Waythrough 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.
Bringing together two big organisations is not a small task and it’ll take a while to fully integrate our systems, processes and approaches. That’s why you will notice the jobs here are still branded ‘Humankind’. Next year we’ll be fully integrating our recruitment systems but for now they are separate.
Location Region
Location Region Cumbria
Location City
Location Postal Code
Location Postal Code LA14 1RD
Interview Date
Interview Date 16 Jul 2025
Employment Specialist
Location: Barrow-in-Furness (with travel to Kendal)
Contract: Fixed Term (March 2026) – Full Time
Do you understand the importance of work and the vital role it can play in the lives of those with health conditions or disabilities? Do you take pride in what you do, and can you think creatively about how different organisations can work together to deliver a better service? Are you happy to talk with employers and help match people into meaningful work?
If this sounds like you, then you might be ideal for our Employment Specialist position!
Although this role is fixed term, there is potential for extension to the contract.
About the role
We’re looking for an Employment Specialist to deliver Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to people accessing substance use services in the Barrow and Kendal areas of South Cumbria.
You’ll help individuals—many of whom may be living with health conditions or disabilities—find and sustain paid, meaningful employment that aligns with their goals and preferences.
As an Employment Specialist, you will be responsible for:
Supporting individuals in treatment services to find paid work using the IPS model
* Engaging with employers to identify job opportunities and negotiate roles
* Building partnerships with local businesses, health professionals, and support networks
* Delivering a personalised service that values each person’s goals, preferences, and journey
* Tracking and celebrating employment successes while offering ongoing support
Please note you’ll be based at our Barrow hub, with regular travel between this hub and our Kendal hub (travel fully reimbursed through expenses).
About you
We don’t expect you to know everything about IPS—we’ll support your learning.
What we do look for is passion, resilience, and commitment.
You’ll be a great fit if you:
* Have experience supporting people into employment or talking confidently with employers
* Possess excellent communication and relationship-building skills, at all levels
* Bring negotiation skills and commercial awareness
* Are creative and persistent in problem-solving
* Want to make a real difference in people’s lives
Please be advised, if you are viewing this role on Indeed, the link to the job description will not work. Please click the 'Apply via Company Website' button to be redirected to our careers page, where you will be able to view the job description in full.
‘The salary advertised above demonstrates the full earning potential for this role, starting salaries will allow for pay progression within the pay band’
Please read the full Job Description and Person Specification prior to applying for this position.
For full person specifications and job details, please visit this link.
Who are we…
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.
Bringing together two big organisations is not a small task and it’ll take a while to fully integrate our systems, processes and approaches. That’s why you will notice the jobs here are still branded ‘Humankind’. Next year we’ll be fully integrating our recruitment systems but for now they are separate.
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 WaythroughSupport 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
Salary Period
Salary Period Per Annum
Vacancy Salary Range
DBS Requirement
Does role require Police/Prison vetting? Not Applicable
Driving licence required for role?
Driving licence required for role? No
Applications Close Date
Applications Close Date 13 Jul 2025
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