At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals secure meaningful employment while providing ongoing support and advocacy.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on transforming lives through employment.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 25 days annual leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them find fulfilling work.
- Qualifications: Experience in employment support and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29000 - 29000 £ per year.
Hours – 37.5 hours per week
Working pattern – Monday to Friday
Salary – £29,000 per annum
Location – Southend & Thurrock
Closing date – 2nd May 2026
Responsibilities
- Deliver supported employment to people in community treatment for substance misuse who may be affected by other health conditions or disabilities, using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach.
- Help people into meaningful paid work while respecting their preferences and choices.
- Engage with employers and build partnerships to provide suitable employment placements.
- Provide ongoing support and advocacy for beneficiaries throughout their employment journey.
- Collate and report on outcomes for all supported placements.
- Maintain confidentiality and comply with legal and organisational policies.
Qualifications
- Knowledge of IPS principles and best practice.
- Experience speaking to employers and supporting individuals to secure employment.
- Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills, capable of interacting with stakeholders at all levels, including CEOs.
- Strong negotiation and commercial acumen.
- Ability to drive and own a private vehicle.
- Proven ability to build rapport with individuals affected by substance misuse or similar conditions.
- High enthusiasm, teamwork and ability to work in a target‑driven environment.
- Strong written, verbal and organisational skills.
Benefits
£29,000 per annum salary. 25 days annual leave plus
IPS Employment Specialist employer: Open Road Visions
Open Road is an exceptional employer dedicated to fostering a positive workplace culture while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in Colchester, we offer a supportive and collaborative environment where HR professionals can thrive, with ample opportunities for professional development and employee wellbeing initiatives. Join us to be part of a values-driven organisation that champions equality, diversity, and inclusion, empowering you to contribute to life-changing services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Open Road Visions.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Open Road Visions.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Open Road Visions.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Open Road Visions. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Employment Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Open Road Visions. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like IPS Employment Specialist, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Open Road Visions
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Open Road Visions. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
