Employment Specialist, Lewes

TN United Kingdom; Lewes; On-site; GBP 27,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization in East Sussex is seeking an Employment Specialist to support individuals with mental health challenges in securing sustainable employment. This role involves working closely with clients and local employers, delivering personalized guidance through the IPS model. The position offers a salary of £27,942 per year plus additional benefits, including health insurance and interest-free loans. Ideal candidates will possess excellent communication skills and a deep understanding of the employment challenges faced by those with mental health conditions.

Benefits

Health cost cash-back scheme

Interest-free loans

Access to the Easit Network

Blue Light card

Free advice and counselling

Qualifications

• Exceptional communication skills and responsiveness to client needs.
• Understanding of employment challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues.

Responsibilities

• Support clients with mental health issues to secure sustainable employment.
• Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.

Skills

Communication

Adaptability

Understanding of employment challenges

Job description

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Salary: £27,942 per year plus £1,000 essential car user allowance

What you’ll be doing:

Southdown’s Work & Wellbeing Service in East Sussex supports individuals accessing mental health treatment and helps them return to employment. As an Employment Specialist, you will work in partnership with Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust, co-located within the Neighbourhood Mental Health Team, with some remote and community-based work.

In this role within the Secondary Mental Health Care team, you'll support clients with various mental health issues, helping them secure sustainable paid employment aligned with their preferences. You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, providing person-centered guidance and building positive relationships with local employers to facilitate employment opportunities.

Do you understand the importance of work in the lives of those with mental health conditions? Watch this 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 as an Employability Practitioner or those with experience in providing one-to-one support. If you're seeking a new challenge and believe your transferable skills can support individuals in achieving their employment goals, we encourage you to apply.

Perks and benefits:

• Health cost cash-back scheme: access to health insurance covering dental, optical, physical therapies, and more, with options for additional coverage.
• Interest-free loans: assistance with costs like tenancy deposits, travel tickets, or purchasing a car.
• Access to the Easit Network: discounts on train, bus, and car journeys, including 15% off eligible rail tickets.
• Blue Light card: discounts for the social care sector across various online and high-street vendors.
• Free advice and counselling: confidential emotional support and practical guidance via our telephone service.

Knowledge, skills, and experience:

Requirements for the role:

• Exceptional communication skills, responsiveness to client needs, and adaptability.
• Understanding of employment challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues.
• Knowledge of co-production principles and personalized care approaches.
• An Enhanced DBS check (paid for by Southdown).
• A full driving license and access to a personal or insured vehicle are essential.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting clients with mental health challenges, including crisis or complex cases.

Training:

Our award-winning in-house training team will support your professional development, helping you gain valuable qualifications and build a rewarding career with Sussex’s largest provider of housing, care, and support services.

How to apply:

Click the ‘Apply Now’ button and complete our simple one-page application form. The closing date is 5th June, with interviews scheduled for 20th June. Applications received after this date may be considered if the position remains open, so we encourage early submission.

Contact information:

Visit our online careers page for FAQs here. For further questions, contact recruitment via email at [emailprotected].

We are a Disability Confident Employer committed to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). We welcome applications from all qualified candidates and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to support your application.