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- 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 for individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, training opportunities, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Why this job: Be part of a rewarding journey that transforms lives and promotes positive change in the community.
- Qualifications: Experience with mental health support or similar fields is essential; training will be provided.
- Other info: This is a fixed-term contract until March 2026, offering a dynamic work environment.
The predicted salary is between 31800 - 38000 £ per year.
Location: Barnet
Salary: £31,800 - £38,000
Type: FTC 1 Year until March 2026
Working with clients, health professionals, service providers and employers, IPS Employment Specialists 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 a caseload of around 20 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.
IPS Employment Specialist employer: Sovereign & Bale
Contact Detail:
Sovereign & Bale Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. Understanding its principles and how it effectively supports individuals with mental health needs can give you a significant edge during interviews, showcasing your commitment to the role.
✨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. Building these connections can provide insights into the role and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Research local employers who are known for hiring individuals with mental health support needs. Being able to discuss specific companies and how you could help clients secure roles there will demonstrate your proactive approach and understanding of the job market.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience in managing caseloads and working one-on-one with clients. Think of specific examples where you've successfully supported someone in their employment journey, as this will highlight your relevant skills and experience during the interview.
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Employment Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in working with individuals with mental health support needs. Emphasise any previous roles where you managed a caseload or supported clients in securing employment.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the IPS Employment Specialist role. Discuss your understanding of the IPS model and how your skills align with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, provide examples of your experience working one-on-one with clients, particularly in a mental health context. Highlight any successes you've had in helping clients achieve their employment goals.
Demonstrate Your Understanding of the Role: Clearly articulate your understanding of the key stages in the employment journey as described in the job profile. Mention how you would approach building relationships with local employers and supporting clients throughout their journey.
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'll expect you to deliver.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience working with individuals who have mental health support needs. Highlight specific examples where you've successfully supported someone in their employment journey, focusing on outcomes and how you managed challenges along the way.
✨Demonstrate Relationship-Building Skills
Since building relationships with local employers is crucial for this role, be ready to share examples of how you've established connections in past roles. Discuss any strategies you've used to negotiate job opportunities or support clients in overcoming workplace barriers.
✨Prepare Questions for the Interviewers
Think of insightful questions to ask during the interview. This could include inquiries about the team dynamics, the types of clients you'll be working with, or how success is measured in this role. Asking thoughtful questions shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
