IPS Employment Specialist - Oxford

Job overview

Are you interested in working with individuals with a forensic history  and supporting them with their employment needs?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a team who have  been awarded a national Quality Kite Mark. We are seeking an employment specialist to join the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Team

The Thames Valley Specialist Community Forensic Team (TV-SCFT) is an essential component of Thames Valley Adult Forensic Mental Health Services. The service provides forensic community mental health and Learning disability services across Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. The post holder will be expected to work across the geographical spread as clinically indicated.

We welcome people from a range of backgrounds and a variety of experience. If you’re resilient, empathic and determined to open doors, challenge prejudice, and champion the skills and talents of individuals, then a career in IPS could be for you.

We pride ourselves in being a supportive team within a great organisation If you are passionate, creative, solution focused, good at building hopeful relationships and growing trust, a career in IPS could be a varied and rewarding role for you..

Applicants must have a full valid driving licence and have access to a vehicle for work. Adjustments can be considered in line with the Equality Act 2010 where required.

Main duties of the job

You will be working to support people either to gain employment or retain their current employment as part of  multi-disciplinary (MDT) team's within the Thames Valley Specialist Community Forensic team

The Employment Specialist’s will join an IPS team working under the direction of an IPS team leader to deliver IPS as part of the holistic recovery plan for mental health service users in the community.

You will be required to manage a caseload of up to 20 people at any one time who have experienced mental health problems and who are waiting to either gain new employment or retain their current employment. The Employment Specialist is expected to deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach – for which training will be given.

Working directly with all relevant stakeholders: the service user, Oxford Health staff, partner agencies ,employers  and people who have experienced mental health challenges themselves - you will support the service users on your caseload to gain and retain paid employment.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

The role of an Employment Specialist in Oxford Health is incredibly dynamic and diverse. One moment you’ll be working closely with IPS clients to set goals, refining their CVs, or practising interview techniques, the next, you’ll be out in the local community approaching potential employers and discussing roles and job flexibility.  This role has  significant admin element to it in line with the IPS Model

We pride ourselves in being a supportive team within a great organisation If you are passionate, creative, solution focused, good at building hopeful relationships and growing trust, a career in IPS could be a varied and rewarding role for you.

You will work with the IPS team leader’s and other IPS Employment specialists to assist in the development of the wider service across the county.