At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing health barriers to secure and sustain competitive employment.
- Company: Community-focused organisation dedicated to empowering individuals through employment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic outreach role with no fixed office base and regular travel across Walsall.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while working in diverse community settings.
- Qualifications: Experience in employability programmes and strong relationship-building skills.
Location: Walsall (Community-based / outreach role)
Salary: Up to £35,400 per annum (dependent on experience)
Contract: Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday)
Role Overview
We are recruiting an experienced and motivated IPS Employment Specialist to deliver the Connect to Work programme across Walsall. This is a fully community-based, outreach-focused role, where you will work directly within local services and partner organisations rather than from an office base. As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will support individuals experiencing health-related barriers to secure and sustain competitive employment, using a person-centred and evidence-based approach aligned to the IPS model. You will work closely with health teams, community services and employers, embedding yourself within multidisciplinary environments to deliver high-quality support that promotes recovery, independence and long-term employment outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- IPS Delivery & Case Management
- Deliver the IPS Connect to Work model in line with fidelity principles and programme targets
- Manage a caseload of participants motivated to start or return to work
- Develop tailored vocational profiles and action plans based on individual needs
- Support individuals to identify strengths, skills and realistic employment goals
- Participant Support & Job Outcomes
- Deliver practical employment support including:
- CV writing
- Job search and applications
- Interview preparation
- In-work support and job sustainment
- Provide ongoing, personalised support to help participants secure and retain employment
- Support participants with workplace adjustments, disclosure and benefits-related guidance
- Employer Engagement
- Build and maintain relationships with local employers
- Source suitable job opportunities aligned to participant preferences and aspirations
- Promote inclusive hiring practices and support employers to understand individual needs
- Advocate on behalf of participants to support successful job outcomes
- Partnership & Multi-Disciplinary Working
- Work as an embedded practitioner within partner services (e.g. health, community, support services)
- Attend regular MDT meetings and contribute to integrated care planning
- Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to support participant progression
- Operate flexibly across community settings to meet service and participant needs
- Administration, Targets & Quality
- Maintain accurate, timely and compliant records of all activity
- Monitor performance against programme targets and outcomes
- Ensure delivery aligns with IPS fidelity standards and contractual requirements
- Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery
Essential Criteria
- Experience delivering within an IPS, employability or welfare-to-work programme
- Strong understanding of the IPS model or similar supported employment approaches
- Experience supporting individuals with health-related or complex barriers to employment
- Proven ability to manage a caseload and achieve employment outcomes
- Strong employer engagement and relationship-building skills
- Ability to work independently across community-based settings
- Excellent communication, organisational and time-management skills
- Confident using IT systems and maintaining accurate records
Desirable Criteria
- Experience working within health, mental health or community services
- Knowledge of benefits, employment support and in-work progression
- Experience working within multi-disciplinary or partnership environments
- IPS fidelity knowledge or accredited IPS experience
Personal Attributes
- Person-centred and empathetic approach
- Proactive and outcome-focused
- Resilient and adaptable
- Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
- Ability to build trust and rapport quickly
Additional Information
- This is a fully outreach-based role with no fixed office base
- Regular travel across Walsall and surrounding areas required
- Flexible working approach required to meet participant and service needs
How to Apply
For more information or to apply for the IPS Employment Specialist role, please contact: Robert Rowe (phone number removed) (url removed)
Employment Specialist in Walsall employer: Trigon Recruitment Ltd
As an IPS Employment Specialist with our organisation, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to making a real difference in the lives of individuals facing health-related barriers to employment. Our community-based approach fosters a collaborative work culture, where you will have the opportunity to engage directly with local services and employers, ensuring meaningful outcomes for participants. We prioritise employee growth through ongoing training and development, and offer a flexible working environment that adapts to the needs of both our staff and the communities we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist in Walsall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with local employers and community services. Attend events, workshops, or even casual meet-ups to build relationships that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you meet potential employers, be ready to share your story and what makes you a great fit for the role. Keep it concise and engaging to leave a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t shy away from follow-ups! After meeting someone or applying for a position, drop them a quick email to express your interest. It shows initiative and keeps you on their radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to apply! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that job. Plus, applying through us means you’re in the loop for any updates or additional support we can offer.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist in Walsall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the IPS Employment Specialist role. Highlight any relevant experience in delivering employability programmes or working with individuals facing health-related barriers.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're passionate about supporting individuals into employment. Share specific examples of how you've helped others achieve their job goals, and don’t forget to mention your understanding of the IPS model!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:As an Employment Specialist, strong communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to engage with both participants and employers. Use clear, concise language and make sure to proofread for any errors.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people quickly, and you can easily track your application status!
How to prepare for a job interview at Trigon Recruitment Ltd
✨Know the IPS Model Inside Out
Make sure you understand the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model thoroughly. Be ready to discuss how you've applied its principles in your previous roles, especially in supporting individuals with health-related barriers. This will show your potential employer that you're not just familiar with the model but can effectively implement it.
✨Showcase Your Community Engagement Skills
Since this role is community-based, prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with local services or employers in the past. Highlight any partnerships you've built and how they contributed to positive outcomes for participants. This will demonstrate your ability to work within multidisciplinary environments.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-life scenarios where you had to support someone facing employment challenges. Think of specific instances where you developed tailored action plans or provided in-work support. Practising these examples will help you articulate your experience clearly during the interview.
✨Emphasise Your Person-Centred Approach
The job requires a person-centred and empathetic approach, so be prepared to discuss how you build trust and rapport with participants. Share stories that highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've adapted your support to meet individual needs, showcasing your commitment to promoting recovery and independence.
