C2W Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist
Location: New Forest (and surrounding areas of Southampton)
Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum (depending on skills and experience)
Hours: Full Time | 37.5 hours per week
Contract: Permanent

Please note: Due to the community-based nature of this role, a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle is essential.
  
Trigon Recruitment are delighted to be recruiting on behalf of a leading organisation for experienced and passionate Employment Specialists to join their growing team in New Forest (and surrounding areas of Southampton).

Working within the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you will empower individuals facing a range of barriers to employment, helping them identify career aspirations, secure sustainable work, and thrive in long-term employment.
  
This is a highly rewarding, community-based role where you'll spend the majority of your time supporting participants in local settings, meeting employers, and working alongside healthcare professionals and community partners. You'll also benefit from the flexibility of home working when not attending appointments.

If you're passionate about changing lives through employment and enjoy building meaningful relationships with both participants and employers, this could be the perfect opportunity.
  
Key Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of participants, providing tailored employment support from initial engagement through to sustained employment.
Deliver person-centred coaching, advice and guidance based on each individual's goals, strengths and aspirations.
Support people experiencing barriers to work, including mental health conditions, neurodiversity, SEND and other complex needs.
Develop personalised action plans focused on achieving sustainable employment outcomes.
Build strong relationships with local employers and identify suitable vacancies across a variety of sectors.
Match participants to appropriate employment opportunities based on their skills, interests and career goals.
Provide ongoing in-work support to both participants and employers to maximise job retention.
Work collaboratively with healthcare teams, community organisations and partner agencies to deliver joined-up support.
Promote initiatives including Access to Work and other employment support services.
Maintain accurate records, case notes and compliance documentation in line with contractual requirements.
Ensure all activity is delivered in accordance with IPS Fidelity standards and best practice. About You

We're looking for someone who is passionate about helping people transform their lives through employment and who can confidently engage with participants, employers and partner organisations.
You will have:

Experience within employment support, welfare-to-work, IPS, Connect to Work, supported employment or a similar environment.
We also welcome applications from professionals with backgrounds in SEND, recovery services, supported housing, mental health, housing support, careers guidance or vocational rehabilitation.
Excellent communication, coaching and relationship-building skills.
Experience engaging with employers and developing employment opportunities.
Confidence supporting individuals with multiple and complex barriers to employment.
Strong organisational and administrative skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload.
The ability to work independently while also collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
A full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.
An Enhanced DBS certificate, or willingness to obtain one. Desirable Experience

Knowledge of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model and Fidelity principles.
Experience supporting individuals with mental health conditions.
Experience working with neurodiverse individuals or those with SEND.
Understanding of inclusive employment practices.
Knowledge of the Access to Work scheme.
Previous experience delivering IPS or Connect to Work contracts.
Lived experience of mental health recovery would be welcomed. Benefits

25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays.
Home-based role with flexible working.
Mileage reimbursement at 55p per mile.
Business expenses fully covered.
Dedicated weekly wellbeing time.
Supportive and experienced leadership team.
Ongoing training and professional development.
Opportunity to make a genuine difference within your local community. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Applications from candidates registered with the DBS Update Service are welcomed.
  
If you're looking for a rewarding career where you can genuinely change lives through employment, we'd love to hear from you.
  
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact Tiff Bennett on (phone number removed) or email (url removed)