Job Summary
This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. If it is identified that you require sponsorship to undertake this role your application may be withdrawn.
A new and exciting opportunity has arisen for an Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Specialist covering Newcastle under Lyme & Staffordshire Moorlands.
IPS is an evidence‑based approach to helping people in recovery find and keep a paid job. The IPS worker works with clients in the STaRS service to support them into competitive employment and help them retain that employment.
As an IPS worker you will look for paid employment opportunities for clients involved in drug and/or alcohol recovery, develop opportunities with local employers, and support both client and employer to ensure the right fit.
Main Duties
* Support service users to gain, return to, or retain employment.
* Work directly with Recovery Coordinators, care coordinators, JobCentre Plus, employers, trade unions, and employment agencies to secure employment opportunities.
* Collaborate with practitioners in Staffordshire and partner with specialist and primary/secondary care services.
About Us
Inclusion, part of the Specialist Services Care Group of Midlands Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (MPFT), provides caring and effective services across England, including West Yorkshire, West Midlands, East Midlands, West Mercia, Thames Valley, Hampshire, Isle of Wight, Thurrock, and Essex. We support individuals affected by addiction, crime, mental health, or sexual health needs. Our focus is on high quality, inclusive care and the wellbeing of staff and service users.
Details
Date posted: 03 February 2026
Pay scheme: Agenda for change
Band: Band 5
Salary: £31,049 to £37,796 a year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full‑time
Reference number: 301-IT-26-7768956
Job locations: STaRS, Ryecroft Medical Centre, Stafford, ST5 2BL
Job Responsibilities
* Manage a caseload of people who have experienced drug and alcohol health problems using STaRS and who wish to retain, return to, or regain meaningful employment.
* Lead the ES workload focused on the service user’s aspirations as part of a package of care.
* Conduct an assessment of employment needs, consider strengths, difficulties, and employment assets to offer effective support, including job goals, capacity for work, and prior experience.
* Match job tasks and individuals’ abilities, and develop work solutions as needed.
* Agree a written action plan with the client, detailing steps to get back into or retain employment, including SMART objectives.
* Develop in‑depth knowledge of the local labour market, local support, and new initiatives, and broker effective interventions and specialist schemes.
Person Specification – Essential
Qualifications
* Educated to a degree level or equivalent experience; willing to undertake relevant training.
Experience
* Equivalent experience gained through work in the field.
* Experience providing vocational and employment support, e.g., in HR, business, management, recruitment, or sales.
Skills and Abilities
* Access to a vehicle and a valid UK driving licence; willing to travel to other locations within the organisation as required.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975.
Employer Details
Employer name: Inclusion
Address: STaRS, Ryecroft Medical Centre, Stafford, ST5 2BL
Website: https://www.mpft.nhs.uk
#J-18808-Ljbffr