Community employment specialist jobs

Leeds Mind promotes positive mental health and wellbeing and provides help and support to anyone who needs it in and around Leeds.  We have faith and optimism in our clients and so the services we deliver are built around their needs. We support the people of Leeds to discover their own resources to ‘recover’ from periods of poor mental health, and to live life independently with their mental health condition. 

Our values of Being Open, Supportive, Brave, Connected, and Resourceful are pivotal to the work we do.

Belonging at Leeds Mind

Leeds Mind is committed to creating an inclusive environment – equity, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of everything that we do.

We are committed to ensuring that our colleagues, volunteers and people who access our services feel a sense of belonging at Leeds Mind that gives them the confidence to share their unique perspectives and experience.

By creating an inclusive environment that fosters belonging, we aspire to attract colleagues and volunteers who offer diversity of experience and thought. We believe this will ultimately improve the service we provide as well as the employee and volunteer experience.

To find out more about how we are developing this you can visit our website.

Our Service

Employment is a key part of mental health recovery. Our employment services are delivered in line with the IPS model, supporting people with mental health challenges to retain paid employment in line with their aspirations. IPS is delivered in close partnership with NHS mental health services, employers, commissioners and the wider system.

Due to receiving new funding we are excited to expand our WorkPlace Leeds service to develop our existing support in the community.

The Role

To provide an evidence-based IPS employment support service, delivered in a trauma‑informed, person‑centred and inclusive way, in line with Leeds Mind values and IPS fidelity standards.

You will be required to manage a caseload of clients who have experienced mental health difficulties and who are either unemployed or seeking to return to current employment following long term absence. You will be expected to deliver the IPS approach (according to the key principles of IPS). You will work with all relevant stakeholders, including employers, to support the client to gain and retain paid employment. 

We encourage all interested candidates to watch an introductory video which describes the impact of being an IPS Employment Specialist. You can find this link on the job advert attached.

Essential Skills and Experience:

· Experience of working directly with individuals who face complex barriers, using a person‑centred, strengths‑based and non‑judgemental approach.

· Able to manage a varied caseload, support people to find, return to or stay in work, and work towards agreed outcomes in a performance‑focused environment.

· Ability to build positive, trusting relationships with clients, employers and partner professionals, and communicate clearly, empathetically and professionally.

· Willing and able to proactively approach employers, promote inclusive employment, and support workplaces to understand mental health and reasonable adjustments.

· Able to prioritise workload, maintain accurate records using digital systems, work within safeguarding and GDPR requirements, and engage with supervision and feedback.

· Demonstrates a commitment to Leeds Mind values, inclusive and trauma‑informed practice, partnership working, and ongoing learning (including completing IPS training and competency assessment).

Hours – 37 hours per week (we are unable to offer part time hours unfortunately but may be able to accommodate flexible working)

Selection process will include a telephone screening and assessment centre.

Location: The role is predominantly community-based but you will also attend meetings at Clarence House, Clarence Road, LS18 4LB.

Successful candidates will be required to undertake a right to work in the UK check as well as an enhanced DBS check.  At Leeds Mind, we've made significant progress in Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging in recent years, resulting in a genuinely diverse team. We are committed to maintaining strong representation in our workforce and always encourage applications from LGBTQIA+, culturally diverse, neurodivergent, and disabled individuals.   

Reg charity number: 1007625

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 Services in Camden.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

To support service users with mental illness, empower and upskill them in job searching and ultimately help them become successful in there job search and empower them and build there confidence in the job market to support there recovery from crisis.

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 managing a caseload of up to twenty clients, applying the 8 principles of IPS to support individuals in securing and sustaining employment through both job search activity and employer engagement. You will have proven experience working collaboratively with clinical teams, external agencies, and employers, ensuring a joined up, multidisciplinary approach that integrates employment and mental health support. Strong job sourcing and employer engagement skills are essential, with the ability to identify suitable opportunities, build lasting employer relationships, and support clients into meaningful work.

You will be highly organised, with excellent administrative skills and the ability to manage documentation, monitor KPIs, and meet performance targets such as job outcomes and retention while ensuring compliance with service standards and protocols. A client centred approach is key, providing tailored support to both clients and employers throughout job placement and sustainment, including guidance around benefits and employment transitions. You will be self-motivated, adaptable, and committed to professional development, with strong time management skills, professional boundaries, and the flexibility to work effectively across community and clinical settings.

