Community key worker jobs in London

Our Vacancy

Join Us as a Night Housing Support Worker – Make a Real Difference in Young Lives.

At Peabody, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people to thrive. We’re looking for a Night Housing Support Worker who is kind, proactive, and ready to support young people aged 16–25, including care leavers, on their journey to independence. This is not a care role. It’s a practical and emotional support position, helping young people build life skills, access housing, and feel empowered to shape their future.

What You’ll Be Doing
As a Night Housing Support Worker, you’ll provide support, stability, and reassurance during evening and overnight hours, ensuring a safe and calm environment for young residents. You’ll help young people continue developing the skills they need for independent living, including navigating housing options, managing benefits, and budgeting. By bringing your own passions—whether in music, art, sports, or other interests—you’ll enrich the community and build meaningful connections. You’ll also work closely with colleagues and external partners to ensure each young person receives the right support at the right time.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Connects easily with young people, especially those who’ve faced trauma, mental health challenges, or substance misuse.
• Is creative and confident in engaging young people, whether through music, sports, art, or other interests.
• Can work independently at night and as part of a wider team, managing a caseload and supporting residents with budgeting, benefits, and housing options.
• Has strong communication and IT skills, and ideally some knowledge of safeguarding, support plans, or key working.
• Brings transferable experience from youth work, education, housing, or similar sectors

Why join us?
When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values, Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together. 

We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

What You’ll Get

• Up to 25 days’ annual leave.
• Flexible benefits including healthcare, dental, and discounts.
• 4x Life Assurance and up to 10% pension contribution.
• Professional development, including funded apprenticeships.
• Two paid volunteering days each year.
• Family-friendly policies and a supportive team culture.

Please read before applying:
This is a full-time, onsite role, and you’ll need to be available to work five days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. Shifts may include early mornings and evenings, so flexibility is key.

We’ll be reviewing applications and holding interviews on a rolling weekly basis, so please keep an eye on your inbox and phone - our team will be in touch to get you booked in!

If this sounds like the right fit for you and you’d love to be part of Peabody, apply today by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Please note: Peabody is not a licensed UK sponsor, so we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

If this sounds like we are right for you and you’d love to be part of Peabody, we’d like to hear from you. Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Closing date 20 February 2026

* We currently have two part time vacancies. One vacancy for 26.25 hours per week and one vacancy for 22.5 hours per week. 

Our Vacancy

Join us as a part-time Housing Support Worker – Make a Real Difference in Young Lives

At Peabody, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people to thrive. We’re looking for a Housing Support Worker who is kind, proactive, and ready to support young people aged 16–25, including care leavers, on their journey to independence. This is not a care role. It’s a practical and emotional support position, helping young people build life skills, access housing, and feel empowered to shape their future.

What You’ll Be Doing

In this role, you’ll support young people to develop the skills they need for independent living, including navigating housing options, managing benefits, and budgeting. You’ll help create a safe, non-judgmental environment where they feel empowered and respected. By bringing your own passions, whether in music, art, sports, or other interests, you’ll enrich the community and build meaningful connections. You’ll also work closely with colleagues and external partners to ensure each young person receives the right support at the right time.

We’re Looking for someone who:

• Connects easily with young people, especially those who’ve faced trauma, mental health challenges, or substance misuse.
• Is creative and confident in engaging young people, whether through music, sports, art, or other interests.
• Can work independently and as part of a team, managing a caseload and supporting residents with budgeting, benefits, and housing options.
• Has strong communication and IT skills, and ideally some knowledge of safeguarding, support plans, or key working.
• Brings transferable experience from youth work, education, housing, or similar sectors.

Why join us?
When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values, Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together. 

We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

What You’ll Get

• Up to 25 days’ annual leave.
• Flexible benefits including healthcare, dental, and discounts.
• 4x Life Assurance and up to 10% pension contribution.
• Professional development, including funded apprenticeships.
• Two paid volunteering days each year.
• Family-friendly policies and a supportive team culture.

Please read before applying:
This is a part-time, onsite role, and you’ll need to be available to work five days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. Shifts may include early mornings and evenings, so flexibility is key.

We’ll be reviewing applications and holding interviews on a rolling weekly basis, so please keep an eye on your inbox and phone - our team will be in touch to get you booked in!

If this sounds like the right fit for you and you’d love to be part of Peabody, apply today by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Please note: Peabody is not a licensed UK sponsor, so we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Closing date 20 February 2026

This is an exciting role working with the guidance of the Peer Coordinator and in partnership with the London Joint Working Group, local substance use services, the Harm Reduction Peer Support Lead  will support the delivery of a peer led needle and syringe program (NSP) across the borough of Hackney at SWERVE the Harm Reduction Hub. This will include supporting delivery of the service and developing relationships and partnership working with local statutory and voluntary service providers who provide support and care for our potential client group.

