IPS Employment Specialist Posted - Band 5

Job overview

Are you interested in supporting people experiencing a first episode of psychosis to achieve their employment goals?

We are looking for an Employment Specialist to join the Oxfordshire Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Team on a full-time basis.

We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. If you are resilient, empathetic, and passionate about helping people overcome barriers, challenge stigma, and realise their potential, a career in IPS could be for you.

This rewarding role involves supporting people with mental health challenges to find and sustain meaningful employment. As an Employment Specialist, no two days are the same. You may be helping someone identify career goals, update their CV, or prepare for interviews, while also building relationships with local employers and promoting inclusive employment opportunities.

We are a supportive and friendly team within a well-established organisation. If you are creative, solution-focused, and skilled at building positive, trusting relationships, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.

You will work closely with the IPS Team Leaders and fellow Employment Specialists to support the continued development of the service across Oxfordshire.

A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work are essential. Reasonable adjustments will be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010.

You will be working to support people either to gain employment or retain their current employment as part of multi-disciplinary (MDT) team's within the Oxfordshire Early Intervention Service.

The Employment Specialist’s will join an IPS team working under the direction of an IPS team leader to deliver IPS as part of the holistic recovery plan for mental health service users in the community.

You will be required to manage a caseload of up to 20 people at any one time who have experienced mental health problems and who are waiting to either gain new employment or retain their current employment. The Employment Specialist is expected to deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach – for which training will be given.

Working directly with all relevant stakeholders: the service user, Oxford Health staff, partner agencies, employers and people who have experienced mental health challenges themselves - you will support the service users on your caseload to gain and retain paid employment.

Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust provides physical, mental health and social care for people of all ages across Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Swindon, Wiltshire, Bath and North East Somerset.

Our services are delivered at community bases, hospitals, clinics and people’s homes, delivering care as close to home as possible

Our vision is that no matter who you are or where you are, you will tell us that you receive:“Outstanding care delivered by an outstanding team”

Our values are:“Caring, safe and excellent”

At Oxford Health we offer a wide range of benefits designed to support your career and wellbeing. These include:

• Excellent opportunities for career progression
• Access to tailored individual and Trust wide learning and development
• 27 days annual leave, plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days with continuous service
• NHS Discount across a wide range of shops, restaurants and retailers
• Competitive pension scheme
• Lease car scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Staff accommodation (please note waiting lists may apply)
• Staff networking and support groups hosted by our Equality, Diversity & Inclusion team

The role of an Employment Specialist in Oxford Health is incredibly dynamic and diverse. One moment you’ll be working closely with IPS clients to set goals, refining their CVs, or practising interview techniques, the next, you’ll be out in the local community approaching potential employers and discussing roles and job flexibility.

We pride ourselves in being a supportive team within a great organisation If you are passionate, creative, solution focused, good at building hopeful relationships and…