Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
The closing date is 09 November 2025
This role is part of an employment advice service, working closely with people with common mental health problems and their clinicians. The post holder will support clients to gain, return to or retain employment and will signpost to relevant local and national services to support employment goals (finances, benefits assessments, employment rights, housing, and access to community support groups). The post holder will provide interventions within the employment support team, including one-to-one sessions (face to face / telephone / video call) and/or develop a group programme for job retention / return to work / gaining and keeping sustainable employment. The EA will be aware of the impact of mental health issues on individuals and the work implications of co-morbid health conditions.
Responsibilities include: develop effective working relationships with external agencies, maintain professional relationships with clients and stakeholders (confidentiality and boundaries), maintain up-to-date knowledge of Jobcentre Plus provision, benefits, and local/national employment options, and adhere to administrative and data capture protocols.
Main duties of the job
Develop effective working relationships with a range of external agencies (e.g. local colleges, training providers, trade unions, external support services) to support individuals’ employment goals.
Maintain professional relationships with clients and stakeholders, with attention to confidentiality and appropriate boundaries.
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Jobcentre Plus provision, benefits, and national/local employment and social support options.
Adhere to administrative and data capture protocols; ensure monitoring and evaluation systems are followed; undertake mandatory training; participate in continuous professional development.
Provide one-to-one and group sessions as described, and ensure appointments include early and late slots; occasional Saturday work if required.
Collaborate with Talking Therapies clinicians; be aware of the impact of mental health on employment and demonstrate sensitivity to related needs.
Be aware that individuals may have primary or secondary health conditions and disabilities, and have knowledge to understand work implications.
About us
We are passionate about providing the very best care and are looking for amazing people to join us. You will have access to training and education opportunities, including apprenticeships, work experience, placements, and opportunities to participate in research. SHSC is unable to provide sponsorship for this role; if you hold a visa, you may apply, but sponsorship cannot be offered after visa expiry and you must have at least 12 months remaining on your visa at start of employment for training and operational reasons.
Job responsibilities
Develop effective working relationships with external agencies supporting employment goals; maintain professional relationships and confidentiality; maintain up-to-date knowledge of Jobcentre Plus provisions and benefits; adhere to data capture and monitoring requirements; implement policies (information governance, safeguarding) and escalate concerns per risk policy; conduct employment assessments and develop personalised employment action plans aligned with therapy goals; provide information, advice and guidance on employment rights, reasonable adjustments, workplace wellbeing, and returning to work; maintain records of employment outcomes and progress; offer early and late appointments and occasional Saturdays as required.
Communicate effectively: provide and receive complex information, use negotiating and motivational skills, work collaboratively with colleagues, and signpost to community and employability services; empower clients with tools to advocate for themselves or source advocates; collect feedback; use IT systems confidently; adapt communication to ensure engagement (including interpreters when required).
Demonstrate analytical and judgemental skills: work independently, assess options, and tailor advice to client needs; plan and organisational responsibilities: contribute to service improvements, manage time, prioritise casework, and develop SMART action plans; possess or develop physical skills including keyboard proficiency and multitasking during calls; maintain safe and compliant working environment and records; adhere to criminal records checks requirements and travel between bases.
Person Specification
Knowledge & Skills
* Excellent written and verbal communication with a range of stakeholders
* Ability to build effective working relationships with clients and professionals
* Empathy, motivation and resilience when supporting people in distress or with complex needs
* Ability to analyse client information and develop realistic, person-centred employment plans
* Ability to help clients solve problems, communicate with employers, and navigate work-related challenges
* Strong organisational and time management skills with ability to prioritise and meet KPIs
* Commitment to equality, diversity and reducing stigma around mental health
* High level of professionalism and proactive attitude
* Ability to manage emotionally challenging situations
* Comfortable working in shared offices or remotely; IT literate (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, video conferencing)
* Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team and travel within the Trust or region
* Confidence delivering group-based sessions (in person or virtual)
Training & Qualifications
* NVQ Level 3 or equivalent (or relevant experience)
* CPD relevant to the role; training in employment rights, safeguarding, information governance
* Employment-related qualification (e.g. job retention, coaching, mediation)
* Information Advice and Guidance NVQ Level 3
* The Award in Education and Training Level 3
Experience
* Evidence of providing employment-related support to jobseekers and to individuals with health conditions or disabilities
* Experience working with individuals with common mental health conditions
* Experience in partnership working and service coordination
* Understanding of unemployment, mental health and social issues; knowledge of benefits processes (ESA, UC, PIP)
* Knowledge of Equality Act 2010 and reasonable adjustments/workplace wellbeing
* Experience using IT systems for case recording and communication
* Ability to work independently in the community and remotely; experience with clinical practitioners or multidisciplinary teams
* Experience in primary care, mental health or Talking Therapies services; awareness of how other health conditions impact employment
* Awareness of national employment programmes and vocational rehabilitation best practice
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service to check for any previous convictions.
Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust
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