Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist Location: Ipswich Salary: £30,000 - £32,000 per annum - depending on skills and experience Hours: Full Time, 37.5 hours per week Contract: Permanent Due to the nature of this role covering multiple areas, a full UK drivers license and access to own vehicle is essential for this position. About the Role Trigon Recruitment are seeking a passionate and proactive Employment Specialist to support individuals facing barriers to employment across Ipswich. Working within the IPS (Individual Placement and Support) framework, you will help participants identify their employment goals, secure suitable job opportunities, and sustain meaningful employment. This is a community-focused role, giving you the flexibility to work from home while spending the majority of your time meeting participants, employers and partner organisations within local community settings. Key Responsibilities • Manage a caseload of participants seeking employment support. • Deliver person-centred employment guidance and coaching. • Support individuals with a range of needs, including those with mental health conditions, neurodiversity and SEND-related barriers. • Identify participants' skills, strengths, aspirations and employment goals. • Develop tailored action plans to support progression into work. • Build and maintain relationships with local employers to identify suitable job opportunities. • Match candidates to appropriate vacancies based on their skills, experience and preferences. • Provide in-work support to both participants and employers to promote job retention. • Work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, support services and community partners. • Maintain accurate records, case notes and compliance documentation. • Ensure all activity is delivered in line with IPS Fidelity standards and contractual requirements. • Promote awareness of initiatives such as Access to Work and other relevant support services. • Strong understanding of the IPS model and Fidelity principles. Essential Requirements • Experience working within employment support, welfare-to-work, IPS, Connect to Work, supported employment or a related field. We welcome applications from candidates from work backgrounds in SEND, recovery work, supported housing etc. • Excellent administrative and organisational skills. • Proven ability to engage with employers and develop employment opportunities. • Confidence in supporting individuals with complex barriers to employment. • Ability to manage a diverse caseload and work independently. • Strong communication and relationship-building skills. • Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle. • Enhanced DBS certificate (or willingness to obtain one). Desirable Requirements • Experience supporting individuals with mental health conditions. • Lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery. • Experience working with SEND participants. • Knowledge of neurodiversity and inclusive employment practices. • Understanding of the Access to Work scheme. • Previous experience working within IPS or Connect to Work programmes. Benefits • 25 days annual leave plus statutory holidays. • Home-based role with flexible scheduling. • Mileage reimbursement at 55p per mile. • Business expenses covered. • Additional weekly wellbeing time. • Supportive and experienced management team. • Opportunity to make a meaningful impact within local communities. This role is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. Candidates already registered with the DBS Update Service are particularly welcomed. For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact Tiff Bennett on or email .