IPS Employment Specialist

Job Title – IPS Employment Specialist

Location – Maidstone (Also covering Tunbridge Wells, with flexibility for home working as required)

Salary – Up to £34,700 per annum

Contract – Permanent

Purpose

As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will work collaboratively with clients, health professionals, service providers, and employers to make each person’s journey into employment as smooth and supportive as possible.

Managing a caseload of clients who experience mental health challenges, you will deliver tailored, person-centred employment support, helping individuals identify their strengths, overcome barriers, and achieve sustainable paid work aligned with their preferences.

Working as an integrated member of the community mental health team, early intervention psychosis team, or IAPT team, you’ll promote a holistic approach to recovery through employment — fostering hope, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a defined caseload, delivering person-centred employment support to individuals with mental health needs.
• Build positive, trusting relationships with clients to understand their goals, strengths, and aspirations.
• Develop tailored action plans to support job readiness and progression into sustainable work.
• Engage proactively with local employers to identify suitable vacancies and promote inclusive recruitment.
• Provide in-work support to help clients maintain employment and manage any workplace challenges.
• Work closely with health professionals, employment partners, and wider support services to deliver integrated, wraparound care.
• Maintain accurate, timely records in line with IPS quality standards and compliance frameworks.
• Actively contribute to a culture of continuous improvement, equality, and safeguarding across all activities.

Person Specification

Essential:

• Proven experience of supporting individuals into employment, training, or volunteering.
• Understanding of barriers faced by individuals with mental health needs and strategies to overcome them.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload effectively.
• IT literate, confident using Microsoft Office and digital platforms.
• GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Maths at Grade C/4 or above.

Desirable:

• Experience delivering IPS, employability, or vocational rehabilitation services.
• Knowledge of local labour market and employer engagement.
• Qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) or related field.
• Full UK driving licence and access to transport for regional travel.

Employee Benefits

• 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising with service to 28 days, plus the option to purchase additional leave.
• 2 paid volunteering days each year.
• Enhanced pension scheme after 6 months’ service.
• Life Assurance at 3x your annual salary.
• Access to learning and development programmes, including apprenticeships and postgraduate qualifications.
• Active employee networks promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion (including LGBTQ+, Disability, Racial Equality, Women’s, and Neurodiversity networks).
• Health and wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme and health cash plan.