Activities and wellbeing support worker jobs

About the role:

Real change rarely happens in a straight line. At our Ashley Road project, you’ll work alongside people who have experienced homelessness, trauma and multiple disadvantage, offering the consistency, practical support and belief that can help them begin moving forward.

As a Project Worker, you’ll hold a caseload and build purposeful, trusting relationships with clients. You’ll complete assessments, develop person-centred support and safety plans, and help people identify goals that feel meaningful and achievable to them. This could include supporting someone to improve their health, address substance use, manage their accommodation, strengthen their daily living skills or reconnect with services and opportunities in their community.

You’ll be there when situations become challenging, responding calmly to risk, safeguarding concerns and periods of crisis while continuing to recognise each person’s strengths and potential. Working closely with colleagues and external partners, you’ll advocate for clients, coordinate joined-up support and help remove the barriers that have previously prevented them from accessing the help they need.

This is a hands-on and varied role where no two days will look the same. Alongside direct support, you’ll contribute to the safe and effective running of the accommodation, maintain clear and accurate records and help create an environment where clients are treated with dignity, respect and hope. You’ll also receive ongoing training, reflective practice and development opportunities to strengthen your skills and build your future career within SHP.

The working rota for this post is Monday - Friday, with no weekend shifts. The rota will consist of a mixture of earlies (8am - 3.30pm) & lates (3pm - 10.30pm).

About you:

• You know how to meet people where they are, building trust with people who may be facing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, trauma or other complex needs.
• You bring patience, creativity and warmth to your work, especially when someone has been let down by services before or needs time to feel safe accepting support.
• You’re confident holding a caseload, but you never lose sight of the person behind the support plan — their strengths, choices, goals and hopes for the future.
• You understand that progress rarely happens through one service alone, and you’re ready to work closely with health, social care, housing and criminal justice partners to help people get the right support.
• You believe recovery looks different for everyone, and you’re motivated by helping people build confidence, independence and a more stable life at their own pace.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 9th August at midnight

Interview date: Tuesday 18th August online via Microsoft Teams

Please note there will be a second stage interview in service in Islington for suitable candidates. 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check (processed by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. 

The Communications Co-ordinator plays an important role in helping MindOut communicate its impact, services, campaigns and community voice to a wide range of stakeholders. Working closely with the Charity Director, Heritage Project Manager, staff team, volunteers and external partners, the postholder will ensure MindOut's communications remain engaging, accessible, inclusive and reflective of LGBTQ+ lived experiences. 

While supporting with our communications for the charity, the role has a particular focus on supporting communications for MindOut's National Lottery Heritage Fund project, Speaking Our Minds: MindOut 25+ Years and LGBTQ Mental Health, helping to capture and share the stories, achievements and learning from the project while increasing engagement with LGBTQ communities, funders and supporters. 

This opportunity would suit a creative and organised communications professional who enjoys producing content, managing digital platforms, engaging with audiences and supporting community-focused projects. 

Role description 

You will bring the skills, experience, creativity and confidence to support all aspects of MindOut's communications, marketing and public profile, helping to promote our services, campaigns, community engagement activities and heritage work. 

Main Tasks 

Communications & Content Creation 

• Develop and deliver engaging communications across MindOut's social media, website, newsletters and other communication channels. 

• Create accessible and inclusive content that reflects the diversity of LGBTQ+ communities. 

• Write articles, blogs, case studies, impact stories, promotional materials and project updates. 

• Support the development of a consistent organisational voice and communication style. 

• Gather and manage photographs, testimonials, quotes, video content and community stories, ensuring appropriate consent and permissions are obtained. 

Social Media & Digital Engagement 

• Lead on the day-to-day management of MindOut's social media platforms. 

• Plan and schedule content using appropriate digital tools. 

• Monitor engagement, respond appropriately to enquiries and identify opportunities to increase reach and engagement. 

• Track performance and provide regular reports on communications activity and impact. 

• Keep up to date with relevant trends, campaigns and issues affecting LGBTQ+ communities and mental health. 

Heritage Project Communications 

• Lead communications activity for Speaking Our Minds: MindOut 25+ Years and LGBTQ Mental Health. 

• Promote project activities including oral history interviews, workshops, exhibitions, volunteer opportunities and public events. 

• Support the development and promotion of online heritage content and digital exhibitions. 

• Work alongside volunteers, participants and partners to showcase project outcomes and achievements. 

• Assist with gathering project evidence, feedback and impact stories required for funder reporting. 

Events & Community Engagement 

• Support the promotion and delivery of community events, awareness campaigns and stakeholder engagement activities. 

• Produce event marketing materials and communications. 

• Coordinate communications before, during and after events. 

• Support relationships with community groups, partners, funders and stakeholders. 

Website & Email Communications 

• Maintain and update website content. 

• Produce and distribute newsletters and email communications using appropriate digital platforms. 

• Support audience development and mailing list management in line with GDPR requirements. 

• Monitor website and email performance and identify opportunities for improvement. 

Media & Public Relations 

• Draft press releases, media statements and promotional content. 

• Build relationships with local, regional and LGBTQ+ media contacts. 

• Support media opportunities that raise awareness of MindOut's work and impact. 

