Employment Specialist

In this role, as an Employment

Specialist, you will be working closing with service users, employers, Job

Centres and other agencies, to deliver high quality, effective employment

support using Individual Placement and Support (IPS), the evidence-based method

of finding work for individuals with significant mental health needs.

You will have the opportunity to

work with a small, friendly team, managing a caseload of no more than 20

service users. IPS focuses on delivering high quality support for individuals

so you will have the chance to work closely with each person on your caseload.

In the field of employment

support you will have the opportunity to develop your skills and practice in a

unique and highly rewarding way, using your existing knowledge of mental health

and social care, and taking this into the rapidly developing national arena of

IPS services.

The post holder works as part of the Workways

team in line with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) evidence based

best practice. The post holder also provides specialised vocational

assessment of individuals learning and work needs. The post holder will manage

a caseload of no more than 20 people (per wte) who are supported by the Early

Intervention Team, experiencing mental health problems and wish to enter or

remain in employment in line with IPS principles. Working with people in an

individualised way to help them achieve their own employment and/or education

goals, the post holder will be pro-active in their engagement with people on

their caseload. The post holder will

provide advice, information and support to the individual and to their employer/educator

and mental health worker. The post holder is responsible for establishing and

maintaining links with relevant organisations, employers and individuals to

enable people who have mental ill health to obtain paid work.

This post may involve lone

working, working away from base frequently and working without direct

supervision.

and Working Relationship Skills

linked Employment Specialist with Early Intervention Teams in either Torbay, South and West Devon

effective working relationships with a range of other agencies who might be

better able to help individuals to achieve their employment and/or education

goals for example, local colleges, training providers and external supported

employment services.

users and carers groups and other health related agencies over learning and work issues.

caseload with education goals.

the aim of increasing options for people to find employment. Aim to contact at least one new

employer every week.

supporting people with mental health issues to Employers

education for clients on caseload with education goals.

service to sustain their position. This will involve regular communication

with employers and others to provide advice, guidance and training on how to

manage a particular situation.

end of the phone for advice and support to employers/educators and others as required

providers and the wider community by giving talks or presentations as agreed with service

manager.

able to sensitively deal with confidential and complex information regarding

an individuals health, education and employment history.

closely with the person using the service ensuring appropriate, prompt,

pro-active and clear communication at all times.

policies, respond to requests for general information regarding mental health

and employment, this may be from employers and members of the public

continuity of work at times of absence.

others work as needed, this may include covering admin and reception duties at times of

staff shortages.

and Judgemental Skills

assessment of a new applicant to the service, offer the most relevant

interventions in line with the IPS approach.

progress with clinical outcomes of own caseload and report monthly to team

lead on these to ensure accurate onward reporting.

and Organisational Skills

clinical/non clinical time effectively to fit with service needs and demands

run training for employers, others in learning and work organisations and care staff about

learning, work and mental health issues.

recovery courses and groups for people who use the service such as Preparing For Work.

this may require some working out of normal office hours.

and Therapy

per whole time equivalent worker) who have mental health issues and who wish to find paid work or

commence mainstream education

the ultimate goal of helping them find and retain paid work.

applicants to Workways.

areas of strength, development needs, barriers to progression, learning and work needs and so

on to draw up a plan of action and

their next best step.

service, then monitor and evaluate these plans in order to measure progress and effectiveness

of all interventions.

using the service, seeking to assist them to progress with their vocational goals.

solving, confidence building and improving work related skills

the service to enable them to have the best

possible chance of succeeding in the position.

on-going support and advice to individuals once they have secured employment

to assist them in sustaining employment.

people using the service with VRS staff, with mental health staff, employers

and with particular attention to confidentiality and maintenance of

professional boundaries.

and implement recovery courses or groups as required. This involves running

group sessions on topics such as interview techniques, c.v. writing or

assertiveness, for example.

able to work with people who have additional problems such as learning

difficulties, physical conditions or injuries.

for Policy and Service Development Implementation

Placement and Support approach, in relation to Early Intervention to helping

people find employment or commence education.

to date with examples of evidence-

for all the team and people using the service about

learning and work related issues and services.

developing local policies

in producing documents of good practice about the employment of people with

mental health difficulties.

of employers through providing support for employers in recruitment &

retention of staff with mental health issues.

with peers to maintain professional links across the Trust

for Finance, Equipment and Other Resources

bringing to the service managers attention any areas where this might be

improved

Responsibility for Human Resources, e.g. Supervision,

administration team as required

for Information Resources and Administrative Duties

up to date and accurate statistics, clinical records, service deficits,

training given, outcomes of contact, and any other information needed for the

ongoing evaluation of the service.

data, e-mailing, internet and word processing.

in reviewing the teams administration processes to ensure they are fit for

purpose, raising any concerns with team lead or service manager.

for Research and Development

We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.

We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do

Our values

We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.

Experience

Qualifications

Desirable: - NVQ 4 in Advice and Guidance; - Certificate in Coaching skills; - Willing to work towards a specific level Vocational Rehabilitation/IPS qualification