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- Tasks: Support individuals with mental health challenges in securing sustainable employment.
- Company: Join a leading provider of housing, care, and support in Sussex.
- Benefits: Enjoy health cashback, interest-free loans, discounts, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while building your career.
- Qualifications: Exceptional communication skills and understanding of mental health employment needs.
- Other info: Gain valuable qualifications through award-winning in-house training.
The predicted salary is between 23900 - 31600 £ per year.
Location: Based at Halisham, covering Lewes/Wealden/Havens
Salary: £27,942 per year plus £1,000 essential car user allowance
Hours: 37 per week
What you'll be doing:
Southdowns Work & Wellbeing Service helps people accessing treatment for mental health support, back into employment. As an Employment Specialist, you'll be working in partnership with Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust and co-located within the Neighbourhood Mental Health Team, with some remote and community-based working. Working as part of the Secondary Mental Health Care team, you'll support clients in treatment for varied mental health issues, assisting them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences. You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model; providing person centred guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.
Do you understand the importance of work and the vital role it can play in the lives of those with mental health conditions?
We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience such as Employability Practitioner, Employment Specialist, Recruiter, Employment Advisor, Employment Support Officer, Career Specialist or Job Coach. Or you may be looking for a new challenge and believe you have the transferable skills to support individuals to fulfil their employment goals.
Perks and benefits:
- Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
- Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
- Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
- Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
- Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
- 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.
Knowledge, skills and experience
What you'll need for the role:
- You will need exceptional communication skills, be reactive to the differing needs of the client and be able to adapt your approach as appropriate.
- An understanding of the employment needs and challenges for people experiencing mental health issues.
- Knowledge of the principles of co-production and a personalised care approach.
- An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown.
- OPTIONAL A Full Driving Licence is essential along with access to your own vehicle or a vehicle insured for you.
What would be nice:
- Experience supporting clients experiencing mental health challenges, including those in crisis and/or facing complex challenges.
Training: Our award winning in house training team will help you to gain valuable qualifications, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.
How to apply: Please click on the Apply Now button and fill out our simple one-page application form. The application closing date is Friday 5th December 2025 and interviews will be held on 15th December 2025. Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.
Employment Specialist - Connect to Work in Hemel Hempstead employer: Southdown
Contact Detail:
Southdown Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist - Connect to Work in Hemel Hempstead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the mental health and employment sectors. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to mental health support and employment. We suggest role-playing with a friend or using online resources to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for helping others! During interviews, share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to supporting individuals with mental health challenges. We want to see your genuine interest!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist - Connect to Work in Hemel Hempstead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself: When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you and how your unique experiences can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant skills and experiences. Show us how your background aligns with the role of Employment Specialist and the values we hold at StudySmarter.
Show Your Passion: Express your enthusiasm for helping individuals with mental health challenges find employment. We love candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in people's lives!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s super easy and ensures your application goes directly to us. Plus, it helps us keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southdown
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of an Employment Specialist and the IPS model. Familiarise yourself with the challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues in securing employment. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the role.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As communication is key in this role, prepare to discuss examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients or employers in the past. Think about times when you adapted your approach to meet different needs, as this will highlight your flexibility and understanding.
✨Build a Connection
During the interview, aim to build rapport with your interviewers. Show genuine interest in their work and the organisation's mission. Ask insightful questions about their approach to supporting clients and how they collaborate with local employers.
✨Highlight Relevant Experience
Whether you have direct experience as an Employment Specialist or transferable skills from other roles, be ready to discuss how your background aligns with the job requirements. Use specific examples to illustrate your ability to support clients facing mental health challenges.