Children social worker jobs in westminster, greater london

Location: Bexley

Salary: £28,255 - £29,913 per annum

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term Contract/Full Time

Closing Date: 2nd June 2025

Interview Date: 13th June 2025

This job description may change to reflect changing requirements of the role.

About Us

Solace Women’s Aid is an innovative, exciting, grassroots charity working across London. Our purpose is to bring to an end the harm done through domestic and sexual violence to all survivors, and in particular women and children. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse.

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

About the Service

Solace Women’s Aid provides a wide range of services to victim/survivors of domestic and sexual abuse in Islington including a large advocacy and support service and specialist projects co-located in a number of services.

About the Role

We are seeking Global Majority Worker to provide support and advocacy to women aged 16 years and over from the global majority and have suffered domestic and/or sexual violence, racial inequality or oppression.

You will be working as part of a multidisciplinary team and collaborating with external agencies in your work and completing outreach with faith based groups and churches to ensure our service is accessible for this marginalised group of women. In this role you will work as part of the Bexley Solace Advocacy and Support Service (SASS), providing support to high-risk survivors of domestic abuse in the borough. In addition to this, you will work in partnership with local agencies in order to provide the best support for our service users.

About You

We're looking for highly organised and self-motivated applicants who are passionate about ending VAWG and safeguarding. You will have a “can-do‟ approach and demonstrable commitment to Solace’s feminist approach to supporting women and their children to be safer. You will receive training and support for this role as necessary. Ideal candidates will have demonstrable experience of working with victims of domestic and/or sexual violence in a multi-agency setting and a working knowledge of the criminal and civil justice systems.

Successful applicants will have in-depth knowledge of domestic abuse and its impact on women and children, demonstrable substantial experience in providing emotional and practical support to victims of VAWG. A relevant qualification in VAWG or significant experience is desirable but not essential.         

In return, we offer great employee benefits including three per cent employer pension contribution, generous holiday entitlement and a focus on learning and development.

Solace Women’s Aid values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.

Solace is a Disability Confident employer.

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

An enhanced DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) disclosure will be required for this role.

We request no contact from recruitment agencies.

Closing Date: 2nd June 2025.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities service in Newham.

£14,404.00 per annum, working 20 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. In some services, this will include providing physical, domestic, emotional and social care. They will work with customers to promote social inclusion and alongside other members of the team to promote independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices.
This roles shift pattern consist of the following: 7 days a week, including bank holidays. Working 8 hour shifts. Alternating 2 shifts one week and 3 shifts the following week. Sleep in cover required.

What you'll do:

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

- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, as facilitated by the lead Support Worker
- Carry out security duties to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
- Monitor the CCTV throughout the shift
- Enable customers to make full use of community facilities by providing support as directed

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

About you:
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem

What you'll bring:

Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector

Desirable:
- Experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and Autism

About us:

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

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

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

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

Please see our website for full Job description

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: This is an onsite role, located within the London Borough of Hounslow, there may be a requirement to occasionally work in the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location)

Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term (Until Feb 2026)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker to provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges.

The post holder will provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges. This includes safety planning and enabling women to access housing, welfare, benefits, and legal advice. A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that women are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles. 

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 5 June 2025

Interview date: 11,12,13 June 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.

We're looking for 3 kind, compassionate and resilient Support workers to join our Learning Disabilities service in Langley.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

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

Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. In some services, this will include providing physical, domestic, emotional and social care. They will work with customers to promote social inclusion and alongside other members of the team to promote independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices.

The role involves working with clients with complex needs in a rota system that includes early, late sleep in, weekend and bank holidays

What you'll do:
- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, as facilitated by the lead Support Worker
- Carry out security duties to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
- Monitor the CCTV throughout the shift
- Enable customers to make full use of community facilities by providing support as directed
- Carry out support duties to enable customers to integrate into the community including e.g. accompanying the customer to attend benefit agency appointments and meetings, go shopping, to enquire at colleges about possible courses, to visit various public amenities
- Report any observations relating to customers welfare

For the full list, please see our website.

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

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

What you'll bring:

Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector

Desirable:
- Experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and Autism

About us:

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

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

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

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

We're looking for a kind, compassionate, and resilient Support Worker to join our Mental Health service in Tower Hamlets.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service

Free DBS

Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card

Fully paid induction programme and further training

ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes

Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support

Online wellbeing resources

A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)

Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

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

Support Workers enable vulnerable customers living in a variety of different tenures to manage their tenancies, mental/ physical health, and wellbeing, and move towards greater independence within the community by providing a flexible and individually tailored support package.

