Employment Specialist

Standguide Group; Preston; On-site; GBP 26,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

33 days leave (including bank holidays

Birthday day off

Workplace pension

Health plan

Online GP access

Employee Assistance Programme

Death in service cover

Will-planning support

Cycle to Work

Sick pay

Training and development

Employee-owner benefits

Job summary

Standguide Group is recruiting an Employment Specialist to support people with mental health needs in finding and sustaining meaningful, competitive employment across the UK. Training will be provided, and the focus is on building trust with clients and employers while promoting inclusive recruitment.

You will help individuals recognise their potential, develop action plans, and connect them with opportunities in the job market via tailored searches and direct employer contact.

Qualifications

• Experience or training in IPS is an advantage but not essential.
• You will be trained; no prior IPS experience required.
• Ability to build trust with clients and employers.
• Strong organisational and record-keeping abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide IPS-based support to individuals to identify employment goals.
• Help clients search for jobs, prepare CVs, complete applications and prepare for interviews.
• Develop personalised action plans and vocational profiles.
• Identify employment opportunities through tailored job searching and employer outreach.
• Maintain accurate records and provide evidence of client progress and outcomes.
• Work with healthcare professionals and local organisations to support clients.

Skills

Communication skills

Empathy

Teamwork

Job description

• Deliver support in line with the eight principles of the Individual Placement and Support model
• Work towards the standards set out within the IPS Fidelity Scale
• Build supportive and trusting relationships with clients
• Help clients identify their skills, interests, experience and employment aspirations
• Complete vocational profiles and agree personalised action plans
• Support clients with job searches, CVs, applications, interview preparation and career development
• Identify suitable employment opportunities through tailored job searching and direct contact with local employers
• Explore both advertised vacancies and opportunities within the hidden job market
• Develop positive relationships with employers and promote inclusive recruitment
• Help employers understand workplace support needs and reasonable adjustments
• Explore options such as job carving where this may help create a suitable opportunity
• Provide ongoing in-work support to clients and employers once employment has been secured
• Work closely with healthcare professionals, referral partners, colleges, training providers and other local organisations
• Maintain accurate records and provide clear evidence of client progress and outcomes
• Work independently within the community while remaining an active member of the wider team
• experience or training in the Individual Placement and Support approach would be an advantage, but it isn't essential.

Any offer of employment will be subject to satisfactory references, confirmation of the applicant's right to work in the UK and an Enhanced DBS check.

Standguide is an employee-owned organisation, which means our employees have a voice in the business and a shared interest in its long-term success.

Alongside a rewarding role where you can make a genuine difference, we offer

• 33 days' paid annual leave, including bank holidays, increasing to 38 days after five full years' service
• An additional paid day off for your birthday
• Workplace pension scheme
• Company health plan following successful completion of probation
• Online GP access
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling and wellbeing support
• Death in service cover
• Will-planning support and access to a secure digital vault
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Company sick pay, subject to eligibility
• A broad range of internal training and continuing professional development opportunities
• Access to employee-owner benefits, subject to eligibility and qualifying service

Make a difference through meaningful employment

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

We're looking for an Employment Specialist to support people with mental health support needs to find and sustain meaningful, competitive employment.

You don't need previous IPS experience, as full training will be provided. What matters most is your ability to build trust, work positively with people and employers, and help individuals recognise and achieve their potential.

About Standguide

For more than three decades, Standguide has supported individuals and employers across the UK . We provide employment, skills and support services that help people overcome barriers, develop their potential and move towards sustainable employment.

As an employee-owned organisation, we're committed to investing in our people, delivering high-quality services and creating positive outcomes for the communities we support.