Children outreach worker jobs in london, greater london

Overview  

At Young Roots, we want to see a compassionate and welcoming society for young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. We work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support and promoting young people’s rights and power.   

Our youth clubs and casework are transformative for young refugees, allowing young people who have fled danger, had traumatic journeys and who are often here alone, to find community and connection, have a space to be a young person and access support in addressing a whole range of practical challenges they face. We also draw on our evidence from working every day with young refugees and asylum seekers to call for change to the laws and policies which are harming young people.  

The Youth Development Coordinator is responsible for the development and delivery of our youth development programme for young refugees and asylum seekers. 

You will be focused on ensuring our programme activities achieve our outcomes, are in line with our strategy and identify areas for change and development under the direction of the Head of Services. An excellent communicator and skilled at working with partners, you will be key in the implementation and running all of our weekly youth activities, including a Youth Club and Advice and Support Hub working closely with the Youth Development Worker and having oversight of our weekly Young Women’s group. 

As an experienced manager, you will lead our team of skilled youth workers, working alongside the Brent team to provide holistic support to young asylum seekers and refugees in Brent.  

You will prioritise the participation of young people in all activities, ensuring excellent safeguarding by following our policy and protocols, and ensure that we collect excellent data for monitoring and evaluation and to aid our future planning. You will also assist with staff and volunteer recruitment and reporting to our funding partners. 

The Youth Development Coordinator will hold a Designated Safeguarding Officer role at Young Roots for which they will receive full training.

Interview dates:

- First round interviews to take place on 20/05 and 22/05
- Second round interviews for successful candidates will take place on 27/05

About Kinship

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

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

About the role

Funded by the Department for Education, the National Peer Support Service for England is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and over two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.

This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form peer support groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub.

You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment.

About you

We are seeking a dynamic person located in or close to Greater Manchester, and willing to travel into priority areas across the North West of England who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to: 

• Establish new peer support groups across a diverse range of communities 
• Supervise a small team of Peer Support Development Officers 
• Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to inspire yourself and your team to achieve key targets and objectives 
• Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the delivery of safe and effective support services for the kinship community
• Support the sustainability of existing Peer Support Groups, taking the lead from the Hub (our network support Team)
• Keep precise records to create reports, extract learning, and share key insights throughout Kinship, enabling the organisation to enhance our services and products continuously

In the role of Senior Peer Support Development Officer, you will be instrumental in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, consistent, and sustainable peer support service that has a significant impact on the lives of kinship carers. 

You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey toward sustainability.

An essential requirement of the role is to be a driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Essential requirements include:

• Experience of team leadership or line management and supervision of a small team and managing performance to deliver targets effectively.
• Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.
• Experience developing peer support communities.
• Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.  
• Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services is evidenced through high-quality data collection.  
• Evidence of delivering training/support to volunteers, 
• Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user led groups with charity beneficiaries.  
• Understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.  

What we’ll offer you 

Kinship offers 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time) as well as a generous pension scheme. We have an excellent wellbeing offer including the Employee Assistance Programme and clinical supervision. We will invest in your professional development with training and career development opportunities.

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

This is a fantastic time to join a supportive and well-established team within an organisation with rapid growth ambitions. This role will be what you make it and we’re looking for someone to seize this opportunity!

How to apply

Please apply via Charity Job with your CV and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages for the attention of Deborah Fox. Please include your notice period and earliest availability to start in your cover letter.

• Application deadline:      11.59pm, Thursday 26 June 2025
• First interview:                 We will hold ongoing online first-round interviews as we receive applications. Final interviews will be held face-to-face in Manchester on Thursday 3 July 2025

Kinship reserves the right to close applications early on receipt of sufficient applications. Apply early!

We believe in a world where no child ever has to live on the streets.

Looking for a rewarding role where you can make a difference? Do you have the drive to create positive change in children’s lives and inspire others to do the same?

If the answer is yes, then read on to hear about this exciting opportunity.

We’re Railway Children, an international charity working to create long-lasting change for street-connected children and young people in the UK, India and Tanzania. Founded in 1996, we’ve dedicated over a quarter of a century to developing outstanding practice and services for vulnerable children and their families. As we embark on our new strategy to 2027, we have ambitious plans to ensure no child is left behind, wherever we work.

About the role

We are looking to recruit a Youth Outreach Worker in London for a new role within our UK Safeguarding on Transport Programme. This is a 12-month outreach pilot engaging and safeguarding young people in and around Waterloo Station, helping identify and safeguard young people under 18 years at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation, county lines, missing from home, homelessness or family breakdown. This role does involve working regular unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.

You will be working to identify and  safeguard young people alongside trained volunteers and by engaging with key partners such as Southwestern Railway (SWR) Met Police, Southbank Staff, Train Operators, Youth Service and other local stakeholders.

You’ll play a key role in the development of our UK Programme and part of a dynamic team delivering Railway Children’s programme in the UK.

