At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges into meaningful employment.
- Company: Join a close-knit team dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 40 days holiday, and travel reimbursement.
- Other info: Ongoing training and a supportive team culture await you.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while developing your career.
- Qualifications: No degree needed; practical experience is valued.
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)
- 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 taking place mid–late May. 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).
Careers Advisor (Mental Health) in Winchester employer: Red 5 People
Join a dedicated team in Winchester that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering 40 days of holiday and ongoing training to ensure you thrive in your role as a Careers Advisor. With a strong focus on collaboration and support, you'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals facing mental health challenges while enjoying a flexible work culture that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Advisor (Mental Health) in Winchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture before your interview. Research their values and mission, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you connect better during the conversation.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! Be ready to share your story and how your background in mental health or support work makes you a great fit for the role. Keep it concise but impactful.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to local employers and professionals in the field. Building relationships can lead to hidden job opportunities that aren’t advertised.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and show your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar.
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Advisor (Mental Health) in Winchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the IPS Employment Specialist role. Highlight any experience you have in mental health support, employability, or working with clients in a community setting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about supporting individuals with mental health challenges. Share specific examples of how you've helped others in similar situations, and show us your proactive approach.
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves building relationships with clients and employers, make sure to demonstrate your strong communication skills in your application. 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 for a smoother process. This way, we can ensure your application is reviewed promptly, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our supportive team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Red 5 People
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the IPS model and how it applies to supporting individuals with mental health challenges. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of the role, like managing a caseload and engaging with local employers. This will show your genuine interest and preparedness.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Think about your past experiences that align with the job requirements. Whether it's from employability, welfare work, or customer-facing roles, be ready to share specific examples of how you've supported others in their career journeys. This will help demonstrate your suitability for the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As a Careers Advisor, strong communication is key. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. You might even want to role-play common interview scenarios, such as discussing career plans with clients or engaging with employers. This will help you feel more at ease during the actual interview.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask the interviewers about the team culture, ongoing training, or how success is measured in the role. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