The Female Harm Reduction Peer Support Lead will assist in the delivery of secondary NSP provision, naloxone distribution and educational workshops to communities where women are in need including outreach from the Hackney Harm Reduction Hub to for example sex workers, BAME communities, LGBTQI and people who suffer domestic and gender based violence, with a view to enhancing harm reduction provision across the area.

The role is only open to women, in accordance with the sex-based exemptions of the Equality Act 2010 pursuant to Schedule 9, Part 1. 

Both full time and part time applicants will be considered.

Our Vacancy

Join Us as a Housing Support Worker – Make a Real Difference in Young Lives.

At Peabody, we’re passionate about creating opportunities for young people to thrive. We’re looking for a Housing Support Worker who is kind, proactive, and ready to support young people aged 16–25, including care leavers, on their journey to independence.This is not a care role. It’s a practical and emotional support position, helping young people build life skills, access housing, and feel empowered to shape their future.

What You’ll Be Doing
In this role, you’ll support young people to develop the skills they need for independent living, including navigating housing options, managing benefits, and budgeting. You’ll help create a safe, non-judgmental environment where they feel empowered and respected. By bringing your own passions, whether in music, art, sports, or other interests, you’ll enrich the community and build meaningful connections. You’ll also work closely with colleagues and external partners to ensure each young person receives the right support at the right time.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Connects easily with young people, especially those who’ve faced trauma, mental health challenges, or substance misuse.
• Is creative and confident in engaging young people, whether through music, sports, art, or other interests.
• Can work independently and as part of a team, managing a caseload and supporting residents with budgeting, benefits, and housing options.
• Has strong communication and IT skills, and ideally some knowledge of safeguarding, support plans, or key working.
• Brings transferable experience from youth work, education, housing, or similar sectors.

Why join us?
When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values, Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together. 

We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.

What You’ll Get

• Up to 25 days’ annual leave.
• Flexible benefits including healthcare, dental, and discounts.
• 4x Life Assurance and up to 10% pension contribution.
• Professional development, including funded apprenticeships.
• Two paid volunteering days each year.
• Family-friendly policies and a supportive team culture.

Please read before applying:
This is a full-time, onsite role, and you’ll need to be available to work five days a week, including weekends and bank holidays. Shifts may include early mornings and evenings, so flexibility is key.

We’ll be reviewing applications and holding interviews on a rolling weekly basis, so please keep an eye on your inbox and phone - our team will be in touch to get you booked in!

If this sounds like the right fit for you and you’d love to be part of Peabody, apply today by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Please note: Peabody is not a licensed UK sponsor, so we’re unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role.

If this sounds like we are right for you and you’d love to be part of Peabody, we’d like to hear from you. 

Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Closing date 20 February 2026  

Are you looking for a new Challenge?

Do you have experience of working within drug services and with volunteers?

Do you have relevant experience? This might be alcohol, injecting drug use, viral hepatitis or other liver disease. Have you supported anyone who has?

We are looking for self-motivated individuals who like to be part of a team but equally can work on their own. The post holders must have a desire to make a difference in promoting hepatitis awareness & liver health among services and affected communities and by increasing access to hepatitis treatment and liver disease care. We are looking for a passionate and skilled peer lead who will work on the Community Liver Health Bus and in community outreach locations in North Central London 

We are a patient-led organisation – you will be working in an environment where the patient/service user/client is placed at the centre of all that you do.

The post holder is required to hold a clean driving licence.

Job Description

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality, person-centred care and support to adults with learning disabilities, enabling them to live fulfilling, independent lives. This role involves promoting health and wellbeing, safeguarding, and empowering individuals through respectful, inclusive, and rights-based approaches.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

Service user-Centred Support & Care

• Provide assistance with daily living activities, including personal hygiene, dressing, mobility, and medication prompting/administration as delegated and trained.
• Deliver person-centred care that respects individuality, culture, and preferences.

• Communicate effectively using tailored approaches, including non-verbal methods and assistive technologies.

• Empower individuals to make informed choices and participate in decision-making.

• Work collaboratively with families, carers, and multidisciplinary teams.

• Support people whose behaviour can challenge services with empathy and an understanding that the behaviour is caused by the environment and not the individual.

• Offer emotional and social support, actively listening and engaging service users in meaningful conversations and activities to prevent social isolation.
• Assist service users with meal planning and preparation, ensuring that specific dietary requirements and nutritional needs are consistently met.
• Assist individuals with mobility needs, including safe moving and handling practices.

• Use appropriate equipment and techniques to ensure safety and comfort during transfers and movement.

• Support service users in maintaining a safe, clean, and organised living environment, including light domestic duties, laundry, and grocery shopping.
• Facilitate service user participation in community activities, appointments, recreational outings, and educational/vocational pursuits.
• Engage in continuous professional development and reflective practice.

• Contribute to service improvement through evidence-based approaches.

• Support and mentor colleagues, sharing best practices and promoting a culture of learning. 

Mentivity is seeking 2 Senior Youth Workers to support the delivery of high-quality, safe and engaging youth work sessions for young people across our Southwark youth clubs and school holiday provision. Female applicants and candidates from the global majority (people from ethnically diverse backgrounds) are particularly encouraged to apply as part of our commitment to building a diverse and representative workforce.