What we offer

As well as helping some of the world’s most vulnerable children and young people, we offer some great perks:

• Time out. You’ll start with 25 days holiday per year to recharge the batteries. After three years, this will increase by an extra day per year until you reach a relaxing 30 days leave.
• Pension. We offer a pension contribution of 6% of annual salary.
• Birthday leave and ‘Railway Children Day’. You’ll get two additional days of annual leave in your birthday month and around Christmas time.
• A culture we’re proud of. Driven by our CEO, family values are at the heart of our culture and make Railway Children an incredible place to work.
• Flexible working environment and home working. It’s one of the reasons why our staff retention is so impressive!

What we’re looking for

You will have experience of successfully engaging and supporting young people and families as well as experience of working in an outreach or similar setting, in a creative and engaging way with young people with a range of needs and vulnerabilities.

Alongside this you will be able to work effectively with partners to safeguard young people, who can work with 3rd sector groups and the local community.

You will have completed relevant training, experience in safeguarding and in the issues relevant to vulnerable young and families. Therefore, you will be an experienced practitioner with an excellent understanding of safeguarding processes and procedures, who is able to work creatively, independently and within professional boundaries.

A full person specification can be found in the job pack.

Application notes

Closing date: Sunday 16th June 2025 at 5pm

Due to the number of applications often received, only those to be invited for interview will be informed of the outcome of their application. Applicants who have not heard within two weeks of the closing date should assume they have been unsuccessful.

At Railway Children, we are committed to the safeguarding and protection of all those who come into contact with us in our work. We follow a range of procedures to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children and vulnerable people are recruited to work for us. This post is subject to a range of background and reference checks including criminal records check.

Our Youth and Play Workers will play a pivotal role in the Children, Young People and Families team, working as a core team of practitioners to ensure the smooth running of our programmes and services. In this role you will be part of a small and dynamic team which delivers a wide range of programmes and activities, both from Tulse Hill Adventure Playground and within local schools. The work of the Children, Young People and Families team is diverse and varied. Our current services include open access adventure play and youth activities at our Adventure Playground, school holiday programmes with off-site trips and activities, coaching in local schools, a Young Leaders programme offering paid work experience to young people, and working together with our youth partnerships Building Young Brixton and Lambeth Peer Action Collective.

We are experiencing an exciting time of development for the team and are currently looking to recruit four Youth and Play Workers. To support our range of children and young people, our team will be made up of specialist Youth Workers and Play Workers bringing in relevant skills and experience. Whilst you will work across all of our Children, Young People and Families services you will have a specific focus:

As a Youth Worker you will:
• Focus on supporting our secondary age cohort
• Plan and run appropriate activities
• Provide structured interventions to support vulnerable young people
• Work with referral partners to provide additional support and activities

As a Play Worker you will:
• Focus on our primary age cohort
• Use your knowledge of Playwork Principles to plan and run engaging activities
• Foster relationships with families and local primary schools

Both roles will include an element of mentoring, relevant training will be provided to give you the necessary skills to deliver this.

Please specify in your supporting statement which specialism you would like to be considered for and outline your experience in this area.

To be successful in this role, you will act as a trusted practitioner in all our service delivery, advocating for children’s right to play throughout our programmes. You will work as part of the team on the delivery and planning of all sessions, ensuring that the children’s and young people’s ideas are central to the construction of a varied and engaging play environment. You will understand the wide-ranging challenges facing young people and will be flexible in adjusting your practice to meet these needs.

Employee Benefits
• 35 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and 3 Christmas days) rising by 1 day each year after 2 years’ service (capped at an additional 8 days)
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave after 2 years’ service
• Save money off a new bike with the Cycle to Work scheme
• Up to 7% contribution to the staff pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Support Line
• Clear pay structure with yearly increments (based on performance)
• Annual Staff away day
• Premium eye-care vouchers through Specsavers and season ticket loans

Due to a recent restructure within the organisation, BVSC are seeking a Children & Young Person Community Connect Wellbeing coordinator, who is passionate about improving health and wellbeing within Bexley.

In this role, you will work within a team to empower residents to access local charities, community groups, and services. Working alongside healthcare professionals and local organisations, you’ll help create personalised action plans, provide ongoing support, and ensure that everyone receives the care and guidance they need.

The Insight Christian Schools Work Team are looking to appoint a maternity cover to join our team for up to one year - with the possibility of it becoming a parmenent role.

We are looking for an enthusiastic primary teacher (or possibly someone with a backgroud in youth work or similar) to work within Kingston primary schools across EYFS and KS1.

If you are a commited Christian, with a love of children and sharing God's word with them, please ask for our job pack!

We are looking to appoint someone, ideally with teaching experience, to join our team of teachers who go into schools across the Borough of Kingston, delivering lessons, collective worship and clubs.

