IPS Service Manager
17 hours ago
Plymouth
Job summaryAre you passionate about recovery, employment and improving outcomes for people with mental health needs? Livewell Southwest is seeking an experienced and motivated Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Service Manager to lead and develop our IPS service across community mental health pathways and recovery inpatient services. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a well-established service that helps people access and sustain meaningful employment as part of their recovery journey. The role will lead the delivery of the IPS service, oversee performance and outcomes, manage a team of IPS professionals, and ensure employment support is fully integrated within mental health services."please note that this role may not be eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker route, please refer to the Direct Gov website for more information with regards to eligibility"Please note that Livewell may close the job advertisement earlier than the specified deadline if a high number of applications are submitted. Therefore, we recommend you submit your application at the earliest opportunityMain duties of the jobAs Service Manager, you will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategic vision and business plan for the service, ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, high-fidelity IPS model in line with IPS Grow standards. You will provide leadership and supervision to Team Leaders and Employment Specialists, support service development and transformation, manage performance against key targets and outcomes, and use data and intelligence to drive continuous improvement. You will also play a key role in developing partnerships with community mental health teams, employers, education providers, commissioners, DWP colleagues and voluntary sector organisations to ensure people receive the support they need to achieve their employment goals.We are looking for an experienced leader with a strong understanding of the Individual Placement and Support model, experience of managing teams and services, and a commitment to recovery-focused practice. The successful candidate will possess excellent communication, leadership and partnership-working skills, alongside the ability to influence service development across organisational boundaries. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of employment support within mental health services and make a real difference to the lives of people across Plymouth and the surrounding area.All Livewell Southwest staff are expected to able and willing to work across a 7 day service.Job Share(s) ConsideredAbout usLivewell Southwest is an independent, award-winning social enterprise delivering integrated health and social care services across Plymouth, South Hams, and West Devon, with specialist services in parts of Devon and Cornwall. Our teams work in community hospitals, GP practices, sports centres, and health hubs.As an organisation with a strong social conscience we are guided by our values, kindness, respect, inclusivity, ambition, responsibility, and collaboration. We focus on transforming services to ensure sustainability, while empowering staff and those we serve.We involve the people we care for, along with their families and carers, in shaping the care they receive, striving to deliver the right care at the right time and place. Centering our work on individual needs helps people lead healthy, independent lives.We prioritise employees' development, offering protected CPD time, training pathways, leadership programs, and funding for qualifications like the Care Certificate and Nurse Training Scholarships. Our induction and preceptorship programs ensure a smooth transition into our organisation.Livewell Southwest values diversity and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including those with armed forces experience, lived experience of mental health, neuro-diverse conditions and learning disabilities. If you need assistance or reasonable adjustments during the application process, contact the Recruiting Manager listed in the job advert.DetailsDate posted14 August 2026Pay schemeAgenda for changeBandBand 7Salary 49,387 to 56,515 a year pro rata ContractPermanentWorking pattern Full-time, Part-time, Job share, Flexible working Reference numberB9832-2026-NM-10444Job locationsCumberland CentreDamerel ClosePlymouthDevonPL1 4JZUnited KingdomJob descriptionJob responsibilitiesThe post holder will manage an IPS service operating across community mental health services, recovery inpatient wards and partner organisations. The role includes responsibility for a team of employment specialists, delivery of performance targets, and integration of employment support within clinical pathways. The post holder will work across organisational boundaries, building relationships with internal services and external partners including employers, primary care and voluntary sector organisations.MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Lead and manage the IPS service and team to ensure delivery of employment support aligned to service objectives and expected outcomes. Monitor and manage service performance, including referrals, access, and employment outcomes, to ensure targets are achieved and areas for improvement are identified and addressed. Develop and embed IPS within community mental health teams and wider pathways to improve access to employment support and integration with clinical care. Analyse service data and performance information to inform decision-making and implement service improvements. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external partners to support service delivery and development. Contribute to service development, planning and transformation activity to improve quality, access and outcomes. Ensure the service operates in line with organisational policies, governance requirements, and safeguarding responsibilities. Lead, implement and ensure the service is compliant with IPS Grow audit standards and monitoring and implementation of these.Responsibility for People Management Line manage IPS staff, including recruitment, supervision, appraisal and performance management, to ensure staff are supported to deliver high-quality services. Provide leadership, guidance and development opportunities to build capability and maintain a skilled workforce.Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources Monitor and manage service resources to ensure effective and efficient use in line with service requirements. Budget holder for the service responsible for the management and financial planning processes of the service budget.Responsibility for administration Ensure accurate and timely recording of service activity and performance data to support reporting and governance requirements. Plan and organise service delivery, training, workforce activity and reporting processes in accordance with Livewell Southwest standards and IPS Grow model fidelity.Responsibility for people who use our services Ensure delivery of a service that supports individuals with mental health needs to access and sustain employment. Promote recovery-focused and person-centred approaches within service delivery.Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments Implement organisational policies and procedures within the service to ensure safe and effective practice. Contribute to the development and implementation of service improvements and new ways of working.Other Responsibilities Ensure effective use and management of information systems and data in line with information governance requirements. Contribute and undertake audit, evaluation and service review activity to support continuous improvement. Policy holder and author for the service policy and standards for IPS.COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS Develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, managers, clinicians and external partners to support service delivery. Communicate complex service information, including performance and improvement plans, in a clear and accessible way. Chair and contribute to meetings, providing updates and ensuring appropriate escalation of risks and issues. Chair organisation IPS meetings with key stakeholders including executive team membership to ensure the organisation meets its IPS Grow commitments Produce written reports and documentation to support service monitoring and decision making.Please see attcahed full Job Descprtion and Person Specification Job description Job responsibilitiesThe post holder will manage an IPS service operating across community mental health services, recovery inpatient wards and partner organisations. The role includes responsibility for a team of employment specialists, delivery of performance targets, and integration of employment support within clinical pathways. The post holder will work across organisational boundaries, building relationships with internal services and external partners including employers, primary care and voluntary sector organisations.MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES Lead and manage the IPS service and team to ensure delivery of employment support aligned to service objectives and expected outcomes. Monitor and manage service performance, including referrals, access, and employment outcomes, to ensure targets are achieved and areas for improvement are identified and addressed. Develop and embed IPS within community mental health teams and wider pathways to improve access to employment support and integration with clinical care. Analyse service data and performance information to inform decision-making and implement service improvements. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal teams and external partners to support service delivery and development. Contribute to service development, planning and transformation activity to improve quality, access and outcomes. Ensure the service operates in line with organisational policies, governance requirements, and safeguarding responsibilities. Lead, implement and ensure the service is compliant with IPS Grow audit standards and monitoring and implementation of these.Responsibility for People Management Line manage IPS staff, including recruitment, supervision, appraisal and performance management, to ensure staff are supported to deliver high-quality services. Provide leadership, guidance and development opportunities to build capability and maintain a skilled workforce.Responsibility for financial and/or physical resources Monitor and manage service resources to ensure effective and efficient use in line with service requirements. Budget holder for the service responsible for the management and financial planning processes of the service budget.Responsibility for administration Ensure accurate and timely recording of service activity and performance data to support reporting and governance requirements. Plan and organise service delivery, training, workforce activity and reporting processes in accordance with Livewell Southwest standards and IPS Grow model fidelity.Responsibility for people who use our services Ensure delivery of a service that supports individuals with mental health needs to access and sustain employment. Promote recovery-focused and person-centred approaches within service delivery.Responsibility for implementation of policy and/or service developments Implement organisational policies and procedures within the service to ensure safe and effective practice. Contribute to the development and implementation of service improvements and new