IPS Employment Specialist

An exciting full-time opportunity has arisen for an IPS (Individual Placement and Support) Employment Specialist to support individuals experiencing drug and alcohol issues to secure and sustain competitive, paid employment.

This role involves delivering tailored, person-centred employment support on a one-to-one basis, empowering individuals to achieve their career goals while supporting their ongoing recovery journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support a caseload of clients using a strengths-based approach.

• Provide personalised employment support, career coaching, and vocational guidance.

• Conduct vocational profiling and assessments to identify skills, experience, strengths, and employment aspirations.

• Develop strong relationships with local employers to identify and secure suitable job opportunities.

• Deliver proactive job development by negotiating and matching clients to competitive paid employment opportunities.

• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, attending meetings and integrating employment support into wider recovery plans.

• Provide ongoing in-work support to both employers and clients to promote job retention and sustained employment outcomes.

• Support clients to understand the impact of employment on welfare benefits and access specialist advice where appropriate.

• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant records using electronic case management systems.

• Adhere to the IPS model and its 8 core principles to ensure high-quality, fidelity-based service delivery.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and engage effectively with clients, clinicians, employers, and external stakeholders.

• Passionate about supporting people in recovery, challenging stigma, and promoting social inclusion.

• Confident in networking and developing relationships with local employers and community organisations.

• Able to work independently, manage workload effectively, and contribute positively within a team environment.

• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable working within a challenging but rewarding setting.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills with experience maintaining accurate records and documentation.

• A people-focused approach with the ability to engage individuals from a wide range of backgrounds in a supportive and professional manner.