Job Title: Independent Advocate

Accountable to:   Head of Operations

Responsible to:   Advocacy Services Manager

Reporting to: Independent Advocacy Team Leader

Location: Gaddum House, professional and community settings

Salary: £21,589

Hours: 35 hours a week, Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent (subject to funding)

Job Summary

Gaddum Advocacy aims to promote social inclusion, equality and social justice through the promotion, delivery and understanding of Advocacy. We provide all statutory health and social care advocacy services to the citizens and residents of Manchester.

We also deliver a Culturally Appropriate Advocacy service to Black Asian and Minority Ethnic people accessing Mental Health services across Manchester in both inpatient and community settings.

Our Independent Advocates work in partnership with the people they support to represent their views and wishes and uphold their rights.

Job Purpose

• To provide Independent Advocacy for eligible individuals under the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act and NHS regulations as necessary.
• To provide Independent Advocacy in a range of settings including mental health wards and rehabilitation facilities, hospitals, supported accommodation, care homes and private residences.

To promote social inclusion, equality and social justice through advocacy

Victim Support is looking for multiple Independent Victim Advocates in the Greater Manchester area, with full time roles and limited part time roles available. Roles are currently working from home as a temporary measure and location is to be confirmed.

Opportunities are in our specialist Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence and Stalking team, Complex and CYP team and our Triage team. Job descriptions are attached and candidates can indicate a preference at application or interview. If indicating a preference please do so at the start of your supporting statement, so that your application can be reviewed against the relevant criteria.

Due to the number of roles available we will be assessing and interviewing candidates as applications are submitted therefore we encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date.

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Independent Victim Advocates (IVA) play a vital role in delivering a structured support service to victims of crime across Greater Manchester to assist them cope and recover. You will be responsible for establishing contact with victims to assess the impact of crime and providing appropriate information and support. You will provide structured support and interventions to Victims of crime, including in specialist crime types by your team predominantly over the telephone as well as video.

The Triage team are our front door, and respond to adult self-referrals or other requests for help to the service and our busy public helpline as well as assessing a range of offences and offering appropriate support. You should have strong professional curiosity, and an appetite for a busy role as well as being comfortable with IT systems.

The Domestic Abuse, Sexual Violence, and Stalking team is dedicated to making an immediate difference to Victims of these offences and responds to adults and some young people where they meet the cross-government definition of Domestic Abuse. Our focus is on connecting Victims to services in their local community and meeting immediate safety needs where possible over the phone. You should have a strong ability to identify risk and conducting specialist assessments.

The Complex Crime and Children and Young People team offers support to serious violence or higher impact crimes and the range of crimes affecting Children and Young People, including sexual violence offences. The team is expected to focus on recovery from trauma and safety. The team will be required to maintain a strong knowledge of referral or signposting resources that may assist victims of these varied crimes and offer short to medium term support with direct interventions.

The main purpose of both roles is to provide personal and structured support to victims of crime, which include victims of serious crime, persistently targeted victims, vulnerable and intimidated victims as per the MOJ Victims Code of Practice; to develop and enhance relationships with key statutory and non-statutory partner agencies, especially within the hub setting working together in support of enhanced entitlement victims of crime and to manage the work of volunteers in providing appropriate support to victims of crime.

To be successful in this role, you will have understanding and knowledge of the requirement for confidentiality and safe working practice and maintenance of files in accordance with the Data Protection Act and other legal requirements. You will have experience of delivering a service and working directly with clients or service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting. You will also have knowledge of the criminal justice system and the impact of crime including witnesses giving evidence.

You will have an excellent telephone manner with the ability to engage and develop rapport as well as the ability to needs assess, risk assess and empathise with the victim. You will be able to work without direct supervision, prioritising work and dealing with competing or conflicting demands/ needs and interests in an organised and methodical manner. You will be able to gather, analyse and use information and evidence from different sources, solve and resolve problems.

Victim Support offers competitive rewards and benefits including pension and life assurance, 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), voluntary benefits such as season ticket loans and the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing world-class services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Applications should be explicit enough to provide good evidence against the shortlisting criteria, which are outlined in the person specification under essential and tested area. In order to apply, please create a profile in our website (jobs section), complete and submit an online application form.

If the vacancy has not specified the essential criteria for shortlisting, please use this section to express how your experience and skills are relevant for the role.

If you have the drive to make a difference within an organisation which makes a difference we look forward to hearing from you.

