Job Summary
Do you want to work in an exciting, innovative team operating for Dorset HealthCare in the heart of Central Southampton? Southampton Steps to Wellbeing is an established Talking Therapies service offering therapy for people with mild to moderate anxiety disorders and/or depression. Our Employment Advisors work alongside clinical teams to deliver dedicated employment support for people looking to return to work, retain their current employment or find work.
Applications from candidates who require sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.
Main duties
We are looking for an Employment Advisor. This role supports prevention and early intervention to ensure timely access to mental health support and suitable employment support so that people are helped to avoid long-term unemployment. The post holder will work towards helping those with mental health problems to remain in, return to and gain employment. Because many of our patients are employed, the post holder will be required to work one evening per week from 12:00 to 20:00.
The training and service experience provided will equip the post holder with the knowledge, attitude and capabilities to operate effectively in an inclusive, value-driven service.
About Us
At Dorset HealthCare we empower people to make the most of their lives through outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We are a dynamic Trust delivering 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for nearly 800,000 people. We are committed to equal opportunities and celebrate diversity. We strive to be an inclusive workplace where everyone is welcome and can be their best.
Our 7,000-strong workforce is central to our work. We are focused on building a workplace for the future and supporting career development within a culture of excellence, compassion and expertise.
Details
Date posted: 08 October 2025
Pay scheme: Agenda for Change
Band: Band 4
Salary: £27,485 to £30,162 per year
Contract: Permanent
Working pattern: Full-time
Reference number: 152-M319.25
Job locations: Steps 2 Wellbeing, 3rd Floor Grenville House, Nelson Gate, Southampton, SO15 1GX
Job Description
Responsibilities
For the main duties and responsibilities, please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application, ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post. Dorset HealthCare offers an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do.
Person Specification
Experience
* Essential: Experience of providing vocational/employment support.
* Desirable: Experience of supporting people with mental health conditions into vocational/employment activities.
Skills
* Essential: Ability to prioritise and plan own caseload.
* Desirable: Awareness of the needs of people with mental health conditions; understanding the issues surrounding work and its impact on mental health.
* Essential: Knowledge of employment and disability-related benefits.
* Desirable: Knowledge of employment law and the Equality Act 2010.
* Essential: Ability to assess individual strengths in relation to employment.
* Desirable: Ability to work as part of a multidisciplinary team.
Qualifications
* Essential: NVQ level 3 minimum or equivalent, plus evidence of further study in vocational training, careers advice, job retention and presenteeism or equivalent experience.
* Desirable: Evidence of a good customer service background; competency with IT skills; understanding of the employment needs barriers and difficulties faced by people with mental health conditions.
Disclosure
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and requires a submission for Disclosure to the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Employer details
Employer: Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
Address: Steps 2 Wellbeing, 3rd Floor Grenville House, Nelson Gate, Southampton, SO15 1GX
Website: https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us
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