Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Specialist
Deadline: 29th May 2026
The role involves managing a caseload of clients with mental health support needs, helping them secure sustainable paid employment through the IPS model and working in partnership with NHS Mental Health Teams.
Key Benefits
* Living wage: £31,382 per year for a 37‑hour week (pro‑rata for part‑timers).
* Pension: up to 4% of your salary into a pension plan.
* Annual leave: 22 days (pro‑rata for part‑time) plus 8 bank holidays; 3 extra days after 5 years.
* Duvet day: Paid day off for perfect attendance.
* Health & Wellbeing: Free 24/7 employee assistance programme and internal mental health support.
* Social events: Events for clients, staff and families.
* Discounts & benefits: Access to company discount schemes and a refund of the joining fee.
Your Purpose
Support a caseload of clients with mental health needs to secure sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences, following the IPS model. Collaborate closely with NHS Mental Health Teams.
Location
Rolled part‑time between the Bolton office and NHS Mental Health Teams.
Your Role
* Support up to 20 clients to secure and sustain employment using the IPS model.
* Follow IPS Fidelity Principles with regular self‑assessments and audits.
* Achieve targets by securing paid employment outcomes for clients.
* Provide advice and guidance to help clients achieve employment.
* Assess clients' support needs and aspirations to match them to job opportunities.
* Develop and review action plans for clients' progress.
* Create risk assessments for clients with complex needs.
* Assess clients' work‑related support needs, including benefits and mental health.
* Adhere to administrative and data capture systems.
* Record progress and maintain accurate records and case notes.
* Assist with CV writing, job search, and interview preparation.
* Use IT to keep accurate records.
Work with Mental Health Teams
* Attend clinical and team meetings to develop a holistic support approach.
* Embed IPS service within the trust and deliver presentations on IPS Fidelity.
* Attend IPS‑specific meetings and collaborate with other IPS specialists.
* Work in multidisciplinary teams with various health professionals.
* Assess clients' health needs and plan employment support.
* Build trust with clients and understand their needs.
* Visit clients in the community for job search.
* Collaborate with clients, relatives, and professionals.
* Review and monitor clients' work development plans and support.
Work with Employers
* Source and secure job opportunities for clients, focusing on rapid job search.
* Negotiate with employers on clients' behalf.
* Negotiate workplace adjustments and job carving.
* Build strong relationships with employers.
* Review competencies with employers and clients.
* Challenge inequalities and address discrimination.
* Provide one‑on‑one support until clients settle into the workplace.
* Offer ongoing support to sustain employment.
* Develop relationships with external agencies and training providers.
* Monitor and review clients in the workplace.
Requirements
* Qualified to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent.
* Self‑motivated, able to plan and prioritise workload.
* Collaboration skills with NHS Mental Health Teams.
* Passion for creating employment opportunities for people with mental health needs.
* Target‑driven and accountable for achieving results.
* Current driving licence and access to a car.
* Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend work.
Inclusion
* Committed to equality, diversity and inclusion; celebrate differences and contribute to a culture where everyone is valued.
* Committed to delivering person‑centred services and recognising customers as diverse individuals.
Our Values
* Integrity – open communication, honesty and trust.
* Creativity – innovation and positive risk‑taking.
* Happy – a fun and supportive workplace for all.
PossAbilities is a Disability Confident employer and commits to providing those with a disability meeting the essential criteria an interview for the role.
If you require any accommodations during the application or interview process, please email HRadmin@possabilities.org.uk and we will work with you to meet your needs.
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