Administration support worker jobs

Are you ready to help shape our service from the ground up? Join us in developing REST (Recover, Eat, Support, Talk) – a new daytime drop-in hub focused on recovery, support and conversations held over a good cuppa!

We are looking for two compassionate and reliable Senior Wellbeing Support Workers to support the delivery of our new REST Hub Service in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich providing holistic support for individuals accessing the service who may be experiencing mental distress.

You will lead the day-to-day running of the service and provide operational oversight, manage volunteers, and support staff to ensure safe, consistent and high-quality support.

At Suffolk Mind, our mission is to make Suffolk the best place in the world for talking about and taking care of mental health. 

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Key information:​

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Work pattern: 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday
• Salary: £27,202.00 - £30,856.00 per year
• Location: Central Bury St Edmunds or Ipswhich 
• Contract type: Fixed term until 31st March 2027 (subject to service contract renewal)​
• Number of availbale posts: 1 post based in Ipswich and 1 post based in Bury St Edmunds 

Why work for Suffolk Mind?

We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff and have tailored our benefits package* to support this; we offer:

• 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays as standard– increasing to 30 days with length of service (pro rata for part time employees)
• Your birthday day off
• An option to buy or sell annual leave
• Health and dental care insurance plan
• Occupational sick pay scheme
• Pension scheme
• Blue Light Card – offering discounts on 100’s of retailers both in store and online
• Monetary reward for length of service
• Refer a friend scheme

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Plus, internal wellbeing courses, opportunities for training, flexible and hybrid working options, excellent support and job satisfaction.

Is the job for you?

Below is a brief summary of the key requirements for this role, but for more information please make sure you visit the vacancies page on our website and download the full job description and person specification.
 

• Essential
   
  • At least 1-2 years’ experience of working with adults in a mental health environment
  • Ability to work in high-pressure, emotionally demanding environments with people suffering mental distress
  • Enhanced & Adult’s Barred DBS check (arranged by Suffolk Mind)

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• Desirable
   
  • Qualification in mental health e.g. DipSW, RMN, NVQ3, Cert 3, Human Givens diploma, Counselling or equivalent
  • Good listening and people skills, especially supporting staff in complex situations
  • Experience in managing volunteers and small teams
  • Experience in working with a similar REST or equivalent service

If you are looking to use your skills towards a career where your need for meaning and purpose are met, then come and join our team.

To apply, please complete a Suffolk Mind Application form by visiting our website, select ‘get involved’ from the top menu then ‘vacancies’ in the drop down list.

Closing date for applications:   midnight Sunday 24th May 2026

We reserve the right to close this job advert once a suitable a candidate has been found, therefore successful candidates may be contacted to interview at any time throughout the advertising process and would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.​

Interviews date: week commencing 1st June 2026

Interview questions may be sent in advance of interview.

We aim to let all applicants know the status of their application within 4 weeks from closing.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship on this role.

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Please complete our Equality and Diversity Survey here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments such as access or information in an alternative format, please inform us soon as you are able so that we can make the appropriate adjustments.

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NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Suffolk Mind is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and adults at risk who have contact with our services and personnel. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background and DBS checks will be required for relevant posts as part of our Safer Recruitment procedures.

*T&Cs apply

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Additional keywords: Wellbeing, Senior, Support Worker, day drop in, mental health, charity recover, recovery, eat, support, talk, hub

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

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

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

About the Service 

The Multiple Disadvantage role is aimed at providing specialist support services to women living in refuge with multiple needs, who have experienced domestic, or sexual violence and who have mental illness or use substances problematically. You will liaise with partner agencies ensuring services delivered are of the highest standard in line with the organisation aims and objectives.

About the Role 

You'll be working with women in refuge across two London boroughs if applying for the 37.5hrs creating tailored support plans to address their immediate practical and emotional needs. This includes conducting risk assessments and safety plans, helping with benefits and budgeting, and exploring pathways for resettlement. You'll also promote social inclusion, encourage independence, and help women build resilience. Ultimately, you'll be creating a support network and enabling engagement with other services.

