Are you passionate about supporting people and empathetic to the diverse needs of those accessing mental health services? Do you want to grow in a challenging yet rewarding role? If so, you might be the ideal candidate for our team. We are recruiting Band5 Employment Specialists to join Dorset Work Matters, supporting clients across Dorset. Powered by expansion funding, this role reflects our commitment to widening access to vital employment support services.
Dorset Work Matters is a proven partnership between Dorset HealthCare 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.
As an Employment Specialist you will work closely with NHS teams, employers and partners to build trust and provide practical, tailored support to help clients achieve sustainable employment. While based within a Community Mental Health team, most of your work will be community‑based. We welcome applications from all backgrounds. Note that visa sponsorship is not available; applicants must hold a valid right to work in the UK.
Responsibilities
- 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 quality standards and compliance requirements of the IPS Fidelity Model, striving to meet or exceed the service’s Key Performance Indicators (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.
- Actively support the recovery and employment success of individuals with mental health conditions, recognising how employment contributes to their well‑being.
Qualifications & Experience
- Educated to degree level or equivalent training in a relevant field.
- Experience or knowledge of employability or the labour market.
- Level3 Diploma in Employability Services Sector Qualification.
- Experience working with people with mental health problems or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector.
- Experience of partnership working, negotiation and liaison work with other stakeholders and agencies.
- Previous experience of delivering a service using the IPS model.
- Excellent organisational skills and ability to manage your own time effectively and independently.
- Highly motivated with a genuine belief that employment will help the recovery of someone with a mental health condition.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a range of people.
- Lived experience or experience of recovery from a mental health condition.
- Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables you to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively.
- Team‑oriented and works collaboratively within a mixed‑disciplinary team.
- Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check (cost covered by the Trust).
Additional Information
- Visa sponsorship is not available; successful candidates must have a valid right to work in the UK and will not require sponsorship.
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