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Wolverhampton Information Network

NHS Employment Support Service - Mental Health

The NHS Employment Support Service provides one-to-one employment support to individuals experiencing severe and enduring mental health conditions and who are accessing secondary mental health services (under the care of a Community Psychiatric Nurse, Psychiatrist or Psychologist).


Support can be provided to access competitive paid employment opportunities. An employment specialist will support each individual with confidence building, CV building, support with job search and applications, interview techniques and mock interviews, as well as in-work support once in employment.

This service follows the IPS (Individual Placement and Support) model; an evidence-based approach effective at supporting individuals with severe mental illnesses into paid employment (Bond, Drake & Becker, 2008). IPS is based on eight principles which are listed below:

IPS PRINCIPLES

  1. Every individual with a severe mental illness who has a desire to work is eligible for IPS employment support
  2. Employment specialists are embedded within mental health treatment services
  3. The aim is to find competitive paid employment opportunities. Employment can be for as little as one hour per week dependent on client preferences
  4. Information, guidance and signposting to benefits advice is available
  5. Job search occurs soon after the individual expresses an interest in finding employment
  6. Employment specialists develop relationships with employers based upon the client's goals
  7. Job support is time-unlimited whilst under the care of secondary mental health services
  8. Support is focused towards each client’s personal preferences and goals.

Do take the time to view the downloads section of this page to view our:

  • Employment Support Services Leaflet

 

IPS now offers an additional service:

The Employment Retention Service this is an additional support service where it provides advice and support to people accessing secondary mental health services also.

The Retention Service supports individuals to retain their Job, This could be supporting to return from a period of sick leave or needing in work support to sustain their job and considering options to them.

The Retention team can support with - 

  • Understanding your rights and the employment law
  • Open Conversations with your employers to discuss your mental health
  • Discuss reasonable adjustments 
  • Negotiate and support return to work plans. 

To find out more please contact - 07909 936845
or email: bchft.wolverhampton.employmentsupport@nhs.net

We also now have our website where you will find additional information on IPS Employment Services and Retention along with useful links, our employer hub and people's success stories; see www.blackcountryjobsupport.com.

If you would like more information regarding these services please contact us.

Who to contact

Contact Name
Laura Ray
Contact Position
Team Lead
Telephone
07557 178764
E-mail
bchft.wolverhampton.employmentsupport@nhs.net
Website
Employment Support Service

Where to go

Name
Penn Hospital
Address
Penn Road
Wolverhampton
West Midlands
Postcode
WV4 5HN
Notes

Employment specialists will travel to community venues (i.e. libraries, cafes) accessible to clients to provide employment support. 

Time / Date Details

When is it on
Service is provided Monday - Friday 9am-5pm
Session Information
There is some flexibility dependent on client preferences.

Record Last Updated on: 14/12/2023

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