Community keyworker jobs in uk

We have some fantastic opportunities for dedicated and enthusiastic Keyworkers to join Barnardo's. Currently we have multiple Full Time, Permanent contracts available as we add to our growing team in Greater Manchester. Would you like the chance to provide crucial support to Children, Young People with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism (up to 25 years) and their families as part of the NHS Long Term Plan?

Covering the Greater Manchester area, it is essential to hold a valid UK driving licence with access to your own vehicle. As a Keyworker, you will have passion and commitment when delivering quality support within the family home, placement, or inpatient setting. You will work as part of a team to prevent - where possible - children and young people from requiring an inpatient admission or placement. Are you a compassionate individual looking for a meaningful and rewarding role?

As this is a new service there are lots of opportunities to develop your skill set, knowledge and career progression going forward. The service has a comprehensive training offer including core competencies through to bespoke training. To be a successful Keyworker, you will need to have the following:

• Experience in supporting children with Learning Disabilities or Autism
• The ability to ensure the 'voice' of the child and family is central, enabling lived experience to create change.
• Excellent team working skills. You will work as part of a service that covers the whole of Greater Manchester. However, there are 5 teams providing the opportunity to offer support and create strong relationships and partnerships in a local area and with colleagues which include Manchester, Bolton, Wigan, Tameside, Salford, Stockport and Trafford.
• Safeguarding knowledge.
• Good IT and recording skills.

This service is dynamic, no two days are the same, however you will have a number of children and young people who you will build positive and meaningful relationships with. You will manage your own diary with families, providing support at a time that suits their needs. This means you will be working some evenings and weekends. In return you will manage your hours so may benefit from later starts or earlier finishes. You will support in homes and the community and attend meetings with professionals and families to ensure excellent communication, a shared understanding and a team approach. You will support information to be understood, views to be shared, checking the right provision is known about and able to be accessed. You will work closely with health and social care partners. We aim to provide the right support, at the right time, in the right way. You may work by yourself or alongside colleagues depending on the support needed.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Advert description,  Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Cranstoun is an independent charity and leading provider of specialist treatment, harm reduction and recovery services to those affected by drug and alcohol use. This is an exciting opportunity to become a Key Worker within our high performing psychosocial drug and alcohol service in HMP Birmingham.

We provide a range of services for those affected by drugs and alcohol. Our skilled and compassionate team work closely with people who use our services to change and save lives. We combine proven expertise in treatment and recovery with innovative approaches and actively involve those we help in improving the design of the services we provide.

You will be based in our psychosocial team working with adult males (over 18 years old). You will be responsible for delivering a range of elements of our substance use work including case management, assessments, care planning, the delivery of one-to-one interventions to include harm reduction and motivational work, group work, and engagement support as well as other associated duties. You need to be committed to supporting people who use our services to make positive changes to prepare them for release into the community, and you will arrange continuity of care. You will work in collaboration with the clinical team and integrated working is a key element of this role. You will work within the prison setting and contribute towards the wider prison drug strategy.

Having experience of supporting people with complex health needs including substance use, you will bring knowledge and commitment to deliver drug and alcohol treatment. You will have a non-judgemental attitude and a desire to support the lives of people who use our services to be healthier and safer by delivering a high-quality service.

Experience of working with drug and alcohol use is essential. You will be a competent communicator, with the ability to work independently and be comfortable and enthusiastic, both with the highlighted client group and working in partnership with other service providers. Previous experience or knowledge of working with individuals on opiate replacement treatment, and/or involved in the criminal justice system will be advantageous.

To apply for this role, please submit your CV, along with a Cover Letter outlining your skills, experience, relevant qualifications and values fit for the role.

Please ensure you clearly state the Job Reference Number on your Cover Letter.

Closing date: 14 November 2025.

We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work. 

Rosebuds Preschool has a great opportunity for a Preschool and Family Operations Lead, to drive the quality and development of our award-winning services for children, young people, and families at the Max Roach Centre. This role emphasises a multi-disciplinary and integrated approach to early years education, play, and child initiatives.  

What does your role look like: 

Quality Oversight: Ensure high-quality early years learning and care at Rosebuds Preschool. Develop quality assurance frameworks to evaluate service effectiveness in addition to the formulation of a meaningful programme of family and child centred activities within our Play and Family Support initiatives at the centre. 

