Community engagement and volunteer support worker jobs

Equal People Mencap support vulnerable adults and children, including those with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs to live independently and participate fully in the community. We work across west and central London.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, motivated and experienced individual to join us as a Senior Support Worker, supporting a passionate and friendly team of staff. Working alongside another Senior Support Worker you will support the Floating Support Manager to deliver an effective support service which enables everyone to achieve their aspirations.

We enable people to lead fulfilling and valued lives, maintain their tenancies, participate in their local community, develop independent living skills and achieve their personal goals and desired outcomes. As well as providing direct care and support, you will have the opportunity to act as a Key Worker supporting people to achieve their dreams and goals.

Working closely with the Project Manager, you will ensure that the quality standards and requirements of CQC are met and that the service meets and exceeds the expectations set out in the service specification. This will include working alongside the team to undertake referral assessments, plan transitions and work with individuals and their circle of support to co-produce and implement support plans.

At least 1 years’ experience in providing care and support is essential for this role.

We can offer you:

• A competitive salary

• Generous sleep-in allowances 

• Opportunities for overtime

• Company sick pay

• Paid carers leave

We are a passionate and inclusive organisation. We embrace diversity and encourage applicants from all backgrounds and cultures.

STRATEGIC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LEADER (Community Support, Empowerment, Youth and Children’s work, Academies)

Based in North East Lincolnshire

Salary:   £42,752 per annum

Full Time, Permanent Contract

Oasis exists to build stronger communities where no one is left out. We achieve this by working in an integrated way through community empowerment, youth and children’s work and academies, and we’re excited to have a new opportunity for a Strategic Community Development Leader in North East Lincolnshire.  This newly created role follows on from our successful work in the Grimsby community.

Oasis in North East Lincolnshire is at an exciting stage of development. We are looking to appoint a dynamic strategic lead to develop and grow our children’s, youth and community work across the two separate Oasis neighbourhoods that work together to form the Hub charity.  The two neighbourhoods are South ward in Grimsby and Immingham. This role will oversee a team of staff and volunteers in community, bringing strategic oversight to ensure the work is tied together across North East Lincolnshire under the one hub charity to achieve the shared vision.

We are looking for a relational based leader for this key project management role.  As such, the successful applicant will need to demonstrate entrepreneurial flair and excellent leadership skills as well as:

· Building positive and supportive working partnerships with the community.

· Leading the local community teams as the expand the vision of developing integrated community provision involving the community and academy(ies) towards developing an Oasis movement, where those affiliated with Oasis are in the planning, delivery evaluation and sustainability of activities and services.

· Developing wide ranging advice and community support provision that are led by the community including: Resilience building provision (financial planning, healthy eating etc.), Youthwork/children’s work, Family support services Community relationship building provision (community events, befriending schemes etc.)

· Working in close partnership with key stakeholders including local community, Academy Principals and staff teams, and local community leaders to lead the Community strategic development, particularly around communication, income generation strategy and monitoring and evaluation and reporting.

· Responsibility for systems development and management across the Community Charity including all policy and procedures such as financial management, health and safety, safeguarding etc.

· Growing a team of staff and volunteers to deliver the objectives in the Community Plan that directly support students and their families in the Academy(ies) and members of the local community.

· To ensure the Oasis ethos permeates all work across the community team.

This is a unique opportunity for a self-reliant and results-focused individual, who is looking to make a difference in this complex and high-profile field of work.  In return we offer:

· Flexible working practices which encourages innovation and fresh ideas.

· A supportive network and friendly team in a motivating working environment.

· A non-contributory defined benefit pension scheme with 7% employer contributions.

· 25 days holiday per year (plus Bank Holidays), rising to 30 days after 2 years of service.

For full details, please go the Oasis UK charity website.

We invite you to send your CV and Covering Letter.  CVs will not be accepted after Midday, Friday 30th January 2026. Stage 1 phone interviews will take place week commencing 2nd February 2026, and final interviews will be held week beginning 9th February 2026, in Grimsby.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups.  If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers, please let us know.

