At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with barriers to secure and sustain meaningful employment.
- Company: Join Herts Mind Network, a leader in promoting inclusive workplaces.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health cover, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Drive and access to a vehicle is essential for this role.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building your career.
- Qualifications: Compassionate, organised, and motivated individuals are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 29400 - 29400 £ per year.
Team Lead – Connect To Work (IPS Employment Advice) – Reference: 350, Salary: £29,400 per annum, Hours: 37.5 per week, Contract: Permanent, Working base: One of Hertfordshire Mind Network’s Wellbeing Centres.
About the Service
Herts Mind Network is a new delivery partner of Hertfordshire’s ‘Connect To Work’ programme, overseen by Step2Skills and Hertfordshire County Council.
The programme was launched in August 2025 and is designed to support residents with disabilities, health conditions or complex barriers to secure meaningful employment.
It is UK Government‑funded and part of a nationwide effort to reduce economic inactivity and promote inclusive workplaces.
About the Role
We are seeking four highly motivated, organised and compassionate Employment Advisors to deliver the county‑wide Connect To Work programme in our new Employment workstream.
In this rewarding role you will support individuals experiencing mental health problems or other complex barriers to secure and sustain paid employment.
You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, offering tailored advice and guidance, building strong partnerships with local employers, and supporting individuals and employers to achieve successful job retention.
Responsibilities
- Deliver effective 1:1 and group person‑centred employment support to individuals looking for work.
- Deliver effective 1:1 and group person‑centred employment support to individuals looking to continue with work.
- Liaise with employers to seek suitable opportunities for individuals.
- Maintain accurate and timely record‑keeping to demonstrate activity and impact.
- Ensure high‑quality support is delivered at all times, aligned with HMN values.
Benefits
- Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro‑rate, rising to a maximum of 29 days after 5 years of employment (plus 8 bank holidays).
- One additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of the probation period.
- Ongoing training relevant to the role.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Eligibility for a 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
The closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 29th July 2026. Interviews will be held on Wednesday 5th August 2026.
EEO Statement
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.
We actively recruit staff who have lived experience of mental ill health and our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.
No agencies please.
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IPS Employment Advisor: Help People Start & Sustain 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 IPS Employment Advisor: Help People Start & Sustain 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 IPS Employment Advisor: Help People Start & Sustain 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.