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

Victim Support is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity and to creating an inclusive working environment. We believe having a diverse workforce at all levels allows us to represent the communities we serve and connect better with people affected by crime. We believe this can be achieved through attracting, developing and retaining a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds. We therefore welcome applicants from all communities and monitor the diversity of applicants to analyse if we are representative of the communities we serve in terms of sex, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, trans identity, relationship status, religion or belief, caring responsibilities, age and socio-economic status. As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we would particularly welcome applicants from BAME communities.

We are seeking a Head of Advocacy, Policy and Research to help drive forward our influencing work. We want Greater Manchester to be at the forefront of efforts to prevent and reduce poverty. In this new position, the successful applicant will play a central role in enabling that to happen.

The successful applicant will have a minimum 2 years’ experience in a relevant advocacy, policy and research role. They will have leadership experience and the ability to motivate a team and support GMPA to deliver against our strategic priorities. They will need a good grasp of policy relating to poverty and an understanding of the opportunities to address it locally. They will be able to plan and deliver on a range of policy and research outputs, in line with our three-year strategy, and be confident in undertaking direct advocacy with decision makers and stakeholders.

How to apply:

Details of how to apply are on the jobs page of our website. 

Particulars:

Location: Combination of home working and working from our office at St Thomas Centre, Ardwick Green N, Manchester M12 6FZ with a minimum expectation of 2 days a week spent working from the office.

Contract: 5 days a week (35 hours). Permanent.

Probationary period: 6 months.

Employer: Greater Manchester Poverty Action Limited.

Purpose: To work with the CEO and Policy Officer to lead on the delivery of GMPA’s policy, research and advocacy work.

Salary range: £36,000 to £41,000 pro rata, depending on experience.

Paid annual leave entitlement: 25 days pro-rata (excluding bank holidays)

Line management responsibilities: Management of the Policy Officer and Greater Manchester Living Wage Campaign Coordinator.

Managed by: Chief Executive Officer.

About GMPA

GMPA is a not-for-profit organisation that works to prevent and reduce poverty across Greater Manchester. We have developed extensive knowledge about poverty in the city region, identified a powerful network of stakeholders and organisations who share our values, aims and vision and we have influenced policy and practice in several ways since we were constituted in 2016.

Our vision is of a Greater Manchester free from poverty where all residents can realise their potential and access the benefits of living in a diverse and vibrant city region.

Over the next three years we will be working towards our vision by focussing on our three strategic priorities: 1) Boosting household income and financial resilience, 2) Ensuring stakeholders in GM embed a strong strategic approach to tackling poverty and 3) Embedding the voices of people with lived experience in the decision-making structures and systems of GM.

WHO WE ARE
City Hearts was founded in 2005, beginning with a single home to help women with life controlling issues, shortly after we welcomed our first survivor of modern slavery. Since then, we have expanded across multiple regions and now provide accommodation and outreach support to hundreds of survivors of modern slavery every year, as well as continuing to house and support women with life controlling issues. In 2018 we partnered with South Yorkshire Police to launch About Face, a trauma-informed programme committed to breaking the cycle of crime, partnering alongside other organisations such as South Yorkshire Police, Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service, Drug and Alcohol Services, amongst many others. We are passionate about restoring the lives of those we support, and it would not be possible without our dedicated team of staff and volunteers.

ROLE SUMMARY
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Caseworker within our Outreach Support Team in Greater Manchester. In this role, you’ll be responsible for supporting survivors of modern slavery currently within the National Referral Mechanism who are living within the community. The role is to assess and respond to client needs, signpost clients to local services to meet identified needs, and to empower clients to take steps towards independence. You will also work in an agile and responsive team environment providing a great standard of support for clients. 

At City Hearts, we’re committed to providing our staff with the resources needed for their role. This takes the form of development and learning opportunities for all employees, but also our dedication to maintaining and supporting the wellbeing of each individual that forms a part of our team. We know that by doing so, it positions us to provide the very best care and support for some of society’s most vulnerable.

As a member of the team here at City Hearts, you’ll also receive:

 •  Regular accredited and in-house training on specialist subjects such as trauma, mental health, safeguarding, conflict management and more
•  Medicash Health Plan- including an EAP (Employee Assistance Programme that covers up to 8 one to one private counselling sessions a year), money towards dental and optical costs and much more
•  30 days holiday per year (plus accrued holiday days for length of service)
•  The opportunity to attend Group Supervision every 6 weeks with qualified therapists
•  Commitment to annual salary reviews
•  Progression opportunities including our Staff Development Scheme, providing you with the chance to specialise in a key aspect of your role

Job Title: Outreach Caseworker
Reports to: Outreach Coordinator 
Contracted Hours: 37.5 hours per week          
Contract Duration: Fixed until 29 June 2025
Salary: £20,500 pro rata per annum 
Location: Greater Manchester
Closing Date: 17.12.2021     
Interview Date: We will be interviewing applicants as and when suitable candidates apply          Probationary Period: 3 months
Direct Reports: N/A

•  Providing casework support for Survivors Of Human Trafficking across the Greater Manchester region.
•  Each full time caseworker will oversee 16-20 clients of varying levels of support need (or pro rata equivalent if a part-time role)
•  To work effectively as a team, including giving responsive feedback and handover information to Line Manager, and colleagues where there is a shared caseload.
•  To independently meet deadlines, including accurately recording and logging support hours, documenting relevant client information and completing other administrative paperwork in adherence to the terms of the contract.
•  To risk assess and take appropriate steps to safeguard clients.
•  To follow ECAT requests and meet KPIs set by contractors.
•  Ensuring all clients receive the full protection/support of the EU convention, as laid out in article 12 of the ECAT.
•  To arrange appointments for individual clients, and liaising with organisations and individuals regarding clients in a professional manner.
•  Visiting clients face to face (where suitable) a minimum of once a month, taking into account what is reasonable to meet that client’s needs.
•  Meeting clients in an appropriate environment, including using remote sessions where needed.
•  To ensure the progression of clients through the system, including journey planning and move on strategies, within the required time frame.
•  To regularly attend supervision meetings with Line Manager.
•  Adhering to all internal procedures regarding City Hearts and any legislation.
•  Promoting CH in adherence to the terms of the contract – this may include attending events on behalf of CH as a whole.

As the Sophie Hayes Foundation continues an exciting phase of growth and development, supporting more women survivors of Human Trafficking, the role will be a valued member of the organisation’s Manchester & North Team

The right candidate will have the survivor journey at the heart of what they do. They will be pro-active, committed to working in a changing environment and effective at collaborating with colleagues and partners to effectively co-ordinate opportunities for survivors in the region. This role will work in partnership with referral partners and the local community to support survivors through the Employability Programme from recruitment and onboarding through Module 1 (workshops), Module 2 coaching), Module 3 (Placements) to graduation.

Detailed Role Description

1. Manage and deliver across the Manchester and the North in remote and hybrid programming
2. Recruit survivors into the Employability Programme through partnerships with referral partners.
3. Provide ongoing survivor support whilst delivering the programme.
4. Engage all survivors into The CREW our survivor led network, before during and after Employability Programme completion.

Partnerships

1. Actively engage with local, regional, and national networks i.e., GM Anti-Slavery Network, Human Trafficking Foundation, NGO's, Business and Community organsiations to raise awareness of the foundation.
2. Develop and grow partnerships with diverse stakeholders to support growing needs in both the remote and hybrid delivery.
3. Ensure survivors, partners and volunteers are engaged, motivated and ‘have a voice’ to influence and shape our programme design.

Internal Relationships

1. Work with programme colleagues in all three regions to ensure the smooth running of Employability Programme within your area.
2. Work with the Employability Programme Placements Supervisor to build robust relationships in the local and regional communities, in order to secure and support survivor placements.
3. Supervise and manage Employability Programme volunteers, with the objective of growing individual, group and organisational capabilities, skills, and resources.

Reporting

1. Effectively and efficiently manage local programme
2. Monitor KPI’s, ensuring correct reporting of programme outputs and outcomes.
3. Accurate input and management of internal tracking systems (including eTapestry, Expensify amongst others) for correct reporting on programmes
4. Development of programme learning through insights and evaluations and feedback.
5. Input into programme research for development of programmes

Person Specification:Essential

1.  Educated to degree level or equivalent, or the ability to demonstrate competence through experience.
2.  Minimum 5 years’ experience of successful project/programme co-ordination in the UK charity sector
3. Experience of working with vulnerable groups
4. Demonstrable direct experience of skilled facilitation for group as well as 121 support sessions/coaching.
5.  Solution focused. Willing to support the organisation develop and grow.
6. Experience of proactively researching and engaging current and prospective partners.
7. Outstanding communication skills and the ability to tailor written and verbal content and style to a range of audiences.
8. Experience of working to, and meeting KPI’s.
9. Ability to work under pressure and deliver outcomes to tight deadlines.
10.  Flexible and proactive approach and attitude. Enthusiasm and drive to make things happen.
11. Ability to work occasionally outside of normal office working hours.
12. Ability to work on own initiative whilst also being able to be supportive of a small but fast paced team.
13. Empathy for victims of modern slavery. Willingness to ensure that that achieve the best outcomes possible whilst part of Sophie Hayes Foundation.