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos. 

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.  The successful candidate will need to show proof of right to work in the UK.  Oasis supports Equal Opportunities. 

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

We are looking for a Key Support Worker to join Hummingbird Homes, a new and innovative supported accommodation model for young people aged 16/17 leaving care.

Be part of something genuinely differen

This is not a traditional support role. As a Key Support Worker, you will be part of a small, committed team offering relational, trauma-informed support to young people at a crucial point in their lives, helping them move towards independence with stability, dignity and hope.

Hummingbird Homes has been designed to bridge the gap between care and independent living, offering young people their own homes alongside consistent, trusted adult support in a nearby Support House.

Our Values

Everything we do at Handcrafted is shaped by our values. We are a Christian charity, and while we do not expect service users to engage in faith-based activity, our work is grounded in the following principles:

• Creativity Everyone can make something to be proud of

• Empathy We walk alongside people through challenges

• Empowerment Everyone can learn to take back control of their life

• Community We accept people as they are and support one another

These values underpin the way our Key Support Workers build relationships, respond to need, and create safe, supportive environments.

About the Role

As a Key Support Worker, you will play a central role in supporting young people living in Hummingbird Homes. You will work relationally and practically to help each young person develop the skills and confidence they need to move forward.

This is a hands-on, people-centred role that combines emotional support, safeguarding, practical life skills and community building.

Key Responsibilities:

• Build trusted, consistent relationships with young people aged 16–17

• Provide day-to-day support within the Hummingbird Homes model

• Support young people to develop independent living skills

• Maintain a safe, welcoming and supportive environment in the Support House

• Contribute to care planning, risk assessments and support reviews

• Work collaboratively with social workers, local authorities and partner agencies

• Support young people during challenging moments and periods of crisis

• Participate in rota-based working, including evenings, weekends and on-call

• Maintain accurate records and contribute to safeguarding and quality assurance

(Full responsibilities are detailed in the recruitment pack.)

The Support House – A Core Part of the Role

This role includes your accommodation made available rent-free for the better performance of this role

• A base for staff while on shift or on call

• A safe and welcoming space for young people

• A hub for community activities and relationship-building

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting vulnerable young people or care leavers

• Is emotionally resilient, calm and able to build trust

• Understands safeguarding and trauma-informed practice

• Can work flexibly, including evenings and weekends

• Shares our values and is comfortable working within a Christian ethos

• Is committed to helping young people grow in confidence and independence

A full UK driving licence and Enhanced DBS are required.

Why Join Handcrafted?

• Be part of an innovative, relational model of care

• Work within a values-led organisation making real impact

• Join a supportive, close-knit team

• Receive ongoing training and development

• Play a meaningful role in transforming young people’s futures

Overview

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives.   

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our teams apply these daily 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.    

 We are looking for a passionate and experienced professional to lead the development of our Affected Others service, supporting children, young people (CYP), and families impacted by familial substance misuse. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow a service that makes a real difference in breaking cycles of harm and building resilience.

Where: Buckinghamshire (Countywide)

Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week

Full Time Salary Range: £32,002.35- £34,214.20*

*Please note: 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
As the lead for this specialist area, you will:

• Drive the design and delivery of innovative interventions for children, young people and families affected by substance misuse.
• Develop group programmes, resources, and training to strengthen whole-family approaches.
• Build strong partnerships with key stakeholder such as adult substance misuse services, schools, children’s services, and health professionals to ensure seamless referral pathways.
• Develop and deliver training and consultation to external partners and stakeholders on the issues facing young people affected by substance misuse of others. 
• Champion safeguarding and best practice across the service.
• Hold a caseload of complex and high-risk cases involving children, young people, and families, delivering whole-family support, including parenting programmes and harm reduction strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate service impact, ensuring continuous improvement.

