Employment Specialist

Waythrough · County Durham Drug & Alcohol · £25,878–£34,240 (stated in the posting)

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Employment Specialist - County Durham

Location: County Durham (main base to be discussed with line manager), travel will be required throughout the region and between services.
Working Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm (with one 30 minute early finish each week.
Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240.03

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band. 

About Waythrough 

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. 

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

About the role

Waythrough is looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Employment Specialist to join our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) team. You will play a key role in connecting people with meaningful employment opportunities by building strong relationships with local employers and understanding their recruitment needs.

Working closely with Employment Coaches, you will identify suitable job opportunities, match individuals to vacancies based on their skills, experience and aspirations, and support them to secure and sustain employment.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference to people's lives, helping individuals build confidence, develop their skills and take positive steps towards a brighter future.

What you will do

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers to identify and develop employment opportunities.
• Promote the skills and abilities of the people we support, encouraging employers to consider them for suitable vacancies.
• Arrange work placements, work trials and work experience opportunities.
• Work closely with Employment Coaches to identify individuals who are ready to enter employment and connect them with local employers.
• Match individuals to suitable vacancies based on their skills, experience and employment goals.
• Provide ongoing in-work support to help individuals overcome barriers and sustain their employment.
• Develop a strong understanding of local labour markets, employer requirements and skills shortages.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case records, tracking progress and employment outcomes.
• Keep management information systems updated and complete monitoring and reporting requirements for project funders.
• Work collaboratively with other agencies and attend multi-agency meetings where required.

About you

We are looking for someone who is motivated, organised and passionate about supporting people into meaningful and sustainable employment.

You will be confident building relationships with employers, understanding their recruitment needs and identifying opportunities that benefit both employers and the people we support. You will also be able to work collaboratively with colleagues and partner organisations to help individuals overcome barriers and achieve positive outcomes.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A Level 3 qualification in Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG), Employment Related Services or an equivalent qualification.
• Experience supporting individuals to achieve learning and employment goals, with a track record of meeting job outcome targets.
• Experience working with a range of employers to meet their recruitment needs.
• A good understanding of the local labour market and the skills required to apply for vacancies.
• Experience of multi-agency working to support progression into employment.
• Strong organisational and communication skills, with the ability to maintain accurate records and use management information systems.
• Confidence using Microsoft Office programmes, including Outlook.

Experience in a sales, recruitment or similar a environment would also be considered.

To view the full job description and person specification, CLICK HERE.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• 27 days’ annual leave, rising to 32 after 1 year (plus bank holidays)

• Pension scheme with 4.5% employer contribution, matched up to 6.5%

• Life assurance (3× annual salary)

• Enhanced sick pay and family-friendly pay

• Birthday leave and the option to buy up to 5 extra days’ annual leave

• Professional fee reimbursement for relevant qualifications

• 24/7 online GP access and Employee Assistance Programme

• Recognition and long service awards via our Way to Go and Aspirations portals

• £500 Recommend a Friend bonus

• Cycle to Work scheme and Credit Union membership

• Discounts via Blue Light Card, Charity Discounts, Extras and Tickets for Good

• 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. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk 

Closing Date:

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