Job summary
A recent evaluation of the role
of employment advisors in NHS talking therapies, has shown improved mental
health for patients where there is a combined offer of employment support and
psychological treatment. In light of these outcomes we are excited to confirm our plan to expand our
employment offer in TALKWORKS, Devons NHS Talking Therapies Service. The
expansion enables us to appoint a number of employment advisors to join our
already established workforce.
The employment advisor role
will involve working alongside a team of therapists to ensure that a
personalised package of combined psychological treatment and employment support
is available to all patients who require support with remaining in employment,
returning to employment following a period of absence or seeking new
employment.
We have a position available in
South Hams and West Devon Tavistock on a fixed term basis until March 2026 and
we are looking for an enthusiastic person who has a commitment to our part of
the county. The service covers a large geographical area and we strive to
maintain a strong and healthy team culture. These posts will be based in
Tavistock but we also have bases in Ivybridge and Totnes. We welcome
applications from positive and motivated individuals who have a keen interest
to contribute towards developing and shaping the employment support offer
within our service.
Main duties of the job
-
To provide information, advice
and guidance to all NHS Talking Therapies patients who choose to receive
employment support. This may include supporting people to remain in, return to
and gain employment.
-
To collaboratively establish
employment goals with patients and produce a personalised action plan to help
them to achieve these
-
To empower patients to make
better decisions about their working lives through improving communication with
their colleagues and managers in the workplace.
-
To work closely with external
employment related services including Jobcentre Plus, Work & Health
Programme providers, employers, trade unions and employment agencies
About us
About Devon Partnership Trust
We provide mental health, learning disability and neurodiversity services, as well as a range of specialist & secure services for the wider south west region & nationally. We are passionate about promoting good mental health & wellbeing. We strive to use the expertise & resources within our organisation, and through our partnerships, to deliver high quality services that are safe & focused on people's recovery.
We are committed to developing a culture of coproduction, involving patients, families & carers in everything we do
Our values
We not only recruit based on qualifications & experience - we recruit individuals who possess & demonstrate the behaviours which underpin our Trusts core values. These include such attributes as showing a commitment to quality of care, improving lives of others, giving respect, dignity & compassion. We can bring those values to life in our everyday tasks by giving a smile; making time for people; challenging ourselves & others, & being open to new ideas.
We are committed to being an inclusive employer & applications are encouraged & welcomed from all sections of the community, regardless of any protected characteristics as governed by the Equality Act 2010. Part time & flexible working applications will be considered & supported, where possible. We particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of mental health conditions, neurodiversity or learning disabilities. We are a Disability Confident Leader.
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role is designed to offer employment
advice to people engaging with therapy in TALKWORKS, Devons Primary Care NHS
Talking Therapies Service. The post
holders will work closely with clinicians who provide psychological therapies
to people with common mental health problems. The post holder will manage a
caseload of patients, providing employment support and advice. This advice will
range from single sessions to regular appointments with patients, and may
continue for up to one month post therapy.
The role will involve working directly and indirectly
with Jobcentre Plus, employers, trade unions and employment agencies to keep both
help people retain employment and secure employment opportunities.
Duties and
Responsibilities
Communication and
Working Relationship Skills
- Offer patients
support agreeing a written action plan with the person detailing the steps to
be taken to either get back into or retain employment and the appropriate
support route. Including abilities, work solutions, preparation for
work, disclosure. The action plan should also be SMART (specific, measurable,
achievable, realistic, time bound).
- Advocate
on behalf of the patient with prospective employers if necessary, aiming to
identify work solutions that will overcome or minimise difficulties within
the workplace.
- Establish
any return to work issues, potential behaviour in the work place, possible
work solutions. Employer awareness of
the implications under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments,
health conditions and employment reactions.
Interactions with supervisors and colleagues. Development needs and in work support
- Develop in-depth knowledge of the local
labour market, local support and new initiatives, taking into account the
needs of the patient to support effective interventions. Including specialist
schemes to help with retaining or finding employment.
- Be able to sensitively deal with confidential and
complex information regarding an individualshealth, education and employment history.
