Lead Employment Specialist – IPS & Employer Partnerships

Waythrough; Greater London; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Full benefits package

Pension scheme

Training and development

Cycle to work

Job summary

Waythrough is seeking a motivated Lead Employment Specialist to join our CDDARS service across County Durham. You will lead and develop a small team of four Employment Specialists, guiding individuals accessing drug and alcohol treatment toward sustained employment.

You will build strong relationships with local employers, shape IPS delivery, and ensure accurate reporting while supporting people to overcome barriers to work and achieve long-term recovery.

Qualifications

• Experience in employability services or related field.
• Proven ability to lead and develop staff.
• Strong relationship-building with external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model is advantageous.
• Ability to use management information systems for reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and develop a team of four Employment Specialists.
• Support delivery of a high-quality IPS service.
• Manage a small caseload (~10–15 individuals).
• Build and maintain relationships with local employers.
• Develop employer engagement and job development strategies.
• Monitor service performance and report to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with partners to improve service delivery.
• Gather feedback to inform service improvements.

Skills

Leadership

Team coaching

Stakeholder engagement

IPS knowledge

Employer engagement

People development

Tools

Management Information Systems

Case management

Job description

Waythrough is seeking a motivated Lead Employment Specialist to join our CDDARS service across County Durham. You will lead and develop a small team of four Employment Specialists, guiding individuals accessing drug and alcohol treatment toward sustained employment.

You will build strong relationships with local employers, shape IPS delivery, and ensure accurate reporting while supporting people to overcome barriers to work and achieve long-term recovery.