IPS Employment Specialist (Early Intervention in Psychosis)

Overview

In this role you help people with mental health needs to find and sustain paid employment, working within an IPS framework in the East & Central Suffolk Early Intervention in Psychosis team. You’ll build connections with local employers, support job searching and interview preparation, and provide ongoing assistance after placement. You will operate in a multidisciplinary mental health setting, promoting the employment agenda to reduce stigma and enableRecovery through tailored action plans. This is a hands-on, impact-driven opportunity in a supportive, values-led Trust.

Pay / Benefits

• 27 days holiday + bank holidays
• Pension up to 14.5%
• Blue Light/NHS discount offers
• relocation package (£8K)
• Season ticket loans
• Flexible working and potential job share

Responsibilities

• Engage with service users and stakeholders (employers, DWP, Job Centre Plus, etc.) to create employment opportunities
• Champion the IPS approach and promote employment as a recovery pathway
• Develop and maintain relationships with local employers to generate referrals and reduce stigma
• Assess individual employment needs and strengths, and prepare people for work
• Provide an evidence-based supported employment service (IPS) including travel, benefits, and support networks
• Coordinate with multidisciplinary mental health teams and supervise/support from Team Leader and Service Manager

Key requirements

• Good standard of education; NVQ 3 or equivalent
• Experience in health, social care, or voluntary sector with people who have mental health problems
• Experience helping people obtain or sustain employment/training
• IT literacy
• Experience working with stakeholders (including employers) to support employment
• Knowledge of welfare benefits and benefits rules
• Understanding of supported employment and Equality Act 2010 (Desirable)

• Strong communication skills
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with employers and stakeholders
• Flexible, creative problem-solving
• IT/Computer skills
• Knowledge of welfare benefits rules
• Monitoring data analysis (desirable)

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