Required IT skills

1. Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook. (Blackbaud E Tapestry or similar CRM systems etc)

Desirable

1.  Knowledge and understanding of the human trafficking and modern-day slavery sector.
2. Experience of using social media and digital communication tools.
3. Drivers licence

Please note: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age.

However, this post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 20

Application Instructions

Applications without cover letters will not be considered.

Please provide a cover letter explaining why:
1.You want to join the Sophie Hayes Foundation.
2. What strengths you bring to the role

About us: 

PTMWA is a women-led organisation whose vision is to ensure that people, suffering, or at risk of domestic abuse receive appropriate support. We assist recovery by providing safe accommodation, specialist support services and by working in partnership with other agencies. We also run the only museum dedicated to telling the story of women’s fight for the right to vote at our Pankhurst Centre headquarters. 

We are a diverse organisation with c31% of our staff identify as BAME, 12% as LGBT+. We span the generations with c11% of staff being aged 18-24 and c25% aged 55-64 and c11% identify as having a disability. 

Our staff, volunteers and service users have recently taken time to reflect on who we are and what we do when we are at our best. This reflection showed that we can proudly claim to be:

Courageous by challenging inequality, stepping forward and making change 

Affirming by supporting and inspiring, paying attention to discover what matters 

Generous by sharing our skills, creating energetic positive links, and thriving together 

Rooted by being secure in our communities, participating and nurturing a sense of belonging 

About You: 

You will be a pro-active, reliable individual who reflects the values of PTMWA in all that you do. Your qualifications and experiences, whether in paid or voluntary work, will enable you to fulfil the role requirements but it is your attitude and character that will make you a successful team member.

You will enjoy a challenge and actively participate in delivering and developing services of the highest standard. 

About the role: 

All roles are subject to a DBS check and we seek 2 x references, 1 of whom must be your current employer if applicable

Independent Domestic Abuse Advisor – part time role available 

The purpose of this post is to provide professional advice, information and support to survivors of domestic violence and abuse living in the community. This will include the range, effectiveness and suitability of options to improve their safety and that of their children. This advice must be based on a thorough understanding and assessment of risk and its management, as part of a multi-agency risk management strategy or MARAC process. This post will be specifically working on the DRIVE Project.

This role has been assessed and confirmed as open to women only under the Equality Act 2010, schedule 9, part 1 

Hours of work: 17.5 per week

Salary: £23 868.00 per annum, pro rata (Actual salary £11934 per annum) 

Duration:Fixed term contract to 31st March 2022, extension subject to continued funding 

Annual Leave: 25 days plus Bank Holidays, pro rata for part-time workers 

To Apply: Application packs can be downloaded from our website or a copy can be obtained by emailing our info email. 

Application forms should be returned by midnight 7th December 2021. Interviews will be held on 10th December 2021. If you have not heard from us by the 9th December your application has been unsuccessful. 

For information in alternative formats (for example, in braille, large print or an electronic format), please email our info email. 

You can also contact us by telephone.

About us:  

PTMWA is a women-led organisation whose vision is to ensure that people, suffering, or at risk of domestic abuse receive appropriate support. We assist recovery by providing safe accommodation, specialist support services and by working in partnership with other agencies. We also run the only museum dedicated to telling the story of women’s fight for the right to vote at our Pankhurst Centre headquarters.  

We are a diverse organisation with c31% of our staff identify as BAME, 12% as LGBT+. We span the generations with c11% of staff being aged 18-24 and c25% aged 55-64 and c11% identify as having a disability.  

Our staff, volunteers and service users have taken time to reflect on who we are and what we do when we are at our best. This reflection showed that we can proudly claim to be:    

Courageous by challenging inequality, stepping forward and making change  

Affirming by supporting and inspiring, paying attention to discover what matters  

Generous by sharing our skills, creating energetic positive links, and thriving together  

Rooted by being secure in our communities, participating and nurturing a sense of belonging  

About You: You will be a pro-active, reliable individual who reflects the values of PTMWA in all that you do. Your experiences, whether in paid or voluntary work, will enable you to fulfil the role requirements but it is your attitude and character that will make you a successful team member.You will enjoy a challenge and actively participate in delivering and developing services of the highest standard. You will have experience working with victims and their children who are affected by domestic abuse. You will work collaboratively and with compassion. You will be joining a strong, well-established partnership with a wide and varied skill set. Training and ongoing support in the use of therapeutic play techniques is available. 

About Big Manchester: For the past nine years, The Pankhurst Trust (Incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid) has been part of a highly successful partnership with Barnardo’s and 3 other voluntary sector agencies in the delivery of Big Manchester project in the north of the city.  The Big Manchester partnership has an innovative approach to working with families with children aged 5-11 and where they are affected by domestic violence and abuse, substance misuse and poor mental health.

The project has been so successful it has been extended to cover the central Manchester area and we are recruiting an additional Family Intervention Worker. 

 About the role: PTMWA is the employing organisation, but the role will be managed on an operational level by Barnardo’s project manager. The role will involve intensive holistic work with parents and their primary school aged children and where the family has been impacted by domestic violence and abuse. You will work with children in 1:1 setting and support them through a range of interventions including using creative therapeutic play techniques. Alongside this you will also work collaboratively with parents – assessing their needs and working with them to find solutions. 

This role has been assessed and confirmed as open to women only under the Equality Act 2010, schedule 9, part 1  

 Hours of work: 17.5 

Salary: £25,215 pro rata 

Duration:  Till 31.08.2022 with possible extension till 2024

Annual Leave: 25 days plus Bank Holidays, pro rata for part-time workers  

To Apply: Application packs can be downloaded from our website or a copy can be obtained by emailing our info email. 

Application forms should be returned by 5pm on 6th December 2021.Interviews will take place 13th and 14th December if you have not heard from us by 11th December your application has been unsuccessful.

You can also contact us by telephone.

Job Title: Food Community and Engagement Team Lead (12-month contract to cover Maternity)

Salary: £25,381 plus pension and other benefits.

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (5 days) to include evenings and weekends to support the needs of the charity

Contract Length: 12 months Holidays: 22 Days plus Bank Holidays Base: Wigan Town Centre.

Responsible to: The Finance and Commercial Director

Accountable to: Queen’s Hall Action on Poverty Trustees

To Apply: Please review full Job Description / Person Specification. Please submit CV and Expression of Interest explaining why you would be an asset to our charity.  Please register and upload documents here via the link on our website

Please apply early as we reserve the right to close applications as soon as sufficient applicants have been received.

Closing Date: Noon Tuesday 4th January 2022

Interviews: W/C 10th January 2022

Summary: The Brick is a small charity with big aspirations for people in need within our community. We provide RELIEF, RESTORATION and REFORMATION by offering tailored support, hope, and opportunity to those looking to improve their quality of life. We are now looking for an enthusiastic, proactive and inspirational Food Community and Engagement Team Lead to join our team, a believer in the right to equal life chances with a passion to improve lives through collaboration and innovation.

The Food Community and Engagement Manager is a crucial role in the charity. The main aspect being to develop a co-operative style food community model for The Brick, ensuring access to affordable and nutritious food for everyone. The successful candidate will manage all aspects of food inventory, procurement, controls, and distribution. Your role will focus on the growth and sustainability of the Brick Food Community, through maximising relationships and adding value to create the best experience for our charity community. The successful candidate will be an exceptional communicator, with an approachable nature who will play a vital role in developing and maintaining charity and retailer relationships, plus raising awareness of The Brick across the GM 

About us:

PTMWA is a women-led organisation whose vision is to ensure that people, suffering, or at risk of domestic abuse receive appropriate support. We assist recovery by providing safe accommodation, specialist support services and by working in partnership with other agencies. We also run the only museum dedicated to telling the story of women’s fight for the right to vote at our Pankhurst Centre headquarters.

We are a diverse organisation with c31% of our staff identify as BAME, 12% as LGBT+. We span the generations with c11% of staff being aged 18-24 and c25% aged 55-64 and c11% identify as having a disability.

Our staff, volunteers and service users have taken time to reflect on who we are and what we do when we are at our best. This reflection showed that we can proudly claim to be: 

Courageous by challenging inequality, stepping forward and making change

Affirming by supporting and inspiring, paying attention to discover what matters

Generous by sharing our skills, creating energetic positive links, and thriving together

Rooted by being secure in our communities, participating and nurturing a sense of belonging

About You:

You will be a pro-active, reliable individual who reflects the values of PTMWA in all that you do. Your experiences, whether in paid or voluntary work, will enable you to fulfil the role requirements but it is your attitude and character that will make you a successful team member.

You will enjoy a challenge and actively participate in delivering and developing services of the highest standard.

About the role:

We welcome applications from people seeking part-time (17.5 hours) work as well as full-time (35). All roles are subject to a DBS check and we seek 2 x references, 1 of whom must be your current employer if applicable

Children and Families Therapeutic Intervention Worker – 1 role available

This role is to provide support for children and young people and their families who have been affected by domestic violence and abuse, homelessness and other traumatic life events and will be embedded in our Children’s Services Team.  The role is to deliver interventions which will help children and families to thrive. The post holder will provide therapeutic support to children and families, to develop safe coping strategies by exploring how life experiences have impacted them, facilitate repair and recovery work with them to improve their emotional well-being and develop confidence and resilience against future harm.