This shift pattern for this role involves Monday - Friday 9am-5pm. If required, occasionally working on Weekend 10am-6pm.

This is a Fixed Term Contract maternity cover expected to end on 6th of July 2026.

For a full job description, please visit our website.

About you:

Relationship-building - Empathy and respect for all individuals, with the ability to build relationships and understand people's motive and perspectives.

Motivation - Committed to making a positive impact for individuals.

Adaptability - Resilience and flexibility in changing circumstances, with the ability to work under pressure and deal with uncertain or unexpected outcomes.

Communication - The ability to collaborate with and influence a wide range of people in person and through written communication.

Problem solving - The ability to objectively analyse situations, using information and clear judgement to generate effective response.

Self-awareness - The ability to understand and reflect on both your own and personal development and how your actions affect others.

Leadership - The ability to act as a professional role model, demonstrates initiative, and engage others and enable them to achieve their goals.

What you'll bring:

Essential:

Worked in a customer care setting with transferrable skills.

Desirable:

Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent.

Past or present experience in providing support to people with mental health, Learning Disability, Substance misuse and Autism

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

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

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

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

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

We're looking for a kind, compassionate, and resilient Support Worker to join our Mental Health service in Tower Hamlets.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service

Free DBS

Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card

Fully paid induction programme and further training

ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes

Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support

Online wellbeing resources

A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)

Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

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

You will be based in Tower Hamlets in our mental health complex needs service. The service provides 24-hr supported housing for people with historic mental health history and complex needs, including problematic substance use. You will work as part of a team of Support Workers to enable people with mental health and complex needs to manage their tenancies and live independent lives of their choosing in the community and move towards greater independence by providing a flexible and individually tailored support package. The environment will be challenging at times, and no two days will be alike therefore, you will need of to have a calm and flexible approach to your work with a can-do attitude.

This shift pattern for this role involves early shifts 8.00am - 4.00pm and late shifts 2.00pm - 10pm on a rolling rota, including evenings, some weekends and BHs.

For a full job description, please visit our website.

About you:

Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement

Approachable and open behaviour

Prefers working as part of a group or team

Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement

Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised

Flexible

Open to feedback and self development

Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments

Is confident with high levels of self-esteem

Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication

Is essentially customer-focused

Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude

Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours

What you'll bring:

Essential:

Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector

Desirable:

Experience working in the mental health field

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

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

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

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

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

Around 84,000 children in England live in care. 7 in 10 children experience a change in where they live, where they go to school, or who their social worker is each year and 1 in 3 care-experienced young people become homeless within 2 years of leaving care.

Our client is the national charity that’s here to support every child and young person with experience of the care system. They listen to care-experienced young people to understand what’s not working, and together, they fight to make change happen.

It’s a hugely exciting time to join the organisation. Our client have grown in recent years and are in a stable position to increase our impact and ensure a better care experience for children and young people across national systems. They have recently developed a new strategy and refreshed their brand to strengthen their voice. Our client have sustainable funding and a warm, welcoming culture with a growing team of passionate experts committed to transforming outcomes for care-experienced young people.

Chief Executive Officer
Location: London/Hybrid working that ensures the best leadership of the charity. Likely to be two to three days a week in the London office plus key stakeholder meetings.
Salary: £90,000 to £95,000

This is an exciting opportunity to lead an ambitious organisation, looking to grow the scale, reach and impact of their work. Building on the organisation’s effective work, well-respected reputation and solid financial position, the CEO will work alongside the highly skilled Board and their passionate team to drive the organisation's strategy.

As CEO, you will:

• Maximise the organisation’s impact to deliver a better care experience for children and young people across national systems.
• Provide inspiring leadership in accordance with our client’s values and shape an inclusive culture of high support, achievement and collaboration.
• Oversee operations, campaigning and fundraising to ensure delivery, influence and income are maximised.

Our client are looking to appoint a passionate and ambitious leader who brings:

• Experience of operating at strategic level (CEO or senior director), with inspirational leadership skills.
• A track record of enhancing reach and increasing impact within the charitable sector.
• Experience of reviewing scope and scale of delivery at a strategic level.
• Experience of acting as an ambassador and engaging with high level external stakeholders.

