SEN Teaching Assistant (Mental Health)

We're recruiting for an IPS Employment Specialist to join a supportive, close-knit team delivering high-quality Individual Placement and Support (IPS) services across Winchester. This is a community-based role, working directly with individuals experiencing mental health challenges, supporting them into sustainable, meaningful employment as part of their recovery journey. You'll be embedded within clinical teams, working collaboratively with healthcare professionals while also building strong relationships with local employers.What You'll Be Doing

• Managing a caseload of around 20 clients, providing tailored, person-centred employment support
• Meeting clients face-to-face in the community to develop career plans, CVs, and job search strategies
• Actively engaging with local employers to identify opportunities (including hidden jobs)
• Supporting clients with interviews, applications, and in-work support
• Providing guidance around benefits, disclosure, and workplace adjustments
• Attending clinical meetings and contributing to a holistic recovery approach
• Maintaining accurate records using IPS systems and contributing to performance targets

What a Typical Week Looks Like

• Around 3 client meetings per day
• Minimum 6 face-to-face engagements per week (clients or employers)
• Fridays: Team meetings, planning, and admin time (no client appointments)
• Regular shadowing, mentoring, and ongoing training provided

What We're Looking For This role suits someone who is:

• Proactive and self-driven - able to take initiative rather than wait for direction
• Resilient and adaptable - comfortable working in a fast-paced, target-driven environment
• A strong communicator who can build relationships with both clients and employers
• Comfortable with outreach and employer engagement (calls, visits, networking)
• A team player who enjoys working collaboratively

Backgrounds That Work Well You don't need a degree - in fact, practical experience is often more valuable. We're particularly interested in candidates from:

• Employability / Welfare to Work
• Mental Health or Support Work
• Recruitment or Sales
• Retail or Customer-Facing Roles
• Teaching Assistants or similar support roles

Essential Requirements

• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (travel reimbursed at 45p per mile)
• Ability to travel across the Winchester area
• Strong organisational and admin skills
• Genuine interest in supporting people with mental health needs into employment

What's On Offer

• Salary: £29,343
• 40 days holiday (including bank holidays)
• Mileage paid at 45p per mile
• Ongoing training, mentoring, and career development
• Supportive team culture with regular supervision and collaboration

The Bigger Picture You'll be working to a high-fidelity IPS model, where success is measured by real outcomes - helping people move into competitive, paid employment. The team works towards achieving 40% of clients entering employment, making this a rewarding role where your impact is clear and meaningful. Recruitment Process

• Interviews taking place mid-late May

If you want a role where you can make a genuine difference, work in a supportive team, and take ownership of your caseload - this could be a great fit. Please apply via this advert - we aim to respond to everyone. If you haven't heard back within 72 hours, please complete the "Send Us A Message" form on the Contact Us page of the Red 5 People website, and we guarantee a real person will respond. For more details about the role, please call the office and ask for Lawrence (number available on the Red 5 People website).