Employment Specialist

Southdown; St Leonards; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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

Job summary

Southdown is seeking an Employment Specialist in Hastings, East Sussex to support clients in treatment for mental health issues and help them secure sustainable paid employment. You will deliver the IPS model in partnership with Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust, with some remote and community-based working.

You will operate within the Secondary Mental Health Care team, building relationships with employers to enable job placements aligned to client preferences, using person-centered guidance

Qualifications

• Exceptional communication skills and the ability to adapt approach to client needs.
• Understanding employment challenges for people with mental health issues.
• DBS check (paid by employer).
• Full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in treatment for varied mental health issues to secure sustainable paid employment.
• Deliver the IPS model with person-centred guidance.
• Build relationships with local employers to create opportunities.

Skills

Communication skills

Driving licence

Mental health awareness

Client engagement

Job description

Employment Specialist

Application Deadline: 26 October 2026

Department: MHHS

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: East Sussex - Hastings

Reporting To: Team Manager

Compensation: £28,640 / year

Description

Location: Hastings

Salary: £28,640 per year Technical Premium*: 5% additional to salary of £1,432 per year (based on base salary) effective from 1 April 2026 - reviewed annually. *The technical premium is paid in addition to the base salary in recognition of the external benchmarking for the role. Conditions apply.

Hours: 37 per week

What you’ll be doing: Southdown’s Work & Wellbeing Service helps people accessing treatment for mental health support, back into employment. As an Employment Specialist, you’ll be working in partnership with Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust and co-located within the Neighbourhood Mental Health Team, with some remote and community-based working.

Working as part of the Secondary Mental Health Care team, you’ll support clients in treatment for 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 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 fulfill their employment goals.

• 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.

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.