Community employment specialist jobs

Teenage Cancer Trust is the only UK charity dedicated to providing specialised nursing care and support for young people aged 13–24 with cancer. Every day, seven young people in the UK hear the words “you have cancer”, and Teenage Cancer Trust ensures they do not face it alone.

The charity funds specialist nurses and youth support teams in hospitals across the UK and provides vital emotional, practical and psychological support for young people and their families during and after treatment.

Regional fundraising is a core income stream for Teenage Cancer Trust, generating income through a combination of community and corporate fundraising. Supporters are often personally connected to the cause, including young people, families and communities directly impacted by cancer, making this a highly rewarding fundraising environment.

Teenage Cancer Trust is now seeking a Senior Relationship Manager (West Scotland) to grow and develop income across the West of Scotland. With an individual income target of c.£130k and a combined Scotland regional target of c.£260k across East and West Scotland, this role will play a key part in strengthening existing relationships while identifying and developing new fundraising opportunities across a region with significant growth potential.

Reporting to the Regional Fundraising Area Manager, you will be responsible for building long-term supporter relationships and developing strategic area plans to maximise fundraising opportunities. You will also work closely with frontline nursing teams, volunteers and colleagues across the organisation, ensuring supporters experience the impact of their fundraising while helping identify new opportunities across both community and corporate audiences.

As Senior Relationship Manager, you will:

• Manage and grow a portfolio of community and corporate supporters across West Scotland
• Deliver an individual income target of c.£130k across community and corporate fundraising
• Develop strategic area plans to drive sustainable income growth
• Build, steward and retain high-value supporter relationships
• Coach and mentor Relationship Managers, supporting their development
• Identify and develop new fundraising opportunities across community and corporate audiences
• Work closely with frontline teams to share powerful supporter stories and demonstrate impact
• Monitor income performance, manage pipelines and proactively mitigate risk
• Build strong relationships with volunteers, corporate partners and local communities
• Represent Teenage Cancer Trust across the region, building networks and raising awareness

Essential skills and experience:

• Experience of community, corporate or regional fundraising
• Proven ability to build and grow long-term supporter relationships
• Track record of delivering income against fundraising targets
• Excellent relationship-building, networking and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to coach, mentor or support the development of colleagues
• Confident developing fundraising plans and identifying new income opportunities
• Good financial planning, pipeline management and reporting skills
• Excellent communication, influencing and storytelling skills

You’ll need access to a vehicle as there is a requirement to be able to travel across the region to attend meetings, events and training.

Desirable, but not essential:

• Knowledge of managing high-value or complex supporter relationships
• Exposure to both community and corporate fundraising
• Experience working with volunteers and close-to-cause supporters
• Knowledge of the West Scotland fundraising landscape, ideally Glasgow

Employee benefits include: 

• Leave: 25 days of annual leave, which increases with service, in addition to bank holidays and a 3 or 4 day closure over the Christmas period. We also have finish early Fridays in August and quarterly rest days to step away from day to day work and refocus.
• Flexible bank holidays: the option to swap five UK public holidays (except 25th, 26th December, and 1st January or any substitute bank holidays for these dates) for other dates off.
• Paid Carer and Compassionate Leave: paid time off to care for family members or dependants.
• Paid Parental Leave: enhanced pay for parental leave such as maternity leave, paternity leave or adoption leave.
• Paid Volunteering Leave: support your community by taking paid leave for volunteering activities.
• Health Cashback Plan: access a health cashback plan to cover medical expenses.
• Life assurance and Income Protection: financial support if you’re unable to work due to illness or injury.
• Discount scheme: access exclusive savings at various high street retailers and gyms.
• Flexible Working: we care about your wellbeing and encourage flexible work arrangements to promote work-life balance.

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 a Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Employment Service in Camden.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

As an Employment Specialist, you will manage a caseload of up to twenty clients, applying the eight principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to help individuals secure and sustain competitive employment. You will work closely with clinical teams, participating in case discussions and supervision while contributing to a multidisciplinary approach to client support. Responsibilities include developing employer relationships, identifying suitable job opportunities, supporting clients throughout their employment journey, and providing advice on benefits. You will monitor performance against key targets, maintain accurate records, ensure compliance with NHS and organisational procedures, provide ongoing in-work support, and actively engage in professional development, training, and service improvement activities.

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.

You will bring experience of managing a caseload and applying the eight principles of Individual Placement and Support (IPS) to help individuals secure and sustain employment. You will possess strong employer engagement and job development skills, with the ability to source suitable opportunities and build effective employer networks. A collaborative approach, working alongside clinical teams, external partners, and employers, will enable you to support integrated employment and mental health outcomes. You will demonstrate excellent organisational and administrative abilities, including KPI monitoring, record management, and compliance with procedures. With a client-centred mindset, you will provide ongoing support to clients and employers, alongside strong communication, relationship-building, time management, adaptability, professional resilience, and a commitment to continuous learning and development.

