IPS Employment Specialist

Passionate about supporting young people and understanding their mental health needs? We are recruiting Band 5 Employment Specialists to join Dorset Work Matters (DWM), supporting young people across Dorset. These roles are made possible through expansion funding, reflecting a commitment to extending specialist mental health employment support to young people.

DWM is a well‑established partnership between Dorset Healthcare Trust and Dorset Mental Health Forum, providing evidence‑based support to individuals with mental health conditions to secure paid employment through the nationally recognised Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.

• Conduct weekly face‑to‑face engagement with local employers to proactively generate tailored job opportunities, including job carving, in line with IPS principles.
• Work collaboratively with clients to identify employment goals, develop CVs and application forms, and prepare effectively for interviews.
• Support clients in discussing their mental health condition with potential employers, if they choose to disclose.
• Provide welfare benefits advice and calculations to help clients make informed employment decisions.
• Deliver ongoing in‑work support to both clients and employers, ensuring sustainable employment outcomes.
• Adhere to the quality standards and compliance requirements of the IPS Fidelity Model, striving to meet or exceed the service’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
• Maintain accurate, up‑to‑date records in line with Service and IPS Fidelity Model requirements.
• Perform a high volume of administrative duties with attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in reporting, documentation, and data entry.

• Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check – the Trust will cover the cost.
• Full and valid UK driving licence.
• Must be able to travel using own vehicle on Trust business.
• Experience supporting young people with mental health needs in a fast‑paced, community‑based environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to build engaging relationships and deliver person‑centred support.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.