At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in recovery to find meaningful employment and build their skills.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with travel across Leeds and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Experience in employment support and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 26640 - 32560 £ per year.
Location: Forward Leeds, 3 Armley Court, Armley Road LS12 2LB (with the potential to become poly-site)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240.03 per annum
Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.
About Waythrough
Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we've created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job - it's a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
About the Role
We are currently looking for an Individual Placement Support (IPS) Employment Specialist to join our team on a full-time basis. The Forward Leeds IPS team aims to increase the number of people moving into employment from the specialist drug and alcohol services. Employment specialist roles will be co-located within these teams working closely alongside recovery service staff to support a small caseload of service users into employment opportunities.
This is a very interesting, varied and rewarding role. A driving licence would be beneficial but not essential, but the successful candidate would not be based in one office and expected to travel across Leeds according to the requirements of the role. IT equipment and a mobile phone would be provided and be carried on their person to the different locations.
What You'll Do
An Employment Specialist offers a bespoke employment service to the individual accessing recovery at Forward Leeds which includes:
- Career coaching
- CV writing
- Interview techniques
- Making links with local and national employers
- Attending job fairs
- Working across different sites and some community working
To help and support the individual to quickly gain employment as part of their recovery journey.
To Succeed in This Role, You'll Need:
- Experience of working with a range of employers to satisfy their recruitment needs.
- Sound knowledge of the local labour market and the skills needed to apply for vacancies.
- Be enthusiastic towards challenges and be able to motivate others.
- Any knowledge of drugs, alcohol, working with ex-offenders, the benefits system or disadvantaged people would be an advantage.
- Experience of managing a caseload.
- Excellent communication, both written and verbally.
- A passion for making a difference to peoples' lives.
- A valid driving licence and have access to your own vehicle, is not essential for this role but it is preferred due to required travel across Leeds.
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you'll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
- 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
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: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
Closing Date: 2026-08-25
IPS Employment Specialist in Leeds employer: recoveryfocus
Waythrough is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its staff and clients alike, fostering a supportive work culture in Barnsley. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer comprehensive benefits and a permanent contract that ensures job security while making a meaningful impact in the mental health and justice sectors. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration and innovation in improving lives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist in Leeds
✨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 recoveryfocus.
✨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 recoveryfocus!
✨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 recoveryfocus, 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 recoveryfocus 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 in Leeds
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 recoveryfocus:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to recoveryfocus! 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 recoveryfocus
✨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.
