Employment Specialist (Individual Placement Support)

Exciting Opportunity: IPS Employment Specialist

Agency: Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency

Client: Change Grow Live (CGL) - Crawley Service

Location: Crawley, West Sussex (with local travel)

Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time (37.5 hours per week)

Salary: £30,268.05 - £32,802.41 Per Annum (CGL points 25 to 28)

Closing Date: 18th October 2026 (Interview Date: 22nd October 2026)

About the Role

Supportive Bridge Staffing Agency is proud to partner with Change Grow Live (CGL) to recruit a dedicated, driven, and compassionate permanent IPS Employment Specialist to join their service in Crawley.

In this vital role, you will help turn recovery into opportunity by supporting individuals receiving drug and alcohol treatment to move into sustainable, preference-led paid employment. Using the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you will manage a caseload of around 25 people—working alongside treatment teams and local employers to build confidence, remove barriers, and foster long-term career stability. (Note: Previous IPS experience is not essential, as comprehensive training and ongoing support will be provided).

Key Responsibilities

• Caseload & IPS Delivery: Manage a caseload of 25 individuals in treatment, delivering high-quality employment support in line with the evidence-based IPS model.

• Career Planning & Job Search: Help clients identify their skills, employment goals, and preferred career direction, supporting job searches, applications, interview prep, and workplace transitions.

• Employer Engagement: Build strong, positive relationships with local employers across Crawley and surrounding areas to promote inclusive recruitment and create sustainable paid opportunities.

• Integrated Team Working: Collaborate closely with treatment service staff to coordinate person-centred support and respond early when challenges arise to help individuals sustain their employment.

Essential Criteria

• Experience & Background: Experience in supporting people towards employment, training, or positive life change. Backgrounds supporting substance misuse, mental health, or barriers to employment are highly valued (a degree-level qualification or equivalent is welcomed).

• Core Competencies: Strong communication, relationship-building, and business-engaging skills, with confidence approaching employers and managing a varied caseload.

• Organizational Skills: Excellent organization, IT, and record-keeping abilities, with a person-centred and outcomes-focused approach.

• Requirements: Supportive team player. Must hold the legal Right to Work in the UK (note: this role is subject to an enhanced DBS check).

Key Benefits & Perks

• Annual Leave: 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing by 1 extra day for each year of service during the first five years (up to 30 days).

• Wellbeing Support: Paid weekly 'Wellness' hour, access to a Wellness Hub, and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).

• Financial & Career Support: Contributory pension scheme, extensive professional training, and clear career progression pathways.

• Lifestyle Perks: Generous discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, and a refer-a-friend scheme.

Key Dates & Next Steps

• Closing Date for Applications: 18th October 2026

• Interview Date: 22nd October 2026

Note: Change Grow Live reserves the right to close this vacancy early if a high volume of applications is received. Early application is strongly recommended.