Community engagement and volunteer support worker jobs

About Working Well Trust

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

We are recruiting a part-time Employment Support Worker (0.5 FTE) to join our supported employment team in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. This is a permanent position with funding secured until March 2027.

What you’ll be doing

If you were working with us, you would hold a varied caseload of clients with lived experience of mental health, autism and/or a learning disability. You would support clients to identify their employment goals, build confidence, prepare for work, and navigate any barriers they may face.

Your work would be entirely person-centred. You would support clients in line with their preferences and aspirations, helping them identify roles that match their strengths. A key part of the role involves approaching employers, explaining the value of our service, and working with them to identify suitable opportunities for clients. You would continue to support both clients and employers to help individuals sustain their employment.

You would work closely with referring teams, maintaining regular communication and ensuring a coordinated and client-led approach. You would also work to agreed targets while maintaining a high-quality, supportive service that reflects the principles of SEQF and the British Association of supported employment.

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 enthusiasm to learn the SEQF 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 learning disabilities or Autism.

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

What we offer

• £14,638 per year (0.5 FTE)

• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, pro rata (FTE)

• Employer pension contribution of 6%

• Supportive environment within a small, dedicated team

• Meaningful, rewarding work supporting people into employment

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

What’s next

Before applying, please note that we actively review all applications and only progress candidates who provide meaningful answers to the screening questions.

If you are ready to support people in Kingston to achieve their employment goals and build positive relationships with employers, click Apply to submit your CV and complete the screening questions.

Start your application today and join us in making a meaningful impact.

This is a rewarding and varied role combining direct family support with the organisation and delivery of family support activities and events.

You will be a consistent point of contact for families navigating life after a childhood cancer diagnosis, building relationships, coordinating tailored support, and helping families thrive emotionally and socially.

Alongside your casework, you’ll plan, deliver, and review a high-quality weekly events and activities programme, ensuring every session and event is engaging, inclusive, and aligned with family needs and organisational priorities.

You will play a key role in supporting The Joshua Tree’s family experience, balancing compassionate, hands-on support with proactive coordination, creativity, and operational excellence.

Location: Loughborough, England (Travel required to all Baca Services locations)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £24,754 - £28,454 per annum FTE

Working Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (including evening and weekend hours on a rota)

Start Date: January 2026

About Us:

Baca is dedicated to providing support and care to 16 to 18 year old unaccompanied asylum seeking children who are newly arrived in the country, helping them rebuild their strength, dignity, and hope for the future. We work closely with social workers and representatives from other agencies to benefit the young people in our care.

Role Overview:

As a Support Worker, you will be a key worker for several young people in Baca's care, providing high-quality holistic and therapeutic support for their transition to adulthood. You will deliver services in line with Baca’s Theory of Change, ensuring the highest quality outcomes in physical and emotional wellbeing, education, employment, training, social engagement, and personal safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality support and care to young people, ensuring their holistic development.
• Work proactively to safeguard young people and resolve any issues that arise.
• Be a role model, offering care and compassion without discrimination.
• Support young people in developing essential life skills and preparing for independent living.
• Engage young people in education, vocational training, and hobbies.
• Foster positive relationships within the community and support social engagement.
• Plan and participate in day trips and annual residential weeks.
• Develop partnerships with social workers, solicitors, teachers, volunteers, and other partners.
• Maintain excellent communication and keep accurate records.

Requirements:

• Alignment with Baca’s values and mission.
• Ability to respond to change and work as part of a diverse team.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take initiative.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and issues faced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people.
• Relevant training or willingness to complete essential training within the first year.
• Experience working with young people, especially in cross-cultural settings.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and ICT skills.
• Driving licence and access to a car.
• Enhanced DBS check required.

Personal Attributes:

• Approachable, reliable, and a strong team worker.
• Supportive, responsible, and personable.
• Flexible and able to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Holidays and benefits:

• 33 days’ holiday a year (pro rata for part-time staff) including bank holidays.
• Pension scheme
• Health & Wellbeing programme
• Free parking
• Casual dress

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young asylum seekers and have the skills and attributes we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK for this role as Baca is not on the Home Office list.

