IPS Senior Employment Specialist
IPS Senior Employment Specialist

IPS Senior Employment Specialist

Barnsley Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead a team to help individuals secure meaningful employment while managing your own caseload.
  • Company: Waythrough is dedicated to breaking down barriers to support and improving lives across England.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, flexible working, training opportunities, and wellbeing initiatives.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in people's lives while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture.
  • Qualifications: Experience in managing staff and understanding IPS principles is essential; relevant qualifications are a plus.
  • Other info: We welcome diverse applicants, including those with lived experience of substance use.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Are you passionate about helping people overcome barriers to employment? Do you have the drive to lead and inspire a small team while making a meaningful impact on individuals’ lives? If so, we want to hear from you!

Deadline: 3rd August 2025

  • Yorkshire & The Humber
  • Full-time

Job overview

Waythrough (formerly Humankind) 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.

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
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 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

IPS Senior Employment Specialist
Location: Barnsley
Contract: Full-time, permanent

About the role

We are looking for a dedicated and dynamic IPS Senior Employment Specialist to join our team.

In this pivotal role, you will:

  • Manage and mentor a small team of Employment Specialists, providing guidance, supervision, and training to ensure high standards of service.
  • Hold a small caseload of clients, supporting people in structured treatment for drug and/or alcohol use to secure and sustain meaningful paid employment.
  • Build strong relationships with partner agencies, including local employers and health providers, to support client success.
  • Work closely with Public Health England to ensure our services meet Individual Placement and Support (IPS) fidelity standards.
  • Act as a role model of IPS practice, fostering continuous improvement and innovation within the service.

Responsibilities

As an IPS Senior Employment Specialist, you will be responsible for:

  • Coaching and developing your team to exceed performance targets.
  • Developing employment opportunities through employer engagement and collaboration with local organisations.
  • Supporting service users through every step of their employment journey.
  • Ensuring accurate reporting and uphold service quality through regular audits and feedback.
  • Leading strategic planning and service delivery in collaboration with senior leadership.

The person

To succeed as a IPS Senior Employment Specialist, you will ideally have:

*Proven experience managing or mentoring staff within employment services or a similar support-based setting.

  • Strong understanding of IPS principles and supported employment practices.
  • Excellent communication and networking skills.
  • Ability to manage a caseload while overseeing service delivery.
  • Commitment to workplace values: Honesty, Commitment, and Inventiveness.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Level 3 Diploma in Employability Services or equivalent.
  • Experience supporting individuals with substance use or related needs.

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IPS Senior Employment Specialist employer: IPS Grow

Waythrough (formerly Humankind) is an exceptional employer dedicated to breaking down barriers to employment and supporting individuals in need. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, generous leave entitlements, and extensive learning opportunities, we foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values diverse perspectives. Join us in Barnsley to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive environment that prioritises your professional growth and work-life balance.
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Contact Detail:

IPS Grow Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land IPS Senior Employment Specialist

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. Understanding its principles will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and its objectives.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the employment support sector, especially those who have experience with substance use issues. This can provide you with valuable insights and connections that may enhance your application.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully managed or mentored a team in the past. Highlighting your leadership skills will be crucial for this role, so think of relevant stories that showcase your abilities.

✨Tip Number 4

Research Waythrough's services and values thoroughly. Being able to articulate how your personal values align with theirs during the interview will show that you're a great cultural fit for the organisation.

We think you need these skills to ace IPS Senior Employment Specialist

Team Management
Coaching and Mentoring
Employment Services Knowledge
Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Principles
Networking Skills
Client Relationship Management
Performance Target Achievement
Communication Skills
Strategic Planning
Service Delivery Oversight
Problem-Solving Skills
Report Writing
Collaboration with Partner Agencies
Understanding of Substance Use Issues

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to grasp the responsibilities and qualifications required for the IPS Senior Employment Specialist position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with their needs.

Craft a Compelling CV: Ensure your CV is up-to-date and clearly outlines your relevant experience, particularly in managing teams and supporting individuals in employment services. Use specific examples to demonstrate your skills and achievements.

Write a Strong Cover Letter: Your cover letter should express your passion for helping people overcome barriers to employment. Highlight your understanding of IPS principles and your commitment to the values of honesty, commitment, and inventiveness.

Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.

How to prepare for a job interview at IPS Grow

✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others

Make sure to express your genuine passion for helping individuals overcome barriers to employment. Share personal stories or experiences that highlight your commitment to making a meaningful impact in people's lives.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

Since the role involves managing and mentoring a team, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Provide examples of how you've successfully guided a team in the past and how you plan to inspire your future team at Waythrough.

✨Understand IPS Principles

Familiarise yourself with Individual Placement and Support (IPS) principles. Be ready to discuss how these principles can be applied in practice and how you would ensure adherence to IPS fidelity standards within the service.

✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions

Anticipate scenario-based questions that may assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage a caseload. Think about specific challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them effectively.

IPS Senior Employment Specialist
IPS Grow
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