IPS Employment Specialist (Carlisle & Penrith)

Location: Carlisle & Penrith Working Hours: 37 hours Contract Type: Permanent Salary: 25,110 – 32,090

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band.

About Waythrough

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, weve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services and its all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job its a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.

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. Youll work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside health and support professionals, ensuring employment is integrated into each persons recovery journey. You wont just help someone get a job – youll 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 Youll 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, Youll 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 peoples potential

Ability to stay organised and manage a varied caseload

A commitment to equality, inclusion, and recovery-focused work

We dont expect you to know everything about IPS as full training and support will be provided.

For full person specifications and job details, please visit this link.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, youll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

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 Way to Go and Aspirations portals

500 Recommend a Friend 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.

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme – all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk

Closing Date: