How long have you worked in IPS?

Five Years

Why did you want to become an IPS Employment Specialist?

I started working within the team not long after it was created as Administrator. During the period I was administrator for the team I began triaging individuals who had been referred to us and this gave me chance to have detailed conversations about people’s reasons and motivations for returning to work, and to hear some really inspiring stories from people who had faced adversity but wanted to move forward in their recovery.  

I was fully supportive of this and really immersed myself in the team and getting to understand what the Employment Specialists did, as I felt this gave me the best chance of then carrying out my role to the best of my ability. 

A role as an Employment Specialist was never really on my radar until my manager mentioned it as a possibility. I was lacking in confidence and did not feel I was capable of doing the role, but with her support, successfully interviewed and gained a role in 2021. During the same year my sister sustained a brain injury and spent eight weeks in a coma, making some progress before eventually being cared for in a residential setting, and I am now her informal carer.  

During this period, my mental health struggled, but it became so important to me to remain in work and have the routine and stability of work, whilst everything else was falling apart. With a few small adjustments to my hours and the support of my team and manager, I have been able to sustain work. 

I think going through my own experience really highlighted even further for me, why the work we do is so important and makes me feel even more passionate about supporting the individuals we work with into employment. 

What were you doing before this?

Prior to taking up my role, I had never worked within the NHS. I was previously an administrator for a window and door company. I took a break from work to bring up my daughter and then once she started pre-school began proofreading alongside caring for her. 

What skills have you gained working in IPS, and have you used any prior transferrable skills in this role?

I think this job has given me confidence in myself and my own abilities. I have developed so many skills and pushed myself out of my comfort zone so many times. 

I think skills used in most other jobs could be transferred to this role; IT skills, organisation, listening and empathy, developing relationships with others and advocacy to name a few. 

What’s the best bit about your job?

Seeing people grow in confidence and begin to believe in themselves and their own abilities. Being part of someone’s journey towards recovery and growth is an absolute privilege. 

Can you share any standout moments or ‘wins’ you have been particularly proud of?

When I got one of my first clients into work, I asked her how it felt when she got her first pay packet, and she said that it felt so good to have enough spare money to treat herself to a chocolate bar.  
That always stayed with me as it is something we all take for granted but for her that one small thing was massive and without the extra income of work she could not afford to have that one very small luxury for herself. It really reminded me to never underestimate how powerful and transformative the work we do, can be.

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

The role can feel like a roller coaster, but the good moments far outweigh all the more difficult ones and watching someone you have supported move into employment and flourish is an amazing feeling and it is an absolute honour and privilege to support individuals on their journeys to that.