Acting support worker jobs

Are you passionate about ensuring the voice of children and young people are heard? Are you committed to advocating that children and young people’s rights are upheld? Do you believe that all children should receive consistently high-quality care in environments that strive to improve outcomes for each child?  Do you have experience in social work, education, inspection, advocacy or residential childcare management? Then we have an exciting opportunity for a professional like you.

The Vacancy

The Independent Monitoring Service is seeking to recruit professionals with experience of working with children and vulnerable adults to the role of Independent Visitor.

We are looking for individuals all across Yorkshire, including but not limitted to: Hull, East Riding, North Lincs and Doncaster.

The role of Independent Visitors is to provide visiting services on behalf of NYAS which are consistent with the National Quality Standards for Children’s Homes, Residential Special School Standards, Welsh National Minimum Standards, Health and Social Care Standards Scotland and CQC regulations. The main duties are:

• To undertake monthly visits to identified homes in accordance with the requirements of the relevant NYAS manager.

These visits will be:

Regulation 44 visits to residential children’s homes, short breaks and secure units.

Regulation 25 visits to residential family centres.

Care Quality Commission visits to residential adult homes.

Care Inspectorate Wales regulation 8 visits to residential children’s homes.

RSS20 visits to residential special schools.

Health and social care standards Scotland residential children’s homes.

Monitoring visits to unregulated provision.

• To undertake all tasks as identified by the relevant NYAS manager, during the visits and thereafter, in order to fulfil all aspects of the role.
• To provide factual reports within set timescales as required by the relevant NYAS manager.

Candidates should have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks and also knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to children, young people and adults at risk particularly those in residential care.

Candidates must have experience of working within a social or health care organisation, safeguarding and experience of managing complex relationships across a diverse field, e.g. OFSTED inspectors, social workers, residential care workers and registered managers, health care professionals.

Candidates should also possess a professional qualification in a related field, i.e. social work, residential care, health care professional, advocacy or youth work.

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

Are you passionate about supporting victims of domestic abuse and making a real difference in their lives? Join our hardworking and dedicated team as an Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA).

As an IDVA you will provide support to standard and medium risk victims of domestic abuse helping them to increase their safety and make informed choices for their future.

Key Responsibilities
• Conduct risk assessment and complete individualised safety and support plans with clients
• Provide support tailored to the needs of your clients either by telephone or face to face
• Advocate for clients with external agencies such as legal services, housing and the courts
• Co facilitate wellbeing and domestic abuse awareness groups

You will need to be a compassionate and resilient professional with:
• A minimum of an A level, NVQ3 or equivalent, a degree or SafeLives • IDVA qualification
• Comprehensive knowledge of domestic abuse, it's impact and relevant legislation
• Excellent communication, advocacy and problem solving skills
• Experience of working with victims of domestic abuse
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team
• Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable individuals
• Able to travel across Bedfordshire

We do not provide visa sponsorship; you must be eligible to work in the UK. You must reside in the UK for the duration of your employment and provide Right to Work evidence.

As some of our roles involve working with vulnerable members of society, this position may require a Basic or Enhanced Criminal Disclosure, which will be conducted once a conditional offer is made

Previous Applications: We welcome applications from all qualified candidates. However, if you have applied for a similar role within the last 6 months and were not successful, please consider whether your experience has developed further before reapplying

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and will strive to be as accommodating as possible. Please inform us in advance of any arrangements you may need to fully participate in the process.

At One YMCA we are an inclusive organisation and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We do not discriminate on the basis of Age, Disability, Gender Reassignment, Marriage/Civil Partnership, Pregnancy/Maternity, Race, Religion/Belief, Sex and/or Sexual Orientation. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, communities, and industries, and are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences, and abilities

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: Lambeth, London
Salary: £14,236.17 per annum, Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent

Hours: 18.5 hours per week (Monday, Wednesdays and Fridays. As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call Rota).

We are looking for a Refuge Worker to work within our culturally specific refuge to provide specialist, high-quality support to women and children escaping domestic abuse. Based in Lambeth, London, this role involves delivering practical and emotional support to survivors, ensuring their safety, and helping them rebuild their lives. You will create a safe and welcoming environment in line with Refuge’s values and commitment to ending violence against women and girls.

