Senior IPS Employment Specialist
Salary: £36,233
Location: Hybrid/Field-Based (Across Kent and Medway)
At The Education People, we believe meaningful employment transforms lives and everyone deserves access to it. As we expand our delivery of the Connect to Work programme across Kent and Medway, we’re now recruiting a Senior IPS Employment Specialist to join our growing Supported Employment Service.
This role is ideal for someone with experience delivering IPS or SEQF employment support who has also led or supported a team. You’ll carry a reduced caseload while supporting a team of Employment Specialists, modelling high-quality practice, and maintaining fidelity to the IPS approach.
You’ll be responsible for performance coaching, operational support, and promoting a culture of continuous improvement, helping the service meet its goals while delivering life-changing support to individuals facing barriers to employment.
Key Responsibilities:
Support and coach Employment Specialists to deliver person-centred IPS support in line with fidelity standards and service KPIs.
Carry a reduced personal caseload, delivering one-to-one tailored employment support using the IPS model.
Act as a first point of escalation for day-to-day queries and practice concerns, promoting quality and consistency across the team.
Monitor service performance through data reporting, case audits, and reflective practice.
Develop strong employer relationships to identify and create inclusive job opportunities for clients.
Provide job coaching, in-work support, and guidance tailored to each individual’s strengths and aspirations.
Facilitate collaborative working with internal and external partners to ensure integrated support.
Promote safeguarding, risk management, and inclusion across all service delivery.
Contribute to service development through feedback, innovation, and role modelling of best practice.
What we need from you:
Proven experience delivering employment support using the IPS or SEQF model
Experience in a line management, team leader, or mentoring role
Strong understanding of barriers to employment faced by people with disabilities, mental health challenges, or social disadvantage
Experience supporting individuals into employment or training and achieving measurable outcomes
Excellent relationship-building skills with employers and stakeholders
Strong communication, organisation, and time management skills
Confidence working independently and supporting others in a fast-paced, field-based environment
In return we will offer you:
25 days holiday rising to 30 for long service, plus bank holidays
Cycle to work scheme
Life assurance cover
Access to Kent Rewards
A culture of progression and development
Flexible working arrangements
About Commercial Services Group:
Commercial Services Group (CSG) is the largest, local authority-owned trading company (LATCO) in the UK, wholly owned by Kent County Council. CSG generates over £800m in revenue per annum and provides services to over 16,000 education and public sector customers globally. CSG is striving to be recognised as the global leader in Education and Public Sector services, currently operating in 86 countries with 1,800 staff across 33 trading brands. Their expertise spans HR Services, IT Services, Energy, Education Resources, Procurement, and more.
CSG is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. We encourage applications from suitably qualified individuals of all backgrounds.
We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our application and interview process; please let us know if you require any