Location
Stockwell, South West London

Hours
37.5 hours per week

Salary
£37,750 per annum

About the Role
Thames Reach runs projects and services aimed at ending homelessness in and around London. We work directly with homeless people on the streets and in hostels, prevent vulnerable people from becoming homeless, and support formerly homeless people to rebuild their lives. We also help people find work and access training and volunteering opportunities. Last year, we helped more than 15,000 people and are proud to be listed among the top 100 Best Workplaces in the UK.

Due to increased funding, we are seeking Senior Employment Specialists (Lead Worker) to join the Lambeth Individual Placement Support (IPS) Team on a fixed-term contract until 31/03/2027. IPS is an evidence-based model commissioned by NHS England to help people with severe mental illness find and maintain paid employment in mainstream jobs that support their recovery.

As a Senior Employment Specialist, you will carry a client caseload, providing direct IPS work including client meetings, rapid job search, employer engagement, and on-the-job support. Your caseload will be smaller than standard specialists to allow time for additional responsibilities such as coaching and mentoring junior specialists, leading employer engagement strategy, monitoring fidelity and outcomes, liaising with clinical and system partners, and supporting the team lead with data reporting.

This role requires a strong commitment to IPS principles, excellent relationship-building skills with employers and clinical teams, and the ability to use data to improve team performance. You will play a key role in promoting IPS across services and ensuring high-quality delivery of employment support.

Experience
- Proven track record of delivering IPS with strong job outcomes.
- Experience mentoring and coaching staff, running 1:1s, and delivering training.
- Advanced employer engagement skills including building relationships, negotiating job carves, and creating referral routes.
- Knowledge of mental health conditions, NHS pathways, and benefits systems such as Universal Credit and PIP.
- Comfortable with data management, fidelity reviews, outcome reporting, and quality assurance.
- Experience working with clinicians, employers, and DWP partners in a systems leadership or partnership capacity.
- Excellent IT and administrative skills and ability to work independently.

About you
- Committed to the mission of ending homelessness and supporting people with severe mental illness.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to engage with clients, employers, and clinical teams.
- Able to provide constructive feedback and support to junior colleagues.
- Proactive, solution-focused, and able to manage multiple responsibilities.
- Resilient and adaptable in a complex and challenging environment.

Qualifications
- No specific qualifications are mandated, but relevant experience in employment support, mental health, or social care is essential.
- Commitment to ongoing professional development and adherence to IPS fidelity standards.