Acting support worker jobs

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities -

To deliver tailored, holistic support to women affected by violence and abuse and living in the community, including practical and emotional support to increase women’s and children’s safety and meet identified needs.

Specific community language posts are also available for this role. Please indicate in the supporting evidence if you would be interested in the language post

Experience Required - 

Providing practical and emotional support to women and children affected by domestic violence 

Offering advice and information and advocating for service users on a range of issues including homelessness, benefits, legal, social welfare issues etc 

Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies 

Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults 

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May.

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to. 

Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

About the role

The Senior Advice Worker – SEND will be the specialist and subject expert in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and kinship care. You’ll provide 1:1 advice directly to kinship carers on all issues that impact on their caring role.

You will often be supporting kinship carers in high crisis. It will be part of your job to calm a situation quickly and support people to communicate what they need so you can provide personalised in-depth advice.

You’ll provide advice by phone, video calls and email, but you’ll also need to be able to respond to text, WhatsApp and online chat and other channels as we develop the service.

You’ll specialise in providing advice and information to enable kinship carers to support children with SEND needs, including speech, language and communication difficulties, social, emotional and mental health challenges, specific learning difficulties, and autism.

This will include advice and casework to support kinship carers to navigate the education system, understand Education, Health and Care Plan processes and access support from schools, children’s services and CAMHS.

As subject expert, you’ll provide expert input to the development of written information and resources and the development and delivery of specialist training for kinship carers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Respond to enquiries through a range of incoming channels. This includes taking calls on our advice line, as well as responding to enquiries submitted through our website, via internal referral or other channels.
• Provide high quality advice and information to kinship carers on their rights, entitlements and responsibilities in relation to welfare benefits, local authority allowances, support from children’s services, relevant legal orders, sources of educational, parenting and legal support and other issues that may be required.
• Assess vulnerability and risk to prioritise and respond to kinship carers’ issues in a timely manner.
• Research individual cases and identify possible courses of action.
• Address all safeguarding concerns in line with policy.
• Facilitate access to our advice service for people with diverse needs, e.g. by using appropriate translation services or assistive technology.
• Adapt communication style to respond appropriately to differing needs.
• Provide advice in a format that is manageable and understandable for the individual kinship carer.
• Apply agreed Kinship models of practice as appropriate, e.g. taking a trauma-informed approach.
• Provide specialist advice and casework on SEND-related issues. This may involve:
  • providing additional advice or support to enable a client to take action
  • undertaking follow-up action on behalf of the client to move the case on, e.g. negotiating with third parties
  • taking on complex casework to pursue significant outcomes for the client or strategic impact for all kinship carers

• Proactively update colleagues across Kinship on relevant updates in the SEND landscape, providing guidance to teams.

• Work closely with training colleagues to develop, create and occasionally lead training sessions to support kinship carers to navigate the SEND system.

Essential requirements include:

• Minimum of 2 years’ recent experience of delivering in-depth advice work on complex social welfare legal issues (e.g. benefits, housing, education or social care) to members of the public.

• Experience of giving both telephone and written advice.

• Either significant knowledge of and expertise in the SEND system and SEND-related issues, with the ability to develop expertise in kinship care advice; or, Significant knowledge of and expertise in kinship care advice, with substantial knowledge of SEND-related advice issues and the ability to become an expert in SEND advice for kinship carers.

• A demonstrable knowledge of relevant sources of advice and information. 

• Knowledge and evidence of good understanding of safeguarding issues and good practice.

• Proven understanding of the importance of confidentiality and a non-judgmental approach.

• Experience and confidence in development of resources

• Experience of effective management and supervision of staff, projects and/or services.

• Experience using Case Management Systems and/or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms.

What we offer you:

• Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
• ​30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
• Charity Worker Discounts.

Key dates:

• Application deadline: Monday 20 April 2026, 12pm
• First interview: w/c 4 May 2026 (online)
• Second interview: w/c 11 May 2026 (if required)

How to apply:

Please apply for the role of Senior Advice Worker - SEND by sending a CV and answering the questions below. The deadline is 12pm on Monday 20 April 2026. Any applications arriving after the closing date will not be considered for shortlisting unless there are exceptional reasons. Please ensure you have read the application timelines.

