Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist

• locations
• Yew Tree House

• time type
• Full time

• posted on
• Posted Today

• job requisition id
• JR012190

Employment Specialist

Location: Hybrid (1-2 days per week in office- Bedfordshire and St Neots), up to 3 days per week working from home; with a requirement of working regularly in local job centres and community-based venues in Bedfordshire to see clients.

Base offices: Yew Tree House, St. Neots and Union Street Clinic, Bedford

Working hours: 37 hours per week

Contract Type - Permanent

Salary: Core Coordination - £25,110 - £32,090 per annum

Make a real difference in your community

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier and more independent lives?

Join Waythrough, one of the UK’s leading mental health and social support charities, and make a lasting impact every day.

We support over 125,000 people each year through our 200 services, empowering individuals to overcome challenges around mental health, housing, and substance use.

About the Role

As an Employment Specialist within the Bedfordshire Employment Service, you will support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, or other common mental health challenges to find, return to, or retain employment. You will manage a caseload of around 40 clients, including supporting at least 10 new individuals each month.

The role focuses on delivering person-centred support, helping individuals identify their employment goals, overcome barriers, and build sustainable pathways into work. You will also support clients with workplace challenges and liaise with external organisations where appropriate.

What You’ll Do

• Manage a caseload of approximately 40 individuals, providing tailored employment support
• Develop SMART action plans based on each person’s preferences, skills, and goals
• Support clients with CV writing, job applications, interview preparation, and job searching
• Assist individuals in returning to work following time off due to mental health
• Provide guidance on workplace adjustments and disclosure of health conditions
• Support clients through workplace challenges such as discrimination, bullying, grievance, or disciplinary processes
• Help create sustainable return-to-work plans
• Signpost clients to relevant services, including volunteering and benefits support
• Maintain accurate and timely records using electronic systems and Microsoft Office tools
• Build strong relationships with internal teams and external partners

To Succeed in This Role, You’ll Need

• Strong time management skills and the ability to manage a busy caseload efficiently
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage people from diverse backgrounds
• A person-centred and solution-focused approach
• Good understanding of mental health challenges and their impact on employment
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Confidence in building relationships and networking with a range of stakeholders
• High level of computer literacy, including Microsoft Office and database systems
• A proactive, adaptable, and positive attitude towards employment for all

You Will Also Ideally Have:

• Experience working with people in sectors such as recruitment, education, human resources, support services, or social work
• Experience supporting individuals with mental health challenges
• Knowledge of employment support services or welfare/benefits systems

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.

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 GoandAspirationsportals

• £500

  Recommend a Friendbonus

• 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: