How long have you worked in IPS?

Two and a half years

Why did you want to become an IPS Employment Specialist?

I feel strongly about the benefits of work for an individual and I particularly feel that whilst voluntary work has its place, people should be appropriately remunerated for their work. I am passionate about helping my clients to achieve their paid employment goals.  

What were you doing before this?

I was originally a languages high school teacher, then opened my own business teaching dance and languages, with a party branch which included character visits. In COVID I began working in a GP surgery and from there moved into this role.  

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

I have learned a lot about MH and its various presentations from starting this role.  

I also now understand the benefits system a lot more and feel much more confident in this when advising my clients about their options.   

My experience in schools dealing with a cross-section of ages and backgrounds has transferred well into the role of an ES.  

Through being Director of my company, the networking skills have been incredibly useful and transferred easily into liaising with employers and local companies.  

What’s the best bit about your job?

I enjoy meeting and supporting my clients and local employers out in the community.  

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

I have successfully supported several people in their 40s who have never worked before, into paid employment. Having recently bumped into one of these ex-clients, he is still in this job 18 months on and is beginning a degree course at university in computing. 

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

It is a very social, people-facing role. We work autonomously, managing our own time, travel, diaries, etc. So this needs to be an area you are confident in.  

IPS Employment Specialists need to be creative and think around issues to support our clients into the roles or companies they are interested in working. It isn’t often that things just fall into place naturally – there has usually been a lot of hard work behind the scenes to help our clients succeed. Much more than they ever realise! 

All of the above then leads to a lot of paperwork! Every conversation with every person and each action must be recorded on either the clinical system or spreadsheets/ logs as a way of tracking, demonstrating meeting targets and to continue to gain funding for the service. It is really important to be aware of this as it is a huge part of the role and again we work independently on our paperwork – support is always available through Team Leaders and the Service Manager, however ultimately the administration is our responsibility to ensure it is completed.