Job overview

We work across Hertfordshire to support positive mental health and wellbeing. We provide a diverse range of services from our eleven Wellbeing Centres and other venues across the county. Funded locally, our services are available to all residents in Hertfordshire aged 18+ and we offer dedicated services for 5-18 year olds.

Our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

We are a local Mind, affiliated to national Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales.

Role

Herts Mind Network is a new delivery partner of Hertfordshire’s Connect To Work programme, overseen by Step2Skills, Hertfordshire County Council.
We are seeking a highly motivated, organised and compassionate Team Lead, to oversee our countywide Employment Advisers in our new Employment workstream. In this highly rewarding role, you will be responsible for ensuring the operational delivery of Herts Mind
Network’s Connect To Work programme, supporting individuals experiencing mental health problems, and those facing complex barriers, to secure and sustain meaningful paid employment.

This position is part of the Connect to Work programme — a voluntary Supported Employment initiative funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, offering tailored advice and guidance to individuals, while also building strong partnerships with local employers to create opportunities aligned with individuals’ skills and aspirations.

To learn more about the Connect to Work programme, please see the following link: https://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/microsites/adult-learning/campaigns/connect-to-work.aspx

Responsibilities

As a Team Lead you will deliver the IPS model to to meet individuals regularly to understand an individual’s skills, strengths and goals; developing clear action plans; provide practical support; and co-create personalised action plans, whilst also overseeing the day to day
management of our team of Employment Advisors.
The programme provides structured, 1:1 and group based person centred support to build confidence, motivation and resilience, to help individuals work towards clear, work-related goals.
You will also engage with employers to identify suitable opportunities, arrange interviews, and offer ongoing support to both individuals and employers to promote successful job retention; whilst advocating for individuals to de-stigmatise mental health.
You may also work with a small number of individuals who are already in work to sustain and thrive in their employment.

As a Team Lead you will be responsible for:

  • Line management of 4 countywide employment advisors
  • Supporting the Services Manager with effective running of the Connect To Work service.
  • Delivering effective 1:1 and group person centred employment support to individuals looking for work
  • Overall operational responsibility to deliver the programme
  • Accurate and timely record keeping to demonstrate activity and impact
  • Ensuring high-quality support is delivered at all times, aligned with HMN values

Please refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification for full details

The person

  • Experience delivering employment support, including CV writing, job search and interview preparation
  • Strong understanding of barriers to employment faced by people with mental health needs
  • Knowledge of supported employment approaches, including Individual Placement Support (IPS) or similar models
  • Experience managing workloads, caseloads and priorities in a target‑driven, person‑centred environment
  • Ability to coach, guide and motivate individuals towards positive employment outcomes
  • Experience working collaboratively with employers, services and community partners
  • Confident using IT systems and databases to record activity, monitor outcomes and meet KPIs
  • Compassionate, calm and solution‑focused approach, with strong communication skills
  • Values‑led practice, with an understanding of trauma‑informed care and safeguarding responsibilities

Please refer to the full Job Description and Person Specification for full details