At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals at risk of rough sleeping with tailored, person-centred interventions.
- 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: Flexible, inclusive workplace committed to supporting diverse backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community and empower those facing challenges.
- Qualifications: Passion for recovery and experience with vulnerable individuals is desirable.
The predicted salary is between 25877 - 30868 £ per year.
The System Treatment and Recovery (STaR) project, funded by the national Rough Sleeper Drug & Alcohol Treatment Grant, aims to improve health, housing, and recovery outcomes for people experiencing or at risk of rough sleeping.
Using a One Team approach, we provide joined-up, wraparound support through a partnership spanning substance misuse, physical health, housing, psychiatry, and social inclusion. Our multi-skilled team includes a project co-ordinator, team leader, specialist enablement workers, psychologists, GP, nurses, and administrators.
About the Role
STaR is designed to reach those who find traditional treatment hard to engage with, testing new ways to support meaningful recovery. Staff hold small caseloads, allowing time to tailor interventions and build trust with clients often seen as “too complex” for mainstream services.
We’re looking for someone passionate about recovery. Someone who understands that lasting change comes from empowering people across all areas of their lives.
What You’ll Do
- Work as part of the System Treatment and Recovery (STaR) team to support people experiencing or at risk of rough sleeping.
- Provide wraparound, person-centred support addressing health, housing, and recovery needs.
- Hold a small caseload, allowing time to build trust and deliver meaningful, tailored interventions.
- Engage individuals who have found it difficult to access or remain in traditional treatment services.
- Collaborate within a multi-disciplinary team including psychologists, GPs, nurses, housing and social inclusion specialists.
- Contribute to innovative ways of working to improve engagement and recovery outcomes.
- Work collaboratively with partners to reduce barriers to treatment and promote holistic recovery.
- Support clients to build stability, confidence, and independence in all areas of their lives.
To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need:
- Passionate about recovery and empowerment for people experiencing homelessness or complex needs.
- Understanding that true recovery involves support across health, housing, and social wellbeing.
- Experience of working with individuals affected by substance misuse, mental health, or homelessness (desirable).
- Skilled at building trusting, respectful relationships with people who may be wary of services.
- Able to work collaboratively as part of a multi-agency team.
- Flexible, compassionate, and resilient when working with people facing multiple challenges.
- Committed to inclusive, non-judgmental, person-led practice.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
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.
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: 2026-06-18
Specialist Engagement Worker in Exeter employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer located in Exeter, dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community through its System Treatment and Recovery (STaR) project. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and inclusivity. Join us to be part of a passionate team committed to empowering individuals facing complex challenges, where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Specialist Engagement Worker in Exeter
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the field, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and understanding their values. Be ready to discuss how your passion for recovery aligns with their mission. Show them you’re not just looking for any job, but this job!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your storytelling skills! Be ready to share your experiences and how they relate to the role. Use real-life examples to demonstrate your ability to build trust and support individuals facing challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team at Waythrough.
We think you need these skills to ace Specialist Engagement Worker in Exeter
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for recovery and empowerment shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in the lives of those facing challenges.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have with individuals affected by substance misuse, mental health, or homelessness. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills in building trust and relationships.
Be Person-Centred:Remember to emphasise your commitment to person-led practice. Share how you've supported clients in a holistic way, addressing their health, housing, and social wellbeing needs.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know the STaR Project Inside Out
Before your interview, make sure you understand the System Treatment and Recovery (STaR) project thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with its goals, the One Team approach, and how it aims to support individuals at risk of rough sleeping. This knowledge will show your genuine interest and commitment to the role.
✨Showcase Your Passion for Recovery
During the interview, express your passion for empowering people and supporting their recovery journey. Share personal experiences or examples from your past work that highlight your dedication to helping those facing complex challenges. This will resonate well with the interviewers looking for someone who truly cares.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Skills
Since the role involves working within a multi-disciplinary team, be prepared to discuss your experience in collaboration. Provide specific examples of how you've worked with different professionals to achieve positive outcomes. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and build trust with colleagues and clients alike.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and approach to client engagement. Think about challenging situations you've faced in previous roles and how you handled them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly and effectively.