About You 

You have hands-on experience in specialist support services, working directly with women and families facing multiple challenges. Your case work has focused on offering proactive and emotional support to women recovering from domestic abuse. You are adept at collaborating with various agencies, always approaching these partnerships with a professional and proactive attitude.

What we can offer you

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

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

How to apply

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

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

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

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

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

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

No agencies.

About the role:

This is not a role where you sit on the sidelines. This is a role where you show up, stand alongside women, and help create the kind of safety and belief that many have never experienced before.

In our Women’s Respite Service in Camden, you’ll be working with women who have faced abuse, exploitation and homelessness, often after systems have let them down. You’ll be part of a space that feels different. A space where women are listened to, where their experiences are understood, and where they can begin to rebuild a sense of control over their lives.

No two days will look the same. One moment you might be de-escalating a sensitive situation, the next you’re advocating with services, or sitting alongside someone as they begin to make sense of what they’ve been through. You’ll use your understanding of trauma, gender informed practice and the realities of violence against women and girls to shape how support is delivered, making sure every interaction is grounded in safety, dignity and respect.

You’ll hold a small but complex caseload, working intensively with women to build trust, navigate risk and move towards stability and independence. You won’t give up easily. You’ll stay curious, creative and persistent, even when progress feels slow or uncertain.

As a senior in the team, your impact goes further. You’ll lead by example, guiding colleagues through complex situations and helping to embed a way of working that truly recognises what women have experienced and what they need to move forward. You’ll help shape a service that doesn’t just respond to crisis, but creates real, lasting change.

For roles in our women's services we ask for applications from Women only. For occupational requirement reasons (exemption under the Equality Act 2010; Schedule 9 Part 1). 

About you:

• You have experience supporting women who have faced abuse, exploitation and multiple disadvantage, and you understand how this shapes trust, behaviour and recovery
• You build relationships that feel safe, consistent and real, even when someone has every reason not to trust
• You stay grounded in challenging moments, able to respond calmly, think clearly and make sound decisions when risk is high
• You bring strong judgement and confidence in complex casework, and you’re comfortable guiding others to deliver high quality, consistent support
• You’re persistent, resourceful and proactive, able to advocate, challenge systems and keep moving things forward for the women you support

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 17th May at midnight at midnight

Interview date: Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th May online via Microsoft Teams

Please note shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a short psychometric test before being confirmed for interview. 

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

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications requiring sponsorship or with insufficient right to work will not be accepted or progressed.

Advice & Information Worker (Havering)

WORKING HOURS: 21 hours per week

SALARY: £27,196 pro rata; (£16,318 for 21 hours actual)

CLOSING DATE: Monday 1st June by 12pm

PROPOSED INTERVIEW DATE: Tuesday 9th June

Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering offers an Advice & Information service to support older people living in the boroughs of Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Redbridge which is free, independent and confidential to older people, their relatives, carers and friends. We offer support with benefits maximisation to make sure people receive everything they are entitled to, housing issues, social care needs, health and disabilities, advice on energy efficiency and fuel poverty, to assistance with form filling and leisure.

We are recruiting an Advice Worker to cover the London Borough of Havering. This role requires the worker to work independently and manage their own caseload but be part of the wider team and be aware of the other services provided by Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering. The post involves both office based, home visit and outreach work at a variety of locations across Havering. Good IT skills are required and familiarity with Charity Log would be useful as well as knowledge of relevant quality assurance systems.

To apply: Please check our website for further details and a full application pack

Completed application forms and Equal Opportunities Forms should be returned to admin using the email: admin or alternatively post to Gabby O’Neill Recruitment, Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering, 4th Floor, 103 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4PU.

About the role:

This is not a role where you sit on the sidelines. This is a role where you show up, stand alongside women, and help create the kind of safety and belief that many have never experienced before.

