Care support worker jobs in brighton and hove

Benefits Advisor
Salary £27,000 FTE,  17.5 - 21 hours per week, 6.6 weeks holiday   
Remote working with occasional travel for events and meetings in West Sussex
 

Are you a skilled benefits advisor with a passion for maximising income for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities?  

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join a rapidly growing caring charity with the benefits of flexible family friendly working (from home), generous holiday, pension scheme, travel expenses, laptop and phone provided.  

Reaching Families was established in 2008 to empower, inform and support parent-carers and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in West Sussex.  We achieve this through the delivery of our services providing information, training and peer support.

Our Benefits Advice Service provides support to parents of children and young people with SEND in West Sussex applying for Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independent Payments (PIP).  Offering 1-2-1 advice sessions on the above benefits, support with claim checking of draft applications, information resources on benefits and other sources of financial support, and training workshops on DLA, PIP and Universal Credit.

We are looking to recruit a skilled and motivated benefits advisor to join our team
The post holder will be responsible for the delivery of advice and guidance on Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Personal Independence Payment to parent-carers of children and young people with SEND in West Sussex.

Person Specification (essential):
• Proven experience of providing welfare and benefits advice preferably gained with either children or adults with disabilities
• Experience of using CRM databases 
• Experience of using MS Office including SharePoint
• Understanding of challenges facing parents and carers of children with SEND 
• In-depth knowledge of Carers Allowance, DLA and PIP)
• Passionate about improving the life chances of children with SEND and their parents/carers, and families
See attached job description for details and full criteria 

We welcome applications from all members of the community and value diversity in the organisation. Please contact us if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application or interview process due to any disability or health requirements. 

Closing date for applications is 6th October 2025 

Interviews to be held in Littlehampton on 16th October 2025 

To apply please complete the attached application form and share why you feel you fit the role and person specification (see attached documents) 

This is a key role responsible for overseeing and managing the delivery and development of our Gateway programme for women.  Alongside the daily management of staff and volunteers, this role is responsible for ensuring that the services provided are safe, best practice and compliant with all relevant policies and procedures. 

As we seek to grow and reach more people, this role will play a vital role in undertaking strategic reviews of all current services and informing new service delivery and design.  This will be undertaken in partnership with other service leads and working closely with senior leadership colleagues. 

Please note:  A requirement of the role is for the post-holder to be a practising Christian in accordance with the Equality Act 2010

Please note:  A requirement of the role is for the post-holder to be a woman in accordance with the Equality Act 2010

Main duties:

· Oversight and delivery of all programme activities relating to Gateway including drop ins, one-to-one support, group activities and faith based activities.

· Establish and drive the overall strategic vision for the service in line with the operational plan and informed by the needs of the people the service exists for

· Lead the design and development of new services in line with client needs, resources, staffing and strategic purpose of the team.

· Hold direct budget responsibility for day-to-day operations and in line with any specific funding requirements

· Be an active member of the Off the Fence leadership team

· Review and implement policies and procedures for safe service delivery

· Provide reports on key activity, outputs and impact in line with KPIs and other reporting requirements.

· Line manage the team of key workers, providing regular performance reviews, pastoral support and identifying training needs.

· Support with the recruitment and onboarding of new team members, including in-house training and supervision

· Ensuring that key workers have a good working knowledge of local services, referral routes, other agencies and when to highlight safeguarding concerns.

· Provide pastoral support for the team and volunteers in the service

· Lead Bible studies, prayer meetings for staff, volunteers and at external events as required

· Recruit, retain and manage volunteers in line with organisational policies and procedures

· Ensure safe and efficient delivery of services in line with health and safety, safeguarding, data protection and safe working practices.

·      Plan and maintain safe staffing ratios through effective resource allocation

· Design and delivery of projects/activities in line with fundraised income, including reporting and engaging with funders as required

· Build and establish key sector relationships across the city to enhance the team’s reach and impact in the community

· Oversight and pastoral responsibility for the faith-based activities delivered for and with clients

· Build and establish relationships with other providers who can meet the needs of our clients e.g. local health teams.

· Contribute to wider profile-raising activities of Off the Fence

· Review and implement policies and procedures for safe service delivery

· Have responsibility for the safe processing and storage of client data in line with data protection regulations and policies, including CRM.

· Regularly review the effectiveness, safety and efficiency of all services including drop ins and one-to-one support.

