Community employment specialist jobs

About Working Well Trust

Working Well Trust is a mental health and employment charity in London. All of our projects share the aim of improving the lives of people with mental health support needs, learning disabilities and/or complex issues through training and employment.

We are expanding our team of IPS Employment Advisors in our IPS service in the London Borough of Enfield. You will be based in one of NHS mental health treatment teams in Enfield Town and Edmonton areas. We have a full time (35 hours pw) and part time (17.5 hours pw) position available as we are growing our team. This IPS service at Working Well Trust has been awarded the IPS Grow quality mark and adheres to the principles of the IPS model in supporting people in to employment. This role will be working with clients who have mental health support needs, wanting to gain paid employment. 

Experience of employment support is not essential, it is more important that you share our passion and commitment to employment as an integral aspect of wellbeing and supporting people to find the right job for them. You will receive training on the IPS model and in supporting people with mental health issues. We welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health, either personally or through a close contact.

You need to have a desire to support people to achieve their employment goals, and the ability to multitask and manage your workload effectively. Good organisation skills are essential for this role, in addition to an interest in mental health, and the role it plays in the workplace. The successful candidate will need to become comfortable in approaching employers, and showcase the advantages of our service in order to work with them to recruit our clients to fill vacancies and sustain employment.

What you’ll be doing

You will work with clients (managing a caseload) who have mental health support needs, to assist them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences. You will deliver the IPS approach (for which training will be given); providing person centred support and guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.

You will work as part of a mental health team (NHS Trust) maintaining positive and integrated relationships, fostering a holistic approach to recovery through employment. You will work closely with clinical teams, providing a coordinated approach that always remains client led.  

You will spend up to 65% of your week working in the community of Enfield to provide localised support to residents of the Borough.

You will also be working to contract targets whilst maintaining a high-quality service. 

What you’ll need

Experience in employment support is not essential. We are looking for someone who brings:

• A genuine desire to support people into meaningful employment.
• Commitment to person-centred work and either experience of or enthusiasm to learn the IPS approach.
• Confidence engaging with employers and promoting the benefits of our service.
• Good organisation skills and the ability to manage a caseload effectively.
• Beneficial (but not essential): experience working with people with mental health difficulties.
• Beneficial (but not essential): local knowledge/ experience of the Borough

What we offer

• £33,000 per year
• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, (FTE)
• Employer pension contribution of 6%
• Supportive environment within a growing, dedicated team
• Meaningful, rewarding work supporting people into employment
• Expenses paid for mandatory travel during work hours.
• Flexible, paid Wellbeing Hour every fortnight (FTE) ​

What’s next 

Before you apply, please note the following: 

• We actively recruit and carefully review all applications. Due to rapid service expansion, we have onboarded 20 external hires in the last six months. 

• To ensure we can best support the people and communities we serve, we progress applications only where candidates provide meaningful answers to the screening questions. 

• Career development is real here: in the past year, 10 colleagues have progressed internally into Senior roles, Project Lead, Team Lead, and Operations Manager positions. We value ambition and celebrate progression. 

• If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage, for example due to a disability, learning difficulty or health condition, please let us know in advance so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

Working Well Trust is an equal opportunities employer and Confident about Disabilities.​

If you are ready to help us build a service that supports people into meaningful work, click Apply to submit your CV and answer the screening questions. 

Start your application today and take the next step in a rewarding career. 

Closing date: Wednesday 29th July 2026 (09:00). Please note, we may be actively interviewing during this time and may close the vacancy early.

First stage interviews (telephone): 3rd - 6th August 2026

Final Stage interviews: 11th August in person in Edmonton.

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity. 

We're here for kinship carers - friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren't able to. 

We support kinship families across England and Wales and are expanding our work into Scotland.

Let's commit to change for kinship families.

Purpose of the role: 

The Kinship Navigator provides intensive, time-limited support to kinship carers through the Kinship Connected programme, a structured six-month intervention designed to help kinship families stabilise placements and access the support they need.

Working directly with kinship carers in West Dunbartonshire, you will build trusting relationships while completing structured assessments, goal setting and reviews to help families strengthen their support networks and navigate services such as children’s social care, education, health and community support.

This is a community-facing role, working from Y Sort It’s offices and directly in kinship carers’ homes and community spaces. You will work alongside Y Sort It’s Intandem mentors to ensure that both carers and the children they care for receive coordinated, complementary support.

Accurate recording of your work is essential to enable Kinship and Inspiring Scotland to understand what is working, demonstrate impact and learn from this pioneering pilot.

Direct support

You will provide intensive one-to-one support to kinship carers for up to six months, working within the delivery approach set out in the Kinship Connected Service Manual. You will also establish and facilitate a monthly support group for kinship carers in West Dunbartonshire.

