IPS Employment Specialist

Location:  Christchurch
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary:  £25,877.80 - £34,240.03 per annum

Starting salary of £29,693 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're looking for a passionate and motivated Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Specialist to help people experiencing severe mental health difficulties find and sustain meaningful paid employment.

Working as part of a multidisciplinary mental health team, you'll deliver person-centred employment support that empowers individuals to achieve their career aspirations as part of their recovery journey. Using the evidence-based IPS model, you'll provide tailored support from initial career planning through to securing employment and offering ongoing in-work support for both clients and employers.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a lasting difference by helping people build confidence, independence and improved wellbeing through employment.

About the Service

Our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) service is an internationally recognised, evidence-based employment programme that supports people with severe mental health conditions into competitive paid employment.

The IPS model focuses on rapid job search, individualised support based on each person's preferences and strengths, and unlimited in-work support to help sustain employment. Working closely with Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs), employers and local partners, we believe that employment plays a vital role in recovery and social inclusion.

As an embedded member of the clinical team, you'll work collaboratively with healthcare professionals, employers and community organisations to provide holistic support that enables clients to achieve their employment goals.

What You'll Do

As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will:

• Deliver high-quality employment support in line with the IPS Fidelity model and promote employment as a key part of mental health recovery.
• Meet clients within community settings to understand their strengths, aspirations and employment goals.
• Develop personalised employment plans, providing support with CV writing, job applications, interview preparation, career planning and job searching.
• Offer guidance around welfare benefits, disclosure of mental and physical health conditions, and workplace adjustments where appropriate.
• Build strong relationships with local employers to identify both advertised and hidden employment opportunities that match clients' skills and ambitions.
• Develop employer partnerships that create inclusive employment opportunities and maintain an active employer engagement network.
• Provide ongoing support to both clients and employers once employment has commenced, helping individuals sustain work successfully.
• Regularly review client progress before and after employment, adapting support to meet changing needs.
• Work collaboratively with Community Mental Health Teams, Jobcentre Plus and other partner organisations to ensure joined-up, recovery-focused support in the Lymington, New Milton area.
• Attend clinical meetings, group supervision and one-to-one supervision, contributing updates on client progress and employer engagement.
• Maintain accurate and timely records using IPS Fidelity documentation, RiO clinical systems, Outlook and other case management systems.
• Produce reports, manage caseload information and ensure all administrative tasks are completed within agreed timescales.
• Work flexibly when required to meet the needs of clients and employers.
• Promote equality, diversity and inclusion whilst working in accordance with organisational policies, IPS best practice and Health & Safety requirements, including lone working procedures.

What We're Looking For

We're looking for someone who is passionate about helping people achieve their employment goals and who believes that meaningful work can play a significant role in recovery.

Essential

• Educated to A-Level standard (or equivalent) or above.
• Excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills.
• Strong motivational and coaching skills with the ability to build trusting relationships.
• Good organisational skills with the ability to manage a varied caseload effectively.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative to develop and promote the service.
• Experience of supporting disadvantaged or disabled people into employment.
• Experience of networking with employers and developing positive employer relationships.
• Experience of facilitating groups or workshops.
• Competent using IT systems and databases, with the ability to maintain accurate electronic records and case notes.
• Empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing mental health difficulties.
• A solution-focused, outcome-driven approach with the ability to motivate and engage others.
• Ability to travel throughout the local area using your own transport.

Desirable

• Level 3 Qualification in Advice and Guidance (or equivalent).
• Experience working within business, industry, education or retail.
• Experience supporting people with mental health conditions in either a paid or voluntary capacity.
• Knowledge or experience of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model and IPS Fidelity standards.

To view the Job Description click here.

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: [email protected] 

Closing Date: