At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals in finding and sustaining meaningful employment through tailored guidance.
- Company: Join Waythrough, a leading mental health and social support charity in England.
- Benefits: Enjoy 27 days annual leave, pension scheme, life assurance, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working environment with comprehensive training and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while helping others achieve their work ambitions.
- Qualifications: Passionate about supporting others, with strong relationship-building and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 28690 - 37126 € per year.
Location: Lewisham
Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £28,690 - £37,126
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: Using the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach, you will:
- 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: You’ll be:
- 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: 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: 2026-05-28
IPS Employment Specialist (London) employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a real difference in the community, particularly in the realm of mental health and substance misuse support. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we offer a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a supportive work culture that values inclusivity and personal growth. Join us in a role where you can build meaningful relationships and create lasting change while enjoying the advantages of working within a large, impactful charity in the heart of London.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Waythrough and understand their mission. When you walk into that interview, show them you’re not just another candidate – you’re someone who genuinely cares about making a difference in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events related to mental health and employment. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills align with the IPS model and how you can help clients find meaningful employment. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email. It shows appreciation and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate your passion for the role!
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Employment Specialist (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for helping others shine through. We want to see how much you care about making a difference in people's lives, especially in the context of employment and recovery.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to reflect the specific skills and experiences that align with the IPS Employment Specialist role. Highlight any relevant experience you have in supporting individuals with mental health or substance misuse challenges.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see why you’re a great fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Know Your IPS Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model. Understand its principles and how it applies to helping individuals with mental health and substance misuse issues find meaningful employment. This knowledge will show your passion for the role and your commitment to making a difference.
✨Showcase Your People Skills
As an IPS Employment Specialist, building relationships is key. Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with clients or employers in the past. Highlight your ability to advocate for clients and create opportunities, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach and people-focused mindset.
✨Research Local Employers
Before the interview, do some homework on local businesses that align with the values of the organisation. Be ready to discuss how you would approach these employers and promote clients as potential employees. This shows initiative and a genuine interest in creating job opportunities for those you’ll support.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and adaptability. Think about scenarios where you had to manage a caseload or provide tailored support. Practising your responses will help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your outcomes-focused approach effectively.
