How long have you worked in IPS?

12 months. 

What drew you to a role in IPS?

My last role within the trust gave me very little patient contact time within therapeutic interventions due to the increasing demands on managing risk of patients admitted into hospital. My passion has always been around supporting individuals within their recovery journey by prompting and encouraging goals, and by working in a person-centred approach.  After reading the job description, I knew that becoming an Employment Specialist would allow this opportunity.  

What were you doing before you started work in IPS?

I was a Recreation Coordinator in the Mental Health Inpatient Unit. I was overseeing the effective running of the recreation service, supervision of staff, peer supporters and volunteers. 

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?

Working within Mental Health Services for the last 20 years, I have acquired skills and knowledge have been useful for this role, such as motivational skills, a good understanding of Serious Mental Illnesses (SMI) and working within the wider Multi Disciplinary Team (MDT). Working as an Employment Specialist has helped me gain a better understanding of the current job market and benefits system. This role has also given me the opportunity to work with community partnerships, which I feel has developed my skills and confidence around effective partnership working.

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

I recently supported a client that I had previously met in my role within an in-patient setting. Following the referral and an initial conversation to establish if the client felt comfortable working with me, I started supporting around her employment needs to achieve her long-term goal of working within the legal system.

With support from myself and the IPS employment model, my client is now working within a role that they had trained for many years prior to becoming unwell. Following successfully gaining and sustaining employment, their confidence has grown and very soon due to move into their own accommodation now that she has the finances to do so.  

That’s wonderful to hear. Finally – what piece of advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for a job as an IPS Employment Specialist? 

If you have a passion for supporting people to reach their full potential, then this is the job for you. Just because the word specialist is in the job title doesn’t mean that you have to know everything! There are plenty of training opportunities, and help is always available from team leaders and higher management.