Officer, Social Work, Community Support Services

We are looking for a compassionate, motivated and self-directed individual who wants to make a genuine difference to people's lives through employment. This position, with full training and ongoing support, is a fantastic opportunity to build a career in supported employment and help people with health needs and other barriers achieve their employment goals.

As an IPS Employment Officer, you will support people on a one-to-one basis to find and sustain meaningful paid employment that matches their interests, skills and aspirations. Working as part of a passionate and experienced team, you will help create a fairer and more inclusive community where people who face disadvantages can access the benefits and opportunities that employment provides.

This is primarily a community-based role. Much of your time will be spent meeting clients in NHS, community and support settings across Southampton, building relationships with partner organisations and supporting people in environments where they feel comfortable. The role involves a high degree of independent and lone working, so we are looking for someone who is organised, self-motivated and confident managing their own diary whilst working away from a traditional office environment.

Whilst experience within employment support would be beneficial, it is not essential. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds who share our belief that everyone can work with the right support and who are committed to helping others achieve their goals.

This is a rewarding and dynamic role where no day is the same and you'll be making a genuine difference to people's lives. Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you will:

• Support and motivate individuals with health conditions and other barriers to access and sustain paid employment.
• Build trusting, supportive relationships with people who may be experiencing mental health challenges, substance misuse issues, physical health conditions or other complex barriers.
• Regularly meet with clients to understand their strengths, interests and aspirations and help them identify suitable employment opportunities.
• Support clients with CV development, interview preparation and managing their health and wellbeing in work.
• Advocate for clients by educating and engaging employers about the benefits of inclusive recruitment and workplace support.
• Develop relationships with local employers and community organisations to identify opportunities for clients.
• Promote hope, opportunity and positive expectations around employment, helping people to overcome barriers and achieve their goals.
• Work closely with healthcare professionals, support services and other partners to ensure people receive joined-up and effective support.

You enjoy helping people and can build trusting relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. You are a good listener, non-judgemental and genuinely interested in supporting people to achieve their goals.

You are comfortable managing your own workload and diary, working across community, NHS and support settings, and making decisions whilst working independently for much of the week.

You can build positive working relationships with clients, healthcare professionals, support services, community partners and employers. You are confident communicating face-to-face, by telephone and in writing.

You can manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records, ensuring client information and case notes are completed in a timely manner.

You understand that progress is not always straightforward and can remain positive, supportive and focused when people experience setbacks or challenges.

Although much of the role involves working independently, you value being part of a wider team and can develop effective relationships with colleagues and partner organisations to achieve the best outcomes for clients.

You believe everyone can work with the right support and are passionate about helping people identify and achieve their employment goals.

• This is a community-based role and much of your time will be spent meeting clients and partner organisations across Southampton rather than working from a fixed office location.
• We organise our time around the needs of the people and organisations we support, so…