• Assist senior staff with communications relating to public campaigns and organisational announcements. 

Administration & Monitoring 

• Maintain accurate communications records, image libraries and consent documentation. 

• Support monitoring and evaluation of communications activities. 

• Ensure compliance with GDPR, confidentiality and organisational policies. 

• Produce reports on communications activity for funders, management and trustees as required. 

For full details and person specifciation please view attached job description.

Interviews to be held 26th & 27th August.

About us 

Loughborough Community Centre (LCC) was established in Brixton in 1981, as a positive outcome from the Brixton Uprisings. We operate from the Max Roach Centre in Brixton. 

Our vital and multi award-winning project has been on the frontline before and during the pandemic supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families. We are in a positive position to grow the team to increase our impact for the community.

What we do: 

Core offer...

• Rosebuds Preschool (2 - 4yrs)

• Afterschool and Holiday Play Project (0 - 13yrs) 

• Family Support 

Our mission:  
A safe place where children, young people and families can come together, to play, learn and thrive.  Join us and become part of a happy, motivated and friendly team who support the social, emotional and learning needs of our intergenerational community, through our embedded approach of Listening, Collaboration and the Creation (LCC) of meaningful activities.

About you

You will provide high-quality education, care, and family support, ensuring children experience a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where they can thrive. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will bring strong leadership, early years knowledge, and a commitment to creating enabling spaces that support children’s learning, development, wellbeing, and family engagement. 

You will be confident in meeting all legal, statutory, and setting requirements, with a strong understanding of your professional contribution to maintaining high standards across Rosebuds Preschool, and the wider family and play services delivered by LCC at the Max Roach Centre. 

Role Title: Early Year Professional (added area of responsibility) / Senior Practioner 

Hours: 35 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day Monday to Friday (Hours will include some afterschool wraparound, occasional evenings and weekends).

We value work life balance and are willing to consider term time only or all year round.  

Salary: £28,392 (FTE) depending on experience and up to an extra £3,640 per year incentive for added area of responsibility. Potential FTE £32,032. 

Location: Rosebuds Preschool at Max Roach Centre, in person

Contract: Permanent – 6 months probationary period

Benefits of working with us: 

• Highly Competitive Salary 

• Team Of People Who Actually Care 

• Concessional Preschool Place

• Employee Assistance Programme for Staff Mental Health Wellbeing and Support 

• Birthdays Off 

• Regular Socials and Team Building Opportunities. 

• Free Enhanced DBS Checks 

• Well-Established Career Path and Training Opportunities 

• Workplace Pension Scheme

• Induction and Supervision Programme

• Personal and Professional Development Plan 

• Fresh Fruit, Tea & Coffee available for all staff 

You will have experience of:

• Planning, delivering, and evaluating high-quality learning experiences in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, supporting children’s individual development, curiosity, and wellbeing.

• Working collaboratively as part of an early years professional team to maintain and continuously improve the quality of practice, provision, and outcomes for children.

• Operating within a Key Person system, building secure, nurturing relationships with a designated group of children and supporting their individual needs, development, and family relationships.

Main duties include:

• Contribute to the responsibility for providing a high quality of education and learning, ensuring that staff are properly deployed, and to offer appropriate stimulation and support to the children attending the setting.

• Contribute to the responsibility towards drawing up long-term, medium-term and sessional curriculum plans which take into account the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and to monitor the effectiveness of the setting’s curriculum; this may include working with external professionals.

• Advocate for early years curriculum based on outdoor learning through play. 

• Contribute to the responsibility of drawing up and implementing the daily programme of activities and events.

• Comply with current Ofsted inspection requirements for achieving a ‘Good’ or above rating.

• Contribute and support the key person system, ensuring parents/carers are aware of their child’s key worker and that key workers regularly and effectively engage with their key children’s parent/carer.

• Contribute to the responsibility for the implementation of systems for observation and record keeping so that children’s progress and achievements are effectively and regularly assessed and to monitor the effectiveness of assessment procedures.

• Understand and appreciate the importance of monitoring and evaluation in a preschool based setting. 

• To carry out visits and inductions for new children and to ensure a smooth settlement. 

Deadline for applications is Friday 7th August 2026. Interviews will take place througout August 2026.

About Katherine Low Settlement   

Katherine Low Settlement is a busy, local charity that has been serving Battersea and the wider Wandsworth community since 1924. We are dedicated to building stronger communities and enable people to challenge and find ways out of poverty and isolation.   

We run a range of our own community services to support local older people and children, young people, and their families from refugee communities. We campaign for social change. We incubate and support other charities and social businesses to thrive. Each week we work with 30+ charities and community groups supporting more than 1,000 people. 

About the Role

The Lead Youth Worker plays a key role in shaping, coordinating and delivering high-quality youth provision within the Future Foundations programme at KLS. Reporting to the Head of Future Foundations, this role combines hands-on youth work with leadership, coordination and safeguarding responsibility, ensuring that children and young people are supported through safe, inclusive and engaging activities that promote their personal, social and educational development.