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.

ABOUT MUSTARD TREE

At Mustard Tree, we believe everyone deserves dignity, opportunity, and hope.

We work alongside people experiencing poverty, homelessness, and financial hardship, providing practical support, life-changing opportunities, and pathways towards greater stability and independence.

Our work addresses both the causes and consequences of poverty. We support people not only in crisis, but as they rebuild confidence, develop skills, improve wellbeing, and take meaningful steps towards a more secure future.

ROLE PURPOSE

This role provides person-centred employment and progression support to individuals facing barriers to financial wellbeing, including homelessness or risk of homelessness. Working with a managed caseload, this role will support participants to build confidence and employability skills, and progress towards meaningful, sustained employment, further education, or accredited training.

The role includes a blend of structured employability support, responsive frontline 121 work combined with corporate partnership skills.  This role will work directly with Freedom Trainees and Mustard Tree clients, supporting walk-ins, referrals, and longer-term participants. This role will represent our values through high-quality, compassionate, and professional service delivery.

This role combines direct participant support, employability delivery, employer engagement working with the Salford Area Manager. You will work across our Eccles and Little Hulton sites, helping create meaningful opportunities that enable participants’ progression.

Key Competencies

1. World Class Welcome and Customer Service

· Deliver Work Placement and Employment service across Salford appropriate to participants’ needs, through a welcoming, inclusive, and professional service that reflects a world-class customer experience.

· Networking and building relationships in Salford with new and existing corporate partners to deliver work placement opportunities to Freedom Project trainees, attendees to structured courses/clubs, and referrals from partner organisations (JCP and Elevate partners)

· Provide tailored, 1:1 employment and skills support, including caseload management, action planning, CV development, job search, and interview preparation.

· Adapt support to meet the diverse and complex needs of participants, demonstrating empathy and resilience.

· Manage referrals and signposting effectively, ensuring participants access appropriate internal and external services.

2. Proactive in Living and Sharing our Culture, Values and Behaviours

· Consistently model Mustard Tree’s values, culture and expected behaviours in all interactions with participants, colleagues and partners.

· Promote equality, diversity and inclusion by creating safe, welcoming and respectful environments for everyone by building positive relationships, challenge inappropriate behaviour appropriately, and reflect on feedback to continuously improve practice.

· Communicate in an inclusive, accessible and person-centred way, adapting approaches to meet participants needs.

· Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and accountability while maintaining boundaries and delivering on commitments.

3. Courage in Problem Solving and Embracing Change to Meet Needs

· Identify barriers affecting participant progression and respond to reduce/remove the barriers

· Adapt quickly and positively to changing priorities, service demands and participant needs while maintaining high-quality support.

· Demonstrate resilience when managing complex situations, setbacks or competing pressures, whilst taking ownership of actions and outcomes

· Embrace learning, feedback and change to continuously improve ways of working and support positive participant outcomes

4. Confident in Safeguarding and Incident Management

· Manage situations calmly and professionally, maintaining dignity and safety for all.

· Follow safeguarding, health and safety, and incident management procedures, escalating concerns appropriately.

· Work collaboratively with colleagues, contributing to case discussions and team meetings

• Complete and maintain accurate documentation, incident forms, and risk records.
• Attend required training, supervision, and reflective practice sessions and keep up to date with relevant legislation and local statutory and voluntary-sector provision.

5. Skilled in Reporting

· Monitor progress, record outcomes, and adapt support in response to individual needs, using TreeSalt, case notes, and case studies to evidence impact.

• Signpost and refer trainees and participants to appropriate internal services and external agencies, including housing, mental health, benefits, and specialist support.
• Track participant outcomes including engagement, training completion, volunteering, work placements, and employment progression to support internal reporting requirements and funder monitoring.

6. Positive Management of Stakeholders, Partners and Supporters

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with local employers, job centres, statutory services, charities, and third-sector organisations.

• Coordinate referrals and progression pathways into and out of the programme. Establish and maintain pathways into employment, education, training, and volunteering.

