Job overview

Waythrough (formerly Humankind) launched in October 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship.

Our vision is to break down the barriers that stop people getting the support they need to live a life they value. We tackle poverty and disadvantage in communities, through mental health, drug and alcohol, housing and related support.

We have almost 200 services around England – and nearly 3,500 amazing staff and volunteers who run them. Every year our services support around 125,000 people.

Thanks for bearing with us – and don’t forget to check out the Waythrough (formerly Humankind) jobs on the Richmond Fellowship and Aquarius job site https://recoveryfocus.wd3.myworkdayjobs.com/Recovery_Focus_Careers.

What can Waythrough (formerly Humankind) offer you…
🏖️ Generous annual leave entitlement (27 days, plus bank holidays, increasing to 32 after 1 years’ service)
📅 Annual leave purchase scheme
💰 Enhanced occupational sick pay
 % Enhanced employer contribution to your workplace pension
👪 Death in service benefit
✍️ Free Will writing
👓 Eyecare vouchers
🛍️ Blue light card discount
💡 Fantastic learning and development opportunities, including free training courses
🏠 Work-life balance- flexible working and family friendly policies
🏃‍♀️  Happy, Healthy You! – our wellbeing offers for our workforce
🤝 Employee Assist Programme and Waythrough Support Networks

Waythrough (formerly Humankind) is an equal opportunities employer

We value unique perspectives and experiences that everyone can bring, and fully understand the strength in diversity and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, regardless of race, gender, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, or disability. If you have a genuine passion for working for us, we want to hear for you. We also welcome applications from people with lived experience with substance use. If you require support with your application, please contact the Recruitment Team at people.recruitment@waythrough.org.uk

Role

IPS Senior Employment Specialist
Location: Barnsley
Contract: Full-time, permanent

About the role

We are looking for a dedicated and dynamic IPS Senior Employment Specialist to join our team.

In this pivotal role, you will:

  • Manage and mentor a small team of Employment Specialists, providing guidance, supervision, and training to ensure high standards of service.
  • Hold a small caseload of clients, supporting people in structured treatment for drug and/or alcohol use to secure and sustain meaningful paid employment.
  • Build strong relationships with partner agencies, including local employers and health providers, to support client success.
  • Work closely with Public Health England to ensure our services meet Individual Placement and Support (IPS) fidelity standards.
  • Act as a role model of IPS practice, fostering continuous improvement and innovation within the service.

Responsibilities

As an IPS Senior Employment Specialist, you will be responsible for:

  • Coaching and developing your team to exceed performance targets.
  • Developing employment opportunities through employer engagement and collaboration with local organisations.
  • Supporting service users through every step of their employment journey.
  • Ensuring accurate reporting and uphold service quality through regular audits and feedback.
  • Leading strategic planning and service delivery in collaboration with senior leadership.

The person

To succeed as a IPS Senior Employment Specialist, you will ideally have:

*Proven experience managing or mentoring staff within employment services or a similar support-based setting.

  • Strong understanding of IPS principles and supported employment practices.
  • Excellent communication and networking skills.
  • Ability to manage a caseload while overseeing service delivery.
  • Commitment to workplace values: Honesty, Commitment, and Inventiveness.

    • Desirable Qualifications

  • IPS training or experience delivering IPS services.
  • Level 3 Diploma in Employability Services or equivalent.
  • Experience supporting individuals with substance use or related needs.