Employment Specialist (Individual Placement and Support)

Change Grow Live; Brighton; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading charity in Brighton seeks an IPS Employment Specialist to support clients in obtaining employment while managing their substance use treatment. The role involves direct client interaction, relationship building with employers, and adherence to administrative protocols. The charity values compassion, openness, and boldness in its mission to help individuals change their lives positively.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Paid 'Wellness' hour each week

Contributory pension scheme

Generous Refer-a-Friend scheme

Training and career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience working with people with substance use support needs.
• Understanding of employment needs of those facing labour market exclusion.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of service users in structured treatment.
• Support clients with job search, CV production, and interview techniques.
• Establish relationships with clinical teams and employers.

Skills

Communication

Empathy

Motivational Skills

Listening Skills

Education

Degree level education or equivalent experience

Job description

Overview

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives, offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission of helping people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.

We are looking for an IPS Employment Specialists to join our Brighton service. You will manage a caseload of clients in structured treatment for drug and/or alcohol use, assisting them in securing paid employment. You will work as part of a community drug and alcohol treatment service, maintaining positive and integrated relationships.

Where: Brighton

Full Time Salary Range: £29,529.80 - £32,002.35 dependent on experience (pro rata for part-time hours)Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Responsibilities

About the role:

• Manage a caseload of service users in structured treatment for substance use who are motivated to start/return to work and deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach for which training will be given
• Meet and support clients to understand their key skills, aspirations and goals through completing a Vocational Profile and produce an Action Plan to help them obtain and sustain competitive employment. This includes support with their job search, CV production, application forms, interview techniques and career development
• Assess client support needs related to work which may include benefits/welfare advice, disclosure of mental health symptoms etc, and provide support & guidance
• Establish positive and integrated relationships with clinical teams, employers and other service providers
• To adhere to administrative and data capture protocols which record the progress of individuals, and to keep accurate and complete records of casework
• Ensure that all relevant policies are implemented such as information governance, safeguarding etc

About you:

• Educated to a degree level or equivalent experience
• Experience/understanding of working with people with substance use support needs, or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector or experience working in employment services supporting people to obtain or keep work
• An understanding of the employment needs, and challenges faced by people who experience labour market exclusion
• Good motivational, communication and listening skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a range of people
• Non-judgemental and trustworthy
• Empathy with the needs of those with mental health support needs and passion to make a positive difference to people’s lives

What we will give to you:

• 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays. Additionally, you'll receive one extra day of annual leave for each year of service during your first five years, therefore you will enjoy 30 days of leave after five years with us. (pro rata).

• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week.
• ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Generous Refer-a-Friend scheme
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc.
• A friendly and supportive team.
• Training, career development & progression opportunities.
• Competitive rates of pay.
• Free eye tests.
• Discounts on a variety of products

Please read attached Job Description for a more detailed out line of responsibilities and Person Specifications

If this sounds like you and you’d like to begin your journey with Change Grow Live, then we’d love to talk to you.

If you require sponsorship, please note that this role is not eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa. You may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route but must meet the minimum salary requirements for the role. You can find out more hereSkilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 25 to 28 (£29,529.80 - £32,002.35)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Closing Date

25/5/2025

If you have any questions on this opportunity that you would like to talk through please contact us using the below details:

Mia Tillyer | [e-mail] post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.