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.

Are you motivated, and do you feel you have the skills to network and develop relationships with employers, helping to match people into employment?  

If so, we would like to hear from you!  

South East London Mind’s IPS Employment Service helps people with mental health needs back into work. We aim to increase the number of people moving into paid employment from Community Mental Health Teams. 

We are currently seeking five permanent IPS Employment Specialists in Greenwich, and one based in Bromley, to work as part of the Community Mental Health Teams and Mental Health Hub. You will deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) approach (for which training will be given). 

We welcome applications from all experience levels and backgrounds. You will need the ability to motivate and build relationships with participants, strong organisational skills, the confidence to communicate and engage with a range of employers, and a fundamental belief that anyone with a mental health condition can work.  

What we’re looking for: 

• Employer Engagement and Relationship Building: Ability to initiate and develop relationships with a variety of individuals and be able to engage employers using a variety of methods such as via telephone, online platforms or face-to-face in the community. 
• Accuracy and Record Management: Strong attention to detail, ensuring accurate and timely recording of case notes and data, essential for monitoring progress and achieving targets. 
• Collaboration: The ability to work seamlessly within a multidisciplinary team, forging connections and enhancing the overall care experience for participants. 
• Resilience and Advocacy: The determination to overcome setbacks, find solutions, and continue advocating for participants’, even in the face of challenges. 
• Innovation: Bringing fresh ideas to the table, exploring creative ways to break down employment barriers, and promoting inclusive practices within the workplace. 

The successful candidates will work in line with the 25-point fidelity scale. Please be aware this is not a mental health support role

Successful applicants will be expected to undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Closing date: Thursday 16th July (11:59pm)

Likely interview date: Thursday 6th and Friday 7th August

We encourage early applications as we reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications.

About Us

SEL Mind supports people with mental health problems and dementia in the boroughs of Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark. We are proud of our diverse workforce and know that our organisation is made stronger by the variety of backgrounds, experience, and ideas within it. We promote a culture of inclusion and representation, and are working hard to build a workforce that even better reflects the communities we support.

SEL Mind is somewhere that you can be your authentic self without fear of discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodivergence, gender, age, lived experience of mental health problems or anything else that’s part of who you are.

Read more about staff benefits and why staff love working here on our website.

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

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: Sunday 19th 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.

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.

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.

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 17th 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.

Across the UK, millions of children and young people are facing complex social and emotional challenges. AllChild works within local communities and wider support systems to identify and support children and young people most at risk of poor social, emotional and academic outcomes. Through our two-year Impact Programme, we help build a joined-up network of support around each child and family, working in partnership with schools, local services and community organisations.

Our dedicated, school-based Link Workers coordinate bespoke, strengths-based support through our trusted partners, from counselling, tutoring and engagement opportunities in sport or art to access to wider community and early-help support where needed. By mobilising trusted relationships and coordinating support across the local system, we help young people flourish, building confidence, skills and a positive future. Founded in West London, AllChild is now expanding to new places to create lasting, place-based change.

We’re seeking people in the Greater Manchester area with a genuine passion for supporting children and young people, strong intrinsic motivation and high personal standards. If that sounds like you, we’d be delighted for you to join our team.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 24 July 2026.

We recognise that candidates may use AI tools to support research and check grammar. However, we ask that all supporting statements and application responses reflect your own thoughts and experiences. Over-reliance on AI may limit our ability to assess your individual skills, critical thinking, and personal approach, which are important parts of our selection process.

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

Domestic Abuse Practitioner – Community Services

Location: Bury

Salary: £27,500 FTE

Contract Type: Permanent

Please note, this is an on-site role only. Due to the nature of our Refuges and Outreach services, it is essential that our teams are present and accessible, enabling us to provide safe, responsive and high-quality support to those who need us most.

This post is open to women only as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010. 

About Safenet

We provide domestic abuse services across the Northwest of England, including refuges for women and children, safe houses for men, community support, and extra support for those facing addiction, mental health, or other issues.

We understand the serious impact domestic abuse can have, especially on health and wellbeing, and provide support and guidance to help survivors live safely and securely.

Safenet is part of the Calico Group. Here’s what makes The Calico Group unique: each of our specialist companies collaborates and innovates together to have a greater impact than they could alone.

Our shared vision, flexible group structure, and expanding range of services help us adapt to the fast-changing environment and times in which we work.

“A future where everyone can live safe, happy and healthy lives free from abuse, violence and exploitation in their homes, streets and communities.”