Program Development: Design and manage family and child-centered activities in our play, and Family Support initiatives. Collaborate with practitioners to enhance educational offerings and align with best practices. 

Multi-Disciplinary Collaboration: Promote integrated working across early years sectors. Engage in collaborative planning with educators, social services, health providers, and community organizations. 

Leadership and Management: Advanced Early Years management knowledge, understanding and experience is fundamental to this role. Provide leadership and mentorship to staff, fostering professional development and continuous improvement.

Community Engagement: Organise year-round activities reflecting the Max Roach community's needs. Build relationships with partners to create a robust ecosystem for families. 

Benefits of working with us: 

- Highly Competitive Salary 

- Concessional Preschool Place

- Employee Assistance Programme for Staff Mental Health Wellbeing and Support 

- Regular Socials and Team Building Opportunities. 

- Free Enhanced DBS Checks

- Well-Established Career Path and Training Opportunities 

- Workplace Pension Scheme

- Induction and Supervision Programme

- Personal and Professional Development Plan 

- Fresh Fruit, Tea & Coffee available for all staff 

Requirements: 

Looking for an individual that can inspire and develop a team, is willing to learn and has a passion for working with children, young people and their families. With a recognised qualification in Early Years / Childcare at Level 3 with a proven track record of 5 year's experience in a management / leadership role in an early years setting.

Experience of: 

• devising and applying a high quality curriculum for young children within the Early Years Foundation Stage. 

• managing a team of early years professionals to improve the quality of EY practice. 

• working with external groups / partners / organisations in a EY provision in a way that supports the child and its’ family in a holistic way. 

• Oversight and designed lead for Safeguarding children, Health and Safety. 

• Monitoring activities / services using a database system. 

• Managing and working within a designated budget. 

Role Title: Preschool and Family Programmes Lead 

Hours: 35 hours per week, 8 hours per day Monday to Friday (Hours will include some afterschool wraparound, occasional evenings and weekends). 

We value work life balance and are willing to consider term time only and or 4 day week.  

Salary: £38,000 (FTE) 

Location: Max Roach Centre, in person

Holiday: 28 days inclusive of bank holidays and Christmas 2 weeks allocation.

Please send your CV by Friday 21st November 2025.

Interviews will take place week commencing Monday 24th November 2025.

Loughborough Community Centre is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and safer recruitment.

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.

To provide structured housing related support to tenants of Mind in Gwent Supported Housing, and floating tenancy support to people experiencing mental health difficulties.

To act as keyworker providing practical and emotional support, advice, information and advocacy towards the goal of achieving greater independence in the community.

To liaise with a range of statutory and voluntary professionals and organisations to maximise resources for the client.

Interviews to be held on Thursday 20th November

Young People Support Worker

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate individual to support young people in supported accommodation in Twickenham

Position: Young People Support Worker
Location: Twickenham
Salary: £27,636 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week - Hours are 9am-5pm Monday to Friday

Contract: Permanent, Full Time
Closing Date: Sunday 9th November 2025

About the Role

As Young People Support Worker you will work as part of a team delivering an assessment, support and move on service to vulnerable clients in supported accommodation. You will have a caseload of 5 clients aged 18-25, in a supported accommodation in Twickenham.

You will mostly lone work, with the Service Manager and Senior Progression Coach working from the office once a week each on average.

You may be required to work from our offices with the rest of the team in Lambeth/Croydon once a month as the business need arises or for training.

Key responsibilities:

· Ensure the safety and wellbeing of clients at all times, following safeguarding and emergency procedures as required.

· Hold a caseload as key worker, taking joint responsibility with the team for day-to-day client support.

· Lead on risk and needs assessments, develop SMART outcomes-based support plans, and review regularly.

· Deliver one-to-one and group support to build resilience and independence, both on site and in the community.

· Work in partnership with external agencies and involve clients in decision-making and community activities.

· Support clients to access education, training, employment, volunteering and benefit entitlements.

· Contribute to a safe, welcoming environment including rota cover, health and safety checks and move-in support.

· Support and collaborate with volunteers and participate in wider organisational engagement opportunities.

About You

You’ll be a motivated, empathetic and organised individual who thrives on helping young people achieve independence. You’ll bring:

· Experience working with the client group and understanding their needs, including homelessness, mental health and substance use.

· Experience in housing settings with knowledge of health and safety responsibilities.

