Rethink Mental Illness
Employment Specialist
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Employment Specialist
Make a real difference every day and join an organisation that believes that everyone severely affected by mental illness deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life and having meaningful employment can be a crucial part of that journey.
We’re looking for an IPS Employment Specialist to join the East Kent IPS Service covering Thanet, Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh, Canterbury, Dover, Deal and Ashford.
Position: Employment Specialist
Salary: £24,544.91 pro rata (actual £14,726.95)
Location: Hybrid, covering Thanet, Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh, Canterbury, Dover, Deal and Ashford
Hours: Part Time 21 Hours
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 7 August 2026
About the Role
You’ll work one to one with people who want to find or return to paid employment, helping them identify their goals, build confidence, and secure roles that align with their skills and aspirations.
This is a rewarding, dynamic role where no two days are the same. You’ll work in the community, meet people where they are, and build strong relationships with employers and local partners to open real opportunities within the hidden labour market.
What you’ll do
As an Employment Specialist, you will:
- Work alongside individuals to understand their employment goals and create personalised plans.
- Support people to find and keep paid work that reflects their strengths, interests and ambitions.
- Build and maintain relationships with employers, identifying opportunities and advocating for reasonable adjustments where needed.
- Provide in work support to help individuals thrive in their roles.
- Collaborate with colleagues across the IPS team and local services.
- Promote the value of employment in mental health recovery across your allocated East Kent area.
- Maintain effective records, manage referrals, and contribute to the smooth running of the service.
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About You
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has experience supporting people into employment or helping others overcome barriers to work.
- Understands mental health challenges and has experience in social care, support services or community-based roles.
- Can build positive relationships with a wide range of people.
- Is empathetic, proactive and comfortable working independently across a dispersed geography.
- Is organised, flexible and able to respond calmly to unexpected challenges.
- Has strong awareness of risk management, safeguarding and confidentiality.
- Holds, or is working towards a Level 3 qualification relevant to care, community mental health or social support (or equivalent experience).
Why work here?
Joining the team means becoming part of a charity that believes in people’s potential. You’ll receive:
- Regular supervision and access to learning and development
- Supportive, values-driven colleagues
- Opportunities to shape services and empower individuals
- The chance to make a direct, life changing impact
Ready to make a difference?
If you’re passionate about supporting people with mental health challenges to achieve their employment goals, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help create a better future for people living with mental illness in East Kent.
About the Organisation
You will be joining a values-led organisation committed to improving lives and driving meaningful social change. The team works collaboratively to influence public attitudes, shape policy and ensure that important issues remain high on the national agenda.
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Benefits include:
- Inclusive Culture: Join staff networks that champion diversity and inclusion.
- Wellbeing Support
- Recognition & Rewards
- Flexible Working & Generous Leave: Starting at 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays and your birthday off), with options to buy or sell extra days.
- Learning & Development: Grow your career with structured onboarding and training opportunities.
- Financial & Family Support: Contributory pension scheme, enhanced family leave, and travel benefits like season ticket loans and cycle-to-work schemes.
- Referral Bonus: Earn up to £300 for introducing someone to our team.
We recognise and support staff networks and support groups for our ethnically diverse and LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.
The charity is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to thrive. Applications are encouraged from people of all backgrounds, including those with lived experience of mental ill health, people who are LGBTQIA+, neurodivergent, disabled or living with a long-term health condition, and people from ethnically diverse communities.
Other roles you may have experience of could include: Mental Health, Mental Health Support Worker, Mental Health Caseworker, Employment Coach, Employment Mentor, Employment Advisor, Career Coach, Career Mentor, Career Advisor, Recruitment, Recruiter, HR, Social Welfare, Social Outreach.
Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client – Not For Profit People. #INDNFP
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