About You
We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in working with families facing multiple risk factors, including parental substance misuse.
• Skilled in delivering 1:1 and group interventions and developing new programmes.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Qualified to Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
• A strong communicator and collaborator, able to influence and lead within multi-agency settings.
• You will need to work flexibly countywide across Buckinghamshire so must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a car.

 What we Offer 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days” 
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• Opportunity to lead and shape a vital service alongside a friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme.

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

Please note: 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 28 to 30 (£32,002.35 - £34,214.20)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Closing Date

19/2/2026

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

The Community Connectors programme is an exciting partnership between Community Links, Aston Mansfield, Mind in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Redbridge, and the NHS East London Foundation Trust (ELFT).

Community Connectors work alongside ELFT under what is called the Mental Health Transformation Programme. The ethos of the programme is recovery focused, exploring needs through complexity (rather than diagnosis), a focus on a person’s strengths and assets, and on the wider determinants of health and wellbeing.

The role involves providing holistic support to people suffering from a serious mental illness or SMI. Service users will have a single or range of diagnosed conditions, will be known to ELFT and will therefore have a range of needs, including symptoms of anxiety or depression, or have a diagnosis of schizophrenia. Specifically, the Community Connector will work with multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) who sit within primary care networks or PCNs (clusters of GP practices) across Newham, and will support people in accessing appropriate local services, embodying a true example of wrap around support.

Above all, the Community Connector will be a strong networker who is able to engage multiple stakeholders for the betterment of service user welfare and outcomes.

Qualifications

Essential competencies

• University degree and/or personal specification
• Local knowledge of services, provisions, and issues faced by people suffering from mental health
• Experience working with stakeholders and partnerships.
• A commitment in implementing the mission and values of Aston-Mansfield
• Any other duties deemed relevant to your role. 

About you:

Your friends know you as know you as empathetic, compassionate, and non-judgemental.

Employers view you as professional, personable, and a good communicator who is able to prioritise and deal with challenging situations. You are able to inspire and motivate people to take action and improve themselves. You see yourself as self-aware with a strong degree of emotional intelligence and you want to make a difference in the lives of others.

Perhaps you are already aware of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and understand how to support them. You may have gained this knowledge as a volunteer, through a previous job, or from your personal lived experience.

If all this sounds like you then you could make a great addition to our fantastic support team here at Homeless Oxfordshire.

About The Role:

We are recruiting for two vacancies within this service. As an advocate for our clients who may experience homelessness as a result of a hospital visit, we will expect you to lead on the case management of these clients. You will work in partnership with other agencies to create holistic, caring and personalised support plans for them. Our clients usually have a range of support needs that might impact their experience of homelessness. This includes mental health problems, social isolation, challenging behaviour, finance and debt, alcohol and drug abuse and you will be working with them to achieve outcomes that include move on.

You will ensure their voices are heard and make them aware of available support to them including maximising this support. It is important to let you know that at times this role is tough, but most of the time it is very rewarding when you see the difference you make in the lives of others.

Main Responsibilities Of The Job:

• To be part of a team running of a new and dynamic service assessing and managing risk for individuals and in the service.
• Ensure the effective delivery of high quality care, support and housing management according to Homeless Oxfordshire policies and procedures.
• To work in partnership with other agencies to ensure the delivery of holistic wrap around support.
• To work in partnership with Connection Support Step provision and Out of Hospital Team.
• To work with other agencies to provide client centered support & risk management plans for clients with complex needs to identify work towards a suitable move on option within 6 weeks.
• To be a supportive and effective part of the team working as part of a rota including evenings and weekends.
• Report any safeguarding concerns without delay in line with procedures.

To make and maintain Housing Benefit claims.

• Manage challenging situations in line with procedures and to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
• Ensure that IT systems are updated as required and concise record keeping is completed promptly.
• Maintain positive relationships with clients, relatives, carers, professionals, commissioners, contractors and the local community.
• To undertake any other duties that can be reasonably required to meet the operational needs of Homeless Oxfordshire.
• Comply with Homeless Oxfordshire’s policies and procedures.
• Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best.
• Contribute to the work of the broader team.

