Acting support worker jobs

Learning Support Assistant (LSA) – Autism / SEND

Ambitious About Autism is recruiting a Learning Support Assistant (LSA) to support autistic children and young people aged 4–19 at TreeHouse School (Ofsted Outstanding) specialist school in Muswell Hill.

• Full time, permanent (term time only)
• Hours: 8.45am – 4.35pm
• Salary: £26,638 – £28,005 per annum (paid across 52 weeks)
• Location: Muswell Hill, North London (N10 3JA)
• Start date: February 2026 (flexible depending on notice period)

Please note, this role may not meet Skilled Worker visa sponsorship criteria.

You will work 1:1 with autistic pupils, supporting them to access the curriculum while building independence, confidence, and self-esteem through classroom learning and community based activities. This role includes personal care.

This role is ideal for candidates with experience or interest in:

• SEN / SEND
• Autism
• Learning Support Assistant or Teaching Assistant roles
• Care, youth work, education, or psychology backgrounds

What we offer:

• Term time only working (paid across 52 weeks)
• Autism specific training and ongoing CPD
• Supportive leadership and a strong wellbeing culture
• Varied, meaningful work with real impact
• Full benefits package: see our website

The official internal title for this role is Specialist Teaching Assistant, but it is advertised externally as Learning Support Assistant to reflect the nature of the role and maximise reach.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious About Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search may be carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The safeguarding responsibilities of the post are as per the job description and person specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities, certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Herts Young Homeless is an independent charity and has been supporting vulnerable people in Hertfordshire since 1998. We are professional, passionate, collaborative and supportive charity that provides guidance to everyone who is in need of support.

The successful candidate willdeliver a high-quality service to young people aged 16–17 and their families across Hertfordshire, working alongside the Family Link Work and Mediation services to prevent family breakdown and reduce repeat homelessness. They will also support the wider team and work collaboratively with stakeholders to ensure the service achieves its key performance indicators (KPIs).

What will you be doing? 

Lead the hyh Hub, overseeing its day-to-day operations and ensuring the effective delivery of services. The Hub acts as a gateway for young people aged 16–17 to access hyh’s prevention services. In this role, you will build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, partners, and commissioners, while supporting the recruitment, training, and professional development of Advice & Information and Admin Workers. You will also monitor outcomes and produce reports for the leadership team and funders to demonstrate impact and inform future service development.                             

What will the role involve: 

• Leadership of the Advice and Infromation Team 
• Service Delivery offering advice and options to young people, family members and professionals to prevent amily breakdown and homelessness.
• Partnership and Stakeholder Mangement 
• Full job description attached and avaialble on our website.

Please apply via the link on the vacancy found on our website submitting a cover letter  or a short video along with your CV . If you require any adjustments to support your application please let us know and we will be happy to help where we can.Closing Date 15th January 2026.

Please note we reserve the right to close the vacancy before the closing date should we find a suitable candidate.

Equal Opportunities

We treat everyone with equal dignity and respect, and promote equal opportunity for all and challenge any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any person on the grounds of race, colour, sex, marital status, religion or belief, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment or any other perceived difference.

hyh strives to be an equal opportunities and inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Our promise to you
Herts Young Homeless promises to act with the upmost integrity and respect when it comes to handling your data and will not share your details with any other client without 1) discussing the opportunity with you first and 2) without your verbal or written consent for us to do so.  

For nearly 50 years, nia has provided high quality, women-led services across North and East London. nia has three main aims: to provide services for women, children and young people who have experienced male violence, working to end men’s violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.

nia’s values, and our commitment to upholding them, set us apart. We put women first – always and without hesitation: we believe women, we are run by women, for women. We leave no woman behind: we challenge inequality and discrimination and believe that uniting women of all backgrounds is essential to ending the sex-based oppression of women.

The Emma Project, Daria House and Jan’s Place are specialist services providing refuge and support services to women who have been subjected to domestic and/or sexual violence and abuse, including women who have been sexually exploited, including through prostitution and who also use substances problematically.

This post is currently funded until 31st March 2027 with a possibility of further extension.

