At a Glance
- Tasks: Empower young people to achieve their employment goals and build confidence.
- Company: Join an award-winning team dedicated to changing lives in West London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and comprehensive training provided.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in young people's lives and shape their futures.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for helping others succeed.
The predicted salary is between 37002 - 37002 £ per year.
Location: West London
Salary: £32,612.00 - £37,002.00 per annum including London Weighting where applicable
Vacancy Type: Permanent/Full Time
Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Application Deadline: Friday, December 4, 2026
Job Summary: Ready to make a real difference in young people’s lives? Join our award-winning IPS Into Work team and help young people aged 18–29 unlock their potential through meaningful employment, education and brighter futures! We’re seeking people to apply for an exciting IPS Employment Specialist opportunity within the West London Alliance. Make an impact. Change lives. Shape futures.
About the Role: As an IPS Employment Specialist, you’ll empower young people to achieve their goals through personalised support, building employer connections and working alongside treatment professionals. More than just a job – you’ll help young people unlock opportunities, build confidence, gain independence and take life‑changing steps towards a brighter future.
Salary: £32,612 - £37,002 per annum inclusive of London Weighting (dependent on experience)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Location: You will work across two West London areas for each Employment Specialist (to be negotiated – Barnet, Brent, Ealing and Hounslow) with a willingness to travel as required. All reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed. There will be a hybrid approach to working.
Key Responsibilities:
- Empower young people aged 18–29 to explore their ambitions and achieve their employment goals.
- Build strong employer relationships to unlock meaningful job opportunities.
- Provide personalised support to help young people overcome barriers and build confidence.
- Work collaboratively with the IPS and treatment teams and partners to support positive outcomes.
- Support lasting success by helping young people secure and sustain paid employment.
- Champion potential and inspire young people to take their next steps towards employment, education and independence.
A normal week would involve:
- Delivering one-to-one employment coaching and personalised action planning.
- Building relationships with local employers and matching individuals on the caseload to suitable vacancies.
- Providing in‑work support to both employers and employees to sustain outcomes.
- Working closely with treatment recovery teams to integrate employment into recovery planning.
- Working to IPS fidelity standards and contributing to continuous service improvement.
Training and development: We welcome people from a range of professional backgrounds. What matters most is your passion, values and drive to make a difference. We'll give you the tools to succeed, including:
- Comprehensive IPS induction and accredited training
- Ongoing coaching, mentoring and expert support
- Opportunities to develop your skills and grow professionally
- Access to workshops and external learning events
You bring the passion and potential. We'll provide the training and support to help you thrive!
About You: We’re looking for someone who is empathetic, motivated and proactive, with a genuine passion for helping young people succeed. You’ll bring:
- Strong communication and relationship‑building skills
- A positive, person‑centred and recovery‑focused approach
- Confidence to work with employers and partner teams
- Resilience, initiative and a solutions‑focused mindset
- The drive to help young people achieve lasting employment outcomes
IPS Employment Specialist - Young People employer: Wdp
At Via, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values collaboration and professional growth. Our Northwich location provides a unique opportunity to engage with the community while delivering compassionate care as a Clinical Lead. We are committed to your development, providing ongoing training and mentorship to ensure you thrive in your role and make a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land IPS Employment Specialist - Young People
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Wdp.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Wdp.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Wdp.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Wdp. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace IPS Employment Specialist - Young People
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Wdp. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like IPS Employment Specialist - Young People, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wdp
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Wdp. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
