Community outreach advisor jobs in Cambridge

Job Title: Pathways Advisor 
Salary: £17,500 (0.5 FTE) 
Location: Northeast/ Yorkshire/Northwest
Contract Type: Part-Time, fixed term (2-years) 
Reports To: Regional Manager 
Service Area: The Skill Mill 
Place of Work: Remote with the expectation of some regional travel

 

About The Skill Mill 

The Skill Mill is a multi-award-winning social enterprise providing employment opportunities for young people aged 16–18 involved in the criminal justice system. We deliver environmental and community improvement projects that build skills, improve life chances, and reduce reoffending. 

Young people aged 16-18 will be employed by The Skill Mill for 6-months, working in small cohorts of four, under the direct supervision of a dedicated Supervisor. During this period, the programme integrates practical skills training, offering short courses and on-the-job instruction in areas like environmental management, construction, and recycling, using tools such as trimmers and lawnmowers. The goal is for participants to achieve recognized qualifications like the CSCS card and an AQA Level 2 qualification, all while receiving comprehensive support, in collaboration with youth offending services. 

Following the six-month employment phase, young people receive three months of dedicated support designed to facilitate their transition into new employment, training, or educational opportunities. This support includes individualised assistance with career development and job progression, practical aid such as creating action plans, crafting CVs, and practicing interview skills. Furthermore, The Skill Mill advocates for young people facing significant barriers to employment, ensuring they receive tailored guidance to secure their next steps. 

Purpose of the Role:

To support young people aged 16+, particularly those involved with The Skill Mill programme, by delivering tailored, person-centered pathways into education, training, and long-term employment. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and transition successfully into sustainable opportunities with partner organisation and local employers. 

Support for young people from the Pathway Advisor will begin in the 6-month employment phase, with liaison with the young person, Supervisors and Commercial Sales Manager, to begin to build relationships, understand aspirations and identify potential opportunities. 

After the 6-month employment phase, key support will transition from the Supervisor to the Pathway Advisor role, with 3-months of person-led support offered to prepare for, enter, and sustain further employment, training, or educational opportunities. Support will be tailored to each young person’s needs and is likely to be a combination of remote/ in-person throughout the 9-months. 
 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver intensive 1:1 employability and progression support to young people on The Skill Mill programme, focusing on post-placement career development, training and sustained employment outcomes.  

•  Work in partnership with Youth Justice Services and employer networks to identify and promote routes into education, apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.  

• Co-produce personalised action plans with young people, based on individual strengths, goals and support needs, reviewing progress and adapting interventions as required.  

• Provide practical employability support including CV development, interview preparation, job search guidance, and workplace readiness.  

• Build trusted, motivational relationships with young people using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.  

• Act as a key link between young people and partner organisations, including employers, training providers, FE colleges and specialist support services.  

• Advocate for young people with complex or multiple barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities and remove systemic obstacles.  

• Maintain accurate records, track progress, and contribute to outcome reporting for funders and commissioners.  

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, recognising barriers such as discrimination, offending history, housing instability and mental health needs.  

• Collaborate closely with Youth Justice caseworkers, internal teams, local authorities, and external agencies to deliver coordinated, wraparound support.  

• Stay informed on labour market trends, skills pathways, and funding opportunities to enhance progression options for young people. 
   

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience providing employability and progression support to young people, with a focus on accessing education, training, and sustained employment. 

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people with offending histories. 

• Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport quickly. 

• Ability to design and deliver effective action plans that lead to employment, training, or further education outcomes. 

• Knowledge of local labour market, training providers, and employability services. 

• Proficient IT skills and ability to maintain accurate case records and outcomes data. 

• Ability to work independently and manage a dynamic caseload. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and service delivery. 

• A flexible and collaborative approach to partnership working. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Direct experience working with The Skill Mill or similar social enterprise programmes. 

• Lived experience of youth justice, care, or NEET pathways. 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice. 

• Experience collaborating with employers or brokering placements. 

• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, GDPR). 