You will lead on the planning, delivery and evaluation of homework clubs, youth activities, trips and holiday programmes, while line-managing and supporting two Youth Workers and supervising interns and volunteers. You will work closely with families, schools, community partners and colleagues across KLS to provide joined-up, responsive support for young people. This is a people-centred leadership role requiring strong safeguarding practice, excellent organisational skills, and the ability to build trusting relationships. You will champion youth voice, promote positive behaviour and inclusion, and contribute to continuous improvement through reflection, data and learning.

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 3 August 2026.

Key Responsibilities 

Youth Club & Holiday Programme 

• Lead the planning, delivery and evaluation of the youth club for newly arrived young people, within Future Foundations, ensuring sessions are safe, inclusive, engaging and developmentally appropriate. 

• Develop session plans and programmes that support young people’s learning, wellbeing and confidence, using participatory and youth-led approaches. 

• Lead the delivery of the weekly youth club, including wellbeing activities, workshops and targeted interventions for newly arrived young people. 

• Lead the planning, coordination and delivery of school holiday provision, including half-term, Easter and summer programmes, ensuring appropriate staffing, safeguarding and risk management arrangements are in place. 

• Work closely with the youth caseworker to encourage engagement and participation of young people at Southfields Academy International Department with the youth club. 

Safeguarding, Behaviour & Inclusion 

• Ensure all practice aligns with safeguarding policies and supports young people’s personal, social and educational development. 

• Maintain accurate safeguarding records, risk assessments and incident reports. 

• Lead on behaviour management and restorative approaches, supporting staff, volunteers and young people to resolve issues constructively

• Deliver safeguarding briefings and provide ongoing guidance and support to volunteers and interns. 

• Promote a culture of safety, inclusion, respect and positive behaviour across all activities. 

People Management & Support 

• Line-manage and support two youth workers through regular supervision, mentoring, appraisal and performance management. 

• Support with supervising interns, including managing timetables, providing guidance and coordinating with KLS colleagues. 

• Work with the Head of Volunteering and youth team to recruit, support, train and develop volunteers and interns, ensuring they understand their responsibilities and contribute safely and confidently to activities 

• Coordinate workloads across the youth team, ensuring staff, volunteers and interns are appropriately supported, work safely and maintain consistent standards of practice.

Youth, Family & Community Engagement 

• Build strong, trusting relationships with young people and their families, ensuring clear communication and inclusive engagement. 

• Liaise with families/carers to share information about activities, expectations and support needs. 

• Build and maintain effective relationships with local youth organisations, schools and partner agencies. 

• Represent KLS at relevant meetings, forums and community events. 

• Refer young people and families to internal casework, advice or external services as appropriate. 

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting 

• Support the Head of Future Foundations with monitoring outcomes, collecting feedback and using data to improve programme quality. 

• Maintain accurate records, including registers, consent forms and monitoring data. 

• Contribute to internal and external reporting, including funder and trustee reports. 

• Contribute evidence, case studies and monitoring information to funding applications, reports and evaluation processes. 

• Ensure the voices, experiences and ideas of young people inform programme development, decision-making and evaluation. 

Resources, Budgets & Planning 

• Monitor expenditure and manage resources, equipment and activity budgets in line with agreed financial procedures. 

• Ensure effective use of resources and value for money across youth provision. 

• Support the planning of annual programmes of activity in collaboration with colleagues, young people and families. 

Collaboration & Organisational Contribution 

• Work closely with colleagues across Future Foundations to provide high-quality, joined-up support. 

• Coordinate the School Years Working Group, supporting colleagues to share learning, collaborate effectively and deliver consistent, high-quality programmes across Future Foundations.

• Communicate effectively across teams to enhance service delivery and organisational learning. 

• Participate in supervision, appraisals, training and reflective practice. 

• Work in line with KLS’s values, policies and procedures at all times. 

Person Specification 

Essential Experience 

• Experience of working with refugee communities and/or children and young people and/or other vulnerable groups, with a strong focus on placing participants’ needs at the centre of service planning and delivery. 

• Experience of planning, delivering and contributing to reporting for projects within the voluntary or community sector (preferably with refugee or sanctuary-seeking communities). 

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and maintain high professional standards. 

• Experience of working sensitively with young people affected by mental health challenges and past trauma, with an empathetic, non-judgemental approach and the ability to build supportive but appropriately boundaried relationships. 

• Up-to-date knowledge of best practice in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and the ability to apply this in practice. 

• Confident IT skills, including use of the Microsoft Office suite, email, internet-based tools and social media. 

• Commitment to KLS’s mission, vision and values. 

• Passion for social justice, education and championing the strengths of families from refugee and sanctuary-seeking communities. 

Desirable Experience 

• Demonstrable experience of managing and supporting volunteers. 

• A recognised qualification in youth work, teaching or a related field. 

• Experience of monitoring and evaluating projects, including collecting evidence of impact and contributing to reports for funders. 

• Ability to communicate in another language, particularly Arabic, Somali, Farsi, Amharic and/or Tigrinya. 

• Knowledge of Battersea, Wandsworth or similar local communities. 

Other Requirements

• Willingness to work evenings - Monday or Tuesday evenings are a requirement and occasional Wednesday and Thursday evenings 

• Enhanced DBS check required (to be undertaken upon appointment) 

• Participate in regular supervision and annual appraisals; help to identify your own job related development and training needs. 

