Job overview

Mersey Care, a large NHS trust providing physical and mental health services in the North West, is seeking two Employment Specialists for their Individual Placement Support (IPS) Services. The role involves supporting service users with severe mental health conditions to find and retain paid employment as part of their recovery journey. The positions are part of The Life Rooms services within Mersey Care.

PermanentHours

  • Full time
  • Part time

37.5 hours per week (3 x Full Time, 1x 0.6 WTE, 1x 0.5 WTE)

Role

The role is an Employment Specialist within the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Team, working under the direction of the IPS Employment Services Manager to deliver employment support as part of holistic recovery plans for mental health service users.

Responsibilities

  • Manage a caseload of up to 25 service users
  • Work directly with clinical teams to generate referrals
  • Engage with employers to secure employment opportunities
  • Provide ongoing support to both employees and employers
  • Record daily activities in line with IPS requirements
  • Conduct rapid job searches within 30 days of referral
  • Meet KPI targets of 2 new job starts per month and 6-8 quality employer contacts weekly
  • Develop vocational profiles and CVs for job seekers
  • Conduct job analyses and workplace assessments
  • Provide specialised advice to employers
  • Support service users in job retention
  • Build relationships with clinical teams and employers
  • Ensure all mandatory training is completed
  • Promote service user employment recovery stories

The person

Qualifications:

  • Educated to degree level or equivalent experience (Essential)
  • Level 3 Diploma in Employability Services Sector (Desirable)
  • IPS Delivery Model training (Desirable)

    • Skills and Experience:

  • Experience working with people with complex mental health needs
  • Knowledge of recovery and social inclusion principles
  • IT proficiency
  • Experience in diverse communities
  • Ability to engage with employers across industries
  • Understanding of employment challenges for people with mental health needs
  • Knowledge of disability and employment legislation
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Non-judgmental and empathetic approach