Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust
IPS Employment Specialist

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Are you passionate about supporting people and understanding of mental health needs? If so, you could be the ideal candidate for our team.
We are recruiting Band 5 Employment Specialists to join Dorset Work Matters (DWM), supporting clients across Dorset. These roles are made possible through expansion funding, reflecting our commitment to extending specialist mental health employment support.
Job Opportunities
We currently have the following opportunity available: 1 full-time role covering East Dorset, based within the Community Rehabilitation team.
About Dorset Work Matters (DWM)
DWM is a well-established, high-performing partnership between Dorset Healthcare Trust and Dorset Mental Health Forum. Since 2019, the service has provided evidence-based support to individuals with mental health conditions, helping them secure paid employment through the nationally recognized Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.
Role Description
We are seeking motivated specialists to support people with mental health conditions into sustainable employment, working closely with NHS teams, employers, and partner organizations. You will build trusting relationships and provide practical, tailored support to help individuals achieve their employment goals, with much of the work being delivered in the community.
Key Responsibilities
- To undertake weekly face-to-face engagement with local employers to proactively generate tailored job opportunities, including job carving, in line with IPS principles.
- Work collaboratively with clients to identify employment goals, develop CVs and application forms, and prepare effectively for interviews.
- Support clients in discussing their mental health condition with potential employers, should they choose to disclose.
- Provide welfare benefits advice and calculations to help clients make informed employment decisions.
- Deliver ongoing in-work support to both clients and employers, ensuring sustainable employment outcomes.
- Adhere to the quality standards and compliance requirements of the IPS Fidelity Model, striving to meet or exceed the service’s Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
- Maintain accurate, up-to-date records in line with Service and IPS Fidelity Model requirements.
- Perform a high volume of administrative duties with attention to detail, ensuring accuracy in reporting, documentation, and data entry.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Requirements
- Employment in this post requires an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, which the Trust will cover the cost of.
- Driving is essential for this role. You will be required to have a full and valid UK driving licence and to travel using your own vehicle on Trust business.
About Dorset HealthCare
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.


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
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.
Contact Information
For further details / informal visits contact:
- Name: Samantha Stevens
- Job title: Dorset Work Matters Project Lead
- Email address: samantha.stevens13@nhs.net
- Telephone number: 07747 638626
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location