Employability Team Leader

Job Role:

Team Leader (IPS)

Location:

Bristol (city-wide, community based & hybrid working)

Salary: £38,000 per year

Contract:

Fixed term until September 2027 (extension possible subject to funding)

Working Environment:
Community-based delivery with hybrid working

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Team Leader (IPS) to oversee the delivery of a high quality, person centred supported employment service across Bristol
. You will lead a team of Employment Specialists, ensuring services are delivered in line with the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model and Supported Employment fidelity standards. This role focuses on supporting people with disabilities, learning difficulties, neurodiverse conditions, mental health challenges and those facing disadvantage to secure and sustain meaningful paid employment. You will drive service performance, manage staff development, build strong stakeholder partnerships, and ensure high levels of quality, compliance, and participant satisfaction.

• Lead the delivery of the IPS supported employment model across Bristol.
• Ensure adherence to all IPS and SEQF fidelity standards.
• Achieve performance targets, service KPIs and contractual requirements.
• Ensure accurate data recording, reporting and compliance across systems.
• Apply continuous improvement processes to enhance quality and efficiency.
• Maintain strong links with health, community and VCSE partners to support referrals and participant engagement.

• Manage and support Employment Specialists to deliver high quality employment outcomes.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, observations, coaching and mentoring.
• Support staff development including achievement of Supported Employment Level 3 qualifications.
• Build a positive, supportive, and accountable team culture.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders across the local ecosystem.
• Promote inclusive employment and develop employer partnerships.
• Negotiate suitable work opportunities that align with participant goals and employer needs.
• Support employers to embed inclusive recruitment and workplace practices.

• Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion across all service delivery.
• Ensure all work meets required Health & Safety and fair work standards.
• Monitor quality through structured reviews, audits and participant feedback.

• Operational management experience within employability or similar services.
• Experience managing performance-driven teams.
• Experience delivering services aligned to IPS/SEQF or other fidelity models.
• Experience supporting people with disabilities, mental health conditions or complex barriers.
• Strong planning, organisational and decision making skills.
• Employer engagement and partnership development experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• GCSE English & Maths (Grade C/4 or above).
• Ability to travel across Bristol and work flexibly.
• Strong IT literacy (Word, Excel, CRM systems).

• Supported Employment / IPS qualification (or willingness to complete).
• Qualification in employability, psychology, health/social care or related fields.
• Knowledge of welfare benefits and employment legislation.