• Always work with anti-discriminatory, empowering practice, ensuring everyone is treated with dignity and respect. 

• Adhere to Katherine Low Settlement’s code of confidentiality, safeguarding and equal opportunities policies.

• Undertake your role in a professional manner and maintain a high-quality standard of work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of KLS. 

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with young people, families, colleagues and partner organisations. 

• Ability to motivate, support and encourage young people to build confidence, skills and aspirations. 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a small team, while also working independently, using initiative. 

Further Information  

• Katherine Low Settlement is committed to equal opportunities.

• All offers to work at Katherine Low Settlement are subject to two satisfactory references, which is standard KLS policy applicable to all roles. KLS also ask for an enhanced DBS check.

• You will adhere to matters of confidentiality concerning this role and the KLS team.

• An induction is given to new staff, which includes sharing our policies and procedures relevant to this post.

• There is a 6-month probation period for this role.   

Support Worker

We're looking for a passionate, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Mental Health Social Care Service in Tower Hamlets

£20,010.00 per annum, working 26 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
* Free DBS
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The working pattern for this role is: - 2x 13 hour shifts per week, including weekends and bank holidays
Needs to be available for Friday team meetings

What you'll do:
* Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive
* atmosphere
* Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and
* administrative responsibilities
* Conducting key work sessions as required, that are innovative and engaging in order to
* achieve individual goals
* Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within
* an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
* Providing support with daily living activities, including practical assistance to support
* customers to independent living e.g. budgeting, cooking, establishing a night time routine
* Supporting customers to maintain a healthy environment and where appropriate assisting
* them to clean their accommodation and maintain good personal hygiene
* Assisting in the recording and reporting of customer incidents
* Managing customer referrals, completing assessments and obtaining and maintaining all
* relevant paperwork

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage
* customer involvement
* Approachable and open behaviour
* Prefers working as part of a group or team
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
* Flexible
* Open to feedback and self development
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
* Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
* Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
* Is essentially customer-focused
* Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
* Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours

What you'll bring:
Essential
* NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some or equivalent sector work experience

Desirable
* Experience working in a mental health setting or service.

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job Description

We're looking for a compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities Service located in Gravesend. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£26,227.50 per annum, working 37.5 hours per week.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Support Workers are responsible for supporting people with autism, learning disabilities and behavioural needs to live full lives, develop skills and maintain their wellbeing. The Pelham road Service will be 5 new self-contained flats, for customers with learning disabilities, Autism and Complex needs, and we are looking to build a staff team with an excellent value base to support the customer to build their new life and develop their skills as an independent person. Support Workers will need to be flexible and shifts will require some mornings, afternoons/Evenings and weekends.

What you'll do:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

• Supporting the customer to undertake a full timetable of preferred activities including sport and leisure activities, attending community groups, visiting local amenities, and introducing them to new activities to expand their horizons and networks;
• Developing the customer's independent living skills and involving them in all aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning and decorating;
• Enabling the customer to keep up with the important people in their life and to meet new people with shared interests;
• Supporting the customer to communicate their wants and needs, and communicating with them in a person-centred way;
• Supporting the customer to manage their anxieties and frustrations, using Positive Behaviour Support and Autism-specific approaches;
• Collating a range of behavioural data and essential paperwork to be analysed within our local management structure;
• Driving the customer to activities using the customer's vehicle, in rotation with the wider team;

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
• Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
• Prefers working as part of a group or team
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Challenging Behaviour/learning disabilities and supporting them in line with a PBS framework

Desirable:

• Has some experience in Trauma Informed care
• Has some experience in working with people with Mental health
• Driving licence and a willingness to drive as part of support duties

About us:

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

We're looking for a passionate, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities Social Care Service in Kent

£26,228.00 per annum, working 37.5 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
* Free DBS
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The working pattern for this role is: - 7.30am-3pm, 2.30pm-10pm, 7.30am-10pm

What you'll do:
* Supporting the customer to undertake a full timetable of preferred activities including sport and leisure activities, attending community groups, visiting local amenities, and introducing them to new activities to expand their horizons and networks;
* Developing the customer's independent living skills and involving them in all aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning and decorating;
* Enabling the customer to keep up with the important people in their life and to meet new people with shared interests;
* Supporting the customer to communicate their wants and needs, and communicating with them in a person-centred way;
* Supporting the customer to manage their anxieties and frustrations, using Positive Behaviour Support and Autism-specific approaches;
* Collating a range of behavioural data and essential paperwork to be analysed within our local management structure;
* Driving the customer to activities using the customer's vehicle, in rotation with the wider team;
* Communicating with family members and a range of other key stakeholders including social work, psychology and commissioning teams;

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments

What you'll bring:
Essential
? NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
? Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Challenging Behaviour/learning disabilities and supporting them in line with a PBS framework

Desirable
? Has some experience in Trauma Informed care
? Has some experience in working with people with Mental health
? Driving licence and a willingness to drive as part of support duties

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job Description

The Community Support Worker will contribute to the delivery of our LGBTQ+ youth provision supporting young people aged 11+ (and 9+ for our junior youth club).