As a Refuge Worker, you will support women through crisis, providing keywork sessions, safety planning, and advocacy. You will assist with accessing housing, welfare, legal support, and other essential services while maintaining accurate case records. You will also play a vital role in ensuring the effective operation of the refuge, managing referrals, and working collaboratively with partner agencies. The ideal candidate will be a compassionate and resilient individual with strong communication and organisational skills. While experience in the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector is beneficial, we also welcome applications from those with transferable skills and a commitment to supporting survivors. Above all, we value individuals who are dedicated to making a difference, thrive in an inclusive environment, and are committed to their own personal development while supporting others.

This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause while developing valuable frontline support and advocacy experience. Refuge offers ongoing training, professional development, and a comprehensive benefits package, ensuring that our staff are valued and supported in their roles. If you are passionate about empowering survivors and want to be part of a dedicated, compassionate organisation, we encourage you to apply.

Closing Date: 09:00am 1 December 2025

Interview Date: 11 and 12 December 2025

Location: Haringey

Salary: £31,531 - £33,696 per annum

(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Including weekend work)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: Thursday 27th November 2025

Closing Time: 00:00am

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as an Multiple Disadvantages Specialist Worker at Solace Women's Aid.  

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service

Ella House supports women facing multiple disadvantage experiences, intersectional problems including homelessness, substance misuse, contact with the criminal justice system and mental ill health. These women can fall through the gaps between services and systems, making it harder for them to address their challenges and lead fulfilling lives. At Ella house the goals are to support clients with multiple/complex needs, recognising the emotional and compound trauma that accompany and, in many cases, precede an individual becoming homeless.

Ella House provides support through empowering women with independence, inclusion, peer support and wellbeing by bringing diverse expertise and approaches.

The service delivers holistic support, where people are seen for their full combination of strengths, capacities and experiences. We recognise how women, as individuals, want to be supported to define and work towards their goals. This looks different for everyone and will require staff to be patient, observant, creative and committed to trying a range of approaches.

About the Role

Specialist Support Workers provide support services to women affected by multiple disadvantage, who have experienced domestic and /or sexual violence and who have mental ill health and/or use substances.

You will ensure the smooth running of the refuge, including the processing and admission of new referrals, ensuring rent and personal charges are paid, rooms, general housekeeping and organising repairs and responding to crisis situations. You will work with women to devise a Support Plan that meets their immediate practical and emotional needs and start the process of recovery, linking women to more specialist support services where required.  You will work in a trauma informed way and ideally have a background in supporting people with significant mental ill-health and or substance use issues.

About You

The ideal candidate will have in-depth knowledge of multiple disvantages and its impact on women as well as having experience of providing emotional and practical support to clients struggling with homelessness, substance misuse, contact with the criminal justice system and mental ill health.

You will have experience of managing risk and following case management procedures to meet the needs of the client group, and the ability to work with women to help them to understand their needs, risk assess, develop safety plan and support them in linking with other agencies. 

You will have a working knowledge of the available legal remedies, housing and welfare benefits, as well as experience of providing workshops.

In addition to case management you will be required to undertake housing management responsibilities including health and safety and maintenance of the accommodation.  You will have excellent administrative and time management skills.

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

We Are Survivors are excited to be on the search for a Social Worker to come and join our ever-growing team. In our efforts to ensure that NO male survivor is left behind, we are expanding and looking to fill the following roles:

You'll play a key role in supporting clients, managing communications, supporting in relationship management across the partnership. As well as working with partners like Pennine Care and TRC, you will work closely with our community development team and criminal justice teams to ensure survivors have access to the right support.

Why Join Us?

· a competitive salary.

· annual leave package with incremental rises plus bank holidays.

· company sick pay.

· Birthday annual leave.

· monthly clinical supervision.

· pension contribution.

· and a range of discount and benefit programmes.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

1 Provide information, advice and support to parents/carers of disabled children individually and in group sessions

2 Signpost parents/carers to appropriate services for their whole family provided by the statutory sector, voluntary sector and Umbrella

3 Supporting parents/carers to access and engage with services as appropriate

4 To hold a small caseload of families who need early intervention support, providing those families with more intensive support including regular telephone calls, home visits, signposting and attending meetings and appointments with them.

5 To work closely with Umbrella teams, ensuring a smooth handover

6 Develop and maintain strong and effective working relationships with staff working with disabled children and their families employed by other local agencies

7 Develop a high level of knowledge of local services

8 Facilitate a comprehensive range of well supported parent support groups across the area, taking account of geographical and community issues

9 Supporting and directing volunteers to provide peer support and help with group activities

10 Collating and reporting on relevant statistical and other performance information

11 Working with parents/carers to continually improve the service. 

General Responsibilities

1 Manage and organise your own time and activities to ensure tasks are prioritised, and agreed deadlines are met

2 Assist with the marketing and promotion of the service

3 Work closely with Parent /Carer Forums and Information, Advice Support Services.

4 Take an active part in continuing to develop own knowledge and skills relevant to the job, attending training as required

5 Keep clear and comprehensive case notes

6 Maintain confidentiality

7 Support parents/carers and young people to express their views

8 Work with parents to identify and develop new ways of providing effective support to parents, including the use of ICT and social media

9 To contribute to Umbrella service reports and bulletins.

Other Requirements

In accordance with relevant legislation, to take all reasonable care of your health, safety, and welfare and that of other people and premises affected by your work

In discharging the duties and responsibilities set out in the job description to ensure compliance with Equal Opportunities policies and principles.

In order to achieve the objectives of Umbrella, the post holder will need to work flexibly, including out of hours

This is not a full and complete statement of duties and responsibilities, which may be amended in the light of changing needs of parents and carers, after consultation with the post holder

Contract:Permanent, full time

Salary:£37,000 - £43,000 per annum

Location:Hybrid working, with a minimum of two days per week in the office at one of our sites: Radcliffe, Burford, Bromsgrove, Newport, Sheffield or Exeter

Closing date:Tuesday 9 December 2025
Interviews:  Thursday 18 December 2025

We’re recruiting a Volunteering Systems & Engagement Partner who will play a key role in shaping the future of volunteering at Blue Cross. In this pivotal role, you’ll lead the development and continuous improvement of our volunteering systems and programmes, ensuring volunteers and volunteer managers have the best possible experience. If you’re passionate about volunteering, confident working with digital platforms, and motivated by making a meaningful difference across the organisation, this could be the perfect role for you.

More about the role

You’ll be the driving force behind our volunteering systems and digital platforms, acting as Product Owner and ensuring these tools are effective, user-friendly, and continually evolving. Working closely with colleagues across People Services, Information Services, and Digital, you’ll lead key development projects, use data to inform decision-making, and support the delivery of our volunteering strategy and organisational objectives.

A big part of your role will be building strong relationships with volunteer managers and senior leaders. You’ll offer expert guidance, support programme development, and champion a positive, inclusive volunteering culture that recognises and values the contributions of volunteers from all backgrounds.

About you

You’ll bring significant experience in volunteering management or systems, with the ability to work both strategically and hands-on. You’ll be equally comfortable managing projects, improving processes, and guiding senior stakeholders. Adaptable, resilient, and highly organised, you’ll thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities shift and innovation is encouraged. Most importantly, you’ll be committed to championing an exceptional volunteer experience and embedding our values of compassion, courage, and inclusivity.

 Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Proven experience in volunteering management and/or volunteer programme development.
• Experience in managing Volunteer Management Systems or equivalent digital platforms.
• Experience in project or programme management within a volunteering context.
• Knowledge of the voluntary sector and the needs of volunteers and volunteer managers.
• Experience in developing or contributing to organisational strategy and planning.
• Excellent communication, engagement, and influencing skills across all levels of the organisation.
• UK driving licence or equivalent.
• The ability to demonstrate and apply Blue Cross values of compassion, courage, and inclusivity.

How to apply 

Click the apply button to complete your application. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of interest, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Blue Cross benefits

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.  

In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.  

