IPS Employment Specialist

JR United Kingdom; Maidstone; Hybrid; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading employment services provider in Kent seeks an IPS Employment Specialist to deliver impactful support for individuals facing disadvantages in the labour market. This hybrid role includes managing a caseload, building employer relationships, and providing personalized coaching to help clients secure job opportunities. Ideal candidates will have experience with the IPS model and a passion for promoting inclusion and well-being.

Benefits

25 days holiday rising to 30 for long service

Cycle to work scheme

Life assurance cover

Access to Kent Rewards

Flexible working arrangements

Qualifications

• Experience delivering support via IPS or SEQF model.
• Track record supporting individuals facing barriers to work.
• Strong knowledge of the UK welfare and employment system.

Responsibilities

• Manage a significant caseload assessing individual strengths and needs.
• Deliver personalized employment support and engage with employers.
• Support individuals in gaining and sustaining employment.

Skills

Communication

Time Management

Record-Keeping

Education

Experience in IPS or SEQF model

Job description

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Location: Hybrid/Field-Based (Across Kent and Medway)

At The Education People, we believe that everyone deserves access to meaningful employment, no matter their background. We’re excited to be delivering the Connect to Work programme across Kent and Medway, as such, we’re expanding our Supported Employment Service and are looking for a driven and compassionate IPS Employment Specialist to deliver real impact for individuals who face disadvantage in the labour market.

Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you'll manage a dynamic caseload and work closely with employers, partners, and communities to secure job and training opportunities for your participants. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a person-centred environment and wants to create lasting change through high-impact employment support.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a significant caseload, assessing each individual’s strengths, aspirations, and support needs using the IPS model.
• Deliver one-to-one, personalised employment support and signposting to services when needed.
• Engage and build strong relationships with employers, identifying opportunities aligned to your clients’ goals.
• Support individuals to gain, sustain, and progress in employment—offering job coaching, career planning, and in-work support.
• Collaborate across multi-agency settings and maintain strong stakeholder partnerships to enable integrated support.
• Record and report progress against goals and KPIs, keeping accurate, up-to-date records.
• Promote inclusion and safeguard wellbeing in all interactions, ensuring safe work environments through risk assessments.

What we need from you:

• Ideally some experience delivering support via the IPS or SEQF model.
• A track record supporting people facing barriers to work—such as disabilities, mental health challenges, or social exclusion.
• Strong knowledge of the UK welfare and employment system.
• Experience managing employer relationships and achieving job outcomes.
• Excellent time management, communication, and record-keeping skills.
• Confidence working independently as well as part of a wider support network.

In return we will offer you:

• 25 days holiday rising to 30 for long service, plus bank holidays
• Cycle to work scheme
• Life assurance cover
• Access to Kent Rewards
• A culture of progression and development
• Flexible working arrangements

About Commercial Services Group:

Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the largest, local authority-owned trading company (LATCO) in the UK, wholly owned by Kent County Council. CSG generates over £800m in revenue per annum and provides services to over 16,000 education and public sector customers globally. CSG is striving to be recognised as the global leader in Education and Public Sector services, currently operating in 86 countries with 1,800 staff across 33 trading brands. Their expertise spans HR Services, IT Services, Energy, Education Resources, Procurement, and more.

CSG is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified individuals of all backgrounds.

We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any.