Overview:
A job can mean so much more than a salary.
It can restore confidence, create independence, rebuild identity and give someone the opportunity to imagine a different future.
At Change Grow Live, we believe employment is one of the most powerful tools in long-term recovery. That's why we're investing in our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service—an evidence-based approach that's transforming how people move from treatment into meaningful, sustainable employment.
We're looking for an IPS Employment Specialist to join our Barking & Dagenham team and help people take that next step.
If you're passionate about unlocking potential, building opportunities and changing lives, we'd love to hear from you.
People don't recover in isolation.
Recovery is built through relationships, confidence, purpose and opportunity.
As an IPS Employment Specialist, you'll work alongside people receiving structured drug and alcohol treatment, helping them identify their ambitions and supporting them into paid employment that reflects what matters to them—not what others think they should do.
You'll become part of someone's journey, helping them overcome barriers, build confidence and realise goals they may never have believed were possible.
This isn't simply employment support.
It's helping people rediscover what's possible.
IPS is transforming employment support across England.
Rather than asking people to complete treatment before thinking about work, IPS recognises that meaningful employment can be a vital part of recovery itself.
Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you'll collaborate with Recovery Coordinators, clinicians, employers and community partners to deliver joined-up, person-centred support that helps people find and sustain the right job for them.
As our service continues to grow, you'll also help strengthen local partnerships, engage employers and shape how employment support is delivered across Barking & Dagenham.
Where: Barking and Dagenham
Hours: Full time - 37.5 per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Responsibilities:
Every conversation has the potential to change someone's future.
One day you'll be helping someone prepare for their first interview in years. The next, you'll be meeting local employers to create new opportunities or supporting someone already in work to overcome challenges and remain in employment.
You'll manage your own caseload, building trusted relationships with the people you support while working collaboratively with colleagues across Change Grow Live to ensure employment becomes an integral part of each person's recovery journey.
No two days will be the same—but every day you'll help someone move closer to the future they want.
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You believe people are capable of far more than they sometimes believe themselves.
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You're someone who builds relationships easily, sees potential in others and enjoys helping people achieve goals that once felt out of reach.
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You might already have experience delivering IPS or supported employment, or perhaps you've worked within employability, health, social care, substance use or another person-centred service where you've helped people overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes.
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You're confident managing a caseload, building partnerships with employers and working collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
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Most importantly, you'll share our belief that employment isn't simply an outcome—it's a powerful part of recovery.
Everything we do starts with people.
Guided by our values—Be Open. Be Compassionate. Be Bold.—we're creating services that are evidence-led, shaped by innovation and designed around the people and communities we support.
Our strategy is focused on improving access, strengthening partnerships and creating opportunities that help people live healthier, more independent lives. Employment is a key part of that ambition, and our IPS teams are helping more people than ever realise what's possible.
When you join Change Grow Live, you'll be part of an organisation that's continually evolving, investing in its people and finding better ways to deliver life-changing support.
We know that when our people feel supported, they're able to make the greatest difference.
That's why we offer:
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25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, rising to 30 days with service.
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A paid weekly Wellness Hour, Wellness Hub and Employee Assistance Programme.
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Contributory pension scheme.
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Learning, development and career progression opportunities.
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A wide range of employee benefits and lifestyle discounts.
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A supportive, inclusive and values-led culture where everyone belongs.
A note about using AI in your application
AI can be a really helpful tool when putting together your application, and we're happy for you to use it. However, what we're most interested in is you.
We want to understand your experiences, achievements and strengths, so please make sure your application reflects your own story and clearly shows how you meet the essential criteria and the impact you've made in previous roles.
There's no need to write in a particular style. The strongest applications are those that are authentic, specific and clearly demonstrate your skills, experience and potential. We look forward to learning more about you.
Direct applications only we will not be engaging agencies for this vacancy.
Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions. More information about eligible roles and occupations can be found here: Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK
We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.
Help someone discover that recovery isn't just about leaving something behind—it's about building a future worth looking forward to.
Salary Range (pro rata if part time): CGL points 25 to 28 (£30,268.05 - £32,802.41) ILW / OLW /Fringe: Outer London Weighting (£2,250.61) Closing Date: 31/8/2026 If you have any questions on this opportunity that you would like to talk through please contact us using the below details:: Sharma Johnson-Attille |
[email protected] | 07919 149435 : This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.