In our Women’s Respite Service in Camden, you’ll be working with women who have faced abuse, exploitation and homelessness, often after systems have let them down. You’ll be part of a space that feels different. A space where women are listened to, where their experiences are understood, and where they can begin to rebuild a sense of control over their lives.

No two days will look the same. One moment you might be de-escalating a sensitive situation, the next you’re advocating with services, or sitting alongside someone as they begin to make sense of what they’ve been through. You’ll use your understanding of trauma, gender informed practice and the realities of violence against women and girls to shape how support is delivered, making sure every interaction is grounded in safety, dignity and respect.

You’ll hold a small but complex caseload, working intensively with women to build trust, navigate risk and move towards stability and independence. You won’t give up easily. You’ll stay curious, creative and persistent, even when progress feels slow or uncertain.

As a senior in the team, your impact goes further. You’ll lead by example, guiding colleagues through complex situations and helping to embed a way of working that truly recognises what women have experienced and what they need to move forward. You’ll help shape a service that doesn’t just respond to crisis, but creates real, lasting change.

For roles in our women's services we ask for applications from Women only. For occupational requirement reasons (exemption under the Equality Act 2010; Schedule 9 Part 1). 

About you:

• You have experience supporting women who have faced abuse, exploitation and multiple disadvantage, and you understand how this shapes trust, behaviour and recovery
• You build relationships that feel safe, consistent and real, even when someone has every reason not to trust
• You stay grounded in challenging moments, able to respond calmly, think clearly and make sound decisions when risk is high
• You bring strong judgement and confidence in complex casework, and you’re comfortable guiding others to deliver high quality, consistent support
• You’re persistent, resourceful and proactive, able to advocate, challenge systems and keep moving things forward for the women you support

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 17th May at midnight

Interview date: Tuesday 26th and Wednesday 27th May online via Microsoft Teams

Please note shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a short psychometric test before being confirmed for interview. 

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

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications requiring sponsorship or with insufficient right to work will not be accepted or progressed.

Context

Childhood First enables children and young people to recover from early life abuse and relational trauma, to enjoy life and to achieve their potential. We do this through the provision of specialist therapeutic residential care and treatment, together with family and network support.

Greenfields House is a specialist residential children’s home providing a programme of care, treatment and education for up to ten children aged between 5 and 13 years.

Role Description

The role of the Placement and Family Support Worker is to directly support, maintain and develop the network around the child, liaising, building relationships and communicating between multiple agencies and multi-disciplinary roles, these include, the local authority, social workers, family members, carers and significant others and the child in placement.

Within the community, the role is closely linked with each child in placement and will closely work with the Community Director and the senior management team to ensure that it meets the therapeutic and educational needs and interests of each child. This will necessarily include working closely with professionals and developing their expertise in a psychoanalytic-systemic approach to care, education and treatment.

Responsibilities include:

• Ensure that plans for the process of assessment, co-ordination and delivery of placement and family support and transition plans are developed and managed on a day-to-day basis to agreed standards.
• Co-ordinate and facilitate contact arrangements, linking with networks and families in a manner which is integrated with the community’s existing relationship and contribute to and develop its professional effectiveness.
• Contribute to the holistic assessment of needs of children, families and networks.
• Devise and develop tailored packages of support based on assessment.

We would like to hear from you if you have a Level 3 qualification or substantial work experience related to social care, social work, family support or early help. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with children, adolescents and families and have knowledge of parenting skills.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave plus public holidays (pro rata)
• Health benefit package and life assurance
• Up to 6% pension contributions

Closing date: Friday, 15 May 2026

Interview Date: Tuesday, 19 May 2026

To apply Please submit your CV with a covering letter describing your suitability for this role or complete the application questions below.

Childhood First is committed to safeguarding children. We follow safer recruitment guidelines and all appointments will be subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS and references.