Our generous benefits package includes: 

• Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays)  
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support  
• Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family   
• Health cash plan  
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme  
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution   
• Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support.  
• Life assurance   
• 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance   
• Enhanced family friendly policies   
• Recognition scheme   
• Annual volunteer days  
• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers 

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website.

Do you want to make a real difference in children and young people's lives? If so, then we would like you to join our dedicated team of social workers and help empower children to thrive. We believe in quality over quantity, ensuring manageable caseloads so you can truly focus on the people you support. Regular supervision, peer support, and emotional wellbeing resources are all part of how we care for our team. We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our small friendly team, who are well linked in with the wider Barnardo's organisation across the UK.

Fostering Service, covering Wales. We offer flexible working options, and a strong support network, and ongoing professional development to ensure you feel valued and supported in your career. 

The suitably applicant will be enthusiastic, creative and passionate about supporting children and young people who are cared for by their foster families. You will be able to work therapeutically with people who have experienced trauma and loss in their lives. You will work in a way that acknowledges and validates their experiences and work with hope that their future may be different. You will also have opportunities to design and deliver training to a team of committed foster parents and peers. You will have strong assessment skills in order to complete Form F's and annual reviews.

Ready to take the next step in your social work career? If the answer yes, then we very much look forward to you joining the team.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

We are Hestia. We make a difference.
At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Refuge Worker to play a pivotal role in our Domestic Abuse Service in Merton.
Sounds great, what will I be doing?
We are looking for passionate individuals to provide intensive casework, support, and day-to-day guidance for women in our services. You'll play a vital role in delivering safety advice and information, including around domestic abuse and independent living, while co-producing personalised Support and Safety Plans that build on each woman's strengths and goals.
Your work will include liaising with statutory bodies such as Social Services to ensure safeguarding responsibilities are met, supporting housing needs and move-on accommodation, and facilitating empowering social activities and workshops that promote confidence, self-esteem, and assertiveness.
At the heart of this role is The Hestia Approach – a commitment to co-production and recovery. You'll work in true partnership with service users, helping them shape the support they receive, whether through peer networks, community groups, or local
events.
What do I need to bring with me?
You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.
Here's what the team will be looking for
Applicants should have experience supporting individuals with diverse and complex needs, including mental health issues and substance misuse. This includes delivering high-quality floating or outreach support, developing support plans, conducting risk assessments, and liaising with external professionals. Knowledge of safeguarding, welfare benefits, housing legislation, and the ability to accurately record casework using computer systems is essential. The role also requires the ability to work independently in the community and travel throughout the borough.
Please note: This role is open to female applicants only, in accordance with Schedule 9 (1a) of the Equality Act 2010.
When will I be working?
You will be working between the hours on 9am - 5.18pm, Monday to Friday 
Interview Steps
We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.
Shortlisting call: We have a team of de
dicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.
We are a disability confident employer
Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.
Safeguarding Statement
Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external
safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.
Important Information for Candidates
If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.
We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Join us!

 Contact is a national charity for families with disabled children. We provide information, advice and support, and bring families together so they can support each other. We campaign to improve their circumstances, and for their right to be included and equal in society.

Your role:

To support the development of the new Co-Production project in Ealing in partnership with Ealing Mencap and the EPCF

 To provide organisational and administrative support to the project and SG meetings

· To communicate with parents and parent volunteers supporting the project

·To facilitate and manage the new Co-Production Steering Group with partners and professionals from the LA

·To communicate on a regular basis with partners and LA services

·To act as first point of contact for queries about the project from parents and partners

Are you an experienced fundraiser with a background in trusts and foundations?
We’re looking for a Trusts and Foundations Manager to help deliver significant growth in fundraising income, influencing trusts and foundations to contribute to our valuable work.

What does this role do?
As Trusts and Foundations Manager, you’ll:

• develop your own trusts and foundations pipeline, crafting excellent cultivation and stewardship journeys for current and prospective supporters,
• maintain and strengthen existing relationships through regular meetings and touchpoints, deepening the connection between donors and their impact,
• work closely with other departments to build powerful donor journeys alongside building inspiring case studies and cases for support,
• write and prepare well researched applications for grants, to an excellent standard.