Application forms and job packs available on request. Applications due by 15th June 2025 - job commences ideally early September 2025. Salary in the range of c. £40,000 gross p.a. (on a full-time, experienced teacher basis).

Make a real difference in the lives of asylum seekers!
Join New Citizens’ Gateway as an Outreach Support Officer and help deliver vital frontline support to people living in London hotels. You’ll be part of a passionate team working to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing, and empower individuals on their journey toward integration and independence.

We offer a supportive working environment with excellent benefits including:

• 6% employer pension contribution

• 34 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

New Citizens’ Gateway (NCG) is an independent, registered charity working in partnership with individuals and agencies to improve the quality of life for refugees and asylum seekers. Our aim is to reduce health inequalities, combat social exclusion and poverty, and support integration and independence.

We are looking to appoint a highly motivated and experienced Outreach Support Officer to join our small, friendly, and dedicated team. This role will focus on delivering high-quality, person-centred support to asylum seekers, particularly those currently accommodated in hotels across London.

This is a key position within NCG and will play a vital role in supporting our advice team to deliver an efficient, effective, and holistic support service tailored to the complex needs of asylum seekers and refugees.

The ideal candidate will have:

• Direct experience of supporting asylum seekers and refugees

• Strong knowledge of the asylum support system and the challenges faced by individuals in the asylum process

• An understanding of available resources and services that support asylum seekers and how to access them

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills

• The ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment

• A flexible and proactive approach with the capacity to manage a varied workload

• Fluency in a community language is an advantage

Are you looking for a new challenge and a great opportunity to make a positive difference at leadership level? Ambition Aspire Achieve is hiring a Deputy Chief Executive / Finance Manager, to support the charity’s growth and next phase of development.

About Ambition Aspire Achieve (AAA):

Ambition Aspire Achieve is a well-established and highly respected children and young people’s charity rooted in Newham, east London. Founded in 2016, we now deliver high-quality, inclusive and accessible services to over 950 children and young people through our youth and play hubs in Canning Town and Stratford. We reach many more through a growing outreach programme delivered in schools and local communities across Newham. 

Our work is grounded in creating safe, nurturing spaces where children and young people can thrive. We place particular focus on those who are vulnerable, disadvantaged or have additional needs, offering meaningful opportunities, enriching experiences and tailored support.

As we continue to grow and deepen our impact, we are seeking a passionate, skilled and values-driven leader to join us in a newly created and pivotal role within our senior leadership team.

The Role: Deputy Chief Executive/Finance Manager

We are seeking a proactive and strategic leader, with strong financial and operational acumen to strengthen the charity’s internal infrastructure. The role will lead on financial management and oversight, supporting the Chief Executive at a senior level, playing a vital part in ensuring the AAA’s long-term financial resilience, equipped the charity to deliver its mission for years to come.

This is an exciting opportunity for a forward-thinking charity professional to combine senior-level leadership with hands-on financial management and organisational insight.

Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic financial oversight and budget planning support.
• Management daily finance operations including payroll, cash flow, audits and reporting
• Leading statutory compliance and financial risk management
• Supporting strategic planning and business development alongside the Chief Executive
• Representing the charity externally and deputising for the Chief Executive at senior forums
• Line managing and overseeing back-office functions
• Providing operational insight and help to develop infrastructure and systems

What we’re looking for:

We’re seeking someone with proven experience in charity, public or social sector leadership who thrives on both strategic challenge and operational delivery. You will have a strong grasp of charity finance, exceptional communication, leadership and problem-solving skills and a demonstrable passion for improving outcomes for children and young people. 

What we offer:

• 25 days annual leave + bank holidays (increasing annually up to 29 days)
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A collaborative and supportive working environment
• The chance to make a tangible difference in young people’s lives
• Flexibility wherever possible to suit individual needs.

How to apply:

For an informal discussion about the role please contact AAA's Chief Executive Jonny Boux.

Application deadline: Friday 27th June 2025 at 5pm.

Ambition Aspire Achieve is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. All staff are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check. Our recruitment and selection processes are in accordance with best practice in safeguarding children and young people. We are proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We value diversity and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Substance Misuse Practitioner (Mid area)

Permanent contract but funding for this role ends on 31st March 2030 (with the potential for extension for a further 2 years) 

35 hours per week 

£29,855.00 per annum 

Essex - Mid area (Chelmsford and the surrounding areas)

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We run local services that support young people when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for young people, every step of the way. 

This role sits within our children and families directorate, which works to provide immediate one-to-one and group support for young people who urgently need support. Your role will be to help us maintain and develop innovative practice to support our work in our services within the Essex area. 

We wish to recruit a Substance Misuse Practitioner to join the established All Age Recovery Co-ordination Service (AARCS), which we deliver in partnership with Open Road, supporting young people, adults and families affected by substance misuse.

