We are looking for an Employment Specialist to join our well established team in Richmond. You will have the opportunity to proactively manage a caseload of people who have experienced mental health problems who are unemployed and / or currently off work. This role enables you to deliver the Individual Placement and Support approach - evidence based model of vocational rehabilitation for people with mental health problems.

You will have the opportunity to proactively manage a caseload of people who have experienced mental health problems who are unemployed and / or currently off work. This role enables you to deliver the Individual Placement and Support approach - evidence based model of vocational rehabilitation for people with mental health problems.

Main duties of the job

Working directly with all relevant stakeholders including the service user, IRH staff, GPs, Employers, Human Resources and Occupational Health services to enable people experiencing mental health issues to gain, retain and sustain employment. You will also work with a close and supportive vocational team sharing experiences, challenges and achievements with regular peer support and supervision, while having an active role in the development and evolution of our successful vocational rehabilitation service. Our vocational team works with a collaborate coaching style, helping each other to grow and develop which helps contribute to feeling valued and empowered, while also receiving regular professional support and supervision.

About us

We are Proud to Belong at Southwest London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust and work with the South London Partnership Trusts. We have expert services, a rich history, and a clear commitment to providing the best quality care for those with mental ill-health. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' - we aspire to be 'outstanding'.

This is a great time to join us. We are transforming the way we care for our communities to support our mission of Making Life Better Together. We have built two brand new mental health facilities at Springfield University Hospital, which are amongst the best in the world. More developments are planned across our sites and services.

We are inclusive and diverse and strive to be actively anti racist. We want to attract people from all backgrounds and experiences to enrich the work we do together. We are proud to co-produce and involve our local communities in all that we do.

We offer flexible working, career development and a variety of benefits to enable a positive, welcoming environment in which our people and their careers can thrive. Come and join our inclusive teams and help our patients on their recovery journey.

Job description

Job responsibilities

• To manage a caseload of a maximum of 25 service users at any one time who are currently off work / unemployed and who wish to return to work.
• To be integrated with Richmond IRH being responsible for those service users who want to return to employment.
• To meet regularly with IRH staff to co-ordinate and integrate employment support into health treatment and care plans.
• To support care co-ordinators to discuss employment being a realistic goal with service users at the assessment stage, at care plan reviews etc.
• To prepare individuals for a return to work through assessing each persons individual employment needs through vocational profiling/assessment.
• To proactively undertake job development with employers based on the service users preferences to secure employment opportunities for service users.
• To proactively engage and work with employers to retain employment opportunities for service users.
• To provide education and support to employers, as agreed with the individual, which may include negotiating reasonable adjustments, return to work strategy and on-going contact with the employer to ensure job retention.
• To provide individualised, support to individuals once they have returned to work to assist them in sustaining employment.
• To provide outreach services as necessary to individuals when they appear to disengage from the service. Maintain some contact with individuals even without a vocational focus if necessary to sustain engagement.
• To assess individuals support needs related to work which might typically include help with benefits, travel to work, graded return to work etc.
• To develop good working relationships with other organisations that are better able to help individuals to achieve their employment goals for example, Jobcentre Plus providers (Work Programme, Work Choice, Access to Work) , local colleges and training providers.
• To deliver individual employment outcomes in line with service outcomes as set by commissioners in line with Trust key performance indicators.
• To engage in both managerial and professional supervision.
• To work flexibly as required by the individual and the employer which may require some working out of normal office hours.
• To maintain a professional relationship with the service users of the programme and with other staff, with particular attention to confidentiality and the maintenance of boundaries.
• To support administrative systems which record the progress of individuals and keep accurate and complete records of casework with them.

Person Specification

Training and Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level or equivalent in industry

Desirable

• Trained in the IPS approach
• Full & current drivers license

Experience

Essential

• Experience of working with and supporting people who have experienced mental health problems (or other unemployed disadvantaged groups) into and in employment within health, social services or the voluntary sector
• Experience of successfully helping people to obtain or keep education/work

Desirable

• Experience of partnership working, negotiation and liaison work with other agencies
• Experience of job development

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS

Essential

• Knowledge of interpretation of welfare benefits and disability/employment related benefits
• Knowledge of the Equality Act
• Knowledge of disability and special needs issues in relation to employment/ education
• An understanding of the issues of user involvement in mental health services
• Ability to work to service outcomes and set targets
• Good written and verbal communication skills

Desirable

• Report writing skills
• Knowledge of government and local funding opportunities regarding learning and employment opportunities
• Knowledge of Employment law
• Good numeracy, financial and information management skills

Employer details

Employer name

South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust

Address

Maddison Centre

140 Church Rd

Teddington

TW11 8QL

Any attachments will be accessible after you click to apply.

294-COMM-5813832-JB