• Familiarity with case management systems or youth work platforms. 

• Qualification in careers guidance, youth work, or coaching. 

• Understanding of supported employment models (e.g., IPS, Youth Hubs). 
   

Additional Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS check required. 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings/weekends. 

• Travel between partner sites or outreach locations may be required. 
   

How to Apply: 

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. 

To apply please send a CV and cover letter setting out your experience, qualifications and how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

Job Title: Pathways Advisor 
Salary: £17,500 (0.5 FTE) 
Location: South of England / London
Contract Type: Part-Time, fixed term (2-years) 
Reports To: Regional Manager 
Service Area: The Skill Mill 
Place of Work: Remote with the expectation of some regional travel

About The Skill Mill 

The Skill Mill is a multi-award-winning social enterprise providing employment opportunities for young people aged 16–18 involved in the criminal justice system. We deliver environmental and community improvement projects that build skills, improve life chances, and reduce reoffending. 

Young people aged 16-18 will be employed by The Skill Mill for 6-months, working in small cohorts of four, under the direct supervision of a dedicated Supervisor. During this period, the programme integrates practical skills training, offering short courses and on-the-job instruction in areas like environmental management, construction, and recycling, using tools such as trimmers and lawnmowers. The goal is for participants to achieve recognized qualifications like the CSCS card and an AQA Level 2 qualification, all while receiving comprehensive support, in collaboration with youth offending services. 

Following the six-month employment phase, young people receive three months of dedicated support designed to facilitate their transition into new employment, training, or educational opportunities. This support includes individualised assistance with career development and job progression, practical aid such as creating action plans, crafting CVs, and practicing interview skills. Furthermore, The Skill Mill advocates for young people facing significant barriers to employment, ensuring they receive tailored guidance to secure their next steps. 

Purpose of the Role:

To support young people aged 16+, particularly those involved with The Skill Mill programme, by delivering tailored, person-centered pathways into education, training, and long-term employment. The postholder will act as a trusted advisor, helping young people overcome barriers, build confidence, and transition successfully into sustainable opportunities with partner organisation and local employers. 

Support for young people from the Pathway Advisor will begin in the 6-month employment phase, with liaison with the young person, Supervisors and Commercial Sales Manager, to begin to build relationships, understand aspirations and identify potential opportunities. 

After the 6-month employment phase, key support will transition from the Supervisor to the Pathway Advisor role, with 3-months of person-led support offered to prepare for, enter, and sustain further employment, training, or educational opportunities. Support will be tailored to each young person’s needs and is likely to be a combination of remote/ in-person throughout the 9-months. 
 

Key Responsibilities 

• Deliver intensive 1:1 employability and progression support to young people on The Skill Mill programme, focusing on post-placement career development, training and sustained employment outcomes.  

•  Work in partnership with Youth Justice Services and employer networks to identify and promote routes into education, apprenticeships, employment and volunteering.  

• Co-produce personalised action plans with young people, based on individual strengths, goals and support needs, reviewing progress and adapting interventions as required.  

• Provide practical employability support including CV development, interview preparation, job search guidance, and workplace readiness.  

• Build trusted, motivational relationships with young people using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach.  

• Act as a key link between young people and partner organisations, including employers, training providers, FE colleges and specialist support services.  

• Advocate for young people with complex or multiple barriers to ensure equitable access to opportunities and remove systemic obstacles.  

• Maintain accurate records, track progress, and contribute to outcome reporting for funders and commissioners.  

• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion, recognising barriers such as discrimination, offending history, housing instability and mental health needs.  

• Collaborate closely with Youth Justice caseworkers, internal teams, local authorities, and external agencies to deliver coordinated, wraparound support.  

• Stay informed on labour market trends, skills pathways, and funding opportunities to enhance progression options for young people. 
   

Person Specification 

Essential Criteria: 

• Experience providing employability and progression support to young people, with a focus on accessing education, training, and sustained employment. 

• Strong understanding of the challenges faced by young people with offending histories. 