· Active membership of and attendance at local forums, groups and networks

Key attributes and experience required for the role:

· Proven experience in managing frontline services and staff teams (minimum 3 years in a supervisory/management role)

· Experience in delivering services with vulnerable client groups

· Strong knowledge of the legal and statutory framework for housing, benefits, employment.  Ideally, knowledge of local services and support agencies.

· A passion for seeing women thrive – practically, emotionally and spiritually

· Strong alignment with the vision of Off the Fence, and a commitment to our organisational focus

· Strong understanding and application of safeguarding, data protection and health and safety policy.

· Experience in service design, service improvement and project management

· Experience in supporting people with complex and multiple needs, including substance abuse and severe mental health.

· Excellent organisational and time management skills

· High level of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality

· Ability to interpret policies, legislation and data effectively

· Proficient in Microsoft Office, and experience of CRM management

· A requirement of the role is for the post-holder to be a practising Christian in accordance with the Equality Act 2010

Vision and values

Off The Fence reaches out to break the cycle of poverty in Brighton & Hove, ensuring that no one is left behind. We believe in resisting poverty, empowering people, and restoring hope, and we work toward a future where social and spiritual poverty no longer exists.

By 1997, Off The Fence became a registered charity, allowing us to expand and tackle poverty in a deeper way, through compassion, excellence, unity, integrity, and a Christ-like approach to supporting the most vulnerable.

Poverty is complex—it’s not just about finances, but about housing, mental health, education, and belonging. To address these needs, Off The Fence now provides three core programmes, each offering a different form of practical and emotional support.

As poverty in Brighton & Hove has increased, so has our commitment. At the heart of our work is a belief that every person deserves dignity, hope, and the opportunity to rebuild their life.

The Gateway Programme at Off The Fence is dedicated to empowering women facing crisis, emotional hardship, or practical difficulties. Our Gateway Women’s Centre is a trauma-informed safe space where our support team offer confidential, one-to-one emotional, practical, and spiritual support. Through drop-ins, an essentials bank, and referrals, we equip women to confidently navigate life’s challenges.

Our goal-based workshops and wellness sessions provide opportunities for personal development while creating moments of joy and belonging. By breaking cycles of isolation, restoring self-agency, and connecting women to strong support networks,

Gateway empowers women to rebuild their lives. Whether through restorative care, discipleship sessions, or access to external services, women supported can step into a future of stability, community, and hope.

As a Christian organisation we seek to live and work by our values:

· Christ-like: we desire the best for others (Col 1:27, 1 John 3:16)

· Excellence: we aim for outstanding quality (1 Cor 12:31, Phil 4:8)

· Unity: we achieve more together (Ps 133, Eph 4:3)

· Compassion: we care for those who are suffering (Col 3:12, Matt 9:35)

· Integrity: we do what is right (Prov 10:9, Titus 2:7-8)

Working at Off the Fence

We are a small but highly dedicated team, passionate about seeing transformation across Brighton and Hove.  Off the Fence employees are entitled to:

- 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, with extra days added for long service

- Up to 5 days of mission leave (pro rata)

- 7% employer pension contributions

Notes for applicants

If you’re applying for this role, we ask that you submit your CV and a cover letter.  In your cover letter please outline how your skills and experience align with the requirements of this role, as well as explaining why you want to be a part of Off the Fence.  

This is a key role responsible for overseeing and managing the delivery and development of our Antifreeze programme.  Alongside the daily management of staff and volunteers, this role is responsible for ensuring that the services provided are safe, best practice and compliant with all relevant policies and procedures. 

As we seek to grow and reach more people, this role will play a vital role in undertaking strategic reviews of all current services and informing new service delivery and design.  This will be undertaken in partnership with other service leads and working closely with senior leadership colleagues. 

Please note:  A requirement of the role is for the post-holder to be a practising Christian in accordance with the Equality Act 2010

Main duties:

· Oversight and delivery of all programme activities relating to Antifreeze including drop ins, one-to-one support, street outreach and faith-based activities.

· Establish and drive the overall strategic vision for the service in line with the operational plan and informed by the needs of the people the service exists for

· Lead the design and development of new services in line with client needs, resources, staffing and the strategic purpose of the team.

· Hold direct budget responsibility for day-to-day operations and in line with any specific funding requirements

· Be an active member of the Off the Fence leadership team

· Review and implement policies and procedures for safe service delivery

· Provide reports on key activity, outputs and impact in line with KPIs and other reporting requirements.

· Line manage the team of key workers, providing regular performance reviews, pastoral support and identifying training needs.

