Job overview

We are an ambitious not for profit organisation that helps to design, fund and scale better solutions to complex social problems. Our vision is a fairer world where together we unleash the potential of people and communities.

We do this by working in partnership with local and national governments, funders, communities and the social sector to tackle complex and enduring social problems in the UK and across the world.

Role

The post holders will be given training and development to enable them to help services translate research into on the ground practice, with a focus on quality, good performance and adherence to IPS Fidelity principles.

This involves assisting field mentoring, quality assurance fidelity reviews, developing the skills to facilitate workshops and learning networks and providing technical support to IPS teams.

Responsibilities

The key requirements of the role are:

Following an individual training and development plan to enhance and augment IPS knowledge and expertise.

  • To meet individual performance targets agreed through supervision and the professional development process.
  • To actively participate in own supervision and growth and objective setting/appraisal, developing a personal development plan.
  • To keep abreast of developing practice and research within the field of vocational rehabilitation.

    • Support the delivery of quality assurance Fidelity Reviews in line with national policy to drive quality and inform technical support practice.

  • Support IPS Fidelity Reviews initially as a second reviewer and developing the skills to lead reviews, participate in consensus scoring, and organise follow up guided reviews in line with the policy.
  • Co-produce impactful, accurate and consistent Fidelity reports within an agreed timescale.
  • Ensure that active measurable Fidelity action plans are put in place and monitored regularly.
  • Encourage services to carry out their own self-assessment.
  • Assist with the identification of system barriers to IPS delivery, including services or practices that conflict with the evidence-based approach. Work with NHSE/I Regional teams, OHID, DWP Regional Engagement Leads, commissioners, IPS and health service leaders to overcome barriers.

    • Driving performance in partnership with stakeholders.

  • Communicate effectively with the NHS England & Improvement Regional Leads, OHID teams, DWP Primary Care and local commissioners to support performance for each IPS service/health Trust and any other relevant stakeholders
  • Build effective relationships with Health Trusts, NHSE Regional Leads, OHID and Commissioners to ensure that KPIs, targets and resources are aligned to NHS Long Term Plan commitments, Drug Strategy policy and the Universal Support employment programme.
  • Work with services and relevant stakeholders to improve the integrity of reported data.
  • Create accurate and timely reports including evidencing the impact of our work as required by internal and national stakeholders. This will include assisting the creation of case studies to demonstrate impact.

    • Leading by example – providing effective IPS technical support to drive evidenced based employment practice and increased job outcomes.

  • Assist the assessment of organisational readiness to implement IPS by understanding the needs of all stakeholders.
  • Meeting with IPS services, clients and health service leaders and assisting with reviews of how services are delivered and how closely they adhere with the 25-point Fidelity scale.
  • Provide feedback on organisational practices and organisational structures and make recommendations to help services prepare for IPS implementation, or support organisations to transform practice to IPS if other approaches are in place.
  • Work alongside IPS Grow leads and practitioners to model new skills and help solve problems. This will include coaching IPS Employment Specialists / Team Leaders in the field as they meet with employers; attending vocational unit meetings or clinical team meetings; and conducting case reviews.
  • Make regular virtual and in person visits to services to support them to achieve good fidelity using the IPS fidelity scale.
  • Assist the education of stakeholders about IPS and recovery through on-the-ground work and training.
  • Join local IPS steering committees where needed, and capacity allows.
  • Assist with learning networks to support Team Leaders, Employment Specialists and clinical staff to increase their understanding and commitment

The person

Successful candidates will be able to demonstrate:

  • IPS experience and expertise: Experience at Employment Specialist or Senior Employment Specialist level, with a foundational understanding of the IPS model, fidelity scale and practical applications.
  • Driving performance outcomes: Track record of delivering good employment outcomes for people accessing IPS, with a strong focus on employer engagement and integration
  • Change management: Ability to plan, implement, and solidify positive change within IPS services. Drive improvements in employment outcomes for IPS clients through supporting strategic change initiatives.
  • Planning and organisational skills: Manage workloads and competing priorities efficiently and meet deadlines consistently while maintaining high-quality output
  • Driven by a core belief in evidenced-based employment support and integrity to the IPS model.
  • Commitment to race equity and willingness to contribute to IPS Grow race equity objectives.
  • Takes a structured approach to solving problems and develops creative and innovative solutions to overcome challenges.
  • High level of integrity, empathy and commitment to driving social change.
  • Thoughtful and effective communicator.
  • High levels of initiative and personal leadership and committed to own development and keeping up to date with IPS practice.
  • Commitment to travel.The role involves significant travel to build relationships and provide hands-on support as well as meeting with IPS Grow team members from across England