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Lead Employment Specialist-
Cookson House, South Shields
Hours:37 hours 9am-5pm Monday to Friday
Contract: Permanent
Salary:£29,430-£37,610
Make a real difference in your community
Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier and more independent lives?
Join Waythrough, one of the UK’s leading mental health and social support charities, and make a lasting impact every day.
About the role...
We are looking for a motivated, passionate self-starter who wants to kickstart a career in the employability or recovery sector. This position, with on-the-job training, is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference and support those in treatment for drug and alcohol recovery across the Gateshead area.
As Lead Employment Specialist to manage a team of Employment Specialists providing supervision, training, caseload management, and role modelling of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach, as part of the holistic recovery plan for people in structured treatment for drug and/or alcohol use. The Lead Practitioner will provide a pivotal role in managing a high-quality service that meets fidelity standards and delivers positive outcomes for service users. You will also manage a small caseload of clients of people in structured treatment for drug and/ or alcohol use to assist them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences
To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need:
1. Experience of staff supervision, management and/or mentoring.
2. Strong networking abilities.
3. Team orientated and works collaboratively within a mixed-disciplinary team
About Waythrough
Formed in 2024 through the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship, Waythrough is now one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England.
With 3,500 staff and volunteers across more than 200 services, we help people to live full, meaningful lives.
Some roles may still appear under our legacy brands (Humankind, Richmond Fellowship, Aquarius) while we complete our integration — but wherever you join us, you’ll be part of one supportive team, sharing one purpose.
What We Offer
We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:
4. 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
5. Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
6. Life assurance (3× annual salary)
7. Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
8. Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
9. Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
10. 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
11. Recognition and long service awards via our and portals
12. £500 bonus
13. Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
14. Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
15. Free will writing service and wellbeing initiatives throughout the year
To apply, please click
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.
If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email .
How to Apply
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