Job overview

We are a local mind with a diverse workforce of over 400 staff and volunteers, working to support people with mental health problems and dementia in the boroughs of Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark.

Inclusion is one of our core values.

Southeast London Mind IPS Employment service helps people with mental health needs back into work. We aim to increase the number of people moving into paid employment from Community Mental Health Teams.

We are currently seeking a full-time Employment Specialist to work as part of the community mental health team. You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (for which training will be given).

The successful candidates will work in line with the 25-points fidelity scale.

Role

To assist in securing sustainable paid employment for a caseload of clients with mental health support needs. To build positive relationships with local employers to identify job opportunities for clients. To work in partnership with clinical teams and mental health hubs, maintaining positive relationships with colleagues to enable a holistic approach to recovery through employment.

Responsibilities

  • Deliver the individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach for which training will be given (the Eight Principles).
  • Meet and support clients through regular meetings 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.
  • 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, exploring hidden, as well as advertised, employment opportunities.
  • Spend time getting to know local employers to negotiate job opportunities that meet each individual’s strengths, needs, abilities and preferences.

The person

About you:

  • Educated to A Level or equivalent by experience.
  • Experience of proactively making initial contact with organisations.
  • Proven experience of working to, meeting and exceeding outcomes and targets.
  • Highly motivated with a genuine belief that someone with a mental health condition can find full time paid employment.
  • Good motivational, communication and organisational skills.
  • Ability to travel quickly and efficiently across the Borough.