At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health needs into sustainable employment and improve their wellbeing.
- Company: Shaw Trust, a leader in inclusive employment services across the UK.
- Benefits: Generous leave, volunteering days, enhanced pension, and funded learning opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building strong community connections.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting individuals with health conditions; training in IPS provided.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
At Shaw Trust, we believe everyone deserves access to good work. We support people who face barriers to employment by providing personalised services that bring together health, skills, and employability support. Our work is impact driven, inclusive and innovative, and focused on creating real, lasting change for individuals, employers, and communities across the UK.
As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will work collaboratively with clients, health professionals, service providers, and employers to support people with mental health needs into sustainable, paid employment that reflects their individual goals and preferences. Your role will focus on making each person's journey into work as accessible and supportive as possible, helping to improve wellbeing, confidence, and social inclusion. You will manage a caseload, providing tailored, person centred advice and guidance, while developing strong relationships with local employers to create meaningful job opportunities. You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (full training provided), supporting clients from first engagement through to job retention.
Key Responsibilities
- Build effective working relationships with clients to understand their individual employment goals, strengths, and support needs
- Deliver the IPS model in line with Fidelity standards, supporting clients through each stage of their employment journey
- Engage proactively with employers to identify and develop suitable job opportunities
- Support clients with job search activities, job starts, in-work support and job retention
- Work collaboratively with health professionals and partner organisations
- Manage a caseload effectively, balancing competing priorities and maintaining accurate records
You Will Have
- Training in, or a willingness to learn, the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (full training provided)
- Experience of working with people who have health conditions, disabilities, substance misuse needs, or similar support needs, in a professional or support focused role
- Experience of supporting people on an individual basis
- Experience of working towards outcomes, performance measures or agreed objectives
- The ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities at the same time
- Confidence in communicating effectively and influencing positive decisions with clients, employers, or partner organisations
- Experience of supporting people to find and/or keep employment
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and lived experience. Transferable skills are valued, and you do not need to have previously worked in IPS or employment services to apply.
Location
This is a community based, peripatetic role with no home working. Employment Specialists will provide support to clients across the following locations: Trowbridge, Warminster, Tidworth, Salisbury, Westbury. Given the location it is desirable that candidates have their own transport.
Employee Benefits
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 28 days with service), with the option to buy additional leave
- 2 days paid volunteering leave each year
- Enhanced pension scheme (after 6 months' service)
- Access to funded learning and development opportunities, including apprenticeships, postgraduate qualifications, and management development
- A range of health and wellbeing support, including an employee assistance programme and health cash plan
- Opportunities to connect with a variety of employee diversity and peer support networks
Join an Inclusive Organisation
Shaw Trust is committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive. We are proud to be a National Equality Standard accredited employer, Disability Confident Leaders, supporting the Guaranteed Interview Scheme and Access to Work, and Menopause Friendly Accredited, with ongoing peer support groups. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, including people with lived experience and/or knowledge of disability or social exclusion.
If you have accessibility requirements or would like further information about the role, please contact (url removed). Shaw Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
IPS Employment Specialist - South Wiltshire in Swindon employer: Shaw Trust
Contact Detail:
Shaw Trust Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist - South Wiltshire in Swindon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in your field. Attend local job fairs, workshops, or community events where you can meet potential employers and other professionals. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! You never know when you’ll bump into someone who could help you land that dream job. Prepare a short, engaging summary of your skills and what you’re looking for, so you can impress them on the spot.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from reaching out directly to companies you admire. Send a friendly email or message on LinkedIn expressing your interest in their work and asking about potential opportunities. It shows initiative and can set you apart from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Utilise our website to apply for roles! We’ve got loads of resources and job listings tailored just for you. Plus, applying through us means you’ll be part of a community that values inclusivity and support, just like Shaw Trust.
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Employment Specialist - South Wiltshire in Swindon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the IPS Employment Specialist role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in supporting individuals with health conditions or disabilities, as this will show us you're a great fit!
Showcase Your Passion: We want to see your enthusiasm for helping others find meaningful employment. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to making a positive impact in people's lives, especially those facing barriers to work.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily understand your qualifications and how they relate to the role. Remember, less is often more!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures that your application gets to the right place and helps us keep track of all candidates efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shaw Trust
✨Know the IPS Model Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. Familiarise yourself with its principles and how it supports individuals with mental health needs. This will show your commitment to the role and help you discuss how you can implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Relationship-Building Skills
Since this role involves working closely with clients and employers, be prepared to share examples of how you've built strong relationships in the past. Think about specific instances where your communication skills made a difference in supporting someone or securing a job opportunity.
✨Demonstrate Your Understanding of Barriers to Employment
Reflect on the barriers that people with health conditions or disabilities face when seeking employment. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these challenges and provide tailored support to help clients overcome them. This shows empathy and a proactive mindset.
✨Prepare Questions for Your Interviewers
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the team dynamics, the types of clients you'll be working with, and how success is measured in this role. This not only demonstrates your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values.