This may include:

• Providing emotional and practical support to kinship carers.
• Completing structured needs assessments, SMART goal setting and regular reviews with kinship carers.
• Advocating for kinship carers in meetings with professionals where appropriate.
• Establishing and facilitating a monthly support group for kinship carers in the local area.
• Mapping local services and building relationships with organisations that can provide specialist support, training or activities for kinship families in West Dunbartonshire.
• Liaising with schools, local authorities and other professionals to coordinate support around families.
• Supporting kinship carers with challenges relating to the child(ren) in their kinship care.
• Signposting to relevant services, support organisations and Kinship training opportunities.
• Referring children in kinship care to Y Sort It’s Intandem mentoring programme where appropriate.
• Coordinating celebration and family events (including in Kinship Care Week).
• Supporting applications for grants for essential items or family breaks.

Partnership working with Y Sort It and Inspiring Scotland

• Work closely and collaboratively with Y Sort It colleagues on a day-to-day basis, building a strong co-location relationship that benefits kinship families.
• Develop and maintain clear cross-referral pathways between Kinship Connected and Y Sort It’s Intandem mentoring programme.
• Contribute to joint learning and shared reflection about how the whole-family model is working and what outcomes are being achieved for both carers and children.
• Represent Kinship professionally in all interactions with Y Sort It, Inspiring Scotland and other local partners.
• Participate in any joint reporting, learning or evaluation activities required by Inspiring Scotland.

Collaboration and wider partnership working

• Build constructive relationships with West Dunbartonshire Council and other statutory and voluntary sector partners to support awareness of the programme and effective referral pathways.
• Work closely with colleagues across Kinship, including Peer Support, Training and Communications, to ensure kinship carers in West Dunbartonshire can access the full range of Kinship’s support.
• Contribute to cross-team learning, sharing emerging insights about kinship carers’ experiences and the local landscape in Scotland to inform Kinship’s broader organisational learning.
• Represent Kinship at local meetings, networks or events to strengthen collaboration and raise awareness of kinship care in Scotland.

Safeguarding and risk management

Kinship has a robust safeguarding structure. You will be supported by a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Designated Deputy Safeguarding Leads (DDSL). In line with this policy, and mindful of the Scottish legislative and practice context, you will:

• Recognise, report, record, respond and refer safeguarding risks via our safeguarding process with the support of the safeguarding team.
• Follow and understand Kinship’s organisational safeguarding policies, as well as relevant Scottish guidance and legislation.
• Complete risk assessments for events in line with Kinship’s policy.
• Follow the Kinship Health and Safety policy.
• Use the StaySafe lone worker app.

Monitoring, evaluation and data quality

Accurate and consistent data recording is a core requirement of this role. As Kinship Connected in West Dunbartonshire is a pilot programme, high-quality records and documentation are essential to demonstrate impact to Inspiring Scotland and to generate the learning that will inform future development of Kinship’s work in Scotland.

• Maintain accurate, timely records of all activity, assessments, support plans, contacts and outcomes on Kinship’s CRM system (Salesforce) in line with organisational policy and programme protocols.
• Complete kinship carer needs assessments, SMART goal setting, reviews and outcome recording in accordance with the Kinship Navigator model.
• Contribute to monitoring and reporting requirements for Inspiring Scotland, ensuring activity and outcomes are documented consistently.
• Fully contribute to quality assurance and learning processes, including collecting feedback and case studies that demonstrate impact for kinship families.
• Contribute to the learning about how co-location with Y Sort It supports whole-family outcomes

Hillside Clubhouse is recruiting an IPS Employment Specialist to join our dynamic Islington team, supporting people with mental health conditions to gain and retain employment.  The IPS Employment Specialists within the Islington IPS Service work within the nationally recognised IPS (Individual Placement and Support) model within NHS secondary and primary care mental health teams, based in the heart of Islington.

Who We Are: 

Hillside Clubhouse is a co-produced mental health employment support charity working across Islington. We support people with mental health conditions into training, volunteering, and employment opportunities. People can access our services via our Clubhouse, where they can share their skills and expertise with others and support the running of the charity.  Alternatively, they can receive support out in the community from one of our Employment Specialists based within NHS mental health teams.

The Role: 

We are recruiting for one IPS Employment Specialist role within our Islington IPS Service. This position will be based within the North London NHS Foundation Trust mental health services in the borough of Islington.

As an IPS Employment Specialist, you’ll play an important role in supporting people with lived mental health experience on their recovery journey by supporting them back into paid employment. This is an opportunity to offer ongoing support, to motivate and provide people with hope, while developing the tools and skills required to recover – ultimately transforming their lives.

A variety of skills are needed in this post including but not limited to: a strong ability to develop empathy and rapport with clients; a determined approach to seeking out job opportunities; a person centric-approach to working with people; strong communications skills to motivate clients; strong administrative capabilities and an attention to detail engage with prospective employers via business development and face-to-face meetings, as well as to be able to challenge some perceptions around mental health. 

The postholder will be directly employed by Hillside Clubhouse but work under an Honorary Contract from the North London NHS Foundation Trust.  They will be managed directly by the IPS Operations Manager but work as team member within the clinical team. The role is dynamic and involves being integrated in a clinical team, working within the community, and we operate a flexible working policy where working from home is also permitted up to two days per week.

Overall Aim: 

To enable people with mental health issues to gain and sustain competitive employment by working within the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.

Duties: 

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification attached for a full description.

Application Instructions:
We are a Disability Confident employer and actively encourage applications from people with lived experience of mental health conditions.

