IPS Employment Specialist
Birmingham - UK
Job Summary
Overview
Employment Specialist Individual Placement and Support
East Birmingham Permanent Full Time
Help turn recovery into opportunity.
For someone rebuilding their life the right job can change more than their income.
It can build confidence create stability and open up new possibilities.
Were looking for an Employment Specialist to join our established Individual Placement and Support service across Birmingham helping people receiving drug and alcohol treatment move into sustainable paid employment.
Based at our East Birmingham hub and working across all three Birmingham locations youll work alongside treatment teams local employers and partner organisations to create opportunities that reflect each persons skills ambitions and preferences.
This is employment support with purpose.
Why this opportunity
Individual Placement and Support is an evidence-based approach that brings employment support directly into treatment services.
Rather than asking people to become job ready IPS starts with what matters to them and supports them to move towards paid employment at a pace that reflects their goals.
Youll manage a caseload of around 25 people providing personalised support from the first conversation through to securing and sustaining work.
Youll also build relationships with employers across Birmingham understand their workforce needs and create opportunities that work for both the individual and the organisation.
What youll be doing
Youll:
- Deliver high-quality employment support in line with the IPS model.
- Work with people to understand their strengths experience and employment goals.
- Support job searching applications interview preparation and workplace transitions.
- Build trusted relationships with local employers and identify suitable paid opportunities.
- Work closely with Recovery Coordinators and treatment colleagues to provide joined-up support.
- Help people sustain employment by addressing challenges early and offering continued guidance.
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to IPS data reporting and service outcomes.
- Promote the service across Birmingham and strengthen relationships with local partners.
Where youll work
Location: Your main base will be our East Birmingham hub with regular travel across our three Birmingham service locations and into the local community.
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week. The role includes some evening and weekend working as part of a rota.
Please note: Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles the salary and any associated payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.
Responsibilities
About you
Youre someone who can see potential in people and help them recognise it in themselves.
Youll be confident building relationships opening conversations with employers and supporting people who may have experienced barriers to work.
Youll bring:
- Experience of supporting people towards employment training or positive life changes.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- The confidence to engage proactively with employers and develop new opportunities.
- The ability to manage a varied caseload and balance different priorities.
- A person-centred approach and a genuine commitment to helping people secure meaningful paid work.
- The ability to work collaboratively within an integrated treatment service.
- Confidence using IT systems and maintaining accurate records.
Experience supporting people affected by drug or alcohol use mental health needs or other barriers to employment would also be valuable.
Why this role is different
This isnt a desk-based employment advice role.
Youll work directly with people employers and treatment teamsspending time in the community understanding local opportunities and creating practical routes into work.
Youll be part of a service that measures success through real outcomes: people securing jobs they want building confidence and sustaining employment as part of their recovery.
What well give you
Youll receive extensive IPS training and ongoing support to help you develop your knowledge and succeed in the role.
Youll also have access to:
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing by one day for each completed year of service up to 30 days.
- A paid Wellness Hour every week.
- Our Wellness Hub and Employee Assistance Programme.
- A contributory pension scheme.
- Training career development and progression opportunities.
- Employee discounts across shopping entertainment travel and leisure.
- A generous Refer a Friend Scheme.
Make your next move matter
At Change Grow Live we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to change the direction of their life.
Youll join a committed Birmingham team that works together to provide personalised inclusive support and create opportunities that make a lasting difference.
Our valuesBe open. Be compassionate. Be bold.guide everything we do. If they reflect the way you work wed love to hear from you.
A Note About Using AI in Your Application
AI can be a helpful tool when preparing your application and youre welcome to use it. However wed really like to hear about you.
Please make sure your application reflects your own experience achievements and strengths and clearly shows how you meet the essential criteria for the role. The strongest applications are those that are genuine specific and bring your skills and potential to life through real examples.
We look forward to learning more about you.
We reserve the right to close this opportunity early if we receive a high number of applications so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
This opportunity is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.
Please note that we are not accepting applications from recruitment agencies for this vacancy. Direct applications only.
Salary Range (pro rata if part time)
ILW / OLW /Fringe
If you have any questions or concerns on this opportunity that you would like to talk through please contact us using the below details:
Required Experience:
IC
About Company
We’re a national health and social care charity. We can help you with challenges including drugs and alcohol, housing, justice, health and wellbeing.