How long have you worked in IPS?

10 months. 

What drew you to a role in IPS?

My friend took their own life due to work-related issues and struggles with mental wellbeing. I found it very difficult and hard to lose such a wonderful, kind and caring person. While I am no longer able to help and support them, I decided that I can take a negative and upsetting experience and put it to use for others so that they have help and support to not feel alone. 

I always received great job satisfaction from helping others. Now, I get to assist people on their road to recovery by supporting them to obtain paid employment. I can’t wait to see/hear the joy from people when they inform me they were successful. I am excited to be able to help them change their life and to be the best version of themselves. I look forward to breaking stigma with employers, so that they can see the value of investing in their workforce’s mental wellbeing.  

I have witnessed both good / bad support systems and managers, and I think that it’s important to be happy in work/life and if I can play a small part in that then I’m all in! It’s great to be able to help people feel more confident.  

I love watching people grow and change – it’s just as rewarding as them getting the job. I honestly have the best job and cannot see myself doing anything else but this.  

What were you doing before you started your IPS role?

Before joining this role I was working for a care organisation as a Senior HR Manager. I also worked additional part time hours as front of house in the hospitality sector. I love working with people and having a laugh, and I learned many people skills from my previous work.

Were there any transferable skills from your previous work in these industries that you applied to your role in IPS?

All my past roles and experience have been extremely useful and needed for this role. I have learned people skills, communication skills, and admin and IT skills. There is also the element of being able to inspire people to see hope and their own worth, being person centred and adaptable, thinking outside the box, and being able to think on your feet. Other skills I learned were time keeping, listening skills, being a positive role model, and not having a one size fits all attitude and way of working. 

I am still learning more each and every day!

What’s the best bit about your day?

Meeting people from all walks of life, watching them grow in confidence, and helping them reach their potential. 

 No two days are the same, and I get to learn something new every day and travel to some amazing places. I also learn about other employers and how they recruit people.

Working with such a supportive team, sharing experiences and being able to draw from others help and support within a short time is an added bonus. There’s also lots of laughs and fun along the way – there is not one day that I don’t have a laugh or fun. 

Knowing that you are helping people in a positive way and making a difference to them is very meaningful, as is building relationships and forging foundations for positive change. 

It is a powerful feeling / experience to know just how much the little things can mean to a person for them to feel hope, support, that they matter and are not alone. 

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

It feels great to get food feedback from my clients and hear them feel happy and satisfied with their job outcomes. One client recently was able to get a high paying job that made them excited to go to work, improving their confidence and mental wellbeing.

Another client spoke about how for the first time in years they went out to the supermarket to buy their partner an anniversary card and took them to the pub for a drink. They hadn’t driven by their own in years but were now able to.

What we do is not just helping people secure paid work, it changes the person’s whole life in ways we cannot capture in the data.  

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

 I have a few tips:

  • Enjoy the diverse group of people you meet. 
  • It’s not just about the big wins of helping a person obtain paid work – it’s also about the quality of life and the little wins that have a big impact on a person. 
  • Don’t rush through training, but have fun along the way.   
  • One size does not fit all, use the skills of the team around you. 
  • Be open and honest.  
  • Be you!