Employment Specialist IPS

TipTopJob; West Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 24,000 - 31,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to empowering individuals on their recovery journey. As an Employment Specialist, you'll play a vital role in helping people transition into meaningful employment, providing tailored support and guidance. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact in the community, working closely with diverse individuals and collaborating with local employers. With a focus on professional growth and a supportive work environment, this position is perfect for those passionate about making a difference in people's lives. If you're ready to contribute to positive change, we encourage you to apply.

Benefits

Generous annual leave (27 days plus bank holidays)

Annual leave purchase scheme

Enhanced sick pay

Pension contributions

Death in service benefits

Free Will writing

Eyecare vouchers

Blue light card discounts

Flexible working policies

Training and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience managing a caseload is essential.
• Strong communication skills are a must for this role.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in their recovery journey towards employment.
• Provide career coaching and CV writing assistance.

Skills

Caseload Management

Communication Skills

IT Skills

Relationship Building

Knowledge of Benefits System

Job description

Location: Leeds, LS14 6PA

Salary: A GBP 24,242.40 - A GBP 30,790 per annum

Job Type: Fixed Term, Full Time

Hours: 37 hours per week

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 specialists will be co-located within these teams, working closely alongside recovery service staff to support a small caseload of service users into employment opportunities.

An Employment Specialist offers a bespoke employment service to individuals accessing recovery at Forward Leeds, including career coaching, CV writing, interview techniques, making links with local and national employers, attending job fairs, working across different sites, and some community work. The goal is to help and support individuals to quickly gain employment as part of their recovery journey.

About You...

• Experience of managing a caseload.
• Knowledge of drugs, alcohol, working with ex-offenders, the benefits system, or disadvantaged people would be advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong IT skills.
• The ability to build good relationships with a range of different people.
• A passion for making a difference in people's lives.
• A valid driving license and access to your own vehicle are preferred due to travel requirements across Leeds, but not essential.

We are committed to fair chances for all and ensuring everyone can access the help and support they need to realize their potential. By joining our passionate team, you will contribute to making a positive impact. If you believe you align with our values and ethos and are passionate about supporting people, consider applying even if you feel your experience is limited; transferrable skills are welcome.

The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role; starting salaries will allow for pay progression within the pay band.

Who we are...

Waythrough (formerly Humankind) launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Our vision is to break down barriers that prevent people from accessing support to live fulfilling lives. We address poverty and disadvantage through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing, and related support services.

We operate nearly 200 services across England with almost 3,500 staff and volunteers supporting around 125,000 people annually.

As we fully integrate our systems and approaches post-merger, some branding may still reflect Humankind. Our recruitment systems will be unified next year.

What we offer:

• A rewarding role with a tangible community impact.
• Opportunities for professional growth in substance misuse and criminal justice fields.
• A collaborative and supportive work environment.
• Generous annual leave (27 days plus bank holidays, increasing to 32 after 1 year).
• Annual leave purchase scheme.
• Enhanced sick pay and pension contributions.
• Benefits such as death in service, free Will writing, eyecare vouchers, blue light card discounts, and more.
• Training and development opportunities, including free courses.
• Flexible working and family-friendly policies to support work-life balance.