Job overview

Working for Central North West London NHS Trust

You will also be part of the Trustwide Employment Services Team which comprises of over 40 people.

You will receive a number of staff benefits working for CNWL Trust, this includes an attractive pension scheme, a range of staff networks, travel discounts, employee assistance programme and discounts at hundreds of retailers nationwide.

This role is an excellent opportunity to start a long-term career within the mental health sector, develop your skills and a gateway to the vast number of opportunities within CNWL.

Role

As a Peer Employment Specialist, you will:

  • Use your own lived experience to inspire hope and provide strengths-based support.
  • Work one-to-one with clients to help them secure and maintain meaningful employment.
  • Build strong relationships with local employers, colleges, and training providers.
  • Be part of a supportive, values-driven team that places compassion, respect, empowerment, and partnership at its heart.

Responsibilities

This is a rewarding and dynamic role where no day is the same and you’ll be making a genuine difference to people’s lives. Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model you’ll be:

  • Supporting and motivating individuals with mental health conditions to access and sustain paid employment.
  • Regularly meeting with clients to listen, offer support and help them identify their best job match, reflecting their skills and aspirations.
  • Supporting the clients through CV production, interview techniques and managing their health at work.
  • Advocating for your clients by educating and engaging with employers regarding the IPS service.
  • Sourcing job opportunities for your clients through regular contact with local employers within the community.
  • Promoting employment and raising expectations around the ability of service users to access paid employment, breaking down the barriers for them.

The person

  • Educated to a degree level (in any sector)
  • Experience within the health and social care sector.
  • Experience within employment support services.
  • Own personal lived experience of accessing secondary mental health services.
  • Own personal lived experience of recovery from mental health difficulties.
  • Experience of communicating and working with people on a one-to-one basis.
  • Experience of working within diverse communities.
  • A commitment to learning about and working within the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.
  • Good verbal and written communication skills.
  • Ability to engage with employers using a variety of methods such as face to face contact, social media, phone, and email.