How long have you been working in IPS?

18 months.

What drew you to a role in IPS?

Having worked in various roles with drug and alcohol services for many years, I wanted to try a different approach to supporting clients, and felt that there was a lot of value and satisfaction in supporting people to find work.

What were you doing before you started work in IPS?

I was a Team Leader of a ‘Navigation Team’. This involved working with clients with significant mental/physical health issues along with drug/alcohol misuse, who were too unwell to have their appointments in the service. 

You have a strong foundation in the public health sector. Were there any transferable skills from your previous roles that you applied to your work in IPS?  

Knowledge of community-based working, working with drug and alcohol clients, and working with clients with physical and mental ill health. I also had prior experience of setting up a project and leading a team. 

After joining this role, what was your first week like on the job?

My first week was spent trying out the Fidelity model, and learning to adhere to a new way of working. It also involved getting accustomed to paperwork and documentation. 

18 months in, what’s the best bit about your day?

The satisfaction gained when seeing a positive change in a client who has an interview or job offer as a result of the support they have received. 

That’s lovely. Have there been any standout moments for you while on the job?

Supporting someone in their 40s who hadn’t worked for more than 20 years and experienced significant physical and mental health issues, along with ongoing drug use, to have a successful interview and subsequent job offer for a casual retail assistant role.

What sort of skills have you gained while working in IPS?  

Improved diary and time management skills, as well as improved knowledge of employment support. I also have a greater knowledge of the benefits system and the DWP.

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

No two days will be the same. You will be working with very different people with different skill sets and experience when it comes to work. Your organisational skills will come into their own. You will have highs and lows but the overall job satisfaction is very high!