IPS Employment Specialist - #192666

About Waythrough

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.

An exciting full-time opportunity has arisen for an IPS (Individual Placement and Support) Employment Specialist to support individuals experiencing drug and alcohol issues to secure and sustain competitive, paid employment.

This role involves delivering tailored, person-centred employment support on a one-to-one basis, empowering individuals to achieve their career goals while supporting their ongoing recovery journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage and support a caseload of clients using a strengths-based approach.
• Provide personalised employment support, career coaching, and vocational guidance.
• Conduct vocational profiling and assessments to identify skills, experience, strengths, and employment aspirations.
• Develop strong relationships with local employers to identify and secure suitable job opportunities.
• Deliver proactive job development by negotiating and matching clients to competitive paid employment opportunities.
• Work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team, attending meetings and integrating employment support into wider recovery plans.
• Provide ongoing in-work support to both employers and clients to promote job retention and sustained employment outcomes.
• Support clients to understand the impact of employment on welfare benefits and access specialist advice where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant records using electronic case management systems.
• Adhere to the IPS model and its 8 core principles to ensure high-quality, fidelity-based service delivery.

Essential Skills & Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport and engage effectively with clients, clinicians, employers, and external stakeholders.
• Passionate about supporting people in recovery, challenging stigma, and promoting social inclusion.
• Confident in networking and developing relationships with local employers and community organisations.
• Able to work independently, manage workload effectively, and contribute positively within a team environment.
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable working within a challenging but rewarding setting.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills with experience maintaining accurate records and documentation.
• A people-focused approach with the ability to engage individuals from a wide range of backgrounds in a supportive and professional manner.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
• Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
• Life assurance (3× annual salary)
• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
• Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
• Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
• 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
• Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals
• £500 Recommend a Friend bonus
• Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
• Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
• Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year

Inclusion and accessibility

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support.

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

Pay: £25,877.00-£32,090.00 per year

Work Location: In person