Job Title: Connect to Work – IPS Employment Specialist Salary: £31,049 Location: Fylde & Wyre Job Summary: Employment Specialists work with clients (managing a caseload) who have health support needs, to assist them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences. The role involves delivering the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (training will be provided), offering person-centred advice and guidance, and building positive relationships with referral partners and local employers to support clients into suitable employment. Employment Specialists work as part of a multidisciplinary team within primary care networks, maintaining positive and integrated relationships and fostering a holistic approach to recovery through employment. Main Duties & Responsibilities Core Responsibilities Manage a caseload of up to 25 clients with health support needs who are motivated to start or return to work Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach in line with fidelity standards Support clients to identify their skills, aspirations, and goals by completing a Vocational Profile and developing an Action Plan to obtain and sustain competitive employment Provide practical job-search support including CV writing, application forms, interview preparation, and career development Assess work-related support needs, including benefits and welfare advice and disclosure of health conditions, and provide appropriate guidance Attend regular multidisciplinary team meetings as an embedded IPS practitioner Source suitable job opportunities through tailored job searches and proactive engagement with local employers, including access to hidden labour markets Provide education and support to employers (with client consent), including negotiating reasonable adjustments, return-to-work strategies, and ongoing contact to support job retention Build collaborative working relationships with multidisciplinary colleagues to promote referrals and position employment as a positive recovery intervention Provide ongoing in-work support to clients and employers after employment has been secured to help sustain outcomes Maintain accurate and timely records in line with administrative and data capture requirements Work independently and reliably, delivering consistent and effective IPS practice Contribute to monitoring and evaluation systems and keep up to date with best practice in vocational rehabilitation Gather service-user feedback and employment recovery stories to support continuous service improvement Ensure compliance with all relevant policies, including safeguarding and information governance Participate in continuous learning, mandatory training, and development related to health conditions and employability Work flexibly to meet service needs Relationship Management Establish and maintain positive, integrated relationships with clinical teams, employers, and partner organisations Build and sustain employer relationships and maintain an employer engagement database Arrange regular meetings with clients to review progress before and after employment Develop in-depth knowledge of local employers to negotiate job opportunities aligned with individual strengths, needs, and preferences Challenge inequalities and discrimination experienced by clients, supporting learning and improvement across the organisation Work with employers to reduce workplace barriers, including exploring job carving opportunities Develop effective partnerships with external agencies such as colleges, training providers, and community organisations Other Responsibilities Comply fully with all organisational policies, procedures, and statutory requirements, including Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Prevent, Equality & Diversity, and Access for All Support the maintenance of safe and compliant working environments where applicable Be prepared to work across different locations or contracts to share good practice and cover absence when required Participate in staff meetings, learning activities, and development programmes Maintain continual professional development Carry out duties in a manner that supports continuous quality improvement Undertake any other reasonable duties in line with organisational needs Equality & Diversity: We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We strive to create an inclusive working environment where everyone can contribute and work to the best of their ability, free from discrimination, prejudice, harassment, or victimisation. We welcome applicants with lived experience and encourage applications that reflect the relevance of this experience to the role. Successful candidates will be subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check. Person Specification Education & Qualifications Essential Level 2 English and Maths (minimum) Degree-level education or equivalent relevant experience Desirable Training in the IPS approach Level 3 Diploma in Employability Services Level 3 Qualification in Advice and Guidance Assessment Method: Application and certificates Knowledge & Experience Essential Understanding of the employment needs and challenges faced by people with health difficulties Knowledge of a broad range of occupations and job roles IT skills including MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel Experience or understanding of working with people with health support needs or similar client groups Experience of one-to-one support work Ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously Experience of working assertively to influence decision-makers Desirable Knowledge of the benefits system and disability-related employment benefits Experience supporting individuals to gain or retain employment Experience working within health services Lived experience of recovery from health difficulties Previous delivery of services using the IPS model Experience of meeting or exceeding performance targets Assessment Method: Application and interview Skills & Abilities Essential Strong motivational, communication, and listening skills Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport Strong organisational skills Ability to build trusting and productive relationships Team-oriented with the ability to work collaboratively in multidisciplinary settings Ability to work independently, using initiative to develop and promote services Assessment Method: Application and interview Personal Qualities Essential Non-judgemental and trustworthy approach Empathy for individuals with health support needs Passion for making a positive difference in people’s lives Strong belief that people with health conditions can achieve paid employment Resilience and persistence in the face of challenges Self-awareness and commitment to personal and professional development Willingness to travel within the region How to Apply For a confidential discussion or to submit your application, please contact: Tiff Bennett - (phone number removed) (url removed)