How long have you worked in IPS?

7 Months – I started in January 2024  

What drew you to a role in IPS?

From talking to a IPS Employment Specialist and finding out about the service, I knew I wanted to do a job where I felt like I could make a difference to how somebody felt. 

To do what I can to help others in whatever way works to support them and help them achieve their goals with employment, whether that’s building up confidence or speaking to employers on their behalf, I’ve learnt the little things can make a big difference to how someone feels and see themselves. This made me want to be a part of a service and team that can do this for people. 

I also wanted to apply to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health and employment, so that people have better awareness and understanding about mental health and how it can affect people and their day to day lives. Especially living in a smaller, more rural area, it’s easy to make judgements, have opinions, and make assumptions, so it’s good to be able to have opportunities to educate people in an informal way. Nobody knows what people are going through until they get to know them and its important to be aware of that. 

What were you doing before you started work in IPS?

Working as an administrator in the Community Mental Health Team in Buxton, and working as a Health Care Assistant/Administrator in the local hospital Urgent Treatment Centre.   

I haven’t been to university, I’ve worked in the NHS 12 years, starting as a bank member of staff and then working in a variety of roles to build on my knowledge, skills and experiences to achieve a job that I now know was meant to be. 

What skills have you gained working in IPS, and have you used any prior transferrable skills from your work in the Healthcare sector in this role?

The transferable skills that I use working in IPS are interpersonal communications skills.

The skills I use the most in my role are honesty, communication and listening – all 3 of these things help me to build trust not just with clients, but with employers and other professionals I work with. You will meet people from all walks of life and learn to adapt the way you approach and communicate with each person, which then helps to build a professional working relationship. 

Skills I have gained since working in IPS are perseverance and patience. My best thought out plans have sometimes gone completely the opposite way and I’ve learnt to accept this and persevere. I try not to take it personally, learn from it and keep trying. It helps me to then reflect and look at alternative options. It also takes time to get to know both your clients and employers to build a positive and trusting relationship, so don’t rush this process.

What’s the best bit about your job?

Being able to support people in feeling better about themselves and their lives. Finding them employment is ultimately the end goal, but supporting them to gain the self-confidence, self-esteem and belief to do this and then watching them realise what they can achieve is the best part for me. 

Also – meeting with a variety of employers, getting to know them, and building relationships up with them over time, then seeing the benefits of joint working and what opportunities working together can create for people! 

Have there been any standout moments for you while on the job?

Working with a client that has previously not engaged with services due to past negative experiences. Taking time to build a calm, trusting relationship, and hearing them say – ‘For the first time in a long time I feel like there is hope.’.

What piece of advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for a job as an IPS Employment Specialist? 

Do it! Read the job description out loud to yourself and if it sounds like you – apply and don’t worry if you don’t meet every single requirement. If you know you care about people and want to help and support them, then you have the foundations to apply. Other skills can be learnt and picked up along the way and you would be joining a caring and supportive team who would help you to do that. 

Also, once you are in the role – don’t focus purely on the end goal of finding employment, it’s a journey that takes time. Find your own way of working and use the support, skills, experience and kindness of your colleagues and team who are always around to help.