Community occupational therapist jobs

Who are we

Unlocking Potential is the charity that supports schools and communities to ensure no child or family struggles alone with their social, emotional and mental health needs. We provide flexible, over-time, multi-disciplinary therapeutic support that meets children and families where they are, and enables them to feel safe, understood and the best version of themselves.

The scale of the social and mental health challenges affecting children and families in the UK is greater than ever before and our services for schools, and with families, is an impactful response to unprecedented demand and unmet need for therapeutic support.

Our Purpose

Unlocking Potential is the charity that supports schools and communities to ensure no child or family struggles alone with their social, emotional and mental health needs. We provide flexible, over-time, multi-disciplinary therapeutic support that meets children and families where they are, and enables them to feel safe, understood and the best version of themselves.

Vision

Everyone feels supported, equipped and able to achieve their potential.

Mission

Our mission is to provide tailored therapeutic support to more children, while training the practitioners of the future to build holistic, resilient social systems that equip children and their families with the confidence, tools, and skills to thrive at school and within their communities.

Values

Individual

Everything we do is about the individual and what is right for them – no two children, families or schools are the same.

Innovative

We look for new solutions, evolving our thinking and approach – ensuring the use of bold, co-designed practice.

Collaborative

We choose to work with others to find the best solutions – we are stronger together.

Overview

This is an exciting time to be joining the charity! Our new strategy focuses on growth and long-term sustainability, with ambitious plans to extend our reach and impact nationally and to expand and diversify our services. Our long-term ambition for the future is a transformed landscape of multi-disciplinary therapeutic support in schools, with UP acknowledged and recognised as a thought-leader, innovator, preferred collaborator and convener.

This role is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced SaLT who is passionate about transforming children’s life chances and is keen to lead and grow a Speech and Language Therapy service in the field of Social Emotional Mental Health needs.

The children we typically support are those with mild to moderate social communication needs. These are the children that don’t meet the criteria for community paediatric and CAMHS services and are often at significant risk of developing mental health and behavioural difficulties later on in life. We also offer EHCP work for more complex cases. 

In this role you will be working operationally and strategically. Drawing on your experience as a SaLT, alongside your excellent communication and mentoring skills, you will manage a team of SaLTs ensuring that high-quality Speech and Language Therapy is delivered across our partner schools and support the oversight of the SaLT trainee model, ensuring strong relationships with training providers and high-quality trainee placements.

You will also lead the SaLT service’s strategic growth and development, working with the Clinical Manager, Clinical Director and Director of the Schools Programme to expand the service across more schools, develop our offer and model, and respond to external opportunities as they arise. 

There is real opportunity for you to make this role your own. We are looking for someone interested in working in an innovative, self-directed and flexible way, who can champion the value of the MDT working and collaboration to ensure the best outcomes of our children and families. 

About The Maya Centre

The Maya Centre is a specialist women‑only organisation providing culturally responsive counselling and mental health support for women in North London. With over forty years’ experience responding to the impact of trauma and inequality, we’re now deepening our commitment to lived experience leadership—ensuring that women’s voices drive the design of services, partnerships and systems.

About the Role

We are looking for an inspiring and grounded Co‑Production and Lived Experience Lead to help shape the future direction of our work. This two‑year pilot programme will embed co‑production and lived experience leadership across our services and partnerships, generating vital learning to influence mental health and VAWG practice.

Working closely with the CEO, you’ll lead co‑design processes, build networks of Experts by Experience, and develop collaborative approaches that strengthen women’s influence in shaping local and sector systems. The post offers a rare opportunity to combine hands‑on facilitation and partnership work with strategic development—laying the groundwork for a longer‑term systemic change initiative to evolve beyond the pilot phase.

If you’re passionate about co‑production, participation and social change—and want to grow into a future leadership role shaping practice and policy across the sector—this role offers an exciting platform for professional and strategic development.

We Offer

• 30 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata).
• Access to an Employee Support Programme.
• 3% employer pension contribution.

Female applicants only : This role is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010, as it is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be female due to the nature of the services provided

For full details of Key Responsblties and Person Specifications, please download the Job Pack below and read it carefuly before submitting your CV and Personal Statement. 

At St. John's, we have been making a positive difference to the lives of young people for nearly 140 years. We are now looking for an amazing Learning Support Worker to support us in making that difference! Could that be you?

Why join our inclusive team?

St. John's is one of the largest employers in Brighton and Hove.

What can we offer you?

•  £26,863.00 FTE  (Actual Salary- £24,280.02 )
• 32-days paid holiday (plus bank holidays) - 32-days are taken outside of term time
• Fulfilling and meaningful work – make a difference!
• Career development plans that are tailored to you
• Discounts across businesses in the local community.

Who are we?

St. John's is a non-maintained specialist provision, working with autistic people, the majority of whom also have learning disabilities. Some of our learners have co-occurring conditions such as epilepsy, hearing or visual impairments, or mental health needs. We also support autistic learners who have an additional profile of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) syndrome. We have a team built up of support workers, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, PBS practitioners, assistant psychologists, and more, to support us in our holistic approach to development.

Each learner's curriculum is shaped by their individual strengths, interests, and challenges. St. John's is awarded with Autism Accreditation by the National Autistic Society (NAS). We support our learners to develop their skills in the NAS's four focus areas of:

• Difference in social communication and interaction
• Self-reliance and problem-solving
• Sensory
• Emotional Well-being

What are we looking for?

We've been doing this long enough to know that, whilst desirable, experience is not everything! Our amazing learning and development team and our passionate managers have coached people new to this field into support working roles. We know that if you have, the passion and desire to learn, and the want to empower others, you already have the foundations of an outstanding support worker. We are looking for drivers to support our young people to access the community, but having a licence isn't essential.

Sound like you? Then keep on reading!

What will you be doing?

• Supporting the young people in a classroom setting and during breaktimes
• Implementing the learner's behaviour support plan and risk assessment
• Working within a team of multidisciplinary professionals across the charity
• Tracking the progress of individuals and reporting to the teacher, care manager, and/or parents at review meetings.

Exciting opportunity? We think so! Click apply to start your journey as part of the St. John's College family as a Learning Support Worker

Please note that interviews will be arranged progressively as suitable applications are received. Early application is therefore advisable.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

Documents

• Learning Support Worker- Recruitment Pack (1).pdf (1.42 MB)

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.

Please note, due to the nature of the service, it is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female and the post is therefore exempt from the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 in terms of Schedule 9, Part 1, and Paragraph 1 of the Act. 

Job Title: Engagement Worker (Female Only)

Location: Catford, based within the service. Unfortunately this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £27,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Sunday on a rota varying between 08:00 - 16:00, 08:00 - 21:00 or 13:30 - 21:00. Shift patterns and weekly hours may vary and you may be required to work outside these hours dependent on service and resident requirements including weekends and bank holidays. 

About the Role

We're looking for an Engagement Worker to join our residential service based in Catford which supports females in the criminal justice system who are likely to meet the criteria for a personality disorder, helping them reintegrate into the community following release from prison, secure healthcare settings, or Approved Premises. HerStory House is dedicated to empowering women with the skills needed to thrive in their chosen communities, maintain independence, and build a hopeful future. 

Our specialised, high-support, female-only residential service is tailored for women who are likely to meet the criteria for a personality disorder diagnosis and are at risk of entering or re-entering the Criminal Justice System. You will be at the forefront of delivering a trauma-informed, person-centred service, supporting individuals through rehabilitation and resettlement. This includes assisting with engagement activities, developing support plans, and providing access to appropriate interventions to help residents move towards independence.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Supporting residents to access the resources, tools, and networks they need to achieve their goals.
• Develop, participate in, and encourage residents to participate in the running and development of various projects and activities.
• Promoting independence through life skills training, practical support, and empowerment.
• Recognising and responding to mental and physical health needs and safeguarding concerns.
• Supporting the creation of a safe, welcoming and psychologically informed living environment.
• Carrying out housing management tasks including reporting repairs, maintaining communal areas, and health and safety checks.

About You

We’re looking for someone with a genuine passion and felt purpose to help people, challenge stigma, and make a real difference to people’s lives!
We are looking for a team player, driven to provide high quality care and support to others, an effective communicator who is able to build rapport with others from various backgrounds. You will be compassionate, supportive, and empowering to others, whilst able to form effective, positive and motivational relationships.

• Due to the nature of this service, it is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female
• Awareness of external opportunities which are available such as with education, employment and benefits
• Experience working with people with multiple and complex needs
• 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
• IT ability to use our online CRM systems and Microsoft programs daily
• 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

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.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

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

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Night Support Mentor

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.

Due to the nature of the service, it is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female and the post is therefore exempt from the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 in terms of Schedule 9, Part 1, and Paragraph 1 of the Act.

Job Title: Night Support Mentor (FTC)

Location: Luton. Unfortunately, this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £24,500

Shift Pattern: Fixed Term contract until May 2028. 37.5 hours per week Monday to Sunday on a rota which can range between 20:30 - 8:00  You may be required to work outside these hours dependent on service and resident requirements including weekends and bank holidays.

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicated Night Support Mentor to join us in delivering a person centred and bespoke trauma informed support to women in Luton. This new service will provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for women facing sexual exploitation and substance dependency – a place they can truly call home. Through stable, person-centred care, you'll play a vital role in empowering women to rebuild their lives and embrace brighter futures. 