Be a key part of a values‑driven team supporting young people from underserved communities to feel seen, supported and inspired. Plan and deliver engaging youth sessions that build confidence, connection and possibility

You will provide appropriate emotional and practical 1-to-1 support to (those who identify as) women and non-binary people involved in sex work and those who are sexually exploited, who often experience stigma and face barriers to accessing services. This role will specifically focus on those who are experiencing DV, support will include addressing housing needs. You will be enabling people to access support and navigate services, You will be working in partnership with other agencies and making appropriate referrals for people to access other services to support their wider needs. You will contribute to wider team responsibilities including outreach, drop in and duty.

Caritas Social Action Network

Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave)

Location: office in London, with mostly working from home, regular travel in England and Wales, and rare travel overseas.

Contract: full-time, to cover a team member’s maternity leave

Salary: £30,00

Closing date: Tuesday 26 May at 12 noon

Interview date: Thursday 11 June in person, in London

CSAN is the official agency of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference tackling the root causes of poverty and injustice affecting people who live in England and Wales. We’re facing a steep rise in poverty and significant pressures on social, economic and church resources. Currently, the Church is called to raise a prophetic voice against poverty and the rhetoric of division and work for the building of a more just society.

Over the last 20 years, CSAN has built up a network of 50 diocesan and direct service charities with a combined annual spend on social mission estimated at £400m, excluding the work of schools and religious congregations. Our members build up local community life in diverse ways, and many of them support individuals in difficulty, including with housing, prison and detention, social isolation, ill-health, violence, disability, employment, care, therapeutic and welfare support.

The key responsibilities of the post are:

1. To scan the social policy environment to capture developments in legislation, consultation papers and Bills relevant to the Caritas network for the purpose of comprehensive tracking and briefing.

2. To deliver an effective programme of Catholic advocacy and political campaigns that contributes to the common good, with particular attention to the priorities of the dignity of workers, child poverty, social care and end of life; supporting and connecting well with the team’s other activities, and where possible with the CSAN membership’s priorities,

3. To draft campaign and advocacy materials for the range of media channels used by CSAN and support the CEO in engaging with the press and approaches from campaigning organisations including contributing to CSAN’s social media networks.

4. To provide admin support and contribute to CSAN’s Alliances as required, especially the Advocacy Alliance and the Criminal Justice Alliance with information and education on policy and legislation.

5. To ensure that our advocacy is consistent with the Bishops’ understanding of the Church’s role in society and supports the priorities of the Bishops’ Conference, especially the Department for Social Justice.

6. To act as a conduit of information and communication between the Bishops’ Conference and the CSAN members, under the guidance of the CEO, assisting CBCEW where possible in gathering information and the lived experience of poverty.

7. To develop and contribute to practice materials for the network, especially in the areas of campaigning, advocacy, social policy and formation for mission.

8. To oversee monitoring of the Catholic press and relevant wider networks for relevant articles, developments and campaigns.

9. To support the general work of CSAN as required by the CEO, including leading in the development and organisation of the charity in specific areas subject to skills and experience.

The work of the small national team requires a high level of integrity and teamwork, respect for and capacity to navigate complex civil and church contexts at pace, and a stable commitment to personal formation and training. Our Policy and Public Affairs Officer (maternity leave) will bring a professional track record of relevant research and analysis, production of compelling communications, and diligent administration. A satisfactory basic DBS check and references are required.

CSAN is a member of Caritas Internationalis, one of the largest humanitarian networks in the world, with national agencies in over 160 countries, and among the most successful examples of organised Catholic social action in modern times.

Barnardos Child and Family Support Service Dundee is seeking a passionate and motivated applicant for a full time Project Worker 1 position in our team.

We are looking for a person who has a genuine interest in working with children and families providing support in a variety of settings including the family homes, schools and community locations and provide support either individually or with groups of children, young people and parents/carers. 