Specific Duties and responsibilities

Group work

• Develop and deliver ‘safe space’ forums in schools, providing suitable group work activities (this may be alongside school staff or leading on your own).
• Working with the team to both lead and support our youth group provisions on a rota’d basis (both in person and online).

Caseload

• Work with an intensive caseload of approximately 12 young people maintaining regular contact, through arranged appointments, offering information, advice and guidance, practical support and encouragement.
• Support clients to identify their strengths, interests, areas they would like to improve and barriers to progression, in order to develop their personalised action plan.

Service Delivery

• Support young people to increase their self-esteem, become more resilient and improve their aspirations.
• Utilise the Warwick-Edinburgh Mental Well-being Tool (121s) and Free2B tools, to monitor progression and impact.
• Maintain relationships to work across multiple community and school settings, collaborating effectively with organisations to ensure positive service delivery.
• Maintain accurate and up to date written client database records and complete all admin tasks within required timeframes.

General Duties

• Attend regular case supervision and team meetings and events as appropriate.
• Adhere to Free2B’s Equality and Diversity policies with respect to staff and service users.
• Comply with Health and Safety legislation and Free2B policies, to ensure safe working practices.
• Undertake any other appropriate tasks, as agreed. 

Person Specification

Essential  / Desirable

1. Experience of working with young people in 121 and group settings providing support and guidance to improve outcomes. E

2. Knowledge & experience of the key issues impacting on LGBTQ+ young people (including trans and non-binary young people). E

3. Ability to set & work within clear and appropriate professional boundaries including challenging negative behaviours. E

4. Experience of responding appropriately to child protection and vulnerable adult safeguarding issues, following policies and procedures. E

5. Ability to manage client appointments and administrative tasks effectively within the required timeframes and utilising relevant IT applications (such as Word, Outlook, Teams etc)  E

6.  Experience of remaining flexible and adapting your ways of working in order to meet client and service needs. E

7.  One of our four core values is Listening, reflecting our commitment to being client-led.What do you believe is important in delivering truly client-led support? E

8. Experience of working independently across multiple settings (preferably including within secondary schools). D

9. Qualification in a relevant area such as social work, community work, gender studies or teaching, psychology etc D

Intensive Support Project Worker

We are seeking a compassionate Intensive Support Project Worker to help people affected by homelessness build stability, independence and a positive future.

Salary: £28,135 to £30,635 per annum
Location: Southend-on-Sea, Essex
Hours: 37 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 21st August 2026

Interview Date: 2nd September 2026

About the role

As Intensive Support Project Worker, you will provide personalised, recovery-focused support to people living in supported accommodation.

You will build positive and trusting relationships with residents, helping them adjust to a settled home environment and work towards their individual goals. Taking a person-centred and trauma-informed approach, you will develop assessments, risk management plans and personalised recovery support plans alongside each resident.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Delivering tailored housing-related support to help residents sustain their tenancies
• Developing and reviewing assessments, risk management plans and recovery support plans
• Building warm, professional relationships with residents
• Identifying and responding appropriately to safeguarding concerns
• Working in partnership with statutory, voluntary and community organisations
• Delivering recovery-focused activities, wellbeing groups and opportunities to develop essential life skills
• Completing and recording health and safety checks within supported accommodation
• Creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for residents

The role will involve some evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

About you

You will have experience or knowledge of supporting people affected by homelessness and understand the principles of a recovery-focused approach.

You will be able to work with individuals in a calm, sensitive and client-led way, building trust while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. You will also be resilient, patient and confident when responding to challenging situations.

You will be comfortable working independently and collaboratively as part of a team. An NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in Health and Social Care, Housing, Information, Advice and Guidance or a related subject would be beneficial but is not essential.

About the organisation

The organisation is a homelessness charity providing housing, support and opportunities to help people move away from homelessness and rebuild their lives.

It is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Applications are particularly encouraged from people with lived experience of homelessness.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Homelessness Support Worker, Project Worker, Recovery Worker, Key Worker, Tenancy Sustainment Worker or Housing First Support Worker.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

We're looking for a passionate, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities Social Care Service in Kent

£26,228.00 per annum, working 37.5 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
* Free DBS
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The working pattern for this role is: - 7.30am-3pm, 2.30pm-10pm, 7.30am-10pm

What you'll do:
* Supporting the customer to undertake a full timetable of preferred activities including sport and leisure activities, attending community groups, visiting local amenities, and introducing them to new activities to expand their horizons and networks;
* Developing the customer's independent living skills and involving them in all aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning and decorating;
* Enabling the customer to keep up with the important people in their life and to meet new people with shared interests;
* Supporting the customer to communicate their wants and needs, and communicating with them in a person-centred way;
* Supporting the customer to manage their anxieties and frustrations, using Positive Behaviour Support and Autism-specific approaches;
* Collating a range of behavioural data and essential paperwork to be analysed within our local management structure;
* Driving the customer to activities using the customer's vehicle, in rotation with the wider team;
* Communicating with family members and a range of other key stakeholders including social work, psychology and commissioning teams;

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments

What you'll bring:
Essential
? NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
? Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Challenging Behaviour/learning disabilities and supporting them in line with a PBS framework

Desirable
? Has some experience in Trauma Informed care
? Has some experience in working with people with Mental health
? Driving licence and a willingness to drive as part of support duties

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job Description

Senior Support Worker

Sale, Manchester

£26,130 per annum, and increases to £26,793 - Once 6-month probation is passed.

