Lead IPS Employment Specialist - County Durham

Recovery Focus; North East; On-site; GBP 29,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

27 days’ annual leave

Pension with employer contribution

Life assurance

Enhanced sick pay

Birthday leave

Professional fee reimbursement

GP access and EAP

Recognition and long service awards

Recommend a Friend bonus

Cycle to Work

Blue Light / Charity discounts

Free will writing

Inclusion and accessibility

Job summary

Waythrough is seeking a Lead Employment Specialist to head the CDDARS service across County Durham. You will lead a team of four Employment Specialists, develop IPS delivery, and build strong employer links to create paid employment opportunities for people in treatment programs.

You will manage a small caseload, monitor performance, and report to stakeholders while shaping service development with a focus on long-term employment and recovery goals.

Qualifications

• Experience in employability services.
• Experience of working with external stakeholders and building effective professional relationships.
• Experience of leading or supervising a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead, supervise and develop a team of four Employment Specialists, providing coaching, mentoring, training and ongoing support.
• Support the delivery of a high-quality IPS service, ensuring best practice is followed and positive employment outcomes are achieved.
• Manage a small caseload of around 10–15 individuals, supporting them to secure sustainable paid employment.
• Build and maintain relationships with local employers, identifying opportunities and helping the team access the hidden labour market.
• Support the team to develop effective employer engagement and job development strategies.
• Monitor service performance, review progress against targets and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Maintain accurate records and prepare reports for internal and external stakeholders, including commissioners.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, external agencies, training providers and other partners to help individuals achieve their employment goals.
• Gather feedback from the people we support and use this to improve service delivery.
• Support employers to understand individual needs and, where appropriate, negotiate workplace adjustments and ongoing support to help people remain in employment.

Skills

Leadership

IPS

Stakeholder management

Employment services

Job description

Waythrough is seeking a Lead Employment Specialist to head the CDDARS service across County Durham. You will lead a team of four Employment Specialists, develop IPS delivery, and build strong employer links to create paid employment opportunities for people in treatment programs.

You will manage a small caseload, monitor performance, and report to stakeholders while shaping service development with a focus on long-term employment and recovery goals.