Employment Specialist - Connect to Work Tees Valley

Salary: £25,877 – £34,240 per annum

Contract: Fixed-term until 31 March 2028

Working pattern: Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, with one 30-minute early finish

Location: Morton Park Business Centre, Darlington

Travel: Travel throughout Tees Valley will be required

*Please note: this vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received; therefore early applications are highly encouraged.

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 looking for a motivated and person-centred Employment Specialist to join our Connect to Work service, helping people across the Tees Valley overcome barriers to employment and find meaningful, sustainable work.

Connect to Work is a voluntary supported employment programme providing personalised, one-to-one support to disabled people, people with long-term health conditions and individuals experiencing complex circumstances.

You will work closely with participants to understand their strengths, skills and career aspirations, supporting them throughout their journey into employment and helping them to succeed once in work. You will also build relationships with local employers to identify opportunities and promote inclusive recruitment practices.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference to people's lives, supporting individuals to build confidence, achieve their employment goals and move towards greater independence.

What will you be doing?

• Provide tailored, one-to-one employment support, helping participants identify their strengths, interests and career goals.
• Support individuals with job searching, CV preparation, interview techniques and career planning.
• Build relationships with local employers to identify both advertised and hidden employment opportunities.
• Match participants with suitable paid employment opportunities that reflect their preferences, skills and aspirations.
• Provide ongoing in-work support to help participants sustain their employment, working with employers where appropriate.
• Monitor progress through regular meetings and maintain accurate case notes and records on the CRM database.
• Develop positive working relationships with referral partners, Jobcentre Plus, employers and other service providers.
• Deliver support in line with the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF) and Connect to Work programme requirements.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who is proactive, organised and passionate about helping people overcome barriers to employment. You will be confident building relationships, motivating others and managing your own workload while working both independently and collaboratively.

You will need:

• Experience supporting disadvantaged or disabled people to access the labour market.
• Experience networking and liaising with employers.
• Strong communication, listening, motivational and interpersonal skills.
• Good organisational skills and the ability to manage your own workload.
• Confidence using computer systems and maintaining accurate records.
• A solutions-focused approach, with the ability to engage and motivate people.
• A full driving licence and access to your own vehicle, with the ability to travel across the local area.

It would be desirable if you also have:

• A Level 3 qualification in Employability Services or Advice and Guidance.
• Experience working in business, industry or education.
• An understanding of supported employment and the Supported Employment Quality Framework (SEQF).

We welcome applications from people with transferable skills and experience in employment support, recruitment or employability services.

To view the full job description and person specification, 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: