IPS Service Manager
Location: London (Lewisham, Lambeth, and Southwark)
Working Hours: 37
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £35,920 - £51,640
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
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic IPS Service Manager (Senior Employment Specialist) to lead our Individual Placement and Support (IPS) employment service across Lewisham, Lambeth, and Southwark. You will manage a team of six Employment Specialists, driving the delivery of high-quality, evidence-based supported employment services that enable people with lived experience of substance misuse and related barriers to secure and sustain meaningful paid work. The role demands a strong commitment to the core principles of the IPS model; rapid job search, personalised support, and employer engagement, alongside a collaborative, flexible approach to work.
What You’ll Do
As IPS Service Manager, you will provide leadership, supervision and professional development to your team, embedding IPS fidelity standards and a data-driven culture of continuous improvement. You will work closely with external partners, including young people and adult substance misuse services across the tri-borough area, to strengthen referral pathways, co-location opportunities and employer networks. You’ll also oversee performance monitoring, reporting and quality assurance, ensuring targets and outcomes are achieved, and that services remain responsive to local needs. The role includes managing a small personal caseload as required, supporting individuals directly into employment and working with stakeholders to address structural barriers to work.
What We’re Looking For
You’ll have a proven track record of delivering and managing IPS or similar supported employment services, excellent partnership-building skills, and a strong data mindset to inform decision-making and continuous improvement. A reflective and coaching leadership style will help you nurture your team’s capabilities, while your ability to navigate complex inter-agency environments will be key to effective delivery across borough boundaries. A flexible approach to work, including outreach and employer engagement, is essential.
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 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:
2026-01-28