IPS Employment Specialist

Role Overview

This is a permanent, field‑based position of 37.5 hours per week, primarily based in the community of South Warwickshire and covering Coventry and Warwickshire. The role supports people experiencing severe mental illness to gain employment through the Coventry & Warwickshire IPS Employment service.

• Manage a caseload of 20–30 service users who are currently off work/unemployed and receiving specialist mental health services.
• Provide face‑to‑face support to clients weekly, helping them understand their skills, aspirations and goals through vocational profiling and action planning.
• Attend six employer meetings per week to build relationships and engage them regarding our service.
• Attend six face‑to‑face appointments with employers per week in the community.
• Build relationships with clinical teams to generate referrals and create collaborative partnerships with NHS clinicians.
• Coordinate a multidisciplinary approach to return to work, involving clinical staff where relevant.
• Assist service users in liaising with DWP and other stakeholder groups.
• Source suitable job opportunities and support rapid job search.
• Perform administrative duties including producing letters, spreadsheets and maintaining system records.
• Operate Rethink internal CRM systems; full training will be provided.
• Complete System 1 training from the NHS (10 online sessions and a final assessment).

• Basic understanding of Individual Placement Support (IPS) gained through experience or self‑conducted research.
• Experience in recruitment or employment, providing advice and guidance on employment needs.
• Ability to engage with employers and build trusting, productive relationships.
• Strong knowledge of the local area and its employers.
• Strong IT skills; competent in using complex systems and software.
• Understanding of the principles and practice of supported employment.
• Preferable experience in supported employment services.
• Strong time‑management, diary organisation and flexibility; able to work with minimal supervision.
• Desirable experience working with people with mental health problems or a similar service group.
• UK driving licence (required for community work).

• Starting salary of £31,049 per annum.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Life assurance and employee assistance programme.
• 25 days annual leave (rising to 30 days plus bank holidays).
• One additional day of leave on your birthday (pro‑rata).
• Eyecare vouchers.
• Funded training, career development and a range of e‑learns.