• Excellent interpersonal and motivational skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport quickly. 

• Ability to design and deliver effective action plans that lead to employment, training, or further education outcomes. 

• Knowledge of local labour market, training providers, and employability services. 

• Proficient IT skills and ability to maintain accurate case records and outcomes data. 

• Ability to work independently and manage a dynamic caseload. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in employment and service delivery. 

• A flexible and collaborative approach to partnership working. 

Desirable Criteria: 

• Direct experience working with The Skill Mill or similar social enterprise programmes. 

• Lived experience of youth justice, care, or NEET pathways. 

• Knowledge of trauma-informed practice. 

• Experience collaborating with employers or brokering placements. 

• Knowledge of relevant legislation (e.g., safeguarding, GDPR). 

• Familiarity with case management systems or youth work platforms. 

• Qualification in careers guidance, youth work, or coaching. 

• Understanding of supported employment models (e.g., IPS, Youth Hubs). 
   

Additional Requirements:

• Enhanced DBS check required. 

• Willingness to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings/weekends. 

• Travel between partner sites or outreach locations may be required. 

How to Apply: 

The Skill Mill is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of background. 

To apply please send a CV and cover letter setting out your experience, qualifications and how you meet the requirements of the person specification.

Job Title: Associate Careers Advisers (Schools Team)

Location: Kent and Medway

Salary: Day rate of £152 (inclusive of holiday pay)

Hours: Zero Hours

Contract: Zero Hours

Reports to: Senior Careers Adviser

About CXK

CXK empowers people to succeed in employment, education and training. The charity strives for a fairer society where everyone can grow and realise their potential. “The CXK Way” embodies the following core values:

Ethical – We work with professionalism, honesty and integrity

Passionate – We reach out enthusiastically to all who need out support

Innovative – We inspire, enhance and improve

Collaborative – We engage, support and share with others

Young Peoples’ Careers Service

CXK is the lead provider of Personal Careers Guidance to young people in schools and specialist centres across Kent & Medway, where we provide independent Personal Careers Guidance, via our CXK Young Peoples’ Careers Service.

We provide this through a variety of creative and innovative approaches

The Team

We are a diverse and welcoming team of advisers, who use a wide variety of creative methods to deliver personalised, client centred, personal careers guidance, ranging from one-to-one sessions through to group guidance, parents and options evenings, as well as focused talks and assemblies. We have minimal admin and keep our clients’ experience central to what we do, providing an inclusive service with individualised action plans, including the use of visual career maps, career cards and white boards, alongside more traditional approaches where appropriate.

We follow the CDI code of ethics and best practice for Action Planning (which names and recognises CXKs innovative work in this area):

The team is led by Chris Targett RCDP, who alongside his work at CXK, is the current Chair of the Careers Writers Association and co-author of the recently released Career Development and Inclusive Practice book, published by Trotman Publishing in partnership with the CDI.

The team is small but impactful. Feedback from our young people, that tell us about what our students valued regards our services:

• Helping young people understand their next steps
• Helping young people understand the options and careers choices they have
• Helping young people to know where to access further help, information, or support

The Role

The Careers Advisers will cover one or more of the following regions: Medway, West Kent and Mid Kent to a broad range of school and college settings, delivering creative and inclusive Personal Careers Guidance, as well as assemblies and drop-in sessions as required. 

Each student and each learning environment will be unique, so the opportunity lends itself well to candidates who enjoy traveling and working in varied locations, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and educating people of all abilities.

You will routinely liaise with Careers Leaders and senior school/ college staff to arrange and deliver activities for students during the school day. Whilst most delivery will take place between 8:30am and 4pm, travel before and after these times will be required and occasional attendance at parents’ and options evenings will also be required, but you will be given time off in lieu where this is applicable.

