Employment Specialist (Individual Placement and Support)

Cgl-; England; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

15 days holiday + bank holidays

Wellness hour weekly + Wellness hub

Contributory pension

Discounts for shopping, cinema, etc.

Friendly and supportive team

Training, career development & 6

Job summary

Change Grow Live is seeking an Employment Specialist (IPS) to support clients in Kent with returning to work and achieving sustainable employment. The role covers East and West Kent, working within local drug and alcohol treatment teams to deliver IPS with initial training provided.

The post requires a degree or equivalent experience, strong communication and empathy, and the ability to work independently in a supportive, recovery-focused environment.

Qualifications

• Educated to degree level, or with equivalent relevant work 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.
• Good motivational, communication and listening skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a range of people.
• Empathy with the needs of those with mental health support needs.
• Passion and drive to make a positive difference to people's lives.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative to develop and promote a service.

Responsibilities

• Manage a small caseload of clients in treatment for substance use who are motivated to start/return to work.
• Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach - training will be given for this.
• Meet and support clients to understand their key skills, aspirations and goals through completing a Vocational Profile and produce an individualized Action Plan to help them obtain and sustain competitive employment.
• Assess client support needs related to work which may include benefits/welfare advice, disclosure of mental health symptoms and provide appropriate support & guidance.
• Attend weekly Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings as an embedded IPS practitioner.
• Source job opportunities for clients through tailored job search and regular contact with local employers to explore hidden as well as advertised employment opportunities.
• Provide education and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating adjustments, return to work strategy and on-going contact with the employer to ensure job retention.
• Build relationships with workers in substance misuse treatment teams to engage participants, generate referrals, and develop collaborative partnerships, promoting employment as a positive intervention in the recovery journey.
• Once employment has been secured continue to provide quality service through conducting regular visits, effective monitoring and in-work support to clients and employers.

Skills

Motivational skills

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Empathy

Education

Degree 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 have an exciting opportunity for an additional Employment Specialist (IPS model) who has the skills and experience to join our Kent services. You will work for the Kent-wide Individual Placement and Support Team and work within the local community drug and alcohol treatment teams by maintaining positive and integrated relationships and supporting positive recovery outcomes through employment. This position will provide support across East and West Kent sites.

Where: Kent Wide

Hours: Part time, 22.5 hours per week, 0.6 FTE

Contract Type: Permanent

Responsibilities

About the role:

• Manage a small caseload of clients in treatment for substance use who are motivated to start/return to work.
• Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach - training will be given for this.
• Meet and support clients to understand their key skills, aspirations and goals through completing a Vocational Profile and produce an individualized 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 and provide appropriate support & guidance.
• Attend weekly Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings as an embedded IPS practitioner.
• Source job opportunities for clients through tailored job search and regular contact with local employers to explore hidden as well as advertised employment opportunities.
• Provide education and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating adjustments, return to work strategy and on-going contact with the employer to ensure job retention.
• Build relationships with workers in substance misuse treatment teams to engage participants, generate referrals, and develop collaborative partnerships, promoting employment as a positive intervention in the recovery journey.
• Once employment has been secured continue to provide quality service through conducting regular visits, effective monitoring and in-work support to clients and employers.

About you:

• Educated to degree level, or with equivalent relevant work 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
• Good motivational, communication and listening skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a range of people
• Empathy with the needs of those with mental health support needs
• Passion and drive to make a positive difference to people's lives
• Ability to work independently and use initiative to develop and promote a service

What we will give to you:

• 15 days holiday (+ bank holidays)
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Several benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc.
• A friendly and supportive team
• Training, career development & progression opportunities

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

A note about using AI in your application

AI can be areally helpfultool when putting together your application, and we're happy for you to use it. However,what we're most interested in is you.

We want to understand your experiences, achievements and strengths, so please make sure your application reflects your own story and clearly shows how you meet the essential criteria and the impact you've made in previous roles.

There's no need to write in a particular style. The strongest applications are those that are authentic, specific and clearly demonstrate your skills, experience and potential.We look forward to learning more about you.

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions. More information about eligible roles and occupations can be found here:Skilled Worker visa: Overview - 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 (£30,268.05 - £32,802.41)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Closing Date

29/11/2026

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

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