Recovery Focus
IPS Employment Specialist
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IPS Employment Specialist - Forward Leeds
Location: Forward Leeds, 3 Armley Court, Armley Road LS12 2LB (with the potential to become poly-site)
Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday-Friday 9am-5pm
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240.03 per annum
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.
About the Role
We are currently looking for an Individual Placement Support (IPS) Employment Specialist to join our team on a full-time basis.
The Forward Leeds IPS team aims to increase the number of people moving into employment from the specialist drug and alcohol services. Employment specialist roles will be co-located within these teams working closely alongside recovery service staff to support a small caseload of service users into employment opportunities.
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This is a very interesting, varied and rewarding role. A driving licence would be beneficial but not essential, but the successful candidate would not be based in one office and expected to travel across Leeds according to the requirements of the role. IT equipment and a mobile phone would be provided and be carried on their person to the different locations.
What You’ll Do
An Employment Specialist offers a bespoke employment service to the individual accessing recovery at Forward Leeds which includes, career coaching, CV writing, interview techniques, making links with local and national employers, attending job fairs, working across different sites and some community working. To help and support the individual to quickly gain employment as part of their recovery journey.
To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need:
An employment Specialist needs to be:
- Experience of working with a range of employers to satisfy their recruitment needs.
- Sound knowledge of the local labour market and the skills needed to apply for vacancies.
- Be enthusiastic towards challenges and be able to motivate others.
- Any knowledge of drugs, alcohol, working with ex-offenders, the benefits system or disadvantaged people would be an advantage.
- Experience of managing a caseload.
- Excellent communication, both written and verbally.
- A passion for making a difference to peoples’ lives.
- A valid driving licence and have access to your own vehicle, is not essential for this role but it is preferred due to required travel across Leeds.
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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: 2026-08-25
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