Employment Specialist (Individual Placement and Support)

Believe in People?
So do we.

Join Our Team and Make a Lasting Impact on Lives

Are you passionate about helping individuals find meaningful employment as part of their recovery journey? At Change Grow Live (CGL), we're dedicated to empowering people through Individual Placement and Support (IPS), ensuring they secure sustainable paid work that aligns with their personal goals.

Your Opportunity to Lead and Grow

This is your chance to be at the forefront of establishing a new IPS service across Reading. CGL has secured the contract to expand our IPS support across Berkshire, and we're looking for an IPS Employment Specialist to join us in this groundbreaking effort. You'll develop your skills in project management, stakeholder engagement, and implementation, all while receiving extensive training and ongoing support to ensure your success.

Where: Slough

Full Time Salary Range: £29,093.39 - £31,529.41 (based on full time hours, pro rata for part-time hours)
Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week

Service Overview

As an IPS Employment Specialist, you'll have the rewarding opportunity to support 25 individuals who are on their journey to recovery, helping them find and maintain meaningful, paid employment that suits their unique goals and preferences.

By implementing the IPS model, you'll provide personalised advice and guidance, cultivate strong relationships with local employers, and create job opportunities that truly make a difference in people's lives.

Your focus will be on more than just job placement—you’ll be there to help each individual sustain their employment, working side by side with the wider Reading team to identify potential referrals and offer the integrated support needed for long-term success.

IPS is a vital part of the Government’s Drug Strategy, and it’s transforming the way we approach employment support in treatment services across England. This evidence-based model is not just effective—it’s life-changing, offering individuals the chance to achieve their career aspirations in a way that no other support system can.

Be Part of a Supportive, Inclusive Team

At our vibrant Reading service, you’ll be joining a warm and dedicated team that’s passionate about making a difference. You’ll collaborate with key stakeholders to establish and promote this essential service, all while working in an environment where everyone is valued, supported, and encouraged to grow. We take pride in offering personalised treatment and support to every individual who walks through our doors, ensuring they feel welcomed and empowered.

About You

• Your ability to communicate excels in creating strong, supportive relationships.
• You bring a degree or equivalent work experience
• You’re adept at gathering and reporting data to enhance IPS services
• You’re deeply committed to helping individuals achieve paid employment
• You have a natural ability to connect with people, especially those affected by substance misuse

What We Offer

• Generous holiday entitlement (+ bank holidays), increasing annually for the first five years
• A paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week, access to our ‘Wellness’ hub, and Employee Assist Programme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Fantastic perks, including discounts on shopping, cinema, holidays, and more
• A caring, supportive team that’s as passionate about making a difference as you are
• Ongoing training, career development, and progression opportunities
• A refer-a-friend scheme with generous vouchers for successful candidates

If you’re excited about making a real impact, we’d love to hear from you! Apply now and become part of our transformative journey at Change Grow Live. Together, we can make a profound difference in people’s lives.

Join us in driving meaningful change!

Please review the attached Job Description and Role Specifics for a detailed outline of responsibilities and person specifications.

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)