Our client are determined to create a truly inclusive, equitable workplace. They know this is an ongoing journey - and they're fully committed to it. As a charity supporting children in care and care leavers, they actively encourage applications from people with care experience as they know how vital their perspectives are within their team. They're also committed to building a diverse team that reflects the young people they serve, and especially welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and diverse ethnic backgrounds.

For further details about this exciting role and how to apply, please click ‘Redirect to Recruiter’.

Deadline for applications: Sunday 15th June 
Interviews with Prospectus: 23rd - 26th June
Engagement meeting with Chair, Leadership Team and Youth Panel: 30th June & 1st July
Interviews with Client: Friday 11th July

We're looking for a kind, compassionate, and resilient Support Worker to join our Mental Health service in Newham.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service

Free DBS

Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card

Fully paid induction programme and further training

ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes

Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support

Online wellbeing resources

A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)

Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

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

Working in partnership with the London Borough of Newham and East London Foundation Trust, IBIS House supports people who are medically fit for discharge from mental health inpatient stays but have other barriers to discharge. These may include housing, living skills, accessing benefits or the community, or other interventions and will be on a person-centred basis. The main aim of the service is to provide short-term support to customers to link with longer term services to reduce escalations in need and reduce inpatient readmission and reduce pressure on inpatient beds.

Shift Patterns are 08:00-16:00hrs and 14:00hrs to 22:00hrs. Working patterns-includes bank Holidays and weekends.

For a full job description, please visit our website.

About you:

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

What you'll bring:

Typical qualifications from none to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent - whilst you may have little or no previous relevant sector work experience, eagerness to learn and engage with customers positively is a must.

Look Ahead values experience of applicants who have used our services or those similar to Look Ahead services.

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.

We are Caring and Compassionate.

We are Inclusive and Trusted.

We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

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

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

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

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

We're looking for 3 kind, compassionate and resilient Support workers to join our Learning Disabilities service in Langley.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. In some services, this will include providing physical, domestic, emotional and social care.

What you'll do:
- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, as facilitated by the lead Support Worker
- Carry out security duties to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
- Monitor the CCTV throughout the shift
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised

What you'll bring:

Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector

Desirable:
- Experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and Autism

About us:

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

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

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

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

Please see our website for full Job description

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our Mental Health service in Ealing.

£28,500.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

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

Specialist Support Workers within Look Ahead are required to have either an extra dimension of experience or a higher qualification level as determined relevant for the particular post. Specialist Support Workers provide information, social inclusion and vocational opportunities to support people to recover and stay well; exercise choice and control in their care and lives; and participate on an equal footing in the community. Support is also provided to develop a model of self-advocacy, self-management and empowerment, incorporating the principles and practice of recovery, co-production and peer support.

Oaklands & St Kilda is a pair of 6 unit supported accommodation mental health rehab services working with young people between the ages of 18-25 who may have experienced a mental health related hospital admission to gain and develop skills for future independent living. The service will support individuals transitioning from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult services.

This role is set for 9-month, ending on 12 January 2026, with the possibility of extension.

The Specialist Support Worker role involves early shifts (8:00-16:00) and late shifts (14:00-22:00) throughout the week, including some weekends each month.

What you'll bring:

Essential:

Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience supporting young people or people experiencing mental health challenges.

Specialist knowledge relevant to supporting young people with a Mental Health diagnosis.

Desirable:

Experience of working in a complex mental health environment

Demonstrable experience of trauma-informed practice

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

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

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

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

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

Job Purpose

This role sits within our new forensic Women’s Nova Roots service, which is a peer led service for women who are leaving forensic services, based in West London. The service will be open 3 days a week: one weekday evening out of hours and three weekends a month (flexible weekend pattern and times can be arranged).

The aim of the service is to support women who are leaving forensic care to re-integrate into society by offering a community social hub. The focus of the service is to provide social engagement, relaxation and a touch point for out of hours forensic support. The Women’s Hub will provide face-to-face holistic group support, offer psychoeducation and health workshops tailored and coproduced to the direct needs of clients, offer peer-led groups which will be co-designed and led by the clients accessing the hub. We will also offer a range of activities onsite.

Nova Roots will be an extension of the existing support offered by the Specialist Community Forensic Team (SCFT), offering out of hours social support. All referrals into the hub will be directly from the SCFTs and local hospitals.

The Nova Roots will be staffed with 1 part time Project Coordinator and 4 Forensic/Peer Led Volunteers – with Service Manager oversight. The Project Coordinator will work directly and closely with the SCFTs.

The Role

The role of the Nova Roots Project Coordinator is to arrange and coordinate a range of psychoeducation, health and peer-led workshops which will be delivered 3 times a week. The Nova Roots Project Coordinator will be responsible for managing the 4 peer-led volunteers and oversight of the site 3 days a week. The Nova Roots Project Coordinator will also be required to be in regular communication with the SCFTs.

The role will require hybrid working: onsite when the hub is open and 1 day of planning/coordination which can be worked remotely on a rota basis.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.
• Promoting people’ rights and responsibilities
• Considering each person as an individual
• Working collaboratively with clients to understand their needs and developing flexible and realistic crisis support packages/person centred plans
• Understanding of safety planning
• Experience of working within forensic services
• Understanding and experience of challenges for forensic leavers (social, health, welfare, interpersonal)
• Experience with de-escalation, recognising and mitigating risks.
• Experience of working with those in crisis and challenging behaviour
• Listening to clients and encouraging positive steps towards self-management of crisis and recovery
• Understanding safeguarding adults and children processes and legal requirements
• Understanding of social issues such as debt, housing and welfare benefits
• Promoting people’ rights and responsibilities
• Providing advice, information, practical and emotional support to clients
• Proactively recognising the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitate appropriate action, whilst liaising with relevant agencies e.g., CATT, Emergency Duty Teams, CAMHS, Safe Space, SCFT etc
• Engaging with clients to show empathy, inspire hope and promote recovery
• Establishing supportive, empowering and respectful relationships with clients and carers/ family
• Maintaining accurate records, detailing interventions
• Ensuring that outcomes, outputs and impact are recorded
• Providing administrative and management support to the team
• Attend reflective practice, clinical supervision, peer supervision and line management supervision
• Create and maintain good working relationships with partner agencies
• Follow workplans
• Actively participate in training and development
• Provide and manage resources for clients and staff

Person Specification

• Minimum of 1 year working in forensic mental health services and with clients experiencing mental health distress, crisis and forensic/criminal backgrounds
• Experience of managing challenging behaviour and dealing with clients with complex needs
• Minimum 1 year of project coordination/management
• Experience of facilitating workshops/group sessions
• Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children
• Evidence of continual professional development
• Understanding of the principles of trauma informed care
• Understanding of suicide prevention and safety planning
• Understanding of the relationship between mental health and social issues and how these issues may impact on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
• Understanding of relevant legislation and policies
• Awareness of issues in mental health service provision
• A good understanding of mental health conditions
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload
• Ability to involve clients and carers in all aspects of work
• Empathy and non-judgemental approaGood communication skills
• Capacity to work within an agreed shift pattern
• Experience of delivering information and advice (housing, benefits, debt etc)
• Experience of non-clinical, therapeutic interventions like psychoeducation
• Good IT skills including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint, with proven ability to input and extract information and produce reports
• Car driver with sole ownership of a vehicle and willingness to travel to locations would be desirable.
• Ability to work out of hours, during the day and on weekends
• Staff within this role will be considered key workers, so in the event of a government lockdown, staff will be expected to continue working
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations

The Charity and The Vision.  

Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a UK-based charity dedicated to supporting military children and young people (0 to 25 years) who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces. Founded in 2010 by Nikki Scott following the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, the charity offers a unique blend of emotional, practical, and educational support to over 700 young people, and we have big ambitions to support over 1,000 children annually by 2030.  

We are proud of our vibrant, non-traditional culture, which puts the needs of bereaved children and young people at the heart of everything we do. We embrace innovative approaches, are committed to creating smiles and believe in the power of community, resilience, and connection.  

Scotty’s is seeking an experienced bereavement counsellor to join our small but effective team. The role involves supporting children and young people affected by bereavement, which may include death in service, illness, or suicide.

We want every bereaved military child and young person to have:

• Access to the very best emotional health and wellbeing support.

• Outstanding development opportunities.

• The chance to smile again. 

We call these our Promises. Our promises align with our three programmes: SMILES, STRIDES and SUPPORT.

· The SMILES Programme provides children with the chance to smile again

· The STRIDES Programme provides children with outstanding development opportunities

· The SUPPORT Programme provides the very best emotional health and wellbeing support to children who are struggling to cope following a bereavement. 

