Job overview

Southdown’s Work & Wellbeing Service helps people accessing treatment for mental health support, back into employment. As an Employment Specialist, you’ll be working in partnership with Sussex Partnership Foundation Trust and co-located within the Neighbourhood Mental Health Team, with some remote and community-based working.

Perks and benefits:

  • Health cost cash-back scheme: access to our health insurance scheme which covers dental, optical, physical therapies and other medical treatments with the option to add greater levels of cover.
  • Interest-free loans: assistance with larger costs that arise such as tenancy deposits, season travel tickets or buying a car.
  • Access to the Easit Network: discounts and incentives on train, bus and car journeys such as 15% off eligible daily and season rail tickets.
  • Blue Light card: access to discount services for the social care sector with savings across thousands of online shops, restaurants, and high-street vendors.
  • Free advice and counselling service: confidential emotional support and practical guidance from our independent telephone service.
  • 25 days paid holiday plus bank holidays.

Role

Location: Worthing base with occasional travel to Adur

Base Salary: £23,995 per year for 31 hours per week (£28,640 per year, pro rata)
Technical Premium*: 5% additional to salary of £1,199 per year (based on base salary) reviewed annually.
*The technical premium is paid in addition to the base salary in recognition of the external benchmarking for the role. Conditions apply.
Essential Car User Allowance: £837 per year (£1,000 per year, pro rata)

Hours: 31 per week

Working as part of the Secondary Mental Health Care team, you’ll support clients in treatment for varied mental health issues, assisting them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences. You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model; providing person centred guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.

Do you understand the importance of work and the vital role it can play in the lives of those with mental health conditions? Here’s a short video about a day in the life of our mental health Employment Specialist: A day in the life of an IPS Employment Specialist

We welcome applications from candidates with previous experience such as Employability Practitioner, Employment Specialist, Recruiter, Employment Advisor, Employment Support Officer, Career Specialist or Job Coach. Or you may be looking for a new challenge and believe you have the transferable skills to support individuals to fulfill their employment goals.

Responsibilities

  • Support clients to access the service by processing referrals and completing initial assessments.
  • Effective and timely risk management
  • Psychological and physical safety of yourself, clients and colleagues
  • Support clients to find fulfilling employment through person-centred coaching to identify goals, complete applications and overcome barriers
  • Build client knowledge through signposting, resources and guidance, for example on reasonable adjustments and employment law
  • Enable clients to retain employment through in-work support
  • Maintain client safety by assessing and managing risk, co-creating safety plans, and de-escalating mental health crises
  • Provide an excellent service through up-to-date knowledge of delivery models, employment and HR policies, and recruitment practices
  • Advocate for clients by negotiating with employers
  • Deliver a successful service by engaging in multiagency work: coordinate client progress and risk management
  • Meet commissioner and contract requirements by aligning with the
  • Fidelity Scale and ensuring good quality referrals
  • Continuously improve the service through suggestions for service development, promoting client involvement, and acting on feedback
  • Build a evidence base for commissioners and ensure compliance through record-keeping, collating feedback and developing case studies
  • Develop practice through peer support and reflective practice sessions, as well as shadowing and mentoring new staff

Please see Job Description and Person Specification

The person

What you’ll need for the role:
You will need exceptional communication skills, be reactive to the differing needs of the client and be able to adapt your approach as appropriate.
An understanding of the employment needs and challenges for people experiencing mental health issues
Knowledge of the principles of co-production and a personalised care approach
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which will be paid for by Southdown
A full driving licence is essential along with access to your own vehicle or a vehicle insured for you

What would be nice:
Experience supporting clients experiencing mental health challenges, including those in crisis and/or facing complex challenges.

Training:

Our award winning in house training team will help you to gain valuable qualifications, continually develop your skills and build a great career with the largest provider of housing, care and support in Sussex.

How to apply:

Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and fill out our simple one-page application form.

Interviews will be held on 18 May 2026.

Please note, if we receive a large number of applications then this position may close before the advertised application closing date. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.