Please provide a cover letter answering the following 4 questions (up to 250 words per answer):

1. Give an overview of how your experience, qualifications and training equip you for the role of Senior Advice Worker - SEND.
2. Explain why you want to work for Kinship.
3. What are the key skills and personal attributes that you would bring to the role?
4. What do you see as the most significant advice issues confronting kinship families navigating the SEND system?

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work.   We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

Technology operations enable our mission every day. As Stewardship serves more churches, charities, Christian workers and donors, expectations on our core technology foundations (devices, collaboration tools, identity, and underlying platforms) keep rising. 

The Technology Operations Manager ensures those foundations are reliable, secure and simple to use by leading our End User Computing and Systems Administration teams to resolve issues quickly and keep platforms up to date, secure and reliable. The role strengthens our security posture and resilience by embedding practical controls and disciplined lifecycle management. When technology operations run well, every team can focus on serving the Kingdom - free from technology friction, confident that the systems they rely on will perform. 

Occupational Requirement (OR)

As a result of our Christian ethos, this post is covered by an Occupational Requirement (OR) under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010. The successful applicant will be expected to be a practising Christian and to clearly demonstrate a personal commitment to the mission, principles, values and practices contained in our Ethos Statement, by:

· Active membership of local church congregation.

An understanding of the faith aspects of the work of Christian charities, including the preparedness to pray with colleagues, where appropriate.

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities -

To develop and deliver family support and play sessions to children, young people and their mothers in refuge and the community. To lead on domestic violence awareness raising sessions with children/young people and professionals.

Experience Required- 

Working within a children and family setting with women and children affected by domestic violence 

Assessing and working to meet children’s needs in a holistic way 

Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies 

Delivering play activities for children 

Delivering training and awareness sessions

Working within safeguarding guidelines and legislation to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults 

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May.

Deliver hands-on advice, outreach, training and mentoring as part of a countywide partnership programme.

This four-year role, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, sits at the heart of the Small and Mighty (SaM) infrastructure support programme, delivered by a partnership of Community First Oxfordshire, OCVA, Oxford Community Action, Charity Mentors and Volunteer Link-Up, working directly with grassroots voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups. You’ll help organisations navigate challenges, build capacity and connect with others through outreach clinics, tailored training and collaborative spaces. Alongside staff within partner organisations and the existing CFO and OCVA teams, you’ll play a key role in strengthening Oxfordshire’s community sector for the long term.

Deliver hands-on advice, outreach, training and mentoring as part of a new countywide partnership programme.

This four-year role, funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, sits at the heart of the Small and Mighty (SaM) infrastructure support programme, delivered by a partnership of Community First Oxfordshire, OCVA, Oxford Community Action, Charity Mentors and Volunteer Link-Up, working directly with grassroots voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise groups. You’ll help organisations navigate challenges, build capacity and connect with others through outreach clinics, tailored training and collaborative spaces. Alongside staff within partner organisations and the existing CFO and OCVA team, you’ll play a key role in strengthening Oxfordshire’s community sector for the long term.

Job-share will be considered.

We are seeking an experienced and diligent HR Manager to work with staff and volunteers at our established Christian recovery centre in Berkshire. You will provide direction, support and oversight on all aspects of human resources management, including: HR administration; recruitment; staff supervisions and appraisals; compliance with employment regulations; training; performance and talent management; grievance, disciplinary, and capability procedures; salary structure and employee benefits; and organisational personnel planning.

We do not currently have HR software, so reviewing our requirements in this area would be one of your responsibilities.

​As a small charity (c. 43 salaried staff and casual workers, plus volunteers), the role will require balancing practical tasks with management responsibilities. You'll be based in the office (a lovely rural setting near Twyford, Reading) and, being situated within the rehabilitation centre, you will have daily contact with those men whom you are helping. They inspire and motivate us just as much as we seek to encourage and support them.

This is a permanent position, full-time or part-time considered. As this is a strategic post within an actively Christian setting, applications should be from committed Christians. Schedule 9, Part 1:3(a) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter, outlining how you meet the requirements of the job description and person specification provided.

