IPS Employment Specialist - Oxford
At a glance
- Band
- Band 5
- Contract
- Permanent
- Pattern
- Full-time
- Posted
- 03/09/2026
- Closes
- 16/09/2026
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Role summary
This role involves supporting individuals experiencing a first episode of psychosis to achieve their employment goals. The Employment Specialist will work full-time within the Oxfordshire Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Team, helping service users find and sustain meaningful employment. Responsibilities include identifying career goals, CV preparation, interview practice, and building relationships with local employers. The role requires resilience, empathy, and a passion for helping people overcome barriers and challenge stigma.
Key responsibilities
- Manage a caseload of up to 20 people experiencing mental health problems, supporting them to gain or retain employment.
- Deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach, for which training will be provided.
- Work closely with service users to set goals, refine CVs, and practice interview techniques.
- Build relationships with local employers and promote inclusive employment opportunities.
- Collaborate with the IPS Team Leaders and fellow Employment Specialists to develop the service.
- Work directly with all relevant stakeholders including service users, Oxford Health staff, partner agencies, and employers.
Essential criteria
- Educated to Degree level or equivalent (vocational experience/training/ or other qualifications
- Hold a Full Driving license and have access to a car
- Experience of working in supported employment service and/or equivalent experience.
- Experience of working with people with mental health problems or a similar service user group
- Able to use IT and tools such as MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- Knowledge of disability and special needs issues, policies, and legislation in relation to employment
Desirable criteria
- Trained in IPS Model
- Mental Health first Aid or similar
- Experience of partnership working negotiation and liaison work with other agencies
Useful to know
Agenda for Change 2024/25 pays Band 5 at £29,970 – £36,483 a year, across England.
This advert: £32,073 – £39,043 — outside the standard scale; check for HCAS/London weighting.
Posted 4d ago · Closes in 10d
Plenty of time to prepare a strong application.
Full advert · preview
Oxford Health NHS Trust
IPS Employment Specialist - Oxford
The closing date is 16 September 2026
Job summary
Are you interested in supporting people experiencing a first episode of psychosis to achieve their employment goals?
We are looking for an Employment Specialist to join the Oxfordshire Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Team on a full-time basis.
We welcome applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. If you are resilient, empathetic, and passionate about helping people overcome barriers, challenge stigma, and realise their potential, a career in IPS could be for you.
This rewarding role involves supporting people with mental health challenges to find and sustain meaningful employment. As an Employment Specialist, no two days are the same. You may be helping someone identify career goals, update their CV, or prepare for interviews, while also building relationships with local employers and promoting inclusive employment opportunities.
We are a supportive and friendly team within a well-established organisation. If you are creative, solution-focused, and skilled at building positive, trusting relationships, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.
You will work closely with the IPS Team Leaders and fellow Employment Specialists to support the continued development of the service across Oxfordshire.
A full UK driving licence and
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