Interviews for this role are provisionally scheduled for 8th and 9th December 2025, and will take place on Teams.

Could this be you?
To be successful in this role, it’s crucial that you have excellent relationship and pipeline management skills, with proven experience of building strong relationships with donors that lead to multi-year outputs. You’ll be a confident verbal communicator and writer, who is passionate about our mission and can effectively share our impact with potential donors. You’ll also be organised and highly numerate, with experience of preparing and managing budgets.

About Dogs Trust
We love dogs. That’s why we do whatever we can to make sure every four-legged friend gets the love they deserve. We’ll never put a healthy dog down, so our work is focused on helping dogs in need, supporting owners every step of the walk, and creating a better world for dogs in the future. It’s what we’ve been doing since 1891 and how we’ve grown to become the UK’s leading dog charity, helping 12,000 loyal friends find their forever homes every year.

To apply for this position please click the APPLY NOW button. Our application process requires you submit a personal statement explaining your interest and suitability for the role.
 
Dogs are incredibly diverse, much like the humans that love them! At Dogs Trust we value diversity, and we're committed to fostering an inclusive culture. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, abilities, and cultures and believe that a diverse workforce helps us to achieve our mission. Our colleague networks give our people a voice, acting as vehicles for real and meaningful change within Dogs Trust. We truly want to see every candidate shine throughout the entire job application process, interview stages, and during their time with us. If there's anything on your mind or any adjustments you may need, don't hesitate to reach out to us. We're here to support you every step of the way.

Practice Specialist (experienced social worker)

§  Salary: £46,920 or £49,980 (London based) 

§  Contract: 6 to 9-month fixed term contract

§  Working pattern: Full time, 37.5 hours a week

§  Location:  Hybrid/homeworking

§  Due to travel across London and South East, you will be based in London or Southeast. You’ll be expected to attend our London office, in Chancery Lane/Farringdon or London venue at least 2 days a month, with flexibility.

§  Closing date: 5 pm, Monday 1st December 2025

§  Interview dates: 10th and 12th December 2025

We are looking for a dynamic and highly motivated professional to join our Practice Specialist team, working within our Programme team.

Practice Specialists play a crucial role in preparing Think Ahead participants to become outstanding social workers. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced social worker to maintain links with frontline practice and practice education, with development opportunities for teaching delivery, and coaching and mentoring others. Each Practice Specialist will have responsibility for a number of Think Ahead units (groups of 4-6 participants based in the same organisation), ensuring that participants receive an outstanding practice learning experience, and that there is effective delivery of our innovative curriculum in the practice environment provided by the NHS Trusts and Local Authorities that we partner with. 

 As Practice Specialist you will:

· Manage the implementation of the programme across host organisations ensuring quality placements and that the academic and practice components are brought together effectively. This will include visiting units of participants on placement, and virtually unit meetings. 

· Support development of CSW’s through regular coaching, supervision and training.

· Establish strong relationships with all relevant key contacts across our partner NHS trust and local authorities, holding regular meetings to quality assure the programme and develop our partnerships. 

· Provide specialist professional social work expertise to the Think Ahead team bringing experience and knowledge of frontline practice.

 

Who we’re looking for

The ideal candidate will be an experienced social worker and practice educator, that has experience of working within mental health and has a proven record of accomplishment of developing and supporting social workers. We are also looking for someone with experience and confidence in delivering training and is willing and motivated to get involved in this evolving area of the charity. 

What we can offer you

We offer excellent employee benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement (28 days) plus additional office closure over Christmas, enhanced family-friendly leave, flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm, a matched pension scheme with up to 7% employer contributions, an employee assistance programme and more. 

How to apply 

Download the candidate pack from our website.

Please provide a CV and a supporting statement (max 2 pages) outlining your fit for the role based on the person specification in the candidate pack and email these to us, together with the completed Equality and Diversity questionnaire.

We will use both the CV and the supporting statement to enable us to shortlist for interview. Unfortunately, we will not be able to consider any applications that do not address how the candidate meets the person specification in the supporting statement.

