News

A host of job opportunities in the Black Country will be on offer at Walsall Jobs Fair, thanks to the Individual Placement and Support Services at Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (BCHFT).

The event, which is free to attend, will take place at The Crossing at St Pauls on Tuesday 23 September 2025 and is open to anyone looking for a job in the Black Country.

Local employers with live vacancies from across the Black Country will be on hand to chat to people looking for a role and to give advice on applications.

Employers from a variety of industries and sectors will be taking part, including retail, care, customer service, hospitality to name a few.

We are pleased to announce the extension of the Talking Therapies Employment Advisor (EA) service, ensuring continued support for individuals facing both mental health challenges and employment difficulties.

The contract extension, which is until March 2026, is a testament to the positive impact the service has had in helping people find and sustain meaningful employment while managing their well-being.

A pilot partnership between Black Country Healthcare’s WorkWell service and social prescribers at Blakenall Family Practice and Harden Health Centre North Walsall GP Practice who are part of Modality Partnership is already showing strong results, with referrals running smoothly and patients reporting clear benefits from the support they receive.

Social prescribers described the referral pathway as straightforward and effective, with the added benefit of being able to speak directly to the people they are referring. This personal approach ensures referrals are high quality and well-matched, supporting better outcomes for patients.

Patients using WorkWell through the pilot have responded enthusiastically. Many reported that the team are quick to respond, transparent about the support on offer, and respectful of individual needs and goals.

Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust are excited to announce that Thrive into Work Neurodiversity Service across the West Midlands has been extended to November 2025.  As part of this extension, a focused eight-month pilot will target 16–18-year-olds with neurodevelopmental conditions, helping to bridge the gap between education and employment. This vital service provides specialist, personalised employment support to neurodivergent individuals who are either out of work, on sick leave, or at risk of losing their job. The extension ensures that more young people can now benefit from early, targeted support during a crucial time in their transition from education into the world of work.

Sandwell disability charity Ideal For All is excited to announce a fantastic opportunity to join its passionate team, as they open recruitment for a Specialist Employment Support Officer (Part-Time). The role is a key addition to their work across Sandwell, supporting disabled people in overcoming barriers to employment.

The position is perfect for someone enthusiastic, committed, and driven—especially those with lived experience of disability or specialist knowledge in the field. The ideal candidate will bring a deep understanding of the challenges faced by disabled individuals in the workplace, and a strong desire to promote positive change.

The new team member will support people in moving closer to or into sustainable employment, education, volunteering, or training. In addition, they will actively engage with local employers to foster inclusive recruitment practices and champion the Disability Confident agenda.

Interested applicants are encouraged to apply early, as the vacancy will close once enough applications have been received.

Specialist Employment Support Officer Job Description

To learn more or apply, email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call 0121 558 5555 (Option 2)

Job seekers in the Black Country will have the chance to explore exciting opportunities at the Dudley Jobs Fair on Thursday 10 April 2025, at Dudley Town Hall. Organised by the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) and Retention Employment Services, the event is free and open to all. 

Attendees will be able to connect with local employers actively hiring across various industries, including Balfour Beatty, West Midlands Fire Service, and West Bromwich Building Society. Employers will be available to discuss vacancies and offer application guidance.

The IPS and Retention team, which forms part of the Trust’s Employment and Recovery Service, supports individuals with mental health challenges in finding or sustaining employment. Their vocational specialists offer one-on-one assistance, helping job seekers identify suitable roles, apply for jobs, and succeed in the workplace.