Employment Advisor

Key Objectives 1.1 To manage a caseload of people who have experienced mental health problems and who wish to retain, return to or regain employment. 1.2 The EA work will be led by and focused on the aspirations of the client, considering their strengths, difficulties and employment assets in order to offer the most effective support. 1.3 Conduct an employment assessment, discussing the persons job goals and any concerns regarding their capacity for work. To examine barriers preventing them from paid employment and whether the individual could develop strategies to address them.

1.4. Utilise specialist advisory skills to support people, who are facing complex employment situations related to mental ill health to obtain, return to or retain employment. 1.5 Refer and signpost the person to other support if they have particularly complex barriers. 1.6 Offer the person support by agreeing an action plan with the person detailing the steps to be taken to either get back into or retain employment and the appropriate support route.

Action plans need to include abilities, work solutions, preparation for work, disclosure as well as SMART. 1.7 The EA will develop in-depth knowledge of the local labour market, local support and new initiatives, taking into account the needs of the client to support effective interventions. Including specialist schemes to help with retaining or finding employment. 1.8 Where appropriate provide help to find the right job and provide advice and support on training and also how to prepare for employer interviews.

1.9 To appropriately escalate any concerns following the identification of risk and to follow the EA Risk Policy. 1.10 Aim to identify work solutions that will overcome or minimise difficulties within the workplace. In particular establishing any return to work issues, potential behaviour in the work place, possible work solutions. 1.11 Provide the person with appropriate tools to enable them to ensure that their needs are met within the workplace.

Support to either self-advocate or source an appropriate advocate. 1.12 If appropriate signpost the person to other agencies who will be able to provide advice on other benefits/support the person may be entitled to. 1.13 Provide personalised support after an individual has returned to work or secured employment to help them to sustain employment. 1.14 To develop and maintain the integration of Employment support and the wider IAPT service.

1.15 To report any progress, change or adverse event promptly to a senior EA. 1.16 Work closely with local agencies to identify appropriate job vacancies. 1.17 To attend regular supervision with the Senior EA. General Requirements 2.1 The EA will have a good understanding of return to work planning.

2.2 EAs will be aware of the impact on an individual who is experiencing mental health issues, including loss of confidence, fear of failure etc. 2.3 The EA will also be aware that many individuals with mental health conditions may also have primary or secondary health conditions and disabilities. The EA will have the knowledge to understand the work implications of these conditions. 2.4 The EA must be aware of and guided by the Job Centre Plus Employment, Health Condition and Disability guidance notes.

2.5 To contribute to the development of best practice within the service. 2.6 The EA is expected to spend a large part of their working day at a desk using a computer and/or speaking on the telephone. 2.7 The EA is expected to us a Visual Display Unit (VDU) for a large part of their working day. Learning and Development and Training 3.1 Commitment to identify and explore training opportunities based on own gaps in knowledge.

3.2 Understand the importance of legislation and procedures. 3.3 To keep up to date with accurate information on local resources, facilities, training and employment. 3.5 To update existing knowledge by attending relevant training opportunities and CPD arranged by the service. 3.6 Keep up to date with the latest updates on employment law, labour market changes and benefits system.

3.7 Commitment to complete national training programme for EAs. Data 4.1 To complete all necessary notes on the IAPTus system including questionnaires, reports and summaries for each client contact. 4.2 Collect & report data to support service performance and evaluation. 4.3 Contribute where appropriate to national data collection to inform national programme roll out.