Skills and Knowledge

At CXK we are proud to be a disability confident and equal opportunities employer. We actively promote diversity within our workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Minimum Criteria

• Level 6 qualification (or above) in Careers Guidance Qualification (or equivalent
• Knowledge of Post 16 and Post 18 education and training routes for young people with and without additional needs and disabilities
• In possession of a full, clean UK Drivers Licence with access to your own vehicle

Core Competencies

• Experience of delivering careers, education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in schools / colleges and face-to-face with young people
• Events rebalanced via “time off in lieu”
• A willingness to deliver activities during school timetables; occasional evening
• Adept at juggling activities, travel and routine project admin; balancing school site work with homebased preparation
• Experience of Microsoft products and ability to use them effectively, including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• A commitment to undertake all necessary training for the role

Employee Experience

A career with CXK is rewarding work enabling you to fulfil your potential. This eclectic and exciting role within the CXK Young Peoples’ Careers team, provides the opportunity for you to travel from home to various education settings, networking with teachers and careers educators across the Kent and Medway area. You will hone specialised skills and knowledge relating to Post 16 and 18 career pathways, including 6th Forms, colleges, study programmes, gap-years, entrepreneurship, university and apprenticeship routes whilst being a positive influence on young people’s lives.

CXK employee benefits include:

• CDI and professional register membership (RCDP) paid for by CXK
• Defined contribution pension scheme (matched by CXK up to 10% depending on length of service criteria)
• Flexible working
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Training and development programmes and opportunities
• Mental and physical healthcare initiatives and more

Recruitment Timeline

Vacancy closing date: Ongoing

Application review date: Ongoing

Interviews dates: Ongoing

Useful Information

Should you wish to have an informal conversation before submitting your application, please contact recruitment @ cxk. org

Please note: Applicants will need to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide employment references before any offer of employment can be made.

All applications must be submitted online via our online portal.

Job Title: Careers Advisers (Schools Team)

Location: Kent and Medway

Salary: Term Time Only salary including annual leave is £27,802 - £30,097 (FTE £32,343 - £35,012)

Hours: Full-time or Part-time (minimum 22.2)

Contract: Permanent, Term Time Only

Reports to: Regional Manager

About CXK

CXK empowers people to succeed in employment, education and training. The charity strives for a fairer society where everyone can grow and realise their potential. “The CXK Way” embodies the following core values:

Ethical – We work with professionalism, honesty and integrity

Passionate – We reach out enthusiastically to all who need out support

Innovative – We inspire, enhance and improve

Collaborative – We engage, support and share with others

Young Peoples’ Careers Service

CXK is the lead provider of Personal Careers Guidance to young people in schools and specialist centres across Kent & Medway, where we provide independent Personal Careers Guidance, via our CXK Young Peoples’ Careers Service.

We provide this through a variety of creative and innovative approaches:  

The Team

We are a diverse and welcoming team of advisers, who use a wide variety of creative methods to deliver personalised, client centred, personal careers guidance, ranging from one-to-one sessions through to group guidance, parents and options evenings, as well as focused talks and assemblies. We have minimal admin and keep our clients’ experience central to what we do, providing an inclusive service with individualised action plans, including the use of visual career maps, career cards and white boards, alongside more traditional approaches where appropriate.

We follow the CDI code of ethics and best practice for Action Planning (which names and recognises CXKs innovative work in this area):

The team is led by Chris Targett RCDP, who alongside his work at CXK, is the current Chair of the Careers Writers Association and co-author of the recently released Career Development and Inclusive Practice book, published by Trotman Publishing in partnership with the CDI.

The team is small but impactful. Feedback from our young people, that tell us about what our students valued regards our services:

• Helping young people understand their next steps
• Helping young people understand the options and careers choices they have
• Helping young people to know where to access further help, information, or support

The Role

The Careers Advisers will cover one or more of the following regions: Medway, West Kent and Mid Kent to a broad range of school and college settings, delivering creative and inclusive Personal Careers Guidance, as well as assemblies and drop-in sessions as required. 

Each student and each learning environment will be unique, so the opportunity lends itself well to candidates who enjoy traveling and working in varied locations, meeting people from diverse backgrounds, and educating people of all abilities.

