At Shaw Trust, we believe everyone deserves access to good work. We support people who face barriers to employment by providing personalised services that bring together health, skills, and employability support. Our work is impact driven, inclusive and innovative, and focused on creating real, lasting change for individuals, employers, and communities across the UK.
As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will work collaboratively with clients, health professionals, service providers, and employers to support people with mental health needs into sustainable, paid employment that reflects their individual goals and preferences.
Your role will focus on making each person's journey into work as accessible and supportive as possible, helping to improve wellbeing, confidence, and social inclusion. You will manage a caseload, providing tailored, person centred advice and guidance, while developing strong relationships with local employers to create meaningful job opportunities.
You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (full training provided), supporting clients from first engagement through to job retention.
Key Responsibilities - Build effective working relationships with clients to understand their individual employment goals, strengths, and support needs
- Deliver the IPS model in line with Fidelity standards, supporting clients through each stage of their employment journey
- Engage proactively with employers to identify and develop suitable job opportunities
- Support clients with job search activities, job starts, in-work support and job retention
- Work collaboratively with health professionals and partner organisations
- Manage a caseload effectively, balancing competing priorities and maintaining accurate records
You Will Have - Training in, or a willingness to learn, the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (full training provided)
- Experience of working with people who have health conditions, disabilities, substance misuse needs, or similar support needs, in a professional or support focused role
- Experience of supporting people on an individual basis
- Experience of working towards outcomes, performance measures or agreed objectives
- The ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities at the same time
- Confidence in communicating effectively and influencing positive decisions with clients, employers, or partner organisations
- Experience of supporting people to find and/or keep employment
We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds and lived experience. Transferable skills are valued, and you do not need to have previously worked in IPS or employment services to apply.
Location This is a community based, peripatetic role with no home working. Employment Specialists will provide support to clients across the following locations:
- Trowbridge
- Warminster
- Tidworth
- Salisbury
- Westbury
Given the location it is desirable that candidates have their own transport.
Please download the Job Description for full details.
Employee Benefits As an employee of Shaw Trust, you'll have access to a wide range of benefits, including:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (rising to 28 days with service), with the option to buy additional leave
- 2 days paid volunteering leave each year
- Enhanced pension scheme (after 6 months' service)
- Access to funded learning and development opportunities, including apprenticeships, postgraduate qualifications, and management development
- A range of health and wellbeing support, including an employee assistance programme and health cash plan
- Opportunities to connect with a variety of employee diversity and peer support networks
Join an Inclusive Organisation Shaw Trust is committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone feels they belong and can thrive.
We are proud to be:
- A National Equality Standard accredited employer
- Disability Confident Leaders, supporting the Guaranteed Interview Scheme and Access to Work
- Menopause Friendly Accredited, with ongoing peer support groups
We welcome applications from all sections of the community, including people with lived experience and/or knowledge of disability or social exclusion.
If you have accessibility requirements or would like further information about the role, please contact (url removed).
Shaw Trust reserves the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
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