Job summary If you are passionate about people, empathetic to the diverse needs of individuals who access mental health services and have the ability and drive to develop into this challenging but rewarding role, then you may be the person we are looking for We are recruiting full time Band 5 Employment Specialist to join the Dorset Work Matters Team supporting clients in Christchurch and Southbourne. Dorset Work Matters is a service jointly delivered by Dorset HealthCare NHS University Foundation Trust and Dorset Mental Health Forum, providing evidence-based employment support to people with a mental health diagnosis. This role is an opportunity to support individuals to gain competitive paid employment using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. The role is based within the Christchurch Community Mental Health team however the majority of your time will be spent in the local community. Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of. Applicants who subscribe to the DBS update service are able to present a valid DBS certificate instead of requiring a new check. Main duties of the job Identifying job goals and skills, writing CVs and application forms, preparing individuals for interviews, discussing what they might want to say to employers about their health condition, providing welfare benefits calculations and engaging with employers. Working directly with employers to job carve and securing employment opportunities then subsequently, provide ongoing in work support according to both employees and employer's needs. Whilst adhering to the quality and compliance requirements of the IPS Fidelity Model achieving the Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) of the service. About us At Dorset HealthCare we're on a mission to empower people to make the most of their lives through our outstanding, joined-up healthcare services. We're a dynamic, forward-looking Trust, running 12 community hospitals, specialist inpatient facilities and a wide range of integrated community and mental health services for a population of almost 800,000 people. We do things differently here - it's one of the reasons the CQC rated us 'outstanding' in 2019. It's also why 95% of patients across our services say they have a good or very good experience of our services and 89% of staff feel they can really make a difference. Whether you're looking to work with us in one of our bustling market towns, vibrant urban locations, thriving seaside spots, or among the rolling hills of Dorset, there are lots of ways you can make a difference in our communities. Our 7,000-strong workforce is at the heart of what we do and our success is a testament to our brilliant people. We're all about building a workplace for the future, we believe in equal opportunities and we celebrate diversity. We're an inclusive workplace, where everyone is welcome, everyone can be authentic, and we are all encouraged to be the best version of ourselves. Working with us you'll be part of a strong team, challenge yourself, build a career, and teach us what we don't know. And you'll be working towards our vision to be better every day through excellence, compassion and expertise in all we do. Date posted 08 January 2025 Pay scheme Agenda for change Band Band 5 Salary £29,970 to £36,483 a year p.a. Contract Permanent Working pattern Full-time Reference number 152-M467.24 Job locations Christchurch CMHT Christchurch and Southbourne CMHT, First Floor, Fairmile House, Tasman Close Christchurch BH23 2JT Job description Job responsibilities For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post. Dorset HealthCare is in partnership with The Princes Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we offer an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. Please contact dhc.wideningparticipationnhs.net to access the support. Job description Job responsibilities For the main duties and responsibilities for this role please read the attached job description and person specification. When completing your application please ensure your supporting statement reflects the criteria set out in these documents by showing how your experience and skills apply to this post. Dorset HealthCare is in partnership with The Princes Trust to support people getting into work, as part of this partnership, we offer an employability service to support individuals between 16-30 years old with application writing, interview skills and other employment support. Please contact dhc.wideningparticipationnhs.net to access the support. Person Specification Knowledge, skills and training Essential Educated to degree level or equivalent training in a relevant field Experience or knowledge of employability or the labour market Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a range of people Team orientated and works collaboratively within a mixed-disciplinary team Desirable Role specific experience of 2 years Trained in / knowledge of IPS approach Level 3 Diploma in Employability Services Sector Qualification Job specific experience Essential Experience of working with people with mental health problems or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector Experience of partnership working, negotiation and liaison work with other stake holders and agencies Experience of partnership working, negotiation and liaison work with other stake holders and agencies Desirable Experience of working within mental health services Own personal lived experience of recovery from mental health difficulties Previous experience of delivering a service using the IPS model Personal qualities/attributes Essential Excellent Organisational skills Ability to manage own time effectively and independently Natural ability to build close trusting and productive relationships with people Highly motivated with a genuine belief that employment will help the recovery of someone with a mental health condition Desirable Lived experience / experience of recovery from a mental health condition Additional requirements Essential Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively. Person Specification Knowledge, skills and training Essential Educated to degree level or equivalent training in a relevant field Experience or knowledge of employability or the labour market Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a range of people Team orientated and works collaboratively within a mixed-disciplinary team Desirable Role specific experience of 2 years Trained in / knowledge of IPS approach Level 3 Diploma in Employability Services Sector Qualification Job specific experience Essential Experience of working with people with mental health problems or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector Experience of partnership working, negotiation and liaison work with other stake holders and agencies Experience of partnership working, negotiation and liaison work with other stake holders and agencies Desirable Experience of working within mental health services Own personal lived experience of recovery from mental health difficulties Previous experience of delivering a service using the IPS model Personal qualities/attributes Essential Excellent Organisational skills Ability to manage own time effectively and independently Natural ability to build close trusting and productive relationships with people Highly motivated with a genuine belief that employment will help the recovery of someone with a mental health condition Desirable Lived experience / experience of recovery from a mental health condition Additional requirements Essential Demonstrable skills in written and spoken English to a standard which enables the post holder to carry out the full range of duties and responsibilities of the role effectively. Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions. Employer details Employer name Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust Address Christchurch CMHT Christchurch and Southbourne CMHT, First Floor, Fairmile House, Tasman Close Christchurch BH23 2JT Employer's website https://www.dorsethealthcare.nhs.uk/work-for-us (Opens in a new tab)