You will undertake individual assessments and risk assessment with young people up to the age of 25, developing a person-centred care plan specific to that young person and their needs and supporting them through their recovery journey with the service. This will be delivered through a range of tailored interventions, in both a one to one and/or targeted group work capacity.

-You will have substantial experience in working with vulnerable young people either in a paid or unpaid capacity.

-You will have experience of carrying out individual and group work interventions with young people & adults.

-You will have experience in using Microsoft Office Applications and other relevant data systems.

-You can demonstrate the ability to work on your own initiative as well as part of a multi-disciplinary team.

As well as a strong commitment to your development, we offer a generous holiday entitlement, a contributory stakeholder pension, childcare vouchers and flexible working.

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make young people's lives happier and safer. 

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with.  As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks.  We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Candidates applying for work in our Youth Impact Domain will be required to complete an “Employment history" form, which will be emailed to shortlisted candidates prior to interview. 

The closing date for applications is Sunday 22nd June 2025. If after 14 days, we have received enough applications we can close this vacancy from the 6th June onwards.

Interviews will be held on the 2nd July 2025 in our Chelmsford Office.

IN1

About us: Tender is an arts charity working with children and young people to prevent domestic abuse and sexual violence through creative projects. Our programmes are safe, enjoyable, age-appropriate spaces where young people can engage with sensitive topics and ‘rehearse’ for real-life scenarios. Participants are encouraged to be both consumers and producers of learning through script-work, role-play and creative media such as films and art. Throughout, we enable young people to explore their choices, rights and expectations in relationships and to recognise the early warning signs of abuse.

About the role: This is an exciting time for Tender, with both the demand for and reach of our work expanding significantly in recent years. To support this expansion, we are recruiting for a Projects Coordinator to join the London and South East team. Working closely with the Programmes Manager and other Projects Coordinators, the postholder will develop, coordinate, and evaluate impactful projects aimed at promoting healthy relationships amongst children and young people in primary, secondary and specialist schools and settings across London and the South East. This a hybrid role, with some days working from home and some from our London office.

What you will be doing: This role combines hands-on project coordination with oversight of project targets, and stakeholder engagement. You will play a key role in ensuring that projects are planned and delivered smoothly, communicating regularly with settings and the facilitators delivering the workshops; ensuring projects are properly recorded, monitored, and evaluated.

Key responsibilities:

• Coordinate delivery of Tender’s creative education programmes for children and young people in London schools and specialist settings.
• Develop strong relationships with teachers, facilitators, and partner organisations to support effective project delivery.
• Monitor impact and share learning to ensure continuous improvement and meaningful outcomes.

Essential requirements:

• Understanding of the violence against women and girls’ sector and current and developing policy and practice in preventing VAWG 
• Proficiency in office software, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint
• Experience of building and maintaining successful relationships with partners across corporate, public, and third sectors
• Ability to coordinate complex projects involving a range of internal and external stakeholders
• Demonstrable commitment to safeguarding and equal opportunities
• Ability to manage your own time and priorities to meet agreed objectives 
• Ability to work with colleagues across departments and organisations
• Ability to solve problems, working flexibly and collaboratively 

Fully remote applications considered.

At Toc H Newport, we offer co-produced activities, outreach services and practical support to some of the most disadvantaged individuals and families in the area, reaching over 600 individuals in 2024.Our vision is of a neighbourhood where everyone has the strong community life, emotional wellbeing and socioeconomic opportunities needed to flourish.

Our centre for service delivery is the Toc H Community Centre in Eveswell, Newport, where our offer includes our popular Stay and Play sessions for low-income families, and children’s after-school club Active Juniors. Our activities and services are incredibly popular, and we hold longstanding partnerships with local agencies and stakeholders. 

It is an exciting period of growth for Toc H Newport, with a number of new funding streams making it possible for us to reach many more families in need across Newport in 2025 and beyond. This includes a £300,000 grant from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government’s Community Ownership Fund, allowing us to soon complete a full structural and interior renovation of our facilities.  Following a Community Asset Transfer, our space will soon triple in size, meaning we can offer more activities and services to more local people. It’s a great time to join us and become part of a dynamic, collaborative team, committed to driving positive change at a local level.

Location: London
Department: Big Issue Frontline
Contract type: Fixed Term Contract
Hours: 35
Salary: £25,207 per annum
 
Big Issue Changing Lives CIC is looking for an Support and Outreach Assistant to support the direct the direct delivery of services to individuals participating in Big Issue enterprises, including selling the Big Issue magazine. The core of the role is facilitating access for members of our Roma Communities to the Hand Up Service and other local services, resources and networks required to address the barriers they are facing to moving forwards out of poverty. Where local services and resources are not available you will also support the Outreach Team with the delivery of information, guidance and some direct interventions, such as training sessions, directly.
 
