Stockton and Hartlepool Employment Connections Individual Placement Support (SHEC IPS)

The contract is to continue to support people, in structured treatment for substance misuse, into employment. Employment is a key motivational factor in recovery from substance use. Specialist advisors develop a network of employers to support the service e.g. with a placement or into paid employment, working with individuals to identify and realise their employment goals. The service includes the following: • Speaking with benefits agencies on behalf of service users • Working with the individual to find the kind of job they'd like • Building confidence and identifying strengths • Helping to write your CV's and getting users ready for interviews • Talking to local employers on their behalf • Helping users to understand their benefits and how work might affect them • Offering ongoing support once users have started work