· Support with the recruitment and onboarding of new team members, including in-house training and supervision

· Ensuring that key workers have a good working knowledge of local services, referral routes, other agencies and when to highlight safeguarding concerns.

· Provide pastoral support for the team and volunteers in the service

· Lead Bible studies, prayer meetings for staff, volunteers and at external events as required

· Recruit, retain and manage volunteers in line with organisational policies and procedures

· Ensure safe and efficient delivery of services in line with health and safety, safeguarding, data protection and safe working practices.

· plan and maintain safe staffing ratios through effective resource allocation

· Design and delivery of projects/activities in line with fundraised income, including reporting and engaging with funders as required

· Build and establish key sector relationships across the city to enhance the team’s reach and impact in the community

· Oversight and pastoral responsibility for the faith-based activities delivered for and with clients

· Build and establish relationships with other providers who can meet the needs of our clients e.g. local health teams.

· Contribute to wider profile-raising activities of Off the Fence

· Review and implement policies and procedures for safe service delivery

· Have responsibility for the safe processing and storage of client data in line with data protection regulations and policies, including CRM.

· Regularly review the effectiveness, safety and efficiency of all services including drop-ins, one-to-one support and street outreach. 

· Active membership of and attendance at local forums, groups and networks

Key attributes and experience required for the role:

· Proven experience in managing frontline services and staff teams (minimum 3 years in a supervisory/management role)

· Experience of delivering services in the housing and homelessness sector

· Strong knowledge of the legal and statutory framework for housing, benefits, employment.  Ideally, knowledge of local services and support agencies.

· A passion for seeing people thrive and lives transformed – practically, emotionally and spiritually

· Strong alignment with the vision of Off the Fence, and a commitment to our organisational focus

· Strong understanding and application of safeguarding, data protection and health and safety policy.

· Experience in service design, service improvement and project management

· Experience in supporting people with complex and multiple needs, including substance abuse and severe mental health.

· Excellent organisational and time management skills

· High level of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality

· Ability to interpret policies, legislation and data effectively

· Proficient in Microsoft Office, and experience of CRM management

· A requirement of the role is for the post-holder to be a practising Christian in accordance with the Equality Act 2010

Vision and values

Off The Fence reaches out to break the cycle of poverty in Brighton & Hove, ensuring that no one is left behind. We believe in resisting poverty, empowering people, and restoring hope, and we work toward a future where social and spiritual poverty no longer exists.

By 1997, Off The Fence became a registered charity, allowing us to expand and tackle poverty in a deeper way, through compassion, excellence, unity, integrity, and a Christ-like approach to supporting the most vulnerable.

Poverty is complex—it’s not just about finances, but about housing, mental health, education, and belonging. To address these needs, Off The Fence now provides three core programmes, each offering a different form of practical and emotional support.

As poverty in Brighton & Hove has increased, so has our commitment. At the heart of our work is a belief that every person deserves dignity, hope, and the opportunity to rebuild their life.

The Antifreeze Programme exists to break the cycle of social and spiritual poverty amidst homelessness, providing tangible steps towards a permanent home and long-term stability. Since 1998, Antifreeze has been a safe and warm space for members, offering faith-based, practical support services that restore dignity and hope.

At our Day Centre, we provide hygiene facilities (showers & laundry), medical drop-ins, and essential survival provisions to meet immediate needs. Through 1-to-1 sessions, we support members with housing applications, benefits, and financial stability, while goal-based workshops equip them with skills to attain permanent homes and ethical employment. Our discipleship sessions encourage an advanced understanding of the Christian faith, offering fellowship and spiritual growth. To address digital poverty, we offer computer access for job searches and reconnecting with loved ones.

Beyond practical support, Antifreeze fosters healthy community relationships, improves mental health awareness, and helps members move toward ethical employment, reduced reliance on substances, and a forever home.

As a Christian organisation we seek to live and work by our values:

·Christ-like: we desire the best for others (Col 1:27, 1 John 3:16)

·Excellence: we aim for outstanding quality (1 Cor 12:31, Phil 4:8)

·Unity: we achieve more together (Ps 133, Eph 4:3)

·Compassion: we care for those who are suffering (Col 3:12, Matt 9:35)

·Integrity: we do what is right (Prov 10:9, Titus 2:7-8)

Working at Off the Fence

We are a small but highly dedicated team, passionate about seeing transformation across Brighton and Hove.  Off the Fence employees are entitled to:

- 25 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, with extra days added for long service

- Up to 5 days of mission leave (pro rata)

- 7% employer pension contributions

Notes for applicants

If you’re applying for this role, we ask that you submit your CV and a cover letter.  In your cover letter please outline how your skills and experience align with the requirements of this role, as well as explaining why you want to be a part of Off the Fence.  

