IPS Job Coach

Are you interested in working with people and making a difference? The Mental Health Employment Support Service is delighted to offer the opportunity to join our friendly team as a Job Coach.

Evidence shows that employment which suits an individual is integral to mental health recovery, and we're looking for someone who shares this belief. If you're keen to make a real difference in people's lives, this could be the role for you.

In this rewarding position, you will support mental health service users to find and retain paid employment, working within the nationally recognised Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model. Full IPS training, peer support and regular supervision will be provided.

You will work with people through all stages of their employment journey - from goal setting and job search to employer engagement and in work support. The role involves agile working, with a base in Wells and travel across local areas as required.

• Provide 1:1 employment support to mental health service users who want to gain or retain paid work.
• Use the IPS model to deliver personalised, strengths-based employment journeys.
• Carry out vocational assessments, agree employment goals and create collaborative action plans.
• Conduct rapid job search, job matching, job carving and employer engagement activities.
• Build relationships with employers, promoting mental health awareness and reasonable adjustments.
• Provide ongoing inwork support once individuals start employment.
• Work closely with clinical teams, IPS Clinical Leads, the Employment Service Manager and partner agencies.
• Maintain accurate records, data, and reporting in line with IPS and Trust standards.
• Travel across Somerset to meet service users, employers and partner organisations.

At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:

• Flexible working options to help you balance work and life
• NHS pension scheme for long-term financial security
• Generous annual leave allowance to recharge and relax
• A strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potential

Additionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card
, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.

We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce
, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty
, and breathtaking coastlines
, with vibrant cities like Bristol
, Bath
, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London
.

The region is home to excellent educational facilities
, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.

Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.

Working within the IPS Model

Support a caseload of people receiving mental health services who want to move into or stay in paid employment.

Deliver all employment support using the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model, focusing on strengths, preferences and rapid job search.

Provide community-based support and occasional inreach to inpatient settings.

Assessment & Employment Support

Complete vocational assessments to understand each person's skills, experience and job aspirations.

Set clear, achievable employment goals and create tailored action plans.

Provide practical support with job searching, CVs, applications, interviews and workplace adjustments.

Offer ongoing inwork support to help individuals settle into and sustain their roles.

Employer Engagement

Build positive relationships with employers to identify suitable job opportunities.

Promote mental health awareness and inclusive employment practices.

Work with employers to agree reasonable adjustments and ensure successful onboarding.

Partnership & Team Working

Collaborate closely with Community Mental Health Teams, IPS Clinical Leads and the Employment Service Manager.

Liaise with Jobcentre Plus, training providers and voluntary sector organisations to broaden employment options.

Participate in relevant meetings to support joinedup care and strong communication.

Administration, Data & Governance

Maintain accurate, confidential records in line with Trust standards.

Record data on activity and outcomes required for IPS reporting and service monitoring.

Follow all policies relating to safeguarding, confidentiality, information governance and health and safety.

Professional Development

Take part in regular supervision, annual appraisals and IPS fidelity activities.

Engage in ongoing training to maintain knowledge of the IPS model, employment practice and relevant legislation.

Travel & Working Arrangements

Travel across localities as needed to meet…