Job Ref: nia 198

Hours: 35hrs/week working across Camden, Haringey and Islington

You will support women living in nia’s refuges to move on into accommodation and support them to resettle and build resilient support networks. We’re looking for a highly organised and self-motivated woman who is passionate about ending violence against women, girls and children. You’ll have a ‘can-do’ approach and demonstrable commitment to nia’s approach to Prioritising women, upholding and promoting feminist, trauma-informed and anti-racist practice

CV’s will not be accepted. 

Closing date: 10am, 19 January 2026

Interview period: 26 & 28 January 2026

 The post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies

About Working Well Trust

Working Well Trust is a mental health and employment charity in London. All of our projects share the aim of improving the lives of people with mental health support needs, learning disabilities and/or complex issues through training and employment.

We are recruiting a part-time Employment Support Worker (0.5 FTE) to join our supported employment team in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. This is a permanent position with funding secured until March 2027.

What you’ll be doing

If you were working with us, you would hold a varied caseload of clients with lived experience of mental health, autism and/or a learning disability. You would support clients to identify their employment goals, build confidence, prepare for work, and navigate any barriers they may face.

Your work would be entirely person-centred. You would support clients in line with their preferences and aspirations, helping them identify roles that match their strengths. A key part of the role involves approaching employers, explaining the value of our service, and working with them to identify suitable opportunities for clients. You would continue to support both clients and employers to help individuals sustain their employment.

You would work closely with referring teams, maintaining regular communication and ensuring a coordinated and client-led approach. You would also work to agreed targets while maintaining a high-quality, supportive service that reflects the principles of SEQF and the British Association of supported employment.

What you’ll need

Experience in employment support is not essential. We are looking for someone who brings:

• A genuine desire to support people into meaningful employment.

• Commitment to person-centred work and enthusiasm to learn the SEQF approach.

• Confidence engaging with employers and promoting the benefits of our service.

• Good organisation skills and the ability to manage a caseload effectively.

• Beneficial (but not essential): experience working with people with learning disabilities or Autism.

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health, either personally or through a close contact.

What we offer

• £14,638 per year (0.5 FTE)

• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, pro rata (FTE)

• Employer pension contribution of 6%

• Supportive environment within a small, dedicated team

• Meaningful, rewarding work supporting people into employment

Working Well Trust is an equal opportunities employer and Confident about Disabilities.

What’s next

Before applying, please note that we actively review all applications and only progress candidates who provide meaningful answers to the screening questions.

If you are ready to support people in Kingston to achieve their employment goals and build positive relationships with employers, click Apply to submit your CV and complete the screening questions.

Start your application today and join us in making a meaningful impact.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Children and Young Persons Caseworker to join the National Homicide Service in the Kent area of England, working 37.5 hours a week.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

This role is home working based with travel in the Kent area of England.

As a Homicide Service Children and Young Person caseworker you will be:

• Delivering a specialist service to children and young people (CYP) bereaved by homicide, and for those CYP who have witnessed a homicide
• Working collaboratively and jointly within the Homicide Service and other relevant organisations that can help to progress identified needs and ensure that young people are central to all processes that involve them.
• Acting as the designated caseworker and manage a caseload
• Implementing the CYP Homicide Service Delivery Model
• Working closely and supporting colleagues to provide a trauma informed service to children and young people.

You will be responsible for providing a high-quality, front-line service to bereaved young people following murder or manslaughter. Working with colleagues in the National Homicide Service, as well as partner agencies including education, police, courts, social services and many other statutory and third sector organisations.

You will need to be able to travel to face to face sessions within, and occasionally outside of region, and therefore a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

A unique opportunity to join the team at Basis Yorkshire as a Navigation and Support Worker for women who sex work and who are sexually exploited who are vulnerably housed. 

You will provide appropriate emotional and practical 1-to-1 support to women involved in sex work and those who are sexually exploited, who often experience stigma and face barriers to accessing services. You will be enabling people to access support and navigate services, particularly hose directly related to housing  directly and indirectly.  You will be working in partnership with other agencies and making appropriate referrals for people to access other services to support their wider needs. 

Carer Wellbeing Workers provide invaluable services to help improve carers’ resilience and ensure they are supported to maintain their caring roles. They provide tailored information and advice, practical, emotional and planning support, peer opportunities, contingency planning, active listening and through partnership working are pro-active in the identification of carers.

Using experience of working with adults and families, a working knowledge and / or lived experience of social care and health, the postholder will use excellent communication and interpersonal skills to offer carers one-to-one and group support either face to face, via the telephone or using virtual video mediums such as Zoom or MS Teams. 

The role is a mix of remote / homeworking and community venues. You will be expected to be readily able to travel across Adur, Arun and Worthing to deliver carer support and on occasion to venues across the County to attend meetings and training as required. 

Interview Date: 19-21 January 2026.

Key Role Summary 

Information & Guidance: Offer tailored, personalised information, guidance, emotional, and practical support to carers, helping them navigate local services and make informed decisions. 

Empower: Enable carers to communicate issues important to them, set their own priorities, and articulate their needs and wishes. 

Community Presence: Work as part of the team to maintain a presence in the community, delivering support through various channels and formats.

Data Recording: Accurately record all interventions on the Client Record Management System to enable timely and informative reports, ensuring decisions are evidenced and all actions recorded. 

For a full list of responsibilities, please refer to the Job Description in the Recruitment Pack.

Employee Benefits

•  Training and Development: Opportunities for professional development and training.
•  Flexible Working: Flexible working hours and remote working options.
•  Annual Leave: 33 days increasing to 35 days after completion of two years and 36 days after 5 years of service   (inclusive of Bank Holidays).
•  Healthcare and Employee Assistance Programme with perks and discounts.
•  Enhanced Maternity/ Paternity/ Adoption Pay.
•  Supportive Environment: Work in a supportive and collaborative environment with a focus on making a positive impact on the lives of carers.

Before you keep reading ...

Please do not see everything in this job advert as a "Must Have", but rather a guiding list of what we are looking for. We know no candidate will be the perfect match for all we have mentioned in this advert, so do not be afraid to apply if you feel you are close to the brief but not "Spot On". For example, some of our wonderful Carer Wellbeing Workers come from a non-social care background and they do amazingly well!

Our Culture and Diversity 

At Carers Support, we are building an inclusive workplace where everyone can do their best work and be proud to belong.

We believe that talent is distributed to all of us in equal measure and our differences are a strength not a weakness. We recruit for potential, not perfection. At Carers Support West Sussex, we value everyone's unique history. Our doors are open to individuals of all races, religions or beliefs, abilities, ages, nationalities or citizenships, ethnic origins, marital, domestic or civil partnership statuses, sexes, sexual orientations, family structures, and gender identities. 

The carers we support come from such different walks of life that we are particularly interested in attracting candidates from similarly diverse backgrounds, including Asian, Arab, Black, Mixed/Multiple Ethnic Groups, White Other (e.g. Eastern European, Gypsy, Roma) and any other Ethnic minorities. 

Values we are looking for in Candidate

We are focused, putting carers at the heart of everything we do.

We act together, working with and for carers, the communities they live in and the people that can make a difference to them.

We are leaders, working with each other to find potential and opportunities across all communities, enabling carers to be identified and involved.

We are committed to behaviours that support:

Quality – the highest practical level we can reach in outcomes, learning and behaviour
Inclusivity – respecting people, cultures, and organisations
Caring – improving quality of life and influencing behaviour change
Integrity – operating with honesty and reliability
Loyalty – long-term committed partnerships and co-operation
Innovation – driving our service development and our will to succeed

Disclaimers

Please note we reserve the right to close this role prior to the stated end date, should we receive a sufficient number of applications. Please apply as soon as possible to be considered.

 

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: Warwickshire 
Salary: £15,859.03 per annum

Contract type: Part Time, Permanent

Hours: 23 hours per week

This is an exciting opportunity to join Refuge as a domestic abuse refuge worker, providing high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse and their children living in our refuge accommodation in Warwickshire.