Compassionate Neighbours is a community-led volunteer support that enables and supports local people to be actively compassionate in their communities. Compassionate Neighbours provide social and emotional support to people with life-limiting illnesses who are socially isolated and/or lonely. They also share their knowledge and experiences of end of life, death, dying and loss and can support community members to engage with these issues.

Main Duties of the Job

Main duties of the job

• Provide leadership, management and direction to the Compassionate Neighbours Team.
• Volunteer Recruitment; all aspects of recruitment including training, supervision, support and retention. Develop and implement new volunteer roles and projects for the Compassionate Neighbours Program (CNP)
• Collaborate and contribute to the strategic direction of the CNP as member of the Compassionate Neighbours Program Board

North London Hospice is a registered charity, established in 1984, it provides specialist palliative and end of life care for patients, and support for their families and carers. We work with other health and social care professionals providing expert advice.

As well as our inpatient unit at Woodside Avenue North Finchley, our Community Palliative Care Services cover the boroughs of Barnett, Enfield and Haringey, focusing on living well with a life limiting illness, educating people to self-manage, empowering and enabling them to live a fuller, more meaningful life, and have the best of life at the end of life.

Our community teams consist of Clinical Nurse Specialists, Social work professionals delivering Patient and Family Support, Physiotherapists, Occupational Therapists, Psychologists, Complementary therapists and Community Outreach teams, who individually and jointly provide a range of person-centred services, group activities, practical advice, and bereavement support.

Our volunteers are key to our success and financial sustainability, their support includes the delivery of the Compassionate Neighbour Scheme where local people are enabled and supported to be compassionate in their communities giving much needed social and emotional support either of an individual need basis, or through group activities; towards the end of life to combat social isolation and loneliness.

37.5 hours per week / permanent / working onsite on a seven-day rolling rota, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

Our Eastbourne and Hailsham services provide 24-hour supported housing for young people aged 16–25, offering low to medium levels of housing-related support. Eastbourne Foyer houses 34 young people, while our two Hailsham properties houses 10 young people, all with shared communal facilities. Across all three sites, we support residents to develop the skills needed for independent living. This includes managing finances and budgeting, building life and work skills, and maintaining personal self-care.

Our staff take a trauma-informed and psychologically informed approach, supporting residents to build essential life skills, identify personal goals, and work towards their aspirations so they can move on to independent and fulfilling futures. Our dedicated team of Support Workers, Night Workers, and Bank Workers provide personalised guidance, practical assistance, and signposting in key areas including housing, budgeting, daily living skills, employment, and healthy relationship building.

We are looking for a Supported Housing Support Worker to join our team at Eastbourne Foyer, with the expectation of working from our other sites in Hailsham when required. You will hold a caseload of residents and carry out regular key work sessions with them each week. Through these sessions, you will work together to develop personalised support plans, track progress, and help residents achieve their goals.

Main areas of responsibilities are:

Housing:

• Coach young people to manage their occupancy agreement and adhere to house rules, in preparation for independent living
• Promote a credit culture, encouraging young people to keep up to date with all payments for rent
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing and welfare benefits for young people and be well-informed on significant changes to housing law
• Deal effectively with non-compliance issues, such as non-payment of rent or damage to room, using restorative practices and working collaboratively with the rest of the team

Coaching and Engagement:

• Coach young people so they can articulate their aspirations and ambitions and take the lead in acquiring the skills they need to live independent and fulfilling lives
• Ensure young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own personal development, to engage with the services on offer and build strong networks and connections within the local community 
• Ensure consistent standards of safeguarding and Trauma Informed Practice when supporting young people, observing our safeguarding procedures, and keeping yourself and residents safe by respecting professional boundaries
• Maintain client records on In-Form (client database) detailing the young person’s journey in relation to their strengths and needs, any risks, and any outcomes (to monitor service performance)