Job Title: Duty Worker

Location: Hybrid working with a requirement to occasionally work at Head Office (Vauxhall, London) and co-locations across London
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum, Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location and any agreed permanent homeworking arrangement

Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term (until March 2027)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We are recruiting for a Duty Worker who will support the Ascent Pan London Service in building sustainable referral pathways and joint working protocols with a range of partners working with survivors of domestic abuse.

The central duty team (3 duty workers) will work closely with Refuge’s 6 floating support workers and floating support manager, and each service in the partnership has dedicated management to provide support and oversight for staff, and lead on safeguarding and project management.

We are looking for somone who has proven experience of providing direct emotional and practical support to women as well as up-to-date knowledge of legislation relating to survivors of gender-based violence. The post-holder will also have excellent casework skills, good written and verbal communication skills, clear professional boundaries, and be a proactive team player.

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 on 24 April 2026

Interview Date: 5 May 2026

Job Role: Support Worker – Criminal Justice

Salary: £20,960 per year (full time equivalent £26,200)

Hours: 30 hours per week

Contract type: Permanent

Location: Taunton - with travel across Somerset

Additional information:

• Valid driver's license and access to a car for business purposes
• Participation in an out-of-hours on-call rota
• This role is based at our Taunton office, with regular travel required within a 30-mile radius across Somerset

About Julian House:

Julian House is a charity dedicated to making a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society. We run several projects and every year we help thousands of people out of homelessness, into employment, away from domestic abuse, and more.

If you’d like a real sense of job satisfaction, great career prospects and a competitive benefits package, you could be who we’re looking for!

About the Role:

As a Support Worker within our Criminal Justice Service, you’ll be a steady, positive presence for people leaving prison who’ve recently experienced homelessness. Many clients are navigating trauma, mental ill‑health, substance use, domestic abuse and ongoing involvement with the justice system.

You’ll be responsible for managing referrals, completing needs/risk assessments, and providing tailored support that empowers clients to maintain their accommodation and make positive life changes. You’ll work closely with key partners such as the National Probation Service, Police, and other support agencies to create effective, multi-agency support plans.

Day to day, you’ll help with benefit claims and budgeting, coach the skills for safe, stable tenancies and ensure accommodation meets high health & safety standards. You’ll also keep clear, timely records and contribute to reporting for partners and funders, playing a vital role in the wider success of the service.

Ready to make a real difference every day? Apply now.

What you’ll be doing:

• Build positive and effective working relationships and agreements with external agencies which will include working closely with criminal justice services
• Complete needs and risk assessments for clients leading to the delivery of support plans which meet individual client needs
• Give clients advice and information to provide an enabling service so that they can access appropriate services and accommodation
• Ensure all new clients moving into the service understand their rights, responsibilities and the conditions of their licence agreement

Please note: Job descriptions are not exhaustive, and the successful candidate may occasionally be asked to take on other duties that align with the key responsibilities outlined.

What we’re looking for:

• A valid UK driving licence and access to own vehicle – business insurance will be required for roles involving travel for work
• Experience working with vulnerable adults and/or people with complex needs and challenging behaviours

There are many great reasons to join our team!

• Access to our Rewards Platform, which includes an Employee Assistance Programme and Health Cash Plan
• 27 days annual leave, including an extra day off for your birthday, plus bank holidays - increasing up to 30 days after 4 years of continuous employment (pro rata for part-time staff)
• 30% staff discount at Julian House charity shop
• A generous and competitive pension scheme
• A supportive culture where staff feedback is highly valued and regular supervisions with line managers are conducted
• Great opportunities for career development and free monthly training sessions from experienced facilitators
• For all the fantastic and valuable work, you’ll be doing, you’ll be eligible for the Blue Light Card which offers amazing discounts on thousands of brands
• Reflective Practice sessions from objective, external facilitators

Our Ethos

As an Equal Opportunities employer, we have an Equality and Diversity Action plan in place showing our commitment in ensuring continuous improvement in creating an inclusive culture. We also have a committed group of Inclusion & Diversity champions who meet monthly to ensure progress is being made. We invite applications from people from all backgrounds and cultures, especially minority groups that are underrepresented in the workplace. We also welcome applications from those with lived experience. We embrace flexibility and are proud to be a Disability Confident and Mindful employer, as well as an Armed Forces Covenant Supporter.

If you have any special access requirements or other support needs throughout the application process (including the interview), please contact us so that we can let you know how we can support you.

DBS Checks

We welcome applications from people with lived experience. All applicants working with our clients will be expected to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from becoming an employee; the decision will depend on the type of offence and its relevance to the role.

If you would like to discuss any convictions you may have, please contact the person named in the advert. All information will be dealt with according to our Data Protection Policy.

Please note: We reserve the right to close our vacancies once the perfect candidate has been found. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out!

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (excluding breaks)

Fixed term for 12 months in the first instance (subject to the successful completion of a 6-month probationary period)

We are recruiting to a brand-new role and are looking for an experienced, community-focused Programme Manager (Place) to lead Salford CVS’s Pride in Place activity in Pendleton and Peel Green. This is a key role focused on ensuring that strong, representative community voice, clear governance, and meaningful VCSE sector involvement are embedded from the outset.

Pride in Place is a national ten-year programme that places Neighbourhood Boards at the heart of local decision-making, with local authorities acting as the accountable body and communities expected to shape priorities and hold partners to account. In this model, Local Infrastructure Organisations (LIOs) like Salford CVS play an important enabling role - helping to connect local authorities with VCSE organisations, strengthening engagement, and ensuring a diverse range of community voices can participate fully.

As Programme Manager (Place), you will coordinate our work to support high-quality governance, inclusive engagement and strong local insight across both neighbourhoods.

A core part of your work will be ensuring that Pride in Place Neighbourhood Boards in Pendleton and Peel Green benefit from authentic, representative and evidence-driven community input. This includes leading the development of a community research programme, working in close partnership with VCSE organisations already active on the ground. Through these organisations, who often have trusted relationships with residents, established local networks and specialist knowledge of particular communities, you will lead on approaches that reach a wide range of voices, including those who are seldom heard. You will oversee our Trusted Voices and community researcher model, ensuring local people are recruited, supported and empowered to gather high-quality insight that reflects the diversity of each neighbourhood. This work will help create a rich, grounded understanding of community priorities, enabling transparent, accountable and well-informed decision-making across the programme.

The Programme Manager (Place) will bring clarity, organisation and coordination to this work. You will maintain oversight of our role within the wider programme, share insight with partners, identify gaps in engagement, and support the VCSE sector to participate meaningfully in Pride in Place structures and discussions.

This role is ideal for someone who is passionate about community-led change, place-based working, and strengthening the voice and influence of local people and VCSE organisations. You will be joining a programme at a formative stage, helping to shape how communities in Pendleton and Peel Green participate in long-term neighbourhood investment and decision-making.

Benefits

• 28 days’ holiday - rising to 30 days (after five years), plus Bank Holidays (pro rata for part-time)
• Enhanced company sick and maternity pay, subject to terms and conditions of service
• Pension scheme - with 7% employer contribution (and 1% mandatory employee contribution)
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Membership of the Hospital Saturday Fund via an employer subsidised scheme (optional and non-contractual)
• RHS family membership (optional and non-contractual)
• Development opportunities - we support and encourage our staff to progress in their careers (including formal training)
• A supportive working culture - we respect and support one another to do the best we can

If you would like to apply for the position of Programme Manager (Place), please submit your application on our website via the apply button.

Closing date: Noon on Monday 27th April 2026.

Interview date: Friday 8th May 2026.

We reserve the right to review applications before the closing date should we get sufficient applications.

Please note late applications will not be accepted.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and caring Children and Familes Worker to support and develop our work with local children and families within our Methodist church community.We see families and children's ministry as a key area of church growth and discipleship.  Our aim is for as many families and children as possible come to know and share in the love of Christ.

We are looking to appoint someone who enjoys building relationships, encouraging faith in everyday life, and creating welcoming spaces for families to belong.

We are keen to shape the role around the right person, so hours are flexible and negotiable.  Your passion and vision is the most important criteria. 

Priorities of the role

1. Reaching out and building relationships with families and children, from Launceston and the surrounding villages, connecting them with our church community
2. Building links and partnerships with other local community groups, schools and organisations
3. Enabling individuals to discover their faith and grow through discipleship
4. Developing and running fun, inclusive faith-based activities
5. Engaging in developing and implementing the church’s overall mission

The post holder must be a committed and practising Christian. This is a genuine occupational requirement (Equality Act 2010).

