Apprentice IPS Employment Specialist

• With support work towards managing a caseload of around 20 clients who have mental health support needs who are motivated to start/return to work
• Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach for which training and mentoring support will be given
• Meet and support clients to understand their key skills, aspirations and goals through completing a Vocational Profile and produce an Action Plan to help them obtain and sustain competitive employment. This includes support with their job search, CV production, application forms, interview techniques and career development
• Assess client's support needs related to work which may include benefits/welfare advice, disclosure of mental health symptoms etc., and provide support & guidance
• Attend weekly clinical team meetings as an embedded IPS practitioner
• Source job opportunities for clients through tailored job search and regular contact with local employers to explore hidden as well as advertised employment opportunities
• Provide education and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating adjustments, return to work strategy and on-going contact with the employer to ensure job retention
• Build relationships with colleagues in clinical teams to engage and generate referrals and create collaborative working partnerships with clinical staff (promoting employment as a positive intervention in the recovery journey)
• Once employment has been secured continue to provide quality service through conducting regular visits, effective monitoring and in-work support to clients and employers to help sustain employment

Requirements and prospects

Desired skills

• Good IT skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office software
• Good verbal and written skills
• Demonstrable experience of providing excellent customer service skills
• Good time keeper

Personal qualities

• Enthusiastic
• Ability to take a problem solving approach to work tasks
• Ability to work well as part of a team and independently when required
• An interest in working in a customer service environment

Desired qualifications

• Experience within the employment, mental health, training or skills sectors
• Lived experience of local community and participant groups - reflecting demographics

Future prospects

A full-time position may be offered upon completion of the apprenticeship.