Together, the charities Sands and Tommy’s have formed a Joint Policy Unit (JPU) focussed on achieving policy change that will save more babies’ lives during pregnancy and the neonatal period and on tackling inequalities in loss, so that everyone can benefit from the best possible outcomes.

The JPU’s mission is to secure policy change that will reduce rates of miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term birth and neonatal death, and to work to eliminate inequalities in these outcomes.

While there is widespread agreement on the need for change to improve the safety of maternity and neonatal services, what that change looks like is not clear.  To save more babies’ lives we believe that a continued focus is required, and that governments should set new commitments to reduce perinatal mortality and preterm births, focused on matching the best-performing countries in Europe.

This role will be crucial to the continued success of the JPU unit; leading, shaping and coordinating all the unit’s work. 

We are looking for an independent and assertive problem-solver, a policy expert who can manage multiple priorities, take the initiative, lead the national conversation and is as excited as we are about taking the helm of this venture for both of our organisations.

The successful candidate will need to have a substantial track record of effectively leading and implementing national policy and influencing programmes, driving change and achieving the desired impact.

You will have considerable experience across research, data analysis, policy development, public affairs and communications.  Additionally, you will be well-versed in research and data management, including analysing complex data and evaluating policy developments.

Experience of being a member of a senior management team with successful, significant and relevant management and leadership experience is also essential.

Inspire mission and discipleship of children and young people 

We are looking for a dynamic team player who is passionate about creating opportunities for children and young people to explore the Bible, respond to Jesus and grow in faith, and who can inspire and equip others to do the same.   

Location: Home-based with travel in the Central Region – predominantly covering the area from Nottingham to Coventry.  

Important things to note before you apply.    

1. We are committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from people, regardless of their background.

2. We take Safeguarding seriously. This role will require a Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service and has an occupational requirement to be filled by a committed Christian, active in church life. Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9 applies.   

3. Please note that we do not provide visa sponsorship arrangements so applicants will need to have the right to live and be employed in a permanent job in the UK.  

Who we’re looking for   

You are someone who loves variety in your work and the fact that no two days are the same. You thrive on building relationships adopting a facilitating approach, coaching, mentoring, equipping, training, and motivating others.  You value a blend of face-to-face and online interactions.

You’re a connector with experience in teamwork with diverse groups of people. Your creative mindset, combined with excellent organisational skills, enables you to spot and create opportunities for impact. You love Jesus and are filled with energy and passion for sharing the gospel. You excel with people. You are a confident communicator with experience in training and empowering others.  You have the qualities to be an excellent coach and mentor.  

If this describes you and you would like to join an organisation with a passion for Christ, sharing the gospel, making disciples and the emerging generation, provides a competitive salary, a generous pension scheme, and other valuable benefits, then read on.    

About Scripture Union    

You might have heard of us before if you're one of the 1.5 million+ who have attended one of our Christian holidays or missions over the years, or maybe you're one of the 40,000+ subscribers to have used our brilliant devotionals or been stirred by our exceptional bible resources. We've been at this for a fair few years... over 150 to be precise. Over this time, we’ve remained passionate about helping children and young people develop a vibrant faith in Jesus. As our name describes, the radical power of God's word has always been central to our approach.      

We still do all the great stuff with resources and holidays, but in the last few years, we have sharpened our vision with a renewed focus to help the ‘95%’ of young people (primary and secondary school age) across the UK who don’t go to church, and had opportunity to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus. We do this through equipping and resourcing the local church, training up volunteers and paid workers from local churches (we call them ‘Faith Guides’) and collaborating with local and national partners across the UK to connect with children and young people and support them on a journey of exploring faith in a way that is relevant and meaningful.    

In the last few years we’ve developed a brand new approach to how we do this, it’s simple and incredibly effective, we call it Revealing Jesus, and its making a massive difference.  In the last couple of years we’ve trained up nearly 600 Faith Guides across 400+ churches in England and Wales, collectively we’re seeing over 50,000 young people on a journey of exploring the christen faith and responding to an invitation to become followers of Jesus. We have 24 staff organised into four regional teams, and alongside our local and national partners, we’re playing our part in a network of organisations that seeks to reach children and young people in every context, across every town and city across England and Wales. The journey ahead is significant, and we invite you to be a part of it!   

