Job Description

IPS Employment and Education Specialist

Location: Bristol
Working Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract Type: Full-time Permanent
Salary: £25,877.80 - £34,240.03 per annum

Please note that the starting salary for this position is £29,693.00 per annum

Applicants must hold a full, clean UK driving licence and have access to their own vehicle, as this is an essential requirement of the role.

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

The Individual Placement and Support (IPS) Employment Specialist supports people experiencing severe mental health difficulties to find, secure and sustain paid employment or education opportunities. The role follows the evidence-based IPS model, providing intensive, person-centred support that focuses on rapid job searching, ongoing workplace support and long-term employment retention.

Working closely with Community Mental Health Teams (CMHTs), employers, education providers and other partner organisations, you will play a key role in helping individuals achieve their recovery goals through meaningful employment and education.

What You'll Do

• Deliver a high-fidelity IPS service, supporting clients to gain and sustain paid employment or education opportunities.
• Meet clients in community settings to provide personalised employment and education support.
• Support clients with benefits and welfare advice, workplace adjustments and decisions around disclosing mental or physical health conditions.
• Build strong relationships with employers, education providers, Jobcentre Plus and local organisations to create opportunities for clients.
• Provide ongoing in-work or in-education support to both clients and employers where required.
• Arrange regular reviews with clients to monitor progress and support long-term employment or education retention.
• Maintain effective partnerships with Community Mental Health Teams, contributing to a holistic approach to recovery.
• Promote the IPS service and develop new employer engagement opportunities.
• Facilitate or support small group activities where appropriate.
• Work flexibly, where required, to meet client needs.

Administration

• Maintain accurate client records using IPS Fidelity paperwork and systems.
• Complete case notes, reports and management information within agreed timescales.
• Update clinical records using the RiO database and communicate client progress with clinical teams.
• Maintain Outlook calendars and other administrative systems to agreed standards.
• Ensure all documentation complies with organisational policies and IPS Fidelity requirements.

Professional Development and Team Working

• Attend weekly clinical team meetings as an embedded IPS practitioner where required.
• Participate in weekly group supervision and provide updates on client caseloads and employer engagement activity.
• Attend monthly one-to-one supervision with your Team Leader.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with colleagues, employers, education providers and external partners.
• Work in accordance with organisational policies, health and safety procedures, lone working requirements and equality, diversity and inclusion principles.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• A-levels or equivalent qualification or above.

Desirable

• Level 3 Qualification (QCF) in Advice and Guidance.

Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and listening skills.
• Strong motivational and engagement skills.
• Good organisational and time management abilities.
• Ability to work independently and use initiative.
• Experience facilitating or supporting small groups.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with employers and partner organisations.
• Confident using computer systems, databases and Microsoft Office applications.
• Solution-focused with the ability to manage competing priorities.

Essential

• Experience supporting disadvantaged or disabled people to obtain or sustain employment.
• Experience maintaining accurate electronic records and case management systems.
• Experience networking with employers and external organisations.
• Empathy and understanding of the challenges experienced by people with mental health difficulties.
• Ability to motivate, encourage and empower individuals to achieve their goals.
• Ability to travel throughout the local area using your own transport.

Desirable

• Experience working within business, industry or education.
• Experience supporting people with mental health difficulties in either a paid or voluntary capacity.
• Knowledge or understanding of the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model and IPS Fidelity standards

This role would suit someone who is passionate about recovery through employment, enjoys building relationships with employers and community partners, and is committed to delivering person-centred support that enables people to achieve meaningful and lasting outcomes.

To view the Job Description 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:

2026-07-23