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.
IPS Lead Employment Specialist
Location: Devon
Contract: Fixed Term (until 31/03/2027) – Full Time
Together Devon is on a mission to support people in recovery from drug and alcohol dependency by helping them move into meaningful employment – and we’re looking for a passionate and driven Lead Employment Specialist to join our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) team.
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to lead a dedicated team delivering IPS-based supported employment to individuals accessing community substance use services. Your work will be key to empowering people to move into paid employment that respects their aspirations and plays a vital role in their recovery journey.
You will oversee the day-to-day operations of the service, support and manage staff, and help build strong relationships with employers, treatment teams, and local partners to create real opportunities for people.
As an IPS Lead Employment Specialist, you will be responsible for:
* Leading and supporting a small team to deliver high-quality IPS employment services.
* Providing tailored employment support including coaching, CV writing, interview prep, job fairs, and employer engagement.
* Working assertively with people in treatment to support them into work and sustain employment.
* Building effective partnerships with stakeholders, employers, and skills providers.
* Accurately maintaining data and contribute to monthly/quarterly reports.
* Traveling regularly across Exeter, Barnstaple, and Newton Abbot as required.
Please note interviews will be rolling and the advert may close early should successful candidates be appointed.
About you
To succeed as anLead IPS Employment Specialist, you will ideally have:
* Experience or understanding of the substance misuse sector.
* Background in employment support (e.g. IPS, recruitment, careers advice).
* Confident communicator with strong people skills.
* Experience managing a team and supporting casework supervision.
* Understanding of challenges faced by vulnerable people in recovery.
* Knowledge of personalised approaches to employment support and recovery.
Ready to take the next step in your career and make a real difference?
Apply now to join a team where compassion, empowerment, and recovery are at the heart of everything we do.
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‘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? Yes
Applications Close Date
Applications Close Date 13 Jul 2025
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