Employment Specialist

Go back Dorset Health Care University NHS Foundation Trust

The closing date is 26 February 2026

Are you passionate about supporting people and empathetic to the diverse needs of those accessing mental health services? Are you motivated to grow in a challenging but rewarding role? If so, you might be the ideal candidate for our team! We are recruiting Band 5 Employment Specialists to join Dorset Work Matters, supporting clients across Dorset. This new role is made possible by expansion funding, reflecting our commitment to widening access to vital employment support services.

Dorset Work Matters is a well-established, high-performing partnership between Dorset Health Care University NHS Foundation Trust and Dorset Mental Health Forum. Since 2019, the service has provided evidence-based support to individuals with mental health diagnoses, helping them secure paid employment through the nationally recognised Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.

We seek a motivated, empathetic Employment Specialist to support people with mental health conditions into sustainable employment. Working closely with NHS teams, employers, and partners, youu
2019ll build trust and provide practical, tailored support to help clients meet their employment goals. While based within a Community Mental Health team, most work will be community-based. We welcome applications from all backgrounds to promote inclusivity.

Applications from candidates that require current Healthcare worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

• 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, should they choose to disclose.
• Provide welfare benefits advice and calculations to help clients make informed employment decisions.
• Engage directly with local employers to create and secure tailored job opportunities, including job carving.
• 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 serviceu
  2019s KPIs.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in line with Service and IPS Fidelity Model requirements.
• Demonstrate strong organisational skills by managing caseloads efficiently, prioritising tasks, and meeting deadlines.
• Perform a high volume of administrative duties with attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in reporting, documentation, and data entry.

At Dorset Health Care weu
2019re on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. Weu
2019re a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people.

We do things differently here - itu
2019s one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. Itu
2019s also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether youu
2019re looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities.

Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. Weu
2019re all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. Weu
2019re an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves.

Working with us youu
2019ll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we donu
2019t know. And youu
2019ll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do.

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset Health Care offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact dhc.

An Enhanced DBS check is required and funded by the Trust. DBS Update Service certificates may be accepted.