Hillside Clubhouse is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from those who experience discrimination and / or prejudice based on their race, ethnicity or immigration status, women, new parents, people with disabilities and LGBTQI+ people.

All job offers are dependent on satisfactory references and a DBS check. The successful candidate will also be required to attend mandatory Safeguarding Adults, Children & Young People training.

The recruitment process will be an assessment centre approach, including a task, role play and individual interview. We envision the whole process lasting no more than 90 minutes.

IPS – Employment support

For people who need mental health support, getting back into work is a vital step on their recovery journey. The evidence backs this up, but although 90% of people with severe mental illness want to work, only 8% of them are in paid employment.

If you would like to join our team and champion our mission and help people who need employment support to get back into work. You will be supporting clients who are under the care of Secondary Mental Health services to gain and retain paid employment and will be based within a clinical team.

This is an incredibly rewarding role.  You'll have the opportunity to transform the lives of clients, to give them hope, direction and support with their recovery journey alongside other key professionals. This is also a challenging role, so you’ll need to be empathetic, adaptable and dedicated to finding clients a role that’s right for them.

As an Employment Specialist, you’ll build a good rapport with your clients, gaining a real understanding of their key skills, their aspirations and their career goals and finding them opportunities to match. You'll also spend time building productive relationships with employers in order to identify and negotiate job opportunities in the hidden labour market.

Successful applicants for this post will receive training in the IPS approach, giving you the tools, you need to provide expert support and advice to clients, staff within your clinical team (e.g. Psychiatrist, Social Workers or Mental Health Nurse), while also building positive relationships with employers, opening doors and changing perceptions around mental health.

We welcome applications from people with personal experience of using mental health services.

Job Summary

To provide support into employment for people with mental health problems including:

· Managing a caseload of clients who wish to return to paid work, enabling them to find or retain employment by liaising with work and training providers, accessing benefits advice and by personally providing on-going support to clients in job search and after gaining employment, in accordance with evidence based supported employment practice such as the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model of supported employment.

· Link with local employers and voluntary bodies in order to secure employment opportunities within the community

· Pro-actively support and motivate clients in obtaining employment opportunities

· Provide on-going support according to both the employee’s and employer’s needs to enable clients to both gain and retain employment.

Key responsibilities

 · To work in partnership with individuals to support them in finding paid employment, or taking steps towards this.

· To develop strong links with other agencies such as voluntary, statutory and businesses in the development of work opportunities for clients.

· To support Community Mental Health Team colleagues with information about work and training opportunities.

· To report on outcome measures for the service.

· To provide monitoring/audit information to the Senior IPS Employment Specialist responsible for Employment Services.

Main duties

 · Manage a caseload of people who have experienced mental health problems who wish to work.

· Prepare individuals for employment by assessing each person’s individual vocational needs which might typically include identifying strengths, help with benefits, support networks, travel to work plans, etc.

· Co create employment action plans with the individual, and provide this to the care co-ordinator and other professionals where appropriate.

· Assist individuals in job search and prepare them to apply for employment/education, liaising with colleagues as required e.g. Disability Employment Advisors, Jobcentre Plus, DWP contract providers and local colleges.

· Contact and meet with employers to identify job opportunities for individual clients.

· Have a proactive approach in developing jobs tailored to suit individual clients’ needs by contacting local employers, discussing mutual requirements and negotiating opportunities.

· Accompany job seekers to interviews if required.

· Provide education and support to employers, as agreed with the individual and provide job retention interventions to people at risk of losing their employment, negotiating adjustments to the job role with employers to enable the person to retain their employment.

· Support clients in the workplace by supporting them to learn the job role if necessary, and/or negotiating with employers to adapt the role at the start of employment or if difficulties arise in the workplace.

· Identify any barriers for return to work and develop appropriate strategies to overcome those barriers for clients who wish to gain or retain open employment maintaining a positive attitude to addressing challenges.

· Contribute to the opportunities for an individual’s increased social inclusion by developing partnership working with voluntary sector agencies, and linking with primary care employment and job retention initiatives.

· Promote the Mindful Employer initiative and best practice in mental health and employment within the mental health services and in other organisations in the local area.

· Maintain and develop close links with referrers, care co-ordinators and Community

· Regularly attend Team meetings.

· Complete data monitoring sheets and keep accurate caseload records.

· Maintain high standards of personal development and undertake further training as may be required.

· Undertake regular supervision and annual appraisal.

· Undertake other duties as may reasonably be required by the organisation

Person specification

Qualifications and experience

Essential

· Educated to degree level or equivalent experience

· Experience/understanding of working with people with mental health support needs, or a similar client group within health, social services or the voluntary sector

· Experience of working with someone on a one-to-one basis

· Experience of managing multiple tasks at any one time

Desirable

· Trained in IPS approach

· Experience of supporting people to obtain or keep work

· Experience of working within health, social services or voluntary sector with people who have experienced mental health problems.