This role is ideal for an experienced youth work professional who is passionate about empowering young people, creating inclusive spaces, and supporting positive personal, social and emotional development.

About Mentivity:

Founded in 2016 by Sayce Holmes-Lewis alongside co-founders Leon Wright and Tyson Holmes-Lewis, Mentivity is an award-winning, inspirational mentoring organisation that provides aspirational support for young people, schools, families and communities.

Through Mentivity House, we provide a dedicated space for youth development and community engagement, including youth clubs, tailored programmes and respite provision. Our work focuses on raising aspirations, improving life outcomes and ensuring young people feel seen, heard and supported.

What we do:

Youth Work & Mentoring
High-quality, relationship-led youth work that supports young people to develop confidence, resilience and life skills.

Mentivity House & Community Delivery
Inclusive youth clubs, community programmes and safe spaces rooted in the needs of the local Southwark community.

Holiday & Enrichment Programmes
Structured, engaging school holiday provision offering activities, trips, meals and enrichment opportunities for young people who benefit from additional support outside term time.

The Role:

As a Senior Youth Worker, you will play a key role in delivering engaging, youth-led sessions across community and holiday settings. You will build trusted relationships with young people, model positive behaviour, uphold safeguarding standards and contribute to a safe, welcoming environment where all young people can thrive.

You will also support inclusive practice, particularly for young people facing additional challenges or vulnerabilities, and work collaboratively with staff, volunteers and partners to ensure high-quality delivery.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference within a values-driven organisation that is deeply committed to young people and the communities we serve.

#Senior Youth Worker #Mentor #Youth #Youth Worker #Youth Work #Youth Mentoring #Senior Youth Work 

James’ Place London, Suicide Prevention Therapist

Job Title: Suicide Prevention Therapist

Salary: c.£33,000 per annum pro rata, plus 15% ILW

Hours: 22.5 hours over 3 days per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Location: London

Reports to: Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist

THE CHARITY

Suicide is the leading cause of death of men under 35 and three quarters of those who die by suicide are men. James’ Place exists to save the lives of men in suicidal crisis through delivering clinical services. We are a charity currently offering free, life-saving therapy to suicidal men at our centres in Liverpool, London and Newcastle.

James’ Place was set up by Clare Milford Haven and Nick Wentworth-Stanley in 2008 after their twenty-one-year-old son, James, died by suicide ten days after a minor operation. James had no history of mental illness or depression and had sought urgent help for anxiety and suicidal thoughts but didn’t find it.   

James' Place was set up to make the experience of finding help as easy as possible. We offer men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis a brief, intensive, therapeutic intervention in a safe environment. Men who walk through the door at James’ Place will be in a space where they feel valued and respected.  We provide a calm and peaceful environment both inside the centres and in our outside spaces, accessible to men who visit us as well as their friends and families. We have so far treated over 4,300 men who might otherwise have been unable to access the support they desperately need.

In early 2026 we will be opening our fourth centre in Birmingham. Our new centre in Birmingham will be there to support suicidal men living in the West Midlands.

THE OPPORTUNITY

We are expanding our team of clinicians to deliver our clinically proven intervention at our James’ Place centre in London. As a Suicide Prevention Therapist, you will be an experienced mental health professional or therapist with demonstrable interest in suicide prevention. You will support men who are experiencing a suicidal crisis and their supporter(s), delivering our unique intervention and co-producing effective safety plans to maintain their safety. Training and support will be provided by the Head of Centre in London and the wider James’ Place team.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Clinical

· Conduct initial Welcome Assessments with men in a suicidal crisis, assessing risk and the suitability of the James’ Place intervention and co-producing effective safety plans

· Deliver our therapeutic intervention, building trust and exploring the reasons for crisis

· Use the Lay Your Cards on the Table intervention to encourage men to talk about and explore their feelings, attitudes and behaviours and develop positive coping strategies

· Take full clinical responsibility of the men under James’ Place care, as a member of the clinical team and in consultation with Senior Suicide Prevention Therapist and Head of Centre when needed

· Escalate care to appropriate services when necessary, including emergency services and secondary mental health teams

· Deliver one-off guidance sessions to supporters of men under the James’ Place care

· Work collaboratively with other professionals to coordinate comprehensive care

· Demonstrate self-awareness and regularly dedicate time and space, inside and outside of work, to keeping yourself well

· Undergo clinical supervision with a qualified supervisor to reflect on clinical work and raise any issues or concerns arising from work

· Remain up to date with developments in law, theories and research

· Engage in peer support sessions, caseload discussions and Reflective Practice with the team

· Contribute to an environment in which confidentiality, privacy and dignity are respected and be clear with clients about limits of confidentiality

· Maintain confidentiality and adhere to ethical standards

· Complete session notes in a timely and effective manner

· Participate in continuous professional development and engage in training provided both internally and externally

