Employment Specialist

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., 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., + 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 person's 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.
At South West London St Georges Mental Health Trust we are committed to providing services which embrace diversity and that promote equality of opportunity. We are a Disability Committed Employer, and welcome applications from all sections of the community and people of all protected characteristics. We are Members of Stonewall Diversity Champions and Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion.
As part of the Trust's commitment to Equalities and Diversity, the Trust supports the establishment of Staff Networks groups to promote diversity in the workplace:
+ BME (Evolve) Staff Network
+ Christian Staff Network
+ DiverseAbility
+ Deaf Staff Network
+ Mental Health Staff Forum
+ Women's Staff Network
+ LGBTQIA+
We are committed to supporting the Armed Forces Community and has signed the Armed Forces Covenant.
We provide reasonable adjustments to the interview process for any candidates with a disability.
Please note:
+ That the closing date listed is a guide only and that the vacancy may close earlier should sufficient number of applicants have been received
+ That once you have submitted your application you agree to your application being transferred to a 3^rd party e-recruitment system
+ That should you not have heard from us within three weeks from the closing date your application has not successful
+ That priority consideration for applications may be given to at-risk NHS employees
+ That should you be successful and appointed, you authorise South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust to confirm your previous NHS service via an Inter Authority Transfer (IAT) process
+ That your employment is offered subject to successful completion of a Probationary Period depending on your Band (except medical roles)
+ That we are a smoke-free Trust

NHS AfC: Band 5
South West London and St George's Mental Health NHS Trust has a rich history, well-established community links and an international reputation. We provide a full range of local mental health services to the Kingston, Merton, Richmond, Sutton and Wandsworth London boroughs, as well as specialist forensic mental health services, including specialised services such as national deaf adults and CAMHS inpatients and OCD.
We are committed to providing high quality integrated health and social care for local people with mental health problems in South West London and more specialist mental health services for people throughout the UK. The Care Quality Commission already rates our services as 'good' however we aim to be 'outstanding'.
Our Values
We take pride in providing specialist care to our service users where our Trust values; being consistent, compassionate, collaborative, respectful and open is at the heart of everything we do. Our mission is "making life better together".
When you join us, you'll be part of something special - an innovative and rapidly growing organisation that is helping to redefine the Mental Health, education and social care landscape in the UK.
As a Trust, we are happy to talk flexible working., 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.