Our Bereavement Counsellor will be a valuable member of the SUPPORT Programme, delivering online 1:1 and group support to those who need it most.  But all three programmes work closely together (we call this the Families team).

Role Mission:

The Scotty’s Bereavement Counsellor will work with our families who are struggling with their grief to help them understand their feelings, develop coping skills and build their new life.

This role will be accountable for:

Providing emotional support, counselling and therapeutic interventions to individuals and families coping with grief and loss. The role involves working compassionately and ethically with families affected by bereavement, helping them process their emotions and find ways to adjust to life after a loss.

The Bereavement Counsellor will work collaboratively with the SUPPORT team and the wider Families team to ensure that all work undertaken by Scotty’s is delivered in a supportive and sensitive manner and that Scotty families receive exemplary care.

What are the 3-month goals for this role:

· Within three months the Counsellor will have developed their knowledge of the range of services that Scotty’s offers to our families so that they can advise and support families in their case load.

· Will have begun to learn and understand the Scotty Values and the Scotty Way (we do things a little differently and our culture is very important to us and our families!).

· Would have begun supporting the families assigned to their caseload by the Head of SUPPORT.  This will predominantly if not entirely be online 1:1 delivery.

· Will have completed all necessary safeguarding training and be part of the Scotty’s Safeguarding team.

· Begun attending peer supervision sessions with the SUPPORT team.

What are the 6-month goals for this role:

· Will have established a caseload as assigned by the Head of SUPPORT which is likely to include 1:1 online sessions, and may also include online group sessions, drop ins or workshops.

· Will have begun to support the wider Families team by attending Scotty events.  At Scotty events, a SUPPORT team member often attends to provide support to any families in distress (this may require occasional weekend or evening work).

· Will be working cohesively with the Families team and the wider Scotty team to share your knowledge and skills.  Scotty’s values a culture of learning and strives to ensure team members can learn from one another’s expertise.

· Will be contributing to peer supervision sessions to ensure all SUPPORT team members are able to give the best support to families.

· Regularly meeting with your selected external supervisor.

What are the 9-month goals for this role:

· Will be supporting a caseload as assigned by the Head of SUPPORT, with emerging impact data showing the success of your support.  Scotty’s uses the Child Bereavement Service Questionnaire (CBSQ) developed by the CBN to monitor the impact of 1:1 support and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for pre-bereavement support.

· Will be a valuable member of the SUPPORT programme, Families and wider Scotty team. Providing first rate bereavement counselling and support directly to families but also indirectly helping families by working collaboratively with other team members.

What are the key responsibilities of this role:

· Managing a caseload and delivering one to one counselling sessions as assigned by the Head of SUPPORT. This will predominantly be online delivery using Teams video calling but also other formats as needed by families.

· Facilitate group therapy or support groups when appropriate.

· Conduct initial assessment to determine clients’ needs and suitability for counselling.

· Maintaining accurate and confidential case notes in a timely fashion using our Salesforce based system in accordance with data protection and organisational policies.

· Adhering to all safeguarding requirements and operating as part of the Scotty Safeguarding team to maintain the highest standards across the charity.

· Supporting the development of resources and materials as needed.

· Working collaboratively within the SUPPORT team, including peer supervision.

· Working collaboratively and effectively within the Families team to ensure that families are directed to the appropriate services in a timely fashion.  This could include directing families you are working with towards our educational grants, our respite breaks, our events, our school support or our advocacy.

· Liaise with healthcare and mental health professionals such as GPs, CAMHS and social workers or other professionals where appropriate to ensure holistic care and management of risk.

· Attending at least six (mandatory) face to face team days, normally located in the East of England.

· Participate in regular clinical supervision and continuing professional development.

Skillset and Experiences Required:

Essential

· Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) or United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP).  We may consider applications from practitioners with HCPC or NCS membership too.

· Level 4 Counselling / Psychotherapy Diploma or above.

· Significant experience (post qualification) providing bereavement counselling, to children or young people (0-25yrs).

· Experience and training with NICE-approved talking therapies.

· Demonstrated knowledge of issues surrounding bereavement.

· Ability to manage caseload effectively.

· Willingness to work flexible hours to accommodate children’s needs (this may include evening work to avoid school hours at times).

· Excellent computer literacy.

