Job overview

Why Rethink?
Working with us means joining a charity that puts people first — our staff, our service users, and our communities. As part of the Coventry & Warwickshire IPS Service, you’ll be part of a team making a real difference every single day.

Why Work With Rethink Mental Illness?
At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe that when you feel supported, you can make the biggest difference. That’s why we offer a range of benefits to help you thrive:

  • Inclusive Culture: Join staff networks that champion diversity and inclusion.
  • Wellbeing Support: Access our Wellbeing Hub, Employee Assistance Programme, and the Unmind mental health app.
  • Recognition & Rewards: Enjoy discounts, cashback offers, and celebrate achievements through our PULSE platform.
  • Flexible Working & Generous Leave: Starting at 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and your birthday off), with options to buy or sell extra days.
  • Learning & Development: Grow your career with structured onboarding and training opportunities.
  • Financial & Family Support: Contributory pension scheme, enhanced family leave, and travel benefits like season ticket loans and cycle-to-work schemes.
  • Referral Bonus: Earn up to £300 for introducing someone to our team.

Role

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves the chance to live a fulfilling life — and meaningful employment plays a huge part in that. If you’re passionate about supporting people severely affected by mental illness to build their future, we’d love you to join us as an IPS Employment Specialist in Coventry & Warwickshire!

This is your chance to be part of a supportive team that changes lives by helping people gain and sustain paid employment. You’ll work closely with NHS services, employers and the local community to deliver high‑quality, person‑centred support.

This is a full time role, at 37.5 hours a week.

Responsibilities

As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will:

  • Manage a caseload of 20–30 people who want to return to work or begin their employment journey.
  • Provide tailored, 1:1 support that focuses on people’s skills, strengths, aspirations and wellbeing.
  • Build strong relationships with NHS clinicians and embed employment support into mental health treatment pathways.
  • Spend substantial time in the community meeting local employers — aiming for six meetings each week — to open the door to real job opportunities.
  • Support people through rapid job search, CV building, interview preparation and ongoing in‑work support.
  • Maintain accurate records, update systems (including NHS System One and Rethink’s internal CRM) and contribute to high‑quality service delivery.
  • You’ll be largely community‑based across North Warwickshire, with occasional travel across South Warwickshire and Coventry.

The person

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

  • A basic understanding of the IPS (Individual Placement & Support) model — through experience or independent learning.
  • Experience in recruitment, employment support, or delivering advice and guidance.
  • Confidence engaging with employers and building positive, productive relationships.
  • Strong IT capability and the ability to use multiple systems.
  • Good knowledge of the Warwickshire area and its employment landscape.
  • Excellent time‑management skills and the ability to work independently.
  • A full UK driving licence (essential for community-based work).

    • It’s even better if you also have:

  • NVQ Level 3 in IAG, ERS Level 3, coaching/mentoring qualifications or IPS training.
  • Experience working in supported employment, mental health services, or with individuals facing barriers to employment.
  • Knowledge of employment law and the IPS fidelity model.
  • Lived experience.