At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health issues to find and maintain meaningful employment.
- Company: Join Hertfordshire Mind Network, a leader in mental health support and inclusive workplaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health cover, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while promoting mental health awareness.
- Qualifications: Compassionate individuals with strong organisational skills and a passion for helping others.
Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis? Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress? If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.
About the Service
Herts Mind Network is a new delivery partner of Hertfordshire’s ‘Connect To Work’ programme, overseen by Step2Skills, Hertfordshire County Council. The Connect to Work programme has launched in Hertfordshire in August 2025 and is designed to support residents with disabilities, health conditions, or complex barriers into meaningful employment. This UK Government-funded programme is part of a nationwide effort to reduce economic inactivity and promote inclusive workplaces. Connect to Work is a personalised Supported Employment programme that pairs eligible individuals with dedicated Employment Advisors.
About the Role
We are seeking four highly motivated, organised and compassionate Employment Advisors, to deliver the countywide Connect To Work programme in our new Employment workstream. In this highly rewarding role, you will be responsible for supporting individuals experiencing mental health problems, and those facing complex barriers, to secure and sustain meaningful paid employment. This position is part of the Connect to Work programme — a voluntary Supported Employment initiative funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, offering tailored advice and guidance to individuals, while also building strong partnerships with local employers to create opportunities aligned with individuals’ skills and aspirations.
As an Employment Advisor you will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model to meet individuals regularly to understand an individual’s skills, strengths and goals; developing clear action plans; provide practical support; and co-create personalised action plans. The programme provides structured, 1:1 and group based person centred support to build confidence, motivation and resilience, to help individuals work towards clear, work related goals. You will also engage with employers to identify suitable opportunities, arrange interviews, and offer ongoing support to both individuals and employers to promote successful job retention; whilst advocating for individuals to de-stigmatise mental health. You may also work with a small number of individuals who are already in work to sustain and thrive in their employment.
As an Employment Advisor you will be responsible for:
- Delivering effective 1:1 and group person centred employment support to individuals looking for work
- Delivering effective 1:1 and group person centred employment support to individuals looking to continue with work
- Liaising with employers to seek opportunities for individuals
- Accurate and timely record keeping to demonstrate activity and impact
- Ensuring high-quality support is delivered at all times, aligned with HMN values
We offer:
- Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
- An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
- Ongoing training relevant to your role.
- An Employee Assistance Programme.
- Eligibility for blue light card.
- Health cover (after 6 months employment) - compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.
Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role. Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 29th July 2026. Interviews to be held on Wednesday 5th August. N.B. Please quote reference number 350 when completing your application for this role.
Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs. Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.
No agencies please.
Employment Advisor – Connect To Work in Stevenage employer: Mind Hertfordshire Network
Hertfordshire Mind Network is an exceptional employer dedicated to supporting individuals with mental health challenges through its Connect To Work programme. With a strong emphasis on values such as Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises personal growth, ongoing training, and a generous leave policy, including an extra day off for birthdays. Working in one of our Wellbeing Centres in Hertfordshire not only allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community but also offers unique opportunities to collaborate with local employers and advocate for mental health awareness.
Contact Details:
Mind Hertfordshire Network Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Advisor – Connect To Work in Stevenage
✨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 Mind Hertfordshire Network.
✨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 Mind Hertfordshire Network!
✨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 Mind Hertfordshire Network, 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 Mind Hertfordshire Network 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 Advisor – Connect To Work in Stevenage
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 Mind Hertfordshire Network:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Mind Hertfordshire Network! 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 Mind Hertfordshire Network
✨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.