· Ability to develop good therapeutic relationships with families.

· Ability to engage with peer supervision and Scotty’s funded external supervision effectively.

· Ability to engage with a culture of continuous learning and support the learning of others.

· Ability to work flexibly as part of a team and independently to meet the needs of the service.

· Commitment to professional standards and ethical practice.

Desirable

· Accredited member of BACP.

· Knowledge or experience of or with the military community.

· Experience of online counselling.

· Experience (post qualification) providing pre-bereavement counselling or support.

· Experience of supporting those bereaved by suicide.

· Knowledge of or experience using assessment tools such as SDQs or CBSQs.

· Knowledge of statutory mental health provision and systems including CAMHS and EHCPs.

· Experience of providing counselling or support to young people with SEND or additional needs.

· Ability to drive with access to own transport is an advantage as some team meetings can take place away from public transport routes.

· Experience working within a hospice, NHS or charitable setting.

Additional Information

- The role may require evening or weekend work

- Enhanced DBS check required

- Travel will be required to events and team training days

The Scotty’s Way

At Scotty’s, our personal performance is only 50% of what success looks like. Our culture is equally important. When you join our team, you sign up to The Scotty’s Way, rooted in our four core values:

1. Families Come First

2. Everyone a Supporter, Every Supporter a VIP

3. Love What You Do

4. Remember, Every Day

Our values are further supported by our four non-negotiable behaviours of Show Respect, Speak Up, Embrace Change and Actively Collaborate. We are looking for an individual who embodies these values and behaviours.

Thank you for your interest in joining our team, we are an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities for employment and advancement.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other protected characteristic.

We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment within our charity, and we are dedicated to providing a fair and inclusive recruitment process for all candidates.

Barnardo's Kickstart Futures Service; Floating Support for Care Leavers in Sutton.

Barnardo's, in partnership with The London Borough of Sutton, is providing a floating support service for Care Leavers with low to medium levels of support needs.

The service provides floating support to Young People across a range of properties located within the borough of Sutton, as well as a small number of Young People based elsewhere in the community, mainly around The London Borough of Sutton and neighbouring boroughs.

Some residents are Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Young People (UASYP), or survivors of Human Trafficking, who are over the age of 18.

The service delivers key work support to each Young Person on an individual basis and additional group work sessions for property residents. Key work sessions are scheduled in collaboration with the Young Person. Key work hours will be delivered flexibly to meet the needs of the Young People and include regular evenings and weekends in order to fit around college and/or work schedules for Young People who are engaged in Education, Employment or Training.

We are now seeking to recruit new project workers, with experience of working with Care Leavers, to help us grow this exciting new service. We would welcome applications for as and when part time workers.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

Benefits

Workplace Offer: What it means for you

The world of work has changed. We are understanding of what works best for our colleagues both current and future as we look to embrace this new way of working. Our hybrid working initiative is based on trust, flexibility and empowerment. We understand our workplace offer means different things to different people, and we encourage those conversations. This may mean working at one of our stores, services, working at home, at one of our Collaboration Hubs or any combination of these.

• Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.
• Annual Leave entitlement for full-time colleagues is 26 days per annum, increasing to 27 days per annum, after 3 years Barnardo's service, 29 days per annum, after 5 years Barnardo's service and 30 days per annum, after 7 years Barnardo's service. Those working less than full time are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata
• The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our HolidayPlus scheme
• A host of family friendly leave options including company Maternity Paternity and Adoption pay; together with all family additional leave options
• Service related sick pay from day 1
• Access to a Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's. Ability to pay via salary sacrifice to garner both tax and NI savings on your own contribution
• Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings for all staff contributing to our Group Personal Pension
• Cycle2work scheme
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Discounts and cashback from at high street shops including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure/theme parks, holidays and much more via our Benefit Portal
• 20% discount at Barnardo's stores
• Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
• Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
• Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer

*T&C's apply based on contract

About Barnardo's

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive through inclusion and connectivity. We want our workforce to be reflective of the communities we work with, and for equality, diversity and inclusion to be embedded in everything we do. We are a Disability Confident Leader, are progressing our ambition to be an anti-racist organisation with Anti-Racism Commitments and actions in place and have networks for colleagues who are disabled, LGBT+, Black and Minoritised Ethnic and Women. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minoritised Ethnic and/or disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. For disabled applicants, we offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Our basis and values