An exciting opportunity hasarisen to join the Workways Individual Placement and Support (IPS) team to work closely withthe Early Intervention Teams within DPT (STEP). Workways are recruiting an EmploymentSpecialist staff join the STEP team that covers North/Mid Devon. The Workwaysadmin base is in Exminster, near Exeter, but day to day work for the postholder will be based within the Early Intervention Team base. Post holders will work closely with and receivemanagement and clinical supervision from the established Workways team who arecurrently working alongside all adult CMHT teams within DPT. The post holder will be involvedin assisting Early Intervention Team clients to find and receive support whilein paid employment using the evidenced based Individual Placement&Support (IPS) approach. The post holder will also provide information,guidance and support to clients who want to progress with education andtraining working closely to the IPS priniciples. Experience ofsupporting employers and helping people with a health condition (preferablymental health-related) to find employment are essential to the role.
Main duties of the job
In this role, as an EmploymentSpecialist, you will be working closing with service users, employers, JobCentres and other agencies, to deliver high quality, effective employmentsupport using Individual Placement and Support (IPS), the evidence-based methodof finding work for individuals with significant mental health needs.
You will have the opportunity towork with a small, friendly team, managing a caseload of no more than 20service users. IPS focuses on delivering high quality support for individualsso you will have the chance to work closely with each person on your caseload.
Workways IPS team is a nationalleader in the field of employment support, having been a recognised Centre ofExcellence for over a decade. The team is currently rated as Exemplary in itsdelivery of IPS by the Centre for Mental Health.
In the field of employmentsupport you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and practice in aunique and highly rewarding way, using your existing knowledge of mental healthand social care, and taking this into the rapidly developing national arena ofIPS services.
About us
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
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.
Job responsibilities
Main duties of the job
The postholderworks as part of the Workways team in line with the Individual Placement andSupport (IPS) evidence based best practice. The postholder also providesspecialised vocational assessment of individuals work needs. The postholderwill manage a caseload of no more than 20 people (per wte) who are experiencingmental health problems and wish to enter or remain in employment in line withIPS principles. Working with people in an individualised way to help themachieve their own employment goals, the postholder will be pro‑active in theirengagement with people on their caseload.
The postholder will provideadvice, information and support to the individual and to their employer andmental health worker. The postholder is responsible for establishing andmaintaining links with relevant organisations, employers and individuals toenable people who have mental ill health to obtain paid work.
This post mayinvolve lone working, working away from base frequently and working withoutdirect supervision.
Communication and Working relationship Skills
* Ability to demonstrate highly developed verbal communication skills in order to develop on‑going relationships with people whouse the service, clinical team workers and employers. Good written communication skills for example for report writing, assisting people tocomplete job applications and letter writing Persistence and perseverance whenengaging with people who use the service and with employers Enthusiasm for andgenuine interest in vocational rehabilitation Excellent all round interpersonaland networking skills, being able to develop community networks with people whouse the service. Able to approach and work with employers. Able to beappropriately directive and encouraging to people using the serviceNon-judgemental, to appropriately work with people with varying needs,experiences and backgrounds
* Supervisory skills, relates to other team membersand people who use the service Motivational interviewing skills Presentationskills to be able to present confidently and professionally to, for example,employers, and other services about Workways Training/facilitation skills, torun, for example, training for other organisations or recovery courses orgroupwork for people who use the service Arbitration/mediation skills, forexample to be able to mediate with an employer
Analytical & Judgemental Skills
* Can demonstrate a Recovery focus Committed topeople who use the service being able to find/retain paid work Problem solvingand lateral thinking skills, being able to think on the go, address problems asthey occur and work in a solution focussed way Ability to work on owninitiative, being able to take appropriate decisive action when working withemployers and people who use the service Ability to reflect on and criticallyappraise own performance, being aware of own strengths and weaknesses and addressthese Professionalism, at all times present self and represent the team in aprofessional and appropriate manner and be able to maintain professionalboundaries
Planning and Organisational skills
* Ensure effective use of resources within own work.
* Be responsible for organising and planning own caseload and managingclinical/non clinical time effectively to fit with service needs and demands
* Working with another team member, prepare, organise and runtraining for employers, others in learning and work organisations and care staff aboutlearning, work and mental health issues.