· Experience of working assertively to influence decision makers

· Own personal lived experience of recovery from mental health difficulties

· Previous experience of delivering a service using the IPS model is a bonus

· Proven experience of meeting and exceeding outcomes and targets

Skills and knowledge

Essential

· An understanding of the employment needs, and challenges faced by people who experience mental health difficulties

· Developing a knowledge of a broad range of occupations and jobs

· Able to use IT systems, databases and tools such as MS Word, PowerPoint and Excel

· Strong motivational, communication and listening skills

· Outstanding interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with a range of people

· Good organisational ability

· Natural ability to build close, trusting and productive relationships with people

· Team orientated and able to work collaboratively within a mixed-disciplinary team

· Ability to work independently and use initiative to develop and promote a service

Desirable

· Knowledge of DWP and disability/employment related benefits

· Knowledge of good practice in employment legislation protecting Disability and Equality

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for an Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Employment Service in Harrow and Hounslow.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

An Employment Specialist helps people with mental health conditions, disabilities, or other barriers to find, keep, or return to work. They manage a caseload of clients, provide one-to-one support such as career guidance, CV writing, job searching, interview preparation, and workplace coaching, while also building relationships with employers to create job opportunities and arrange workplace adjustments when needed. They track client progress, maintain accurate records, and work closely with healthcare and community services to help clients achieve sustainable employment outcomes.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

The essential skills for this Employment Specialist role are the ability to build trusting relationships with clients, strong communication and interpersonal skills, knowledge of supporting people with mental health conditions or other barriers to employment, and the ability to motivate and coach people towards work goals. The role also requires good organisation and time management, experience managing a caseload, confidence engaging with employers and partner organisations, accurate record-keeping and administration skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and databases. Being empathetic, person-centred, self-motivated, and committed to equality and diversity are also important personal qualities.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

As Senior Manager: Community Wellbeing Services, you will hold leadership responsibility for key services including Community Connections, Safe Haven and Counselling, ensuring they are safe, effective, high-quality and aligned within a coherent organisational approach. This is a senior leadership role accountable for the strategic direction, operational performance and integration of Catalyst’s community-based services and partnerships across Surrey.

Beyond service oversight, you will lead the development of a connected and responsive community offer, ensuring Catalyst’s services operate as part of a wider network of provision across Surrey. You will play a central role in shaping how services connect with each other and with external partners to create clear, accessible and holistic pathways for clients.

You will lead the development of a coherent community wellbeing operating model, ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities and pathways across services.

You will define and drive what partnership working means at Catalyst, building strong, visible relationships across the VCSE sector, statutory services and local networks, and ensuring Catalyst is a trusted, active and vibrant presence within local communities.

A key focus of the role is ensuring consistent quality, strong safeguarding practice and effective performance across diverse community settings, supported by clear standards, oversight and continuous improvement.

You will be expected to be highly visible and present across services and partnerships, maintaining close connection to delivery, staff, communities and stakeholders.

Location: Nankeville Court, Woking (hybrid), with regular presence across community sites, partner organisations and Catalyst locations
Salary: £41,000-£45,000
Hours: 35 hours
Contract type: Permanent

About the organisation

Through Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health, and wellbeing—together, every step of the way.

About you

We are looking for an experienced, values-led leader with a strong background in community-based mental health, wellbeing, social care, counselling, community development or a related field. You will bring significant experience of leading staff and services in complex community settings, with the ability to balance strategic oversight with close connection to frontline delivery.

You will have strong safeguarding knowledge, sound professional judgement and experience of managing risk within multi-agency and community contexts. Confident working in partnership, you will be able to build trusted relationships across the VCSE sector, statutory services and local networks, influencing others and supporting joined-up, accessible pathways for clients.

You will be emotionally intelligent, resilient and inclusive in your leadership style, able to lead teams through change while maintaining clarity, professional boundaries and a strong focus on quality. You will be comfortable using data and insight to inform service improvement, performance and decision-making, and will be able to maintain a visible presence across services, partnerships and community settings.

A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusive practice and trauma-responsive services is essential, along with the ability to travel regularly across Surrey and work flexibly across multiple sites.

Please refer to the job description for a full breakdown of the key responsibilities and person specification.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental, counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working where possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation, and wellbeing/EAP resources

Safeguarding & Checks

• This role is subject to a basic DBS check.
• A past history of drug/alcohol issues or criminality will not necessarily exclude you from this role; we encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate.
• All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK.

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment.

We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

About Working Well Trust

Working Well Trust is a mental health and employment charity in London. All of our projects share the aim of improving the lives of people with mental health support needs, learning disabilities and/or complex issues through training and employment.

We are expanding our team of IPS Employment Advisors in our IPS service in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. You will be based in one of NHS mental health treatment teams in Bethnal Green, Isle of Dogs or Stepney and Wapping areas, working 35 hours per week. This IPS services at Working Well Trust has been awarded the IPS Grow quality mark and adheres to the principles of the IPS model in supporting people in to employment. This role will be working with clients who have mental health support needs, wanting to gain paid employment. 

Experience of employment support is not essential, it is more important that you share our passion and commitment to employment as an integral aspect of wellbeing and supporting people to find the right job for them. You will receive training on the IPS model and in supporting people with mental health issues. We welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health, either personally or through a close contact.

