Employment Specialist

Southdown Housing Association; Southend-on-Sea; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company is seeking an Employment Specialist to support clients with mental health issues in finding sustainable employment. The role involves partnership working with community providers and requires exceptional communication skills and a Full Driving Licence. With robust benefits including health cash-back schemes, interest-free loans, and extensive training opportunities, this is a chance to make a meaningful impact in individuals' lives.

Benefits

Health cost cash–back scheme

Interest–free loans

Access to the Easit Network

Blue Light card

Free advice and counselling service

25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Exceptional communication skills required to adapt to clients' needs.
• Knowledge of co-production principles and personalized care crucial.
• Experience supporting clients with mental health challenges is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Support clients with mental health issues to secure paid employment.
• Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.
• Build relationships with local employers for job placements.

Skills

Exceptional communication skills

Adaptability

Understanding of mental health employment needs

Education

Enhanced DBS check

Full Driving Licence

Job description

Description

Location: St–Leonards–On–Sea

Salary: GBP27,942 per year plus GBP1,000 essential car user allowance

Hours: 37 per week

What you'll be doing:

As an Employment Specialist, you'll be partnership working with local community providers, which will include some remote and community–based working. You'll support clients with varied mental health issues, assisting them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences. You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, providing person–centred guidance to clients, whilst also building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.

Do you understand the importance of work and the vital role it can play in the lives of those with mental health conditions? Here's a short video about a day in the life of our mental health Employment Specialist: A day in the life of an IPS Employment Specialist

We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience such as Employability Practitioner, Employment Specialist, Recruiter, Employment Advisor, Employment Support Officer, Career Specialist or Job Coach. Or you may be looking for a new challenge and believe you have the transferable skills to support individuals to fulfil their employment goals.

Perks and benefits:

• Health cost cash–back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
• Interest–free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
• Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
• Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high–street vendors.
• Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
• 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.

Knowledge, skills and experience

What you'll need for the role:

• You will need exceptional communication skills, be reactive to the differing needs of the client and be able to adapt your approach as appropriate.
• An understanding of the employment needs and challenges for people experiencing mental health issues
• Knowledge of the principles of co–production and a personalised care approach
• An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown
• A Full Driving Licence is essential along with access to your own vehicle or a vehicle insured for you

What would be nice:

• Experience supporting clients experiencing mental health challenges, including those in crisis and/or facing complex challenges.

Training:

Our award winning in house training team will help you to gain valuable qualifications, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.

How to apply:

Please click on the 'Apply Now' button and fill out our simple one–page application form.

The application closing date is 11 July 2025 and interviews will be held on 21 July 2025 date.

Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.