- Work closely with the person using the service ensuring
appropriate, prompt, pro-active and clear communication at all times.
- Following DPT policies, respond to requests for
general information regarding mental health and employment,
this may be from employers and members of the public
- Develop effective working relationships with a
range of other agencies who might be better able to help individuals to achieve their employment
and/or education goals for example, local colleges, training providers and
external supported employment services.
- Advocate on behalf of the patient
with prospective employers if necessary, aiming to identify work solutions
that will overcome or minimise difficulties within the workplace.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- Analyse job tasks and match with an individuals ability
to do the job and any work solutions that may be required to develop the
match.
- Consider a range of options available for a patient.
- To appropriately escalate any concerns following the
identification of risk and safeguarding by adhering to TALKWORK risk
management guidance.
Planning and Organisational Skills
- Provide a service that is flexible as far as possible in
terms of service working hours, enabling, where possible, at least one
working session to be run outside 9-5 hours.
- Be responsible for organising and planning own
caseload and managing clinical/non clinical time effectively to fit with service needs and demands
- Prepare, organise and run training for employers,
others in learning and work organisations and care staff about learning, work
and mental health issues.
Responsibility for Patient/Client
Care, Treatment and Therapy
- To manage a caseload of people who have experienced mental health
problems and who wish to retain, return to or regain employment, using evidence
based interventions.
- The work will be led by and focus on the aspirations of the service
user. Considering their strengths, difficulties and employment assets in
order to offer the most effective support.
- Conduct an assessment, discussing the persons job goals and any
concerns regarding their capacity for work.
It is important at this point to establish a job goal (they may wish
to change roles or find a job), job tasks gathering evidence about the
individuals abilities including previous work experience (it could be that a
role they did previously may be more suitable). Also important is their confidence to
perform tasks and any factors that may be issues for employment and whether
the individual has or could develop strategies to address them.
- Where appropriate provide help to find the right job and provide advice
and support on training and also how to prepare for employer interviews.
- Aim to identify work solutions that will overcome or minimise
difficulties within the workplace. In particular establishing any return to
work issues, potential behaviour in the work place, possible work solutions.
- Provide the patient with appropriate tools to enable them to ensure
that their needs are met within the workplace. Support to either
self-advocate or source an appropriate advocate.
- Be aware of the impact on an individual who is experiencing mental
health issues, including loss of confidence, fear of failure etc.
- Be aware that many individuals with mental health conditions may also
have primary or secondary health conditions and disabilities. ns.
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development
Implementation
- To contribute, alongside fellow Employment Advisorss,
Employment Support Coordinators and TALKWORKS leadership, to the development
of policies to guide the work of EAs
- Ensure there is easily accessible written and
electronic information for all the team and people using the service about learning and work related
issues and services.
- Be involved in developing local policiesto maintain professional links across the Trust
- Assist as requested in producing documents of
good practice about the employment of people with mental health difficulties.
- Increase engagement of employers through
providing support for employers in recruitment & retention of staff with mental health issues.
- Network with peers to maintain professional links across the Trust
Responsibility for
Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
- To ensure that all Trust equipment and resources
are used in line with Trust policies
Responsibility for Human Resources,
e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
- Subject to experience, the post holders will be willing to deputise for
Band 6 Employment Support Coordinators for short periods of time.
- Subject to experience, the post holders may be support to undertake
supervision with newer EAs or Band 4 EAs.
- To be willing to providing information and training to clinical staff
on any area of specialist knowledge relating to employment matters
- To update existing knowledge by attending relevant training
opportunities and CPD arranged by the service.
- Keep up to date with the latest updates on employment law, labour
market changes and benefits system
- To keep up to date with accurate information on local resources,
facilities, training and employment.
- To attend regular supervision with an Employment Support
Coordinator
Responsibility for
Information Resources and Administrative Duties
- Ensure that all necessary documentation
is completed, including recording notes from each patient contact on the
IAPTus clinical record system.
- Ensure that annual leave, expenses
and other job administration is kept up to date and completed on time.
Responsibility for
Research and Development
- Assist in audits of clinical activity and
evaluative research as required.
- To collect data accurately as part of day to day
role, enable audit activity to take place.
