Employment Advisor – Connect To Work

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Employment Advisor – Connect To Work (IPS Employment Advice) Reference: 350 Salary: £29,400 per annum (pro-rata for part time) Hours: 15 hours - 37.5 hours per week Contract: Permanent Working base(s): Watford, Hemel Hempstead or St. Albans with Herts countywide travel required.

About the Service

Herts Mind Network is a new delivery partner of Hertfordshire’s ‘Connect To Work’ programme, overseen by Step2Skills, Hertfordshire County Council.

The Connect to Work programme has launched in Hertfordshire in August 2025 and is designed to support residents with disabilities, health conditions, or complex barriers into meaningful employment.

This UK Government-funded programme is part of a nationwide effort to reduce economic inactivity and promote inclusive workplaces.

Connect to Work is a personalised Supported Employment programme that pairs eligible individuals with dedicated Employment Advisors.

About the Role

We are seeking four highly motivated, organised and compassionate Employment Advisors, to deliver the countywide Connect To Work programme in our new Employment workstream. In this highly rewarding role, you will be responsible supporting individuals experiencing mental health problems, and those facing complex barriers, to secure and sustain meaningful paid employment.

This position is part of the Connect to Work programme — a voluntary Supported Employment initiative funded by the Department for Work and Pensions. You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, offering tailored advice and guidance to individuals, while also building strong partnerships with local employers to create opportunities aligned with individuals’ skills and aspirations.

As an Employment Advisor you will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model to meet individuals regularly to understand an individual’s skills, strengths and goals; developing clear action plans; provide practical support; and co-create personalised action plans.

The programme provides structured, 1:1 and group based person centred support to build confidence, motivation and resilience, to help individuals work towards clear, work related goals.

You will also engage with employers to identify suitable opportunities, arrange interviews, and offer ongoing support to both individuals and employers to promote successful job retention; whilst advocating for individuals to de-stigmatise mental health.

You may also work with a small number of individuals who are already in work to sustain and thrive in their employment.

As an Employment Advisor you will be responsible for:

• Delivering effective 1:1 and group person centred employment support to individuals looking for work

• Delivering effective 1:1 and group person centred employment support to individuals looking to continue with work

• Liaising with employers to seek opportunities for individuals

• Accurate and timely record keeping to demonstrate activity and impact

• Ensuring high-quality support is delivered at all times, aligned with HMN values

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)

• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.

• Ongoing training relevant to your role.

• An Employee Assistance Programme.

• Eligibility for blue light card.

• Health cover (after 6 months employment) - compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 27th September 2026. Interviews to be held on Friday 9th October. You will be asked to prepare a 5 - 10 minute presentation to be submitted ahead of time. N.B. Please quote reference number 350 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We want people from all backgrounds to apply, no matter your gender, disability, marital or parental status, race, colour, religion, or sexual orientation. We make sure everyone has a fair chance, especially those with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please