About Us:

We are an open door for people experiencing homelessness whose lives have been shaped by trauma and disadvantage; providing safety, stability and support when it is needed most. We deliver this support across Oxfordshire by providing a range of accommodation with access to high quality support, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to take control of their own lives. We are an accredited Oxford Living Wage employer, and benefits to the role include: annual leave starting at 26 days (excluding bank holidays), flexible working, enhanced benefits with qualifying service, retail discounts with our Homeless Oxfordshire Benefits Hub, and life assurance up to four times your salary and a £250 bonus if you successfully refer a someone as a new colleague through our Employee Referral Scheme as a thanks from us!

Open To: People wanting to work weekends. This role is a shift and rota'd role that includes weekends, bank holidays, early and late days.

What’s Next: Have a look at the job description to find out more about the role and apply on our website. Please be aware that this role is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure check and will be undertaken for the successful candidate.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we identify a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

Exciting Opportunity: Carer Locality Workers covering Keighley

Carers' Resource is excited to announce a new opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of carers. We are currently seeking:

2 x Carer Locality Workers

Hours: 37 hours or 22 hours per week (hours to be confirmed at interview)

Location: Keighley

Salary: £24,437 - £26,802 (FTE)

Role Overview:

You will play a pivotal role in supporting unpaid carers through listening, advising, and advocating for them. You'll conduct wellbeing reviews, needs assessments, identify and carry out required actions, and collaborate with local services. Your work aligns with local safeguarding procedures, promoting wellbeing and positive change for carers.

Own transport, clean driving license, and business class insurance is a requirement of the role.

For an informal discussion about this role, please reach out to Julie Peacock at Carers' Resource.

Join Our Team:

This is an opportunity to join a dedicated team that is committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of carers. If you are passionate about supporting others and making a difference, we encourage you to apply. Carers' Resource values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage applications from all backgrounds.

Closing date for applications Sunday 8th February 2026
Proposed interview date: Monday 16th February 2026 (in Skipton)

Project Worker – Lochlan’s Legacy

Part Time: 21 hours per week

Salary: £15,600 gross per annum

Location: Scotland-wide

Lochlan’s Legacy is a Scottish charity supporting young people living with Type 1 Diabetes through education, sport, and youth empowerment. We are seeking a motivated Project Worker to support delivery of our national programmes and strengthen our community impact.

ABOUT LOCHLAN’S LEGACY

Lochlan’s Legacy works to improve understanding of Type 1 Diabetes, reduce stigma, and empower young people to live confidently and actively. Our work is rooted in youth voice, education, and community partnership.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Purpose of the Role

The Project Worker supports the delivery and growth of Lochlan’s Legacy programmes across Scotland.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver School Education Programme sessions

• Support T1D & Me youth voice group

• Assist CPD course delivery and coordination

• Support Inspirational Athlete initiatives

• Promote the charity at events

• Support partnerships and funding activity

• Maintain records and evaluation data

• Follow safeguarding and GDPR requirement

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Experience working with young people or communities

• Strong communication and organisation skills

• Safeguarding knowledge

• Digital literacy

• Inclusive values

Desirable

• Knowledge of Type 1 Diabetes or lived experience

• Education or health promotion experience

• Sport or youth leadership experience

TERMS & CONDITIONS

• 21 hours per week- flexible working pattern including evening and weekend.

• £15,600 gross

• Scotland-wide delivery

• PVG required

• Travel expenses reimbursed-own transport desirable due to travel requirements.

EQUALITY, DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Lochlan’s Legacy welcomes applications from all backgrounds and values lived experience.

SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Lochlan’s Legacy is committed to safeguarding children and young people. All staff must comply with Scottish safeguarding guidance and PVG membership.

