We believe that everyone who wants to work should have the opportunity to do so. There are no assessments of work readiness, if you want to work, we’re ready to support you.

Our experienced Employment Specialists work alongside you to understand your strengths, interests, skills, and career aspirations. Together, we’ll develop a personalised employment plan that supports your recovery goals, wellbeing, and future ambitions.

Working closely with your recovery team, we provide tailored support throughout your employment journey, including:

• Finding competitive paid employment that matches your interests, skills, and preferences.
• CV writing, job applications, and interview preparation.
• Job searching and direct introductions to local employers.
• Personalised benefits counselling
• Support that aligns with your recovery plan and personal goals, recognising that employment can be an important part of building a fulfilling life in recovery.
• Advice on workplace adjustments and disclosure, where appropriate.
• Ongoing in-work support for both you and your employer to help you settle into work, overcome challenges, and sustain employment.

Employment can play a significant role in recovery by improving confidence, independence, financial wellbeing, physical and mental health, and social inclusion. Our support is person-centred, and based on the IPS model, ensuring that your choices and goals remain at the heart of everything we do.

Ready to take the next step? Contact the IPS Derby City team today or complete our online self-referral form.

Contact the team

Ava Nicholson IPS Employment Specialist – Email: avanicholson@intuitivethinkingskills.com – 07734241148

Katy Dziurman IPS Employment Specialist – Email: katydziurman@intuitivethinkingskills.com – 07768408530

Donna Lakin IPS Team Lead – Email: donnalakin@intuitivethinkingskills.com – 07543507434.

Local Employer?

IPS Derby City works with local employers to recruit motivated candidates and provide ongoing support before and after employment begins.

Our Employment Specialists can support employers with:

• Recruitment support
• Candidate matching
• Vacancy promotion
• Interview support
• In-work support
• Employee retention
• Advice regarding workplace adjustments
• Ongoing liaison between employer and employee

Benefits of Working with IPS

Working with IPS can help employers:

• Save time during recruitment.
• Reduce recruitment costs.
• Reduce staff turnover by matching suitable candidates to appropriate vacancies.
• Access motivated candidates who are supported throughout their employment journey.
• Complement existing recruitment and HR procedures.
• Receive ongoing support from an Employment Specialist for both the employer and employee.

Drug and Alcohol Awareness Support

Employers can also be connected with our sister organisation, which offers free Drug and Alcohol Awareness Training.

The IPS team can introduce employers to this service, helping organisations to:

• Increase awareness of drug and alcohol issues.
• Reduce stigma within the workplace.
• Strengthen workplace drug and alcohol policies and procedures.
• Support managers to have informed conversations with employees.
• Promote healthier and more supportive workplaces.