Employment Support Service
The Employment Support Service works within secondary mental health services and is integrated within Local Mental Health Teams (LMHT) across Nottinghamshire. This includes Nottingham City, Gedling, Rushcliffe, Broxtowe, Hucknall, Mansfield, Ashfield, Newark and Sherwood.
Employment Specialists support people who wish to find paid employment, or progress to alternative employment which may be more beneficial to their needs. Contact with service users begins with an informal discussion about how the service works, and identifies their vocational preferences. An integral part of these discussions includes identifying suitable roles that will support their health and wellbeing whilst working in conjunction with their individual care plan.
Employment Specialists aim to:
• Provide an accessible service, with appointments arranged to suit the needs of the individual
• Assist service users to secure paid work through one-to-one support, advice and guidance
• Provide ongoing support to the individual and the employer even after work is secured
We understand the importance meaningful employment has on a person’s health and wellbeing, so if a service user decides to explore what options are available we work collaboratively with them, clinical staff, employers and partner agencies to ensure positive and sustainable outcomes.
Why this service is offered as part of a Recovery Plan
Employment has many benefits. It not only provides financial income, it can also give structure, meaning and purpose to life.
Employment can also increase social connections and can be good for health and wellbeing. Employment is an achievable goal for people who have experience of severe mental health issues.
Employment Specialists believe that through positive support, significant barriers to employment are removed. The stigma associated with mental illness is challenged effectively by placing positive role models in the workplace.
There are 8 key principles of IPS:
1. Competitive employment is the goal: Employment Specialists help obtain competitive jobs that pay at least minimum wage and the wage that others receive performing the same work.
2. Employment is integrated with treatment: Employment Specialists are based in the LMHTs and work with the teams and clinical staff.
3. Zero exclusion: Every client, irrespective of their mental health diagnosis who wants to work, is eligible for supported employment.
4. Attention to client preferences: Services are based on clients’ preferences and choices, rather than providers’ judgments.
5. Benefits counselling is important: Employment Specialists help access welfare benefits guidance regarding benefits and have a general knowledge of relevant benefits.
6. Rapid job search: Employment Specialists help seek jobs as soon as possible, rather than providing extensive pre-employment training or intermediate work experience.
7. Systematic job development: Employment Specialists develop relationships with employers, based upon client work preferences and their permission to approach the employers.
8. In-work support is available: Individual in-work support is provided as appropriate.
Employment is an achievable goal for people who have experience of severe mental health issues, and Employment Specialists help people realise this. Through positive mentoring and support, significant barriers to employment are removed. The stigma associated with mental illness is challenged effectively by addressing concerns, fears or misconceptions about, or within, the workplace.
How to access the Employment Service
Referrals with an up-to-date risk assessment can be made by: Consultants, Community Psychiatric Nurses or Occupational Therapists. Self-referrals are also accepted, but an up-to-date risk assessment will be requested before any work can begin.
For more information call 0115 956 0802 and ask for the Employment Specialist.