IPS Peer Employment Specialist

This flexible, dynamic role allows you to structure each day to best support clients through two key areas:

• Personalised client support
• Engagement with employers and professionals
Central and North West London NHS Trust expects the Peer Employment Specialist to act in a way that shows an understanding of our core values and is active in putting them into practice with service users, their friends, family, carers and also other staff members. COMPASSION: contribution to a caring and kind environment and recognition that what you do and say can help to improve the lives of others. RESPECT: acknowledge, respect and value diversity of each individual, recognition of uniqueness. EMPOWERMENT: commitment to providing information, resources and support to help others make their own decisions and meet their own needs. The Trust endeavours to support all staff to enable them to develop and grow. PARTNERSHIP: work closely with others and behave in a way that demonstrates understanding that commissioners and users of our services are the people who generate and fund our work.Role What is a CNWL IPS Peer Employment Specialist? This is a rewarding and dynamic role where no two days are the same-and where you'll be making a genuine difference in people's lives. As a CNWL IPS Peer Employment Specialist using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you'll combine professional training with the unique value of your own lived experience of mental health challenges and navigating employment. Your personal insight will be at the heart of the support you provide, helping others see what's possible in their own recovery journey. You'll be:
• Supporting and motivating individuals with mental health needs to access and sustain paid employment.
• Drawing on your own experiences of accessing secondary mental health services and building your own path to recovery, acting as a relatable role model and trusted guide.
• Meeting regularly with clients to listen, offer encouragement, and help them identify job opportunities that align with their strengths, skills, and aspirations. Connecting with local employers and sourcing meaningful job opportunities within the community.
• Providing ongoing, person-centred support to both clients and employers, helping to ensure a sustainable and positive employment experience.
• Advocating for your clients by engaging with employers, raising awareness of the IPS approach, and challenging stigma-because everyone deserves the chance to work., Client Support:
• Manage a caseload of 20-25 clients with mental health or substance misuse challenges.
• Support clients with employment profiling, job matching, action planning, and job search.
• Provide ongoing support including benefits, health, and workplace adjustments.
• Deliver workshops and job clubs.
Employer Engagement:
• Build relationships with employers and access hidden job markets.
• Support employers with reasonable adjustments and job retention strategies.
• Develop partnerships with local organisations and training providers.
Lived Experience Practice:
• Use lived experience to inspire and support recovery.
• Deliver group and 1:1 support, including recovery planning.
• Advocate for clients within multidisciplinary teams.
IPS Implementation:
• Work within the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.
• Meet job outcome targets.
Administration:
• Maintain accurate records and data systems.
• Monitor and evaluate outcomes.
General Responsibilities:
• Uphold CNWL values (Compassion, Respect, Empowerment, Partnership).
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Engage in supervision, training, and personal development.
• Work flexibly and support service development.
  
  Are you someone with lived experience in mental health recovery who wants to help others achieve their employment goals? Join CNWL as a Peer Employment Specialist, where your journey can inspire hope and guide others toward meaningful work., Degree or equivalent experience.
• Experience in health, social care, or employment services (desirable).
Experience:
• Lived experience of secondary mental health services and recovery.
• Experience working 1:1 with individuals.
• Experience supporting people into employment.
• Experience working with diverse communities.
Skills & Knowledge:
• Strong communication and engagement skills.
• Ability to build employer relationships.
• IT and record-keeping skills.
• Understanding of IPS model (or willingness to learn).
• Knowledge of employment barriers and benefits system (desirable)
Personal Attributes:
• Strengths-based and recovery-focused approach.
• Ability to work independently and flexibly.
• Willingness to engage in supervision and reflection.
Other Requirements:
• Ability to travel across the Trust.
  
  CNWL offers NHS services that support people's physical and mental health at every stage of life. We deliver care in a variety of settings-from GP offices and hospitals to community locations and even in people's homes.
When community care isn't possible, we provide treatment in hospitals and residential facilities. We also offer healthcare services in prisons across London and nearby areas. Partnerships are at the heart of our work. We collaborate closely with patients, families, staff, and other organizations, including commissioners, local authorities, GPs, universities, and the voluntary sector. Our commitment is to provide services that truly meet the needs of our communities, and we actively welcome input from local people who want to make a difference. CNWL employs over 100 peer workers in a variety of settings. In this role, you'll use your lived experience to support clients with mental health needs on their path to fulfilling employment. Working with a multi-disciplinary team, you'll help clients find paid roles that align with their goals and foster a supportive referral system alongside your team.