Employment Specialist IPS

Forward Leeds; Leeds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a passionate Employment Specialist to join their dynamic team. This role focuses on increasing employment opportunities for individuals in specialist drug and alcohol services, providing tailored support such as career coaching and interview preparation. With a commitment to fairness and inclusivity, the organization offers a collaborative work environment and opportunities for professional development. If you are driven to make a positive impact in people's lives and possess strong communication skills, this could be the perfect opportunity for you.

Benefits

Generous leave entitlement

Annual leave purchase scheme

Enhanced sick pay

Pension contributions

Death in service benefit

Free will writing

Eyecare vouchers

Blue Light Card discounts

Flexible working

Wellbeing support

Qualifications

• Experience managing a caseload in a support role.
• Strong communication and IT skills are essential.

Responsibilities

• Support service users into employment through tailored services.
• Work closely with recovery staff to enhance employment opportunities.

Skills

Caseload Management

Knowledge of Substance Misuse

Communication Skills

IT Skills

Relationship Building

Driving License

Job description

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 valued lives. We address poverty and disadvantage through mental health, substance misuse, housing, and related support services.

We operate nearly 200 services across England, supported by approximately 3,500 staff and volunteers, helping around 125,000 people annually.

As we integrate our systems and processes post-merger, some roles are still branded under 'Humankind'. Our recruitment systems will be fully integrated next year, but currently remain separate.

Employment Specialist IPS - Fixed Term until March 2026

Working hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm

Location: Irford House, Leeds LS14 6PA, with travel across all three Forward Leeds Hubs as required.

About the role

We are seeking an Individual Placement Support (IPS) Employment Specialist to join our team full-time. The Forward Leeds IPS team focuses on increasing employment for individuals in specialist drug and alcohol services. The role involves working closely with recovery staff to support service users into employment, offering tailored services such as career coaching, CV writing, interview preparation, and employer engagement.

About you

• Experience managing a caseload.
• Knowledge of drugs, alcohol, working with ex-offenders, the benefits system, or disadvantaged groups is advantageous.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Strong IT skills.
• Ability to build positive relationships with diverse individuals.
• A passion for making a difference in people's lives.
• A valid driving license and access to a vehicle are preferred due to travel requirements.

We are committed to fairness and inclusivity. If you share our values and are passionate about supporting others, but lack some experience, consider discussing your transferable skills with us.

For full details, please view the job description and person specification on our careers page. Note that if applying via Indeed, the link may not work; please apply through our website.

What we offer

• A role with meaningful community impact.
• Opportunities for professional development in substance misuse and criminal justice fields.
• A collaborative, supportive work environment.
• Generous leave entitlement (27 days plus bank holidays, increasing after 1 year).
• Annual leave purchase scheme.
• Enhanced sick pay and pension contributions.
• Additional benefits like death in service, free will writing, eyecare vouchers, Blue Light Card discounts, training opportunities, flexible working, and wellbeing support.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Waythrough is an equal-opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to diversity and inclusion. For application support or paper applications, contact our Recruitment Team at 01325 731 160 or email [e-mail].