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.
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
- Experience of working with someone on a one‑to‑one basis
- Proven experience of meeting and exceeding outcomes and targets
- Experience of managing multiple tasks at any one time
- Previous experience of working assertively to influence decision makers
- Experience of supporting people to obtain or keep work
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
- Health and Wellbeing initiatives including internal support, employee assistance programme and health cash plan
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 to 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 Canterbury employer: Shaw Trust
Shaw Trust is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and social mobility, making a meaningful impact in the community. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and a supportive work culture, staff are empowered to thrive while helping others secure sustainable employment. Located across Kent & Medway, employees benefit from generous leave, a robust pension scheme, and access to diverse networks that foster personal and professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist - Connect to Work - Kent in Canterbury
✨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 opportunity to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you. By applying directly, you’ll have a better chance of standing out and showing us how you align with our mission at Shaw Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Employment Specialist - Connect to Work - Kent in Canterbury
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your experiences and what makes you passionate about helping others.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application for the IPS Employment Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience with clients who have health conditions or disabilities, and show us how you can make a difference in their journey to employment.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t hold back on sharing your successes! Whether it’s meeting targets or supporting someone into work, we want to know how you've made an impact in your previous roles. Numbers and examples can really help us see your potential!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our values 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 thoughtfully. This reflects the positive relationships you'll need to build with clients and employers in the role.
✨Be Target-Driven
Since this role is target-driven, be prepared to discuss how you've met or exceeded targets in previous positions. Share strategies you used to achieve these outcomes, as it will demonstrate your ability to thrive in a performance-oriented environment.
