At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young people in securing sustainable employment while managing their treatment.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for career growth and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and help others achieve independence.
- Qualifications: Experience in supporting clients and working with employers is essential.
The predicted salary is between 25110 - 32090 € per year.
Location: 47c Jackson Street, Gateshead NE8 1EE
Working Hours: Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,110-£32,090
Make a real difference in your community. Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier and more independent lives? Join Waythrough, one of the UK’s leading mental health and social support charities, and make a lasting impact every day.
About the Role
You will manage a caseload of young people in structured treatment for drug and/or alcohol use to assist them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences, covering South Tyneside and Gateshead. You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (for which training will be given); providing person‑centred advice and guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.
As an Employment Specialist, you will 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.
What You’ll Do
- Create employment and education opportunities for our clients through proactive engagement with a network of potential employers.
- Provide appropriate in‑work support to clients who have secured employment.
- Facilitate work placements, work trials and work experience with relevant employers.
To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need:
- Ability in supporting clients to achieve their programme of learning and obtain employment and of meeting job outcome performance targets.
- Experience of using management information systems and maintaining accurate records.
- Experience of working with a range of employers to satisfy their recruitment needs.
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
- £500 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
Inclusion and Accessibility
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.
How to Apply
If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via Company Website’ to view the full job description and submit your application.
Closing Date: 2026-01-21
Young Person’s Employment Specialist employer: Recovery Focus
Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the community, offering meaningful work as a Young Person’s Employment Specialist. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. Located in Gateshead, you will be part of a passionate team committed to supporting young people in achieving sustainable employment, making every day rewarding and impactful.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Young Person’s Employment Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to local employers and let them know you’re on the lookout for opportunities. Building relationships can open doors that job boards can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Create your own opportunities by proposing work placements or internships that align with your skills and interests.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion! When you meet potential employers, share your enthusiasm for helping young people find employment. Your genuine interest can make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll have access to all the latest job opportunities directly from us.
We think you need these skills to ace Young Person’s Employment Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Young Person’s Employment Specialist role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with the job description, especially your ability to support clients and work with employers.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm for helping young people shine through in your application. Share any personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in the community, as this will resonate with us at Waythrough.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, making it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role. Remember, we appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application via our company website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and gives you the best chance of standing out in the process.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recovery Focus
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the IPS approach and how it applies to supporting young people. Familiarise yourself with Waythrough's mission and values, as well as the specific challenges faced by young people in securing employment.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss your previous experience working with employers and clients. Prepare examples of how you've successfully helped individuals achieve their employment goals, and highlight any relevant management information systems you've used.
✨Build Rapport
During the interview, focus on building a connection with your interviewers. Show your passion for helping others and your understanding of the local community's needs. Ask questions about their current partnerships with employers to demonstrate your interest.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role and how you would address them. Practising these scenarios can help you articulate your thought process clearly.