· Strong understanding of asset-based approaches, safeguarding requirements and professional boundaries.

· Knowledge of risk assessments and support planning.

· Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills, including Microsoft 365 and Salesforce.

· Commitment to equality, diversity and treating everyone with dignity and respect.

· Commitment to creating a safe and healthy environment for clients, staff and visitors.

· Integrity, professionalism and the ability to work effectively in partnership with others.

About the Organisation

You’ll be joining a respected charity that provides housing and support services for young people and adults at risk of homelessness. The organisation focuses on prevention, empowerment and long-term stability, helping people develop the confidence and skills to live independently.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Youth Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Homelessness Worker, Key Worker, Tenancy Support Officer, Support Assistant. #INDSCP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Mental Health Support Worker

We are seeking a compassionate and resilient Mental Health Support Worker to join a specialist supported accommodation service for young people with complex mental health needs.

Position: Mental Health Support Worker
Location: Camden, London
Contract: Permanent, full time
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, rota including evenings, weekends and bank holidays
Salary: £27,636 per annum plus pension and benefits
Closing Date: Sunday 16th November2025

About the role

This is an opportunity to play a key role in supporting young people with complex mental health needs. Working within an innovative supported accommodation service, you’ll help build strong therapeutic relationships and support clients to develop skills, resilience and confidence to move forward positively.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of clients at all times, using safeguarding and emergency procedures when required
• Building positive and trusting relationships with young people to provide effective support
• Managing a small caseload as a named key worker, creating SMART outcomes-based support plans
• Leading on risk and needs assessments and contributing to service-wide assessments
• Delivering one-to-one and group support to build coping strategies and resilience
• Working closely with statutory services, mental health teams and housing providers
• Encouraging client participation in service decisions and wider community activities
• Supporting volunteers who add value to the service
• Participating in a rota including early, late and weekend shifts

About you

We’re looking for someone with empathy, energy and a genuine commitment to supporting young people with complex needs.

You will have:

• A relevant qualification (psychology, counselling, social work, mental health) or significant experience working with young people with complex needs
• Experience managing challenging situations in a calm and professional way
• Excellent listening, communication and relationship-building skills
• A non-judgmental approach and the ability to maintain professional boundaries
• A good understanding of safeguarding, support planning and risk assessments
• The ability to work well in a team and with external partners
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

An enhanced DBS check will be required for this role.

About the organisation

This well-established charity provides housing and support services across the UK, with a focus on preventing homelessness and improving opportunities through education, training and volunteering. The organisation is values-driven, believing in dignity, respect and the potential of every individual.

Other roles you may have experience of could include; Senior Support Worker, Mental Health Support Worker, Caseworker, Housing Support Worker, Project Worker, Social Care Worker, Mental Health Practitioner, Recovery Worker, Youth Support Worker, Key Worker. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Hillside Clubhouse is a coproduced mental health charity based in Islington that works collaboratively with people with mental health conditions across Islington. We work with people wherever they are in their Recovery journey, supporting those with long-term and enduring conditions such as personality disorder and schizophrenia and people with more common mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. 

We aim to maximise our members' (service users) opportunities by enabling them to grow in confidence and develop skills to support them to access employment, education, training and volunteering. Our ethos is one of co-production and partnership; everything we do is led by our members. 

We are seeking someone who is passionate about mental health and eager to support the growth of our recovery team. This role involves working directly with members both one-on-one and through group sessions.

As a Recovery Worker, you will divide your time between individual casework and facilitating group activities.

The Cardinal Hume Centre works to prevent and tackle youth and family homelessness.

Job title: Life Skills and Activities Co-Ordinator
Westminster, London
Hours: 35 hours (full time) working at least 4 days in our office near Victoria

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the world? Do you want to leverage your skills to combat homelessness for children and young people? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you.

We are looking to recruit a life skills and activities co-ordinator to concentrate on building and expanding relationships with young people living in our supported accommodation as well as families in Westminster who attend sessions in our Family Services department. This is a unique and rewarding role in our Employment & Learning Team that will involve meeting and working with residents in our supported accommodation on a one-to-one basis and in groups, facilitating activities and evaluating and building evidence that these interventions have made a difference. Your work will focus on supporting our residents (aged 16-25) on-site with their Life Skills development. You will also work holistically to support the families who attend sessions in the Family Centre and who attend outings and “away-days”. The role also requires facilitating our study club (aged 13+) and group ESOL sessions (19+).

