Job Title

Job Title:Connect to Work - IPS Team ManagerSalary: 38,682Location: Fylde & Wyre*Driver essential with access to own vehicle*Job SummaryTrigon Recruitment are looking for an experienced Employability Team Manager to be responsible for managing a small team of Employment Specialists, providing supervision, training, caseload oversight, and role modelling of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach as part of a holistic recovery pathway for people with health support needs.The post holder plays a pivotal role in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, high-fidelity IPS service that achieves positive employment outcomes. The role also includes managing a small caseload of clients with more complex needs, supporting them to secure sustainable paid employment aligned with their preferences.Main Duties & ResponsibilitiesCore ResponsibilitiesManage and oversee a high-quality IPS service in line with IPS principles and fidelity standardsDrive and monitor stakeholder engagement to ensure a strong and sustainable referral pipelineAttend and contribute to multidisciplinary team meetings, delivering presentations as required to promote the serviceMonitor, manage, and support the performance of IPS Employment Specialists, providing guidance on best practice and achievement of individual and team outcomesFoster a culture of continuous improvement and reflective practiceIdentify staff training and development needs and coordinate appropriate learning opportunitiesDesign and support the delivery of in-house training, peer learning, and best-practice sharingSupport service-user involvement and co-production in service development, with guidance from the Line ManagerCoordinate regional activity to build employer relationships, access the hidden labour market, work with external agencies, and support job-search group deliveryManage a small caseload of complex clients (typically up to 5 service users)Identify barriers to service excellence and work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders to implement effective solutionsDeliver regular, solution-focused supervision to Employment Specialists, including caseload reviewsLead and support the team to maximise face-to-face engagement with employers to secure appropriate job matchesGuide, mentor, and coach staff on employer engagement and job development strategiesEnsure quality assurance processes are in place to monitor client satisfaction and inform service improvementSupport the management of relevant service budgetsRelationship ManagementArrange and participate in regular meetings with clients to review progress before and after employmentWork closely with the Line Manager to agree priorities, objectives, and work plansDevelop strong relationships with local employers to negotiate job opportunities that align with individuals strengths, needs, abilities, and preferencesFacilitate education and support for employers (with client consent), including reasonable adjustments, return-to-work planning, and ongoing contact to support job retentionDevelop effective partnerships with external agencies such as colleges, training providers, and community organisationsAdditional ResponsibilitiesComplete mandatory training, including IPS-related training, as requiredActively engage in continuous professional developmentSupport the implementation of organisational policies and proceduresLead on marketing and profiling the service, including communications activity and promotion of employment recovery storiesRegularly collect and share service-user employment recovery storiesEnsure effective monitoring and evaluation systems are in place and maintainedEnsure compliance with all relevant policies, including safeguarding and information governanceWork independently and consistently to model effective IPS practiceManage feedback, compliments, and complaints in line with policyOther ResponsibilitiesEnsure full compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and statutory requirements, including Health & Safety, Safeguarding, Equality & Diversity, Access for All, Discipline, and GrievanceSupport the maintenance of safe and compliant premises where appropriateBe prepared to work across locations to share good practice and provide cover as requiredPrepare, deliver, or participate in learning and development programmes, including staff meetingsMaintain continual professional developmentCarry out duties in a manner that supports continuous quality improvementBe flexible regarding working location to meet service needsUndertake any other reasonable duties aligned with organisational requirementsEquality & DiversityWe are committed to promoting equality of opportunity and valuing diversity. We aim to create an inclusive working environment free from discrimination, prejudice, harassment, or victimisation, where everyone is able to contribute fully.We welcome applications from individuals with lived experience and encourage applications where this experience is relevant to the role.Appointment is subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.Person SpecificationEducation & QualificationsEssentialLevel 2 English and Maths (minimum)Degree-level education or equivalent relevant experienceDesirableTraining in the IPS approachLevel 3 Diploma in Employability ServicesLevel 3 Qualification in Advice and GuidanceAssessment Method: Application and certificatesKnowledge & ExperienceEssentialKnowledge of disability, health, and special needs issues, policies, and legislation related to employmentStrong understanding of supported employment principles and practiceWorking knowledge of a wide range of occupations and job rolesIT proficiency including MS Word, PowerPoint, and ExcelMinimum of 3 years experience working with people with health support needs or similar client groupsAt least 2 years experience in employment servicesProven experience of achieving and exceeding performance targetsStrong networking and partnership-working skillsExperience of managing multiple prioritiesExperience of staff supervision, management, and/or mentoringExperience of managing change and supporting innovationExperience of budget managementDesirableExperience of delivering trainingPrevious experience delivering services using the IPS modelLived experience of recovery from physical or mental health difficultiesAssessment Method: Application and interviewSkills & AbilitiesEssentialStrong leadership and people-management skillsExcellent motivational, communication, and listening skillsOutstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to build rapport across diverse groupsAbility to model recovery-focused practice, including co-productionStrong relationship-building skills based on trust and collaborationTeam-oriented approach with the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teamsAbility to work independently, using initiative to develop and promote servicesAssessment Method: Application and interviewPersonal QualitiesEssentialNon-judgemental and trustworthyEmpathy with individuals experiencing health problemsPassion and drive to make a positive difference in peoples livesPositive and motivational leadership styleStrong belief that people with health conditions can achieve paid employmentResilience and perseverance in the face of challengesCommitment to integrity and high-quality service deliverySelf-awareness and commitment to ongoing professional developmentWillingness to travel within the regionJBRP1_UKTJ