At a Glance
- Tasks: Help clients with mental health needs secure sustainable employment through tailored support.
- Company: Join a dedicated team focused on improving social inclusion and wellbeing in West and North London.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, training opportunities, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Roles available across multiple locations, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a meaningful journey, empowering individuals while building relationships with local employers.
- Qualifications: Experience with mental health support or similar fields is essential; training will be provided.
The predicted salary is between 31800 - 35600 £ per year.
Position: Employment Specialist (Connect to Work)
Location: West London and North London
Salary: £32,500 - £38,900
Type: Permanent
A number of roles available across Barnet, Brent, Ealing, Hammersmith & Fulham, Hillingdon
Working with clients, health professionals, service providers and employers, IPS Employment Specialists on the Connect to Work contract are focused on making sure a person’s journey into employment, with associated improved social inclusion and wellbeing is as easy as possible. You will work with clients (managing a caseload) who have mental health support needs, to assist them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences. Your role will be to deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (for which training will be given); providing person centred advice and guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.
The Role
You will work with people on their individual employment journey from vocational profiling to the point where they no longer require face to face in work support. The six key stages on a typical journey are: outreach/referral; vocational profiling; action planning; job search activities (including working on a one to one basis with employers to match people with appropriate employment); job placement and coordinating support whilst in employment; managing withdrawal of support as the in work support is no longer required.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Manage and support an active caseload of around 25 clients who have mental health support needs who are motivated to start/return to work.
- Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach for which training will be given.
- Meet and support clients to understand their key skills, aspirations and goals through completing a Vocational Profile and produce an Action Plan to help them obtain and sustain competitive employment. This includes support with their job search, CV production, application forms, interview techniques and career development.
- Assess client’s support needs related to work which may include benefits/welfare advice, disclosure of mental health symptoms etc., and provide support & guidance.
- Attend weekly clinical team meetings as an embedded IPS practitioner.
- Source job opportunities for clients through tailored job search and regular contact with local employers to explore hidden as well as advertised employment opportunities.
- Provide education and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating adjustments, return to work strategy and on-going contact with the employer to ensure job retention.
- Build relationships with colleagues in clinical teams to engage and generate referrals and create collaborative working partnerships with clinical staff (promoting employment as a positive intervention in the recovery journey).
- Once employment has been secured continue to provide quality service through conducting regular visits, effective monitoring and in-work support to clients and employers to help sustain employment.
- Spend time getting to know local employers, in order to negotiate job opportunities that meet each individual’s strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.
- To challenge inequalities experienced by clients and address existing discrimination, whilst ensuring a process of learning for the organisation
- Work with employers to promote the service, identify job opportunities and ensure appropriate strategies are in place to reduce barriers in the work place – this can include exploring ‘job carving’ i.e. carving small slices of work from the duties other staff do not have time to do.
Required Skills and Experience
- Experience/understanding of working with people with mental health support needs, or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector
- Experience of working with someone on a one-to-one basis
- Proven experience of meeting and exceeding outcomes and targets
- Experience of managing multiple tasks at any one time
- Previous experience of working assertively to influence decision makers
- Experience of supporting people to obtain or keep work
- Experience of working within mental health services
- Previous experience of delivering a service using the IPS model
Employment Specialist in Slough employer: Sovereign & Bale
As an Employment Specialist with our organisation, you will be part of a dedicated team that values inclusivity and personal growth, working in the vibrant areas of West and North London. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive training in the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach, and a supportive work culture that prioritises collaboration with health professionals and local employers. Join us to make a meaningful impact on the lives of individuals with mental health support needs while enjoying opportunities for professional development and a fulfilling career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, as this is a key aspect of the role. Understanding its principles will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the approach.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the mental health and employment sectors. Attend local events or workshops where you can meet potential colleagues or employers, as building these connections can give you insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the specific areas you’ll be working in, such as Barnet or Brent. Understanding the local job market and the types of employers in these areas will help you tailor your approach and show your enthusiasm for the position.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with clients who have mental health support needs. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported someone in their employment journey, as this will highlight your suitability for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Take time to thoroughly read the job description for the Employment Specialist position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, especially the focus on working with clients who have mental health support needs.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, particularly any work with mental health support or similar client groups. Emphasise your ability to manage a caseload and your experience in delivering person-centred advice.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that connects your personal experiences and skills to the role. Mention your understanding of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach and how you can contribute to clients' employment journeys.
Showcase Relevant Achievements:In your application, include specific examples of how you've successfully supported individuals in securing employment or overcoming barriers. Highlight any measurable outcomes you've achieved in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sovereign & Bale
✨Understand the IPS Model
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. Familiarise yourself with its key principles and how it benefits clients with mental health support needs. This will show your potential employer that you're prepared and knowledgeable about the approach they use.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with individuals who have mental health support needs. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully supported clients in their employment journey, highlighting any outcomes or targets you've met.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Since the role involves building relationships with local employers, think of examples where you've successfully established partnerships or collaborations in the past. Emphasise your ability to negotiate and create opportunities for clients.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate scenario-based questions that may be asked during the interview. Think about how you would handle various situations, such as supporting a client facing challenges in their job search or negotiating adjustments with an employer. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and readiness for the role.
