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 if we receive a high volume of applications, so please apply as soon as possible.
Job Summary
Senior IPS Employment Specialist – manage a team of Employment Specialists, build relationships with local employers, training providers and colleges to secure employment and education opportunities for people in community treatment for substance misuse. You will hold a small caseload of people in drug and alcohol treatment services who wish to return to or start paid employment, with clients worked with for up to nine months and up to four months of in‑work support per IPS‑AD trial protocol.
Key Duties
* Leading the ongoing development of the Individual Placement and Support model within Wigan
* Liaising with Public Health England, senior practitioners, managers within the service and the local authority commissioner about the evidence‑based IPS model implementation
* Ensuring clients receive appropriate care and support from everyone involved in their return to work process
* Providing job development and job search activities tailored to client interests and uniqueness, following evidence‑based IPS principles and procedures
* Providing ongoing support to enable people who have experienced dependency on drugs and/or alcohol to retain employment once secured
Essential Skills & Experience
* 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 clients and stakeholders
* Understanding of IPS principles and practices
* Ability to communicate highly complex and specialist information effectively, both verbally and in writing, including production of formal reports
* Ability to lead and motivate others, nurture and encourage teams
Diversity & Inclusion
We welcome applications from underrepresented communities, people with lived experience, people with disabilities, people from racialised communities, LGBTQ+ people, people of all ages and armed forces veterans. As a Disability Confident Employer and a Guaranteed Interview Scheme participant for veterans and disabled candidates, we will make reasonable adjustments as required.
Benefits
* 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Extra day off for birthday or a special occasion of your choice
* Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
* 2 days paid volunteer leave per year
* Auto‑enrolment into the pension scheme
* Access to a Blue Light Card for savings on high‑street and online brands
* Flexible working opportunities and support with wellbeing
* Refer a Friend scheme – £500 bonus for successful referrals after 6 months probation
Salary & Contract
£30,000 – £36,000 per year (starting £30,000, rising each year in line with pay progression bands). Permanent, full‑time. Working pattern and location: Wigan (WN1 1HR).
Application Deadline
Closing date: Monday 23rd February 2026.
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