Women-only post (Section 7(2)(d) applies)

Team Leader – Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation (Cheshire West and Chester) 

Salary: £28,444 per annum
Hours: 32 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: To be confirmed

About WHAG

WHAG is a leading charity delivering high‑quality, trauma‑informed support to women, men and families affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence, homelessness and relationship breakdown across the Northwest. Our work is rooted in empowerment, choice, strength and change, supporting people to rebuild their lives safely and independently. 

The Role

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Team Leader to lead and coordinate our Domestic Abuse Safe Accommodation Service in Cheshire West and Chester. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will provide strong operational leadership, ensure high‑quality service delivery, and develop effective partnerships with local agencies and stakeholders. 

You will support and supervise staff, oversee casework quality, manage risk, contribute to service development, and ensure contractual and safeguarding requirements are met. This role includes participation in a 24/7 on‑call rota and occasional evening and weekend work. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate a trauma‑informed domestic abuse safe accommodation service
• Provide supervision, case management and quality assurance to staff and volunteers
• Manage referrals, risk assessments, safeguarding concerns and crisis responses
• Ensure effective multi‑agency working, including MARAC and local partnership forums
• Monitor service outcomes, complete reporting and contribute to service improvement
• Support recruitment, induction and development of staff and volunteers
• Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with policies and legislation 

About You

You will have:

• Experience supporting adults and children affected by domestic abuse, sexual violence or stalking
• Experience of strengths‑based risk assessment, including DASH RIC
• Strong experience of multi‑agency working and managing complex cases
• Proven ability to manage, supervise and motivate teams
• A trauma‑informed, person‑centred approach to service delivery
• Knowledge of safeguarding, housing, welfare benefits and relevant legislation
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion 

Essential Requirements

• Relevant qualification or equivalent experience (with willingness to work towards Level 5)
• Ability to travel across the contract area and access to a car
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and on‑call rota
• Enhanced DBS check 

What We Offer

• 25 days annual leave rising to 28 days (pro‑rata) plus bank holidays
• Pension via NEST
• Health plan and employee wellbeing support
• Flexible working (for non‑rota posts)
• Bike‑to‑work and tech salary‑sacrifice schemes
• Free parking and charity worker discounts 

WHAG is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

The Housing Needs Service is integral in effectively preventing homelessness and supporting service users into permanent and sustainable accommodation. The Housing Needs Service involves working collaboratively with other internal services, including the Resettlement Team, the Employment Service, the Housing Solutions Service and Passage House Assessment Centre, to assess the housing needs of service users and identify appropriate accommodation options.

This service is key part of the No Night Out service (NNO), an innovative model that provides rapid intervention and support for individuals at imminent risk of rough sleeping for the first time. Service users are provided with emergency accommodation, assessed by the Housing Needs Service and supported to view and sign up for Private Rented Sector properties within a target timeframe of 14 days. The Housing Needs Service works closely with the Resettlement Team to achieve successful outcomes within this prevention service.

The Housing Rights Worker will provide high-quality housing advice, advocacy and casework support to individuals and communities experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity or other housing-related problems. You will empower clients by delivering practical solutions and helping them understand and exercise their statutory rights, while contributing to the organisation’s objectives of preventing homelessness and improving access to safe, secure housing.

The Housing Rights Worker is required to:

• Prevent homelessness wherever possible by supporting clients to understand and exercise their legal and statutory housing rights.
• Provide specialist housing advice, advocacy and casework support to individuals experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity or housing-related difficulties.
• Working collaboratively with the Intervention Worker’s caseload of clients, ensuring high-quality client-centred support.
• Represent and advocate on behalf of clients in dealings with landlords, local authorities and other statutory or voluntary agencies.
• Sourcing suitable accommodation options, including shared and private rented accommodation, particularly for single people under 35 affected by Shared Accommodation Rate restrictions.
• Empower individuals and communities by increasing awareness of housing rights, entitlements and available support services.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of housing advice services.

