Ips employment specialist jobs

Lead our IPS service and help transform lives through employment.
We're looking for an ambitious and values driven leader to develop a talented team, drive excellent outcomes and shape the future of mental health employment support in Islington.

About the Role

Hillside Clubhouse is looking for an experienced IPS Team Leader to lead our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) SMI service across Islington and as part of the newly merged North West London NHS Trust. You'll provide leadership, coaching and support to a team of Employment Specialists, ensuring high-quality, recovery focused employment support for people with mental health conditions. 

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who wants to make a lasting impact. You'll work closely with NHS partners, employers and local stakeholders while helping to strengthen and develop the service, improve performance and deliver excellent employment outcomes. 

Why Join Hillside?

Hillside Clubhouse is a co-produced mental health employment support charity working across Islington. We believe employment is a powerful part of recovery and support people to achieve their goals through our Clubhouse and community-based services. 

As a small, ambitious charity, you'll have genuine opportunities to influence decision-making, shape services and work closely with senior leaders. We offer flexible and hybrid working, generous annual leave, pension contributions and ongoing professional development opportunities.

About Working Well Trust 

Working Well Trust is a mental health and employment charity in London. All of our projects share the aim of improving the lives of people with mental health support needs, learning disabilities and/or complex issues through training and employment. 

We are now recruiting an IPS Employment Advisor to join our Connect to Work service across Enfield. This is a full-time, permanent role working 35 hours per week, following the principles of the IPS model to support people into paid employment. 

This role is specific to being co-located on site with probation services within Enfield. Candidates must be willing to undergo a vetting form including digital ID verification technology, right to work checks, proof of identity, proof of address and a DBS. Due to the nature of the role, the successful candidate with need to include contact details for prior workplaces and personal references.

Previous experience/understanding of probation services and MAPPA restrictions are essential to the role.

What you’ll be doing 

If you were working with us, your days would be varied and people-centred. You would manage a caseload of clients with mental health support needs, people experiencing homelessness, and people with offending histories, offering one-to-one support to help them secure and sustain employment that matches their preferences. 

You would provide person-centred guidance using the IPS approach (training is provided), helping clients build confidence, prepare for work, and navigate challenges that may arise. A key part of the role involves engaging employers, promoting the value of our service, and identifying suitable job opportunities.

You would work closely with external teams, contributing to an integrated approach to recovery through employment. This includes attending team meetings, coordinating support, and maintaining clear, client-led communication. The role also involves working to agreed targets while maintaining a high-quality, supportive service. 

What you’ll need 

You do not need previous employment support experience. What matters most is that you bring: 

• A genuine desire to support people with mental health support needs and/or learning disabilities to achieve their employment goals. 

• Motivation to help people from all backgrounds move into meaningful work. 

• Confidence speaking with a wide range of people, from clients to employers. 

• Strong organisation skills, with the ability to multitask and manage your workload. 

• Willingness to learn the IPS model and become confident approaching employers. 

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health, personally or through a close contact. 

What we offer 

• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays (FTE) 

• Paid company closed days at the end of the year (FTE) 

• Flexible, paid Wellbeing Hour every fortnight (FTE) 

• 6% employer pension contribution 

Working Well Trust is an equal opportunities employer and Confident about Disabilities. 

What’s next 

Before you apply, please note the following: 

• We actively recruit and carefully review all applications. Due to rapid service expansion, we have onboarded 20 external hires in the last six months. 

• To ensure we can best support the people and communities we serve, we progress applications only where candidates provide meaningful answers to the screening questions. 

• Career development is real here: in the past year, 10 colleagues have progressed internally into Senior roles, Project Lead, Team Lead, and Operations Manager positions. We value ambition and celebrate progression. 

• If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage, for example due to a disability, learning difficulty or health condition, please let us know in advance so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

• Please note: This post involves access to NHS clinical records through RiO. For confidentiality, information-governance and wellbeing reasons, successful candidates cannot be appointed within the same secondary mental health service area in which they are currently receiving care.

  We will not ask applicants to disclose health information during the application or interview process. A confidential service-location conflict check will only take place following a conditional offer. Where a conflict is identified, we may explore an equivalent vacancy in another area, but alternative employment cannot be guaranteed.

If you are ready to help us build a service that supports people into meaningful work, click Apply to submit your CV and answer the screening questions. Telephone and final interviews will be confirmed. 

Start your application today and take the next step in a rewarding career. 

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Employment Service in Camden.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

As an Employment Specialist, you will manage a caseload of up to twenty clients, applying the eight principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to help individuals secure and sustain competitive employment. You will work closely with clinical teams, participating in case discussions and supervision while contributing to a multidisciplinary approach to client support. Responsibilities include developing employer relationships, identifying suitable job opportunities, supporting clients throughout their employment journey, and providing advice on benefits. You will monitor performance against key targets, maintain accurate records, ensure compliance with NHS and organisational procedures, provide ongoing in-work support, and actively engage in professional development, training, and service improvement activities.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

You will bring experience of managing a caseload and applying the eight principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to help individuals secure and sustain employment. You will possess strong employer engagement and job development skills, with the ability to source suitable opportunities and build effective employer networks. A collaborative approach, working alongside clinical teams, external partners, and employers, will enable you to support integrated employment and mental health outcomes. You will demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative abilities, including KPI monitoring, record management, and compliance with procedures. With a client-centred mindset, you will provide ongoing support to clients and employers, alongside strong communication, relationship-building, time management, adaptability, professional resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning and development.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Employment Service in Camden.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

