At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges to find meaningful employment and achieve their goals.
- Company: Join Rethink Mental Illness, a charity dedicated to empowering people with mental health issues.
- Benefits: Part-time role with competitive salary, regular supervision, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with no two days the same, offering a chance to shape services.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building strong community relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting employment or social care, with empathy and strong relationship-building skills.
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
- Experience supporting people into employment or helping others overcome barriers to work.
- Understanding of mental health challenges and experience in social care, support services or community-based roles.
- Ability to build positive relationships with a wide range of people, including employers, colleagues and service users.
- Empathy, proactivity and comfort working independently across a dispersed geography.
- Organisational skills, flexibility and ability to respond calmly to unexpected challenges.
- 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.
IPS Employment Specialist in England 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 and values-driven work culture fosters personal and professional growth, offering regular supervision and development opportunities while empowering our employees to shape services that truly matter. Join us in East Kent, where you can enjoy a dynamic role that not only enhances your career but also allows you to contribute to the community in a profound way.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist in England
✨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 groups on social media, 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 can bring to the table as an IPS Employment Specialist. Keep it concise but impactful — highlight your experience and passion for helping others find meaningful work.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply — engage! When you find a role that excites you, reach out to the hiring manager or team. Ask insightful questions about the position and express your enthusiasm for the work they do. This shows initiative and can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Leverage our website! We’ve got loads of resources and job listings tailored for roles like the IPS Employment Specialist. Make sure to check back regularly and apply directly through us to streamline your application process and increase your chances of landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Employment Specialist in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the IPS Employment Specialist role. Highlight your experience in supporting individuals with mental health challenges and how you've helped them achieve their employment goals.
Showcase Your Empathy:In your application, let us see your empathetic side! Share examples of how you've built positive relationships with service users or colleagues, as this is key to the role.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language to describe your skills and experiences, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the team.
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 us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Rethink Mental Illness
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Rethink Mental Illness's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with the IPS model and how it supports individuals with mental health challenges in finding employment. This will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
As an IPS Employment Specialist, empathy is key. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've supported someone through a challenging situation or helped them achieve their goals. This will demonstrate your ability to connect with service users and understand their needs.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you would approach building relationships with employers and local partners. Be ready to discuss strategies you've used in the past to advocate for individuals and create opportunities. Highlighting your networking skills can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Be Ready for Scenarios
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle unexpected challenges. Practice responding to potential situations you might face in the role, such as managing a difficult conversation with an employer or supporting a service user who is struggling at work.