This is self-starter role in which you’ll be responsible for connecting with potential service users within the Roma community, introducing the service to them, sharing information from our Hand Up plus services and supporting them to engage with the core Hand Up service. You’ll be working within a small team of Outreach workers and will work to maintain a set of Service Standards which help maintain the quality of the service nationally.
 
The role is highly flexible and no two days are the same. You’ll bring your own experience and knowledge to the role, as well as your ability to speak Romanian. We will support you to build on that through an ongoing training and development programme which aims to ensure all Hand Up Service Team members have up to date, relevant, knowledge in key areas including housing, benefits, debt, immigration and more. In the course of a day, you’ll usually be working with service users across multiple of these issues and supporting engagement with a wide range of external agencies such as health services, local authorities, charities and more, to get access to services for those you are supporting.
 
Your main roles and responsibilities will be:

• Undertake phone and in person outreach to introduce the Hand Up service to Roma Big Issues vendors
• Delivery of direct intervention to Roma vendors using guidance and resources provided
• Join meetings with Roma Vendors and Outreach Workers to support with action planning and provision of support and guidance
• Support with translation and interpretation within your local team to enable accessibility of the service for Roma vendors
• Support the local Hand Up Service to build current knowledge of local and national agencies that can support Roma vendors
• Support the organisation and delivery with Roma Vendors of 1-2-1 and group training sessions and drop-ins
• Ensure that your work meets service standards and targets and complete surveys with vendors as required
• Involving Roma service users in the service design and delivery as local and national opportunities arise
• Adhere to all required policies and procedures including with regards to safeguarding, lone and safe working, case work management and expenses and finances
• Undertake any other duties as required by your manager (within reasonable expectations)

 
You need to be:
 

• Passionate about and committed to supporting those living in poverty
• Confident communicator face to face and on the phone in both Romanian and English, with ability to convey information clearly
• Able to build rapport with diverse individuals from the Roma community
• Knowledge and understanding of the challenges and inequalities that individuals from the Roma community may face in the UK
• Excellent time management and very organised, with the ability to complete tasks by agreed deadlines
• Good data entry skills
• Able to represent the organisation to other professionals and partner agencies
• Able to work with individuals in both one to one and group formats
• Able to follow guidelines and work within policies, seeking support from line manager as needed
• Willing to work in flexible locations including our community office, as well as visiting vendors at pitches and attending community meetings. This role is not suitable for home- based working.

 
Please use your cover letter to demonstrate how you meet each of the following requirements. We recommend addressing each requirement specifically within your application. Voluntary experience and lived experience are welcome as evidence of your relevant experience, knowledge and skills, as well as any work experience.
 
The role is offered as full time and fixed term until the 31st March 2026.
 
Salary and Benefits offered

• Salary of £25,207 per annum.
• Incremental holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time staff) plus paid leave to care for a sick child or grandchild and a sick or elderly relation
• Company Sick Pay
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Training and development opportunities including an open learning library and management training schemes
• Health benefits include life cover, a health cash plan scheme which provides access to counselling and a range of therapies
• Please note that we reserve the right to review and amend our staff benefits and they do not form part of any contract of employment
• Blue Light Card benefit scheme

 
Workplace details
 
This role is based at either our Big Issue office in Finsbury Park, London, but you will be mostly be working out and about within the community.
 
Closing date - 08 June 2025 (23:59pm). Please note that we may interview before the role is closed so please apply asap.
 
Big Issue Group is striving towards Equal Opportunities. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our sector, such as women in senior roles, and people with disabilities and from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.
 
Since 1991, The Big Issue has fought poverty by creating opportunities and supporting people to take control of their lives. Over time our organisation has grown and now The Big Issue Group consists of The Big Issue Company Ltd and Big Issue Invest Ltd (our social investment arm). In addition, we also have our sister charity The Big Issue Foundation.
 
REF-221620

Job Title: Deputy Service Manager

Location: The Gaia Centre (Lambeth, London)
Salary: £34,703.51 per annum, inclusive of London weighting if applicable
Contract type: Part Time, Fixed Term Contract (12 Months)

Hours: 33.65 hours per week (days to be discussed)

This is an opportunity to join the Gaia Centre as a Deputy Service Manager. 

The Deputy Service Manager will manage a team and carry a very small caseload of complex cases when necessary. The post will work closely with victims and survivors of different strands of strands of Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG), including domestic abuse and violence (physical, sexual, emotional,  psychological, economic or tech abuse)​​, Sexual Violence (Rape and sexual assault​)​, Stalking and harassment ​, Sexual exploitation ​​(including women working in sex industry and Child Sexual Exploitation)​​, female genital mutilation (FGM)​/cutting , forced marriage​​, So-called ‘honour’-based abuse, provide early identification and offer appropriate care pathways for survivors of all genders, aged 16 years and over and their children, living, working or/and studying in Lambeth at times from the point of crisis. 

