At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges into meaningful employment.
- Company: Join a close-knit team dedicated to high-quality IPS services in Winchester.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 40 days holiday, mileage reimbursement, and ongoing training.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive culture with clear impact on clients' recovery journeys.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Proactive, resilient, and strong communication skills; no degree required.
The predicted salary is between 29343 - 29343 £ per year.
We’re recruiting for an IPS Employment Specialist to join a supportive, close-knit team delivering high-quality Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services across Winchester. This is a community-based role, working directly with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, supporting them into sustainable, meaningful employment as part of their recovery journey. You’ll be embedded within clinical teams, working collaboratively with healthcare professionals while also building strong relationships with local employers.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Managing a caseload of around 20 clients, providing tailored, person-centred employment support
- Meeting clients face-to-face in the community to develop career plans, CVs, and job search strategies
- Actively engaging with local employers to identify opportunities (including hidden jobs)
- Supporting clients with interviews, applications, and in-work support
- Providing guidance around benefits, disclosure, and workplace adjustments
- Attending clinical meetings and contributing to a holistic recovery approach
- Maintaining accurate records using IPS systems and contributing to performance targets
What a Typical Week Looks Like
- Around 3 client meetings per day
- Minimum 6 face-to-face engagements per week (clients or employers)
- Fridays: Team meetings, planning, and admin time (no client appointments)
- Regular shadowing, mentoring, and ongoing training provided
What We’re Looking For
This role suits someone who is:
- Proactive and self-driven – able to take initiative rather than wait for direction
- Resilient and adaptable – comfortable working in a fast-paced, target-driven environment
- A strong communicator who can build relationships with both clients and employers
- Comfortable with outreach and employer engagement (calls, visits, networking)
- A team player who enjoys working collaboratively
Backgrounds That Work Well
You don’t need a degree — in fact, practical experience is often more valuable. We’re particularly interested in candidates from:
- Employability / Welfare to Work
- Mental Health or Support Work
- Recruitment or Sales
- Retail or Customer-Facing Roles
- Teaching Assistants or similar support roles
Essential Requirements
- Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (travel reimbursed at 45p per mile)
- Ability to travel across the Winchester area
- Strong organisational and admin skills
- Genuine interest in supporting people with mental health needs into employment
What’s On Offer
- Salary: £29,343
- 40 days holiday (including bank holidays) after 1 year.
- Mileage paid at 45p per mile
- Ongoing training, mentoring, and career development
- Supportive team culture with regular supervision and collaboration
The Bigger Picture
You’ll be working to a high-fidelity IPS model, where success is measured by real outcomes — helping people move into competitive, paid employment. The team works towards achieving 40% of clients entering employment, making this a rewarding role where your impact is clear and meaningful.
Recruitment Process
Interviews are ASAP. If you want a role where you can make a genuine difference, work in a supportive team, and take ownership of your caseload — this could be a great fit. Please apply via this advert – we aim to respond to everyone. If you haven’t heard back within 72 hours, please complete the “Send Us A Message” form on the Contact Us page of the Red 5 People website, and we guarantee a real person will respond. For more details about the role, please call the office and ask for Lawrence (number available on the Red 5 People website).
Psychology Graduates in Hampshire employer: Red 5 People Ltd
Join a dedicated team as an IPS Employment Specialist in Winchester, where you'll have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges. With a strong focus on employee growth through ongoing training and mentoring, coupled with a supportive work culture that values collaboration and community engagement, this role offers a fulfilling career path. Enjoy generous benefits including 40 days of holiday after your first year and mileage reimbursement, all while working towards meaningful outcomes in a high-fidelity IPS model.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Psychology Graduates in Hampshire
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Reach out to people in the mental health and employment sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential employers and other professionals. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Before any interviews, do some mock sessions with friends or family. Focus on articulating how your skills align with the role of an IPS Employment Specialist. The more comfortable you are talking about your experience, the better you'll perform!
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion! When you meet potential employers, share your genuine interest in supporting individuals with mental health challenges. Let them know why this role matters to you and how you can contribute to their team’s success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After interviews or networking events, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great way to reiterate your enthusiasm for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace Psychology Graduates in Hampshire
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the IPS Employment Specialist role. Highlight any relevant experience in mental health support, employability, or customer-facing roles to show us you’re a great fit!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about supporting individuals with mental health challenges and how your background makes you the perfect candidate for this role.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves building relationships with clients and employers, make sure your application demonstrates your strong communication skills. Use clear, concise language and provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with others in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Red 5 People Ltd
✨Know Your IPS Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you understand the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. Familiarise yourself with how it works and be ready to discuss how you can apply it in your role. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in the methodology behind it.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Psychology Graduate, you'll need to demonstrate strong communication skills. Prepare examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients or colleagues in the past. Think about times when you built relationships or resolved conflicts, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would handle specific situations, like supporting a client who is struggling with their job search. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process and show your problem-solving abilities.
✨Engage with Local Employers
Since the role involves engaging with local employers, do some research on businesses in the Winchester area. Be prepared to discuss how you would approach them and what strategies you might use to identify job opportunities for your clients. This proactive approach will impress the interviewers.
