IPS Employment Specialist – Lewisham | South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust; City Of London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent NHS mental health service provider in the City of London seeks to deliver IPS employment service for individuals with severe mental health conditions. The role involves supporting clients in job goals, providing one-to-one coaching, and engaging with local employers. This position is ideal for those passionate about mental health and employment. Applications close on Tuesday 23 Sep 2025.

Responsibilities

• Promote the employment service to mental health professionals.
• Support clients in identifying job goals and needs.
• Deliver personalized one-to-one coaching.
• Engage with local employers for job opportunities.
• Challenge stigma around mental health and employment.
• Maintain accurate records and session notes.
• Manage own caseload and track progress toward targets.
• Stay informed about labor market trends and policies.
• Follow service policies and adapt to changes.

Job description

Overview

To provide an effective IPS employment service for people with severe and enduring mental health conditions who want to work. To work as part of a multi-disciplinary mental health team, working alongside other mental health and social care professionals, providing joined-up mental health care. To develop partnerships with employers, local providers, and services to ensure that the employment support needs of clients are met. To work as part of the Work Well network, sharing knowledge and expertise with a range of other employment professionals across Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.

Responsibilities

• Promote the employment service to mental health professionals, service users, and carers to ensure steady referrals.
• Support clients in identifying job goals, assessing needs, and creating action plans to overcome barriers to work.
• Deliver personalised one-to-one coaching using various communication methods, including face-to-face, video, phone, email, and text.
• Engage with local employers to identify suitable job opportunities and placements.
• Challenge stigma and negative beliefs around mental health and employment.
• Maintain accurate records, session notes, and outcome evidence using electronic systems.
• Manage own caseload and time effectively, track progress toward targets, and use supervision for development.
• Stay informed about labour market trends, training opportunities, welfare changes, and employment law.
• Follow service policies and procedures, seek guidance when needed, and adapt quickly to changes to maintain quality standards.

About South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM)

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM) provides the UK’s widest range of NHS mental health services, including support for substance misuse. We serve over two million people across Lambeth, Southwark, Lewisham, and Croydon through 230+ inpatient, outpatient, and community services. Each year, we care for over 5,000 inpatients and 45,000 community patients. We also deliver 50+ specialist services across the UK and internationally.

Work Well network and values

Work Well is a network of 10 employment support services within SLaM, helping people in Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham, and Southwark recover through meaningful employment. We believe everyone can work if they want to and should have choice and control over their career path.

Our values are:

• Person-centred: Supporting informed career decisions.
• Empowering: Providing tools for independence.
• Inspiring: Encouraging long-term career goals.

All staff are expected to uphold confidentiality, equality, health and safety, infection control, safeguarding, and professional standards. We follow NHS codes of conduct and financial procedures. Roles are reviewed regularly to reflect service needs and staff development.

Additional information

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required. For both overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.

This advert closes on Tuesday 23 Sep 2025