General:

• Work as part of a team, on a rota shift pattern, ensuring young people at the service have non-judgemental, objective, and supportive staff during the day/evening, along with taking responsibility for personal safety during periods of lone working
• Contribute to a great working environment, with a calm, yet assertive manner, being able to handle potentially difficult situations
• Participate in relevant continuing professional development and utilise Reflective Practice Supervision as part of leading psychologically informed practice

There will be times when lone working will be a requirement for this role, but you will get to know the team and service, along with an induction and training prior to starting on a rota. 

If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate. 

This is a dynamic and varied role; you will be passionate about being involved in the support and growth of young people.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Experience relating to housing, support work, and/or working with young people at risk
• Experience of working proactively with a caseload of young people with multiple and complex needs to enable them to achieve independent living
• Knowledge of statutory and voluntary resources available to young people with multiple and complex needs
• Knowledge of good safeguarding procedures in relation to young people and the ability to maintain effective professional boundaries
• Demonstrated confidence and competence in recording notes/actions in service log, incident forms and health and safety check lists

Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing for appropriate recording of a resident’s progression, and to evidence outcomes achieved
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, including signposting and advocating for clients as necessary
• Ability to work autonomously, and use own initiative, as well as being part of a team
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, good IT, and keyboard skills
• Ability to de-escalate volatile situations and manage challenging behaviour appropriately

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 4 January 2026 at midnight. 

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity checks.

Job Title: Community Centre Manager 

Location / Salary / Contract:

Location: Southwark
Salary: £45,000-£49,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (37 hours per week, with some evening and weekend work)

The Opportunity:

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and dynamic Community Centre Manager to lead the operations, programming, and partnership development of a vibrant community space serving both residents and the wider neighbourhood. This is a hands-on role suited to an energetic and organised individual who thrives on community engagement, service excellence, and creating meaningful opportunities for older adults and intergenerational groups. You will play a central role in developing and managing programmes that enhance wellbeing, build community connections, and promote inclusion within an elderly residential care setting.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage all community centre spaces, ensuring they are well-presented, welcoming, and fully utilised.
• Oversee the programming and scheduling of diverse activities that support organisational goals and community engagement.
• Lead on income generation through effective room hire management and budget oversight.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with voluntary, statutory, and business organisations to enhance programme delivery.
• Supervise and support staff, volunteers, and casual workers to deliver high-quality services and activities.
• Ensure compliance with Health and Safety, Fire Safety, and Safeguarding requirement

The Candidate:

You will be a proactive and empathetic leader with experience managing community facilities or similar public-facing spaces. With excellent organisational, financial, and communication skills, you will have the ability to balance community priorities with commercial needs. You should have a solid understanding of health and safety compliance, staff supervision, and partnership development. A passion for creating inclusive and engaging environments for older people and the wider community is essential.

How to Apply:

If the above role sounds interesting and you feel like you meet the criteria, please apply immediately. Early applications are encouraged as we reserve the right to close this vacancy prior to the stated closing date.

Overview

Do you want to work for a caring organisation that believes in people?

Do you want to make a difference?

As a recovery worker with Change Grow Live you’ll work with people who use our services, helping them get to where they want to be.

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives, offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission of helping people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.

We are recruiting a Group Worker to work within our Barnet service. Our ideal candidate will have the skills and experience to assess and engage with people who use our service, ensuring that they access the right intervention at the right time, in a way that best meets their needs. 

Where: Barnet

Hours: Part Time. 22.5 hrs per week

Full Time Salary: £27,861.26 - £32,002.35 dependent on experience (based on full time hours, pro rata for part time)

Allowance: £2195.72 Outer London Weighting, pro rata 

Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.

