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IPS Employment Specialist (Carlisle & Penrith)
Location: Carlisle & Penrith
Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £25,110 - £32,090
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 new IPS Employment Specialist.
About the Role
As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will support our clients to find and sustain meaningful, paid employment. Using the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model, you will work directly with clients to understand their skills, interests and career goals, while actively building relationships with employers to create real job opportunities.
This role blends coaching, advocacy, and employer engagement. You’ll work as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside health and support professionals, ensuring employment is integrated into each person’s recovery journey. You won’t just help someone get a job - you’ll support them into the workplace and stay with them as they settle in, helping remove barriers and celebrating their achievements along the way.
Your work will change lives by boosting confidence, independence, financial stability, and long-term recovery.
What You’ll Do
1. Empower people to believe in their potential and pursue meaningful employment
2. Support individuals through every stage, from job search and interview prep to workplace adjustment and ongoing success
3. Build strong, positive relationships with local employers and advocate for inclusive hiring
4. Work flexibly and creatively to match people with roles that align with their strengths and ambitions
5. Promote the idea that work is a fundamental part of recovery and wellbeing
To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need:
6. Experience talking with employers and supporting people into work
7. Strong communication and relationship-building skills, with everyone from front-line teams to CEOs
8. Confidence in building employer networks and promoting a positive message
9. Negotiation skills and commercial awareness
10. Passion, drive, empathy and belief in people’s potential
11. Ability to stay organised and manage a varied caseload
12. A commitment to equality, inclusion, and recovery-focused work
We don’t expect you to know everything about IPS as full training and support will be provided.
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:
13. 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)
14. Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%
15. Life assurance (3× annual salary)
16. Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay
17. Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave
18. Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications
19. 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme
20. Recognition and long service awards via our and portals
21. £500 bonus
22. Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership
23. Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good
24. 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.
If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email .
How to Apply
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