The job involves working within a multi-agency framework consisting of the Multiagency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) and local partnership protocols and procedures that prioritise the safety of survivors. Additionally, you will be working with survivors and agencies across Lambeth so will require significant travelling. 

The post holder will empower survivors by providing them with emotional and practical support, thus enabling them to access their rights, make decisions and increase their life options. The post holder will inform survivors of the full range of civil, criminal and practical options that might increase their safety. 

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 20 June 2025

Interview Date: 1 July 2025

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services, and we are proud to be a leader in our field and an employer of choice, with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development.

Refuge offers a variety of exciting opportunities to learn, develop and grow in your career. We recognise the value everyone brings to the organisation to achieve our aims and are dedicated to developing and rewarding our staff. More details of our benefits can be found in Job Information Pack.

Job Description 

Service Officer 

About Us 

Spring Community Hub exists to ensure that no one in our Southwark community goes hungry. But we don’t just provide food:

We work alongside people to help them escape poverty, build confidence, and find community.

Our principal activity is the prevention of food poverty and food insecurity by offering culturally appropriate food, fresh fruits, and vegetables as well as dietary and religiously appropriate food which we have continued to run at our five-week sessions to local people for as long as they address the underlying cause.

We also provide a range of wraparound support, including advice services, particularly around employment and immigration through our Back2Work Team, Holiday Clubs for Children, Youth Groups, a Clothing Bank and our Spring Up Women’s group.

Mission 

The mission of SCH is that through a 'Community Hub’ and full activity programme, local people in or at risk of crisis will be supported along their journey to move on and achieve full social, economic and emotional independence to live healthy lives in a community which supports each other 

Vision 

Our vision at Spring Community Hub is to tackle food insecurity and hunger before people find themselves in crisis. We want to see equality in our communities and be a vehicle for positive and lasting change in our clients so that they never need a Food Bank again. 

Values 

These are our Principles, ideals, and characteristics that define the culture, standards and aspirations of the organisation. 

An organisation that is driven by people with integrity and commitment to the cause 

We believe in leadership, development, growth, and continual learning

Ensuring fairness, equity and equality 

Creating a place of respect, kindness and dignity for all 

A healthy environment where people have fun and can be creative

Salary £16,224 per annum

Permanent Contract. ( Subject to further funding ) 

Part-Time,  20 hours over 5 days 

Term Time 

Monday, 1 pm - 6 pm 

Wednesday 1 pm - 6 pm

Thursdays - 1 pm - 6 pm

Fridays 9 am - 2 pm 

Saturdays 9.30 am -2.30 pm 

(including 1 hr unpaid lunch) 

School Holidays

Monday -    9 am-2 pm 

Tuesday -    9 am - 2 pm 

Wednesday 9 am - 2 pm 

Thursdays   9 am - 2 pm

Saturdays    930 am -  230 pm 

(including 1 hr unpaid lunch) 

Working - from our Offices and  Centres and in the community/outreach locations

The post holder must be flexible to work evenings and weekends to meet client and community needs.

There will be work/training outside of office hours, including evenings and weekends, with appropriate time back in lieu.

Main Purposes of Job and Key Tasks

Do you have an empathic personality and want to work in a challenging but rewarding field? Spring Community Hub has an exciting opportunity to recruit a Service Officer 

The Service Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the mission of our charity by providing comprehensive assistance and advocacy services to individuals and families in need. This position will involve engaging with diverse communities and ensuring that all services are delivered with cultural sensitivity. 

The Service Officer will work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to deliver Food Bank services, Activity Camps, and Afterschool club, advice and advocacy support, clothing assistance, cooking programs, and Social Supermarket Operations, as well as support initiatives for the elderly, individuals experiencing poverty and isolation, and families with children.

The post holder must be an enthusiastic and motivated person to coordinate and manage our Food Banks, Community Café, and Social Supermarket, including the supervision of its volunteers/staff, as well as planning, organising, and implementing supermarket collection. 

The post holder will be required to be flexible to the changing needs of the organisation and as such, undertake tasks and responsibilities not specifically listed here but relevant to the smooth running of SCH, including general office and administrative tasks and aspects of service delivery, as directed by the Leadership Team/ CEO and trustees.

About the Role / Key Responsibilities 

Programme Planning, Delivery and Implementation

•  To design and deliver the  Activity Camps and After School Club  Programme calendar, curriculum, and events that are outcomes-focused, educational, and engaging, and enable young people to develop a range of skills appropriate to their needs.

• Working with Children, young people, and their families to build services that meet their needs, wants, and aspirations of the individual.

• Work in Collaboration with the Leadership Team  to oversee the work of the Spring Activity Camps Coordinators to design and develop a range of activities, workshops, and programmes to meet the needs of our children, young people, and their families 

• Collaborate with other staff members, volunteers, and external partners to deliver engaging, fun, and impactful activities

• Ensure all activities align with the organisation's mission and values and promote personal growth, inclusivity, and well-being.

