At a Glance
- Tasks: Support IPS services across London, improving employment outcomes and training to become a fidelity reviewer.
- Company: Join a pioneering not-for-profit organisation dedicated to tackling social issues.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your IPS expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Employment Specialist or Senior Employment Specialist is essential.
We are recruiting for an experienced IPS professional to join the IPS Grow team, supporting services across London and the South East. This role is ideal for a current or recent Employment Specialist or Senior Employment Specialist looking to develop their IPS expertise and support services to improve quality, fidelity and employment outcomes.
Position: IPS Grow Support Lead - London & South East
Location: London & South East/Hybrid, with a mix of remote and onsite working
Hours: Full-time
Salary: £39,000 plus £5,000 London Market Premium
Contract: Permanent
Closing date for applications: 4 September 2026 at 9am
First stage interviews: 23 September 2026, via Zoom
Second stage interviews: 7 October 2026, face to face in London Bridge
About the Role
You will work alongside experienced IPS Grow colleagues to develop your skills and knowledge while providing practical, hands-on support to IPS services across London and the South East. A key focus will be training to become an IPS fidelity reviewer, initially working as a co-reviewer alongside Regional Leads. You will also support services to overcome barriers to successful IPS delivery, improve performance and achieve strong employment outcomes.
Key areas of responsibility include:
- Training to become an IPS fidelity reviewer and supporting fidelity reviews and guided self-assessments
- Producing clear and accurate fidelity reports and action plans
- Supporting services to implement and monitor fidelity and race equity action plans
- Providing in-field mentoring and modelling IPS best practice
- Coaching IPS staff in employer engagement, race equity and performance management
- Supporting the development of training materials and resources
- Building relationships with IPS services and regional stakeholders
- Supporting Regional Leads with performance and quality conversations
- Helping services improve data quality and use of national reporting systems
- Supporting learning networks, communities of practice, workshops and webinars
- Producing reports and case studies demonstrating impact
The role involves significant travel across London and the South East, with occasional travel outside the region. You will also attend regular team days and quarterly organisational events.
About the Team
IPS Grow is a national programme supporting the expansion of Individual Placement and Support services across mental health, primary care and drug and alcohol teams throughout England. The programme is led by a not for profit organisation in partnership with a leading mental health charity and is funded by national health, employment and public health bodies. A core element of IPS Grow is the expert support provided by a team of IPS professionals who work directly with providers to improve fidelity to the IPS model and achieve better employment outcomes. As a Support Lead, you will work closely with Regional Leads, Workforce Leads and other Support Leads, developing your own IPS expertise while providing practical support to services across the region.
About You
This role suits an IPS professional with current or recent experience at Employment Specialist or Senior Employment Specialist level who is ready to build on their frontline experience and develop their knowledge of IPS quality and service improvement.
Skills, experience and qualifications we are looking for include:
- Current or recent experience as an IPS Employment Specialist or Senior Employment Specialist
- A good foundational understanding of the IPS model, fidelity scale and practical application
- A track record of achieving good employment outcomes for people accessing IPS
- Strong experience of employer engagement and integration within clinical teams
- The ability to support positive change and improvements within IPS services
- Strong planning and organisational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities
- A structured and practical approach to problem solving
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Commitment to race equity and evidence-based employment support
- High levels of integrity, empathy, initiative and personal leadership
- Commitment to your own professional development and keeping up to date with IPS practice
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly across London and the South East
About the Organisation
Join an ambitious not for profit organisation that works with governments, service providers, the voluntary sector and the financial community to find better ways of tackling complex social problems. The organisation combines expertise in financial analysis, data, service design and social research to understand the needs of people and communities and develop practical solutions capable of creating systemic change. Its work addresses issues including homelessness, domestic abuse, mental health, learning difficulties, employment, loneliness and support for vulnerable children and families. The multi-skilled team brings together people from diverse backgrounds who share a commitment to creating meaningful social change. The organisation's work is guided by three core values: curious, empathetic and pioneering.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Applications are actively encouraged from under-represented and minoritised groups, including people with lived experience of the social issues the organisation is working to address. The organisation is an equal opportunities employer and supports a range of flexible working options. Reasonable adjustments can be provided throughout the recruitment process.
IPS Grow Support Lead in London employer: Social Finance
Social Finance is an exceptional employer that prioritises meaningful work and community impact, making it a perfect fit for those passionate about education and social change. With a supportive work culture that encourages professional growth and offers hybrid working options, employees can thrive while contributing to the delivery of impactful learning experiences for vulnerable communities in London. Join us to be part of a dedicated team committed to making a difference in the lives of others.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Grow Support Lead in London
✨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.
✨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!
✨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, 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 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 in London
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:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Social Finance! 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
✨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.
