IPS Employment Specialist - Help People Into Work

Standguide Group; Greater London; On-site; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Annual leave 33 days

Birthday day off

Pension

Health plan

Online GP

EAP

Death in service

Will planning

Cycle to Work

Sick pay

Training & development

Employee ownership

Job summary

Standguide is seeking an Employment Specialist to support people with mental health needs to find and sustain meaningful employment in Mansfield. You’ll work with the IPS approach, focusing on person-centred plans and close collaboration with employers.

No IPS experience needed as full training is provided, and you’ll join a supportive, employee‑owned team. Role is full-time, permanent, 37.5 hours/week, with a driving licence and access to a vehicle required.

Qualifications

• A degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience of supporting people with mental health, health-related needs or other barriers to employment.
• An understanding of the challenges people with health support needs may face when seeking or sustaining work.
• Experience gained within employability, health, social care, community services or the voluntary sector.
• The ability to build respectful, trusting and productive relationships.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Good record-keeping skills and attention to detail.
• The confidence to work independently and use your own initiative.
• The ability to develop relationships with employers and promote the service.
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle are required.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of clients with mental health support needs who are motivated to start or return to work.
• Deliver support in line with the eight principles of the IPS model.
• Work towards the standards set out within the IPS Fidelity Scale.
• Build supportive and trusting relationships with clients.
• Help clients identify their skills, interests, experience and employment aspirations.
• Complete vocational profiles and agree personalised action plans.
• Support clients with job searches, CVs, applications, interview preparation and career development.
• Identify suitable employment opportunities through tailored job searching and direct contact with local employers.
• Explore both advertised vacancies and opportunities within the hidden job market.
• Develop positive relationships with employers and promote inclusive recruitment.
• Help employers understand workplace support needs and reasonable adjustments.
• Explore options such as job carving where this may help create a suitable opportunity.
• Provide ongoing in‑work support to clients and employers once employment has been secured.
• Work closely with healthcare professionals, referral partners, colleges, training providers and other local organisations.
• Maintain accurate records and provide clear evidence of client progress and outcomes.
• Work independently within the community while remaining an active member of the wider team.

Skills

Strong communication

Relationship building

Organisational skills

Initiative

Driving licence

Education

Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Standguide is seeking an Employment Specialist to support people with mental health needs to find and sustain meaningful employment in Mansfield. You’ll work with the IPS approach, focusing on person-centred plans and close collaboration with employers.

No IPS experience needed as full training is provided, and you’ll join a supportive, employee‑owned team. Role is full-time, permanent, 37.5 hours/week, with a driving licence and access to a vehicle required.