You need to have a desire to support people to achieve their employment goals, and the ability to multitask and manage your workload effectively. Good organisation skills are essential for this role, in addition to an interest in mental health, and the role it plays in the workplace. The successful candidate will need to become comfortable in approaching employers, and showcase the advantages of our service in order to work with them to recruit our clients to fill vacancies and sustain employment.

What you’ll be doing

You will work with clients (managing a caseload) who have mental health support needs, to assist them in securing sustainable paid employment in line with their preferences. You will deliver the IPS approach (for which training will be given); providing person centred support and guidance to clients, whilst building positive relationships with local employers to enable clients to move into suitable employment.

You will work as part of a mental health team (NHS Trust) maintaining positive and integrated relationships, fostering a holistic approach to recovery through employment. You will work closely with clinical teams, providing a coordinated approach that always remains client led.  

You will spend up to 65% of your week working in the community of Tower Hamlets to provide localised support to residents of the Borough.

You will also be working to contract targets whilst maintaining a high-quality service. 

What you’ll need

Experience in employment support is not essential. We are looking for someone who brings:

• A genuine desire to support people into meaningful employment.
• Commitment to person-centred work and either experience of or enthusiasm to learn the IPS approach.
• Confidence engaging with employers and promoting the benefits of our service.
• Good organisation skills and the ability to manage a caseload effectively.
• Beneficial (but not essential): experience working with people with mental health difficulties.
• Beneficial (but not essential): local knowledge/ experience of the Borough

What we offer

• £33,000 per year
• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, (FTE)
• Employer pension contribution of 6%
• Supportive environment within a growing, dedicated team
• Meaningful, rewarding work supporting people into employment
• Expenses paid for mandatory travel during work hours.
• Flexible, paid Wellbeing Hour every fortnight (FTE) ​

What’s next 

Before you apply, please note the following: 

• We actively recruit and carefully review all applications. Due to rapid service expansion, we have onboarded 20 external hires in the last six months. 

• To ensure we can best support the people and communities we serve, we progress applications only where candidates provide meaningful answers to the screening questions. 

• Career development is real here: in the past year, 10 colleagues have progressed internally into Senior roles, Project Lead, Team Lead, and Operations Manager positions. We value ambition and celebrate progression. 

• If you require any reasonable adjustments at the interview stage, for example due to a disability, learning difficulty or health condition, please let us know in advance so that we can make appropriate arrangements.

Working Well Trust is an equal opportunities employer and Confident about Disabilities.​

If you are ready to help us build a service that supports people into meaningful work, click Apply to submit your CV and answer the screening questions. 

Start your application today and take the next step in a rewarding career. 

Closing date: Friday 31st July 2026 (23:00)*. Please note, we may be actively interviewing during this time and may close the vacancy early.

First stage interviews (telephone): 22nd - 29th July 2026

Final Stage interviews: 3rd- 4th August in person in Bethnal Green.

*Please note, any applications submitted after the 19th July will be considered for additional interview dates.

Citizens Advice Woking is seeking a Community Outreach Adviser to join our new three-year National Lottery Community Fund project supporting residents in the Canalside area.

This community-based role will provide free, independent and impartial advice on issues including welfare benefits, debt, housing and energy. You will deliver outreach sessions, build strong relationships with local residents, community groups and partner organisations, and help improve access to advice for people who may face barriers to traditional services.

Working closely with South Asian communities and other residents whose first language may not be English, you will help ensure our services are inclusive, accessible and responsive to local needs. You will also work alongside volunteers and local organisations to develop the project through a co-production approach, empowering communities and creating lasting positive change.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about making a real difference and helping people improve their financial resilience, wellbeing and independence.

Are you passionate about supporting individuals back into employment?

Job Title: Employment Specialist – Connect To Work
Salary: £28,951 – £32,316 per annum
Hours: Full Time – 37 hours per week
Contract: Fixed Term initially until March 2028
Location: Newcastle

About us

Groundwork NE & Cumbria is a long‑established environmental and community charity with over 30 years of experience creating greener, healthier and more resilient places across the region. Our mission centres on Creating Better Places, Improving People’s Prospects, and Promoting Greener Living, helping communities thrive no matter the challenges they face.

We deliver hundreds of locally‑led projects each year, including initiatives that support young people into education, training and employment, helping them overcome barriers, build life skills, and reach their full potential.

About the role

We are looking for a passionate individual who will support individuals with health conditions to move into and sustain meaningful employment through the Connect to Work programme.

We’re looking for an Employment Specialist to support the delivery of our Connect to Work programme. You’ll use the Individual Placement & Support (IPS) model to provide person‑centred IAG support to a caseload of around 25 clients, helping them move into and sustain meaningful employment.

You’ll build strong employer relationships to source suitable vacancies and work closely with partners including health providers, mental health services, JCP, and other employment organisations to ensure joined‑up support.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate in supporting young people to overcome barriers and achieve their potential.
• A strong communicator, confident engaging with clients, employers and partners.
• Equipped with strong analytical and problem‑solving ability, able to assess needs and identify effective employment solutions.
• Person‑centred, empathetic and passionate about helping others succeed.
• Skilled at building positive, trusting relationships.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage a varied caseload and meet deadlines.
• Confident working independently and collaboratively.

