At a Glance
- Tasks: Support individuals facing challenges to secure and sustain competitive employment.
- 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: Flexible part-time hours with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while building meaningful relationships.
- Qualifications: Experience in recruitment or substance use field is a plus; lived experience welcomed.
The predicted salary is between 26912 - 32892 £ per year.
Location: Portland House, 243 Shalesmoor, Sheffield, S3 8UG
Working Hours: Part-time 15 hours per week, when those hours are worked across Monday-Friday can be flexible.
Contract Type: Fixed term for 12 months from official start date
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240.03 per annum (pro rata)
Please note that the starting salary for this role will be £25,877.80 per annum (pro rata), due to it being a Trainee position.
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: An exciting full-time opportunity has arisen for an IPS (Individual Placement and Support) Employment Specialist to support individuals experiencing drug and alcohol issues to secure and sustain competitive, paid employment. This is a great opportunity for someone with lived experience to enhance their skills and knowledge to support people in their recovery to gain employment. An Employment Specialist needs to be positive, flexible, empathetic, proactive and will 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. Be part of something great supporting service users on their next chapter into stable employment. Get involved in engaging with employers in Sheffield and build connections to improve employability within our city. This is a great opportunity for those with experience in recruitment and/or those with experience working in the substance use field or similar. We welcome applicants with lived experience and a passion for improving lives. We know that people are more likely to succeed in recovery through employment, education and volunteering opportunities. If this is you we welcome your application and are happy to discuss the role in more detail prior to application/interview.
What You’ll Do:
- Actively promote our clients as potential employees and raise awareness of the service.
- Promote the ethos of our programmes and Waythrough and encourage employers to look positively on our clients as potential applicants.
- Create employment opportunities for our clients through proactive engagement with a network of potential employers.
- Facilitate work placements, work trials and work experience with relevant employers.
- Provide appropriate in-work support to clients who have secured employment.
- Work with our Employment Coaches to identify job ready clients and facilitate swift access to local employers.
- Match clients to vacancies based on their job goals, skills and experience.
Full training will be provided for the successful individual.
To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need:
- Sound knowledge of the local labour market and the skills needed to apply for vacancies.
- Experience of working with a range of employers to satisfy their recruitment needs.
- Experience of using management information systems and maintaining accurate records.
- Track-record of supporting clients to achieve their programme of learning and obtain employment and of meeting job outcome performance targets.
- Experience of multi-agency working to facilitate progression to employment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook Office programmes.
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: 2026-10-02
Trainee IPS Employment Specialist employer: Waythrough
Waythrough is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the wellbeing of both staff and service users. With a comprehensive benefits package, including generous annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to health equality, employees can thrive while making a meaningful impact in the community. Located in the vibrant city of Sheffield, this role as a Health & Wellbeing Nurse allows you to be part of a dedicated team focused on transforming lives and promoting mental health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trainee IPS Employment Specialist
✨Get Involved in Community Events
Dive headfirst into community events and social work fairs in your area. These are great opportunities to connect with potential employers like Waythrough, grab some insider info, and showcase your passion for social work. Plus, meeting people face-to-face can really make you stand out!
✨Join Social Work Networks
Tap into social work networks and online communities, like local charities and organisations. Engaging in discussions or volunteering can help you build a strong reputation and could lead to part-time roles just like the one at Waythrough. The connections you make could be the key to landing your next opportunity!
✨Make Your Passion Shine
When approaching part-time roles, be sure to highlight your passion for social issues in conversations and informal chats. Bring your experiences to life through storytelling – this can resonate well with organisations looking for someone who genuinely cares about making a difference!
✨Keep an Eye on Local Job Boards
Part-time roles in social work might not always be advertised in the usual places. Keep checking local job boards or community centres for openings, and don't hesitate to apply directly through Waythrough's website – we love seeing proactive candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Trainee IPS Employment Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let your passion for social work shine through. Talk about why you're drawn to this field and how you've been involved in community service or support roles. We want to see your commitment and the heart you bring to the table!
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to spotlight any hands-on experience you have! Whether it's internships, volunteering, or relevant coursework, detail how your past experiences relate to the role at Waythrough. We love seeing candidates who have practical skills and a real understanding of social issues.
Certificates and Training Matter:If you've got any relevant certifications or training specific to social work (like safeguarding training or counselling qualifications), don’t forget to include these in your CV! These details can set you apart and show us you’re serious about your professional development.
Be Flexible with Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, explain your availability clearly in your application. Let us know when you can start and how many hours you’re looking to work. Being upfront about your schedule will help us see how you fit into the team at Waythrough.
How to prepare for a job interview at Waythrough
✨Show Your Passion for Helping Others
In social work, it's all about your commitment to making a difference. Be ready to share specific experiences that highlight your passion for helping others, whether that's through volunteering, placements, or personal stories. We want to see that genuine drive during your chat with Waythrough.
✨Know Your Social Work Theories
You might be quizzed on social work theories or models that inform your practice, like the person-in-environment approach. Brush up on these concepts and be prepared to discuss how you'd apply them in a practical setting. This could be a game changer in your interview for a Trainee IPS Employment Specialist at Waythrough.
✨Flexibility and Availability are Key
As you're going for a part-time role, highlight your flexibility and how it would fit with the organisation's needs. Have examples ready that demonstrate your availability for various shifts or urgent situations—that's just gold for a social work role.
✨Prepare for a Situation-Based Discussion
Expect scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate how you'd handle specific situations with clients or stakeholders. Think of a couple of real-life scenarios you've encountered and articulate your thought process. This will show Waythrough that you're ready to hit the ground running in the Trainee IPS Employment Specialist role.