This role has been assessed and confirmed as open to women only under the Equality Act 2010, schedule 9, part 1

Hours of work: 35 per week

Salary: £23 868.00 per annum

Duration: 12 Months Fixed Term Contract

Annual Leave: 25 days plus Bank Holidays, pro rata for part-time workers

To Apply: Application packs can be downloaded from our website or a copy can be obtained by emailing our info email which can also be found on our website. 

Application forms should be returned by midday 3rd December 2021. Interviews will be held on 13th and 14th December 2021. If you have not heard from us by 8th December 20201 your application has been unsuccessful.

For information in alternative formats (for example, in braille, large print or an electronic format), please email or contact us by telephone.

Employment Consultant
Full time: 37.5 hours per week
Location: North West
Contract duration: 18 months

The Poppy Factory Employment Service has supported over 1500 veterans who have mental or physical health challenges, or other barriers, into employment.  We are ambitious about supporting many more veterans into meaningful and sustainable work as we adapt and grow our service to meet changing needs. 

We have a vacancy for an Employment Consultant to join an established team with strong networks across the North West of England, for a fixed term of 18 months.

This is an excellent opportunity to join The Poppy Factory at an exciting period in our 100 year history. We are developing and growing our service in the community, through the NHS and other organisations. 

We are looking for individuals that are:

• Experienced in helping others in need of support. This could be in employment, housing, health or any other area. We are particularly keen to hear from people who have experience of managing caseloads of individuals.
• A strong communicator with high emotional intelligence who can adapt their approach to different audiences. 
• Adept at identifying and developing effective & collaborative relationships with other professionals and employers across Wales. 
• Positive about every person’s potential to succeed in employment regardless of their health or other barriers. 
• Creative with problem-solving who asks questions to learn more about a situation and is thoughtful and tenacious in working with others to find a range of possible solutions.

The successful candidate for this role will preferably have experience of working with people with health conditions or other challenges such as criminal record, housing or long-term unemployment.

The role also requires strong networking and relationship management skills with the ability to work collaboratively with referral partners, and potential employers as we look to expand and develop our service around the UK.

The Poppy Factory aims to be an exemplar employer. We provide competitive terms and conditions of employment including:

• A generous Company Pension scheme
• Company-paid life assurance
• Training and on-going Professional Development

Please download the candidate pack for further information.

We will be reviewing applications and scheduling interviews on a rolling basis, so we encourage you apply promptly.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The Poppy Factory is committed to equality, valuing diversity and promoting inclusion.  Our commitment is to take positive measures to recruit people from underrepresented groups, and we actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process to accommodate disabled candidates.

This is an exciting role to join our growing charity, working with LGBTQ+ young people who are homeless, vulnerably housed or living in a hostile environment across Greater Manchester. You will join us on a part time basis working 21 hours per week. 

About Us 

akt is the UK’s national LGBTQ Youth Homelessness charity.  We provide safe homes, mentoring, and support to ensure that no young person needs to choose between a safe home and being who they are. Currently 24% of young people facing homelessness in the UK identify as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender, and 77% cite abuse and rejection by their families after coming out as the primary reason for seeking help. The charity was founded in 1989 and operates service centres in London, Manchester, Newcastle, Bristol and works online through a digital service providing support and opportunities for e-mentoring across the UK. In 2012, akt opened the UK’s first emergency safe house for young LGBT people in the UK.  akt works with over 2,000 vulnerable young people a year providing both face to face and online assistance.

Job Summary

• To assist with establishing and embedding akt as a service within Manchester by promoting the organisation to external agencies through presentations, networking events and training.
• To carry out holistic assessments of the needs of young LGBTQ+ young people who are homeless, vulnerably housed, or in a hostile environment, and to provide advice, support and advocacy to resolve housing or related issues.
• Offer support to volunteers and social work students to welcome them and integrate them within akt Services team
• Contribute to and maintain resources and signposting routes to enable young people to engage with appropriate services
• Finding accommodation options and housing solutions for young people and being creative in sourcing new accommodation routes and building relationships with accommodation providers in cooperation with the services team.

Key Tasks

• Provide casework with young people who are in crisis by empowering them to assert their rights and providing advocacy when they meet barriers to their housing rights and benefit entitlements
• Managing expectations of young people by advising them on their legal rights and options and supporting them to recover from outcomes they may not be expecting
• Maintain up to date case notes and records of work carried out with young people
• Maintain a thorough and up to date knowledge of housing and homelessness legislation, including Part VII homelessness applications, legislation pertaining to 16 & 17 year olds (including Section 20 looked after young people) and ensure this knowledge is shared across the Services team.
• Facilitate and support the involvement of young people in service development and social activities. and create opportunities for them to give feedback on the service they have received.
• Advocate on behalf of young people to ensure they are included and consulted in all service planning and delivery.
• Take an active role in Services meetings at an operational level.