Closing date: Friday 31st July 2026
Please note, should we receive a high volume of applications, we may look to close the role early, therefore we recommend an early application.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure endorsed by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Make yourself at home
We want you to be yourself at Groundwork and we value everything that makes you unique. We recognise and celebrate your difference and together we make Groundwork a special and great place to work. As a Disability Confident employer we offer a guaranteed interview to applicants with a disability who meet the essential criteria for the role.

At Groundwork we ensure that we provide a safe environment for adults, children and young people to take part in any activity or service that we organise. We are committed to creating a culture that promotes safeguarding and the welfare of all children, young people and adults at risk. Our safer recruitment practices support this by ensuring that there is a consistent and comprehensive process of obtaining, collating, analysing and evaluating information from and about candidates to ensure that all the people we appoint are suitable to work with our children, young people and adults

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

No agencies please.

Job Title: Employment Consultant (Northeast VALOUR)

Location: Home-based (within 1 hour travel to Durham) with regular travel across the Northeast

Salary: £33,174

Hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week (part time or flexible working options considered)

Contract: 2 years fixed term with possibility of extension

At The Poppy Factory, we believe that everyone who has served our country deserves the opportunity to build a fulfilling life beyond the armed forces. For over a century, we have stood alongside veterans and their families, evolving our services to support veterans and adult family members to overcome barriers to employment and transform their lives.

We have been successful in becoming a delivery partner within the national VALOUR initiative, supporting the employment strand of the programme. This enables us to widen our impact for veterans and their families by ensuring individuals are supported into meaningful and sustainable employment, using an approach that is tailored to their specific needs.

We are seeking a passionate and person-centred Employment Consultant to join our team to deliver VALOUR in the Northeast. This is a role for someone who believes in potential, not limitations – someone who can walk alongside clients with empathy and determination, empowering them to take ownership of their employment journey.

You’ll provide tailored information, advice and guidance to help veterans secure meaningful and sustainable work, managing a diverse caseload with care and professionalism. Using coaching, mentoring and strengths-based approaches, you will help individuals identify their goals, build resilience and move confidently towards lasting employment outcomes.

Collaboration is at the heart of this role. You will develop strong partnerships with regional organisations to generate referrals and address wider barriers such as mental health, housing or addiction, while also building strong relationships with local employers to create real opportunities for your clients, and sharing best practice with your colleagues in the team.

With a strong understanding of local labour markets and safeguarding practices, you’ll maintain high-quality case records, contribute to continuous improvement, and actively participate in team development. Adaptability, initiative and resilience are key, as we respond to the evolving needs of our clients and the communities we serve.

Why The Poppy Factory?

• A chance to give back to our armed forces and make a positive and lasting impact to the lives of veterans and their families.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including generous holiday and pension contributions.
• A welcoming and empowering culture, with regular opportunities for team connecting and shared learning throughout the year.
• Variety in the role, a mix of delivering a community-based service in your region, home working and occasional visits to the historic Poppy Factory in Richmond, London
• The opportunity to develop your region and build relationships with employers and other support services that best meet the needs of the people you’re supporting.
• Be part of an iconic charity with a 100+ year history

For further information, including the full job description for the role, please refer to the candidate pack.

How to apply

To apply for this position please prepare your CV and a covering letter clearly outlining how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification as set out above and submit via the online application process. Please address your covering letter to Keiron Coombs, Services Manager.

For an informal conversation to find out more about this role, please call Keiron Coombs.

The closing date for this vacancy will be 2 May 2026. Please note, we cannot accept late or incomplete applications. Only applications submitted through the online process will be considered.

First stage interviews will take place on 8 May 2026, with second stage interviews scheduled for 13 May 2026. Please ensure you are available on these dates, as it’s not always possible to reschedule.

No agencies please.

Equality & Diversity

We are committed to equality, valuing diversity, and promoting inclusion within our workforce, including the volunteers who give their time to us.  We work to maintain an environment where the needs and aspirations of all employees are met, irrespective of characteristics protected under the legislative framework of the Equality Act 2010. We expect everyone to understand and accept their personal responsibility to recognise and value differences and the unique contributions that people make to the way we deliver our work.

As an equal opportunities employer our commitment is to take positive measures to recruit people from underrepresented groups, and we actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer a guaranteed interview for any job applicant with a disability who meets the essential criteria for the role. Please indicate in your covering letter if you wish to be considered under this scheme. We are also happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process to accommodate disabled candidates.

We are a family friendly employer and happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. We encourage applicants to contact us to discuss if they have any questions before applying.

About Us

Concern Worldwide is a non-governmental, international humanitarian organisation dedicated to the reduction of suffering and working towards the ultimate elimination of extreme poverty in the world’s poorest countries. Our mission is to transform the lives of people living in extreme poverty.  We work with 25 million people each year, in some of the hardest to reach and most fragile places. Places prone to conflict, natural disasters, climate change and extreme hunger. When an emergency strikes, we are among the first on the ground.  We use our voice to bring the stories of extreme poverty to world leaders.