As an Employment Specialist, you will manage a caseload of up to twenty clients, applying the eight principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to help individuals secure and sustain competitive employment. You will work closely with clinical teams, participating in case discussions and supervision while contributing to a multidisciplinary approach to client support. Responsibilities include developing employer relationships, identifying suitable job opportunities, supporting clients throughout their employment journey, and providing advice on benefits. You will monitor performance against key targets, maintain accurate records, ensure compliance with NHS and organisational procedures, provide ongoing in-work support, and actively engage in professional development, training, and service improvement activities.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

You will bring experience of managing a caseload and applying the eight principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to help individuals secure and sustain employment. You will possess strong employer engagement and job development skills, with the ability to source suitable opportunities and build effective employer networks. A collaborative approach, working alongside clinical teams, external partners, and employers, will enable you to support integrated employment and mental health outcomes. You will demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative abilities, including KPI monitoring, record management, and compliance with procedures. With a client-centred mindset, you will provide ongoing support to clients and employers, alongside strong communication, relationship-building, time management, adaptability, professional resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning and development.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Are you passionate about helping people overcome barriers, realise their potential, and build a brighter future through employment?

Our Employment Support team operates across London, Bristol, Brighton, Oxford, and Reading, supporting clients from both St Mungo’s and partner organisations to move into sustainable, paid work. We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated professional to join our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service in Oxford.

What matters most is your ability to build genuine relationships, inspire confidence, and recognise potential where others may not. We work creatively and embrace innovative tools  to enhance the support we provide, helping clients explore opportunities, strengthen applications, prepare for interviews, and navigate the modern world of work.

We welcome applicants with transferable skills. If you've worked in recruitment but found yourself most energised by helping candidates realise their potential, rather than simply filling vacancies, this could be the perfect next step in your career.

About you

This role will provide personalised, person-centred employment support to individuals who want to find work or sustain existing employment. Working with a caseload of approximately 25 participants, you will take a holistic approach, helping people identify their strengths, build confidence, overcome barriers, and progress towards their employment goals

To be successful in this role, you will: 

• Be passionate about helping people overcome barriers and create positive change in their lives.
• Bring experience from recruitment, employability, education, housing, support work, health, criminal justice, customer-facing services, or a similar people-focused environment.
• Combine commercial awareness with genuine compassion and empathy, balancing performance targets with a commitment to positive client outcomes.
• Be skilled at building positive, trusting relationships and engaging people in a strengths-based way.
• Be comfortable using innovative tools, including AI, to enhance support and help people navigate the modern world of work.
• Build effective partnerships and work collaboratively with a range of stakeholders to create opportunities and achieve positive outcomes.
• Be able to manage a varied workload, prioritise effectively, and maintain accurate records.
• Demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

St Mungo's are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.

How to apply

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.

When you're ready to apply click the ‘Apply Now’ Button to start your online application form.

Closing date: 10am on 31 August 2026

Interview and assessments on: 11 September 2026

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have existing and ongoing right to work in the UK for the duration of employment.

Successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.

Employment Specialist - Medway and Gravesham

Location:  Medway

Salary:  Up to £28,000, depending on experience

Vacancy Type: Permanent

About The Role

Are you passionate about helping people unlock their potential through meaningful employment?

We’re looking for a motivated Employment Specialist to support people living with mental health conditions, long-term physical health conditions, or disabilities to move into work that suits their skills, strengths, and ambitions.

Working across Medway and Gravesham, you’ll deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model as part of the Connect to Work programme. This evidence-based approach focuses on helping people move into competitive employment quickly, with personalised support that continues once they start work. Full IPS training will be provided, so if you bring the right passion and people skills, we’ll equip you with the rest.

Due to the nature of the role, all applicants must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle.

 What you’ll be doing

You’ll manage a caseload of around 25 participants who are motivated to start or return to work, providing personalised support from first meeting through to sustaining employment.

Your role will include:

• Identifying participants’ skills, strengths, and career aspirations
• Creating Vocational Profiles and tailored Action Plans
• Supporting with CV writing, job searching, applications, and interview preparation
• Delivering one-to-one and group coaching to build confidence and employability skills
• Helping participants overcome barriers including benefits concerns, health disclosures, or workplace adjustments

You’ll also play an important role in connecting participants with opportunities in the local labour market.

• Build strong relationships with local employers across North and East Kent
• Identify opportunities in both the advertised and hidden job market
• Match participants to suitable vacancies and coordinate interviews
• Work with employers to promote inclusive recruitment and reasonable adjustments

This role is highly collaborative and community-focused. You’ll work closely with clinical teams, community organisations, training providers, and employers to ensure participants receive holistic support.

Once someone starts work, your support doesn’t stop. You’ll continue to provide in-work coaching and guidance, helping participants settle into their role, build confidence, and sustain long-term employment.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about people and motivated by helping others achieve their goals. You may come from a background in:

• Health or wellbeing services
• Employability or welfare-to-work programmes
• Adult skills, training, or education
• Recruitment or employer engagement

You’ll also bring strong relationship-building skills, the ability to motivate and coach individuals, and confidence working independently within the community.

If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference in people’s lives through employment, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits - 

• Flexible working
• Training and development opportunities
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays 
• Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter 
• Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary) 
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.