At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in finding and sustaining meaningful employment while managing a diverse caseload.
- Company: Waythrough, a values-driven organisation focused on equal opportunities.
- Benefits: Generous annual leave, pension scheme, professional development, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives by helping them achieve their employment goals.
- Qualifications: Passionate about supporting others, with strong relationship-building and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 28690 - 34730 £ per year.
Location: Lambeth
Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £28,690 – £34,730
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.
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 Opportunities Statement
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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist (London)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Recovery Focus.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Recovery Focus!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Recovery Focus, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Recovery Focus or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Employment Specialist (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Recovery Focus:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Recovery Focus! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recovery Focus
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
