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 competetive paid employment opportunties. 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
- Every individual with a severe mental illness who has a desire to work is eligible for IPS employment support
- Employment specialists are embedded within mental health treatment services
- The aim is to find competitive paid employment opportunities. Employment can be for as little as one hour per week dependent on client preferences
- Information, guidance and signposting to benefits advice is available
- Job search occurs soon after the individual expresses an interest in finding employment
- Employment specialists develop relationships with employers based upon the client's goals
- Job support is time-unlimited whilst under the care of secondary mental health services
- 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 Guide
- Employment Support Service Promotional Poster
If you would like more information regarding this service please contact us.