The post holder will work closely with survivors from the point of crisis and admission to the refuge, through to move on from the emergency accommodation. This involves providing a personalised, holistic support and safety plan, enabling survivors to access housing, welfare, benefits and legal advice.  

You will also work in partnership with both statutory and voluntary sector partners to ensure that the whole range of survivors’ needs are met.

A key requirement is to ensure that survivors are provided with a safe, supportive and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 12 January 2026

Interview Date: 20 January 2026

We have an exciting opportunity for Children and Young Person (CYP) Caseworker based in our Shipley office, working 37.5 hours a week, Monday to Friday 9am-5pm. Hybrid working can be discussed.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for Children and Young People who have been victims of crime?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with children and young people?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we Offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role

As a Children and Young Person Caseworker you will support of the development and implementation of the CYP Service Model for supporting children and young people who have been affected by crime. You will developing and deliver innovative interventions to address their needs and work closely with children and young people in the Service to involve them in service design, delivery and evaluation. You will manage a caseload of up to 30 cases.

About You

You will need:

• previous experience delivering services for children and young people
• knowledge of safeguarding issues relating to children and young people
• the ability to build effective working relationships with stakeholders & partners
• an understanding of the current issues for children and young people affected by or experiencing crime, domestic abuse and relationship abuse
• knowledge & understanding of confidentiality and safe working practice in accordance with the Data Protection Act
• awareness of the impact of crime including witnesses attending court and giving evidence

About Us:

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Exciting opportunity to work for a 4 day week Employer.

The Wellbeing and Lifeskills worker will support residents experiencing mental health pressures, to access cultural sensitive services and develop resilience, coping skills and improve overall wellbeing.

Specific Duties:

1. Develop person centred multi-agency support plans. Work to a recovery based aspirations led model.

2. Collect baseline information about clients current mental health needs, and record and monitor progress as they engage with the service.

3. Provide assertive support to ensure effective engagement to achieve personal goals and aspirations for wellness and enjoyment of life.

4. Act as a point of contact for other agencies working with the individual. Plan interventions flexibly to meet individual needs.

5. Provide initial advocacy and support to access appropriate services and agencies

6. Plan for reduced involvement as the service user gains sustained mental wellbeing and control. Plan for service exits, building in aftercare and rapid return if necessary.

7. Support individuals to engage in meaningful activity and facilitate activities such as an LGBT group and healthy eating group. Develop other activities with guidance and input from service users.

8. Regularly review barriers to progress, involving other agencies as necessary.

9. Provide quarterly statistical information such as demographics and outcomes, for funders and internal use.

10. Keep up to date on current treatment models, care philosophy and mental health legislation.

11. Deal with general correspondence and enquiries relating to service users and the service. Keep up to date service user records.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Qualifications

· Qualified to NVQ or social care level 4

Experience

· 2 years experiencing of working with people experiencing mental ill health.

· Experience of working with and managing risk therapeutically.

· Previous experience of working in a partnership environment or with other agencies.

· Experience of facilitating groups, setting group objectives and reviewing outcomes.

· Experience of using data bases to record client need, interventions and progress.

Knowledge and Skills

· Demonstrate a knowledge of the needs of young migrants and refugees or other chronically excluded groups.

· Knowledge of the range of services available to people with mental health needs or other complex needs.

· Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate clearly at all levels

· Ability to plan and organise own workload

· Ability to manage conflict

· Committed to own professional development

ABOUT SUZY LAMPLUGH TRUST:

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was established in memory of Suzy Lamplugh, a young estate agent who tragically disappeared while at work in 1986 and was later declared deceased in 1993.  Created to honour Suzy's legacy, the Trust aims to empower individuals and organisations to take a stand against abuse, aggression, and violence in all forms, supporting safety in both personal and professional lives.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

We are looking for an ambitious, dynamic senior social worker to lead, deliver and develop our SAFE Project, a pan-London project dedicated to providing advocacy support for stalking victims aged 11-16 (or up to age 25 with particular vulnerabilities), funded by Mayor's Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC). This is a fantastic opportunity for someone with strong senior operational experience.  You will need to be able to think on your feet and work in a fast paced, ever-changing environment.  This first-of-its-kind project, co-designed with partner organisation Safer London, will seek to fill in important gaps in understanding, assessing and supporting young people experiencing stalking. You will work closely to ensure that systems are robust, inclusive, and aligned with the needs of vulnerable children, while embedding the service into the wider ecosystem of London specialist services driving change.

