IPS Employment Specialist for Recovery & Work Support

Change Grow Live; 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

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.