At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals with health needs to find meaningful employment and build inclusive workplaces.
- Company: Shaw Trust, a social purpose organisation dedicated to challenging inequality.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, paid volunteering days, enhanced pension, and funded qualifications.
- Other info: Join a supportive team focused on social mobility and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through work and inclusion.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others, excellent communication skills, and experience with health needs.
The predicted salary is between 24300 - 29700 £ per year.
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.
Are you passionate about helping people with mental and/or physical health support needs find meaningful, sustainable employment? Do you want to be part of a service that transforms lives through work, inclusion, and wellbeing?
We're looking for enthusiastic and driven IPS Employment Specialists to join our team - subject to the successful award of new contract in Wakefield and across West Yorkshire.
About the Role
As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will support individuals seeking work and the employers who need their talents. You'll manage a caseload of clients, providing tailored, one-to-one support to help them find, and keep, jobs that align with their individual goals and aspirations.
You'll work closely with:
- Clients, to understand their strengths and ambitions
- Health professionals and service providers, to ensure holistic support
- Employers, to build inclusive workplaces and create job opportunities
This is a performance-focused role, with clear targets around referrals, job starts, and sustained employment. But more than that, it's about changing lives.
We welcome applicants from local residents in the areas of delivery.
Areas of Delivery: Wakefield and surrounding areas
This is a community-based role. You'll work peripatetically across your chosen area(s), supporting clients where they are.
What You'll Do
- Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model (full training provided)
- Provide person-centred advice and vocational guidance
- Build strong relationships with local employers to identify suitable roles
- Support clients through every step: from referral and job search to placement and in-work support
- Champion social inclusion and wellbeing through employment
What You'll Bring
- A genuine passion for helping others achieve their potential
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- A proactive, solution-focused mindset
- Experience working with people with health needs
- Knowledge of employment services or recruitment (a plus, but not essential)
Please note that all successful candidates will be subject to pre-employment checks, including an enhanced adult & Child DBS check, employment references, and verification of the right to work in the UK.
Why Join Us
At Shaw Trust, you'll do meaningful work that changes lives - and you'll be well supported while doing it. Here's what you can expect:
- 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 28 with service - plus the option to buy more
- 2 paid volunteering days each year
- Enhanced pension after 6 months
- Life assurance at 3x your salary
- Funded qualifications including apprenticeships
- Inclusive colleague networks (LGBTQ+, Disability, Neurodiversity, Women's, Menopause, and more)
- Health & wellbeing support, including EAP and a health cash plan
We're proud to be a National Equality Standard employer, a Disability Confident Leader, and Menopause Friendly accredited. We actively welcome applications from all backgrounds, especially those with lived experience of disability or social exclusion.
Need adjustments or more info? Contact us at (url removed).
We may close this vacancy early if we receive enough applications.
IPS Employment Specialist - Wakefield and surrounding areas employer: Shaw Trust
Shaw Trust is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and social impact. Working at HMP Ford, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals in custody while benefiting from a structured learning programme and a commitment to social mobility.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist - Wakefield and surrounding areas
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Shaw Trust.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Shaw Trust.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Shaw Trust.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Shaw Trust. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Employment Specialist - Wakefield and surrounding areas
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Shaw Trust. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like IPS Employment Specialist - Wakefield and surrounding areas, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Shaw Trust
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Shaw Trust. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