· Support the Clinical Administration team as and when necessary

Outreach and Engagement

· Support the local management team to increase contact with local community organisations able to refer to us or offer move on support for men completing our intervention

· Support the fundraising team to bring potential supporters into our building and showcase our work, including the facilitation of events

Values

· Demonstrate commitment to the James’ Place values of Focus, Bravery, Respect, Compassion, Professionalism, Collaboration and Hope through all aspects of work

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The role requires someone with a relevant qualification who can confidently support men experiencing a suicidal crisis. You will need to be able to effectively conduct risk assessments and deliver our clinically proven therapeutic intervention to ensure client safety. Strong therapeutic communication, the ability to work autonomously and teamwork skills are also essential to this role, as well as the ability to build trust and hope.

Essential

Qualification(s)

· A Core Profession such as Mental Health Nurse, Occupational Therapist or Social Worker, counselling or practitioner psychologist registered with NMC, HCPC, or Social Work England

or

· Accreditation as a psychological therapist, psychotherapist, or counsellor registered with BACP, UKCP, BABCP or equivalent, or have completed training and awaiting accreditation

You must hold a relevant qualification to be considered for this role.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

· Demonstrable experience working with adults experiencing acute psychological distress

· Demonstrable knowledge of social and other factors which could lead to suicidal thinking and actions

· Demonstrable knowledge of the factors contributing to male suicide

· Evidence of being able to deliver a therapeutic session and work in a therapeutic environment  

· Effective communication skills (both written and verbal)

· Good interpersonal skills with the ability to manage difficult situations

· Ability to assess, plan, implement and evaluate therapeutic interventions

· An ability to collaborate with clients in the development of a person centred, individual intervention plan

· An ability to engage clients in the intervention plan, overcoming barriers to communication

· Ability to conduct effective risk assessments and collaborative safety plans with men who are presenting with high risk of suicide, or be willing and able to learn how to do so

· Ability to identify if the James’ Place service is not adequate to maintain the person’s safety and facilitate rapid transfer to the most appropriate service

· Ability to maintain boundaries within a time-limited intervention

· Ability to work as an effective team member

· Ability to manage and prioritise own workload, using own initiative and confidence in decision making

· Strong time management

· Ability to maintain up to date client records in line with James’ Place standards

· Ability to maintain own personal safety and the safety of others within the centre

· Knowledge and understanding of Safeguarding Procedures

Values

· Commitment to clinical supervision

· Ability to engage with James’ Place values

· Ability to promote people’s equality, diversity and rights

· Ability to work collaboratively and demonstrate commitment to co-production

· Ability to be transparent, honest and show discretion when needed

· Commitment to suicide prevention and working with men in a suicidal crisis

WE OFFER

· A 7% employer contributory pension scheme

· Family friendly policies

· Death in service insurance scheme

· 25 days plus bank holidays leave entitlement (FTE), including enhanced holiday allowance with incremental rises after qualifying period

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please see instructions on the attached document.

Closing date: 9am on Friday 27th February 2026

Our aim is to recruit clinicians who are representative of the communities of men who will access treatment at James' Place London. We particularly encourage applications from underrepresented groups and those who have experience in delivering therapy within culturally diverse communities, particularly in widely spoken languages within those communities.

James’ Place is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community. Our aim is that no job applicant, temporary worker or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, disability, gender and transgender status, race and ethnicity, religion and belief (including no belief), marriage or civil partnership status or sexual orientation.

If you have a disability or health conditions which means you'd benefit from any adjustments to the interview process to help you perform at your best, please do let us know in advance.

Any job offers made are subject to the receipt of two relevant satisfactory employment references. We expect this to include one from your most recent or current employer. Any job offers made are also subject to a satisfactory DBS check and a Right to Work in the UK check.

Job Title: West London Family Support Worker 

Salary: £25,353.06

Team: Family Support Team

Hours: 30

Location: Based at Shooting Star House (Hampton), This role will be working across sites and in the community

About Shooting Star Children’s Hospices

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Family Support Team at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices provides specialist care and support to families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or whose child has died. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, our teams support families across Surrey, north-west London and south-west London from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care.

About the role

Family Support Workers (FSW) are the frontline of our care. Each FSW holds a caseload of end-of-life and bereaved families. They get to know their families, and check-in regularly with phone calls and home visits and can provide enhanced emotional support where required through more regular contact and interventions. Our FSWs tell families about the many services they can access at Shooting Star, assess their needs and make recommendations to our multi-disciplinary team. They  support families of different ethnicities and families living in poverty, helping our service be as accessible as possible.

Our FSWs work closely with our Therapists, Counsellors, Social Workers, Transition Team and our Care Events Team. Weekly MDT meetings bring the team together to think of ways to help families in crisis. The work is varied and creative, taking place at the hospices, in family homes and hospitals, allowing the support to be where the families need it. Our Family Support Workers are hugely appreciated by the families we support.