The service support includes working with children who have a disability/ additional support need and their families.  Applicants will have an awareness of issues impacting on children and their families including trauma, mental health, care experienced, domestic abuse and substance use.

The role includes:

*Community capacity building – supporting individual/groups by facilitating learning and development opportunities.

*Partnership working with community groups, building capacity for inclusion for children/families, building relationship and working through barriers.

*Responsibility for introductions between children/families and volunteers.

*Caseholding responsibility – ensuring aim of work/outcomes/compliance recording/risk assessments/volunteer log sheets.

Applicants should be committed, enthusiastic, motivated and have excellent communication skills and able to work in a collaborative manner, evidencing a respectful and inclusive approach.  You will be creative, innovative, adaptable and dynamic and able to deliver a person-centred and robust service to children and families.  The use of a warm, nurturing and empathetic approach is essential.  Applicants should be able to evidence professional curiosity.  You will have direct practice experience working with children and families and evidence an awareness of child/adult protection issues. 

A flexible approach is essential to providing support when families need it which will include early morning, evenings and weekends.

The successful applicant will be required to register with SSSC and undertake any identified conditional qualifications as the Dundee service has two Care Inspectorate registered services.

The role includes effective time management balancing direct support needs alongside administrative requirements of the post.

The post is driving licence essential and the use of a car also essential.

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.

Please also see Additional Information Sheet.

About Us:
Richmond Borough Mind is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our local communities. We provide innovative, person-centred services that reduce stigma, improve access to care, and empower individuals to live well.

The Role:
We are looking for a compassionate and proactive Mental Health Outreach Worker to join our team. You will deliver community-based crisis prevention and mental health support, with a focus on underrepresented groups, particularly racialised communities and LGBTQI+. 

This role combines crisis intervention, peer support, and holistic outreach to individuals with complex mental health needs, including co-occurring conditions, substance use, trauma, and suicidal ideation. This role serves as the link between our services and the local community.

We are seeking a person who is dedicated, able to form professional relationships in challenging situations, understands crisis intervention and can lone work with confidence and with the support of the wider team. You will have an understanding of crisis and risk planning, developing trusting professional relationships and have the ability to work proactively with the support of the wider team.

Key Responsibilities:

· Provide timely, community-based crisis prevention and support, including outreach to individuals leaving inpatient care.

· Engage marginalised communities to improve access to mental health services and reduce stigma.

· Build relationships with LGBTQ+ and BAME individuals and organisations, co-producing peer-led support initiatives.

· Deliver culturally appropriate engagement and awareness activities in partnership with local services.

· Provide holistic, person-centred support for individuals facing complex mental health challenges, addressing co-occurring issues such as substance use, trauma, and housing instability.

· Collaborate with statutory and voluntary sector partners to remove barriers to care, promote recovery, and improve wellbeing outcomes.

· Act as a peer and advocate, creating inclusive and safe spaces for individuals at risk of crisis.

About You:

· Experience in mental health, crisis intervention, or community outreach.

· Strong understanding of the needs of underrepresented communities, including LGBTQ+ and racialised groups.

· Ability to provide trauma-informed, person-centred support.

· Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.

· Passion for reducing mental health stigma and improving access to support.

Why Join Us:
This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in your community, supporting individuals to live well and promoting inclusive, accessible mental health services across Richmond and Kingston.

We offer:

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year, increasing by 1 day per full year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days) [pro rata]

· Contributory pension

· Bonus 1 day of annual leave per year over the festive period (pro rata)

· Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which includes free counselling sessions

· Training and personal development opportunities

· Paid time off for medical appointments

· Staff away days and socials

The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring (DBS) check.

Job Title:                     Case Worker – CAPSA Services (Culturally Appropriate Peer Support and Advocacy)  

Reports to:                  CAPSA Team Manager

Geographic focus: Lambeth

Salary:£30,500

Hours of Work: 37.5 per week (flexible working available)

Duration:                    2 Year Contract (with a potential to extend)

Benefits:26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contribution, Employees' Assistance Programme.

