Employment Specialist

Job Description

The Employment Specialist supports people experiencing mental-health difficulties to find, obtain and retain paid employment through the Individual Placement and Support approach. Requirements typically include experience in employment support, vocational rehabilitation, careers guidance, or mental-health services; strong communication, organisation and partnership-working skills; and the ability to build trusting relationships with service users and employers. Candidates should understand the barriers faced by people with mental-health conditions, promote equality and inclusion, maintain accurate records, meet service targets and work confidently across community settings. Relevant qualifications or equivalent experience, commitment to NHS values, and the ability to travel between locations are usually expected. A satisfactory DBS check and evidence of the right to work in the UK will also be required.

Company Info

Mersey Care NHS Foundation Trust is a major provider of mental-health, learning-disability, community, and specialist healthcare services in Merseyside and surrounding areas. The Trust serves a large and diverse population through hospitals, community teams, clinics, and home-based services. Its work includes treatment and support for adults and older people, secure and forensic services, addiction services, physical-health programmes, and social and vocational recovery initiatives. Mersey Care promotes recovery-focused care, patient involvement, equality, and partnership working with local authorities, voluntary organisations, employers, and other NHS bodies. As an NHS employer, it generally offers structured training, pension membership, annual leave, wellbeing support, and career-development opportunities. Staff are expected to demonstrate compassion, respect, accountability, and commitment to improving outcomes for patients, carers, and communities.

Destination Guide

The United Kingdom offers employment opportunities across healthcare, technology, finance, education, engineering, retail, and public services, with especially strong demand for qualified NHS and social-care workers. Its culture is diverse and generally values punctuality, privacy, fairness, and clear professional communication. Lifestyle varies from busy cities such as London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Edinburgh to quieter coastal and rural communities. Public transport is extensive, although living costs and housing are high in many urban areas. People relocating for work should check whether their occupation qualifies for a Skilled Worker visa or another appropriate route; NHS roles may offer sponsorship when the employer and vacancy meet current requirements. Applicants need a valid passport, right-to-work evidence, and, where applicable, health, criminal-record, and qualification checks. Plan for deposits, accommodation, National Insurance, healthcare arrangements, and local registration before arrival.