Benefits
•    25 days’ annual leave, pro-rated for part-time employees
•    Annual leave purchase scheme
•    Enhanced parental leave pay
•    Stakeholder pension
•    Cycle scheme
•    Life assurance
•    Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)

Details of our benefits could be found on our website.

About the role

To manage all aspects of the shop, including recruiting and leading the volunteer team in order to maximise the income generated for Concern’s work.

Our new shop in Derry City is a thriving, busy hub that represents the future of charity retail - a modern, vibrant space that has brought new energy to Castle Street since opening in June. As a dynamic addition to the high street, it showcases how charity retail can inspire communities while supporting Concern's life-saving work.

You will be instrumental in making sure the shop is at the hub of the local community, ensuring a steady flow of donations and acting as the face of Concern Worldwide and raising public awareness of our campaigns.

You will lead by example and be confident working within a fast-paced retail environment.  You will contribute towards the success of the shop by:

• Ensuring a high standard of customer service
• Achieving targets to maximise income
• Maintaining a high standard of creative visual merchandising
• Actively recruit volunteers and establish the shop in the local community
• Generate stock to fill the shop

About you

As Shop Manager, you will have the opportunity to be part of a small, but dedicated and successful retail team.  You will be a highly motivated self-starter who takes full ownership of your role. You will lead and motivate your shop volunteers in maximising the fundraising income for the shop.  It will be your chance to demonstrate and further develop your existing strong commercial awareness, relationship management, sales and customer service skills.

This is an exciting time for you to join Concern Worldwide (NI) as we seek to engage more with local communities and increase support for our work in tackling hunger and transforming lives in some of the poorest places in the world.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Concern Worldwide encourages all qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, ethnicity and origin, disability, political beliefs, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, or socio-economic status to apply to become a part of the organisation.  Concern is against all forms of discrimination and unequal power relations, and is committed to promoting equality.

Concern Charity Retail in Northern Ireland

Concern Worldwide operates a growing retail network of eight shops across Northern Ireland, each playing an important role in supporting our work to end extreme poverty. Our portfolio currently includes two specialist bookshops located in Derry and Holywood, alongside five established charity shops in Ballycastle, Newcastle and across Belfast on the Lisburn Road, Antrim Road and Ormeau Road.

CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT

It is the nature of this post that weekend working (Saturday) and occasional additional seasonal hours are part of the normal working week. Working hours will also involve some evening work to meet the needs of the post. Due to the nature of this role, flexibility is required. 

We are happy to consider candidates interested in either part-time (28 hours per week) or full-time (35 hours per week). Flexibility required.

Appointment will be subject to a six-month probationary period

If you require a paper application form, please contact us.

Salary: £25,907 - £28,786 full time - based on full time, 35 hours per week.

New employees typically start at the beginning of their pay band.

Deadline: 26th July 2026.

Due to the urgency of filling this position, Concern reserves the right to close the recruitment activity earlier if we have received applications, which match the role.  We encourage you to apply as soon as possible to avoid a potentially earlier closing date.

The successful post holder will be required to complete a Basic AccessNI check and sign a criminal records self-declaration form.

Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with Concern Worldwide (NI). This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences. 

Working within a multi-disciplinary team, the Community Connector provides a first-point-of-contact mental health service within GP practices and Primary Care Networks (PCNs). The role includes assessments and brief psychosocial interventions, as well as coordinating access to community resources that support mental, physical, and social wellbeing.

Location: East Guildford or Walton-on-Thames
Salary: £30,280 (pro rata if part-time)
Hours: 35 hours per week (East Guildford), 22.5 hours per week (Walton-on-Thames)
Contract type: Permanent

Key responsibilities:

• Work jointly with the Mental Health Practitioner in conducting assessments, including risk assessment, and to work with patients to support them in identifying their socially determined needs and goals, provide self-management tools and facilitate the development of personal support plans
• Provide a range of motivational and structured psychosocial interventions
• Promote independence through an enabling asset-based approach that draws on individuals’ strengths, preferences and ‘natural’ support networks
• Establish effective working relationships with a range of agencies to facilitate a ‘joined up’ approach to support plans
• Liaise with, develop and maintain good relations with GPs, practice managers and other health practitioners across mental health and physical health pathways and wider support networks
• Provide continuity throughout recovery; engaging the patient with key services such as Safe Havens, accessing CMHRS, and providing support for those engaged with and leaving CMHRS, and linking into local wellbeing services and activities
• Co-ordinate and support patients to access a range of community services such as wellbeing services, housing providers, family and carer support services, debt and employer advisors where appropriate
• Assist with community resource mapping exercises and maintain a database of community resources; map where there are gaps in provision across the PCN and wider geography and work with other VCS organisations to develop resources where most needed
• Promote and support (where necessary) advised follow up actions from physical health checks for people with serious mental illness
• Support patients to engage with local peer support workers and volunteering services
• Support and supervise any peer support workers linked to PCN
• Work with the service to identify opportunities to expand provision particularly in local communities where there is a lack of service provision identified
• Broker and establish new partnerships between public and voluntary sector agencies to enhance service delivery and access to services
• Develop and sustain professional relationships with service users, partner agencies and appropriate external agencies
• Complete locally agreed quality outcome measures, with patients and to undertake regular reviews

About the organisation:

Through Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health, and wellbeing—together, every step of the way.

