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