An IPS Team Leader in the Connect to Work programme will lead the team to provide intensive, personalised, employment-focused support to people with complex barriers, working collaboratively across health, employment, and community settings. The role is dynamic, relationship based, and highly impactful, helping clients achieve life‑changing outcomes through meaningful employment.
Responsibilities
* Lead, coach, and supervise a team of IPS Employment Specialists, ensuring high performance and adherence to IPS fidelity standards
* Hold a caseload of clients and provide regular 1:1 supervision, reflective practice sessions, and strengths‑based coaching
* Develop personalised action plans supporting job search, CV writing, applications, interview preparation and career planning
* Assess clients' support needs, including:
o Travel planning
o Benefits and welfare advice
o Disclosure support around health conditions
o Budgeting and "better‑off" calculations
o Support clients at risk of job loss due to ill health, helping them maintain employment
* Work as part of a multidisciplinary team, including Primary Care, training providers, mental health teams, DWP and referral partners
* Maintain accurate case notes, progress reports and CRM‑based documentation
Qualifications
* GCSE (or equivalent) in English Language and Mathematics (essential)
* Level 2 IT Qualification, such as ECDL (European Computer Driving Licence) (essential)
* Full UK driving licence (often required due to community‑based work) (essential)
* Willingness to undertake IPS‑specific training (e.g., IPS Grow training, Fidelity training) (essential)
* First Aid at Work Certificate (desirable)
* IOSH Health and Safety Qualification (desirable)
* Level 4 qualification or above in a relevant field (e.g., IAG, Health & Social Care, Employability, Psychology, Social Sciences) (desirable)
Experience
* Experience supervising, coaching or leading staff in employability, health, social care or similar people‑support settings (essential)
* Experience managing performance against targets (essential)
* Experience building relationships with external partners (e.g., clinicians, employers, community organisations) (essential)
* Experience supporting vulnerable people or individuals with complex barriers to employment (essential)
* Experience working in fast‑paced, target‑driven environments (essential)
* Experience supporting individuals to achieve goals, ideally in employment, skills, health or social care settings (essential)
* Experience engaging with employers or supporting clients into work (essential)
* Experience delivering IPS services or working within IPS principles (desirable)
* Experience running reflective practice or strengths‑based supervision (desirable)
* Experience managing multi‑stakeholder relationships across health and employment systems (desirable)
* Experience supporting quality audits or compliance frameworks (desirable)
* Skills for Life awareness (desirable)
* Knowledge of the local labour market (desirable)
* Understanding and awareness for clients with multiple and complex difficulties (desirable)
Knowledge
* Understanding of IPS principles and evidence‑based practice (training provided) (essential)
* Knowledge of barriers to employment and how to support people with diverse needs (essential)
* Strong understanding of safeguarding, data protection and confidentiality (essential)
* Awareness of local labour markets, employer needs and recruitment practices (essential)
* Understanding of performance management and quality assurance processes (essential)
* Knowledge of the IPS Fidelity Scale and implementation standards (desirable)
* Understanding of primary care, social prescribers, community mental health teams or other relevant health pathways (desirable)
* Knowledge of the Equality Act 2010 and inclusive recruitment practices (desirable)
Skills
* The ability to work under pressure in a highly performance‑driven organisation (essential)
* Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate, coach and develop staff (essential)
* Excellent communication skills (written, verbal and presentation) (essential)
* Ability to analyse performance data and take appropriate action to improve outcomes (essential)
* Strong organisational and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities (essential)
* Ability to build and maintain positive relationships with employers, clinicians and community partners (essential)
* Ability to resolve problems creatively and support staff through challenges (essential)
* High attention to detail with strong documentation and reporting skills (essential)
* Confident using CRM systems, digital tools and Microsoft Office applications (essential)
* Ability to deliver training or group facilitation (desirable)
* Coaching or mentoring skills (formal or informal) (desirable)
* Conflict resolution and managing difficult conversations (desirable)
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