Other responsibilities

• To attend staff meetings and other meetings as required.
• To liaise with other relevant organisations where appropriate and maintain effective working relationships.
• To work as a lone practitioner and make use of a remote supervisor; attend regular supervision and report to supervisor where necessary.
• To attend training as agreed with supervisor.
• To respond to emergency situations including safeguarding in consultation with supervisor.
• To undertake all tasks and job functions in accordance with the Trust’s equal opportunities policy.
• Take responsibility for projects as requested by the Service Manager
• To undertake other tasks and functions commensurate with the role e.g. Services involvement at Prides and assisting with supporting young people’s involvement with Fundraising events and activities.

PERSON SPECIFICATION (Knowledge, skills and experience required for the job)

Essential criteria:

• Demonstrable experience of work in a relatable field e.g. homelessness, benefits advice, youth work or housing.
• Knowledge and understanding of housing law and welfare benefits and experience of advocating on behalf of clients in a range of challenging situations.
• Demonstrable experience of supporting young people in crisis and emergency situations, including knowledge and understanding of child protection, safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people.
• Demonstrable experience of referral and signposting work.
• Ability to network with and work with a wide range of organisations.
• Proven skills around LGBT equality and a zero‐tolerance approach to discrimination and exclusion on the grounds of age, gender identity, being married or in a civil partnership, being pregnant or on maternity leave, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, socio‐economic status, or caring responsibility.
• Demonstrable knowledge of common issues of young LGBT people, intersectional identities and complex related needs, and a proven ability to empower young people to achieve their goals.
• Experience of working independently with autonomy and using own initiative to find solutions.
• Experience of working under pressure in a time‐limited environment.
• Knowledge and understanding of GDPR

Desirable criteria

• A qualification in advice and guidance, housing, youth work, a related field such as social work
• Experience of supporting, volunteers and or students.
• Life experience that is relatable to the young LGBTQ+ people akt support with particular emphasis on the needs of trans young people
• Knowledge and understanding of LGBTQ+ services and networks Manchester and the surrounding areas.

All akt employees are expected to demonstrate a commitment to our values, our codes of practice and the akt young people’s charter – which underpin and govern our work

Independent Visitor - Manchester

Contract - Volunteer

Hours – Up to 4 hours a month

Could you befriend and support a child in care?

We are looking for volunteers for our Independent Visitors Project in Manchester!

About the Role

Independent Visitors are volunteers who befriend and spend time with a child or young person within Local Authority care. Our volunteers enjoy the challenge of building a lasting friendship and the children benefit greatly from a consistent, fun relationship with someone outside the care system.

This is a long-term, one to one commitment. Full training and on-going support will be given, and out of pocket expenses paid for mileage and activities.

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

Coram Voice

Coram Voice is the leading specialist provider of advocacy and children’s rights services for children and young people in and on the edge of care. We support some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society, giving voice to the voiceless and reaching out to those who have missed out on the support they need. Join us as we work to transform the lives of children and young people by supporting them to uphold their rights of to actively participate in shaping their lives.

Coram Voice was established in 1975 and in 2013 joined the Coram group of charities which develops, delivers and promotes best practice in the support of children and young people. Coram’s vision is that every child has the best possible chance in life.

We have around 60 employed staff, 100 self-employed advocates and independent persons, and 70 volunteers deliver services to children and agencies throughout the country. Together they provide Coram Voice with a high degree of specialist expertise in the fields of advocacy, children’s rights, mental health, complaints, secure accommodation and experience of working with children in care, in custody, in need and those who have recently left care.

Every day we make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people in and on the edge of care across the UK. Our advocacy teams are based Nationwide and are made of up of experienced community advocates who work alongside our specialist advocates (who focus on direct work, supporting and developing good practice with young people who are homeless, 16+, or have a disability).

To immediately apply to become an Independent Visitor, please click on the ‘apply’ button below to complete the application form.

Please note this is a rolling recruitment, so please make your application now and we will arrange interviews with prospective candidates as soon as possible.

Coram Voice is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applicants from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our teams. Whilst we have a diverse team we recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and families we help.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No.312278.

