Employment Support Service

The Employment Support Service works within secondary services and is integrated within Local Mental Health Teams (LMHT) across the four Nottingham City, Gedling, Rushcliffe, Broxtowe and Hucknall LMHTs. Employment Specialists support people to find paid employment. This is not a compulsory service and clients have no obligation to take up the service once offered. The service encourages informal discussions about how the service works before a client makes a commitment.

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.

Employment Specialists aim to:

• Assist clients 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
• Provide an accessible service, with appointments arranged to suit the needs of the individual

The Employment Specialists use the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) process, which is a well-established, evidenced based, nationally recognised approach with all staff trained in its principles and practice.

There are 8 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.

How to access The Employment Service

Referrals with an up-to-date Risk Assessment can be made by: Consultants, Community Psychiatric Nurses, Social Workers 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.