ways of working.Other Responsibilities Ensure effective use and management of information systems and data in line with information governance requirements. Contribute and undertake audit, evaluation and service review activity to support continuous improvement. Policy holder and author for the service policy and standards for IPS.COMMUNICATIONS AND RELATIONSHIPS Develop and maintain effective working relationships with staff, managers, clinicians and external partners to support service delivery. Communicate complex service information, including performance and improvement plans, in a clear and accessible way. Chair and contribute to meetings, providing updates and ensuring appropriate escalation of risks and issues. Chair organisation IPS meetings with key stakeholders including executive team membership to ensure the organisation meets its IPS Grow commitments Produce written reports and documentation to support service monitoring and decision making.Please see attcahed full Job Descprtion and Person SpecificationPerson Specification Qualifications EssentialLevel 7 qualification (Masters degree or equivalent experience) Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Formal leadership/management qualification at Level 7 or demonstrable equivalent leadership experience at a senior levelDesirablePostgraduate qualification in leadership, service improvement, or quality improvement IPS-specific training (e.g. IPS Grow, fidelity training) Coaching, supervision, or practice educator qualification Specific Skills EssentialAbility to lead, motivate and manage staffStrong communication and relationship-building skills Ability to analyse information and make informed decisions Planning and organisational skills to manage competing prioritiesDesirableAdvanced coaching and supervision capabilityExperience delivering training or presentations Digital literacy across NHS reporting systems Experience EssentialSignificant experience in: Secondary mental health services and/or Employment/vocational support services (e.g. IPS) Demonstrable experience of: Leading and managing teams/service delivery Delivering against contractual targets and KPIs Performance management, supervision and staff development Experience of multi-agency partnership working (NHS, local authority, DWP, VCSE) Experience working with individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) Knowledge EssentialExpert understanding of: The IPS model and fidelity principles Recovery-oriented and strengthsbased approaches Barriers to employment for people with SMI Knowledge of: NHS systems, governance, and clinical pathways Safeguarding frameworks and risk management Equality, diversity and inclusion Strong understanding of: Data, outcomes, and performance frameworksDesirableKnowledge of DWP benefits and employment systems Understanding of IPS Grow fidelity reviews Awareness of local labour market dynamics Additional requirements EssentialAbility to frequently travel independently and in a timely manner between Livewell Southwest sites and community locations including areas not served by public transport.Flexible approach to meet service needs Person Specification Qualifications EssentialLevel 7 qualification (Masters degree or equivalent experience) Evidence of ongoing Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Formal leadership/management qualification at Level 7 or demonstrable equivalent leadership experience at a senior levelDesirablePostgraduate qualification in leadership, service improvement, or quality improvement IPS-specific training (e.g. IPS Grow, fidelity training) Coaching, supervision, or practice educator qualification Specific Skills EssentialAbility to lead, motivate and manage staffStrong communication and relationship-building skills Ability to analyse information and make informed decisions Planning and organisational skills to manage competing prioritiesDesirableAdvanced coaching and supervision capabilityExperience delivering training or presentations Digital literacy across NHS reporting systems Experience EssentialSignificant experience in: Secondary mental health services and/or Employment/vocational support services (e.g. IPS) Demonstrable experience of: Leading and managing teams/service delivery Delivering against contractual targets and KPIs Performance management, supervision and staff development Experience of multi-agency partnership working (NHS, local authority, DWP, VCSE) Experience working with individuals with severe mental illness (SMI) Knowledge EssentialExpert understanding of: The IPS model and fidelity principles Recovery-oriented and strengthsbased approaches Barriers to employment for people with SMI Knowledge of: NHS systems, governance, and clinical pathways Safeguarding frameworks and risk management Equality, diversity and inclusion Strong understanding of: Data, outcomes, and performance frameworksDesirableKnowledge of DWP benefits and employment systems Understanding of IPS Grow fidelity reviews Awareness of local labour market dynamics Additional requirements EssentialAbility to frequently travel independently and in a timely manner between Livewell Southwest sites and community locations including areas not served by public transport.Flexible approach to meet service needsDisclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab). Additional information Disclosure and Barring Service CheckThis 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.Certificate of SponsorshipApplications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).Employer detailsEmployer nameLivewell SouthwestAddressCumberland CentreDamerel ClosePlymouthDevonPL1 4JZUnited KingdomEmployer's websiteEmployer detailsEmployer nameLivewell SouthwestAddressCumberland CentreDamerel ClosePlymouthDevonPL1 4JZUnited KingdomEmployer's website