Employment Specialist – Mental Health IPS (Part‑time)

About the role

Join a dedicated team helping people affected by mental illness achieve meaningful employment. As an IPS Employment Specialist you will work across East Kent, supporting individuals to identify goals, build confidence and secure paid work that matches their strengths.

Key responsibilities

• Develop personalised employment plans with each client, focusing on their skills and aspirations.
• Assist clients in finding, starting and maintaining paid work, providing in‑work support as needed.
• Build and nurture relationships with local employers, advocating for reasonable adjustments.
• Collaborate with the IPS team and other local services to ensure seamless support.
• Maintain accurate records, manage referrals and contribute to service administration.

Required profile

• Experience supporting people into employment or overcoming work‑related barriers.
• Understanding of mental health challenges, preferably from a social‑care or community‑support background.
• Strong interpersonal skills, empathy and the ability to work independently across a dispersed area.
• Organised, flexible and able to respond calmly to unexpected situations.
• Awareness of risk management, safeguarding and confidentiality.
• Holding or working towards a Level 3 qualification relevant to care, community mental health or social support, or equivalent experience.

Required skills

• Ability to create and follow personalised employment plans.
• Effective communication with clients, employers and multidisciplinary teams.
• Record‑keeping and referral management.

What we offer

• Permanent part‑time contract (21 hours per week) with a pro‑rated salary of £14,726.95 per year.
• Hybrid working model combining remote and onsite activity across the East Kent region.
• Opportunity to make a real difference in mental‑health recovery through employment.
• Supportive team environment and professional development opportunities.