Reporting to the Head of Pan London Stalking Support Service, you will provide expert advice and advocacy to children, young people and their families, ensuring the SAFE Project has what it needs to deliver an outstanding service.  You will be trainined as an Independent Stalking Advocate (ISA), hold a caseload, and over the course of the contract, you will support the upskilling of all ISAs on the team to be able to take children and young people's cases.  In addition to leading on the development of the children and youth work provision, you will oversee a Young People's Experts by Experience group to ensure victim's voices are fed into project development.

This role is hybrid, initially requiring on-site attendane at our London office until the sucessful completion of the first probation review (typically 3 months), as well as regular travel across London

Lead quality and innovation in adoption – and make a lasting impact.

Position: Adoption Quality and Development Lead

Location: Based in Reading with hybrid working arrangements

Contract: Permanent role. Full time (37 hours per week) or part-time (4 days per week may be considered).

Salary range: Starting Salary Range from £49934 to £58256

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity to join our team in a newly created position which is a reflection of our dedication to ensure the highest standards of quality and continuous improvement across our adoption services.

The Adoption Quality and Development Lead plays a key role in supporting the delivery of high-quality adoption and adoption support services. The post holder will lead on quality assurance activities, policy development, complaints investigations, and specific projects, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards and contributing to continuous improvement. They will be one of PACT’s agency decision makers. They will also manage projects such as the birth relatives project and support digital and training initiatives. The role requires collaboration across teams, liaison with external agencies, and occasional cover for Team Managers.

About you:

We are looking for a qualified and registered social worker with substantial post-qualification experience in adoption and children’s services, including quality assurance and inspection preparation. You will have excellent knowledge of adoption legislation and standards, strong analytical and organisational skills, and the ability to influence and advise at all levels.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about driving quality and innovation in adoption services. You will have access to learning and professional development opportunities and the chance to make a real difference to the lives of children and families.

We realise that this may be a role that is unique to PACT. Other relevant roles you may have experience of could include: Team Manager; Adoption Team Manager; Adoption Practice Manager; Practice Manager; Adoption Service Manager; Service Manager; Quality Assurance Manager; Social Work Team Lead; Social Work Team Manager etc

About PACT:

PACT is a long-standing, established charity and has been building and strengthening families since 1911. We have a long history of providing adoption services and specialist adoption support for life. As an independent adoption charity, PACT has been rated outstanding by Ofsted three times in a row in 2014, 2017 and 2023.

PACT has a stable and committed workforce, with a passion to support families and a desire to deliver the highest quality services. Last year, PACT found loving and permanent homes for 84 children.

For further information, contact email and details on how to apply, please visit our website.

Closing date: Friday 23rd January 2026 (midday)
Interviews are planned for: Monday 9th February 2026

We look forward to hearing from you. Early application is encouraged. We will review applications received throughout the advertising period and may close the vacancy or interview earlier than stated.

Please do not submit your CV; only completed application forms will be accepted. No agencies please.

PACT is a supportive and respectful place where people are passionate about making a positive difference to the lives of women, children and families from many different backgrounds. We continuously look to progress the ways in which we create families and bring people together and encourage applications from people across all communities. We are committed to ensuring that our people and our services reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and applications from people from under-represented groups are particularly welcomed.

PACT is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s Safer Recruitment pre-appointment enquiries. These include the provision of documentation of the right to work in the UK, Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check, overseas police check where applicable and references covering a minimum 5-year period. All opportunities are based in the UK

Main purpose of job: To provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. 

Location: Hybrid: working from home, with regular attendance at CARA premises in Colchester and regular travel across mid and north Essex.

Preferred start date: ASAP (subject to enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references)

Salary: £32,151 - £34,020 (pro rata).

