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.
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