 About you:

• A minimum of 2 years community experience of mental health work
• Experience of delivering brief interventions for mental health needs
• An understanding and ability to work to the confidentiality, consent, information sharing and safeguarding policies of the integrated service
• Good communication and written skills and a commitment to accurate and confidential record keeping
• Ability to interact effectively with the client group, colleagues and other professionals whilst retaining clear boundaries
• Ability to break down stigma and barriers associated with working with the client group
• Demonstrate an understanding of the issues and needs of the client group
• Knowledge and understanding of community working, lone working, and ability to maintain safety whilst working in the community
• Ability to work to all the policies, procedures and standards of the Service and joint working arrangements with key partners
• A good understanding of personal limitations, ability to identify when to seek advice and support, and deal with issues which may provoke strong emotions in an objective and professional manner i.e. child protection
• Ability to manage any challenging behaviour, anger and verbal aggression from patients
• Proficient in Microsoft Word, use of email, Outlook, and basic excel skills
• Ability to enter data onto a database as required by the Service
• Ability to travel to and from a number of different locations on a daily basis
• Ability to work flexibly across operational hours and evenings and weekends, where required
• Ability to work co-operatively as part of a multidisciplinary team (statutory and voluntary) from a service hub

Benefits:

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental, counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working where possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation, and wellbeing/EAP resources

Safeguarding & Checks:

• This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
• A past history of drug/alcohol issues or criminality will not necessarily exclude you from this role; we encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate.
• All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment.

We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

The Senior Employment Advisor is responsible for managing and supporting a team of Employment Advisors who deliver structured employment support to clients engaged in NHS Talking Therapies. ​​

Employment Advisors typically provide 6–8 sessions of tailored employment guidance, which is fully integrated into the individual’s therapeutic journey.​​

This integrated model ensures that clients receive coordinated support that addresses both their mental health needs and barriers to employment, helping them progress towards sustainable work outcomes at a pace aligned with their recovery

We are looking for an experienced and inspiring Garden and Volunteer Wellbeing Coordinator with an interest in garden and wellbeing activities to come and be part of an exciting community garden project. You will have experience of supporting staff and volunteers and be able to assist with the project management of the ongoing development of the gardens.

Location: Frimley and Woking
Salary: £24,980 pro rata (£14,988 actual)
Hours: 21 hours per week (ideally Tuesday to Thursday)
Contract type: Permanent

About the organisation:

Through Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health, and wellbeing—together, every step of the way.

Key responsibilities:

• Project manage the enclosed garden space at Frimley Lodge Park and The Arch in Woking.
• Develop and facilitate a programme of activities within the Catalyst Community Wellbeing Garden that will help improve wellbeing for people in the community, including:
  • Seasonal workshops
  • Gardening with the CEO
  • Staff and partner wellbeing touchpoints
  • Groups for clients struggling with their mental wellbeing
• Recruit, develop and manage garden volunteers
• Work with other partners to promote volunteering and creating a space for wellbeing activities
• Use excellent interpersonal skills to motivate and inspire participants to get the most out of the opportunities that the garden presents
• Develop and implement growing plans and vision for the garden with input from colleagues and volunteers
• Ensure operations are well-organised, safely managed and delivered
• Implement and manage a booking system for volunteer and staff rotas
• Be prepared for physically demanding aspects i.e. digging, lifting and bending
• Ensure the garden is adequately planted during all seasons, and that a programme of activity is in place
• Lead the development of the land and facilities with input from colleagues and volunteers
• Prioritise and time-manage short and long-term growing projects and developments
• Maintain a productive year-round vegetable and herb garden
• Work with colleagues and staff to organise and facilitate seasonal events in the garden
• Develop opportunities for food sharing
• Facilitate the smooth running of activities in the gardens ensuring they are productive, attractive, and pleasant spaces for people to socialise and gather
• Be available to support other Community Connections groups and activities

About you

Essential:

• Experience of working / learning in a horticulture environment
• Experience of working in mental health
• Proven horticulture and gardening knowledge
• Excellent organisational skills
• Excellent planning and development skills
• Ability to organise and manage your own workload
• Good financial awareness when budgeting and planning
• Great communications and interpersonal skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to work through busy and challenging priorities
• Ability to work under pressure, with full workloads and to tight deadlines
• Ability to think and work strategically
• Ability use initiative, confidence in making decisions and ability to work collaboratively
• Have authentic attributes of Kindness, Commitment and Integrity
• Ability to work as a team and support other team members
• Ability to maintain Equal Opportunity standards at all times
• Flexible and can-do attitude
• Ability to travel to and from both gardens

Desirable:

• Educated to A level or equivalent in relevant disciplines e.g. English, Media
• Experience of supporting volunteers
• Experience of developing creative wellbeing activities

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental, counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working where possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation, and wellbeing/EAP resources

Safeguarding & Checks

• This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
• A past history of drug/alcohol issues or criminality will not necessarily exclude you from this role; we encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate.
• All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK.

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment.

We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.