Employment Specialist (Individual Placement and Support)

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives, offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options. 

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission of helping people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.

We have an exciting opportunity for an additional IPS Employment Specialist who has the skills and experience to join our Kent services. You will work for the Kent-wide IPS Team and work within the local community drug and alcohol treatment teams by maintaining positive and integrated relationships and supporting positive recovery outcomes through employment.

This is a 14 month fixed term role

Where: West Kent 

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £29,093.40 - £31,529.41 dependent on experience (Based on full time hours, pro rata for part time)  

Contract: Fixed Term

About the role:

• Manage a caseload of around 25 clients in treatment for substance use who are motivated to start/return to work.
• Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach - training will be given for this.
• Meet and support clients to understand their key skills, aspirations and goals through completing a Vocational Profile and produce an individualized Action Plan to help them obtain and sustain competitive employment. This includes support with their job search, CV production, application forms, interview techniques and career development.
• Assess client support needs related to work which may include benefits/welfare advice, disclosure of mental health symptoms and provide appropriate support & guidance.
• Attend weekly Multi-disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings as an embedded IPS practitioner.
• Source job opportunities for clients through tailored job search and regular contact with local employers to explore hidden as well as advertised employment opportunities.
• Provide education and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating adjustments, return to work strategy and on-going contact with the employer to ensure job retention.
• Build relationships with workers in substance misuse treatment teams to engage and generate referrals and create collaborative working partnerships with SMS staff promoting employment as a positive intervention in the recovery journey.
• Once employment has been secured continue to provide quality service through conducting regular visits, effective monitoring and in-work support to clients and employers.

About you:

• Educated to degree level, or with equivalent relevant work experience
• Experience/understanding of working with people with substance use support needs, or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector
• Good motivational, communication and listening skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a range of people
• Empathy with the needs of those with mental health support needs
• Passion and drive to make a positive difference to people's lives
• Ability to work independently and use initiative to develop and promote a service

What we will give to you: 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days” 
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• Several benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• A friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme and receive generous vouchers if candidate is successful.  

Please read attached Job Description for a more detailed out line of responsibilities and Person Specifications 

If this sounds like you and you would like to begin your journey with Change Grow Live, then we would love to talk to you. 

If you require sponsorship, please note that this role is not eligible for a Health and Care Worker visa. You may be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route but must meet the minimum salary requirements for the role. You can find out more here Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)