Full or Part Time opportunities available.

Additional payments for night shifts (£12 per night - £55 for sleep-in)

• Have you worked in an adult social care or nursing setting?
• Experience of being a team leader or have at least 1 year of care experience?
• Do you want to progress to a Senior Support Worker?

 A charity based in Sale, just south of Manchester City Centre, we have over 70 years’ experience supporting people with learning and physical disabilities.

We pride ourselves on supporting our residents and service users to live their best lives to the fullest. Offering, high quality health and personal care for long-term residents of all ages. We have five 'luxury' style homes in Sale, with modern interiors and state-of-the-art lifting equipment and mobility aids, along with a day service in Altrincham.

Come and join the fun working environment. You will be offering day to day, person centred care, which includes, activities and day trips planned weekly with residents and service users which includes – swimming, trips to the seaside, museums, sensory walks, and activity breaks across the country.

What you will receive whilst working for us:

• A competitive salary
• Enhanced pay for bank holidays and on call
• Excellent internal and external training offered
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
• Mileage paid for travel during work hours
• 28 days holiday per year pro rata inclusive of bank holidays
• Increased holiday entitlement with service
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to Wage Stream
• Medicash – includes access to 24hr GP, money off shopping and going out, wellbeing aids
• Life Insurance Scheme
• Monthly staff prize draw

What we want in return:

• Ideally a minimum of 1 year experience working in care with the ability to lead shifts
• Caring, self-motivated staff members who have passion and want to help people with learning disabilities and complex health care needs
• Have basic IT skills-Microsoft word and email. Ability to read and write and have basic numeracy skills is essential to this role
• Be Prepared to undertake a professional qualification relevant to the role, such as a level 2/3 RQF/NVQ
• Commitment to training and to progress to a shift leader
• Committed, reliable and willing to work as part of a team
• Flexibility- willing to work weekends and bank holidays
• Satisfactory DBS check, 2 references

You will go home at the end of your shift satisfied and feeling like you have made a big difference to the people you support.

If this job is for you, we want to hear from you.

Job Title: Youth Work Co-ordinator

Location: Charlestown Youth Centre, Southdown Crescent Blackley Manchester M9 7DQ

Join Greater Manchester Youth Federation (GMYF) — a long-established charity running vibrant youth centres across Greater Manchester. We’re dedicated to raising aspirations and creating opportunities for young people, especially those facing disadvantage, through exciting activities, outreach, and outdoor adventures. Our approach champions youth voice, inclusion, and building confidence and resilience. We offer outdoor education, including residentials at our own Ormside Mill site in Cumbria and other sites nationwide.

Purpose of Role:

The Youth Work Co-ordinator plays a key role in the day-to-day delivery of high-quality youth work within the centre and the wider community. Working closely with the Centre Manager, the postholder coordinates sessions, leads delivery in practice, and provides guidance and support to youth workers during activities.

This is a hands-on practice leadership role, combining direct youth work with responsibility for session planning, staff co-ordination during delivery, pastoral support, and contribution to residentials and projects. The role supports, but does not replace, the Centre Manager’s accountability for staff line management, safeguarding leadership, and overall centre management.

In the absence of the Centre Manager, the Youth Work Co-ordinator acts as the senior on site lead for day-to-day centre operations and youth work delivery, while not holding line management or strategic authority. This responsibility relates to immediate operational safety and session delivery only, and does not include line management, budgetary authority, or strategic decision-making.

Key Responsibilities:

Youth Work Delivery and Session Leadership

• Lead and deliver high quality, inclusive, and young person-centred youth work across centre based provision, outreach, streetbased work, community settings, and outdoor activities.
• Co-ordinate day to day youth work delivery, ensuring sessions and activities (on site and off site) are engaging, purposeful, and responsive to young people’s needs.
• Work with the Centre Manager and wider GMYF team to contribute to programme planning, curriculum development, and forecast of events planning including centre based, outreach, and community-based youth work.
• Take a lead role in session planning, recording, and evaluation to ensure learning, participation, and youth voice remain central across all settings.
• Model excellent youth work practice and set clear expectations for delivery during sessions, outreach activity, and community-based work.

Team Co-ordination and In Session Support

• Co-ordinate and support youth workers and volunteers during sessions, providing clear guidance and practical leadership.
• Deliver session-based briefings and debriefings, ensuring staff are clear on expectations, roles, safeguarding responsibilities, and session focus, and that key information, incidents, and outcomes are accurately recorded and handed over when the Centre Manager is not on site.
• Provide coaching, mentoring, and reflective support to staff to strengthen practice and confidence.
• Support the Centre Manager with staff development and performance processes through practice-based feedback and reflective support during delivery, where required.

