Community key worker jobs in east of england

We're looking for a organised, compassionate, and resilient Service Manager to join our Learning Disabilities service in Newham.

£44,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

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
Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
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

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.

The Service Manager will be responsible for the operations of a group of three specialist services, which support a total of seven customers with moderate to high support needs to live in their own homes. The role will provide line management for a Deputy Manager and support teams, ensuring that compliance with organisational, legal regulations and those of the local authority are adhered to and the quality of support is of the highest standard possible, ensuring excellent quality of life for customers and a good working environment for colleagues. The role will require the individual to be the CQC registered manager for services, making the person the accountable person with the Care Quality Commission, as well as with commissioners and key stakeholders.

The shift pattern for this role will primarily be Monday - Friday, 9.00am - 5.00pm. There will be a requirement to cover on call, occasional weekend and out of hours.

For a full job description, please visit our website.

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.

What you'll bring:

Essential:
Educated to degree level or equivalent
Experience of managing contracts and resources and delivering to budget and performance targets
Experience of delivering to housing management performance targets
Experience of effectively managing and developing staff to ensure delivery of services performance targets within contract
Experience of successfully managing external partnerships to ensure successful delivery of services
Holds relevant Health and Social Care management qualification - eg QCF Level 5
Experience managing supported living and/or Registered services for adults with learning disabilities and autism
Experience managing the support of customers with high complex needs
Experience of CQC standards and how they apply to services
Knowledge of Safeguarding, DOLs, MCA and regulatory frameworks
Experience of leading on safeguarding concerns
Experience of managing staff teams and delivering supervision as per company policy
Experience producing and supporting the production of customer documentation eg support plans, risk assessments, health action plans
Experience of Positive Behaviour Support (PBS), implementation of PBS plans and how to use PBS to effectively support customers
Experience assessing potential new customers to move into services and able to correctly advice of level of support needed
Experience of mobilising new services and new support packages

Desirable:
Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications
Positive Behaviour Support Qualification or the willingness to complete this within 12 months of appointment
Experience of transforming care / Hospital to home agenda

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 120 services, providing support to around 6000 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, young people 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.

Purpose of the Job

This is a great opportunity for someone who’s passionate about supporting the delivery of the youth engagement strategy for the #iwill Movement and ensuring they are at the centre of our work at UK Youth.

Reporting to the Youth Development Project Manager, you will support the development and delivery of opportunities for young people to engage in our work towards our collective goals. Working within the Network Delivery department, you will be responsible for organising and delivering a range of projects and workstreams to enable young people across the UK Youth and #iwill Movement to express their views, have them listened to and to create positive change. You will create positive relationships with young people, so that our work is driven by their voices and experiences, helping to develop and deliver a range of opportunities and activities to build and engage networks of young people. You will help empower young people to become active citizens and creative positive change, by creating innovative ways for young people to engage in various networks through volunteering, social action and campaigning projects.

Key Responsibilities

•Support the effective delivery of a programme of development and engagement activities with young people across the #iwill Movement

• Manage the scheduling and organisation of activities across project workstreams, ensuring project management processes are in place to enable excellent standards of delivery

• Facilitate young people to build their skills and confidence so that young people’s participation and contribution are maximised and able to express their views

•Support the growth of a diverse range of networks involving young people across all UK regions, including with our nation partners. Working in partnership, develop the networks to be outcomes-focused and self-led on digital platforms

• Develop relationships with a range of stakeholders which may include youth workers and leaders of youth organisations, young people, nation partners, funders, and cross-sector leaders to create and deliver an inclusive programme for young people

• Working closely with colleagues across the charity to co-ordinate a range of events and opportunities to provide opportunities for young people to engage and connect with the wider work of UK Youth

•Communicate the benefits of the UK Youth and #iwill Movement and progress against our priorities to organisations and individuals, through a variety of channels, updates and specific marketing campaigns

• Work with the Network Delivery function to support young people to be empowered to lead and share best practise and expertise

• Develop content on agreed digital platforms to engage and connect young people and networks across the UK

Experience we're after

• A nationally recognised youth work qualification or ability to demonstrate experience of frontline youth work delivery, understanding of safeguarding and data protection is highly desirable

• Experience of successfully managing projects

• Experience of working with young volunteers and/or social action projects

• Experience and understanding of connecting networks and user involvement

• Experience of developing networks and/or communities of young people across the UK

• Experience of using digital platforms to engage networks and communities

• Experience of using CRM/stakeholder management systems to engage with networks

Who we are

UK Youth is a leading charity that exists to ensure all young people are equipped to thrive and empowered to contribute at every stage of their lives. We work with others to ensure that the youth sector is strengthened, supported, and that provision is youth-led, evidence-informed and delivers high-quality outcomes.

UK Youth plays a unique role in addressing; the lack of investment in the youth sector, the lack of cross sector understanding in how youth work makes a difference and the limited opportunities to embed effective solutions. These factors lead to mass inequality of access to youth services for young people. To find more about us and how we make an impact, please visit UK Youth Website.

Why work at UK Youth?

We are a value-based, passionate and committed organisation offering a friendly working environment with lots of opportunities for professional development and socialising (even for those working remotely!) from lunch and learn sessions, staff quizzes to virtual coffee meet ups.

UK Youth prides itself on being an Equal Opportunity employer and we would particularly welcome applications for this role from those who identify under one of the protected characteristics under the Equality Act 2010.

We value the differences that a diverse workforce brings and are committed to inclusivity, and to employing and supporting a diverse workforce. Our selection procedures ensure that people are treated on the basis of their relevant merits, experience, skills and abilities and that no individual receives more or less favourable treatment.

We welcome applications from groups currently under-represented in our organisation including BIPOC, LGBTQ+ and persons with disabilities. We are also currently underrepresented by men, and so are seeking applications from different backgrounds, cultures, age, experience and identity to bring a wide range of experience, ideas, views and insights to UK Youth.

What we can offer you

We offer a competitive range of benefits, good work/life balance, excellent learning and development opportunities and vibrant organisational culture:

• Flexible/Agile Working

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time employees)

• Funded training provided in; Safeguarding, GDPR, Information and Cyber Security & Equality & Diversity

• Other training available in support of your personal and professional development

• Pension scheme (currently UK Youth match employee contributions up to 5%)

• Membership of our life insurance scheme which would pay-out up to 4 times your salary

• Employee Assistance Programme to support employees both professionally and personally

• 20% discount off bookings at Avon Tyrrell, our New Forest Outdoor Centre, including camping, lodges and outdoor activities.

• IT equipment provided for the duration of contract

• CycleScheme and TechScheme

How to apply

If you would like to be considered for this fantastic opportunity, please complete an application via our completely anonymised recruitment system provided by Applied which looks to create a fair and unbiased application process for all. Scroll to the top of the page and start your application.

Closing date: Sunday 13th July 2025 at 23:59 (midnight)

Provisional Interview Dates: Monday 21st July 2025

As this role involves working in a regulated environment with young people, any offer will be conditional to satisfactory background checks, which include criminal record check and employment reference

Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.

We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.

About the role

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we play a unique and vital role in supporting children and young people with cancer. Guided by our strategy, The Time is Now, we are committed to delivering high-quality, impactful services that make a real difference. As a leading provider of psychosocial support and accommodation throughout treatment, end-of-life, and bereavement, we are proud to ensure our services remain relevant, responsive, and tailored to the needs of those we support.

We are looking for a dedicated professional to provide business support across the directorate, working closely with senior operational leaders to drive the implementation and development of our services. This role will be instrumental in supporting new service initiatives and collaborating with other directorates and external partners, such as the NHS and charity organisations, to help us achieve our strategic goals.

This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application an enhanced criminal record check will be completed. 

What will I be doing?

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.

• Providing business support across service development, planning, evaluations, and improvement projects
• Collaborating with other directorates and external partners to deliver joint initiatives aligned with strategic goals
• Supporting the implementation of new systems and processes to drive continuous improvement
• Designing and managing operational programmes, embedding learning from previous work
• Coordinating cross-functional teams, managing risks, and ensuring robust monitoring and reporting
• Building strong relationships with stakeholders and managing governance and service agreements with NHS trusts

What do I need? 

Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

The key experience, skills and attributes we’re looking for in this role are:

• Experience in service delivery and development within health or social care, with a strong track record of managing programmes that drive improvement and innovation
• Skilled at working collaboratively across multi-disciplinary teams and with external partners to achieve shared goals
• Confident in preparing reports, managing corporate documentation, and using monitoring and evaluation to inform decision-making
• Strong understanding of project management, with the ability to identify risks and embed learning
• A commitment to anti-oppressive practice, equity, and amplifying the voices of children, young people, and families affected by cancer
• Passionate about Young Lives vs Cancer’s mission, values, and strategic priorities, with a proactive approach to safeguarding, inclusion, and continuous improvement

What will I gain?

 For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Thinking and Growth days: four days a year to support your wellbeing through reflection, learning and development - in whatever way works for you
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

To arrange an informal chat, please contact Cassie Davis, Service Manager Operations & Development. 

#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome

Closing date: Thursday 24 July, 5pm

Interview date: Tuesday 29 July, via Teams 

Interview note: We will let you know whether you’ve been shortlisted for interview on the afternoon of Friday 25 July. If you're shortlisted, you'll be invited to book an interview slot. Once confirmed, we'll email you the interview questions in advance.