Job Title:Connect to Work - IPS Team Manager
Salary: 38,682
Location: Fylde & Wyre
*Driver essential with access to own vehicle*
Job Summary
Trigon Recruitment are looking for an experienced Employability Team Manager to be responsible for managing a small team of Employment Specialists, providing supervision, training, caseload oversight, and role modelling of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach as part of a holistic recovery pathway for people with health support needs.
The post holder plays a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, high-fidelity IPS service that achieves positive employment outcomes. The role also includes managing a small caseload of clients with more complex needs, supporting them to secure sustainable paid employment aligned with their preferences.
Main Duties & Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Manage and oversee a high-quality IPS service in line with IPS principles and fidelity standards
Drive and monitor stakeholder engagement to ensure a strong and sustainable referral pipeline
Attend and contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, delivering presentations as required to promote the service
Monitor, manage, and support the performance of IPS Employment Specialists, providing guidance on best practice and achievement of individual and team outcomes
Foster a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practice
Identify staff training and development needs and coordinate appropriate learning opportunities
Design and support the delivery of in-house training, peer learning, and best-practice sharing
Support service-user involvement and co-production in service development, with guidance from the Line Manager
Coordinate regional activity to build employer relationships, access the hidden labour market, work with external agencies, and support job-search group delivery
Manage a small caseload of complex clients (typically up to 5 service users)
Identify barriers to service excellence and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to implement effective solutions
Deliver regular, solution-focused supervision to Employment Specialists, including caseload reviews
Lead and support the team to maximise face-to-face engagement with employers to secure appropriate job matches
Guide, mentor, and coach staff on employer engagement and job development strategies
Ensure quality assurance processes are in place to monitor client satisfaction and inform service improvement
Support the management of relevant service budgets
Relationship Management
Arrange and participate in regular meetings with clients to review progress before and after employment
Work closely with the Line Manager to agree priorities, objectives, and work plans
Develop strong relationships with local employers to negotiate job opportunities that align with individuals strengths, needs, abilities, and preferences
Facilitate education and support for employers (with client consent), including reasonable adjustments, return-to-work planning, and ongoing contact to support job retention
Develop effective partnerships with external agencies such as colleges, training providers, and community organisations
Additional Responsibilities
Complete mandatory training, including IPS-related training, as required
Actively engage in continuous professional development
Support the implementation of organisational policies and procedures
Lead on marketing and profiling the service, including communications activity and promotion of employment recovery stories
Regularly collect and share service-user employment recovery stories
Ensure effective monitoring and evaluation systems are in place and maintained
Ensure compliance with all relevant policies, including safeguarding and information governance
Work independently and consistently to model effective IPS practice
Manage feedback, compliments, and complaints in line with policy
Other Responsibilities
Ensure full compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and statutory requirements, including Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity, Access for All, Discipline, and Grievance
Support the maintenance of safe and compliant premises where appropriate
Be prepared to work across locations to share good practice and provide cover as required
Prepare, deliver, or participate in learning and development programmes, including staff meetings
Maintain continual professional development
Carry out duties in a manner that supports continuous quality improvement
Be flexible regarding working location to meet service needs
Undertake any other reasonable duties aligned with organisational requirements
Equality & Diversity
We are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We aim to create an inclusive working environment free from discrimination, prejudice, harassment, or victimisation, where everyone is able to contribute fully.
We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage applications where this experience is relevant to the role.
Appointment is 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
Knowledge of disability, health, and special needs issues, policies, and legislation related to employment
Strong understanding of supported employment principles and practice
Working knowledge of a wide range of occupations and job roles
IT proficiency including MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
Minimum of 3 years experience working with people with health support needs or similar client groups
At least 2 years experience in employment services
Proven experience of achieving and exceeding performance targets
Strong networking and partnership-working skills
Experience of managing multiple priorities
Experience of staff supervision, management, and/or mentoring
Experience of managing change and supporting innovation
Experience of budget management
Desirable
Experience of delivering training
Previous experience delivering services using the IPS model
Lived experience of recovery from physical or mental health difficulties
Assessment Method: Application and interview
Skills & Abilities
Essential
Strong leadership and people-management skills
Excellent motivational, communication, and listening skills
Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport across diverse groups
Ability to model recovery-focused practice, including co-production
Strong relationship-building skills based on trust and collaboration
Team-oriented approach with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams
Ability to work independently, using initiative to develop and promote services
Assessment Method: Application and interview
Personal Qualities
Essential
Non-judgemental and trustworthy
Empathy with individuals experiencing health problems
Passion and drive to make a positive difference in peoples lives
Positive and motivational leadership style
Strong belief that people with health conditions can achieve paid employment
Resilience and perseverance in the face of challenges
Commitment to integrity and high-quality service delivery
Self-awareness and commitment to ongoing professional development
Willingness to travel within the region
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