• Oversee and coordinate the operations of Food Services 

•  Assist clients in accessing food bank services, ensuring they receive the necessary support with dignity and respect.

• Maintain inventory management for food items and coordinate food drives and partnerships with local suppliers.

• Developing and coordinating effective stock control systems, arranging timely transportation of collections and deliveries, and meeting legislative standards - i.e., Health & Safety/Environmental Health.

• Provide and oversee assessments of guests, customers, and service users on a one-on-one/group basis to ensure they receive adequate advice/signposting and support on benefits, housing, financial support, and other relevant issues impacting clients' well-being. Work in collaboration with the Advice and Advocacy team.

• Advocate on behalf of clients to secure access to necessary resources and services.Stay updated on the relevant policies and available community resources.

• Oversee the operation of the clothing bank, ensuring that items are organised, available, and of good quality for clients..

• Develop and oversee cooking workshops that celebrate cultural diversity and promote healthy eating practices.

• Collaborate with local chefs or volunteers to create a welcoming environment for participants.

• Oversee in the day-to-day operations of the social supermarket, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for customers.

• Engage with elderly clients and those experiencing isolation to provide companionship, support, and resources related to their specific circumstances.

• Work on outreach programs targeting vulnerable populations to provide suitable assistance.

• Educate the team on nutritional options and food

• Lead or assist in after-school clubs and programs that promote educational engagement, social skills, and personal development for children.

• Support families to identify their needs and connect them with appropriate services and resources.

• Represent Spring Community Hubs Service and project at relevant forums and meetings across the Borough and at a London/National level

• Ensure that all processes and procedures in the SCH manual are being followed

• Ensure that the foodbank meets health and safety/environmental health standards in all its locations

• Bring to the attention of the Service Manager any concerns about the running of the project or its future sustainability

• Oversee the food Services in conjunction with the Service Manager

• Organise and run food collections in conjunction with Hub support

• Liaise with clients and referral agencies and resolve any issues that may arise in conjunction.

• Keeping up to date with legislation and policy related to the Service and making any necessary modifications to accommodate changes.

• Overseeing stock orders and working in collaboration with the Hub support and  Finance department.

• Comply with SCH policies and procedures regarding the operation of services and policies 

Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Leadership, and Management 

• Representing the organisation on a  strategic level at external meetings and events with Community partners, Local Authorities, Funders, and other key stakeholders 

• Liaise with clients and referral agencies and resolve any issues that may arise in conjunction.

• Foster relationships with local organisations, community leaders, and stakeholders, and participate in community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about available services and encourage community involvement.

• Maintaining relationships with suppliers, community groups,  Schools, Libraries, supermarkets, and other stakeholders.

• Supervise the work of the Activity Camp Coordinators, Bank Staff, Volunteers, and Facilitators during Camp and Activity Sessions 

• As one of the Deputy Safeguarding Leads, manage any concerns about a child, young person or family's welfare effectively and share concerns with the Leadership Team and other DSLs. 

• Actively contribute to and participate in AGMs, Away Days,  Team Meetings, Development Sessions, and other  Internal Meetings

• Support in the rolling recruitment of Coordinators, Bank Staff, and Volunteers to meet the needs of the service.

• Work with the Leadership Team to ensure up-to-date Employment, Training, and other HR  records for all Staff and Volunteers within the Team, and work in collaboration with the Business Support Team

• Work with the Leadership Team to ensure the service and Resources are used effectively within designated budgets, including the reimbursement of expenses.

Camps and Event Management:

• Coordinate and oversee the planning, logistics, and execution of SCH Holiday Camps, Afterschool Camps and Events.

•  Ensure adherence to Health and Safety Guidelines, Risk Assessments, and appropriate Safeguarding measures.

• Manage Camp staff, volunteers, and external contractors during activities and events, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere. 

• Liaise with schools, organisations,  local authorities, and volunteers to explore ways of sustaining and improving the provision.

• Promote and market the project through outreach to schools and other community groups in Southwark/Havering and surrounding areas, and organise bookings.

Volunteer Management:

• Work in collaboration with the Leadership Team and  Business Support Team to recruit and train Volunteers.

• Oversee and manage the volunteers in the team who support activities and events, providing necessary guidance and supervision.

• Work with the Leadership team to foster a positive and inclusive volunteer culture, recognising and appreciating their contributions.

•  Work with the leadership Team to monitor and evaluate volunteer performance and provide constructive feedback, reports, and support as needed.

• Coordinate and oversee  all Food Service / Project volunteers, and oversee the volunteer timetable to ensure the best use of volunteers

• Coordinate the volunteer team at the warehouse and oversee groups of corporate volunteers, school groups, and other youth groups visiting to help.

