Job Summary
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Workways Individual Placement and Support (IPS) team to work closely with the Early Intervention Teams within DPT (STEP). Workways are recruiting an Employment Specialist staff join the STEP team that covers North/Mid Devon. The Workways admin base is in Exminster, near Exeter, but day to day work for the post holder will be based within the Early Intervention Team base. Post holders will work closely with and receive management and clinical supervision from the established Workways team who are currently working alongside all adult CMHT teams within DPT. The post holder will be involved in assisting Early Intervention Team clients to find and receive support while in paid employment using the evidence based Individual Placement &Support (IPS) approach. The post holder will also provide information, guidance and support to clients who want to progress with education and training working closely to the IPS principles. Experience of supporting employers and helping people with a health condition (preferably mental health-related) to find employment are essential to the role.
Main duties of the job
In this role, as an Employment Specialist, you will be working closely with service users, employers, Job Centres and other agencies to deliver high quality, effective employment support using Individual Placement and Support (IPS), the evidence-based method of finding work for individuals with significant mental health needs. You will have the opportunity to work with a small, friendly team, managing a caseload of no more than 20 service users. IPS focuses on delivering high quality support for individuals so you will have the chance to work closely with each person on your caseload. The Workways IPS team is a national leader in the field of employment support, having been a recognised Centre of Excellence for over a decade. It is currently rated as Exemplary in its delivery of IPS by the Centre for Mental Health.
Qualifications
Essential
* Degree in either occupational therapy, careers guidance, vocational rehabilitation or related subject and / or Educated to degree level or equivalent experience
* Equivalent experience should demonstrate knowledge, skills, and behaviours aligned with IPS competencies and values: a) Employment Support Experience b) Mental Health or Social Care Experience c) Community Engagement d) Transferable Skills and qualities
Desirable
* NVQ 4 in Advice and Guidance
* Certificate in Coaching skills
* Willing to work towards a specific level Vocational Rehabilitation/IPS qualification
Experience
Essential
* Knowledge of the IPS approach to supported employment in relation to Early Intervention Services
* Knowledge of the employment/education needs and possible difficulties of people who experience mental health problems.
* Understanding of mental health conditions
* Understanding of current mental health services
Desirable
* An understanding of the current research and thinking about vocational rehabilitation services
* Understanding of Recovery principles
* Understanding of practice and principles of risk assessment
* Current awareness of relevant Benefits
* Current awareness of Government employment/training schemes
* Working knowledge of Equality Act
* Working knowledge of employment law
* Good understanding of health and safety at work issues
* Knowledge of groupwork theory
* Some experience of specifically assisting people to find paid employment
* Some experience of working in a mental health and/or employment specialist role.
* Has practised the IPS approach to supported employment
* Experience of working in a range of jobs
* Experience of running groups/delivering training
* Personal experience of mental health issues
Equal Opportunities
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
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