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- Tasks: Help clients with mental health needs secure sustainable employment and improve their wellbeing.
- Company: Dynamic organisation focused on social inclusion and client support.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, enhanced pension, and paid volunteering leave.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by supporting their journey to employment.
- Qualifications: Experience working with health conditions and proven success in achieving targets.
- Other info: Join diverse networks and access extensive learning opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 £ per year.
Working with clients, health professionals, service providers and employers, as a Supported Employment or IPS Employment Specialist you will be focused on making sure 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) or Supported Employment approach (for which training will be given); providing person-centred advice and guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment. This is a performance-focused role, with clear targets aligned to our contractual commitments. These include supporting participants to enrol on the programme, enter employment and sustain their new/existing job role, as well as adhering to the Individual Placement and Supported Employment Models.
The IPS delivery model you will be expected to deliver is underpinned by 8 key principles and 25 items under the Fidelity Scale. The six key stages on a typical journey are: outreach/referral; vocational profiling; action planning; job search activities (including working on a one-to-one basis with employers to match people with appropriate employment); job placement, job coaching and coordinating ongoing support whilst in employment.
Contract specific details:
Areas of Delivery: Sandwell, Dudley, Wolverhampton & Walsall
Essential: You will have:
- Experience of working with people with health conditions/disabilities, substance misuse needs, or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector.
- Some knowledge of IPS or Supported Employment principles.
- Experience of working with someone on a one-to-one basis.
- Proven experience of meeting and exceeding outcomes and targets.
- Experience of supporting people to obtain or keep work.
Location: Peripatetic worker - community based - minimal/no home working.
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 masters’ 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.
Connect to Work IPS Employment Specialist - West Midlands employer: Shaw Trust
Contact Detail:
Shaw Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Connect to Work IPS Employment Specialist - West Midlands
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend local job fairs, workshops, or community events where you can meet potential employers and other professionals. Remember, it’s all about building those relationships!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You never know when you’ll bump into someone who could help you land that job. Prepare a short, engaging introduction about yourself and what you’re looking for. Keep it casual but professional – you want to make a great first impression!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply online; follow up! After submitting your application through our website, drop an email or give a call to express your enthusiasm. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar. Plus, it’s a great way to ask any questions you might have!
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared for interviews! Research the company and the role thoroughly. Think about how your experience aligns with the IPS principles and be ready to share specific examples. Confidence is key, so practice answering common interview questions with a friend!
We think you need these skills to ace Connect to Work IPS Employment Specialist - West Midlands
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 with clients who have health conditions or disabilities, and show how you can help them secure sustainable employment.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your one-to-one support experience and any achievements in meeting targets. We want to see how you've made a difference in people's lives, so share specific examples!
Understand IPS Principles: Familiarise yourself with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. Even if you haven't worked directly with it before, showing that you understand its principles will set you apart from other candidates.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and we can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shaw Trust
✨Know Your IPS Principles
Familiarise yourself with the 8 key principles of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. Being able to discuss these principles confidently will show your understanding of the role and how you can apply them in practice.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've successfully supported individuals with health conditions or disabilities. Highlight how you helped them secure or maintain employment, as this will demonstrate your capability to meet the job's requirements.
✨Build Rapport with Employers
Think about how you would approach local employers to create positive relationships. Be ready to discuss strategies for matching clients with suitable job opportunities, as this is a crucial part of the role.
✨Prepare for Performance Metrics
Understand the performance-focused nature of the role. Be prepared to discuss how you have met or exceeded targets in previous positions, as this will illustrate your ability to thrive in a results-driven environment.
