IPS Employment Specialist


Company:	Open Road Visions
Salary:	from £29,000 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Thurrock
Working pattern:	Field-based
Job type:	Permanent
Posting date:	5 Nov 2026
Closing date:	19 Nov 2026

Apply for this job

Summary

Hours – 37.5 hours per week

Working Pattern – Monday to Friday 9.00-17.30

Salary – £29,000 per annum

Location – Thurrock

Closing date – 19th November 2026

Essential requirements

INNOVATIVE PROJECT TO HELP PEOPLE WITH HEALTH NEEDS BACK INTO WORK Do you understand the importance of work and the vital role it can play in the lives of those with health conditions or disabilities? Do you take pride in what you do and can you think creatively about how different organisations can work together to deliver a better service? Are you happy to talk with employers and help match people into meaningful work? If this sounds like you, then you might be ideal for our new Employment Specialist role. Open Road’s IPS team aims to increase the number of people moving into employment from specialist community health services. Working as a team, the IPS Employment Specialists will deliver supported employment to people in community treatment for substance misuse, who may be affected by other health conditions or disabilities, using the Individual Placement and Support approach (IPS). The aim is to help people into paid work in a way that respects their preferences and choices. About you • You will have some knowledge of IPS • We would like you to have experience talking to employers and helping people into work • We want great communication skills and the ability to build relationships with everyone from the frontline up to CEO level • Negotiation skis and commercial acumen •Ability to drive and access to your own car • Proven ability to build rapport with people and especially understanding issues from people affected by substance misuse or similar conditions • Boundless enthusiasm, excellent teamwork and the ability to work in a target driven environment • Strong written / verbal / organisational skills What it’s like to work for Open Road Open Road provides drug and alcohol treatment services and offender support services across Essex & Kent including a range of interventions that deliver mentoring, advice and information programmes. Accredited with Investing In Volunteers, our mission is to empower a diverse range of individuals, families and communities to lead healthy and more meaningful lives, free from addiction, offending behaviour and disadvantage, to ensure healthier, happier lifestyles. Benefits to you – £29,000 per annum – 25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays and a day off for your Birthday! – Royal London Pension and Death in Service benefit – Access to our in-house Organisational Training Plan, and full training tailored to your development needs This position is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service check at enhanced level. Right to Work in the UK Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. Please note that Open Road is unable to offer Skilled Worker visa sponsorship for this position. We welcome applications from individuals who already have permission to work in the UK, including those with time-limited visas. However, applicants should be aware that Open Road cannot provide visa sponsorship if their current immigration permission expires.

Apply for this job