Jigsaw4u’s Piece of Mind Service helps 11 to 25 year-old young people in SW London overcome depression and/or anxiety. We are seeking 1 full-time counsellor, or 2 part-time counsellors, to support 15 referrals over 3 months, in the London Boroughs of Kingston and Richmond. 

There is the potential for this fixed-term contract to become permanent. 

Each young person receives 6 to 16 targeted, evidence based therapeutic support sessions.  Support sessions will be delivered at our Kingston-Upon Thames hub, at school, home or in the community where appropriate. The counsellor will liaise with parents/carers, and referrers and partner agencies as appropriate. They will evaluate the interventions through use of Outcomes Star and other agreed measurement tool.

Jigsaw4u is a community charity that helps children, young people and families across South West London put the pieces back together following social and emotional difficulties.

 We have a multi-disciplinary team of Specialist Support Practitioners and Therapists, with a proud 27-year history and values that are informed by our shared experiences and feedback from our service-users.

 We work with community and statutory partners to deliver over 24 services, including support for pre and post bereavement, depression and anxiety, young people in the care system or leaving care, domestic violence, young victims of crime, prisoners’ families and parenting programmes.

Youth Project Worker

Transform the lives of  young people with learning disabilities and autism who are avoiding school . Use creativity, advocacy and relationship-building to help them articulate their needs, re-enter education and rebuild social connections.

You'll work with 35 young people with learning disabilities and autism in Coventry each year , helping them to:

• Articulate their needs and wishes through creative one-to-one advocacy and support
• Re-enter education in a way that works for them as complex individuals
• Re-build social skills and connections to protect their wellbeing and enrich their lives

These young people may be learning-disabled or autistic, in special or mainstream education, or not in education, employment or training (NEET). They include school avoiders, those on reduced timetables, and young people with unmet mental health needs. Without support, their outcomes are often bleak - but you can change that.

What You'll Do

You'll meet young people where they feel most comfortable - at times that suit them, using WhatsApp, Zoom, or face-to-face. Together, you'll:

• Create multimedia person-centred 'back to learning and community' plans using video, voice recording, photographs, artwork or graphics
• Build their confidence through weekly one-to-one sessions, with gradual group engagement on their terms
• Advocate for their views and support them to develop self-advocacy skills
• Connect them with meaningful opportunities across the city
• Work collaboratively with parents, schools, and other professionals
• Complete risk assessments, travel plans and project monitoring

A fun and creative touch is essential - you'll co-design all activities with young people, focusing on what matters to them.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience in youth work, particularly one-to-one or small group personal and social development
• Has worked with teenagers experiencing mental health difficulties, special educational needs and disabilities
• Is creative and confident with multiple media platforms and social media
• Can help young people think broadly and creatively about their choices
• Works collaboratively with families, colleagues, and external professionals
• Has a deep listening ability - picking up on young people's signals, cues and feelings
• Is nurturing, non-judgmental and sees past first impressions
• Has tenacity and resilience with the ability to walk in young people's shoes
• Believes disabled young people should lead fulfilling lives as equal citizens

You'll need to be brilliant with young people, adaptable, and bring a flair for doing things differently. You'll have responsibility and autonomy, with the support of a strong team behind you.

Desirable: Qualifications in youth work, psychology or child and youth care; knowledge of person-centred and trauma-informed approaches.

About Grapevine

Grapevine is an award-winning charity bringing people who are marginalised into the centre of their communities. We're nationally acclaimed for our person-centred, strengths-based approach built on 30 years of curiosity and innovation.

Why work for us?

• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 8% non-contributory pension (we pay the full amount!)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Supportive culture focused on uncovering your potential
• Real impact - your work directly changes lives
• Continuous learning through reflective practice and peer learning
• Freedom with support - shape your projects but never feel alone

We're committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming people from all backgrounds. We actively work to create a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to be themselves.

The Impact

Since 2021, Next Steps has been achieving outstanding outcomes:

• 74% of young people felt more confident about school and the future
• 100% were able to do things that matter to them in a way they like
• 62% showed improved scores across every baseline area
• 34% increased school attendance within 4 months

Now it's your turn to be part of this success story.