- Undertake surveys or audits, as necessary to own
work
Freedom to Act
- Works to Clearly defined occupational policies.
Work is managed, rather than supervised
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
Job description
Job responsibilities
This role is designed to offer employment
advice to people engaging with therapy in TALKWORKS, Devons Primary Care NHS
Talking Therapies Service. The post
holders will work closely with clinicians who provide psychological therapies
to people with common mental health problems. The post holder will manage a
caseload of patients, providing employment support and advice. This advice will
range from single sessions to regular appointments with patients, and may
continue for up to one month post therapy.
The role will involve working directly and indirectly
with Jobcentre Plus, employers, trade unions and employment agencies to keep both
help people retain employment and secure employment opportunities.
Duties and
Responsibilities
Communication and
Working Relationship Skills
- Offer patients
support agreeing a written action plan with the person detailing the steps to
be taken to either get back into or retain employment and the appropriate
support route. Including abilities, work solutions, preparation for
work, disclosure. The action plan should also be SMART (specific, measurable,
achievable, realistic, time bound).
- Advocate
on behalf of the patient with prospective employers if necessary, aiming to
identify work solutions that will overcome or minimise difficulties within
the workplace.
- Establish
any return to work issues, potential behaviour in the work place, possible
work solutions. Employer awareness of
the implications under the Equality Act 2010 to make reasonable adjustments,
health conditions and employment reactions.
Interactions with supervisors and colleagues. Development needs and in work support
- Develop in-depth knowledge of the local
labour market, local support and new initiatives, taking into account the
needs of the patient to support effective interventions. Including specialist
schemes to help with retaining or finding employment.
- Be able to sensitively deal with confidential and
complex information regarding an individualshealth, education and employment history.
- Work closely with the person using the service ensuring
appropriate, prompt, pro-active and clear communication at all times.
- Following DPT policies, respond to requests for
general information regarding mental health and employment,
this may be from employers and members of the public
- Develop effective working relationships with a
range of other agencies who might be better able to help individuals to achieve their employment
and/or education goals for example, local colleges, training providers and
external supported employment services.
- Advocate on behalf of the patient
with prospective employers if necessary, aiming to identify work solutions
that will overcome or minimise difficulties within the workplace.
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
- Analyse job tasks and match with an individuals ability
to do the job and any work solutions that may be required to develop the
match.
- Consider a range of options available for a patient.
- To appropriately escalate any concerns following the
identification of risk and safeguarding by adhering to TALKWORK risk
management guidance.
Planning and Organisational Skills
- Provide a service that is flexible as far as possible in
terms of service working hours, enabling, where possible, at least one
working session to be run outside 9-5 hours.
- Be responsible for organising and planning own
caseload and managing clinical/non clinical time effectively to fit with service needs and demands
- Prepare, organise and run training for employers,
others in learning and work organisations and care staff about learning, work
and mental health issues.
Responsibility for Patient/Client
Care, Treatment and Therapy
- To manage a caseload of people who have experienced mental health
problems and who wish to retain, return to or regain employment, using evidence
based interventions.
- The work will be led by and focus on the aspirations of the service
user. Considering their strengths, difficulties and employment assets in
order to offer the most effective support.
- Conduct an assessment, discussing the persons job goals and any
concerns regarding their capacity for work.
It is important at this point to establish a job goal (they may wish
to change roles or find a job), job tasks gathering evidence about the
individuals abilities including previous work experience (it could be that a
role they did previously may be more suitable). Also important is their confidence to
perform tasks and any factors that may be issues for employment and whether
the individual has or could develop strategies to address them.
- Where appropriate provide help to find the right job and provide advice
and support on training and also how to prepare for employer interviews.
- Aim to identify work solutions that will overcome or minimise
difficulties within the workplace. In particular establishing any return to
work issues, potential behaviour in the work place, possible work solutions.
- Provide the patient with appropriate tools to enable them to ensure
that their needs are met within the workplace. Support to either
self-advocate or source an appropriate advocate.
- Be aware of the impact on an individual who is experiencing mental
health issues, including loss of confidence, fear of failure etc.