• Identify, develop, and maintain work placement and progression opportunities with employers and partner organisations.
• Match participants to placements aligned with their interests, goals, and support needs.

• Ensure placements are structured, safe, and provide meaningful learning and development. Escalate any placement-related issues promptly and collaboratively.

General Duties

• Work in line with organisational policies, procedures, and values.
• Support colleagues and provide cover across services and sites when required.
• Take responsibility for professional development and ongoing learning.
• Act as a positive ambassador for the organisation internally and externally.
• Contribute to environmental responsibility through day-to-day working practices.
• Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role as required.

What we are looking for.

Person Specification 

Minimum of two years’ frontline experience supporting adults, including vulnerable individuals. - Essential

Experience supporting people facing multiple barriers such as poverty, homelessness, unemployment, or housing instability. - Essential

Experience of managing varied caseloads and achieving measurable outcomes with participants. - Essential

Experience of and/or ability to build and maintain partnerships with external organisations, local businesses or employers. - Essential

Understanding of employability pathways, training provision, and labour market opportunities. - Essential

Resilient, adaptable, with flexible enthusiastic approach. Able to work on their own initiative as well as contributing effectively as part of a team. - Essential

Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding, health and safety, and risk management. - Essential

Good interpersonal skills, including verbal and written communication skills. - Essential

Degree-level qualification and/or equivalent experience in responsible roles. - Desirable

Strong time management and administration skills, with the ability to multitask - Essential

Experienced in using IT systems including Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Excel, and Word - Desirable 

Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle and willingness and ability to travel regularly across our Salford hubs - Desirable

Why Work for Mustard Tree

Working at Mustard Tree is more than a job - it’s an opportunity to be part of a community that is changing lives every day.

Our Culture

• A values-led organisation where compassion, dignity, and respect guide everything we do
• A supportive and collaborative team environment where your voice matters
• A place where lived experience is valued and people are encouraged to bring their whole selves to work
• A strong sense of purpose, with the opportunity to see the real impact of your work

What We Offer

• A meaningful role where you can make a tangible difference in people’s lives
• Opportunities for learning, development, and progression, including access to training and mentoring
• A flexible and supportive approach to working, with consideration for work-life balance
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with length of service), with additional bank holidays and a day off for your birthday
• Employer pension contribution
• Access to wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Perkbox

We are committed to investing in our people and creating an environment where you can grow, feel supported, and do your best work.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement - telling us about your experience and why this role matters to you.

This job description is intended as a guide and may evolve as our work continues to grow and respond to the needs of our community.

SEQF Employment Specialist

Birmingham, B24 8HZ

We are advertising for 3 roles (2 x Full Time, 1 x Part Time 0.5FTE)

Salary: £31817 per annum (pro rata for Part Time). Fixed Term Contract to 31.3.27.

Location: Gravelly Hill, Birmingham B24 8HZ

Benefits: 25 days holiday, pro-rata, 5.5% Employer Pension Contribution including Life Cover, Occupational Sick Pay Benefits & Enhanced Maternity, Adoption and Paternity Leave and Pay, plus more

Reporting to: Employability Manager

About FareShare Midlands

FareShare Midlands is the region’s largest food redistribution charity, tackling inequality, transforming lives and ensuring no good food goes to waste. We rescue surplus food and redistribute it to 650 local charities and community organisations, feeding 60,000 people every week. We also invest in communities, providing education, training and volunteering opportunities, helping over 700 individuals to date to build a better future. Together, we’re fighting hunger, reducing food waste and creating opportunities across the Midlands. Learn more here or read our latest Annual Report Snapshot here.

About the Role:

We are seeking an experienced Supported Employment Specialist with a strong background in IPS (Individual Placement and Support) or SEQF (Supported Employment Quality Framework) models to join our team. The successful candidate will work directly with participants to help them identify, secure, and sustain competitive employment while building strong partnerships with employers and community support providers. This is a hands-on role that combines vocational coaching, employer engagement, and individualized support planning.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify, recruit, and register eligible participants, conducting inductions and assessing individual employment barriers.
• Work with participants to develop personalized vocational profiles, action plans, and career goals.
• Deliver one-to-one and group coaching, employability workshops, and workplace skills training.
• Apply the SEQF supported employment model, guiding participants through all five stages to achieve and sustain competitive employment.
• Identify and develop relationships with local employers to create suitable, inclusive work opportunities.
• Negotiate reasonable adjustments, job carving, and return-to-work strategies with employers.
• Support employers to embed inclusive practices that meet business needs and participant goals.
• Maintain accurate records of participant progress, outcomes, and employer engagement in line with SEQF standards.
• Arrange access to training opportunities and develop partnerships with specialist support providers.
• Ensure all placements and employment opportunities comply with safeguarding, health, and safety requirements.

