Employment Specialist

Recovery Focus; Carlisle; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

A supportive charity organization in Carlisle is seeking an IPS Employment Specialist to help clients secure meaningful employment. This role requires building employer relationships, providing coaching, and supporting clients through their employment journey. Ideal candidates will have strong communication skills and a passion for empowering others. A comprehensive benefits package is offered, including annual leave, pension contributions, and bonuses.

Benefits

27 days annual leave

Pension scheme with employer contributions

Life assurance

Enhanced sick pay

Birthday leave

Professional fee reimbursement

24/7 online GP access

Recognition awards

£500 bonus

Qualifications

• Experience talking with employers and supporting people into work.
• Confidence in promoting a positive message and building employer networks.
• Commitment to equality, inclusion, and recovery-focused work.

Responsibilities

• Support clients in finding and sustaining meaningful employment.
• Build relationships with employers for job opportunities.
• Empower individuals through the employment process.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Relationship-building skills

Negotiation skills

Ability to manage a varied caseload

Empathy and passion for people's potential

Job description

IPS Employment Specialist (Carlisle & Penrith)

Location: Carlisle & Penrith

Working Hours: 37

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £25,110 - £32,090

Do you understand the importance of work and the vital role it can play in the lives of those with health conditions or disabilities? Do you take pride in what you do and can you think creatively about how different organisations can work together to deliver a better service? Are you happy to talk with employers and help match people into meaningful work?

If this sounds like you, then you might be ideal for our new IPS Employment Specialist.

About the Role

As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will support our clients to find and sustain meaningful, paid employment. Using the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you will work directly with clients to understand their skills, interests and career goals, while actively building relationships with employers to create real job opportunities.

This role blends coaching, advocacy, and employer engagement. You’ll work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside health and support professionals, ensuring employment is integrated into each person’s recovery journey. You won’t just help someone get a job - you’ll support them into the workplace and stay with them as they settle in, helping remove barriers and celebrating their achievements along the way.

Your work will change lives by boosting confidence, independence, financial stability, and long-term recovery.

What You’ll Do

• Empower people to believe in their potential and pursue meaningful employment
• Support individuals through every stage, from job search and interview prep to workplace adjustment and ongoing success
• Build strong, positive relationships with local employers and advocate for inclusive hiring
• Work flexibly and creatively to match people with roles that align with their strengths and ambitions
• Promote the idea that work is a fundamental part of recovery and wellbeing

To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need

• Experience talking with employers and supporting people into work
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with everyone from front-line teams to CEOs
• Confidence in building employer networks and promoting a positive message
• Negotiation skills and commercial awareness
• Passion, drive, empathy and belief in people’s potential
• Ability to stay organised and manage a varied caseload
• A commitment to equality, inclusion, and recovery-focused work

We don’t expect you to know everything about IPS as full training and support will be provided.

About Waythrough

Formed in 2024 through the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship, Waythrough is now one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.

With 3,500 staff and volunteers across more than 200 services, we help people to live full, meaningful lives.

Some roles may still appear under our legacy brands (Humankind, Richmond Fellowship, Aquarius) while we complete our integration — but wherever you join us, you’ll be part of one supportive team, sharing one purpose.

What We Offer

• 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 portals
• £500 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.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email (email address not provided).

How to Apply

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