• Ensure that volunteers are trained to undertake responsibilities within the warehouse and to meet the relevant legal requirements. This could include basic food hygiene,  first aid, evacuation procedures, manual handling and lifting, health and safety, and fire procedures 

Administration and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of activities, participant attendance, incidents, Impact Reporting,  Monitoring and Evaluations,  including referral processes, and ensure the requirements of Data Protection, Quality Assurance, Funding, and Compliance are met. 

• Prepare regular reports for all the Projects highlighting progress, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.

• Work within agreed budgets for activities, Camps, and Pastoral Care Services, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

• Ensure that local data is entered into the database

• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, services provided, and outcomes achieved for reporting and evaluation purposes.

• Provide regular updates to the Leadership Team on service delivery and community needs.

• Produce monthly project reports and keep the CRM/ Database updated 

Person Specification

• Experience in working with children and young people, in particular individuals who are experiencing significant Poverty and Inequality and may also have multiple and complex needs. 

• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people and establish and maintain good working relationships with Partners and external stakeholders

• Proven Line Management and Supervisory experience 

• Willingness to undertake further training as required by Spring Community Hub

• Commitment to the concept of continuous improvement of procedures and practices

• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations and reinforce boundaries

• Ability to support people in managing difficult feelings, and communicate their needs effectively

• Knowledge of best practice for lone working, data protection, and safeguarding adults

• Ability to recognise and work within the boundaries of the role, including confidentiality, and the working protocols between agencies

• Strong sense of self, and ability to set and maintain boundaries and lead by example 

• Ability to communicate effectively in person on a one-to-one basis and with groups, as well as over the telephone and in writing

• Excellent listening skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and others.

• Understanding of the needs of disadvantaged, disaffected, and vulnerable people, and the ability to work with them in a positive way

Qualifications and Skills:

• Qualifications/Experience in a relevant field (e.g., social work, Counselling, psychology, Information Advice and Guidance, Education, or related disciplines). A master's degree is desirable.

• Proven experience in Programme Planning and Event Management, preferably within a Charity, Community, Education, or similar setting.

• Strong organisational, Project Management and Prioritising abilities, with impeccable attention to detail.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with participants, volunteers, and external partners.

• A compassionate and empathetic approach, with a genuine interest in the well-being of others.

• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures, including child protection and vulnerable adult support.

•  Proficiency in using relevant software for record-keeping and report generation.

•  Empathy and compassion for individuals facing hardship

•  Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.

•  Proficiency in Google Workspace and databases, and experience with client management and other IT  / Project Management systems.

• Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and experiences.

- A degree in social work, community development, or a related field is preferred.

- Experience working in a charity or community service environment, particularly with vulnerable populations.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse groups.

- Understanding of issues related to poverty, housing, and social welfare systems.

- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Commitment to Equal Opportunities 

All Staff, Contractors, Freelancers, and Volunteers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that Spring Community Hub is free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications regardless of sex, gender, and race, age, belief in any religion and none, gender identity, ethnic origin, class, sexuality, nationality, appearance, unrelated criminal activities, disability, responsibility for dependents, part-time or shift workers, being HIV positive or living with AIDS, lived experience of Significant Poverty or Inequality and any other matter which causes a person to be treated with injustice.

We believe diversity is a strength, and we aim to make sure that SCH reflects the communities we serve. 

SCH is consciously working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can bring out their skills and talents and make their best contribution to our mission to support our guests along their journey to move on and achieve full social, economic, and emotional independence to live healthy lives in a community that supports each other.

We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of Significant Poverty and Inequality and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Responsible for staff/equipment 

Spring Activity Camp Coordinators/Bank Staff/Facilitators and Sessional Volunteers/Partnerships/Phone/Laptop 

Reporting to…

• Spring Activity Camp/Pastoral Manager

Why Join us / Benefits 

• A warm, welcoming, and passionate working environment.

• People-focused with a friendly and supportive workplace culture

• We are a London Living Wage Employer

• An active commitment to equality and diversity

• We offer continuing opportunities for learning, and personal and Professional development together with regular supervision, training, and support for all our staff and Volunteers.

• Generous annual leave entitlement: 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

• Company pension scheme.

• Frequent Team Away Days and Celebrations, as part of a friendly and collaborative team

How to Apply 

Complete the application form. You will be asked to submit a CV if suitable. 

Please also include the names of 2 referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer (references will not be taken up until after interview for the successful candidate)

Closing Date: Interviews to be held virtually on a rolling basis 

Application process:

1. Complete our Application form 

2. Submit your CV with a Supporting Statement.

3. Initial Telephone interview - shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Telephone interview

4. If you are shortlisted from the Telephone Interview, you will be invited to a formal interview which will consist of the following: 

• A  Presentation topic will be shared with you in advance

• 60-minute Panel Interview with members of the SLT / Board of Trustees 

• Questions will be shared with you before the interview so that you can prepare. 

• Role-specific Practical Task 

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Compliance and Development Manager to discuss how we can help.