IPS Peer Employment Specialist - Oxford

Job overview

Are you interested in working with individuals with mental health needs and supporting them with their employment journey?

We are seeking a full time Employment Specialist to join tie IPS team at Oxford Health! This role has been specifically developed for people with lived experience of recovery from mental health problems who want to use that experience to support others in their employment and recovery journey. The post holder will work as part of a community mental health team, maintaining positive and integrated relationships and promoting a holistic approach to recovery through employment.

This role is dynamic and varied. You may be supporting clients to set goals, update CVs and practise interview skills, then meeting employers in the community to discuss roles and workplace flexibility.

There is also a significant administrative element in line with the IPS model, including maintaining case notes, updating records, managing referrals and recording employment outcomes.

We pride ourselves on being a supportive team within Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust. If you are passionate, creative, solution focused and good at building hopeful relationships and trust, this could be a rewarding role.

You will work with IPS Team Leaders and Employment Specialists across the county.

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

Main duties of the job

Working directly with all relevant stakeholders: the service user, Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust 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, skilfully using your own experience to help motivate clients.

The role also includes a significant administrative element in line with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. This includes maintaining accurate and timely records, updating case notes, managing referrals, monitoring employment outcomes, coordinating with MDT colleagues and external partners, and ensuring all documentation is completed in accordance with service requirements. Strong organisational skills and the ability to balance client-facing work with administrative responsibilities are essential.

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.

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.