In this role, as a Night Support Mentor, you will work within a 24 hour service which provided person centred support to our residents, working to ensure the safety and wellbeing. Our residents have experienced multiple forms of exclusion, such as historical/ongoing abuse, involvement in the criminal justice system, mental health challenges, drug and/or alcohol dependency and enduring high levels of violence and coercion. You will build trusting professional relationships with residents, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations.

 Responsibilities Include:

• Holding a caseload, conducting key work sessions which are personable to resident needs
• Carry out regular welfare checks, safeguarding checks, and general living checks
• Encourage residents to take part in activities and events both within the service and the community
• Keep support plans up to date on a regular basis
• Work closely with the rest of the team to provide overall excellent service delivery, this may mean also supporting with their caseloads, and other tasks as necessary
• Building trusting professional relationships with residents, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations which could be through tailored one to one sessions, group sessions, in and out of service activities, and general wellbeing check ins.
• Focusing on empowering our residents to take control over their lives and meet their personal goals

About You

We are passionate about working in a supportive, solution focused and trauma informed way to support our residents and participants to make and sustain positive change. The successful candidate will work as part of a team to deliver exceptional support to women at a particularly challenging time in their lives. We are looking for passionate, motivated and proactive individuals who are dedicated to making a positive difference.

• Due to the nature of the service, it is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female and the post is therefore exempt from the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 in terms of Schedule 9, Part 1, and Paragraph 1 of the Act.
• Experience of working with people of complex backgrounds and/or a good understanding of the sector, particularly around multiple and complex needs
• Ability to show empathy and compassion to our residents, and different challenges they face
• Experience working with, or thorough understanding of, domestic abuse and the systemic barriers faced by women.
• 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.
 

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. 

Care | Support | Social Work | Social Worker | Support Staff | Homelessness Support | Complex Needs | Mental Health | Substance Use | Alcohol Dependency | Person Centred Support | Recovery | Independence | Housing Support | 24 hour Service | Night Shift Support

Due to the nature of the service, it is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female and the post is therefore exempt from the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 in terms of Schedule 9, Part 1, and Paragraph 1 of the Act.

Job Title: Support Mentor (FTC)

Location: Luton. Unfortunately, this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £24,500

Shift Pattern: Fixed Term contract until May 2028. 37.5 hours per week Monday to Sunday on a rota which can range between 08:00 - 20:00  You may be required to work outside these hours dependent on service and resident requirements including weekends and bank holidays.

About the Role

We are looking for a dedicated team to deliver person centred and bespoke trauma informed support to vulnerable women in Luton. This new service will provide a safe, secure, and nurturing environment for women facing sexual exploitation and substance dependency – a place they can truly call home. Through stable, person-centred care, you'll play a vital role in empowering women to rebuild their lives and embrace brighter futures. 

In this role, as a Support Mentor, you will work within a 24 hour service which provided person centred support to our residents, working to ensure the safety and wellbeing. Our residents have experienced multiple forms of exclusion, such as historical/ongoing abuse, involvement in the criminal justice system, mental health challenges, drug and/or alcohol dependency and enduring high levels of violence and coercion. You will build trusting professional relationships with residents, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations.

 Responsibilities Include:

• Holding a caseload, conducting key work sessions which are personable to resident needs
• Carry out regular welfare checks, safeguarding checks, and general living checks
• Encourage residents to take part in activities and events both within the service and the community
• Keep support plans up to date on a regular basis
• Work closely with the rest of the team to provide overall excellent service delivery, this may mean also supporting with their caseloads, and other tasks as necessary
• Building trusting professional relationships with residents, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations which could be through tailored one to one sessions, group sessions, in and out of service activities, and general wellbeing check ins.
• Focusing on empowering our residents to take control over their lives and meet their personal goals

About You

We are passionate about working in a supportive, solution focused and trauma informed way to support our residents and participants to make and sustain positive change. The successful candidate will work as part of a team to deliver exceptional support to women at a particularly challenging time in their lives. We are looking for passionate, motivated and proactive individuals who are dedicated to making a positive difference.

• Due to the nature of the service, it is an occupational requirement that the post holder is female and the post is therefore exempt from the provisions of the Equality Act 2010 in terms of Schedule 9, Part 1, and Paragraph 1 of the Act.
• Experience of working with people of complex backgrounds and/or a good understanding of the sector, particularly around multiple and complex needs
• Ability to show empathy and compassion to our residents, and different challenges they face
• Experience working with, or thorough understanding of, domestic abuse and the systemic barriers faced by women.
• 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.
 

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.