At a Glance
- Tasks: Support IPS services, conduct fidelity reviews, and mentor teams to improve employment outcomes.
- Company: Join a pioneering not-for-profit focused on social change and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across London and the South East, fostering collaboration and learning.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while driving positive change in communities.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Employment Specialist or Senior Employment Specialist with a passion for social equity.
The predicted salary is between 39000 - 39000 £ per year.
We are seeking an IPS professional based in the London/South East with current or recent experience at Employment Specialist or Senior Employment Specialist level. Post holders will work with IPS Grow colleagues to develop the necessary skills and knowledge to become an effective IPS professional, supporting the national expansion of evidence‑based employment provision within health systems. A key focus of the role is on supporting IPS fidelity reviews as co‑reviewer. This position also involves collaborating closely with IPS Grow regional teams to provide hands‑on support to services/delivery partners, remove barriers to successful IPS delivery, and ensure services achieve expected job outcome rates. A mix of remote and on‑site work across the designated region is required, with some out of region work on occasion. Attendance at quarterly organisational events and regular team days in London and in the South Region is required.
The key requirements of the role are:
- Quality assurance and fidelity reviews: Train to become a fidelity reviewer, with an initial focus on co‑reviewing with IPS Grow Regional Leads. Support services through fidelity reviews and guided self‑assessments, focusing on client outcomes. Produce impactful, concise and accurate fidelity reports and action plans within agreed timescales. Ensure active, measurable fidelity and race equity action plans are implemented and monitored regularly.
- In field mentoring support: Model IPS best practices alongside Regional and Workforce Leads. Coach IPS staff in employer engagement, delivering racially equitable services, and IPS performance management. Support the development of impactful training materials and resources for IPS services.
- Stakeholder engagement and performance support: Build strong relationships with priority IPS services and key stakeholders in the region, maintaining open communication around delivery, performance, and race equity practice. Support Regional Leads in performance and quality conversations with services, backing key messages and following up on any actions for teams and/or steering groups. Support services to improve data integrity reported to national systems and the IPS Grow Reporting Tool. Create accurate and timely reports, including case studies demonstrating impact.
- Learning networks and communities of practice: Identify and facilitate links between services to maximise peer support and learning. Collaborate with IPS Grow Regional and Support Leads to support network events and communities of practice. Support national webinars and workshops in line with wider team objectives.
About you
Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:
- IPS experience and expertise: Experience at Employment Specialist or Senior Employment Specialist level, with a foundational understanding of the IPS model, fidelity scale and practical applications.
- Driving performance outcomes: Track record of delivering good employment outcomes for people accessing IPS, with a strong focus on employer engagement and integration.
- Change management: Ability to plan, implement, and solidify positive change within IPS services. Drive improvements in employment outcomes for IPS clients through supporting strategic change initiatives.
- Planning and organisational skills: Manage workloads and competing priorities efficiently and meet deadlines consistently while maintaining high-quality output.
- Driven by a core belief in evidenced‑based employment support and integrity to the IPS model. Commitment to race equity and willingness to contribute to IPS Grow race equity objectives.
- Takes a structured approach to solving problems and develops creative and innovative solutions to overcome challenges.
- High level of integrity, empathy and commitment to driving social change. Thoughtful and effective communicator. High levels of initiative and personal leadership and committed to own development and keeping up to date with IPS practice.
- Commitment to travel. The role involves significant travel to build relationships and provide hands‑on support as well as meeting with IPS Grow team members from across England.
About Social Finance
We are an ambitious not for profit organisation that partners with governments, service providers, the voluntary sector and the financial community. Together, we find better ways of tackling social problems in the UK and globally. Since we started in 2007, Social Finance has helped to pioneer a series of programmes to improve outcomes for individuals with complex needs. Our innovations, including the social impact bond model, have mobilised more than £500 million globally.
Our values: Everyone at Social Finance and IPS Grow believes that change for communities is possible. To help us achieve it, we have three core values that guide everything we do. We are curious, empathetic and pioneering.
About IPS Grow: IPS Grow is a national programme designed to support the expansion of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services in mental health, primary care, and drug and alcohol teams across England. The programme is led by Social Finance in partnership with the Centre for Mental Health. It is funded by NHS England and Improvement (NHSE/I), the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities (OHID).
IPS Grow Support Lead — London & SE employer: Social Finance Ltd
At Social Finance, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions human-centred design to drive meaningful social change. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship within a dedicated team of change-makers. Located in the vibrant area of London Bridge, we offer flexible working arrangements and a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals to thrive and make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Grow Support Lead — London & SE
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Social Finance Ltd.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Social Finance Ltd!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Social Finance Ltd, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Social Finance Ltd or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Grow Support Lead — London & SE
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Social Finance Ltd:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Social Finance Ltd! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Social Finance Ltd
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