Essential Skills:

• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience delivering one-to-one and group coaching or training sessions.
• Ability to assess understanding, adapt resources, and provide tailored guidance.
• Skilled at coaching, motivating, and inspiring participants to achieve employment goals.
• Experience supporting individuals with learning disabilities, autism, ADHD, or other employment barriers.
• Proven record in employer engagement and achieving positive participant outcomes.
• Knowledge and practical experience of SEQF or IPS supported employment frameworks.

Desirable Skills:

• Knowledge of the food industry and retail sector in the Midlands.
• Understanding of food waste and food poverty issues.
• Level 3 IAG (Information, Advice, and Guidance) in Employability.
• Understanding of welfare benefits.

How to Apply:

If you would like to apply for this role, please create a supporting statement to demonstrate your suitability and to explain your interest in both the job and FareShare Midlands. Please send your supporting statement with a copy of your CV.

We continue to strive to ensure that the profile of our staff and volunteers reflects the diverse communities we serve across the Midlands. As such we encourage and welcome applications from all our communities. We particularly welcome applications from people from ethnically diverse backgrounds as they are currently under-represented within FareShare Midlands.

Closing date for applications is Wednesday 3rd June 2026

Specialist Behavioural Support Worker

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities Care Service in Newham. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£31,117.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel valued? You'll feel at home here.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card

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

Specialist Support Workers within Look Ahead are required to have either an extra dimension of experience or a higher qualification level as determined relevant for the particular post. Specialist Support Workers provide information, social inclusion and vocational opportunities to support people to recover and stay well; exercise choice and control in their care and lives; and participate on an equal footing in the community.

What you'll do:

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

• Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
• Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
• Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
• Create support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customer to progress in their recovery

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
• Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour * Prefers working as part of a group or team
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some or equivalent sector work experience

Desirable:

• Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications and languages

About us:

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

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

Make a real difference every day

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe that everyone severely affected by mental illness deserves the opportunity to live a fulfilling life — and having meaningful employment can be a crucial part of that journey.

We’re looking for an IPS Employment Specialist to join our East Kent IPS Service covering Thanet, Folkestone, Hythe & Romney Marsh, Canterbury, Dover, Deal and Ashford. You’ll work one‑to‑one with people who want to find or return to paid employment, helping them identify their goals, build confidence, and secure roles that align with their skills and aspirations.

This is a Part Time (21 Hours) role with a salary of £13,796.24 pro rata.

This is a rewarding, dynamic role where no two days are the same. You’ll work in the community, meet people where they are, and build strong relationships with employers and local partners to open real opportunities within the hidden labour market.

What you’ll do

As an Employment Specialist, you will:

• Work alongside individuals to understand their employment goals and create personalised vocational plans.
• Support people to find and keep paid work that reflects their strengths, interests and ambitions.
• Build and maintain relationships with employers, identifying opportunities and advocating for reasonable adjustments where needed.
• Provide in‑work support to help individuals thrive in their roles.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the IPS team and local services to ensure consistent, recovery‑focused support.
• Promote the value of employment in mental health recovery across your allocated East Kent area.
• Maintain effective records, manage referrals, and contribute to the smooth running of the service.

What you’ll bring

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting people into employment or helping others overcome barriers to work.
• Understands mental health challenges and has experience in social care, support services or community-based roles.
• Can build positive relationships with a wide range of people, including employers, colleagues and service users.
• Is empathetic, proactive and comfortable working independently across a dispersed geography.
• Is organised, flexible and able to respond calmly to unexpected challenges.
• Has strong awareness of risk management, safeguarding and confidentiality.
• Holds — or is working towards — a Level 3 qualification relevant to care, community mental health or social support (or equivalent experience).

Experience delivering community projects, facilitating training, or developing workshops is desirable but not essential.

Why join us?

Joining Rethink Mental Illness means becoming part of a charity that believes in people’s potential. You’ll receive:

• Regular supervision and access to learning and development
• Supportive, values-driven colleagues
• Opportunities to shape services and empower individuals
• The chance to make a direct, life‑changing impact

Ready to make a difference?

If you’re passionate about supporting people with mental health challenges to achieve their employment goals, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and help create a better future for people living with mental illness in East Kent

The Community Engagement Manager is the project lead for the charity’s community engagement project, responsible for designing, delivering, and growing innovative and inclusive support services for children, young people, and adults affected by cardiomyopathy.

The post holder will build strong, supportive relationships with our diverse and growing team of community volunteers- many of whom have a personal connection to cardiomyopathy - providing them with ongoing support and supervision to develop and thrive in their roles.

The post holder will also build strong relationships with health & social care professionals (HSCPs) and other relevant third sector professionals across the UK, to ensure that cardiomyopathy patients (and their loved ones) in all four UK nations are routinely and effectively signposted to the charity’s services. 

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Interviews for this role will take place w/c Monday 15th June.

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 now recruiting an IPS Employment Advisor to join our Connect to Work service across Enfield. This is a full-time, permanent role working 35 hours per week, following the principles of the IPS model to support people into paid employment. 

What you’ll be doing 

If you were working with us, your days would be varied and people-centred. You would manage a caseload of clients with mental health support needs, people experiencing homelessness, and people with offending histories, offering one-to-one support to help them secure and sustain employment that matches their preferences. 

You would provide person-centred guidance using the IPS approach (training is provided), helping clients build confidence, prepare for work, and navigate challenges that may arise. A key part of the role involves engaging employers, promoting the value of our service, and identifying suitable job opportunities.

You would work closely with NHS clinical teams, contributing to an integrated approach to recovery through employment. This includes attending team meetings, coordinating support, and maintaining clear, client-led communication. The role also involves working to agreed targets while maintaining a high-quality, supportive service. 

What you’ll need 

You do not need previous employment support experience. What matters most is that you bring: 

• A genuine desire to support people with mental health support needs and/or learning disabilities to achieve their employment goals. 

• Motivation to help people from all backgrounds move into meaningful work. 

• Confidence speaking with a wide range of people, from clients to employers. 

• Strong organisation skills, with the ability to multitask and manage your workload. 

• Willingness to learn the IPS model and become confident approaching employers. 

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health, personally or through a close contact. 

What we offer 

• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays (FTE) 

• Paid company closed days at the end of the year (FTE) 

• Flexible, paid Wellbeing Hour every fortnight (FTE) 

• 6% employer pension contribution 

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

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.

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. Telephone and final interviews will be confirmed. 

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

Job Title: Employment Consultant (Portsmouth/Southampton area)

Location: Home- and field-based with regular local travel (driving licence essential)

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 are seeking a passionate and person-centred Employment Consultant to join our team. 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 Melanie Rignall, Services Manager.

For an informal conversation to find out more about this role, please call Melanie Rignall.

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.

The Role

We're looking for an experienced community development worker to lead a portfolio of projects and support the wider Lost Woods team. Using an asset-based community development (ABCD) approach, you'll work with adults, children, young people and families — particularly those facing barriers to accessing nature.

Your lead projects will include:

• Woods on Prescription and sustainable community woodland wellbeing activities
• Five Ways to Family Wellbeing – building confidence to take children and YP into woodlands
• Networking for underserved groups engaging with woodland and nature
• Evaluating and legacy-planning for all lead projects by November 2027

Alongside the team, you'll:

• Engage communities, map needs and help overcome barriers to participation
• Support volunteer groups to develop their own sustainable woodland activities
• Work with landowners, local authorities and partners to improve woodland access
• Deliver training, events and networking for stakeholders
• Report accurately on outcomes and maintain GDPR-compliant records
• Represent AirS at events and through social media
• Contribute to fundraising for Lost Woods and future AirS projects

About You

Essential:

• Experience of community development, including asset-based approaches and mentoring community groups
• Experience delivering nature-based, outdoor or conservation activities across a range of ages and abilities
• Experience working with people from diverse backgrounds, including those with vulnerabilities or complex support needs
• Experience on multi-organisation partnership programmes
• Confident collecting, monitoring and evaluating data and writing funder reports
• Knowledge of ABCD and an understanding of barriers to community involvement, particularly in rural areas
• Strong interpersonal skills — able to influence and motivate volunteers, communities and stakeholders at all levels
• Good organisational skills and experience meeting monitoring and reporting requirements
• Qualified to GCSE level or equivalent; Forest School (level 2/3), Eco Psychology, Nature Connection or Counselling training also considered
• Current driving licence and use of own vehicle
• Outdoor First Aid trained, or willing to be — you'll lead risk assessments for woodland activities

Desirable:

• Accredited qualification or significant experience in community development or community organising
• Knowledge of rural Sussex, relevant statutory services and local conservation organisations
• Experience of line management or team leadership
• Coaching, mentoring or training facilitation skills
• Experience using social media to promote projects

Location: Lost Woods programme area (West, Mid & East Sussex) with home working Hours: 21 hours per week (some evenings/weekends – TOIL given) Salary: £30,833 pro rata Contract: Fixed term – programme ends November 2027 Annual leave: 28 days pro rata | Pension: 5% employer contribution

AirS is committed to equality of opportunity. This post is subject to a DBS check.

Project Manager – Community One-to-One Advocacy

We are seeking an experienced and motivated Project Manager to lead the delivery of our Community One-to-One Advocacy project across the Royal Borough of Greenwich. The successful candidate will oversee project delivery, staff management, community engagement, partnerships, compliance, and monitoring to ensure high-quality, inclusive, and person-centred advocacy services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and coordinate the day-to-day delivery and development of the advocacy project.
• Work closely with the CEO on project implementation, reporting, evaluation, and risk management.
• Line manage staff, consultants, and volunteers, providing supervision, training, and development support.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, community organisations, and stakeholders across Greenwich.
• Ensure compliance with safeguarding, GDPR, health & safety, equality, and organisational policies.
• Oversee project monitoring, data collection, reporting, and operational systems including Microsoft 365 and referral processes.
• Support outreach, volunteering, and community engagement activities to ensure services are accessible and inclusive.
• Represent the organisation at meetings, forums, and networking events.

About You

You will have:

• Experience managing community, advocacy, or charity projects.
• Strong leadership, organisational, and partnership-building skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, governance, and compliance requirements.
• Experience supervising staff and supporting workforce development.
• Excellent communication, reporting, and problem-solving abilities.
• Commitment to equality, inclusion, and person-centred practice.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference within the local community and help shape inclusive advocacy services across Greenwich.

As a Domestic Abuse Specialist working for Aurora New Dawn, you will work to strengthen the police response to domestic abuse by providing independent, specialist expertise within police control rooms.

Based in a local police control room you will work alongside call handlers, dispatchers, and officers to:

• assess risk and ensure no opportunities for safeguarding are missed
• quality assure police responses to domestic abuse calls
• review incident logs, DASH/DARA risk assessments, and Body Worn Video (BWV) footage
• provide operational advice to officers deploying to incidents
• identify and facilitate referrals into specialist domestic abuse support services
• improve victim safety from the very first point of contact

Working under the direction of a Senior member of staff you will work independently but collaboratively with Thames Valley police, and in line with our organisational values.

This role involves supporting and developing police staff within police centres. There may also be occasions in the future where you attend callouts alongside officers to observe their engagement with victims, to provide feedback that supports risk assessment and safeguarding processes.

PLEASE NOTE: This is an on-site role which requires you to be co-located within police control rooms and/or call centres during your shifts.

MAIN DUTIES

1. Call Review and Quality Assurance

• Listen to live or recently recorded 101/999 calls to assess victim engagement and identify missed domestic abuse indicators.
• Provide constructive, specialist feedback to call handlers to strengthen practice.
• Review selected calls or conduct sampling to identify domestic abuse calls that may have been missed.
• Review body-worn video (BWV) footage as required.

1. Risk Assessment and Escalation

• Review DASH/DARA risk assessments, police logs, and intelligence systems to identify concerns.
• Escalate cases requiring regrading or altered response times to the Force Control Room (FCR) Inspector, documenting all recommendations.
• Identify risk patterns and ensure timely action to safeguard victims.

1. Operational Advice for Officers and Control Room Staff

• Provide attending officers with relevant operational advice and background information via manual intelligence checks, such as:

Ø  protective order status

Ø  history of prior callouts

Ø  known risk indicators

Ø  relevant vulnerabilities or perpetrator patterns

• Add safeguarding information to dispatch logs as appropriate.

1. Multi‑Agency Work and Referrals

• Work closely with the local Victims First Hub, other specialist services and relevant ‘By and For’ organisations to facilitate appropriate onward referrals.
• Provide guidance on appropriate pathways for victims based on risk, identity, and need.
• Support the development of posters, guidance, and resources for FCR staff relating to out‑of‑hours support.

1. Learning, Development and Culture Change

• Support, inform, and where appropriate deliver training for call handlers and new recruits.
• Contribute to identifying themes, patterns, and learning for organisational improvement.
• Participate in review meetings with TVP, OPCC, and the Aurora Management Team.

1. Independence, Governance and Data

• Maintain strict independence while collaborating constructively with police colleagues.
• Work within data protection legislation and information sharing policies, including in relation to police data.
• Maintain accurate, confidential case and activity records.

1. Professional Responsibilities

• Maintain up‑to‑date specialist knowledge of domestic abuse practice.
• Participate in regular clinical supervision, case/workload reviews and line management supervision.
• Work flexibly to meet demand and support resilience across all FCR locations.
• Uphold Aurora New Dawn’s values, ethos and confidentiality standards at all times
• Complete any other duties. appropriate to the role and level.

Corporate Responsibilities

1. The above range of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive: post holders will be expected to perform work of a similar level and responsibility when requested to do so.
2. Remain up-to-date and compliant with all organisational procedures policies and professional codes of conduct and uphold standards of best practice.
3. Observe duty to all Heath and Safety rules and take all reasonable care to promote the health and safety of yourself and others.
4. Act in a way that supports and promotes Aurora New Dawn’s Equal Opportunities Policy, which aims to ensure everyone has equal treatment and equal access to employment and services.
5. Contribute to Best value by working in an effective, efficient, and economic way, and to suggest and implement improved ways of working wherever possible. 

IT Security

All staff must strictly adhere to current Aurora New Dawn policy on IT security as instructed by Chief Executive. Any breach of this policy could invoke the Aurora New Dawn disciplinary procedures, which could result in dismissal.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

This job description is a guide to the work you will initially be required to undertake.  It may be changed from time to time to meet changing circumstances.  It does not form part of your contract of employment

DOMESTIC ABUSE SPECIALIST

Essential Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• Demonstrable, direct experience of supporting victims of domestic abuse.
• Strong understanding of:
  • domestic abuse typologies
  • risk assessment and safety planning
  • dynamics of coercive control
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice principles, and their application to policing
• Ability to analyse risk quickly and accurately, including during crisis situations.
• Experience reviewing domestic abuse cases, quality assurance/audit and DIP sampling
• Knowledge of local specialist services, including By and For providers.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including providing clear, constructive feedback and written reports
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and act with independence.
• Strong IT skills and ability to use case management or intelligence systems.
• Ability to remain calm and effective in a high‑pressure, fast‑moving environment.
• Confidence in representing the organisation at local meetings, training sessions and within multi-agency groups as required.
• Commitment to feminist ethos, equality, and anti‑discriminatory practice.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends.

Desirable

• IDVA qualification via a recognised provider.
• Experience working with police or within a control room setting.
• Experience delivering training or workshops.
• Experience reviewing Body Worn Video (BWV), police logs, or intelligence systems.
• Experience working in a crisis-response environment (e.g., helplines, emergency services).

Personal Qualities

• Compassionate, empathetic, and victim/survivor‑centred.
• Non‑judgemental, empowering approach.
• Ability to challenge constructively and maintain independence.
• Adaptable, resilient, and able to manage competing demands.
• Reliable, professional, and trustworthy.
• Reflective, with commitment to continuous improvement.

