At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges to find and maintain meaningful employment.
- Company: Join Rethink Mental Illness, a charity dedicated to empowering people.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary, supportive colleagues, and development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building strong community connections.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting employment and understanding mental health challenges.
The predicted salary is between 13796 - 13796 £ per year.
Make a real difference every day. At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe 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 our East Kent IPS Service covering Thanet, Folkestone, Hythe Romney Marsh, Canterbury, Dover, Deal and Ashford.
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 Part Time (21 Hours) role with a salary of 13,796.24 pro rata. 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 vocational 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 to ensure consistent, recovery‑focused support.
- 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.
What you’ll bring
- 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, including employers, colleagues and service users.
- 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).
- Experience delivering community projects, facilitating training, or developing workshops is desirable but not essential.
Why join us?
Joining Rethink Mental Illness 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.
Community Substance Misuse Specialist employer: Rethink Mental Illness
At Rethink Mental Illness, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of those affected by mental illness. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering regular supervision and development opportunities that empower our employees to shape services and drive positive change in the community. Located in East Kent, this role provides the unique advantage of working closely with diverse individuals and local employers, ensuring that every day is rewarding and filled with purpose.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Substance Misuse Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the mental health and employment sectors. Attend local events, join relevant online groups, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you meet someone new, be ready to share your story and what you bring to the table. Keep it concise but impactful, highlighting your experience in supporting individuals with mental health challenges. This will help you stand out and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your appreciation and keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them why you’re a great fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our mission at Rethink Mental Illness.
We think you need these skills to ace Community Substance Misuse Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Community Substance Misuse Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience in supporting individuals with mental health challenges and how you've helped them overcome barriers to employment.
Showcase Your Empathy:In your written application, let your personality shine through! Share examples of how you've built positive relationships with service users and employers. We want to see your passion for making a difference in people's lives.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language to describe your skills and experiences, ensuring that we can easily see how you meet the requirements of the role. Avoid jargon and keep it relatable!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This way, you’ll ensure it reaches us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll get to explore more about our values and what it’s like to work with us at Rethink Mental Illness!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Employment Specialist and the specific challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues. Familiarise yourself with Rethink Mental Illness's mission and values, as this will help you align your answers with their goals.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, highlight your experience in supporting people through difficult times. Share specific examples of how you've built relationships and helped individuals overcome barriers to employment. This will demonstrate your understanding of the role and your ability to connect with service users.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as advocating for reasonable adjustments or managing unexpected challenges. Think of real-life scenarios from your past experiences and be ready to discuss how you approached them and what the outcomes were.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the organisation. Inquire about the team dynamics, the types of training available, or how success is measured in the position. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the role is the right fit for you.