- Be aware that many individuals with mental health conditions may also
have primary or secondary health conditions and disabilities. ns.
Responsibility for Policy and Service Development
Implementation
- To contribute, alongside fellow Employment Advisorss,
Employment Support Coordinators and TALKWORKS leadership, to the development
of policies to guide the work of EAs
- Ensure there is easily accessible written and
electronic information for all the team and people using the service about learning and work related
issues and services.
- Be involved in developing local policiesto maintain professional links across the Trust
- Assist as requested in producing documents of
good practice about the employment of people with mental health difficulties.
- Increase engagement of employers through
providing support for employers in recruitment & retention of staff with mental health issues.
- Network with peers to maintain professional links across the Trust
Responsibility for
Finance, Equipment and Other Resources
- To ensure that all Trust equipment and resources
are used in line with Trust policies
Responsibility for Human Resources,
e.g. Supervision, Training, HR Advice and Management
- Subject to experience, the post holders will be willing to deputise for
Band 6 Employment Support Coordinators for short periods of time.
- Subject to experience, the post holders may be support to undertake
supervision with newer EAs or Band 4 EAs.
- To be willing to providing information and training to clinical staff
on any area of specialist knowledge relating to employment matters
- To update existing knowledge by attending relevant training
opportunities and CPD arranged by the service.
- Keep up to date with the latest updates on employment law, labour
market changes and benefits system
- To keep up to date with accurate information on local resources,
facilities, training and employment.
- To attend regular supervision with an Employment Support
Coordinator
Responsibility for
Information Resources and Administrative Duties
- Ensure that all necessary documentation
is completed, including recording notes from each patient contact on the
IAPTus clinical record system.
- Ensure that annual leave, expenses
and other job administration is kept up to date and completed on time.
Responsibility for
Research and Development
- Assist in audits of clinical activity and
evaluative research as required.
- To collect data accurately as part of day to day
role, enable audit activity to take place.
- Undertake surveys or audits, as necessary to own
work
Freedom to Act
- Works to Clearly defined occupational policies.
Work is managed, rather than supervised
Any Other Specific Tasks Required
Person Specification
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
Essential
- Essential
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Organisational skills.
- Ability to prioritise and plan own caseload.
- Ability to assess individual strengths in relation to employment.
- Ability to adapt activities to be appropriate for the needs of an individual client.
- Ability to meet agreed/specified service targets.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collect and report data to support service performance and evaluation
- Able to work in accordance with the Staff Compact and Trust Values and Behaviours.
- A caring, responsible and positive approach.
- Reliable, trustworthy and enthusiastic
- Motivated and innovative.
- Committed to continual quality and service improvement.
- Self-aware and committed to continual professional and personal development. Able to accept and respond positively to feedback from supervision.
- Committed to promoting a positive image of people with mental health conditions and learning disabilities.
Desirable
- Ability to negotiate with employers on behalf of service users.
- Ability to be flexible, open and creative in problem solving.
- Ability to work as part of a multi disciplinary team
Knowledge
Essential
- The post holder will have a good understanding of return to work planning.
- Knowledge of the secondary effects on the individual that could be caused by their mental health experience, including loss of employment. The EA will also be aware that many individuals with mental health conditions may also have primary or secondary health conditions and disabilities.
- knowledge to understand the work implications of conditions, confidence, fear of failure etc.
- Knowledge of employment and disability related benefits.
- Knowledge of the employment /education needs and possible difficulties of people who experience mental health problems.
Desirable
- Knowledge of and guided by the Job Centre Plus Employment, Health Condition and Disability guide notes.
- Awareness of the needs of people with MH conditions. The issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on MH.
- Current awareness of Government employment/training schemes
- Working knowledge of community resources.
- Knowledge of employment law and the Equality Act 2010.
- Knowledge of evidence based interventions to support people with common MH problems remain in, return to & gain work
Experience
Essential
- Experience of providing vocational/employment support as part of a prior role.
Desirable
- Experience of supporting people with MH conditions into vocational/employment activities.
- Understanding of the employment needs, barriers and difficulties faced by people with MH conditions.
