Employment Advisor (Mental Health)

Red 5 People Ltd; Southampton; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Red 5 People Ltd seeks an experienced Employment Advisor to help people with severe mental health difficulties obtain and sustain paid work, using the IPS fidelity model.

You will be based mainly in New Milton, with ~65% time out in the community, traveling between locations to meet clients, employers and partners. A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle are essential.

Qualifications

• Solid experience within employment services and supporting people with barriers to employment.
• Strong understanding of employer engagement and relationship building.
• Ability to work with multidisciplinary teams and community partners.

Responsibilities

• Support clients to achieve employment goals and planning.
• Provide employment support in line with IPS Fidelity model.
• Develop personalised employment plans based on strengths and aspirations.
• Assist with CVs, applications, interview prep, and job searching.
• Build relationships with local employers and promote inclusive opportunities.
• Maintain accurate case records and reports; participate in clinical meetings.

Skills

Employment services

Client support

Employer engagement

Job description

Are you passionate about helping people overcome barriers and achieve their employment goals?

We are looking for an experienced Employment Advisor to join an established mental health service, supporting people experiencing severe mental health difficulties to find and sustain meaningful, paid employment.

This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who understands the positive impact that employment can have on confidence, independence, wellbeing and recovery.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary clinical team, you will use the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model to provide personalised employment support — from understanding a client's aspirations and planning their career journey, through to securing employment and providing ongoing in-work support.

Please note: if successful, your starting salary will be £29,693 per annum.

About the Role

Your main base will be New Milton, working alongside the Clinical Teams. However, this is a predominantly community-based position, with approximately 65% of your time spent out in the community meeting clients, employers and partner organisations.

You will support clients across Christchurch and the Lymington/New Milton area, working collaboratively with Community Mental Health Teams, Jobcentre Plus and other local partners.

You will manage a caseload of approximately 20–25 clients at any one time, providing tailored support based on their individual strengths, preferences and employment aspirations.

What You'll Be Doing

• Supporting people experiencing severe mental health difficulties to achieve their employment goals.
• Delivering employment support in line with the IPS Fidelity model.
• Developing personalised employment plans based on each client's strengths, preferences and aspirations.
• Supporting clients with CVs, applications, interview preparation, career planning and job searching.
• Building positive and lasting relationships with local employers.
• Identifying both advertised and hidden employment opportunities.
• Developing an employer network and promoting inclusive employment opportunities.
• Providing ongoing support to clients and employers once employment has started.
• Working closely with clinical colleagues and other partner organisations to provide joined-up support.
• Advising clients around workplace adjustments, disclosure and relevant employment considerations.
• Maintaining accurate case records and completing reports and administrative requirements.
• Attending clinical meetings, supervision and other relevant meetings.
• Working flexibly and independently across community settings.

About You

We are looking for someone who has solid experience within employment services and is confident supporting people who may face significant barriers to employment.

You will ideally have experience supporting people into work, alongside a strong understanding of employer engagement and relationship building.

A Key Requirement

Due to the community-based nature of the role, you must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to your own vehicle.

You should also live within approximately 30 minutes' travel of the area, as the role involves regular travel between community locations, clients, employers and partner organisations.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to join a service where employment is viewed as an important part of recovery and social inclusion.

You’ll have the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with clients, employers and clinical professionals while helping people achieve something that can have a genuinely transformative impact on their lives.