Senior IPS Employment Specialist (Ref: 0086ZA)
All applicants must submit a CV along with a cover letter explaining why they should be considered for this role. Applications will not be accepted without a cover letter. Please note: this role may close earlier than the stated deadline if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Closing date
Monday 23rd February 2026
Main duties of the job
You will manage a team of Employment Specialists, focused on building effective working relationships with local employers, training providers and colleges, to secure employment and education opportunities for people in community treatment for substance misuse, including ensuring the service is focused on accessing the 'hidden' labour market.
You will hold a small caseload of people in drug and alcohol treatment services who wish to return to, or start, paid employment. Clients will be worked with for up to 9 months, plus up to 4 months of in‑work support, as specified in the IPS‑AD trial protocol.
* Leading the ongoing development of the Individual Placement and Support model within Wigan.
* Liaising with Public Health England, senior practitioners and managers within the service and the local authority commissioner around the ongoing implementation of the evidence‑based Individual Placement and Support model.
* Ensuring that clients receive appropriate care and support from everyone involved in their return to work process.
* Providing job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualised to the interests and uniqueness of the client, following the evidence‑based principles and procedures of IPS supported employment.
* Providing ongoing support according to both the employee’s and employer’s needs to enable people who have experienced dependency on drugs and/or alcohol to retain employment once secured.
Person Specification
* Experience of working with people in community treatment for substance misuse.
* Experience leading a team of employment specialists or similar.
* Strong knowledge of IPS principles and local labour market.
Essential skills
* Demonstrable experience of helping people facing severe labour market disadvantage to obtain or keep work.
* An exceptional ability to build and maintain meaningful relationships with both clients and stakeholders.
* An understanding of the principles and practices of the Integrated Support and Placement (IPS) model of supported employment.
* An ability to communicate highly complex and specialist information effectively both verbally and in writing, including the production of formal reports.
* The ability to lead and motivate others, nurture and encourage teams.
Qualifications
* Relevant professional qualifications or experience in social work, health services, or employment support.
* Degree or equivalent in a relevant field preferred but not mandatory.
Salary
Starting salary of £30,000, rising each year in line with our pay progression salary bands to £36,000 per year.
Benefits
* 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays.
* An extra day off for your birthday or a special occasion of your choice.
* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave.
* 2 days paid volunteer leave per year.
#J-18808-Ljbffr