The ambition of our strategy is to ensure every family affected by a life-limiting condition, or the sudden death of a child, has access to the specialist care that they need. Day to day duties are:

• Being the on-site duty FSW, welcoming families on site, monitoring email inboxes and answering the Family Support Line.
• Helping with support groups and family events
• Providing on the spot emotional support, sometimes in a crisis where a calm and supportive response is required.
• Visiting newly bereaved families in their homes.
• Supporting families staying at our Christopher’s hospice (booked stays and end of life).
• Attending various locations over the course of a week: hospice, hospital, family homes.
• Building connections with families from different backgrounds, delivering culturally sensitive care.
• Helping safeguard families at risk of harm.
• Acting as an ambassador for Shooting Star’s Specialist Bereavement Service, supporting other care team members with their learning and delivery of the bereavement pathway, and continually seeking ways to improve what we offer families.

The post holder will need to have a UK driving license.

The hours are predominantly worked 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.

Once a month, the FSW will work a weekend day (with advance notice). This is in place of a Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday that week.

About you

This role requires experience of working with children and families who have experienced hardship, or those with complex needs. You should have a calm, positive manner, conveying empathy whilst maintaining professional boundaries. We are looking for someone passionate about supporting children and families.

Please see the attached job description for more information about this opportunity at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.

What we offer

In return you will receive a competitive salary along with a range of benefits, which include:

Pension scheme

• NHS Pension Scheme (for eligible employees) or our stakeholder pension scheme, with up to 7% employer contributions
  
  Annual leave

• 27 days plus Bank Holidays rising with length of service
• 2 weeks paid sabbatical leave after 5, 10 and 15 years’ service
  
  Contractual benefits

• Generous sick pay scheme
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave pay
• Flexible working arrangements
• Death in service benefits
• Reimbursed professional membership fees
• Eye care
• Employee referral scheme
• Blue Light discount card
  
  Health and wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational Health
• Mindfulness sessions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Mental Health First Aiders

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Also, we are committed to equal opportunities and consider all applicants to be in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a DBS check.

Equality, diversity and inclusion

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is committed to inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that getting things right is critical for us to live our organisation’s values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.

We are always trying to improve our way of working to be more inclusive and equal. Our vision is for Shooting Star Children’s Hospices to be a place where people of all backgrounds, groups and communities feel welcomed to work and volunteer.

Anticipated Start Date: 06/04/2026

We are looking for a dynamic Programme Manager. The post-holder will play a key role in managing specific programme and partnership activities in partnership countries such as the Gambia, Kenya and Sierra Leone as well as project management, monitoring and reporting for our cross-partnerships strategic project on strengthening health systems through strengthened postgraduate medical education of health worker.

The post-holder will also support the design and management of new programmes, working closely with the KGHP Director, Head of Programmes, Partnership Leads, Advisors and with our partners.

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape innovative and impactful health systems strengthening programme, rooted in strong local partnerships.

Based in the UK, this role may require line management support to in-country coordinators/UK based Programme Officer(s).The role will require travel for 1 week at a time to monitor projects abroad to our projects/ partnership countries, totalling no more than three times a year.

Looking for a career in children’s social work with purpose and a clear path for development? 

Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. 

As a children and families social worker, you’ll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference.

On this fully funded social work training programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps you become a children’s social worker through hands-on experience, academic study and expert support. 

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work

• Learn alongside children and families within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified children’s social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your social work master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

As a children’s social worker, you’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement. 

Who we’re looking for  
You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education, law or healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. 

You don’t need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, charity worker or social work assistant. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort. 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.

Positive Engagement Worker

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Positive Engagement Worker

Location:Service is located at the heart of Croydon, close to the East Croydon train station. Please be aware that this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £27,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Sunday 7.5 hours shifts between 08:00 - 20:30. You may also be required to work to work outside these hours including bank holidays as per service and resident requirements. We are a 24/7 staffed service.

About the Role

We're recruiting a Positive Engagement Worker to join the team in Croydon in a 27 bed residential property which specialises in forensic mental health, complex needs and dual diagnosis. The team offers psychologically informed housing and resettlement support that comes with additional help for individuals’ specific needs. Our forensic mental health step down services consist of four individual sites which cater for high and medium support for both, men and women. 

In this role, you will be at the centre of researching, sourcing, and providing various opportunities for our residents. This can include partnering with external employers for employment opportunities, liaising with colleges for courses and upskilling opportunities, or community based projects which residents can get involved in. The role is dynamic and you can put your own ideas forward to bring new ideas to the team to help support our residents have access to wider resources. You will work closely with the rest of the care and support teams to enhance the opportunities available to our residents. 