Please refer to the job description on our website for further information.

In your cv and cover letter, please outline how you meet the requirements of the role and why you would like to work for us. You must account for any gaps in your employment history.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We require job applicants, staff and volunteers to complete a criminal records self-declaration. This role requires an enhanced DBS check plus children’s barred list. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity.

Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor visas. 

Benefits

· 26 days’ leave rising to 28 days’ leave after two years’ service (pro rata for part time staff)

· Discretionary wellbeing and celebratory days

· Access to Blue Light Card discounts

· Pension: stakeholder pension scheme and we will match employee contributions up to a maximum of 6%.

· Life assurance cover (after probation passed)

· Season ticket loan

· Training and development opportunities

Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 17th November 2025
Interviews: W/C 24th November 2025

If you’ve not heard from us three weeks after the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.

Location: Sheffield

Salary: £31,600 per annum pro rata plus £802 per annum pro rata essential car user allowance

Contract: Fixed term ending 31st March 2027 – funded by the National Lottery

Hours: Full time – 37.5 per week

Closing date: Sunday 9th November 2025 at 11.30 pm

Do you have a good understanding of child development and the needs of homeless families and children plus proven experience of supporting parents and children with complex needs? Then join Shelter as a Children & Families Support Worker and you could soon be playing a vital role aimed at minimising the impact of bad housing, homelessness and exclusion in the Sheffield area.

About the role 

With your own caseload of families, you will act as their key worker within our Family Service and support homeless and poorly housed families to defend their right to a decent home. Your primary focus will be on households where some tailored interventions are required around the needs of the children in order to stabilise their housing situation and enable the family to thrive.

Accordingly, you will provide intensive, tailored support as part of a whole family approach in a 1-2-1 setting and through group work. You will also need to regularly visit clients’ homes, schools and community venues across the city and liaise with other agencies in the community in order to provide a co-ordinated service.

About you 

You have knowledge of child development and a strong understanding of homeless children and families, with experience of supporting parents, children and young people who have complex needs.  You also have knowledge of housing, homelessness and ASB legislation and welfare benefits that affect families and the skills to network and gather information as well as advocacy, negotiation and problem-solving skills.

You will need to be able to demonstrate that you have worked within, or understand, a safeguarding framework, are IT literate and have experience of managing a caseload and can prioritise, organise and set boundaries. With a full driving licence, you will have access to a vehicle for work purposes, an allowance and mileage will be paid.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About the team 

Shelter Sheffield provide housing advice and support to people across the city, with a focus on emergency homelessness, intensive support for children and families, people experiencing domestic abuse and people with multiple and complex needs. We take a holistic approach to help people deal with interrelated issues that can impact their ability to keep a home and work for systemic changes to prevent homelessness and support over 5000 people every year.

About Shelter 

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

How to Apply 

You are required to submit a CV and a separate supporting statement to the following points of the ‘About You’ section of the job description of no more than 350 words each.  Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the following knowledge, experience and behaviours throughout your responses:

1. Your knowledge of;

•Child development and an understanding of the needs of homeless families and children

•And homelessness and housing legislation/ASB legislation/ welfare benefits that affect families.

2.  Your experience of;

•Working within a safeguarding framework and be able to demonstrate your role within this.

3.  Your experience of;

•Supporting parents and children with complex needs and developing parent and child activities, including through play.

4.  How you prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

5.  How you enable decision making

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Practice Development Officer

We are looking for a Practice Development Officer to support the design and delivery of projects that influence local leaders and commissioners to improve the availability of evidence-based support for families across early family help and children’s social care.

If you want to join an impact-driven organisation, improving outcomes for vulnerable children and families, then apply today!

Position: Practice Development Officer x 2

Location: London/hybrid

Hours: Full-time, 35 hours/week

Salary: £46,125- plus generous benefits

Contract: Fixed term until March 2027

Closing Date: 9th November

The Role

The organisation supports local areas to use evidence to improve their services and outcomes for children and families. The Practice Development Officer will be part of a team who work with local leaders to support their decision making about how to increase the availability of services and approaches which have evidence of improving child outcomes.

As Practice Development Officer, you will support work that helps local services for children and families use evidence more effectively across Family Hubs, Family Help, and statutory social work. You will contribute to projects aligned with Foundations’ priority areas, including domestic abuse, supporting parenting, strengthening family networks and relationships for care experienced children. 

Your tasks will include organising and coordinating activities that support service improvement, designing and delivering learning sessions to build skills and confidence in using evidence, supporting the generation of new evidence to understand what works, and working with national organisations to promote the wider use of evidence in practice.

About You

We are looking for someone with an in-depth understanding of UK policy, legislation and practice relating to children’s services, including how this responds to the needs of vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.

You will have experience of:

• Practice in children’s social work and/or early intervention services
• Co-ordinating projects for service improvement or practice development in a relevant sector, for example local authority children’s services, health, or NHS
• Translating complex information into practical messages, advice, and tools.

The Organisation

This is a great place to work, where everyone is high performing and where together everyone can achieve impact that makes a real difference for vulnerable children and families. Focusing on using and championing high-quality evidence, working directly with government and local leaders, the team provides practical solutions and encourages change. This is an organisation with ambitious aims and people are essential to its success.

Benefits include:

• 30 days annual leave, plus one extra day off for your birthday, paid bank holidays with up to three which may be switched for religious observance
• Up to five days carers’ leave, in a 12-month period, three days paid
• Paid compassionate leave
• Enhanced sick pay
• Enhanced parental leave and pay
• 6% employer and 3% employee contribution. No limit on any additional employee contributions made via auto enrolment
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 counselling, legal and information line
• Unlimited access to 24/7 GP
• Mental health support
• Life cover at x4 annual salary
• Bike to work scheme.

The organisation offers excellent salaries, learning and development opportunities, and a great office location situated in the heart of St James’s. Working in a hybrid and flexible way, the organisation recognises the importance of a good work-life balance. Please note that where staff live within approximately two hours travel of the office, they are expected to work onsite two days per week. For those based further afield, more flexible or home working arrangements can be discussed.

Do you want to work somewhere that values and celebrate diversity and are committed to providing an inclusive environment for all employees? People are at the heart of everything we do. It’s vital that the workforce reflects the diversity of stakeholders, and the wider society in the UK, and we actively seek candidates from diverse backgrounds and communities.

You may have experience in other areas such as Practice Development Advisor, Social Worker, Key Worker, Early Intervention, Early Intervention Officer, Childrens Service, Project Manager, Public Health, NHS.

This role is currently unable to offer sponsorship. Please ensure you have the right to work in the UK before applying.

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation. #INDNFP

There will also be two drop-in sessions to find out more about the role:

• Tuesday 21 October, 3:30 – 4:15
• Wednesday 29 October, 4:00 - 4:45

To register to a drop in session please see our job pack to register. Please note that you will only need to attend one drop in session

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

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £24,754 - £28,454 per annum FTE plus Cambridge living allowance of £2301 per annum.

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

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people seeking safety and a fresh start?

Join Baca, a dedicated organisation supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children aged 16–18. We’re looking for a compassionate, proactive, and resilient Support Worker to help young people rebuild their lives with dignity, hope, and purpose.

What You’ll Do

As a Support Worker, you’ll provide holistic, therapeutic support to young people transitioning to adulthood. Your role will include:

• Supporting physical and emotional wellbeing
• Encouraging engagement in education, employment, and training
• Promoting social inclusion and personal safety
• Teaching essential life skills like cooking, budgeting, and cleaning
• Building trusted relationships and being a positive role model
• Collaborating with social workers, volunteers, and external agencies
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to support plans

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking someone who is:

• Empathetic and resilient, with a genuine passion for supporting young asylum seekers
• Organised and proactive, able to manage multiple priorities
• A strong communicator, both written and verbal
• A team player, who thrives in a diverse, multicultural environment
• Flexible, with the ability to work occasional evenings and weekends

Essential Requirements

• Alignment with Baca’s values and mission.
• Experience working with young people (1:1 and group settings)
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Enhanced DBS check (required)

Desirable

• Experience working with unaccompanied asylum seekers or trafficked young people
• Knowledge of asylum processes and trafficking risks
• Experience working cross-culturally and with statutory agencies

Why Join Baca?

At Baca, you’ll be part of a passionate team committed to empowering young people to thrive. We offer:

• A supportive and inclusive work culture
• Ongoing training and development
• Opportunities to make a lasting impact

How to Apply:

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

Please note we cannot provide sponsorship for this role. We are not on the Home Office list. Further information about the role, competencies and experience can be found on our website.