Purpose of the role

The CAPSA (Culturally Appropriate Peer Support and Advocacy) Worker role has been specifically designed to support Black people using the secondary mental health system. As a CAPSA Worker, you will provide both Generic Mental Health Advocacy and Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) to eligible individuals, including people detained under the Mental Health Act(MHA) 1983/2007, conditionally discharged restricted patients, those under Guardianship, and those on Community Treatment orders, as well as individuals considered for section 57 treatments.

You will play a key role in ensuring that the perspectives of Black service users are recognised and respected, addressing their unique and multiple needs, and promoting access to advocacy for all eligible individuals. You will raise awareness of advocacy, rights under the MHA, and the CAPSA service among professionals, individuals, and agencies.

In addition to direct advocacy, you will contribute to service development by supporting an effective administration system and helping evaluate the impact of advocacy for both service users and commissioners.

As part of CAPSA’s race-led approach to systems change, you will also help challenge systemic racism in mental health services, embed culturally competent practice, and promote equitable care within South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM).

Job summary

Black Thrive Lambeth has developed a co-designed, culturally appropriate peer support and advocacy service (CAPSA) on behalf of the Living Well Network Alliance (LWNA). CAPSA provides support to Black community members with mental health needs through peer support and advocacy, led by individuals with lived experience or lived understanding of mental health challenges. The service creates a space where experiences are respected, accepted, and valued equally.

The role involves building positive relationships with Black service users; offering one-to-one and group advocacy; supporting self-advocacy; gathering and sharing information to inform decision-making; and preparing monitoring reports and feedback. Advocates ensure that the views, wishes, and needs of Black service users are heard and acknowledged, addressing the impact of racism within traditional mental health services.

Duties and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Advocacy & Support for Black Service Users

• Work with individual Black service users to provide culturally informed advocacy, support, and representation to assist them in decision-making related to their care, treatment, and legal status.
• You will manage a caseload of up to 10 clients.
• This will consist of weekly meetings with clients and supporting them around their care in the mental health system, this will be both within inpatient services and CMHTs (Community Mental Health Teams) as well as in the community.
• Support Black service users in developing and maintaining their cultural identity by identifying strengths and advocating for culturally relevant mental health interventions.
• Develop trusting relationships with Black service users within appropriate boundaries to help them express their mental health needs.
• Assist service users in preparing for meetings, attend appointments with them if required, and advocate on their behalf where needed.
• Provide information and updates on the progress of advocacy issues and ensure clients understand proceedings.

Culturally Informed Peer Support & Recovery

• Use lived experience and cultural understanding to promote positive self-esteem and recovery through a culturally informed peer support model.
• Provide practical guidance to Black service users, and where appropriate, their carers, on self-care, resilience strategies, and managing mental health within a race equality framework.
• Promote service user involvement by empowering individuals to communicate their culturally lived experiences and mental health needs to professionals.
• Challenge peer support models, stigma, and discriminatory practices that fail to recognise the cultural needs of Black service users.

Community Engagement & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders and community members to develop a culturally informed advocacy and peer support model.
• Establish regular advocacy ‘drop-ins’ on wards and in the community, ensuring accessibility for Black service users.
• Signpost service users to culturally relevant community, inpatient, and online resources, as well as mainstream and specialist services.
• Liaise with, and when necessary, challenge NHS professionals, care teams, and local authorities to ensure due process and cultural competence in service delivery.
• To maintain a level of professionalism in all spaces always.

Role Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality, respect service users’ right to privacy, and ensure their dignity is always upheld.
• Keep accurate and timely records of advocacy and peer support work, providing regular verbal and written reports to the line manager.
• Attend team meetings, participate in one-to-one supervision, group supervision sessions, and complete mandatory training in peer support and other job-related areas.
• Raise safeguarding concerns following organisational policies and procedures.

