Job Title: Connect to Work – IPS Employment Specialist
Salary: £31,049
Location: Preston
Job Summary
Trigon Recruitment are looking for experienced employment specialists to 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 For a confidential discussion or to submit your application, please contact: Tiff Bennett - (phone number removed) or email (url removed)