Mental Health Employment Specialist (IPS)

NHS; Wells; On-site; GBP 31,000 - 38,000; Full time

Job summary

A healthcare provider in the UK is seeking a dedicated Mental Health Employment Specialist to support individuals with severe mental health challenges in achieving their employment goals. The role involves providing tailored employment support, engaging with local employers, and collaborating with clinical teams to create job opportunities. The ideal candidate will have relevant qualifications and experience in mental health, as well as a commitment to promoting recovery through employment. Flexibility in location is required, with posts available in Wells and Yeovil.

Benefits

NHS pension scheme

Generous annual leave allowance

Flexible working

Blue Light Card benefits

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in relevant field.
• Professional registration if degree is in social work, OT, or nursing.
• Experience with severe mental health issues.

Responsibilities

• Deliver employment support using the Individual Placement and Support model.
• Conduct vocational assessments and job coaching.
• Engage with local employers for job opportunities.

Skills

Understanding of the Individual Placement and Support model

Experience working with individuals with severe mental health issues

Evidence-based practice in Vocational Rehabilitation

Strong advocacy skills

Education

Degree in social work, occupational therapy, psychiatric nursing or psychology

Professional registration to practice in the UK

Master's degree in a relevant field

IPS Training

Job description

Mental Health Employment Specialist (IPS)

We are looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic IPS Employment Specialist (Band 5) to join our Mental Health Employment Service within Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. This is a pivotal role in supporting individuals with severe and enduring mental health difficulties to achieve their employment aspirations, helping them gain or retain paid work in the open job market.

One post will be based at The Bridge, Wells, and the other at Yeovil, working as part of a county-wide team embedded within Community Mental Health Services. Applicants are kindly requested to indicate in their application whether they have a preferred base or if they are willing to work at either location.

Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you will provide tailored, person-centred employment support that promotes recovery, independence, and social inclusion.

This role involves close collaboration with clinical teams, employers, and partner agencies to create opportunities and remove barriers to employment. You will advocate for service users, engage with local businesses, and deliver practical support throughout the job search and in-work phases. If you are passionate about making a tangible difference in people's lives and believe in the power of employment as a key component of mental health recovery, we would love to hear from you.

Main duties of the job

• Deliver employment support using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.
• Work directly with service users to provide vocational assessments, action planning, and job coaching.
• Engage with local employers to identify and create suitable job opportunities.
• Collaborate with partner agencies such as Job Centre Plus, CAB, probation services, and community organisations.
• Support service users with disclosure decisions, workplace adjustments, and in-work support.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to data reporting for service quality and outcomes.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of employment support.

About us

As an organisation, Somerset NHS Foundation Trust offers employees a wide range of benefits including flexible working, NHS pension scheme, generous annual leave allowance and a commitment to career development.

You will be eligible for our Blue Light Card and a wide range of NHS exclusive shopping & leisure discounts.

We are proud of our skilled, diverse workforce and as an inclusive employer we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Working in Somerset enables you to enjoy the idyllic countryside, areas of outstanding beauty and stunning coastlines whilst still only being a stone's throw away from bustling city centres like Bristol, Bath and Exeter and only two hours away from London.

There are excellent educational facilities in the area and, when compared to other regions, house prices are reasonable.

Somerset offers the countryside and the cosmopolitan -- there is truly something for everyone!

Job responsibilities

As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will:

• Hold a caseload of individuals with complex mental health needs and deliver interventions aligned with IPS fidelity standards.
• Conduct vocational assessments to identify transferable skills, work readiness, and job preferences.
• Carry out rapid job searches and employer engagement to secure employment opportunities tailored to client goals.
• Provide ongoing in-work support, including workplace assessments and advice on reasonable adjustments.
• Collaborate with clinical teams, attend multidisciplinary meetings, and act as a liaison for employment support within your locality.
• Contribute to service development, clinical governance initiatives, and IPS fidelity reviews.
• Ensure compliance with Trust policies, safeguarding procedures, and data protection regulations.
• Travel across the county as required (own transport essential).

Person Specification

Qualifications

• A degree or equivalent in social work, occupational therapy, psychiatric nursing or psychology
• Professional registration to practice in the UK if degree is in social work, OT or nursing, or a degree in psychology
• Masters degree in a relevant field
• IPS Training

Experience

• Working with people with severe and enduring mental health issues
• Working closely with a range of service providers
• IPS or other employment specialist experience
• Forensic mental health experience

Additional Criteria

• Evidence-based practice for Vocational Rehabilitation and its development through research, audit and response to Clinical Guidelines
• Understanding of the role of employment in recovery
• Must be a car driver with a valid driving licence with appropriate business insurance in order to travel throughout the county, to meet the needs of the service
• Understanding of the Individual Placement and Support model

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

£31,049 to £37,796 a year Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm