At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges to find and maintain meaningful employment.
- Company: Join a values-driven charity dedicated to improving lives and driving social change.
- Benefits: Flexible working, generous leave, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace that values diversity and encourages applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building strong community relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting employment or overcoming barriers, with an understanding of mental health.
Make a real difference every day and join an organisation that believes that everyone severely affected by mental illness deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life, and having meaningful employment can be a crucial part of that journey.
We’re looking for an IPS Employment Specialist to join the East Kent IPS Service covering Thanet, Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh, Canterbury, Dover, Deal and Ashford.
About the Role
You’ll work one to one with people who want to find or return to paid employment, helping them identify their goals, build confidence, and secure roles that align with their skills and aspirations. This is a rewarding, dynamic role where no two days are the same. You’ll work in the community, meet people where they are, and build strong relationships with employers and local partners to open real opportunities within the hidden labour market.
What you’ll do
- Work alongside individuals to understand their employment goals and create personalised plans.
- Support people to find and keep paid work that reflects their strengths, interests and ambitions.
- Build and maintain relationships with employers, identifying opportunities and advocating for reasonable adjustments where needed.
- Provide in work support to help individuals thrive in their roles.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the IPS team and local services.
- Promote the value of employment in mental health recovery across your allocated East Kent area.
- Maintain effective records, manage referrals, and contribute to the smooth running of the service.
About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience supporting people into employment or helping others overcome barriers to work.
- Understands mental health challenges and has experience in social care, support services or community-based roles.
- Can build positive relationships with a wide range of people.
- Is empathetic, proactive and comfortable working independently across a dispersed geography.
- Is organised, flexible and able to respond calmly to unexpected challenges.
- Has strong awareness of risk management, safeguarding and confidentiality.
- Holds, or is working towards a Level 3 qualification relevant to care, community mental health or social support (or equivalent experience).
Why work here
Joining the team means becoming part of a charity that believes in people’s potential. You’ll receive:
- Regular supervision and access to learning and development.
- Supportive, values-driven colleagues.
- Opportunities to shape services and empower individuals.
- The chance to make a direct, life changing impact.
Ready to make a difference? If you’re passionate about supporting people with mental health challenges to achieve their employment goals, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help create a better future for people living with mental illness in East Kent.
About the Organisation
You will be joining a values-led organisation committed to improving lives and driving meaningful social change. The team works collaboratively to influence public attitudes, shape policy and ensure that important issues remain high on the national agenda.
Benefits include:
- Inclusive Culture: Join staff networks that champion diversity and inclusion.
- Wellbeing Support.
- Recognition & Rewards.
- Flexible Working & Generous Leave: Starting at 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and your birthday off), with options to buy or sell extra days.
- Learning & Development: Grow your career with structured onboarding and training opportunities.
- Financial & Family Support: Contributory pension scheme, enhanced family leave, and travel benefits like season ticket loans and cycle-to-work schemes.
- Referral Bonus: Earn up to £300 for introducing someone to our team.
We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter. The charity is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to thrive. Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of mental ill health, people who are LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, disabled or living with a long-term health condition, and people from ethnically diverse communities.
Employment Specialist in Canterbury employer: Rethink Mental Illness
At Rethink Mental Illness, we pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment where every employee can thrive. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our comprehensive benefits package, including access to a Wellbeing Hub, flexible working arrangements, and generous leave policies. With a strong focus on professional development and a culture that values diversity, we empower our team members to make a meaningful impact in the lives of those they serve within the North East Prisons.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist in Canterbury
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Rethink Mental Illness, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Rethink Mental Illness. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Rethink Mental Illness's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Rethink Mental Illness. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Rethink Mental Illness.
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Rethink Mental Illness.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Employment Specialist at Rethink Mental Illness.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Rethink Mental Illness that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Employment Specialist role.
