Employment Specialist

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 3,500 amazing staff and volunteers who run them. Every year our services support around 125,000 people.

Bringing together two big organisations is not a small task and it’ll take a while to fully integrate our systems, processes and approaches. That’s why you will notice the jobs here are still branded ‘Humankind’. Next year we’ll be fully integrating our recruitment systems but for now they are separate.

Employment Specialist

Working hours: Monday-Friday 9:00am-17:00pm. Location: 47 Jackson Street Gateshead, NE8 1EE. Fixed Term contract till March 2026.

We are looking for a motivated, passionate self-starter who wants to kickstart a career in the employability or recovery sector. This position, with on-the-job training, is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and support those in treatment for drug and alcohol recovery across the Gateshead area.

As an Employment Specialist you will play a vital role in helping people find meaningful and fulfilling employment. You’ll receive all the training and support you need to take on the role, develop your skills and have access to a broad range of opportunities within Gateshead.

Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model you’ll be required to:

• Actively promote our clients as potential employees and raise awareness of the service.
• Promote the ethos of our programmes and Waythrough and encourage employers to look positively on our clients as potential applicants.
• Create employment opportunities for our clients through proactive engagement with a network of potential employers.
• Facilitate work placements, work trials and work experience with relevant employers.
• Provide appropriate in-work support to clients who have secured employment.

What can Waythrough (Formerly Humankind) offer you?

• A rewarding role that allows you to make a tangible impact in your community.
• Opportunity for professional growth and development in the field of substance misuse and criminal justice.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.
• 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.
• Death in service benefit.
• Free Will writing.
• Eyecare vouchers.
• 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 Waythrough Support Networks.

Waythrough (Formerly Humankind) is an equal-opportunity employer. If you feel that you would fit with our values & ethos, are passionate about supporting people, but maybe don’t feel you have the experience required, talk to us about your transferrable skills. For the right people, we can provide development to help you to realise your potential. We welcome applications regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, disability, or age. All applications will be considered solely on merit.

Please note that the role requires a driving licence. Applications close on 06 Oct 2025.