IPS Employment Specialist (opiate Team)

INNOVATIVE PROJECT TO HELP PEOPLE WITH HEALTH NEEDS BACK INTO WORK

Do you understand the importance of work and the vital role it can play in the lives of those with heath conditions or disabilities?

Do you take pride in what you do and can you think creatively about how different organisations can work together to deliver a better service?

Are you happy to talk with employers and help match people into meaningful work?

If this sounds like you, then you might be ideal for our new Employment Specialist role

Kirklees IPS team aims to increase the number of people moving into employment from specialist community health services.

We have been provided with a 12 months funding to recruit a new Employment Specialist which will focus on generating more referrals from the opiate caseload and supporting them into sustainable employment.

Where: Based in either Huddersfield or Dewsbury - you will be required to work across Kirklees and work closely with the opiate team at both sites.

Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £29,529 - £32,002 dependent on experience (based on full time hours, pro rata for part time)

Contract Type: Fixed Term until 31st March 2026 with possibility of being extended.

Roles and Responsibilities:

You'll undergo comprehensive IPS training under our national lead and manage a caseload of service users motivated to seek paid work within structured treatment. Employment Specialists play a crucial role in service integration, promoting IPS, and nurturing relationships with treatment service staff.

• Managing a small caseload, undergoing structured substance use treatment, facilitating their motivation for work.
• Implementing the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) methodology, providing necessary training.
• Engaging clients to identify work skills, goals, and aspirations, and developing tailored job search plans.
• Assisting with job search, CV creation, applications, interviews, and career development, including targeted employer interactions.
• Creating In-Work Support Plans to address work-related client needs, including benefits and health-related advice for employment sustainability.
• Participating in weekly clinical team meetings, fostering relationships, and encouraging client referrals to the IPS service.
• Curating job opportunities through customised searches and employer liaison to secure both advertised and hidden job placements.
• Offering ongoing support, effective monitoring, and guidance post-employment to ensure job sustainability.

About You:

For success in this role, you should possess:

• Prior employment placement experience.
• Experience or understanding of working with individuals needing substance use support or similar client groups.
• Excellent motivational, communication, and attentive listening skills. 
• Outstanding interpersonal abilities with a knack for building rapport. 
• Non-judgmental, trustworthy, and empathetic approach toward mental health support needs.

What We Offer You:

• 25 days of annual leave, plus bank holidays. Additionally, you'll receive one extra day of annual leave for each year of service during your first five years, therefore you will enjoy 30 days of leave after five years with us
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week, ‘Wellness’ hub, and Employee Assist Programme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Great benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc.
• A supportive team passionate about their work
• Training, career development & progression opportunities
• Refer a friend scheme for successful candidates

If you're excited about this opportunity, apply now and be part of our transformative journey at Change Grow Live.

Join us in making a positive difference in people's lives.

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

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)

Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.