At a Glance
- Tasks: Support clients with mental health needs to secure sustainable employment and improve their wellbeing.
- Company: Shaw Trust, a social purpose organisation promoting inclusiveness and equality.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, enhanced pension, and access to learning opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team with excellent career development and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working towards a fairer society.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting individuals with health conditions and achieving targets.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
Shaw Trust promotes team spirit, inclusiveness and it is an organisation where everybody is somebody. At Shaw Trust we believe everyone has the right to live a decent and dignified life and an opportunity for rewarding work. We are a social purpose organisation challenging inequality and breaking down barriers to enable social mobility. For us being part of the solution is about creating the conditions for this to happen, advocating and delivering services that make a real difference. Working in partnership not competition, we are part of an eco‑system of purpose‑led organisations, striving for a fairer, more equal society centred on opportunity for all.
Purpose
Working with clients in the community, health professionals, service providers and employers, as an IPS Employment Specialist you will be focused on ensuring a person’s journey into employment, with associated improved social inclusion and wellbeing, is as easy as possible. You will work with clients (managing a caseload) who have mental health support needs, to assist them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences. Your role will be to deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (training will be provided); providing person‑centred advice and guidance to clients, while building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment. This is a target‑driven role. These targets are derived from contract obligations of: Starts On Programme, Job Entries, Job Retention, compliance to Fidelity delivery model (IPS).
Essential Qualifications
- Experience/understanding of working with people with health conditions / disabilities, substance misuse needs, or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector (E)
- Experience of working with someone on a one‑to‑one basis (E)
- Proven experience of meeting and exceeding outcomes and targets (E)
- Experience of managing multiple tasks at any one time (E)
- Previous experience of working assertively to influence decision makers (E)
- Experience of supporting people to obtain or keep work (E)
Location
This is a peripheral role working in the community with no/minimal home working. There will be a number of positions across Kent & Medway – delivery areas – Canterbury, Ashford and Swale.
Employee Benefits
- 25 days annual leave per year (plus bank holidays), with incremental increases post 3 years’ service up to 28 days, and the option to purchase additional holiday
- 2 days paid volunteering leave each year
- An enhanced pension scheme after 6 months
- Life Assurance at 3 times your annual salary rate
- Access to a suite of learning and development opportunities including paid for apprenticeship and master’s levels qualifications, and management development programmes
- Opportunities to connect with our employee diversity networks (LGBTQ+ Support Network, Racial Equality Network, Disability Equality Network, Women’s Network, Neurodiversity Peer Support Network, Menopause Peer Support Group, The MANaging Network, The Young Professionals Network and Back to Work Support Group)
- Health and Wellbeing initiatives including internal support, employee assistance programme and health cash plan
Diversity and Inclusion
We are proud to be certified as an employer who meets the National Equality Standard, the accepted standard for inclusiveness in business across the UK. We are Disability Confident Leaders, support the guaranteed interview scheme and use of the government’s Access to Work scheme. We are proud to hold the menopause friendly accreditation, hosting a regular Menopause Peer Support Groups providing a safe space for colleagues share experiences or ask questions. Living our values, we are keen to reflect the diversity of UK society at every level within our organisation. We welcome applications from all sections of the community including from people with lived experience and/or knowledge of disability or social exclusion.
If you have accessibility requirements and/or would like further information about the role, please contact: Resourcing@shaw-trust.org.uk
Shaw Trust reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
IPS Employment Specialist - Connect to Work - Kent in Ashford employer: Shaw Trust
Shaw Trust is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and team spirit, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about social mobility and supporting individuals with mental health needs. With generous benefits such as 25 days of annual leave, enhanced pension schemes, and extensive learning opportunities, employees are empowered to grow both personally and professionally. The organisation's commitment to diversity and well-being, alongside its community-focused approach in Kent & Medway, ensures that every employee feels valued and part of a meaningful mission.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist - Connect to Work - Kent in Ashford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local events, workshops, or even online webinars. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that IPS Employment Specialist role.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You never know when you'll meet someone who could help you land a job. Prepare a short, engaging summary of your experience and what you can bring to the table. Make it memorable!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Employment Specialist - Connect to Work - Kent in Ashford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how much you care about helping others and making a difference in their lives. Share personal experiences or motivations that connect you to the mission of Shaw Trust.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored specifically for the IPS Employment Specialist role. Highlight relevant experience working with clients who have health conditions or disabilities, and showcase any achievements that demonstrate your ability to meet targets. We love seeing how your skills align with our needs!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position and our values right there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shaw Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand Shaw Trust's mission and values. Familiarise yourself with the IPS approach and how it helps clients with mental health support needs. This will show your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to manage a caseload and support individuals into employment. Highlight any experience you have working with diverse client groups or in social services, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Use active listening and engage with their questions. Show that you can build positive relationships, which is key for working with clients and local employers.
✨Be Target-Driven
Since this role is target-driven, be ready to discuss how you've met or exceeded targets in previous positions. Share strategies you used to achieve these outcomes, demonstrating your ability to deliver results while maintaining a person-centred approach.
