Employment Specialist

Job Role:

IPS Employment Specialist (Connect to Work)

Location:

Walsall (Community-based / outreach role)
Salary:
Up to £35,400 per annum (dependent on experience)

Contract:

Permanent, full-time (37.5 hours per week, Monday-Friday)

Role Overview
We are recruiting an experienced and motivated IPS Employment Specialist to deliver the Connect to Work programme across Walsall.
This is a fully community-based, outreach-focused role, where you will work directly within local services and partner organisations rather than from an office base. As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will support individuals experiencing health-related barriers to secure and sustain competitive employment, using a person-centred and evidence-based approach aligned to the IPS model.
You will work closely with health teams, community services and employers, embedding yourself within multidisciplinary environments to deliver high-quality support that promotes recovery, independence and long-term employment outcomes.

Key Responsibilities
IPS Delivery & Case Management
 
Deliver the IPS Connect to Work model in line with fidelity principles and programme targets
Manage a caseload of participants motivated to start or return to work
Develop tailored vocational profiles and action plans based on individual needs
Support individuals to identify strengths, skills and realistic employment goals  Participant Support & Job Outcomes
 
Deliver practical employment support including:  
CV writing
Job search and applications
Interview preparation
In-work support and job sustainment  
Provide ongoing, personalised support to help participants secure and retain employment
Support participants with workplace adjustments, disclosure and benefits-related guidance  Employer Engagement
 
Build and maintain relationships with local employers
Source suitable job opportunities aligned to participant preferences and aspirations
Promote inclusive hiring practices and support employers to understand individual needs
Advocate on behalf of participants to support successful job outcomes  Partnership & Multi-Disciplinary Working
 
Work as an embedded practitioner within partner services (e.g. health, community, support services)
Attend regular MDT meetings and contribute to integrated care planning
Maintain strong relationships with stakeholders to support participant progression
Operate flexibly across community settings to meet service and participant needs  Administration, Targets & Quality
 
Maintain accurate, timely and compliant records of all activity
Monitor performance against programme targets and outcomes
Ensure delivery aligns with IPS fidelity standards and contractual requirements
Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of service delivery

Essential Criteria
 
Experience delivering within an IPS, employability or welfare-to-work programme
Strong understanding of the IPS model or similar supported employment approaches
Experience supporting individuals with health-related or complex barriers to employment
Proven ability to manage a caseload and achieve employment outcomes
Strong employer engagement and relationship-building skills
Ability to work independently across community-based settings
Excellent communication, organisational and time-management skills
Confident using IT systems and maintaining accurate records   
Desirable Criteria
 
Experience working within health, mental health or community services
Knowledge of benefits, employment support and in-work progression
Experience working within multi-disciplinary or partnership environments
IPS fidelity knowledge or accredited IPS experience   
Personal Attributes
 
Person-centred and empathetic approach
Proactive and outcome-focused
Resilient and adaptable
Strong interpersonal and influencing skills
Ability to build trust and rapport quickly   
Additional Information
 
This is a fully outreach-based role with no fixed office base
Regular travel across Walsall and surrounding areas required
Flexible working approach required to meet participant and service needs

How to Apply

For more information or to apply for the IPS Employment Specialist role, please contact:
Robert Rowe (phone number removed) (url removed)