Some Key Responsibilities Include:

• Plan and deliver various activities which includes within the service and outside in the local community to help gain a sense of community and belonging. This can include days out to museums, community events and other areas of interest by our residents
• Plan in service events to bring residents together which could include group cooking sessions, games days, sporting events, and religious festivals.
• Keeping support plans up to date using our online portal
• Carrying out housing management support including welfare benefits support

About You

We're looking for someone who has a true passion to support those who face challenges with their forensic mental health, complex needs and dual diagnosis. You will be able to build rapport and trusting relations in a professional setting, and able to build positive outcomes. You will be creative in your approach to find new ways to bring people together to gain a sense of community and belonging through various events and activities both in house and externally. You will have an adaptable and flexible approach to helping others, with an understanding that each individual has different levels and types of support needs. 

You will have an understanding and ability to help others overcome their personal barriers, and will be motivated to want to make a difference to people's lives. This is a fulfilling role, and is the perfect fit for someone who has a real passion in helping others. You will have:

• Awareness of external opportunities which are available such as with education, employment and benefits
• Experience working with people with multiple and complex needs, ideally in mental health
• Ability to show empathy and compassion to our residents, and different challenges they face
• Ability  to motivate, and empower others to achieve their personal goals and overcome barriers
• Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs
• Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Citizens UK

Citizens UK is the UK’s biggest, most diverse and most effective people-powered alliance. We bring communities and local organisations together to work on issues that matter; from campaigning for zebra crossings on dangerous roads, to reforming the immigration system, to the Living Wage campaign. We have a track record of winning change through hundreds of local and national campaigns. We know everyday people have the ability to shape the world around them. We believe that through developing local leaders, we can drive nationwide change and create community-led solutions to big and small problems.

Purpose

The Head of People & Culture ensures that Citizens UK has the people, organisational capacity and enabling culture required to deliver its mission of building people power and strengthening civil society. The role plays a central part in securing a workforce that is capable, motivated and aligned with Citizens UK’s values, enabling the organisation to build strong alliances, support local leadership and achieve lasting social change.

Working as part of the senior leadership team, and under the direction of the Executive Director, Finance & Operations, the role strengthens organisational effectiveness by embedding fair, inclusive and well-governed people practices. Through sound employment frameworks, statutory compliance and a culture that supports engagement, performance and wellbeing, the Head of People & Culture safeguards Citizens UK’s resilience, reputation and ability to deliver impact at scale.

Main Responsibilities

Working as the Head of People & Culture for Citizens UK, reporting to the Executive Director, Finance & Operations, your main responsibilities will include:

People & Culture Strategy

Ensure Citizens UK has the people, capability and organisational shape required to deliver its mission and sustain impact over time.

· Analyse organisational strategy, change priorities and external context to identify their implications for people, capability, structure and ways of working.

· Carry out workforce planning to assess current and future capacity and capability, identifying gaps, risks and realistic options to address them.

· Develop, maintain and refresh the People & Culture strategy so it responds directly to organisational needs and provides clear priorities for action.

· Provide expert people and culture advice to the Executive Leadership Team and Board, informing strategic discussions, trade-offs and decisions.

Talent Management

Develop and implement talent management processes that ensure Citizens UK attracts, retains and sustains the people needed to deliver its work.

· Lead recruitment, selection and onboarding to bring in people who can perform effectively in their roles and are aligned with Citizens UK’s values.

· Develop and maintain retention approaches focused on the key drivers of retention, including meaningful work, effective management, development opportunities, wellbeing, inclusion and fair treatment.

· Identify critical roles and critical talent and put in place practical succession and risk-mitigation plans, including knowledge transfer, handover planning and interim cover where needed.

· Monitor employee experience across the employment lifecycle, using insight from feedback and people data to improve people practices and ways of working.

Performance, Leadership & Capability

Strengthen organisational effectiveness by enabling teams to perform well, grow in capability and contribute consistently to shared goals.

· Maintain and operate performance management processes, including objective setting, regular feedback and reviews, ensuring that staff are clear on expectations and accountable for results.

· Support managers to address performance issues constructively by clarifying expectations, strengthening feedback, building capability and resolving barriers to effective performance.

· Coordinate and deliver learning and development activity that supports managers and staff to build skills, leadership capability and confidence in their roles.

Organisational Culture, Engagement & Wellbeing

Foster a working environment where people feel engaged, supported and able to do their best work together.

· Promote Citizens UK’s values in everyday people practices, supporting managers to translate values into consistent behaviours, decision-making and ways of working.

· Design and operate staff engagement and feedback mechanisms, ensuring staff voice is heard, themes are analysed, and practical actions are taken in response.

· Develop and maintain wellbeing approaches that support psychological safety, healthy workload management, early resolution of concerns and sustainable working practices.

· Support constructive relationships with the Trade Union and enable effective consultation and dialogue on people-related matters. 

EDI & Safeguarding

Ensure Citizens UK is equitable, inclusive and safe for all by embedding fairness, care and accountability into how the organisation operates.

· Develop and implement Equity, Diversity and Inclusion priorities, using clear measures to monitor progress, identify gaps and support accountability across the organisation.

· Embed EDI considerations into recruitment, progression, policy development and everyday people decisions, working closely with relevant colleagues to ensure consistency in practice.