* As required take a lead in planning and running of recoverycourses and groups for people who use the service such as Preparing For Work.
* Work flexibly to meet individuals needs andthis may require some working out of normal office hours.
Responsibility for Patient/Client Care, Treatmentand Therapy
* At all times work in a recovery‑focussed way.
* Manage a caseload of people (of no more than 20 peopleper whole time equivalent worker) who have mental health issues and who wish to find paid work orcommence mainstream education
* Work pro‑actively with the person using the service withthe ultimate goal of helping them find and retain paid work.
* Provide IPS vocational assessment for individualapplicants to Workways.
* Work with the person using the service to explore theirareas of strength, development needs, barriers to progression, learning and work needs and soon to draw up a plan of action andtheir next best step.
* Co‑write all action plans with the person using theservice, then monitor and evaluate these plans in order to measure progress and effectivenessof all interventions.
* Regularly review the agreed action plan with the personusing the service, seeking to assist them to progress with their vocational goals.
* Provide interventions to assist the individual in problemsolving, confidence building and improving work related skills
* Provide support in the work place for each person usingthe service to enable them to have the bestpossible chance of succeeding in the position.
* Provide individualised,on‑going support and advice to individuals once they have secured employmentto assist them in sustaining employment.
* Maintain a professional relationship with thepeople using the service with VRS staff, with mental health staff, employersand with particular attention to confidentiality and maintenance ofprofessional boundaries.
* Planand implement recovery courses or groups as required. This involves runninggroup sessions on topics such as interview techniques, c.v. writing orassertiveness, for example.
* Be able to work with people who have additional problems such as learningdifficulties, physical conditions or injuries.
Responsibilityfor Policy and Service Development Implementation
* Ensure up to date knowledge of, and adherence to, the IndividualPlacement and Support approach, in relation to Early Intervention to helpingpeople find employment or commence education.
* Keep Workways informed of current VR issues and keep upto date with examples of evidence based practice and government initiatives and mandates.
* Ensure there is easily accessible written and electronic informationfor all the team and people using the service aboutlearning and work related issues and services.
* Be involved indeveloping local policies
* Assist as requestedin producing documents of good practice about the employment of people withmental health difficulties.
* Increase engagementof employers through providing support for employers in recruitment &retention of staff with mental health issues.
* Networkwith peers to maintain professional links across the Trust
Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision,Training, HR Advice and Management
* Provide informal and ad‑hoc clinical support and supervision to theadministration team as required
* Supervise students on placement as agreed with service manager.
* Assist with the induction of new staff
Responsibilityfor Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
* Ensure all resources are used safely, efficiently and effectively,bringing to the service managers attention any areas where this might be improved
* May handle small amounts of petty cash on occasion.
* May be a purchase card holder
Responsibilityfor Information Resources and Administrative Duties
* Maintainup to date and accurate statistics, clinical records, service deficits,training given, outcomes of contact, and any other information needed for theongoing evaluation of the service.
* Regularly use IT systems for inputting ofdata, e‑mailing, internet and word processing.
* Assistin reviewing the teams administration processes to ensure they are fit forpurpose, raising any concerns with team lead or service manager.
Responsibilityfor Research and Development
* Take an active partin reviewing and developing new working practices in line with currentevidence based practice
* Take an active rolein conducting clinical audits
Freedom to Act
* In line withpolicies and procedures, work under the general supervision of the appointedsupervisor making independent decisions on a day to day basis.
AnyOther Specific Tasks Required
* Usingthe Trusts core training requirements and the Workways team developmentchecklist,
* participatein a range of learning opportunities to ensure own skills and knowledge areup to date.
* Have monthlyprofessional, clinical and managerial supervision of work
* Haveyearly personal development and review meetings and six monthly reviews.
Person Specification
Experience
* 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
* 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
Qualifications
* 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
* NVQ 4 in Advice and Guidance
* Certificate in Coaching skills
* Willing to work towards a specific level Vocational Rehabilitation/IPS qualification
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
£31,409 to £37,796 a yearpro rata (30 hours per week)
#J-18808-Ljbffr