- Experience of working in a service where agreed targets are in place, demonstrating specific outcomes
- Experience of assessing, planning and facilitating activities that focus on recovery and vocational skills.
- Experience of working with interpreters
- Experience of working within a multi disciplinary team
Planning and Organisational Skills
Essential
- Ability to set clear SMART employment goals with patients
- Able to communicate clearly and persuasively both verbally and in writing
- Basic IT skills including word processing, excel and data base packages
- Ability to carry out a range of evaluation and monitoring techniques
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
Essential
- Ability to self-reflect, whilst working with patients, in own personal and professional development and in supervision
- Skilled at developing good rapport with patients and enabling them to find their own solutions
Physical Skills
Essential
- Ability to travel independently across the South hams and West Devon locality in accordance with Trust policies and service need.
Qualifications
Essential
- A degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience in employment advice or mental health
Desirable
- Evidence of further qualification or professional CPD relating to employment, employment law, and or mental health
- NVQ 4 in Advice and Guidance
- Certificate in Coaching skills
Person Specification
Communication and Working Relationship Skills
Essential
- Essential
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Organisational skills.
- Ability to prioritise and plan own caseload.
- Ability to assess individual strengths in relation to employment.
- Ability to adapt activities to be appropriate for the needs of an individual client.
- Ability to meet agreed/specified service targets.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to collect and report data to support service performance and evaluation
- Able to work in accordance with the Staff Compact and Trust Values and Behaviours.
- A caring, responsible and positive approach.
- Reliable, trustworthy and enthusiastic
- Motivated and innovative.
- Committed to continual quality and service improvement.
- Self-aware and committed to continual professional and personal development. Able to accept and respond positively to feedback from supervision.
- Committed to promoting a positive image of people with mental health conditions and learning disabilities.
Desirable
- Ability to negotiate with employers on behalf of service users.
- Ability to be flexible, open and creative in problem solving.
- Ability to work as part of a multi disciplinary team
Knowledge
Essential
- The post holder will have a good understanding of return to work planning.
- Knowledge of the secondary effects on the individual that could be caused by their mental health experience, including loss of employment. The EA will also be aware that many individuals with mental health conditions may also have primary or secondary health conditions and disabilities.
- knowledge to understand the work implications of conditions, confidence, fear of failure etc.
- Knowledge of employment and disability related benefits.
- Knowledge of the employment /education needs and possible difficulties of people who experience mental health problems.
Desirable
- Knowledge of and guided by the Job Centre Plus Employment, Health Condition and Disability guide notes.
- Awareness of the needs of people with MH conditions. The issues surrounding work and the impact it can have on MH.
- Current awareness of Government employment/training schemes
- Working knowledge of community resources.
- Knowledge of employment law and the Equality Act 2010.
- Knowledge of evidence based interventions to support people with common MH problems remain in, return to & gain work
Experience
Essential
- Experience of providing vocational/employment support as part of a prior role.
Desirable
- Experience of supporting people with MH conditions into vocational/employment activities.
- Understanding of the employment needs, barriers and difficulties faced by people with MH conditions.
- Experience of working in a service where agreed targets are in place, demonstrating specific outcomes
- Experience of assessing, planning and facilitating activities that focus on recovery and vocational skills.
- Experience of working with interpreters
- Experience of working within a multi disciplinary team
Planning and Organisational Skills
Essential
- Ability to set clear SMART employment goals with patients
- Able to communicate clearly and persuasively both verbally and in writing
- Basic IT skills including word processing, excel and data base packages
- Ability to carry out a range of evaluation and monitoring techniques
Analytical and Judgemental Skills
Essential
- Ability to self-reflect, whilst working with patients, in own personal and professional development and in supervision
- Skilled at developing good rapport with patients and enabling them to find their own solutions
Physical Skills
Essential
- Ability to travel independently across the South hams and West Devon locality in accordance with Trust policies and service need.
Qualifications
Essential
- A degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience in employment advice or mental health
Desirable
- Evidence of further qualification or professional CPD relating to employment, employment law, and or mental health
- NVQ 4 in Advice and Guidance
- Certificate in Coaching skills
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.