GENERAL

• To attend and participate in meetings held by the CAPSA team and other bodies as required.
• To maintain records of hours worked and to complete accurate expense returns.
• To foster and develop an equality and diversity approach within the role, in line with Black Thrive’
• To promote the service through the distribution of publicity materials, liaising with statutory and voluntary services, and, where appropriate, through the media and presentations to local groups within the agreed company policies.
• To promote the role of advocates both within the Living Well Network Alliance (LWNA) and externally.
• To work well as part of the team in a way that promotes inclusivity and respect in a supportive environment.
• The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Qualities Required

Each quality is marked as either E (Essential) or D (Desirable).

Experience (E/D)

1. Understanding and/or experience of mental health legislation and the Mental Health journey process in numerous settings – E
2. Lived experience of racism or discrimination in wider society and in the provision of mental health services – E
3. Experience of identifying and meeting the needs of individual people – E
4. Experience and ability to develop and maintain relationships with various stakeholders – E
5. A commitment to working in an anti-racist and anti-oppressive way – E
6. Confidence in challenging stigma and discrimination within structural settings – E
7. Experience of working in an advocacy or healthcare setting – D

Knowledge and Skills (E/D)

1. Understanding and knowledge of assessment of needs – E
2. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences – E
3. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including via telephone, in person, over video link, and through presentations, demonstrating confidence and assertiveness – E
4. Emotional resilience and the ability to cope with sometimes challenging people and environments – E
5. Ability to work flexibly to meet varying demands on the service – E
6. Good organisational skills, including timekeeping and ability to travel to different locations – E
7. Excellent computer literacy and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office – E
8. An understanding and awareness of The Equality Act 2010 – E
9. Ability to act calmly and respond professionally to distress, disturbance, and unpredictability – E
10. Ability to work independently on own initiative and prioritise workload while working as part of a team – E
11. Commitment to learning through work-based learning and mandatory training – E
12. Knowledge of mental health legislation such as MHA 1983/2007, MCA 2017 – D
13. Understanding of the specific role, purpose, and responsibilities of an Independent Mental Health Advocate – D
14. Knowledge and/or awareness of safeguarding issues – D
15. An additional language (e.g., Portuguese, French, etc.) – D
16. Qualifications in Peer Support / Advocacy – D

We welcome applications specifically from Black people of African and Caribbean heritage, as the statutory requirement of the Equality Act 2010, Advance Equality in Mental Health 2020 and Parent Carer Race Equality Framework 2020, in order to address the importance of Black employee safety. These posts are therefore restricted to Black applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9 and Part 1.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. Still, we will treat applicants with a criminal record fairly and not unreasonably discriminate because of a conviction or other information revealed.

Social Prescribing Link Worker

We have rewarding opportunity for a Social Prescribing Link Worker to focus on ‘what matters to me’ and taking a holistic approach to people’s health and wellbeing. If you feel you could connect to people, community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support, we would love to hear from you!

Position: Social Prescribing Link Worker

Location: Birmingham & North Solihull based in GP Surgeries

Hours: Full time or part-time hours

Contract: Variety of contracts available

Salary: £27,619 per annum pro rata for part-time

Benefits: The provision of workplace wellbeing support and activities, hybrid working where the role allows, flexible working and a range of family friendly policies.

Closing Date: Midnight on Sunday 31st May

Interview Date: Rolling interviews, so apply early.

The Role

Social prescribing link workers will work as a key part of the primary care network (PCN) multi-disciplinary team. Social prescribing can help PCNs to strengthen community and personal resilience and reduces health and wellbeing inequalities by addressing the wider determinants of health, such as debt, poor housing and physical inactivity, by increasing people’s active involvement with their local communities. It particularly works for people with long term conditions (including support for mental health), for people who are lonely or isolated, or have complex social needs which affect their wellbeing.

