Ips Employment Specialist NEW Blackpool Council Posted yesterday Blackpool and Fylde £31,067 Ex[...]

Blackpool; Blackpool; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as an IPS Employment Specialist, where you'll make a meaningful impact by supporting individuals facing barriers to employment. This role offers the chance to work in a dynamic team, providing on-the-job training and personalized support to help clients secure and maintain paid employment. With a commitment to flexible working options and a range of benefits including generous annual leave and competitive pension schemes, this position is perfect for those passionate about making a difference in the community. If you have the skills and dedication to empower others, we want to hear from you!

Benefits

Flexible working options

26 days annual leave

Competitive pension schemes

Childcare vouchers

Training opportunities

Employee discounts

Travel benefits

Health support

Recognition awards

Qualifications

• Level 3 qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance or equivalent.
• 2+ years of experience in employment support and guidance.

Responsibilities

• Support clients with long-term health conditions to find suitable work.
• Build relationships with employers and community organizations.
• Manage a caseload, providing guidance to achieve employment goals.

Skills

Communication Skills

Relationship Building

Employment Support

Problem Solving

Education

Level 3 qualification in IAG

2 years of experience in employment support

Job description

We are recruiting for our new, Blackpool-based Connect to Work programme, which uses a supported employment model (Individual Placement and Support) to help those who are out of work or struggling to stay in work to secure paid employment.

Contract Details

1. Type: Permanent
2. Hours: 37 per week
3. Salary: NJC Grade F SCP 19-24, £31,067 - £34,314 per annum

Additional Information

This post is open to employees currently on notice or at risk, and internal candidates. Priority will be given to these applicants. Employees in this category should complete the application form as normal, then email the Recruitment Team at [e-mail] to mark their application as priority.

Connect to Work is a new DWP-funded programme, available nationally, providing around 12 months of supported employment to eligible participants to help them find or maintain employment.

Role Overview

As an IPS Employment Specialist, you'll be part of a friendly, dynamic team, making a real difference in people's lives. This role involves on-the-job training and supporting individuals with long-term health conditions or barriers to employment in Blackpool to return to or stay in work.

The role requires supporting clients both in our town centre offices and in the wider community, involving some travel and building relationships with local employers. Excellent communication and relationship-building skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Supporting clients with long-term health conditions or barriers to employment to find suitable paid work.
• Building and maintaining relationships with health professionals, employers, and community organizations.
• Delivering holistic, person-centred employment support based on the IPS model, with full training provided.
• Broker reasonable adjustments and flexible working arrangements for clients.
• Manage a caseload of clients, providing advice, guidance, and support to achieve employment goals.

Qualifications and Experience

Applicants should hold a Level 3 qualification in IAG or equivalent, or have at least 2 years of demonstrable experience in employment support, advice, and guidance. Candidates with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

Requirements

• Must have access to a vehicle for attending appointments and meetings.

Benefits

• Flexible working options for work-life balance.
• Annual leave: 26 days, increasing to 28 after 5 years, and 32 after 10 years of service, plus public holidays.
• Competitive pension schemes.
• Additional leave options for caring responsibilities, emergencies, and bereavement.
• Maternity, paternity, and adoption leave above statutory minimums.
• Childcare vouchers, leisure schemes, training opportunities, and more.
• Supportive supervision, health support, and recognition awards.
• Travel benefits including season tickets, car sharing, cycling schemes, and staff parking.
• Free health MOTs, counselling, Mental Health First Aid, and employee discounts.

For more information, view the Job Description and see the benefits of working for Blackpool Council.

This role requires access to PSN services, a Basic Disclosure check through the DBS, and satisfactory references, medical clearance, proof of qualifications, and legal right to work.