Overview
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 staff and volunteers who run them. Every year our services support around 125,000 people. Next year we will fully integrate our recruitment systems, but for now they are separate.
Waythrough (formerly Humankind) is an equal opportunities employer. We value diverse perspectives and encourage applications from all backgrounds. We also welcome applications from people with lived experience of substance use. If you require support with your application, please contact the Recruitment Team at people.recruitment@waythrough.org.uk.
Position
IPS Employment Specialist
Location: Devon (Barnstaple)
Contract: Fixed Term (until 31/03/2027) – Full Time
About the role
Together Devon is an integrated drug and alcohol recovery service supporting individuals with advice, treatment, and long-term recovery solutions. We are expanding our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) team and are looking for an Employment Specialist in Barnstaple to support individuals in substance use treatment to gain meaningful paid employment. Using the evidence-based IPS model, you’ll deliver a person-centred employment service that empowers people to make their own job choices and take steps toward long-term recovery. This role is varied, fulfilling, and ideal for someone who is enthusiastic about helping others and enjoys working in dynamic, community-based environments.
As an IPS Employment Specialist, you will be responsible for:
* Delivering tailored employment support, including CV writing, job searches, interview coaching, and career planning.
* Building strong relationships with local and national employers to source job opportunities.
* Supporting individuals on a 1:1 basis to identify their goals and move quickly into employment.
* Working across our main sites in Exeter, Barnstaple, and Newton Abbot.
* Representing Together Devon at job fairs and networking events.
* Maintaining accurate records and contributing to a data-driven service.
Note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high number of applications. Interviews may be held before the closing date.
About you
We are looking for someone who is:
* Empathetic and motivational – able to support and inspire others on their recovery journey.
* Flexible and proactive – comfortable managing a varied workload and working across different locations.
* A great communicator – able to engage confidently with clients, employers, and stakeholders at all levels.
* Organised and driven – capable of working independently in a target-based environment.
It would be great if you also have:
* Experience working with employers or in stakeholder engagement.
* Knowledge of substance misuse, criminal justice, the benefits system, or supporting disadvantaged groups.
* Strong written and verbal communication skills.
We will provide full training and ongoing support if you are new to IPS.
Application and enquiries
Apply now to become part of a service that believes in recovery, resilience, and meaningful employment. Please note: if you are viewing this role on Indeed, the link to the job description may not work. Click the "Apply via Company Website" button to be redirected to our careers page where you can view the job description in full.
Salary information: the salary advertised demonstrates the full earning potential for this role, with starting salaries providing pay progression within the pay band. Please read the full Job Description and Person Specification prior to applying. For full details visit the provided link.
Benefits
Waythrough offers include: generous annual leave (27 days + bank holidays, increasing to 32 after 1 year), annual leave purchase scheme, enhanced sick pay, employer pension contributions, death in service benefit, free Will writing, eyecare vouchers, Blue Light Card discounts, learning and development opportunities, flexible working and wellbeing support, and Employee Assistance Programme.
Additional information
Driving licence: Yes. Applications close on 03 Oct 2025.
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