IPS Employment Specialist

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicated Employment Specialist to aid individuals living with serious mental illness (SMI) in securing and maintaining meaningful employment. Working primarily from our Colchester base with travel around the Tendring area, you will apply the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach to provide personalised assistance. Key tasks involve collaborating closely with employers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations to facilitate employment opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with participants from initial contact through to long-term employment retention.
• Create customised employment plans focused on individual strengths.
• Establish and nurture relationships with local employers to uncover and promote job openings, including unadvertised positions.
• Collaborate with mental health services to integrate employment support into overall recovery plans.
• Offer ongoing in-work support such as coaching, facilitating workplace adaptations, and advocating for participants.
• Implement rapid job search strategies consistent with IPS philosophy.
• Develop robust partnerships with job centres, charitable organizations, and community groups.
• Document outcomes, monitor participant progress, and contribute to organizational performance targets.
• Spend substantial time out in the community engaging with clients and partners.

Candidate Profile

The ideal candidate will be a motivated and empathetic professional experienced in assisting adults facing complex mental health challenges. Excellent interpersonal skills and the capacity to build trust with diverse stakeholders are essential.

• Proven experience in partnership development and interdisciplinary teamwork.
• Understanding of mental health issues, safeguarding policies, and relevant legislation.
• Strong verbal and written communication coupled with exceptional organizational abilities.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office 365 tools.
• Ability to work independently and flexibly, particularly within community settings.
• Possession of a full UK driving license and access to transport or ability to travel independently.
• A Level 3 qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance is advantageous, or willingness to obtain it.

About Mid and North East Essex Mind

Our organization is dedicated to empowering everyone to build a more hopeful future through inclusive, quality mental health services. We uphold values such as attentive listening, co-production, trust-building, inclusion, innovation, and creating a nurturing environment for both clients and staff.

Additional Information

• Salary: £30,900 per annum
• Hours: 37.5 hours per week
• Location: Based in Colchester with travel around the Tendring area
• Benefits include 28 days holiday plus bank holidays (pro rata if part-time), competitive pension scheme, referral incentives, training and development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, annual wellbeing day, expert supervision and peer support, extended weekly lunch break, onsite parking at most locations, company sick pay aligned with length of service, and a charity worker discount program.

We are proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and actively encourage applications from people from all communities. Join us in fostering a supportive and respectful environment where everyone is valued and empowered.

Related Roles

Experience in positions such as Employment Advisor, Job Coach, Vocational Specialist, Recovery Worker, Mental Health Support Worker, Careers Advisor, Employment Consultant, or IPS Practitioner may be relevant.