· Act as the People & Culture lead for safeguarding, ensuring responsibilities are clear, processes are understood, and concerns are handled appropriately, sensitively and in line with agreed procedures.

· Support managers and leaders to recognise and address inclusion or safeguarding issues early, escalating concerns where required and ensuring appropriate follow-up.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

Ensure Citizens UK has a clear, effective and trusted people governance framework that supports lawful decision-making, fair treatment and organisational confidence.

· Develop, review and maintain People & Culture policies and procedures, ensuring they are legally compliant, values-aligned and understood by managers and staff.

· Provide day-to-day advice and guidance on people-related risk and compliance, identifying emerging issues early and supporting proportionate, lawful responses.

· Manage disciplinary, grievance and other formal employment processes, ensuring fairness, consistency, appropriate documentation and timely resolution.

Systems & HR Operations

Ensure the efficient, reliable and compliant administration of people processes and systems.

· Operate and maintain HR systems, payroll processes and core people administration, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and compliance with organisational and legal requirements.

· Review and improve people processes to reduce duplication, minimise manual work and improve efficiency, making best use of available technology and automation.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date people records and data, ensuring information is accessible, secure and fit for reporting, audit and operational needs.

Functional Leadership & Resource Management

Build and manage CUK’s People & Culture function, ensuring that staff and resources contribute effectively to achievement of CUK’s mission.

· Plan, prioritise and sequence People & Culture work to ensure available capacity is focused on the organisation’s most important people risks and priorities.

· Manage the People & Culture budget, including payroll, monitoring spend and applying value-for-money principles in line with organisational policies.

· Manage People & Culture staff and outsourced service providers utilising an engaging leadership style to support effective delivery of expectations.

Personal Specification

(D) Desirable, (E) Essential

Qualifications

· (E) CIPD qualification (Level 7) or equivalent senior-level professional experience in People / HR leadership

· (D) Degree or equivalent qualification in human resources, organisational development, management or a related field

Experience

· (E) Significant experience in a senior People / HR role, ideally within a charity, not-for-profit or values-driven organisation

· (E) Experience of leading and delivering people and culture priorities in complex, mission-led organisations

· (E) Experience of advising Executive and Board-level stakeholders on people, culture, governance and risk matters

· (E) Experience of operating as a senior, hands-on HR generalist, covering strategy, policy, employee relations and operational delivery

· (E) Experience of workforce planning, recruitment, performance management and organisational change

· (D) Experience of working with trade unions or staff representative bodies

Key skills and knowledge

· (E) Strong generalist HR expertise across employment law, compliance, safeguarding, performance management and people governance

· (E) Proven ability to design and implement practical people processes that support performance, inclusion and wellbeing

· (E) Strong coaching capability, with the ability to support managers to address performance, capability and behavioural issues constructively

· (E) Ability to manage complex employee relations matters with judgement, fairness and confidence

· (E) Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present clear advice and recommendations to senior leaders and boards

· (D) Knowledge of HR systems, people data and process improvement to support efficient delivery

Personal qualities & values

· (E) Strong commitment to social justice, inclusion and the values and mission of Citizens UK

· (E) Values-led and relational leadership style, combining empathy, integrity and pragmatism

· (E) Resilient and adaptable, able to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and evolving environment

· (E) Comfortable working within an accountable team culture, open to feedback, reflective practice and continuous improvement

· (D) Willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends, and to travel when required to support organisational priorities

About Us: 

Enable is a charity dedicated to improving people's wellbeing and strengthening local communities. We work with councils, charities and other local organisations to deliver health, leisure, community services and events that enrich people’s lives and strengthen our local community.

At Enable, we value our employees and our culture, focusing on embracing diversity and fostering an inclusive, flexible and fun environment for employees to perform at their best. On top of a competitive salary and flexible working environment, employees will also receive:

Benefits: 

• 30 days of annual leave (plus 8 bank holidays)
• Life Insurance
• Reward Schemes (RewardHub Membership, wellbeing budgets and cycle to work)
• A variety of social and wellbeing activities each month
• Mental Health & Wellbeing Perks (Monthly talks, Wellbeing Hour, etc)
• Gym Membership

Reports to: Social Prescribing Manager

Based: Balham, Tooting and Furzedown PCN

Salary: £35,530.43

Contract: Permanent, Full time

Work Arrangement: 40 hours per week, hybrid between home, office and GP practices 

DBS: Enhanced with Adults

Role Overview: 

The Health and Wellbeing Team are a passionate group of health professionals who empower people to make lasting changes to their health and wellbeing and improve their quality of life. We put the person at the centre of everything we do, building innovative initiatives that tackle barriers to improving health. We are experts at reducing health inequalities, real or perceived, and creating lasting changes. 

Main Duties/Responsibilities:  

Person-centred care and support  

• Deliver effective social prescribing appointments using a holistic and person-centred approach that helps people focus on what matters to them. 
• Empower people to take control of their own wellbeing by building their confidence, motivating them to set goals and creating personalised action plans. 
• Signpost and refer people to local voluntary, community and statutory services that help meet their needs. 
• Support people to overcome their personal barriers to access VCSE organisations and follow up to ensure they are satisfied, able to engage, and receiving good support. 
• Treat everyone with dignity, and respect different cultures, religions, ways of life and other personal characteristics at all times. 