Safety, Safeguarding and Inclusion

• Act as a key operational safeguarding contact on site, supporting the Centre Manager and following GMYF safeguarding procedures.
• Record, report, and escalate safeguarding concerns promptly and accurately.
• Promote a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all young people.
• Provide in-session pastoral support by shaping the environment and staff responses so young people feel safe, included and able to participate, using restorative and de-escalation approaches to support wellbeing and relationships.
• Provide timely, proportionate interventions to de-escalate behaviour and support positive outcomes for young people, modelling restorative and trauma-informed practice during sessions.
• Work with external agencies and partners to support young people’s needs where appropriate.

Centre Operations and Activities Support

• Support the Centre Manager with daily site checks, risk assessments, and health and safety requirements, escalating issues as required.
• Lead safe evacuation and implement fire or lockdown procedures when acting as the senior on-site lead in the absence of the Centre Manager, ensuring young people, staff and visitors are accounted for and safe.
• Maintain accurate attendance, visitor, and session records.
• Use Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word and PowerPoint) and organisational systems (e.g., Views/Evolve) to support communication and maintain accurate records, monitoring and reporting.
• Support Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) checks and report building or equipment issues.
• Manage petty cash and resources responsibly in line with GMYF procedures.
• Support the effective use of centre spaces, equipment, and materials.
• Open and close the centre safely in line with GMYF procedures when acting as the senior on-site lead.

Residentials, Projects and Quality Development

• Support off site visits, residentials, holiday programmes, and special projects e.g. Events
• Lead or co lead residentials and trips as part of the youth work team, providing pastoral care and in session coordination of staff and young people.
• Work collaboratively with the Outdoor Education Team, recognising their role in activity planning and instruction, while the youth work team leads on pastoral support and group dynamics.
• Work collaboratively with Youth Work Co-ordinators and teams across GMYF centres to support consistency of youth work practice, coordinate provision linked to forecasted activity, residentials, and external events, and contribute to shared learning and best practice.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes, including funding and quality frameworks.
• Support the centre’s self-evaluation and continuous improvement processes.

Professional Conduct and Representation

• Uphold GMYF’s values, policies, and professional standards always.
• Build positive, respectful relationships with young people, colleagues, families, and partners.
• Demonstrate a commitment to continuous professional development (CPD) and reflective practice, using supervision, peer learning, and feedback to continuously improve practice.
• Represent the centre and GMYF positively in the community and at relevant meetings and events.
• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as directed by the Centre Manager.

Person Specification

Essential Criteria

Qualifications & Professional Development

• Level 3 Qualification in Youth Work (or equivalent), or demonstrable experience delivering youth work practice, with a commitment to work towards a Level 3 where not already held.
• Commitment to safeguarding, continuous professional development (CPD), and reflective practice
• Willingness to undertake further relevant professional qualifications and development as required

Experience

• Experience delivering youth work in a centre based, community, or outreach setting
• Experience leading sessions and co-ordinating activities involving other staff or volunteers 
• Experience of safeguarding practice, including recognising concerns, recording information, and escalating appropriately
• Experience working with children and young people who face barriers to participation – such as neurodivergence, experiences of trauma, or social exclusion.

Knowledge & Skills

• Good understanding of safeguarding, risk management, and inclusive practice in youth work 
• Ability to foster positive relationships and support young people in managing behaviour through restorative, relational and de-escalation approaches 
• Ability to plan, co-ordinate, and evaluate engaging, young person-centred sessions 
• Confident communication and interpersonal skills with young people, families, colleagues, and professionals
• Ability to maintain accurate records, including session records and incident logs
• Competence using Microsoft 365 (Outlook, Teams, Word and PowerPoint) and able to learn and use organisational systems (e.g. Views/Evolve) for recording, monitoring and reporting.

Leadership & Personal Attributes

• Ability to provide calm, visible, hands-on leadership during sessions and activities
• Sound judgement and confidence when acting as the senior on site practitioner in the absence of the Centre Manager
• Ability to work collaboratively with Centre Managers, Youth Work Co-ordinators, wider GMYF team and a range of stakeholders including schools, community partners, and families
• Commitment to equality, diversity, safeguarding, and young person-centred practice
• Resilience, adaptability, and the ability to manage competing priorities in a busy operational environment

Additional Requirements

• Willingness to work flexibly, including evenings and occasional weekends and residentials
• Willingness to complete required training (e.g. First Aid, safeguarding, fire safety) within agreed timescales
• Enhanced DBS check

Desirable Criteria

• Degree-level qualification in Youth Work or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting, mentoring, or guiding youth workers, sessional staff, or volunteers in practice.
• Experience supporting offsite activities, residentials, holiday provision, or targeted programmes.
• Experience contributing to or supporting monitoring, evaluation, or reporting processes

Support Worker

We're looking for a passionate, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Mental Health Social Care Service in Tower Hamlets

£20,010.00 per annum, working 26 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
* Free DBS
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

The working pattern for this role is: - 2x 13 hour shifts per week, including weekends and bank holidays
Needs to be available for Friday team meetings

What you'll do:
* Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive
* atmosphere
* Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and
* administrative responsibilities
* Conducting key work sessions as required, that are innovative and engaging in order to
* achieve individual goals
* Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within
* an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
* Providing support with daily living activities, including practical assistance to support
* customers to independent living e.g. budgeting, cooking, establishing a night time routine
* Supporting customers to maintain a healthy environment and where appropriate assisting
* them to clean their accommodation and maintain good personal hygiene
* Assisting in the recording and reporting of customer incidents
* Managing customer referrals, completing assessments and obtaining and maintaining all
* relevant paperwork

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage
* customer involvement
* Approachable and open behaviour
* Prefers working as part of a group or team
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
* Flexible
* Open to feedback and self development
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
* Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
* Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
* Is essentially customer-focused
* Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
* Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours

What you'll bring:
Essential
* NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some or equivalent sector work experience

Desirable
* Experience working in a mental health setting or service.