Responsibilities

About the role: 

• Supporting service users from point of entry into the service and through their treatment/recovery journey 
• Tailor specific workshops around the needs of the SUs and monitor group uptake and interest to assist in programme development.
• Reducing drug and alcohol related harm to service users and the wider community 
• Promoting carer, service user and community involvement 
• Providing advocacy for access to partnership services 
• Working with service users to support social (re)integration, enabling them to lead meaningful and purposeful lives: promoting recovery, resilience, peer support and self-determination 

About you: 

• Have a strong understanding of substance misuse issues and experience of working within a similar field 
• Experience of working with groups/pods and managing group dynamics, such as conflict or challenging behaviour
• Must have previous substance misuse group work experience
• Be an excellent communicator, both verbal and written with good IT skills 
• Proactive and able to work on own initiative with excellent time management and prioritising skills 
• Have a good working knowledge of mental health interventions, services, and good practice 
• Be a supportive team player with strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work in partnership with a wide range of professionals, agencies, and internal/external stakeholders 
• Ability to manage change successfully in a way that prioritises the needs of service users 
• Understand the importance of information governance processes and commit to follow and apply all necessary safeguards 
• Seek out learning opportunities to improve and broaden your professional knowledge and skills and to contribute and oversee the learning and development of others 

What we will give to you: 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service 
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• Several benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• A friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme and receive vouchers if candidate is successful.

Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details in the Person Specification outlined in the job descriptions. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role.

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

Outer London Weighting (£2,195.72)

Interview Date

5/1/2026

Closing Date

2/1/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

22.5 hours per week / £27,770 per annum, pro rata / permanent / working onsite with set shifts on a seven-day rolling rota, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

Our Eastbourne and Hailsham services provide 24-hour supported housing for young people aged 16–25, offering low to medium levels of housing-related support. Eastbourne Foyer houses 34 young people, while our two Hailsham properties houses 10 young people, all with shared communal facilities. Across all three sites, we support residents to develop the skills needed for independent living. This includes managing finances and budgeting, building life and work skills, and maintaining personal self-care.

Our staff take a trauma-informed and psychologically informed approach, supporting residents to build essential life skills, identify personal goals, and work towards their aspirations so they can move on to independent and fulfilling futures. Our dedicated team of Support Workers, Night Workers, and Bank Workers provide personalised guidance, practical assistance, and signposting in key areas including housing, budgeting, daily living skills, employment, and healthy relationship building.

We are looking for a Supported Housing Support Worker to join our team at Eastbourne Foyer, with the expectation of working from our other sites in Hailsham when required. You will hold a caseload of residents and carry out regular key work sessions with them each week. Through these sessions, you will work together to develop personalised support plans, track progress, and help residents achieve their goals.

Main areas of responsibilities are:

Housing:

• Coach young people to manage their occupancy agreement and adhere to house rules, in preparation for independent living
• Promote a credit culture, encouraging young people to keep up to date with all payments for rent
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing and welfare benefits for young people and be well-informed on significant changes to housing law
• Deal effectively with non-compliance issues, such as non-payment of rent or damage to room, using restorative practices and working collaboratively with the rest of the team

Coaching and Engagement:

• Coach young people so they can articulate their aspirations and ambitions and take the lead in acquiring the skills they need to live independent and fulfilling lives
• Ensure young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own personal development, to engage with the services on offer and build strong networks and connections within the local community 
• Ensure consistent standards of safeguarding and Trauma Informed Practice when supporting young people, observing our safeguarding procedures, and keeping yourself and residents safe by respecting professional boundaries
• Maintain client records on In-Form (client database) detailing the young person’s journey in relation to their strengths and needs, any risks, and any outcomes (to monitor service performance)

General:

• Work as part of a team, on a rota shift pattern, ensuring young people at the service have non-judgemental, objective, and supportive staff during the day/evening, along with taking responsibility for personal safety during periods of lone working
• Contribute to a great working environment, with a calm, yet assertive manner, being able to handle potentially difficult situations
• Participate in relevant continuing professional development and utilise Reflective Practice Supervision as part of leading psychologically informed practice

There will be times when lone working will be a requirement for this role, but you will get to know the team and service, along with an induction and training prior to starting on a rota. 

