Job overview

Blackpool Council is a forward-thinking local authority dedicated to improving outcomes for local people and communities. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development and flexible working, the Council offers a supportive environment where staff can build rewarding careers while making a real difference to the lives of residents across Blackpool

Role

Two Positions

Connect to Work is a new DWP funded programme, available nationally, which offers around 12 months of supported employment to eligible participants to help them to find or stay in work.

Do you want to be part of a friendly and dynamic team whilst making a genuine difference in transforming people’s lives? With on-the-job training, becoming an IPS Employment Specialist is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and support those with long term health conditions and/or barriers to employment in Blackpool to get back to or stay in work.

The supported employment approach requires our IPS Employment Specialists to support people both in our town centre offices and in the wider community and therefore some travel locally will be involved and applicants need to have use of a vehicle on a daily basis. Liaising with and meeting local employers at their premises is also an essential part of the role and therefore excellent relationship building and communication skills are essential.

As an IPS Employment Specialist you will play a rewarding and vital role in helping clients find meaningful and fulfilling employment that aligns to their career aspirations. You’ll receive the specialist training and support you need to develop your skills but must have strong and persuasive communication skills, excellent time management, and exceptional organisational and administrative skills.

Responsibilities

  • Working with colleagues across a range of referral agencies, sometimes within an integrated team setting, you will manage a caseload of clients who have long term health conditions, key barriers to work or who are struggling to stay in work, to support them to secure suitable paid employment in line with their preferences. Building trusting relationships with a range of health and allied professionals will be an essential part of the role to ensure we receive good quality referrals into the service and to promote recovery through employment.
  • You will deliver a model of employment support called Individual Placement and Support (IPS), for which full training will be given, which provides holistic person-centred support, advice and guidance.
  • You must have the ability to initiate and develop relationships with local employers on a regular basis, using a variety of methods including email, telephone and face to face in the community, building positive and meaningful relationships
  • Where suitable you will also be brokering reasonable adjustments and working patterns to help your clients achieve or retain sustainable employment.
  • We are looking for individuals who hold a Level 3 in IAG or equivalent or have a minimum of 2 years demonstrable experience providing employment support, advice and guidance.
  • We encourage applications from candidates with lived experience.
  • Having access to a vehicle to attend appointments is essential for the post.

The person

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification.