Employment Specialist

Job overview

Are you passionate about supporting people and empathetic to the diverse needs of those accessing mental health services? Are you motivated to grow in a challenging but rewarding role? If so, you might be the ideal candidate for our team! We are recruiting Band 5 Employment Specialists to join Dorset Work Matters, supporting clients across Dorset. This new role is made possible by expansion funding, reflecting our commitment to widening access to vital employment support services.

Dorset Work Matters is a well-established, high-performing partnership between Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust and Dorset Mental Health Forum. Since 2019, the service has provided evidence-based support to individuals with mental health diagnoses, helping them secure paid employment through the nationally recognised Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.

We seek a motivated, empathetic Employment Specialist to support people with mental health conditions into sustainable employment. Working closely with NHS teams, employers, and partners, you’ll build trust and provide practical, tailored support to help clients meet their employment goals. While based within a Community Mental Health team, most work will be community-based. We welcome applications from all backgrounds to promote inclusivity.

Applications from candidates that require current Healthcare worker sponsorship to work in the UK are unfortunately ineligible to apply for this position.

Main duties of the job

Work collaboratively with clients to identify employment goals, develop CVs and application forms, and prepare effectively for interviews.

Support clients in discussing their mental health condition with potential employers, should they choose to disclose.

Provide welfare benefits advice and calculations to help clients make informed employment decisions.

Engage directly with local employers to create and secure tailored job opportunities, including job carving.

Deliver ongoing in-work support to both clients and employers, ensuring sustainable employment outcomes.

Adhere to the quality standards and compliance requirements of the IPS Fidelity Model, striving to meet or exceed the service’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).

Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in line with Service and IPS Fidelity Model requirements.

Demonstrate strong organisational skills by managing caseloads efficiently, prioritising tasks, and meeting deadlines.

Perform a high volume of administrative duties with attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in reporting, documentation, and data entry.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification.  When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post.

As part of our vision to have a skilled, diverse and caring workforce, Dorset HealthCare offers support for people getting into work. We offer an employability service to support individuals with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. If you would like or know of anyone who would value this support, please do contact [email protected]