If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate. 

This is a dynamic and varied role; you will be passionate about being involved in the support and growth of young people.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Experience relating to housing, support work, and/or working with young people at risk
• Experience of working proactively with a caseload of young people with multiple and complex needs to enable them to achieve independent living
• Knowledge of statutory and voluntary resources available to young people with multiple and complex needs
• Knowledge of good safeguarding procedures in relation to young people and the ability to maintain effective professional boundaries
• Demonstrated confidence and competence in recording notes/actions in service log, incident forms and health and safety check lists

Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing for appropriate recording of a resident’s progression, and to evidence outcomes achieved
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, including signposting and advocating for clients as necessary
• Ability to work autonomously, and use own initiative, as well as being part of a team
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, good IT, and keyboard skills
• Ability to de-escalate volatile situations and manage challenging behaviour appropriately

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 4 January 2026 at midnight. 

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity checks.

A unique opportunity to join the team at Basis Yorkshire as a Navigation and Support Worker for women who sex work and who are sexually exploited who are vulnerably housed. 

You will provide appropriate emotional and practical 1-to-1 support to women involved in sex work and those who are sexually exploited, who often experience stigma and face barriers to accessing services. You will be enabling people to access support and navigate services, particularly hose directly related to housing  directly and indirectly.  You will be working in partnership with other agencies and making appropriate referrals for people to access other services to support their wider needs. 

37.5 hours per week / £27,770 per annum / fixed term contract (paternity cover) until 4 August 2026 / working across Monday to Friday 9am-5pm, office based in Worthing, delivering Transitional Services in the community across Horsham, Crawley, Burgess Hill and Worthing.

It is essential that you hold a current UK driving license and have a car for this role (expenses for mileage paid at 45p per mile, excluding home to work journey).

At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

West Sussex Transitional Housing provides homes for young people in a range of settings across the county. Services provide a low level of support for young people who already have a basic level of daily living skills and can keep themselves safe without daily supervision.Services are staffed Monday to Friday 9 to 5, with some services having on site staff and others visiting staff; all services are supported by a mobile night team who carry out regular safety and security checks. The aim of the service is to enable and empower young people to move on to independent accommodation and articulate and start to achieve their aspirations and ambitions.

We adopt a trauma informed and psychologically informed approach to supporting our residents to help them build essential life skills, identify their goals and support residents into independent accommodation. We have a dedicated team of Support Workers, Night Workers and additional Bank Workers who provide support, guidance, and signposting around areas such as housing, budgeting, living skills, jobs and relationship building.

We are looking for a Supported Housing Support Worker to join our team, who will hold a caseload of residents and meet with them weekly to build a support plan. Main areas of responsibilities are:

Housing:

• Coach young people to manage their occupancy agreement and adhere to house rules, in preparation for independent living
• Promote a credit culture, encouraging young people to keep up to date with all payments for rent
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing and welfare benefits for young people and be well-informed on significant changes to housing law
• Deal effectively with non-compliance issues, such as non-payment of rent or damage to room, using restorative practices and working collaboratively with the rest of the team

Coaching and Engagement:

• Coach young people so they can articulate their aspirations and ambitions and take the lead in acquiring the skills they need to live independent and fulfilling lives
• Ensure young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own personal development, to engage with the services on offer and build strong networks and connections within the local community 
• Ensure consistent standards of safeguarding and Trauma Informed Practice when supporting young people, observing our safeguarding procedures, and keeping yourself and residents safe by respecting professional boundaries
• Maintain client records on In-Form (client database) detailing the young person’s journey in relation to their strengths and needs, any risks, and any outcomes (to monitor service performance)

General:

• Work as part of a team, on a rota shift pattern, ensuring young people at the service have non-judgemental, objective, and supportive staff during the day/evening, along with taking responsibility for personal safety during periods of lone working
• Contribute to a great working environment, with a calm, yet assertive manner, being able to handle potentially difficult situations
• Participate in relevant continuing professional development and utilise Reflective Practice Supervision as part of leading psychologically informed practice

There will be times when lone working will be a requirement for this role, but you will get to know the team and service, along with an induction and training prior to starting on a rota. Please download the job profile for full role details. 

