our employees. This includes: 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time); competitive pension; recruitment referrals, training and development, flexible/agile working; annual wellbeing day; expert supervision and peer support, an extended lunch break each week; onsite parking at most locations; company sick pay based on length of service and a charity worker discount scheme.
We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workforce, collaborating with our communities and partners to drive innovation and better decision‑making. We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds to ensure we better represent our communities.
Join us in creating an environment where everyone feels supported, respected, and valued. Let’s build a community that thrives on inclusivity and mutual respect.
IPS Employment Specialist in Colchester employer: Mid and North East Essex Mind
Mid and North East Essex Mind is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a supportive and inclusive work environment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring that our team members can thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Colchester, our collaborative culture encourages innovation and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about helping others achieve sustainable employment.
Contact Details:
Mid and North East Essex Mind Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist in Colchester
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the IPS model and its principles. Understanding how Individual Placement and Support works will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting individuals with Serious Mental Illness.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the mental health and employment sectors. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to connect with others who share your passion for helping people find meaningful work, which can lead to valuable insights and potential referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Mid and North East Essex Mind thoroughly. Understand their mission, values, and the specific challenges they address. Tailoring your conversations and questions during the interview to reflect this knowledge can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss real-life examples of how you've supported individuals in overcoming barriers to employment. Sharing personal stories or case studies can illustrate your skills and dedication to the role, making a strong impression on the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Employment Specialist in Colchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Read the job description carefully to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the IPS Employment Specialist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their mission of supporting individuals with Serious Mental Illness.
Craft a Compelling CV:Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in employment support or mental health services. Use bullet points for clarity and focus on achievements that demonstrate your ability to empower others and create inclusive workplaces.
Write a Strong Cover Letter:In your cover letter, express your passion for the role and the organisation's mission. Provide specific examples of how you have previously supported individuals in achieving their employment goals, and mention any relevant training or qualifications you possess.
Proofread Your Application:Before submitting, take the time to proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Mid and North East Essex Mind
✨Understand the IPS Model
Familiarise yourself with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. Be prepared to discuss how you can apply this model to help individuals with Serious Mental Illness find meaningful employment.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Demonstrate your ability to empathise with people facing mental health challenges. Share examples from your past experiences where you've supported individuals in overcoming barriers to employment.
✨Research the Organisation
Learn about Mid and North East Essex Mind, their mission, values, and the communities they serve. This will help you align your answers with their goals and show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Prepare Questions
Have thoughtful questions ready for the interviewers. Inquire about their approach to inclusivity and how they support their employees' wellbeing, which reflects your commitment to creating a supportive work environment.