Invest in our mission, as we invest in you: Our Benefits:  

• 23 days holiday + bank holidays + 5 volunteering days

• Up to 12% pension contribution

• Life insurance

• Free Bible Reading Guides

• Enhanced family leave

• A supportive, faith-filled environment where your work has eternal impact  

About our team   

Like many jobs, you will work with lots of different teams in different contexts. With this role, you will have the benefit of being part of regionally focused team of 7 that is part of our wider movement.   

The successful candidate will be a part of our Central Region team of 7 workers who between us work across a region, from Suffolk to Gloucestershire, up to Shropshire, to Lincolnshire. You’ll contribute your expertise in a variety of settings, ranging from urban and suburban and rural areas. You’ll have a brilliant time getting acquainted with this rich tapestry of local and national partners. Across the Central Region, we currently work with over 100 churches and have over 180 faith guides. We’d like to see these numbers grow significantly over the next few years.

Job description: Revealing Jesus Pioneer Scripture Union   

You will work in the Central Region multiplying your impact through equipping, empowering and mobilising others in outreach work. You’ll add energy, expertise, direction, and skill to the mix. You’ll recruit, motivate, train, equip, coach and support Faith Guides; you’ll work in partnership with this group as well as leading by example, you will model excellent mission delivery to children and young people aligned with SU’s mission.    

Who We're Looking For: Our Ideal Candidate   

We're seeking someone who is not just good at what they do, but also deeply passionate about our mission. Here's what we envision in the right person:   

• A thoughtful individual who can see the big picture and make smart decisions that genuinely impact our ministry.    

• A Champion for Children and Young People: You'll bring a wealth of understanding about working with young people, be a passionate advocate for their faith journey, be excellent at delivering ministry, and be someone who can clearly articulate your vision.    

• Inspirational: You'll have a natural ability to connect with people, listen deeply, ask great questions, influence discussions, gently challenge the status quo, and spark new, creative ideas within our networks.    

• Self-Motivated Organised and Effective: You're someone who thrives on managing their own work, setting priorities effectively, and skilfully juggling multiple projects. 

• A Team Player: You will work effectively as part of the Central Team and also teams across Regional Mission and the movement as a whole.    

• Forward-Thinking: You're able to imagine and pursue ambitious, long-term goals with determination.    

• Spiritually Open and Grounded: You'll be comfortable and accepting of various Christian traditions, worship styles, and expressions of faith. Crucially, you'll have a growing love and understanding of the Bible.    

• Deeply Committed to Faith: You'll have a strong personal commitment to God and live as an active Christian disciple.    

As with all our team members, you will also:   

• Be a committed Christian who resonates with SU's mission and values, actively participating in a local church community.    

• Strive for a strong understanding of the Bible, applying its teachings to your daily life and inspiring others to do the same.    

Practical Skills You'll Need:   

• You'll be confident and capable in using digital tools including email and Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel etc.).

• Presentation/training skills    

How to Apply   

If this describes you, and you are in agreement with the aims and beliefs of Scripture Union, then we would like to hear from you. To apply for this role, download a copy of the job profile. You will need to upload your CV (2 A4 pages max) and a covering letter (2 A4 pages max) detailing how your skills and experience reflect the Job Profile, via Charity Jobs.    

Closing date:  3rd October 2025

Interview date: Thursday 23rd October 2025 (reserve date Friday 24th October)

Interview location: Nottingham (TBC)

This is a critical and exciting leadership role for the Bumblebee Conservation Trust which will take the Trust forward to the next phase of organisational growth, building on the superb achievements to date of our retiring CEO. 

You’ll need passion and energy to work on some of the most profound challenges of our time. Nature needs its champions, and you’ll need to harness all of your skills, all of your personality, and your network to grow our influence, our impact, and our outcomes. You’ll excel at galvanising others to take action  enabling  us to achieve our aims and ensure bumblebees are thriving and valued by everyone.

This is an incredible opportunity to join a very special organisation with passionate and high-performing teams who are truly dedicated to our vital purpose. 

Please refer to the CEO pack for further information.

The Trust is an Equal Opportunities employer.  This means that whilst seeking employment or during such employment with the Trust, we will seek to ensure equality of treatment for all persons regardless of sex, race, age, marital or civil partnership status, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, pregnancy or maternity status. 

At the Trust, we have a clear goal: to be the place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come, to stay and do their best work. We pride ourselves on reaching for our vision, through the hard work and dedication of our passionate and creative employees.