Can you help us keep changing lives and breaking the cycle of reoffending for good? As Project Support Worker you will be working closely with our Proejct Manager to engage and support mentors and mentees in HMP Brinsford, Birmingham and the West Midlands. You will have previous Criminal Justice experience, will be a driver with access to a car and will use your experience to develope and encourage a positive and meaningful mentoring relationship for both the mentee and mentor. Your ultimate aim is to understand the key challenges facing each mentee and how these impact on each individuals ability in desisting from crime. 

You will be a proven self starter who is used to working in a challenging environment with hard to engage and disaffected people. You will be able to work independently and have the ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders.

A full job description and person specification is attached to this post.

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

£29,681.60 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

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

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

We are seeking a Support Worker with a focus on Community Connection to join our mental health pathway in Tower Hamlets. In this role, you will engage with Look Ahead customers, helping them harness their talents and skills to broaden horizons, build networks, and access vital community resources.

What you'll do:
* Champion co-production as a core principle, ensuring customer voices are central to service design and delivery.
* Work with customers to identify their aspirations and connect them to local resources, networks, and opportunities that help achieve those goals.
* Co-create a programme calendar of culturally relevant, social, and educational activities with customers.
* Maintain accurate and up-to-date information-sharing protocols and Service Level Agreements (SLAs).
* Organise and facilitate educational and developmental training opportunities for customers.
* Provide coordination and line management for Peer Support Workers.
* Arrange and invite in-reach sessions at drop-in groups to enhance engagement.
* Build and sustain strong relationships with community partners to expand opportunities for customers.
* Develop partnerships to meet emerging customer needs, such as access to assistive technology for physical health.

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

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

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* IT literate
* Experience of working within communities with a diverse range of stakeholders.
* Ability to research information from a range of sources.

Desirable:
* NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector.
* Experience and understanding of mental health and social care services.

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

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

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

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

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job Description

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Workers to join our Young People Service in Bracknell.

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

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

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

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

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

rs for this position are from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and from 1:30 PM to 9:30 PM, with the same shifts applying on weekends.

What you'll do:

• Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers
• Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and administrative responsibilities
• Supporting key customers to set personalised goals in the form of a Support Plan
• Proactive development of links with local statutory and voluntary organisations to provide a range of engagement opportunities for customers in the community
• Involving customers in the design, development and delivery of the service
• Adhering to all other Look Ahead's policies and procedures

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

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
• Approachable and open behaviour
• Prefers working as part of a group or team
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
• Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
• Flexible
• Open to feedback and self development
• Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent experience in the social care/charity sector

Desirable:

• Experience working with young people

About us:

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

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

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

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

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

Job Title: Children's Support Worker

Location: Warwickshire - Travel required across Warwickshire, predominantly North Warwickshire and Rugby. Use of a car is essential to the role. 
Salary: £25,857.12 per annum 

Contract type: Full Time, Permanent 

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We are recruiting for a Children’s Support Worker who will be working closely with children and their parents who are living in our dispersed accommodation refuges escaping domestic violence and other forms of violence and abuse, to provide personal welfare support and ensure that our clients are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment.

A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that women are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. The post holder will support children who have witnessed or experienced domestic violence and plan and provide stimulating, safe, and appropriate play opportunities.

Please note that post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

A driving license and access to a car is essential to the role. 

Closing Date: 09:00 am 12 February 2026

Interview Date: 27 February 2026

Job Title: Floating Support Worker

Location: Warwickshire
Salary: £15,514.27 per annum
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent

Hours: 22.5 hours per week

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Floating Support Worker to provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse and their children living in our dispersed refuge accommodation in Warwickshire. This service will provide emergency accommodation across Warwickshire with high-quality domestic abuse support, ‘by-and-for’ services for survivors of domestic abuse and their children. 