Contract: This is a permanent contract.

Hours: 28 - 35 hours per week.  

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional gift days at Christmas.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Application deadline: 9am, Monday 2nd February 2026.

Interviews:  Wednesday 11th February 2026.  

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs) provide emotional and practical support and information to victims and survivors of sexual violence who have reported to the police, or are considering reporting to the police. 

The role of an ISVA is to support victims and survivors by:

·Ensuring their voice is heard.

·Helping them make the choices that feel right for them.

·Accompanying them to important appointments and to court.

·Supporting them with their next steps after the legal process is over, regardless of the outcome of the case.

If victims and survivors are considering reporting to the police, ISVAs can also help them by:

·Providing impartial information to enable them to make an informed decision.

·Offering an overview of police processes and what to expect if they do decide to report.

·Supporting them in their next steps.

CARA provides an ISVA service to adults, young people and children who have been victims of sexual violence from across mid and North Essex, and Uttlesford.

Most ISVA clients are referred to CARA through the Police or the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC).  Clients can also refer themselves.

Duties and Responsibilities

For all clients

· To liaise with CARA’s Information and Referrals Coordinator and First Contact Navigators in supporting new referrals to the ISVA service.

· To undertake risk assessment and support needs analysis with clients.

· To develop individual service plans to address risks/support needs of clients. 

· To help clients access services to which they are entitled, e.g. through setting up fast-track referral systems to sexual health follow-up services, making referrals to mental health services, assisting with return to work/absence from work arrangements.

· To provide face-to-face and telephone support (non-therapeutic) to clients and their supporters where appropriate. 

· To help clients to develop their own support network.

· To explain criminal, legal and if relevant, civil remedies to clients.

· To provide information in relation to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme.

· Where relevant and with client’s consent, to keep other agencies informed about important changes in client’s situation.

· To consider safeguarding issues and follow CARA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.

If a client reports to the Police

· To support the client throughout their time in the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within it.

· Subject to local arrangements and their wishes, to support the client at every step; from the provision of their witness statement through to a trial.

· To liaise with the police and CPS on behalf of the client.  To keep them informed about the progress of their case on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Victims Code of Practice.

· To participate in case conferences with the police and CPS. 

· To understand and support the need for some clients to access special measures.

General

· To manage a caseload of around 50 clients (pro rata), including adults, young people and children.

· To travel to client meetings in a variety of settings, including outreach premises and clients’ homes.

· To maintain and monitor records, using a purpose-built online database.

· To follow procedures and protocols so that the safety of the client is kept central to any process.

· To note and feedback to other agencies any difficulties clients are having accessing their service.

· To contribute to the development of service policies, protocols, guidelines and strategies within areas of practice as necessary. 

· To develop and maintain effective communication systems with key partners including the police, CPS, HMCTS, social services, education, primary care trust (mental and sexual health), Victim Support, Witness Service, CAFCASS and voluntary sector organisations.

·To participate in team meetings, supervision, training and development. 

·To participate in co-location working within Colchester and Chelmsford police stations.

· To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in the delivery of training sessions.

· To have a clear understanding of the myths surrounding sexual violence, and the trauma and long-term mental health effects it creates, including self-harm, suicidal feelings and suicide attempts.

· To be aware of resources available regarding interpreters, signers etc.

· To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.

· To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding.

· To report to the ISVA Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of written reports.

· To be administratively self-servicing.

· To undertake any other related activities as required by the ISVA Manager, Head of Operations, CEO or Board of Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on our website.  We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy East

CARA is part of Synergy East. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.

We are excited to be hiring a Young Women’s Worker to join our team and invest in the lives of young women across Tower Hamlets. This role is all about building positive, supportive relationships, creating safe and empowering spaces, and helping young women grow in confidence, resilience, and self-worth. The successful candidate will be passionate about mentoring, advocacy, and working alongside young women as they navigate life’s challenges, discover their strengths, and shape their futures. If you are committed to making a meaningful difference and have a heart for supporting young women to thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Please send us your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role. The role description and person specification can be found on our website.