IPS Employment Specialist in Newcastle upon Tyne

About the role

The IPS Employment Specialist plays a pivotal role in supporting individuals with health conditions (including mental health), disabilities and complex barriers to employment, to gain and sustain meaningful paid employment. The role is based on the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, which is an evidence‑based approach to vocational rehabilitation. The role is deeply impactful, helping individuals overcome barriers to employment and promoting social inclusion, contributing to a fairer society by challenging stigma and discrimination in the workplace.

You will be required to build and manage a caseload of up to 25 people at any one time and will also engage with local employers to match participants with suitable roles that are both sustainable and rewarding. Your work location(s) will mainly be based in and around the communities we support and will be caseload dependant. You will be expected to manage your time and diary effectively to maximise face‑to‑face time with each participant.

Triage is a Disability Confident Employer who wishes to engage and encourage people with a disability or long‑term health condition, ensuring they have the opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations.

Required criteria

• Outstanding interpersonal skills (empathy, teamwork, conflict resolution, emotional intelligence) and ability to build rapport with a range of people
• Proven experience of supporting people to overcome barriers to obtain or keep work
• An understanding of the principles and practices of supported employment
• Proven track record of building collaborative relationships with employers
• High level of optimism, initiative, and effective interpersonal skills in order to engage effectively with participants, clinical teams and employers
• Proven experience of delivering one‑to‑one support and facilitating small group
• Demonstrated experience working within a structured delivery model, with the ability to creatively adapt the approach through innovative activities and thinking‑ensuring the service remains inclusive, engaging, and beneficial to all participants, regardless of their individual barriers to employment
• Proven experience of meeting and exceeding progression targets
• Proven experience in the use of assessment tools such as vocational profiling to identify support needs and inform practical job goal actions
• Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, non‑verbal, listening) with the ability to connect with people from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to evaluate individual progress toward their goals, adjusting support strategies as needed.
• Evidence of attributes such as challenge and resilience, flexibility and adaptability, honesty and integrity, impactful communication, planning and decision making, and promoting services
• Ability to positively challenge others
• Accomplished networking skills with the ability to build professional relationships effectively
• Organisational and time management skills
• Experience of working in a performance and quality driven environment
• Able to work in a complex environment and demonstrate a high level of perseverance
• Driver with access to a vehicle with business car insurance
• Experience of working in employability, publicly funded services, or other similar sectors
• Previous work with diverse populations

Other desirable criteria

• Pre‑existing network of partners and/or employers in the local area
• The ability to use qualitative mechanisms to deliver continuous improvement to service delivery
• A pro‑active ‘can‑do’ attitude
• A track record of driving positive change
• The ability to work under own initiative and think outside the box

Interpersonal & Communication Skills

• Build trusting, supportive relationships with participants, referral sources and employers
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people, including those with mental health conditions
• Tailor communication styles to different audiences

Person‑Centred Approach

• Provide a tailored 1:2:1 service based on participant needs and goals, whilst adhering to IPS principles
• Identify and understand participants strengths, aspirations, and barriers
• Support participants to identify suitable job roles and prepare for employment
• Provide ongoing support once in work, including job retention strategies
• Apply new knowledge and techniques to improve delivery effectiveness

Stakeholder Engagement

• Proactively engage with employers, matching their needs with participant needs, skills and strengths
• Educate employers on reasonable adjustments and inclusive practices
• Negotiate job opportunities that align with participant skills
• Build long lasting relationships with employers, maximising engagement opportunities to support sustainment in employment through effective in‑work support
• Work closely with mental health teams, including clinicians and therapists
• Share insights and collaborate on care plans
• Understand how employment fits into recovery pathways
• Build positive relationships with potential referral sources

Resilience, Problem Solving & Creativity

• Think on your feet and adapt to challenging situations
• Be creative in job searching and overcoming employment barriers
• Show tenacity and drive to achieve positive outcomes
• Maintain a positive, recovery‑focused attitude

Time & Caseload Management

• Prioritise tasks and manage competing demands
• Maintain accurate records and monitor participant progress
• Adhere to the IPS model, whilst ensuring participants receive a high‑quality tailored service
• Maximise your time effectively, adopting a sensible diary management approach allowing you to work in community‑based settings and locations

Knowledge of Mental Health & Employment

• Understand the impact of mental health on employment
• Be familiar with benefits systems, basic employment law, and workplace accommodations

NB This job description is designed as guidance and there may be requirements to take on additional or alternative tasks to support the business as required. Your key tasks and responsibilities will be agreed with your line manager as part of the Triage performance management cycle.