Recovery Focus
Employment Specialist
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Employment Specialist- Bedfordshire Employment Service
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240.03 (Full-time equivalent)
Location: Hybrid (1-2 days per week in the community/base office, remainder worked from home)
Base offices:
- Yew Tree House, St. Neots
- Union Street Clinic, Bedford
Working Hours: 22.5hrs per week.
We're happy to discuss your preferred working pattern, provided it falls within our core service hours (Mon-Fri 9.00-17.00).
Contract type: Part-time, Fixed Term contract until 31st March 2027 (Potential for extension in line with service funding).
Please note: You must hold a full UK Driving Licence and have access to your own vehicle.
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, we’ve 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 it’s 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 – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change.
Make a Difference Through Meaningful Work
Join a service that helps people experiencing mental health challenges and/or neurodivergent build confidence, overcome barriers and achieve their employment goals.
As an Employment Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to make a real impact while enjoying a varied and flexible role that combines home working, office collaboration and community-based support. No two days are the same, and you'll have the autonomy to manage your diary, build relationships, and support people on their journey towards meaningful and sustainable employment.
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About You
You don't need previous employment support experience to be successful in this role. We'd particularly welcome applications from people with experience in:
- Recruitment
- Education
- Human Resources
- Social Work
- Advice and guidance services
- Customer service
- Other people-focused support roles
We're looking for someone who is:
- Empathetic and person-centred
- Highly organised and self-motivated
- A confident communicator and relationship builder
- Comfortable managing a varied workload independently
- Passionate about helping people achieve their potential
About the Role
You'll manage a caseload of 20-30 clients, that you’ll meet with 1-2 times per month, providing personalised employment support tailored to individual goals and circumstances.
Your work will include:
- Supporting clients with job searches, CV writing, applications and interviews
- Developing practical action plans to help people achieve their employment goals
- Supporting return-to-work planning and workplace wellbeing
- Helping clients navigate workplace challenges and access reasonable adjustments
- Building positive relationships with employers and community partners
- Maintaining accurate records and managing your caseload effectively
About the Service
The Bedfordshire Employment Service supports people whose mental health is affecting their ability to work. We help individuals to:
- Find and secure employment
- Return to work following a period of absence
- Retain employment and overcome workplace challenges
- Explore volunteering opportunities
- Access information, advice and support around employment and benefits
Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
Our goal is to help people improve their wellbeing and recovery through meaningful activity and employment.
To view the Job Description, please click here.
This is a rolling recruitment process; candidates will be shortlisted as and when they apply.
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll 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: 2026-08-24
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