Looking for a job can be challenging, especially when you have been out of work for a while. This page is dedicated to support you through the process, to identify what to expect from your employment specialist as well as friends, family and other health professionals.

An array of personalised support tailored to you. Some of which includes:

  • Support with creating or updated your CV.
  • Support with identifying your skills and matching them to the right job for you.
  • Direct contact with employers on your behalf to access the hidden labour market – did you know that up to 70% of jobs are never advertised?!
  • Support to access benefit advice.
  • Support with active job seeking, identifying job adverts and preparing applications.
  • Support to develop interview skills and confidence.
  • Support to access training that will assist with returning to work.
  • Support to think about how to discuss personal information about your health with an employer.
  • Support to consider any reasonable adjustments for when you secure paid employment.
  • Ongoing support to stay in work once you’ve secured a job.

  • A commitment to enter or return to paid employment. You will be supported to prepare, apply and retain work at your own pace.
  • Openness and honesty to enable us to support you in moving into paid employment.
  • To agree and take responsibility for your own action plan.
  • To be punctual in attending appointments and let us know if you are unable to attend.
  • To  provide honest feedback on the IPS service, which will enable services to continually improve.

  • Consider your support circle – support from family,  friends, health professionals etc.
  • Top tip! Have an up to date CV which is tailored to each job (your employment specialist can support with this).
  • Tell everyone in your network (family friends, ex colleagues etc) that you are job searching.
  • Commit to regular job searching outside your appointments with your Employment Specialist.
  • Keep a log of all your job searching activities.
  • Practice your interview skills with your Employment Specialist, friends or anyone you’re comfortable with.