Employment Specialist

Job Role:

Employment Specialist (IPS)

Location:

Bath, North Somerset & Surrounding Areas (community based)
Salary: £31,000 per year

Contract:

Fixed Term until September 2027 (extension possible)
Working Environment:
Community based, delivering support across local areas

Role Overview
We are looking for an experienced and motivated Employment Specialist (IPS) to provide high‑quality supported employment across Bath, North Somerset and surrounding areas. You will support individuals with disabilities, learning needs, autism, mental health conditions or other complex barriers to access and sustain meaningful employment. The role includes one‑to‑one employment support, job searching, employer engagement and ongoing in‑work support aligned to IPS and Supported Employment fidelity models.

Key Responsibilities
Participant Support & Job Coaching
 
Deliver supported employment using the recognised five‑stage model.

- Develop tailored vocational profiles and individual action plans.

- Implement rapid, participant‑led job search activity.

- Deliver personalised in‑work support and coaching to aid job retention.

- Help participants build confidence, independence and positive work habits.  Employer Engagement & Inclusive Employment
 
Build a strong network of employer relationships across Bath and North Somerset.

- Identify and negotiate suitable roles matching participant skills and aspirations.

- Promote inclusive practices, adjustments and job‑carving to employers.

- Advocate for mental health awareness and inclusive recruitment practices.  Partnership Collaboration
 
Work from community locations and partner sites.

- Build strong partnerships with VCSE groups, NHS teams, local authorities and community organisations.

- Contribute to multi‑agency working and shared referral pathways.

Quality Assurance & Compliance
 
Maintain fully accurate records of participant progress, outcomes and employer activity.

- Ensure all work meets health & safety, safeguarding and equality standards.

- Collect evidence and data to support programme outcome reporting.

- Maintain delivery quality in line with IPS/SEQF fidelity expectations.

Essential Criteria
 
GCSE English & Maths (Grade C/4 or equivalent).

- Experience supporting individuals with disabilities, autism, mental health needs or complex barriers.

- Experience in employability, job coaching or careers-based roles.

- Employer engagement experience.

- Strong performance and outcomes focus.

- Understanding of supported employment principles.

- Willingness to work towards a Supported Employment/IPS qualification.

- Excellent communication, interpersonal and motivational interviewing skills.

- IT literacy (Word, Excel, CRM systems).

- Ability to travel across Bath, North Somerset and surrounding areas.

Desirable Criteria
 
Supported Employment or Job Coaching qualification.

- Knowledge of IPS/SEQF fidelity models.

- Qualification in employability, psychology or health/social care.

- Level 3 IAG or Employability qualification.

- Understanding of welfare benefits and employment legislation