Recovery Focus
IPS Employment and Education Specialist
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IPS Employment and Education Specialist
# IPS Employment and Education Specialist
Location: Bristol Working Hours: 37 hours per week Contract Type: Full-time Permanent Salary: £25,877.80 – £34,240.03 per annum (Starting salary: £29,693.00 per annum)
Essential Requirement: Applicants must hold a full, clean UK driving licence and have access to their own vehicle.
About Waythrough
Waythrough is the largest mental health and social support charity in England, having merged in 2024 (previously Humankind and Richmond Fellowship). With 3,500+ staff and volunteers, they support ~125,000 people annually through 175+ services.
This role offers an opportunity to:
- Help others live safer, healthier, more independent lives
- Build meaningful relationships and drive lasting recovery
- Join a team that transforms lives through employment, education, and sustained support
About the Role
The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Specialist delivers a person-centred evidence-based service to individuals experiencing severe mental health difficulties. As part of 200+ services across England, you’ll achieve the following:
Core Responsibilities
Client Support
- Deliver high-fidelity IPS employment and education support—focusing on rapid job placement, workplace retention, and long-term career growth.
- Meet clients in community and workplace settings to provide tailored advancements in employment, education, or skill development.
- Assist with:
- Benefits and welfare advice
- Workplace adjustments
- Confidential disclosure of mental/physical health needs
- Build and sustain client-employer partnerships, liaising with organisations like Jobcentre Plus, educational providers, and local businesses.
- Provide ongoing in-work support for both clients and employers as needed.
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Progress Monitoring & Case Management
- Conduct regular client reviews to track progress and retention.
- Maintain partnerships with Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs) for a holistic recovery approach.
- Promote the IPS model and expand employer engagement opportunities.
- Facilitate small-group activities when beneficial.
Administration & Compliance
- Record and update client documentation using IPS Fidelity standards, RiO systems, andRiO database.
- Complete case notes, reports, and management records on time.
- Collaborate with supervisors and clinical teams to ensure client progress is accurately documented.
Professional Development & Collaboration
- Attend:
- Weekly clinical team meetings
- Weekly group supervision & updates
- Monthly one-to-one supervision with the Team Leader
- Maintain high standards of efficiency, confidentiality, and wellbeing compliance.
- Embrace equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in all interactions.
What We’re Looking For
Essential
-
Qualification:
- A-levels (or equivalent) or above.
- Current or prior Level 3 award in Advice and Guidance (desirable).
-
Experience:
- Proven track record of supporting disadvantaged/disabled individuals in finding and securing employment.
- Familiarity with electronic record-keeping and case management systems.
- Experience networking with employers/external organisations.
- Flexible use of your own vehicle to travel clientovisiting sites.
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Skills & Mindset:
- Empathy for individuals experiencing mental health struggles.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to motivate, empower, and mentor.
- Confidence using office tools and digital platforms.
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Desirable
- Experience in business/industry or education spaces.
- Ruby mental health advocacy (volunteer or professional).
- Knowledge or certification in the IPS model and its standards.
Ideal candidates are those deeply committed to employment-led recovery and passionate about facilitating deep partnerships with employers and clients.
What We Offer
Generous Benefits Package
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Annual Leave: 27 days + 5 bank holidays (differs to 32 days after 1 year).
-
Pension: Employer match up to 6.5% (4.5% contribution).
-
Financial Security: 3× annual salary life assurance.
-
Care Support:
- 24/7 online GP access
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) services
-
Wellbeing:
- Professional qualification reimbursement
- Will-writing service
- Age-on ceremony (with optional extra leave).
Lifestyle & Incentive Rewards
- £500 Recommend a Friend bonus.
- Cycle To Work Scheme + Credit Union access.
- Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras & Tickets for Good.
- Award Scheme: Recognition of seniority/vist distinctions via Way To Go and Aspirations portals.
Equal Opportunities & Adjustments
Waythrough proudly participates in the Disability Confident Scheme and advocates inclusivity in all aspects of employment. Adjustments to applications are welcome—contact: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk
Closing Date: 23 July 2026.
Waythrough was formed post-merger, with schedules updated to reflect Aquarius’ integration in April 2026. Join a mission to dismantle barriers to better lives in your community!
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