Responsibilities include:

• Working with direct supervision from the Programme Lead/Senior Link Worker and input from the PCN’s Clinical Lead GP, take referrals from staff in GP practices within the local PCN.
• Provide personalised support to individuals, their families and carers to take control of their health and wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes, as a key member of the PCN multi-disciplinary team.
• Developing trusting relationships and taking a holistic approach, based on the person’s priorities and co-produce a simple personalised care and support plan to improve health and wellbeing, introducing or reconnecting people to community groups and statutory services.
• Work collaboratively with all local partners to contribute towards supporting local community groups and organisations, making themselves aware of local resources and “assets” through mapping and then building a relationship with these organisations.  Also sharing intelligence regarding any gaps or problems identified in local provision with commissioners and local authorities. 
• Social prescribing link workers will work collaboratively with GP’s and have a role in promoting social prescribing and educating non-clinical and clinical staff within their PCN multi-disciplinary teams on the benefits of social prescribing
• Raise awareness of other services available within the community and how and when patients can access them. Linking into the work of Neighbourhood Network Schemes, locality Adult Social Care & Community Mental Health Teams.

About You

As a Social Prescribing Link Worker, you will have a Level 3 qualification in a relevant field (Health & Social Care, Health Trainer, Health Improvement, Community Family Worker, Psychology) or be working towards/willing to work towards.

You will have:

• Demonstrable commitment to professional and personal development
• Experience of working directly in a community based context (including unpaid work)
• Experience of supporting people with a mental health need and or complexities/vulnerabilities
• Experience of delivering one to one support
• Experience of partnership/collaborative working and of building relationships across a variety of organisations
• Knowledge of VCSE and community services in the locality
• Understanding of the wider determinants of health, including social, economic and environmental factors and their impact on communities, individuals, their families and carers
• Understanding of the barriers faced by those living in isolation
• Knowledge of IT systems including ability to use word processing skills, emails, the internet and able to create simple plans and reports
• Ability to complete paperwork, keep records and carry out own administration
• An interview is guaranteed to suitably qualified and experienced people with disabilities and all successful applicants will be subject to an enhanced DBS check

About the Organisation

A leading provider of services to the health and social care sector, with the aim is to reduce inequalities in learning, employment and health. As an employer the organisation is proud to offer a range of benefits to staff including provision of workplace wellbeing support and activities, flexible working and a range of family friendly policies and subsidised parking.

You may also have experience in areas such as Floating Support, Befriending, Community Family Worker, Social Worker, Community Navigator, Peer Support Worker, Welfare Support, Family Worker, Family Support Worker, Benefit, Care, Therapeutic, Therapy, Advice, Adviser, Health, Wellbeing, Social Care, Social Care Services, Health and Social Care. #INDNFP

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

You will provide appropriate emotional and practical 1-to-1 support to (those who identify as) women and non-binary people involved in sex work and those who are sexually exploited, who often experience stigma and face barriers to accessing services. You will be enabling people to access support and navigate services,  You will be working in partnership with other agencies and making appropriate referrals for people to access other services to support their wider needs. You will contribute to wider team responsibilities including outreach, drop in and duty. 

To provide appropriate emotional and practical support to women in the sex industry and/or those who are being sexually exploited with a specific focus on those who are homeless and experiencing domestic violence and abuse. The women we support require intensive practical and emotional support as well as support navigating health and other social care or criminal justice systems. The women will have poor mental or physical health, experience with homelessness and of the criminal justice system, are often victims of sexual and/or domestic abuse and many are homeless. This post specifically will include a focus on domestic violence, sexual exploitation, sexual violence and housing. Working within a harm reduction ethos prioritising women’s safety and wellbeing, the intensive personalized supported will help women to access other services making appropriate referrals for women who wish to make changes, including exiting/transitioning out of sex work. You will be responsible for ensuring that women with varying needs are supported effectively throughout their pathway of support with Basis and partners, advocating for and with the women you are working with including where necessary challenging stigma and judgement women face.