If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience does not align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate. 

This is a dynamic and varied role; you will be passionate about being involved in the support and growth of young people.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Experience relating to housing, support work, and/or working with young people at risk
• Experience of working proactively with a caseload of young people with multiple and complex needs to enable them to achieve independent living
• Knowledge of statutory and voluntary resources available to young people with multiple and complex needs
• Knowledge of good safeguarding procedures in relation to young people and the ability to maintain effective professional boundaries
• Demonstrated confidence and competence in recording notes/actions in service log, incident forms and health and safety check lists

Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing for appropriate recording of a resident’s progression, and to evidence outcomes achieved
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, including signposting and advocating for clients as necessary
• Ability to work autonomously, and use own initiative, as well as being part of a team
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, good IT, and keyboard skills
• Ability to de-escalate volatile situations and manage challenging behaviour appropriately

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 4 January 2025 at midnight. If we identify a strong candidate, we may invite them to interview ahead of the closing date.

We are not able to support a work permit or offer a visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns.

Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists) check, along with a reference and background check carried out by a third-party service provider.

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for someone who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a fixed-term contract as an Education Worker at our
centre in Oxford.

Location: IntoUniversity Oxford South East
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until April 2027
Applications close: 9am Tuesday 6th January 2026
Start date: January 2026

Salary

£28,250 per annum

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

Overview   

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

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

About the role  

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced practitioner with both youth work and casework experience to make a meaningful difference to the lives of young people in the UK asylum system. You will support young people aged 18-25, including those age-assessed as 18+, living in contingency and dispersal accommodation, helping them access social, emotional and practical support as they navigate the asylum system. 

Working closely with Youth Welfare Caseworkers who hold more complex, long-term cases, you will provide early intervention and short-term casework support alongside consistent, relational youth work. You will also contribute to the ongoing monitoring, evaluation and reporting of the service, as required, helping to evidence impact and inform service development. 

This role is primarily based in Brent, where you will coordinate the delivery of the Ahlan youth club with another Youth Welfare Officer and contribute to regular outreach to young people living in local hotels. You will help plan and deliver group sessions, trips and activities, creating safe, engaging and empowering spaces for young people. You will act as a trusted point of contact, building strong relationships, offering one-to-one support, and accompanying, referring and signposting young people to appropriate services, while working closely with colleagues to ensure safeguarding and wellbeing are prioritised. 

You may also be required to support the delivery of our other Youth Welfare youth clubs in Croydon and King’s Cross, and some evening work may be required as part of the role. All work is delivered in line with Young Roots’ values, using a trauma-informed, asset-based and youth-led approach. 

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a personal statement by the closing date outlining how you would be a great fit for the role. 

Your personal statement should be no more than 800 words, answering the following questions: 

1. What is your motivation for working with Young Roots? 
2. What is your motivation for applying for this role specifically? 
3. What skills and experience would you bring that will enable you to be successful in this role?

Please ensure you refer to the minimum requirements on the person specification and provide examples to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. 

You may submit your personal statement in writing or via video. 

Please submit your application via CharityJobs. 

Please note that Young Roots is closed from Wednesday, 24 December 2025, and will reopen on Monday, 5 January 2026. There may be a delay in getting back to you during this time. 

No agencies, please. 

Closing date: Midday on Monday, 5 January 2026 

Interviews: week commencing Monday, 12 January 2026 

Young Roots recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who face disadvantage in employment, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. As an organisation that supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, we particularly welcome applications from people within these communities. We offer a guaranteed interview to candidates with lived experience of the asylum system and those with disabilities, where they meet the essential elements of the person specification. If aspects of the application process create barriers to you applying, or if you'd like any adjustments to the process, or an informal discussion or advice on your application, please get in touch. We would also like to alert you to organisations that support people from under-represented groups and can advise you on applying for this role - for example, Scope, Young Women’s Trust, and Experts by Experience.

