Impactful IPS Employment Specialist – Connect to Work

Acorn Training Ltd; Daventry; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Pension scheme

CPD & professional development

Westfield Health Scheme

Wellbeing initiatives

Volunteering day & charity initiatives

Employee referral bonus

Career progression support

Job summary

Acorn Training Ltd in Daventry is seeking an IPS Employment Specialist to deliver intensive, tailored employment support to clients with complex barriers. You will manage a caseload, conduct profiling, and create action plans to help clients secure and sustain work with timely follow-up.

The role requires NVQ2 level in relevant fields, GCSEs, IT qualification and driving license, with IPS training and a driving focus for community-based work. Flexible, supportive team environment awaits.

Qualifications

• NVQ Level 2 in customer service, business administration, accounting or IT is essential.
• GCSEs in English and Maths are essential.
• Level 2 IT qualification (e.g., ECDL) is essential.
• Full UK driving licence is often required for community-based work (essential).
• Willingness to undertake IPS-specific training (e.g., IPS Grow, Fidelity) is essential.
• Desirable: First Aid at Work Certificate; IOSH Health and Safety qualification; Level 3 qualification or above in related field (Health & Social Care, Employability, Psychology).

Responsibilities

• Manage an active caseload of clients aiming to start or return to work.
• Conduct vocational profiling to identify skills, aspirations and goals.
• Develop personalised action plans including job search, CVs, applications, interview prep and career planning.
• Assess support needs (travel, benefits, disclosure around health, budgeting).
• Provide in-work support to help clients sustain roles with regular follow-ups.
• Source job opportunities and promote services to employers.
• Maintain contact with employers to support job retention and negotiate reasonable adjustments.
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusive employment practices.
• Work with multidisciplinary teams and referral partners.
• Maintain accurate case notes and CRM documentation.
• Work to IPS fidelity standards and monitor client outcomes.
• Collect feedback for service improvement.
• Work independently, reliably and with high quality IPS practice.

Skills

Caseload management

Vocational profiling

Action planning

Needs assessment

In-work support

Job sourcing

Employer liaison

Equality champion

Team collaboration

Documentation

IPS fidelity

Feedback collection

Independent work

Education

NVQ Level 2 (customer service / admin / IT)

GCSE English & Maths

IT qualification (ECDL)

Driving licence (UK)

IPS training (Grow / Fidelity)

First Aid at Work

IOSH Health & Safety

Level 3 qualification in related field

Job description

Acorn Training Ltd in Daventry is seeking an IPS Employment Specialist to deliver intensive, tailored employment support to clients with complex barriers. You will manage a caseload, conduct profiling, and create action plans to help clients secure and sustain work with timely follow-up.

The role requires NVQ2 level in relevant fields, GCSEs, IT qualification and driving license, with IPS training and a driving focus for community-based work. Flexible, supportive team environment awaits.