Job overview

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Employability Service in Havering.

Role

We are seeking a dedicated and adaptable professional to manage a caseload of up to 20 clients, supporting individuals with mental health conditions into meaningful employment using the IPS model. The ideal candidate will work closely with clinical teams, contribute to multi-disciplinary care planning, and build strong relationships with employers to tailor job opportunities. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential for managing referrals, job retention support, and compliance with NHS and Hestia protocols. The role also requires accurate KPI tracking, benefit guidance, and flexibility to work across various settings. A commitment to professional development, collaboration, and client-centred outcomes is key.​

Responsibilities

  • Manage a caseload of up to twenty clients and apply the 8 principles of IPS, working with clients to find employment through conventional methods and employer engagement, while ensuring ongoing referrals from the clinical team are effectively managed.
  • Collaborate directly with clinical teams and participate in casework and clinical supervision, maintaining a multi-disciplinary approach to client support and contributing as an active member of both the clinical and Hestia teams.
  • Source and secure job opportunities tailored to client needs, building and maintaining a network of employers, and ensuring clients are supported throughout the job search, job start, and retention processes, including providing guidance on benefits changes.
  • Track and report on KPIs such as referrals, job outcomes, and work sustainment, while managing documentation and adhering to NHS and Hestia protocols to ensure effective client outcomes and service compliance

The person

  • Experience in managing a caseload of up to twenty clients, applying the 8 principles of IPS to support individuals in securing and retaining employment, with a strong focus on both conventional job search methods and employer engagement strategies.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with clinical teams, external agencies, and employers, maintaining a multi-disciplinary approach to client support and ensuring seamless integration of employment and mental health services.
  • Strong job sourcing skills, able to identify and secure job opportunities specific to clients’ needs through various channels, including local employers and Pan London networks, while building and maintaining relationships with employers to ensure future vacancies.
  • Exceptional organizational and administrative skills, with the ability to manage documentation, track KPIs, and meet performance targets such as job outcomes and work retention, while ensuring compliance with NHS and Hestia protocols.
  • Client-centered approach, providing ongoing support to both clients and employers, including assistance during the job start process and long-term job sustainment, while offering guidance on the potential impact of work on benefits.
  • Self-motivated, adaptable, and committed to professional development, able to manage time effectively across community and clinical settings, maintain professional boundaries, and participate in ongoing training and external IPS support services.
  • Provide ongoing support to clients and employers to ensure job retention, working collaboratively on job searching activities, and managing time effectively across community, external settings, and clinical environments.
  • Engage in professional development, maintain professional boundaries with stakeholders, participate in external IPS support services and training, and undertake additional tasks as needed, including out-of-hours work when required.