Main Duties

Housing Advice & Casework

• Provide advice on homelessness legislation, housing law, tenancy rights, housing debt and welfare benefits impacting housing affordability.
• Support under 35s to access sustainable housing solutions, addressing affordability barriers and landlord engagement.
• Assisting Housing Need workers with preparing clients for viewings, tenancy sign-ups and moving into accommodation.
• Identify and advocate on the client’s behalf to address concerns relating to property condition, safety and housing standards.
• Represent and advocate on behalf of clients in dealings with landlords
• Negotiate with landlords, housing providers and local authorities to prevent eviction or resolve disputes.

Partnership & Multi- Agency Working

• Build relationships with private landlords and letting agents to increase access to suitable shared housing and private rented accommodation for people under 35.
• Work creatively to overcome barriers faced by young single people in accessing accommodation
• Work proactively with landlords and letting agents to ensure they understand and adhere to their legal responsibilities, including tenancy management, notice procedures, and statutory obligations.
• Encourage early resolution of disputes between landlords and tenants to prevent escalation and homelessness

Community Engagement & Outreach

• Work collaboratively with community groups and partner organisations.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with local authorities, housing associations, supported accommodation providers, and voluntary sector partners.
• Participate in multi-agency meetings and case conferences.
• Empower individuals and communities by increasing awareness of housing rights, entitlements and available support services.
• Deliver workshops, information sessions and outreach activities to raise awareness of housing rights and housing options.​

Service Development

• Provide feedback on emerging housing trends affecting under 35s and other client groups.
• Assist with reporting and meeting service targets.
• Contribute to the development and improvement of housing advice services.
• Develop accessible information resources tailored to young people
• Promote good practice within the private rented sector and encourage responsible landlord engagement.

Barnardo's is seeking an empathetic and child led individual who can work within a dynamic and fast-paced environment using their strong organisational, communication and time management skills to support children in the secure estate.

This part-time position (Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is based within HMYOI Parc, which accommodates children aged between 15-18 years, who are in custody, either sentenced or on remand.  Barnardo's refers to Young Offender Institutions (YOI) and Secure Training Centres (STC) as the ‘Secure Estate'.

Barnardo's is commissioned by the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) to provide an Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy (ICRAS) Service to children accommodated in a secure setting. The service is known to children as Barnardo's: Your Rights, Your Voice, and currently works within  four Young Offender Institutes and  one Secure Training Centre. The ICRAS service is child led and independent of the secure estate; our service is delivered within HMYOI Parc to ensure children can freely access support for a range of issues linked to their needs, rights & experiences of custody, resettlement, and safeguarding.  As such this is a child-facing service, and at times involves lone working in the establishments, so we are seeking someone who can see the child, not the offence.

We hold ‘voice' at the heart of all we do, therefore we feel the role is best described by someone who is currently working in this sector: “The role is an Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy role, which means it is our job to empower the children we work with and help them to understand that what they think, what they feel and what they want, really matters. We can speak on behalf of children to ensure their voice is heard and we also have the opportunity to help them to find the tools and confidence to raise their voices for themselves.  Advocacy and Children's Rights support is particularly crucial in the secure estate because children are away from home, family and natural advocates, and also because children in secure estate are some of the most vulnerable children in society; they have often faced considerable adversity, disadvantage and discrimination prior to arriving into custody and they might not, therefore, be equipped with the skills needed to articulate their concerns. Through the work you do with a child such as  simply helping them make contact with friends or family on the outside, to helping them with concerns they may have in relation todiscrimination, resettlement or safeguarding issues, you  may be the one person telling them that  they matter for the very first time.”

The position (Independent Children's Rights and Advocacy Worker – Project Worker 2) is line managed by a Team Manager, reporting to an off-site manager. The post holder will need to be able to work autonomously, working to the requirements of the contract and the regime of the YOI. The secure estate is a highly structured environment; as a Barnardo's service we deliver independent advocacy and support for a range of issues, whilst still having to follow and adhere to this structure.

This role includes lone working in this challenging secure environment. It is, therefore, critical that the successful candidate can follow guidance and policy and is able to take proactive and individual responsibility to understand and access the service support mechanisms.  This role requires the worker to be onsite for their contracted hours, working remotely only for occasional training or meetings. The advocacy team work on a rota system with set hours each week, which includes weekends and bank holidays. Applicants should also be aware, that due to the nature of working within secure estate, the vetting and induction process can take several months to complete.

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

This is a part-time vacancy with 18.5 hours available per week.

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.