Job Description
Job summary We have an exciting opportunity for an IPS Employment Specialist to join our team in Stoke on Trent. Main duties of the job Our IPS (Individual Placement and Support) Employment Specialists team aims to increase the number of people moving into meaningful employment from our drug and alcohol support services. This is a new project and is an exciting opportunity to help make a real difference to people's lives. No two days are the same and we treat every person who comes into our service as an individual, so being flexible, curious and a good listener are key. About us Everyone should feel comfortable getting the support they need for issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health. At We Are With You we work with people on their own goals, whether that's staying safe and healthy, making small changes or stopping an unwanted habit altogether. We give people support in a way that's right for them either face to face in their local service, community or online. We provide a free and confidential service without judgement to more than 100,000 people a year. We use our expertise to improve the help available and raise awareness around drugs, alcohol and mental health so that more people can get support. We Are With You. #IND LP Job description Job responsibilities Please note that working hours are Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm, however some on-call work may be required on evenings and weekends. Do you believe you have the skills to support people back into employment? Do you take pride in what you do, and can you think creatively about how different organisations can work together to deliver a better service? Are you happy to talk with employers and help match people into meaningful work? To find out more about IPS employment support please see this video. Benefits Competitive salary28 days annual leave, plus bank holidaysAn extra day off for your birthday or a special occasion of your choice2 days paid volunteer leave per yearAuto-enrollment into We Are With You's pension schemeAccess to a Blue Light Card - giving you great savings on big high-street and online brandsFlexible working opportunities and access to a range of services and resources to support you with your wellbeingWe have an excellent Refer a Friend scheme which offers you a £500 bonus for any recommendations, any role! Our scheme allows you to recommend your friends and family to work with us and earn a £500 bonus payment for every successful referral you make. Please note, the Refer a Friend scheme is only applicable if your recommended friend completes their 6 months probation period Additional Information All applicants need to submit a CV and a covering letter on why you should be considered for this role. Applications will not be accepted if no covering letter is included. Please note that this role may close early should sufficient applications be received, so early application is advised. Diversity Statement As an organisation, we continue to build an inclusive culture that encourages, supports and celebrates the diverse voices and experiences of our staff. We know that representing the communities we serve is key to us meeting our goals of radically improving people's lives. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and we encourage people from underrepresented communities and backgrounds to apply to join our team, including people with lived experience, people with disabilities, people from racialised communities, LGBTQ+ people and armed forces veterans. As part of our commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates that are veterans and meet all the essential criteria for a role. With You is also a Disability Confident Employer and we offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates with a disability and meet all the essential criteria for a role. If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best. Person Specification Qualifications Essential Should you be successful in your application, you will be required to provide 3 years' worth of references and where applicable, will need to undergo an enhanced DBS check. Experience Essential 12 months experience of helping people facing severe labour market disadvantage to obtain or keep work Sound knowledge of best practice in the provision of addictions and/or employability and employment services Knowledge and understanding of issues faced by people in treatment/recovery in the job market, and in employability and employment services Able to assess clients' vocational functioning on an ongoing basis utilising background information and work experiences Ability to develop relationships with multiple stakeholders, including employers, partner agencies, clients and their family/carers Working knowledge of a broad range of occupations and jobs Good verbal and written communication skills. Ability to deploy effective employer engagement strategies Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills Well-developed IT skills, familiar with Office Suite and Google Workspace Ability to manage and resolve conflict Ability to balance competing priorities within tight timescales Desirable A proven track record in placing people into employment and/or in supporting people to achieve sustained employment Understanding of national development priorities and the needs of the business community in relation to employability and employment Good understanding of local labour market Understanding of employment law and employer's responsibility A full job description will be provided upon request.