Other Requirements

• Enhanced DBS
• Full Police Vetting is an essential requirement of the post and will be required on acceptance of employment. If full Level 3 Police vetting is not obtained your employment can be terminated.
• Ability to travel across Thames Valley locations.
• Access to a vehicle and valid UK driving
• This role is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

We encourage applications from women of all backgrounds and communities and are committed to having a team that is diverse in terms of skills, experiences, and abilities. We particularly encourage applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic women, as these groups are currently underrepresented in our organisation.

Rural Housing Enabler

Hours: up to 34 hours per week

Location: Office base Brightspace, Ipswich or Kirkley Centre, Lowestoft with blended working

Term: Fixed Term to 31 March 2027 (potential to extend subject to funding)

Salary: £31,295 Fulltime (pro rata £28,374.13)

Start date: As soon as possible

About us

Community Action Suffolk (CAS) is the county’s infrastructure organisation for the Voluntary, Community, Faith and Social Enterprise (VCFSE) sector. We exist to ensure our sector, and its volunteers are supported, safe and sustainable and that our communities are active and resilient.

Our values of collaborative, enabling, person centred, responsive and trusted are the golden thread which runs through who we are and how we operate, and we aim to make them real every day.

About the role

We are seeking a Rural Housing Enabler to join our friendly team. In this role, you will play a crucial part in increasing the supply of affordable housing in Suffolk. You will engage with communities and provide a range of support, from raising awareness of the need for affordable housing, facilitating initial discussions, gathering of evidence of need and liaising with other stakeholders. You will assist them throughout the journey of developing their own local housing schemes.

In this role, clear communication is essential. You’ll be presenting to a range of audiences, and working in partnership with communities / community leaders, parish councils, district and county authorities, landowners, developers, housing organisations, and other partners to bring forward affordable rural housing projects in Suffolk. Good IT skills, and the ability to build strong relationships are crucial.

The ideal candidate will have the following experience/skills:

· Excellent working knowledge of the issues affecting housing in Suffolk, and other issues affecting rural communities

· Experience of working in supporting rural communities thorough consultation for affordable and/or community led housing

· A good knowledge and understanding of the principles of quality community consultation.

· Working with local authorities, parish councils, housing associations and similar organisations

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills

If you are interested in the role and would like to learn more, please visit our website for more information on who to contact. 

We are a friendly organisation, committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive culture in all that we do, and welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We aim to create a workplace which is welcoming, fair, and inclusive, where people can be themselves and contribute to our vision and values.

We are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, or on commencement of post. 

What we offer

You will work within a reputable charity which offers its employees benefits which include:

· Blended working where role allows

· Flexible working options to support work/life balance

· 33 days (FTE) increasing to a maximum 36 (FTE) annual holiday which includes an allowance for bank holidays

· Up to 4% matched pension contribution

· 2 days pro rata volunteering days to support volunteering in Suffolk

· Staff Discounts Scheme for a range of retailers including; shopping, holidays, insurance, eating out and health and leisure activities

· Company Sick Pay Scheme

· Continued Professional Development for job related development

· Family Friendly policies and practices

· Tailored induction

For more information and an application pack please visit our website.

Applications for this role will be reviewed and considered on an ongoing basis until the role is filled. Interviews will be arranged according to availability.

We therefore encourage you to submit your application at the earliest opportunity to avoid disappointment, as we reserve the right to close this job listing once a successful candidate is appointed.

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

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

As a Youth Worker you will:

• Focus on supporting our secondary age cohort
• Plan and run appropriate and engaging activities
• Provide structured interventions to support vulnerable young people
• Work with referral partners to provide additional support and activities
• Foster relationships with families and local schools

As a Play Worker you will:

• Focus on our primary age cohort
• Use your knowledge of Playwork Principles to plan and run appropriate and engaging
  activities
• Foster relationships with families and primary local schools

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

To be successful in this role, you will act as a trusted practitioner in all our service delivery, advocating for children’s right to play throughout our programmes. You will work as part of the team on the delivery and planning of all sessions, ensuring that the children’s and young people’s ideas are central to the construction of a varied and engaging play environment. You will understand the wide-ranging challenges facing young people and will be flexible in adjusting your practice to meet these needs. While practitioners may have a primary focus (primary or secondary age), all staff are expected to work flexibly across all age groups, programmes and delivery model including open access play, targeted youth work, mentoring and school link sessions.