Job Role: Employment Specialist (IPS)
Location: Bristol (city‑wide, community based)
Salary: £31,000 per year
Contract: Fixed Term until September 2027 (extension possible)
Working Environment: Community based, delivering support across local areas
Role Overview
We are seeking a dedicated and person‑centred Employment Specialist (IPS) to deliver high‑quality supported employment to individuals across Bristol. You will work with people facing barriers such as disabilities, learning difficulties, autism, mental health challenges and disadvantage, helping them prepare for, secure and sustain meaningful paid employment. This role includes one‑to‑one employment support, employer engagement, in‑work coaching and partnership working, following the IPS and Supported Employment fidelity models.
Key Responsibilities
Employment Support & Vocational Development

• Deliver person‑centred supported employment using the five supported employment stages (engagement, profiling, job finding, employer engagement and ongoing support). - Complete vocational profiles and action plans tailored to participant aspirations and abilities. - Carry out rapid job search aligned to participant goals. - Provide in‑work support including coaching, skills development and workplace guidance. - Encourage participants to develop confidence, resilience and positive workplace behaviours.

Employer Engagement

• Build strong, proactive relationships with local employers. - Negotiate suitable vacancies and opportunities that align with participant strengths. - Support employers with inclusive recruitment, workplace adjustments and job‑carving strategies. - Promote mental health awareness and inclusive workplace practices.

Partnership & Community Working

• Deliver support from a range of community venues and co‑located services. - Build collaborative relationships with community partners, health teams and VCSE organisations. - Support multi‑agency work to improve referral pathways and joined‑up support.

Quality, Compliance & Safeguarding

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation including progress, outcomes and employer activity. - Ensure all work meets safeguarding, equality, diversity and health & safety requirements. - Collect data to evidence outcomes and support programme impact measurement. - Uphold all quality standards associated with IPS/SEQF fidelity models.

Essential Criteria

• GCSE English & Maths (Grade C/4 or equivalent). - Experience supporting individuals with disabilities, ASD, mental health or complex needs. - Experience in employability, job coaching or careers guidance. - Employer engagement experience. - Evidence of performance‑driven practice. - Knowledge of supported employment principles. - Willingness to work towards a Supported Employment/IPS qualification. - Excellent communication, interpersonal and motivational interviewing skills. - IT literacy (Word, Excel, CRM systems). - Flexible and person‑centred approach with the ability to travel across Bristol.

Desirable Criteria

• Supported Employment or Job Coaching qualification. - Understanding of IPS/SEQF fidelity models. - Qualification in employability, psychology or health/social care. - Level 3 IAG / Employability qualification. - Knowledge of welfare benefits and employment legislation.

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