NHS IPS Employment Specialist

IPS Grow; Crewe; Hybrid; GBP 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Standguide in Crewe is recruiting an IPS Employment Specialist to support individuals with health-related needs in finding meaningful work aligned to their goals. You will be trained in the IPS approach and work closely with clients, employers and referral partners to build opportunities.

You’ll deliver person-centred guidance, manage a caseload, and promote effective in-work support within the community setting across the North West. A driving licence and willingness to travel are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree-level or equivalent experience required.
• Experience or understanding of employment needs of health-related populations.
• Ability to build close, trusting relationships with clients.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of clients with mental health support needs.
• Deliver IPS guidance and participate in the Fidelity framework.
• Develop Vocational Profiles and Action Plans to secure sustainable employment.
• Source job opportunities through employer engagement and tailored searches.
• Provide in-work support and monitor progress to sustain employment.
• Collaborate with external agencies and training providers to support goals.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Independent worker

Driving licence

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

IPS training (desirable)

Job description

Could you help someone experiencing mental health challenges find work that matches their goals and aspirations? Join Standguide as an IPS Employment Specialist in Crewe.

Deadline: 9th November 2026

• North West
• Full-time

Job overview

For more than three decades, Standguide has supported individuals and employers across the UK. We provide employment, skills and support services that help people overcome barriers, develop their potential and move towards sustainable employment.

As an employee-owned organisation, we’re committed to investing in our people, delivering high-quality services and creating positive outcomes for the communities we support.

Role

Are you passionate about helping people achieve their goals and find meaningful work? As an Employment Specialist, you’ll support individuals with health-related needs to secure sustainable, fulfilling employment that matches their skills and aspirations.

You’ll be trained in the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach — a proven model focused on person-centred guidance and practical, empowering support. Working closely with clients, employers, and referral partners, you’ll build strong relationships that open doors to new opportunities.

Responsibilities

What you’ll do

• Manage a caseload of clients diagnosed with mental health support needs who are motivated to start/return to work
• Deliver the IPS approach for which training will be given
• Adhere to the 8 key IPS principles that underpin the 25-point Fidelity scale
• Meet and support clients to understand their key skills, aspirations, and goals through completing a Vocational Profile and produce an Action Plan to help them obtain and sustain competitive employment. This includes support with their job search, CV production, application forms interview techniques and career development.
• Source job opportunities for clients through tailored and supported job search and regular contact with local employers to explore hidden as well as advertised employment opportunities
• Once employment has been secured continue to provide quality service through conducting regular visits, effective monitoring and tailored in-work support to clients and employers to help sustain employment
• Work with employers to promote the service, identify support needs, job opportunities and ensure appropriate strategies are in place to reduce barriers in the workplace – this can include exploring ‘job carving’ i.e., carving small slices of work from the duties other staff do not have time to do and reasonable adjustments
• Develop effective working relationships with a range of external agencies who can help individuals to achieve their employment goals. This may include local colleges and training providers
• Work independently, reliably and deliver consistently to deliver effective IPS practice within the community setting.

The person

What you’ll need

• Educated to a degree level or equivalent experience
• Desirable – trained in IPS approach
• An understanding of the employment needs, and challenges faced by people who experience health difficulties
• Experience/understanding of working with people with health support needs, or a similar client group within health, social services, or the voluntary sector
• Natural ability to build close, trusting, and productive relationships with people
• Ability to work independently and use initiative to develop and promote a service
• Clean driving licence and full-time access to car as this role requires travel.
• Overseas equivalent qualifications will be accepted.