Employment Specialist

Location:

County Durham (main base to be discussed with line manager), travel will be required throughout the region and between services.

Working Hours:

37 hours per week, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (with one 30 minute early finish each week. Contract Type:
Permanent Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240.03

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.

Waythrough is looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Employment Specialist to join our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) team. You will play a key role in connecting people with meaningful employment opportunities by building strong relationships with local employers and understanding their recruitment needs. Working closely with Employment Coaches, you will identify suitable job opportunities, match individuals to vacancies based on their skills, experience and aspirations, and support them to secure and sustain employment.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives, helping individuals build confidence, develop their skills and take positive steps towards a brighter future.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers to identify and develop employment opportunities.
• Promote the skills and abilities of the people we support, encouraging employers to consider them for suitable vacancies.
• Arrange work placements, work trials and work experience opportunities.
• Work closely with Employment Coaches to identify individuals who are ready to enter employment and connect them with local employers.
• Match individuals to suitable vacancies based on their skills, experience and employment goals.
• Provide ongoing in-work support to help individuals overcome barriers and sustain their employment.
• Develop a strong understanding of local labour markets, employer requirements and skills shortages.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, tracking progress and employment outcomes.
• Keep management information systems updated and complete monitoring and reporting requirements for project funders.
• Work collaboratively with other agencies and attend multi-agency meetings where required.

We are looking for someone who is motivated, organised and passionate about supporting people into meaningful and sustainable employment. You will be confident building relationships with employers, understanding their recruitment needs and identifying opportunities that benefit both employers and the people we support. You will also be able to work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organisations to help individuals overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes.

• A Level 3 qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), Employment Related Services or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience supporting individuals to achieve learning and employment goals, with a track record of meeting job outcome…