About this role
Job summary
Following a successful internal promotion, we are pleased to offer a Band 4 Employment Support Officer post within the Mental Health Employment Support Service, based in Yeovil and covering the South Somerset area.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated, countywide team supporting people under the care of Somerset NHS Foundation Trust mental health services who want to gain or remain in paid employment. Good quality employment can play a significant role in recovery, while the risk of job loss can have a serious negative impact on mental health.
The post holder will be primarily based within South Somerset, with access to an onsite supervisor, while also being part of a wider countywide Mental Health Employment Service embedded within Community Mental Health Teams.
Main duties of the job
Support adults with significant mental health needs to gain or retain paid employmentIdentify and address workplacerelated barriers that may impact an individual's mental health or employmentWork collaboratively with service users to develop vocational action plans aligned to their goalsProvide advice and practical support around reasonable adjustments, graded return to work and workplace adaptationsLiaise closely with Community Mental Health Teams, employers, Jobcentre Plus and other partner agenciesMaintain accurate records and contribute to service data collection and reportingWork within Trust policies, safeguarding requirements and clinical governance frameworks
About us
At Somerset NHS Foundation Trust, we're committed to supporting our employees with a range of benefits designed to enhance your professional and personal life. We offer:
Flexible working options to help you balance work and lifeNHS pension scheme for long-term financial securityGenerous annual leave allowance to recharge and relaxA strong focus on career development to help you grow and achieve your potentialAdditionally, you'll gain access to our Blue Light Card, unlocking exclusive discounts on shopping, dining, and leisure activities, as well as NHS-specific perks to support you both inside and outside of work.
We are proud to foster a diverse, skilled, and inclusive workforce, and we encourage applications from all backgrounds.
Why Somerset? Somerset offers the perfect blend of idyllic countryside, outstanding areas of natural beauty, and breathtaking coastlines, with vibrant cities like Bristol, Bath, and Exeter just a short drive away - and only two hours to London.
The region is home to excellent educational facilities, and with affordable housing compared to other parts of the country, it's a great place to build both your career and your future.
Somerset truly has it all - the peaceful countryside and cosmopolitan city life, with something for everyone to enjoy.
Job description Job responsibilities
The Employment Support Officer will provide specialist vocational support to service users receiving secondary mental health care who wish to gain or retain open employment. The role involves delivering individualised vocational interventions, including assessment, action planning, job matching and ongoing employment retention support.
You will work directly with service users to identify employment goals and develop practical strategies to overcome workrelated difficulties, including mental healthrelated barriers in the workplace. This may include graded return to work planning, advice on workplace adjustments, worksite assessments within your level of competence, and liaison with employers to support sustainable employment outcomes.
The post holder will work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside mental health professionals, contributing vocational expertise to care planning and recoveryfocused interventions. Close collaboration with Employment Support colleagues, Community Mental Health Teams and external agencies will be central to the role.
You will be required to manage your own caseload, prioritise workload effectively and maintain comprehensive, uptodate records using Trust systems. Under appropriate supervision, you will assess and manage risk associated with employment or workplace situations and contribute written reports as required.
The role also includes supporting service development, participating in clinical governance activities, attending mandatory training and maintaining continuing professional development. Occasional countywide travel is required, and access to transport is essential.
This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who is passionate about mental health recovery, employment inclusion and working collaboratively with individuals, professionals and employers.
Person Specification
Qualifications Essential
A diploma or equivalent qualification in Advice and Guidance or Health and Social Care or other relevant field
Desirable
Degree in a relevant field
Experience Essential
Working with people with severe and enduring mental health issuesWorking closely with a range of service providers
Desirable
Employment related service experienceExperience as a union rep
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Employer details Employer name Somerset NHS Foundation Trust
Address Summerlands
56 Preston Road
Yeovil
Somerset
BA20 2BN
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.somersetft.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)