We are looking for motivated, people‑focused individuals to join our friendly Individual Placement & Support (IPS) Employment Services as Employment Specialists supporting people with serious and enduring mental health difficulties, who are employed when referred to the service.
If you believe in the power of good work to support recovery....
If you’re passionate about helping people build confidence and purpose…
If you enjoy building relationships with local employers…
…then this could be the perfect role for you.
IPS is an evidence‑based model that helps people into paid work quickly and sustainably or supports people to retain current work. Although 90% of people with severe mental illness want to work, only 8% are currently in employment — your work will directly help to change this.
What you’ll be doing
This is a highly rewarding, varied and fast‑paced role. You will:
Supporting clients
Manage a caseload of employed people with mental health difficulties, helping them retain or find alternative paid employment.
Use a person‑centred, strengths‑based approach to identify career goals and provide tailored support.
Help clients identify reasonable adjustments and return‑to‑work strategies.
Promote independence, confidence and hope throughout each person’s recovery journey.
Working with employers
Build strong relationships with local employers across Gloucestershire — including SMEs, public‑sector organisations, local retail, hospitality, logistics, green industries, and Gloucestershire’s thriving voluntary sector.
Proactively approach employers and negotiate reasonable adjustment so clients can return to work after a period of sickness.
Challenge stigma and build inclusive, supportive workplaces.
Working in partnership
Work closely with Gloucestershire Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs), DWP Work Coaches, Citizens Advice and local partners.
Be a key part of a multi‑disciplinary service supporting integrated community mental health care.
Follow the IPS model and maintain high‑quality evidence and outcomes.
We have a skilled and dedicated workforce of over 5000 colleagues working in a diverse range of services over 55 sites and within people’s homes. We strive to enable a welcoming workplace culture that builds and celebrates civility, inclusivity and diversity, while providing a sense of belonging and trust.
Annual staff surveys, regular Pulse surveys and other engagement opportunities provide our people with lots of opportunity to tell us about their experiences of working with us. In the latest staff survey, 61% of colleagues gave us their views. It was great to hear that:
72% of colleagues would recommend the Trust as a place to work, ranking us 1st for Provider Trusts in the South West region on this question.
76% would recommend the standard of care provided in our services if a friend or relative needed treatment, also ranking us 1st in the South West region.
81% said that care of patients and service users is the Trust’s priority, compared with an average in comparable NHS Trusts in England of 64%
This high-level overview shows we are in a healthy position, with higher scores than average for comparable organisations, alongside a great response rate, indicating good staff engagement. However, we also know we have plenty of room for improvement in many areas. To that end, we continue to prioritise and invest in our commitment to genuinely becoming a Great Place to Work with consistent top-quartile performance in the annual staff survey and Pulse surveys.
What we’re looking for
Essential qualifications & experience
Educated to degree level or equivalent knowledge
Experience or understanding of employment, recruitment or employer engagement
Knowledge of Recovery and Social Inclusion
Experience in supported employment or working with people with mental health challenges
Other essential criteria
Ability to travel across Gloucestershire
Full driving licence + access to a vehicle
Please review the Job Description & Person Specification before applying.
This role is not eligible for sponsorship as per the Government’s UK VISA and Immigration Rules and Regulations. For more information please visit https://www.gov.uk/browse/visas-immigration/work-visas