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job Description

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity. 

We're here for kinship carers - friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren't able to. 

We support kinship families across England and Wales and are expanding our work into Scotland.

Let's commit to change for kinship families.

Purpose of the role: 

The Kinship Navigator provides intensive, time-limited support to kinship carers through the Kinship Connected programme, a structured six-month intervention designed to help kinship families stabilise placements and access the support they need.

Working directly with kinship carers in West Dunbartonshire, you will build trusting relationships while completing structured assessments, goal setting and reviews to help families strengthen their support networks and navigate services such as children’s social care, education, health and community support.

This is a community-facing role, working from Y Sort It’s offices and directly in kinship carers’ homes and community spaces. You will work alongside Y Sort It’s Intandem mentors to ensure that both carers and the children they care for receive coordinated, complementary support.

Accurate recording of your work is essential to enable Kinship and Inspiring Scotland to understand what is working, demonstrate impact and learn from this pioneering pilot.

Direct support

You will provide intensive one-to-one support to kinship carers for up to six months, working within the delivery approach set out in the Kinship Connected Service Manual. You will also establish and facilitate a monthly support group for kinship carers in West Dunbartonshire.

This may include:

• Providing emotional and practical support to kinship carers.
• Completing structured needs assessments, SMART goal setting and regular reviews with kinship carers.
• Advocating for kinship carers in meetings with professionals where appropriate.
• Establishing and facilitating a monthly support group for kinship carers in the local area.
• Mapping local services and building relationships with organisations that can provide specialist support, training or activities for kinship families in West Dunbartonshire.
• Liaising with schools, local authorities and other professionals to coordinate support around families.
• Supporting kinship carers with challenges relating to the child(ren) in their kinship care.
• Signposting to relevant services, support organisations and Kinship training opportunities.
• Referring children in kinship care to Y Sort It’s Intandem mentoring programme where appropriate.
• Coordinating celebration and family events (including in Kinship Care Week).
• Supporting applications for grants for essential items or family breaks.

Partnership working with Y Sort It and Inspiring Scotland

• Work closely and collaboratively with Y Sort It colleagues on a day-to-day basis, building a strong co-location relationship that benefits kinship families.
• Develop and maintain clear cross-referral pathways between Kinship Connected and Y Sort It’s Intandem mentoring programme.
• Contribute to joint learning and shared reflection about how the whole-family model is working and what outcomes are being achieved for both carers and children.
• Represent Kinship professionally in all interactions with Y Sort It, Inspiring Scotland and other local partners.
• Participate in any joint reporting, learning or evaluation activities required by Inspiring Scotland.

Collaboration and wider partnership working

• Build constructive relationships with West Dunbartonshire Council and other statutory and voluntary sector partners to support awareness of the programme and effective referral pathways.
• Work closely with colleagues across Kinship, including Peer Support, Training and Communications, to ensure kinship carers in West Dunbartonshire can access the full range of Kinship’s support.
• Contribute to cross-team learning, sharing emerging insights about kinship carers’ experiences and the local landscape in Scotland to inform Kinship’s broader organisational learning.
• Represent Kinship at local meetings, networks or events to strengthen collaboration and raise awareness of kinship care in Scotland.

Safeguarding and risk management

Kinship has a robust safeguarding structure. You will be supported by a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Designated Deputy Safeguarding Leads (DDSL). In line with this policy, and mindful of the Scottish legislative and practice context, you will:

• Recognise, report, record, respond and refer safeguarding risks via our safeguarding process with the support of the safeguarding team.
• Follow and understand Kinship’s organisational safeguarding policies, as well as relevant Scottish guidance and legislation.
• Complete risk assessments for events in line with Kinship’s policy.
• Follow the Kinship Health and Safety policy.
• Use the StaySafe lone worker app.

Monitoring, evaluation and data quality

Accurate and consistent data recording is a core requirement of this role. As Kinship Connected in West Dunbartonshire is a pilot programme, high-quality records and documentation are essential to demonstrate impact to Inspiring Scotland and to generate the learning that will inform future development of Kinship’s work in Scotland.

• Maintain accurate, timely records of all activity, assessments, support plans, contacts and outcomes on Kinship’s CRM system (Salesforce) in line with organisational policy and programme protocols.
• Complete kinship carer needs assessments, SMART goal setting, reviews and outcome recording in accordance with the Kinship Navigator model.
• Contribute to monitoring and reporting requirements for Inspiring Scotland, ensuring activity and outcomes are documented consistently.
• Fully contribute to quality assurance and learning processes, including collecting feedback and case studies that demonstrate impact for kinship families.
• Contribute to the learning about how co-location with Y Sort It supports whole-family outcomes