Communication and Collaboration  

• Build excellent relationships with primary care/adult social care teams, providing regular updates, sharing knowledge of local VCSE organisations and working together to develop the service. 
• Provide support and develop partnerships with local VCSE organisations, community groups, and statutory services to make safe and effective onward referrals. 
• Work with the Enable Health and Wellbeing Team and local partners to identify unmet needs within the community and gaps in service provision. 
• Promote the social prescribing micro-commissioning fund and support VCSE organisations to apply. 
• Act as a champion of social prescribing, increasing awareness and promoting its benefits to a wide range of audiences. 
• Work with a team of volunteer buddies to provide additional support to clients. 

Service Quality and Development  

• Collect and record outcome, monitoring and impact data using required systems, contributing to the evaluation of the service. 
• Manage own case load to ensure clients receive appropriate levels of support and expectations are met. 
• Gather client feedback to evaluate the quality of the service and to inform service changes and developments. 
• Identify how the service could be developed and improved and, drawing upon knowledge of service delivery, make suggestions about how social prescribing could be embedded to a greater extent across Wandsworth. 
• Keep up to date with key changes in the health and social care sector in order to shape and develop the service, including those relating to good practice and policy. 
• Lead by example by demonstrating excellent customer service, delivery skills, organisation and professionalism. 
• Complete Quality Assurance Assessments for VCSE organisations accepting social prescribing referrals to ensure they are safe, effective, and have the support they need to be part of social prescribing. 
• Work with your line manager to identify your own support needs and undertake continual personal and professional development. 

General Responsibilities  

• To comply with all of Enable Leisure and Culture Codes of practice and conduct, including policies and procedures concerning data protection, health and safety and safeguarding. 
• To be committed to the promotion of equality, diversity and inclusion for others, both colleagues and clients. 
• To create and maintain a safe, supportive and welcoming environment where all people are treated with dignity and their identity and culture are valued and respected. Report any instances of inappropriate behaviour or discrimination. 
• Ensure data is kept securely in line with data protection law and Enable LC’s procedures. 
• To be fully aware of the principles of safeguarding as they apply to children and vulnerable adults in relation to your work role. Always follow safeguarding procedures and ensure that your line manager is kept fully informed of any safeguarding concerns. 
• To carry out any other reasonable duties and responsibilities that contribute to the overall function of the team, appropriate with the grading of the post. 
• To apply a flexible approach to working in different environments including from home, GP practices, healthcare settings, community venues and Enable offices. 
• To travel inside or outside the borough when required. 

Skills and Experience:  

• At least 2 year experience in a role that involves delivering face-to-face support in a relevant health or social care environment.
• Experience adopting a person-centred approach in order to meet the needs of service users and of empowering them to make informed choices.  
• Experience of working with people of all ages with a range of social needs.  
• Experience of working with the VCSE sector (in a paid or voluntary capacity), including with volunteers and small community groups.  
• Motivational interviewing, behaviour change, or health coaching qualification (desirable) or willingness to undertake training (essential).  
• Motivational interviewing, behaviour change or health coaching experience (desirable).  

Knowledge 

• Knowledge of the wider determinants of health, including social, economic and environmental factors. 
• Understanding of personalisation and the skills required to support self-care.   
•  An understanding of the principles of confidentiality and how these apply when handling service-user information. 
• Local knowledge of VCSE and community services in Wandsworth (desirable).  

Aptitudes, skills and competencies  

• Good ability to use Microsoft Office (including Excel, Word, Outlook and PowerPoint) and other online client monitoring systems or tools as required.    
• Ability to work with and support people with a wide range of health and wellbeing needs, inspiring trust and confidence, motivating others to reach their potential.  
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability and confidence to listen actively, motivate, support, and advocate. 
• Excellent communication skills, verbal and written; able to communicate in a meaningful way and develop effective relationships with a range of stakeholders.    
• Excellent organisation, planning and time management skills.  
• Able to collect and record data to enable the monitoring of key performance indicators, reporting on them as and when required.  
• Able to work effectively with others in an open and collaborative way, valuing differences and contributing to a working environment which helps to achieve goals.   
• Able to work unsupervised to meet agreed outcomes, targets and deadlines.  
• Ability to identify risk, assess and manage risk when working with patients.    

Personal qualities  

• Able to demonstrate personal accountability, emotional resilience and ability to work well under pressure.  
• Commitment to working in deprived communities and reducing health inequalities.   
• Commitment to valuing equality and diversity and understanding of how this applies to own area of work.   
• Commitment to own professional and personal development and willingness to undertake training and development as appropriate to the role.  
• Able to work flexible hours if required by the post and able to work in various setting. 
• Able to commute to various service locations across the borough as required.