Young Roots is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We take this duty very seriously.

Our work is underpinned by policies and procedures which promote safe working practices. We have a training and supervision framework that everyone is expected to comply with, along with systems for monitoring, quality assurance, and collecting service user feedback. Upon joining, you will be expected to be part of this approach to safeguard our service users.

All posts are subject to safer recruitment protocols, which include vetting checks such as enhanced criminal records and barring, scrutiny of employment history, references, and other checks.

Join Us in Making a Real Difference

About YMCA St Paul’s Group

YMCA St Paul’s Group is one of London’s longest-standing charities, dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities for over 150 years. Through transformative youth programmes, inclusive health and wellbeing centres, and vital supported accommodation, we work to ensure that people—especially young people—have the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.

Our mission is rooted in long-term transformation of mind, body, and spirit, and we remain committed to building vibrant, supportive, and resilient communities across London.

About the Role

As a Housing and Support Assistant (Nights), you’ll play a pivotal frontline role in ensuring our accommodation remains a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. You’ll be a steady presence throughout the night—providing guidance, reassurance, and practical assistance for residents and visitors alike.

Whether you’re responding to queries, managing reception tasks, ensuring safety protocols are upheld, or offering a compassionate ear during challenging moments, you will be a vital part of creating a positive and secure atmosphere for those who call YMCA home.

This is a role with real variety and real impact—perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about helping others.

Working 4 nights on and 4 nights off (8pm-8am).

Key Responsibilities

Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

You will be the warm, reassuring presence residents and visitors meet first. Your confidence and professionalism will create a positive experience and set the standard for the quality of service YMCA is known for.

A Varied, Engaging Role

No two nights will be the same. Alongside reception duties—such as answering calls, processing payments, handling repairs, and managing post—you’ll take on a broad range of responsibilities that keep the building running smoothly.

Champion Safety and Security

As the on-site first aider and fire marshal, you’ll protect the wellbeing of our residents and staff. From conducting regular patrols to responding swiftly in emergencies, you’ll help maintain a safe and calm environment throughout the night.

A Welcoming and Compassionate Presence

You’ll often be the first to welcome new residents, address concerns, support those facing challenges, and record or escalate any issues such as anti-social behaviour or safeguarding concerns. Your empathy and professionalism will help residents feel heard, valued, and supported.

Be Part of a Supportive Team

You’ll join a dedicated and knowledgeable team of housing professionals who share your commitment to improving lives. Your role will be meaningful, varied, and rewarding—offering plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and make a real difference.

What You’ll Gain

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we celebrate diversity, individuality, and community. Your voice matters here—and you’ll have opportunities to help shape positive change through our Employee Resource Groups and inclusive culture.

We’re committed to your growth. With access to robust training, qualifications, and hands-on experience, you’ll be supported in developing your career, expanding your expertise, and achieving your goals.

Benefits for Mind, Body, and Spirit include:

• Free gym access across all YMCA SPG sites

• Discounts at major retailers and supermarkets

• Free wellbeing and counselling services

• The flexibility to work across various outer London locations

• Career development programmes to support your journey

• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity pay

• Life Assurance

We are excited to be hiring a Young Women’s Worker to join our team and invest in the lives of young women across Tower Hamlets. This role is all about building positive, supportive relationships, creating safe and empowering spaces, and helping young women grow in confidence, resilience, and self-worth. The successful candidate will be passionate about mentoring, advocacy, and working alongside young women as they navigate life’s challenges, discover their strengths, and shape their futures. If you are committed to making a meaningful difference and have a heart for supporting young women to thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Please send us your CV and a cover letter detailing your suitability for the role. The role description and person specification can be found on our website.