About the service 

We are a specialist team working within the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) sector, committed to delivering trauma-informed, survivor-led support. Our services are shaped by the Women’s Aid Federation of England (WAFE) National Quality Standards and guided by the Domestic Abuse Act 2021, which recognises the impact of abuse on both adults and children. We work collaboratively to provide safe, inclusive, and empowering support that reflects the diverse experiences of survivors and promotes long-term recovery and independence.

Working in a busy sector you will be part of a frontline refuge team working in a fast paced environment supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse. The team are passionate about creating safe welcoming environments that supports all residents, children and colleagues. A team who continually adapt to the variations of work tasks/environments, who are service focused, resilient, exercise good judgement to make the right decisions and take into consideration everyone’s individual needs to create a genuine team spirit.

We recognise and respond to the intersecting experiences of survivors, acknowledging how race, gender, disability, sexuality, and socio-economic status impact recovery and safety. We are committed to anti-racist practice and actively uphold the principles outlined in our organisation’s Anti-Racist Charter.

About the role

As a Domestic Abuse Practitioner, you’ll play a vital role in helping individuals and families affected by domestic abuse take their first steps toward safety, recovery, and independence. You’ll be the first point of contact for those in crisis - offering compassionate, practical, and emotional support that makes a real difference. 

For further information about the role, please visit the Role Profile.

What we are looking for

We welcome applicants from a range of relevant backgrounds; direct refuge experience is not essential, but you do need to bring credibility, confidence and compassion from related fields.

You might come from:

• Substance misuse or addiction recovery services
• Trauma‑informed women’s services
• Mental health or psychologically informed environments (PIE)
• Housing or supported accommodation with complex needs

You will bring

We believe in recruiting for potential as well as experience. Our ideal candidate will have:

• Although no formal qualifications are necessary a good level of spoken and written English is essential for this role.
• Proven experience providing emotional, practical, and welfare support to individuals affected by domestic abuse, including women, men, and children.
• Proven experience with adult and child safeguarding procedures and multi-agency risk assessment processes.
• Ability to support individuals in crisis with compassion and understanding.
• Non-judgmental attitude and active listening skills.

Essential Core Skills  

Health & Safety Awareness 

All our employees are required to work in a safe way, wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), and keep themselves, other colleagues and customers safe.  You will be expected to update your knowledge and skills on Health & Safety if successful in your application.  

Safeguarding 

We work with adults and children who may be ‘at risk’ and expect colleagues to work in a way which protects the people we support from harm.  Our colleagues are expected to identify people ‘at risk’ and confidently report any Safeguarding concerns as appropriate within the service. 

Digital 

Across our services, we use a range of technology and systems and expect colleagues to use them effectively and safely following cybersecurity and data protection principles (UK GDPR).  Full training on specific systems is provided but a willingness to learn and develop is essential. 

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) 

The Calico Group welcomes diversity and champions the rights of those in society who may be marginalised.  Our employees are expected to be inclusive, embracing those from different backgrounds to develop a fairer society. 

If you share our values and are ready to grow through continuous learning, development, and the support of a dedicated team, we want to hear from you! 

What’s in It for You?

At The Calico Group, we value our people and offer a supportive, inclusive culture alongside fantastic benefits:

• Bravo Benefits – Exclusive discounts at popular high street brands including many retailers and restaurants.
• Westfield Health – Our company funded cash plan, with access to a Doctor 24/7 – for you and your dependents.
• Mental Health Support – Access emotional and mental well-being services through Spectrum.
• Cycle to Work Scheme – Save on commuting costs while staying active.
• Pension Options – with employer pension contributions.
• Life Assurance – Peace of mind for you and your loved ones.
• Financial Advice – Expert guidance to help manage your finances.
• Recognition Awards – Celebrate your achievements with our recognition programs.
• Meaningful learning and development programmes with regular focus on your individual growth.
• Gym Membership Discounts – Stay fit with local gym access.
• One Calico Events – Connect and unwind at our employee social gatherings.
• Paid Professional Fees – We’ll cover the cost of professional subscriptions so you can continue growing your career.

And much more! We also offer enhanced holidays, sickness, maternity, and paternity options, ensuring you feel supported when you need it most.

How to Apply

Click Apply Now to complete your application online. Applications close on 19/07/2026

We can’t wait to welcome you to our team!

This post is open to women only as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

SafeNet is working towards Equal Opportunities for all and actively encourages applications from disabled, ethnic minority and LBGTQI+ women who are under-represented.  SafeNet is a Registered Charity No. 1091544 and a Company Limited by Guarantee No. 3860803. 

Inclusive Hiring at Calico 

We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and can thrive. If you need any adjustments during the recruitment process or would like to discuss accessibility, please let us know.

Our Commitment to Safeguarding 

The Calico Group is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all our customers employees, and volunteers. Successful candidates will be subject to a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Service) and appropriate pre-employment checks in line with our safeguarding policies.