Finance & Payroll Administrator

Manchester City Centre with some flexibility to work from home

Starting salary for this position is £19,308 per annum (plus contributory pension)

Join a Nobel Prize-winning organisation committed to creating safe and secure futures for women, men and children around the world. MAG works by finding and destroying landmines, cluster bombs and the explosive remnants of war and by advocating and campaigning on behalf of those whose lives are blighted by the lethal debris of conflict. Be part of this life-changing mission by joining MAG to help us free from fear some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world.

We are looking for an exceptional administrator to join our dynamic and successful Corporate Finance Team as a Finance & Payroll Administrator.   This is a fantastic opportunity to a join an international charity that shared the 1997 Nobel Peace-Prize.  

Your administrative skills will help make a real difference supporting our global lifesaving work, whilst allowing you to gain the experience in a very busy Corporate Finance department. You’ll provide excellent support to the business by taking responsibility for the administrative tasks associated with departmental transactional processes including purchase and sales ledger, payroll, and financial compliance.

Basic knowledge of double entry bookkeeping, proficiency in the Microsoft Excel and Word as well as strong numerical and analytical skills are essential. It is desirable that you’ll have experience using PSF accounting system and/or ADP payroll system. Although, this is not essential as on the job training will be provided. You will need to have strong administrative experience to ensure that all our processes are followed effectively.  Above all, you will need to be approachable, flexible, super organised, have a good eye for detail and be ready to work in a busy and varied role, taking pride in your work and striving for perfection.

Please note that as part of MAG's commitment to safeguarding, this post is subject to background checks before an offer of employment is confirmed. For more information on MAG’s approach to background checks, please click here. You can also find more information in the candidate information pack, available through the link below.

MAG is committed to the principles of diversity, equality and inclusion. If you think you would be suited to one of our roles we would welcome your application regardless of your background. We strive to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment where all employees feel respected and supported in fulfilling their potential.

For the further information on the role, the application pack and details of how to apply, please visit the MAG website by the closing date of 31st December 2021.

Please note applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and MAG reserve the right to close the advert before the advertised closing date. We therefore would recommend that interested applicants apply as soon as possible.

If you have not heard back from us within 3 weeks of applying, it means that your application has not been successful.

Care4Calais is a volunteer-run charity delivering essential aid and support to refugees living in the worst conditions across Northern France and the UK.  We believe in a fair and tolerant British society and advocate for a welcoming and inclusive attitude towards refugees. 

Our focus is to provide warm clothing, bedding, food and medical assistance to people in desperate need. We also offer social support and interaction, including language lessons, sports and first aid.

The Role – Quality Assurance and Safeguarding Officer

The Care4Calais Legal Access team works to connect our clients with legal aid lawyers who can help them. We also help people to navigate the asylum process and assist with practical matters such as getting to lawyer’s appointments. An asylum claim is a matter for life and death to a refugee – we believe this is some of the most important work that our charity does.

You will be responsible for: ensuring that the refugees we work with receive a consistently high standard of service delivery; for monitoring the work of legal access team volunteers for quality assurance purposes; and for managing volunteers who work on compliance processes.

Working with vulnerable people means that safeguarding is a key priority for the charity.  As safeguarding officer, you will be responsible for: ensuing investigation, actioning and reporting of all safeguarding concerns raised with or within the charity; providing advice, guidance and support to volunteers in line with the charity’s safeguarding policy and procedures; and playing a leading role in promoting the development of a positive safeguarding culture.

Our Ideal Candidate

To be successful in this role, applicants must demonstrate:

• Proven organisational skills within a complex and demanding environment
• Ability to self-manage, prioritise workloads and make effective decisions under pressure
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to spot, challenge and highlight anomalies in data
• The ability to produce concise and accurate management reports and professional external communications
• An ability to work with a range of people from different backgrounds and with different skills and experience, and a track record of managing volunteers
• Previous experience of managing safeguarding and the ability to respond quickly and effectively to safeguarding concerns
• An understanding of, or interest in, the UK asylum system
• Proven ability to manage sensitive data and information
• Awareness of legislation relating to data protection and information sharing
• Strong IT skills and the ability to work across multiple online messaging platforms 
•  Flexibility in working hours to meet the needs of the role
• A passion for human rights

In Return

We will provide you with an excellent opportunity to join a great cause, gain experience in the UK asylum system, and positively influence the lives of refugees. You will join a focused collaborative team dedicated to the cause.  While this is a challenging role, you will be given a thorough induction and the opportunity to work alongside other experienced team members to hit the ground running.

Please provide a covering letter that explains why you are suitable for this role and why you want to work for Care4Calais - we will only consider applications that are accompanied by a covering letter.

Please note that due to the high number of applications received we will only reply if we are taking your application forward. We sincerely apologise for this and thank you for your interest in our charity.