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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Help individuals with health conditions find meaningful employment and build partnerships with local employers.
- Company: Waythrough is dedicated to breaking down barriers for those facing poverty and disadvantage across England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, flexible working, free training, and wellbeing support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while working in a supportive and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Passion for helping others, strong communication skills, and experience in employment support are essential.
- Other info: This role offers potential for contract extension and welcomes diverse applicants.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 £ per year.
Do you recognise the importance of work and the vital role it can play in the lives of those with health conditions or disabilities? Do you take pride in what you do, and can you think creatively about how different organisations can work together to deliver a better service? Are you happy to talk with employers and help match people into meaningful work?If this sounds like you, then you might be ideal for our Employment Specialist position!
Deadline: 13th July 2025
- North West
- Full-time
Job overview
To build partnerships with employers to identify a sustained pipeline of job opportunities and to understand
local employer needs in order to bring on board new employment opportunities for people on our programmes.
Waythrough launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Our
vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. We
tackle poverty and disadvantage in communities, through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing and related
support. We have almost 200 services around England – and nearly 3,
Although this role is fixed term, there is potential for extension to the contract.
What can Waythrough (formerly Humankind) offer you…
- Generous annual leave entitlement (27 days, plus bank holidays, increasing to 32 after 1 years’ service)
- Annual leave purchase scheme
- Enhanced occupational sick pay
- Enhanced employer contribution to your workplace pension
- Free Will writing
- Blue light card discount
- Fantastic learning and development opportunities, including free training courses
- Work-life balance- flexible working and family friendly policies
- Happy, Healthy You! – our wellbeing offers for our workforce
- Employee Assist Programme and WaythroughSupport Networks
Waythrough (formerly Humankind) is an equal opportunities employer
We value unique perspectives and experiences that everyone can bring, and fully understand the strength in diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. If you have a genuine passion for working for us, we want to hear for you. We also welcome applications from people with lived experience with substance use. If you require support with your application, please contact the Recruitment Team at people.recruitment@waythrough.org.uk
Role
We’re looking for an Employment Specialist to deliver Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to people accessing substance use services in the Whitehaven and Workington areas of West Cumbria.
You’ll help individuals—many of whom may be living with health conditions or disabilities—find and sustain paid, meaningful employment that aligns with their goals and preferences.
Responsibilities
As an Employment Specialist, you will be responsible for:
- Supporting individuals in treatment services to find paid work using the IPS model
- Engaging with employers to identify job opportunities and negotiate roles
- Building partnerships with local businesses, health professionals, and support networks
- Delivering a personalised service that values each person’s goals, preferences, and journey
- Tracking and celebrating employment successes while offering ongoing support
Please note you’ll be based at our Whitehaven hub, with regular travel between this hub and our Workington hub (travel fully reimbursed through expenses).
The person
About you
- We don’t expect you to know everything about IPS—we’ll support your learning.
- What we do look for is passion, resilience, and commitment.
You’ll be a great fit if you:
- Have experience supporting people into employment or talking confidently with employers
- Possess excellent communication and relationship-building skills, at all levels
- Bring negotiation skills and commercial awareness
- Are creative and persistent in problem-solving
- Want to make a real difference in people’s lives
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Employment Specialist employer: IPS Grow
Contact Detail:
IPS Grow Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Employment Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. Understanding how this approach works will help you articulate your knowledge during interviews and demonstrate your commitment to supporting individuals with health conditions or disabilities.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with local businesses and organisations in the Whitehaven and Workington areas. Building relationships with potential employers can give you insights into their needs and help you discuss how you can facilitate meaningful job placements.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to showcase your communication and relationship-building skills. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully engaged with employers or supported individuals into employment, as these will be key in demonstrating your fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Waythrough's mission and values thoroughly. Being able to align your personal values with those of the organisation will not only help you in interviews but also show your genuine passion for making a difference in people's lives.
We think you need these skills to ace Employment Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Employment Specialist position. Understand the key responsibilities and the skills required, such as communication, negotiation, and relationship-building.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience in supporting individuals into employment, particularly those with health conditions or disabilities. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in similar roles.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for helping others find meaningful work. Mention how your values align with Waythrough's mission and provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with employers in the past.
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills: In your application, include instances where you've creatively solved problems or built partnerships. This is crucial for the role, so be sure to illustrate your persistence and innovative thinking.
How to prepare for a job interview at IPS Grow
✨Show Your Passion for Employment Support
Make sure to express your genuine passion for helping individuals with health conditions or disabilities find meaningful work. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a difference in people's lives.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves engaging with employers and building partnerships, be prepared to showcase your excellent communication skills. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, and consider examples where you've successfully built relationships in previous roles.
✨Prepare for Problem-Solving Scenarios
Think of creative solutions to potential challenges you might face in the role. Be ready to discuss how you would approach negotiating job opportunities or overcoming barriers for individuals seeking employment, demonstrating your resilience and problem-solving abilities.
✨Research the Organisation and Its Values
Familiarise yourself with Waythrough's mission and values, especially their focus on diversity and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how your own values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their vision of breaking down barriers for those in need.