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

The Floating Support Worker (FSW) will carry a caseload of survivors of domestic abuse to enable them to provide a more holistic and intensive support package. They will work closely with survivors from the point of crisis through to move on from the emergency accommodation. FSWs will work in partnership with both statutory and voluntary sector partners to ensure that the whole range of survivors’ needs are met.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 28 January 2026

Interview Date: 16 February 2026

This role uses experiential insight to inform peer support, service design and engagement. We will assess how candidates apply that insight professionally (boundaries, safeguarding, confidentiality). This role is open to applicants with demonstrable, recent lived experience of homelessness (including rough sleeping, insecure or temporary accommodation).

About the role

The Passage has secured funding to deliver a 1-year pilot, exploring how the use of peer support can prevent further homelessness and increase social mobility, by giving people the support and confidence to get reintegrated into the community. 

This pilot will involve the recruitment and training of 10 lived experience volunteers who will share their insights and provide support to people recently re-housed to set and achieve goals with a focus on community re-integration. The pilot will offer a range of interventions including 1:1 support, community events and online training. 

The Passage recognizes that someone’s journey of homelessness doesn’t just end when accommodation is secured. What is often a confidence-stripping and traumatizing experience can take time to recover from. The first steps can be the most challenging for individuals to put down new roots and get back to where they were before that period. 

As The Lived Experience Specialist Project Worker, you will support your manager in the design, delivery, monitoring and reporting of the pilot; with a particular focus on supporting the volunteers in their roles. 

The Passage believes that peer support and the sharing of lived experience are essential tools in supporting people to take steps toward becoming more active, involved and connected. We also know that delivering peer support and helping others are also crucial cornerstones in processing living experience into lived experience. 

Main duties

• To support the recruitment and retention of lived-experience volunteers. 
• Have oversight of the day-to-day delivery of volunteers work by providing guidance & direction and ensuring volunteer support is delivered in a safe and supportive manner. 
• Support the creation of a volunteering environment where having lived experience is not a barrier but a tool to help others. 
• To support the manager to create and maintain procedures which underpin the pilot and volunteers’ activities, ensuring they are fit for purpose. 
• Meeting potential referrals, explaining the scope of the service, and undertaking person centered role matching. 
• Identify challenges including safeguarding issues encountered by volunteers 
• and working with the manager to address them. 
• Ensuring accurate and efficient recording of actions undertaken by volunteers. 
• Maintain a directory of low-cost activities, promote local events, and support development of an online resource to boost social connection and reintegration. 
• To support the Lived Experience Project manager in reporting to key stakeholders about the project, including attendance at some external meetings. 

Key responsibilities

• In conjunction with your Line Manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage. 
• To participate in internal/external meetings as required, and attend training events, conferences and other functions as necessary. 
• To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs. 
• To adhere to all Passage policies and procedures. 
• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults. 
• To at all times undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high- quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of The Passage1. 
• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role. 

Person specification

As a Vincentian organisation, The Passage strives to be inclusive; encompassing a diverse and rich culture from within our members, clients, volunteers and staff. This approach is reflected in our core values and it is important that all staff have respect for this.

The person specification sets out the essential abilities and qualities that will be used in the selection criteria for this post. When completing your application form, please address criteria E1 to E4 and K1 to K5 demonstrating your experience and knowledge, giving evidence of your experience and abilities. 

Any information you provide will be handled confidentially and in line with UK GDPR and our Recruitment Privacy Notice.

EXPERIENCE 

E1 - Demonstrable, recent lived experience of homelessness (including rough sleeping, insecure or temporary accommodation)

E2 - Volunteering in a peer support capacity and/or working with vulnerable people in a support role. 

E3 - Experience of working both collaboratively as part of a team, and able to work independently. 

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS 

K1 - Skilled communicator with strong emotional intelligence and an ability to connect with & motivate vulnerable people. 

K2 - Understanding of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and rough sleeping. 

K3 - Proficient in digital literacy, for example use of digital applications and online navigation. 

K4 - Familiarity with safeguarding and personal boundaries principles (desirable). 

K5 - An understanding of data protection principles (desirable).