At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in finding and sustaining meaningful employment while building strong relationships.
- Company: Waythrough, a values-driven organisation focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Generous leave, pension contributions, professional development, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives through employment and recovery support.
- Qualifications: Passionate about helping others, with strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 28690 - 34730 £ per year.
Location: Southwark
Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £28,690 - £34,730
Make a real difference in your community. Are you passionate about helping people turn their work ambitions into reality? Do you believe employment can be a powerful tool for recovery and independence? If so, this could be the role for you. We’re looking for a motivated, proactive IPS Employment Specialist to deliver high-quality, evidence-based supported employment using the IPS Grow model. This is more than a job – it’s an opportunity to build meaningful relationships, challenge stigma, and create lasting change.
About the Role
As an IPS Employment Specialist, you’ll support individuals accessing mental health and substance misuse services to find and sustain paid, competitive employment that aligns with their interests, strengths, and goals. This is a hands‑on, people‑focused role where no two days are the same. You’ll manage a caseload, deliver rapid job search, provide tailored in‑work support, and champion the belief that employment is possible for everyone who wants it. You’ll be embedded within multi-disciplinary teams, working closely with clinicians, substance misuse services (both young people’s and adult), and community partners across London. You’ll also play a key role in building strong relationships with local employers, opening doors to opportunities, and advocating for clients in real-world workplaces. Full training and on‑the‑job support will be provided, making this an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop a career in employability, recovery, or the voluntary sector.
What You’ll Do
- Actively promote clients as potential employees and raise awareness of the service
- Promote the ethos of IPS and Waythrough, encouraging employers to see clients positively as applicants
- Proactively engage with local employers to create employment opportunities
- Facilitate work placements, work trials, and work experience
- Support clients through rapid job search and job applications
- Provide tailored in‑work support to help individuals sustain employment
- Maintain accurate records, contribute to IPS Grow fidelity, and use data to improve outcomes
About You
- Passionate about supporting people into meaningful employment
- Values-driven, proactive, and comfortable working flexibly
- Confident building relationships with employers and partner agencies
- Organised, outcomes-focused, and able to manage data and caseloads effectively
- Excited about making a tangible difference through employment and recovery-focused work
What We Offer
- 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
Equal Opportunity
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. If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk.
Closing Date: 2026-07-23
IPS Employment Specialist (London) employer: Recovery Focus
Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the community by empowering individuals through meaningful employment. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer comprehensive training and support, alongside generous benefits such as enhanced annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and wellness initiatives. Our inclusive work culture values diversity and encourages collaboration, making it an ideal environment for those passionate about recovery and employability in the vibrant setting of Southwark, London.
