This is a varied and rewarding community-based role, with a hybrid mix of working from our Better Days Bolton office and across the local community. You will travel to different locations across Bolton depending on the needs of the people you support and the requirements of the role. IT equipment and a mobile phone will be provided to enable you to work effectively across different settings.

What You’ll Do

As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will provide tailored employment support to people accessing Better Days Bolton, helping them identify their goals and move towards paid employment.

Your work will include career coaching, CV writing, job searching and application support, interview preparation and helping individuals build the confidence and skills they need to enter the workplace.

You will develop positive relationships with local and national employers, identifying suitable employment opportunities and understanding their recruitment needs. You will also attend job fairs and other employment-focused events and work closely with colleagues and partner organisations across Bolton.

Using the IPS approach, you will support individuals to move towards employment as quickly as possible, recognising the positive role that meaningful work can play in someone's wider recovery journey.

To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need:

• Experience of working with employers and understanding their recruitment needs.
• Good knowledge of the local labour market and the skills and approaches needed to successfully apply for vacancies.
• Experience of managing a caseload and providing individualised support.
• The ability to build positive relationships with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Enthusiasm, resilience and the ability to motivate and encourage others to achieve their goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The confidence to work independently across office and community settings while also contributing effectively as part of a wider team.
• A genuine passion for helping people overcome barriers and make positive changes in their lives.
• Knowledge or experience of drug and alcohol services, the criminal justice system, welfare benefits or supporting people experiencing disadvantage would be advantageous.
• A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle would be beneficial due to the community-based nature of the role and travel across Bolton, but this is not essential.

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: 2026-10-22