Employment Specialist

Sovereign & Bale; Leicester; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Sovereign & Bale in Leicester seeks an IPS Employment Specialist to deliver Individual Placement and Support services to individuals facing mental health challenges and other barriers to employment. You will manage a caseload and work with employers, NHS, Jobcentre Plus, local authorities and community organisations.

The role focuses on rapid job search, strengths-based profiling, CV support, interview preparation, and maintaining accurate records while adhering to IPS fidelity principles.

Qualifications

• Experience working with individuals facing barriers into employment.
• Strong employer engagement experience.
• Ability to manage a caseload up to 20–25 participants.

Responsibilities

• Deliver IPS fidelity compliant services to participants.
• Manage a caseload (up to 20–25 participants) and maintain accurate records.
• Provide CVs, interview preparation and job applications support.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers.

Skills

Employer engagement

Caseload management

CRM software

CVs & interview prep

IPS fidelity knowledge

Teamwork

Organisational skills

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Salary: £30,000.00 rising to £31,500.00 (after completing probation)

Full-time, Leicester based with travel to community locations as required

Job Description

As an IPS Employment Specialist you will be responsible for delivering high-quality Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment services to individuals experiencing mental health challenges and other complex barriers to employment.

The role focuses on supporting participants into competitive, sustainable employment through a “place then train” approach, delivering rapid job search, employer engagement and ongoing in-work support in line with IPS fidelity principles.

The post holder will work collaboratively with employers, NHS services, Jobcentre Plus, local authorities and community organisations to ensure participants receive personalised, strengths-based support that improves employment outcomes and long-term progression.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a caseload of participants in line with IPS fidelity standards (typically up to 20–25 participants).
• Deliver strengths-based vocational profiling to identify participant goals, skills, preferences and support needs.
• Support with CVs, interview preparation and job applications.
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers.
• Promote inclusive recruitment practices and support learners with reasonable adjustments.
• Experience supporting individuals into employment, training or education.
• Experience working with individuals facing barriers into employment.
• Maintaining accurate records and using CRM systems.
• Knowledge of IPS model and principles
• Experience working in a target-driven / performance-based environment.
• Experience engaging employers and external stakeholders
• Ability to work as part of a team and independently, with strong organisational and workload management skills.