Job summary
You may be a great fit if you:
Are passionate about mental health recovery and vocational rehabilitation.
Communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
Are confident working independently and managing a caseload.
Understand the challenges faced by individuals with severe mental health conditions.
Are organised, proactive, and skilled in motivational support and problem-solving.
Enjoy working in a hybrid model, combining remote and community-based work.
We are seeking a dedicated and person-centred Vocational Specialistto join our Mental Health and Vocational Services team in Croydon. This role is ideal for someone passionate about supporting individuals with severe mental health conditions to achieve their recovery goals through meaningful vocational activities.
As a Vocational Specialist, you will work collaboratively with service users to develop tailored support plans that promote access to volunteering, education, training, and employment. You will also encourage engagement in physical recovery options such as sport and fitness. The role involves close partnership working with mental health professionals, carers, employers, and community organisations to ensure holistic, recovery-focused support.
This is a hybrid role, offering flexibility for remote working, with regular travel across the borough and attendance at the team base as required.
Main duties of the job
Consult with CMHT professionals to assess referrals and contribute to Recovery and Support Plans.
Conduct vocational assessments and develop Personal Vocational Plans.
Deliver one-to-one vocational counselling using Motivational Interviewing and coaching techniques.
Liaise with employers, carers, and community partners to support recovery and inclusion.
Provide advice on the Equality Act (2010), employment law, and workplace adjustments.
Promote access to volunteering, education, training, and employment opportunities.
Support clients in retaining employment through workplace adjustments and ongoing support.
Maintain accurate records and contribute to service reporting.
Address barriers to employment such as stigma, confidence, or gaps in work history.
Provide guidance on benefits and financial entitlements.
Encourage engagement in physical recovery activities such as sport and fitness.
About us
Our Vocational Services team in Croydon is a passionate group of professionals committed to supporting people with severe mental health challenges in their recovery journey. We pride ourselves on fostering a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture
We work in a hybrid model which allows for flexibility while maintaining strong connections with service users and colleagues. Our team is known for its strong work ethic, proactive approach, and genuine commitment to person-centred care. We value creativity, autonomy, and reflective practice.
Our ethos is built on:
Empowerment - helping individuals build confidence and skills to achieve their goals through recovery-focused practice.
Social inclusion- promoting access to mainstream opportunities like employment, education, and volunteering.
Holistic care- recognising the importance of physical wellbeing, financial stability, and community connection.
As part of our team, you will benefit from:
A flexible working arrangement that supports work-life balance.
A supportive environment with regular supervision and opportunities for professional development.
Training in specialist areas such as Motivational Interviewing, employment law, and vocational rehabilitation.
A team that celebrates progress, values your input, and encourages innovation.
If you are looking for a role where you can make a meaningful impact while being part of a warm, dedicated, and forward-thinking team, we'd love to hear from you.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Work collaboratively with Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) to assess referrals, prioritise cases, and contribute vocational input to Recovery and Support Plans.
Conduct specialist vocational assessments and develop personalised vocational plans based on individual needs and aspirations.
Deliver one-to-one vocational counselling using evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing and coaching.
Provide advice and guidance to employers on the Equality Act (2010), employment law, and health and safety regulations, including support with Back-to-Work plans and reasonable adjustments.
Offer specialist vocational advice to CMHT staff, carers, families, and employers, and participate in clinical and multidisciplinary team meetings.
Maintain accurate and timely records using Trust systems and contribute to service reporting through data collection and analysis.
Promote recovery and social inclusion by supporting access to mainstream opportunities such as volunteering, education, training, and employment.
Proactively manage a caseload of clients, ensuring regular contact, progress monitoring, and recovery-focused planning.
Identify and address barriers to employment, including stigma, low confidence, or gaps in work history.
Provide support and guidance on navigating the benefits system and accessing financial entitlements.
Recognise and respond to wider social issues that may impact recovery, such as housing instability, isolation, or lack of support networks.
Encourage and facilitate engagement in physical recovery activities, including sport, fitness, and wellbeing programmes.
Support clients in retaining employment through workplace adjustments and ongoing liaison with employers.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including service users, carers, CMHT staff, employment professionals, community organisations, and education providers.
Job description
Job responsibilities
Work collaboratively with Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) to assess referrals, prioritise cases, and contribute vocational input to Recovery and Support Plans.
Conduct specialist vocational assessments and develop personalised vocational plans based on individual needs and aspirations.
Deliver one-to-one vocational counselling using evidence-based approaches such as Motivational Interviewing and coaching.
Provide advice and guidance to employers on the Equality Act (2010), employment law, and health and safety regulations, including support with Back-to-Work plans and reasonable adjustments.
Offer specialist vocational advice to CMHT staff, carers, families, and employers, and participate in clinical and multidisciplinary team meetings.
Maintain accurate and timely records using Trust systems and contribute to service reporting through data collection and analysis.
Promote recovery and social inclusion by supporting access to mainstream opportunities such as volunteering, education, training, and employment.
Proactively manage a caseload of clients, ensuring regular contact, progress monitoring, and recovery-focused planning.
Identify and address barriers to employment, including stigma, low confidence, or gaps in work history.
Provide support and guidance on navigating the benefits system and accessing financial entitlements.
Recognise and respond to wider social issues that may impact recovery, such as housing instability, isolation, or lack of support networks.
Encourage and facilitate engagement in physical recovery activities, including sport, fitness, and wellbeing programmes.
Support clients in retaining employment through workplace adjustments and ongoing liaison with employers.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including service users, carers, CMHT staff, employment professionals, community organisations, and education providers.
Person Specification
Relevant Experience
Essential
- 2 year experience in a reablement or rehabilitation, employment support, or a related field
- Right to work in the UK
- IT skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, Outlook, TEAMS and case management systems)
- Proven ability to manage a caseload and deliver person-centred support plans for people with disabilities
- Knowledge of safeguarding, equality and diversity, and confidentiality practices
Desirable
- Relevant qualification in health and social care, employment support, or similar (e.g. Level 3 or above)
- Experience working with people with disabilities, mental health needs, or long-term conditions
- Knowledge of local labour markets, benefits systems, or employment law
- Additional training in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed practice, or mental health first aid
Person Specification
Relevant Experience
Essential
- 2 year experience in a reablement or rehabilitation, employment support, or a related field
- Right to work in the UK
- IT skills (e.g. Microsoft Office, Outlook, TEAMS and case management systems)
- Proven ability to manage a caseload and deliver person-centred support plans for people with disabilities
- Knowledge of safeguarding, equality and diversity, and confidentiality practices
Desirable
- Relevant qualification in health and social care, employment support, or similar (e.g. Level 3 or above)
- Experience working with people with disabilities, mental health needs, or long-term conditions
- Knowledge of local labour markets, benefits systems, or employment law
- Additional training in motivational interviewing, trauma-informed practice, or mental health first aid
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