You will routinely liaise with Careers Leaders and senior school/ college staff to arrange and deliver activities for students during the school day. Whilst most delivery will take place between 8:30am and 4pm, travel before and after these times will be required and occasional attendance at parents’ and options evenings will also be required, but you will be given time off in lieu where this is applicable.

We would require you to work five days-a-week, term time only, with a pro rata holiday entitlement. If you would prefer part-time only employment (minimum of three days a week), this can be negotiated.

Skills and Knowledge

At CXK we are proud to be a disability confident and equal opportunities employer. We actively promote diversity within our workforce and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Minimum Criteria

• Level 6 qualification (or above) in Careers Guidance Qualification (or equivalent
• Knowledge of Post 16 and Post 18 education and training routes for young people with and without additional needs and disabilities
• In possession of a full, clean UK Drivers Licence with access to your own vehicle

Core Competencies

• Experience of delivering careers, education, information, advice and guidance (CEIAG) in schools / colleges and face-to-face with young people
• Events rebalanced via “time off in lieu”
• A willingness to deliver activities during school timetables; occasional evening
• Adept at juggling activities, travel and routine project admin; balancing school site work with homebased preparation
• Experience of Microsoft products and ability to use them effectively, including Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint
• A commitment to undertake all necessary training for the role

Employee Experience

A career with CXK is rewarding work enabling you to fulfil your potential. This eclectic and exciting role within the CXK Young Peoples’ Careers team, provides the opportunity for you to travel from home to various education settings, networking with teachers and careers educators across the Kent and Medway area. You will hone specialised skills and knowledge relating to Post 16 and 18 career pathways, including 6th Forms, colleges, study programmes, gap-years, entrepreneurship, university and apprenticeship routes whilst being a positive influence on young people’s lives.

CXK employee benefits include:

• CDI and professional register membership (RCDP) paid for by CXK
• Defined contribution pension scheme (matched by CXK up to 10% depending on length of service criteria)
• Flexible working
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• Training and development programmes and opportunities
• Mental and physical healthcare initiatives and more

Recruitment Timeline

Vacancy closing date: Ongoing

Application review date: Ongoing

Interviews dates: Ongoing

Useful Information

Should you wish to have an informal conversation before submitting your application, please contact recruitment @ cxk . org

Please note: Applicants will need to complete an enhanced DBS check and provide employment references before any offer of employment can be made.

All applications must be submitted online via our online portal.

For over 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers. We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

By working for FEC, you will become part of a vibrant team living the charity’s values: Expert, Supportive, Passionate, Open and Honest, Resilient, and Collaborative.

Brief role description 

NOVA provides trauma-informed, person-centred support to UK Armed Forces veterans who are at risk of, or already in contact with the criminal justice system. NOVA operates across England (as Op NOVA), Scotland and Wales. We are now developing the service in Northern Ireland.

The Caseworker for NOVA Northern Ireland will manage and support a caseload of veterans, providing emotional and practical support across a range of factors including mental health and wellbeing, social stability, housing and employability. They will be working in collaboration with local partners to reduce reoffending.

The Caseworker for NOVA Northern Ireland will work in the community, in partnership with the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), the Probation Board for Northern Ireland (PBNI) and other local partners to provide support to veterans at all stages of the justice pathway: pre-arrest, point of arrest, court process, custody, and transition back into the community.

Please note this role is on a 3-years Fixed Term Contract.

Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? Check our website.

Eager to know more about the role? Have a look at the Job Description: Job Description - Caseworker NOVA Northern Ireland.pdf

What’s in it for you? Check out our Benefits.

Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by Friday, 17 April 2026.

Got questions about the role? Get in touch with the People Team.

Please note: 

Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. 

If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying. 

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process. 

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

#LI-DNI

Seeking a person with a strong understanding of the UK Parliament and  how parliamentary processes can be used to support campaigning.

Job description

• Lead parliamentary engagement for the organisation, ensuring MPs and peers are briefed effectively and engaged at the right moments.
• Identify and engage the most relevant MPs, peers and parliamentary staff on key issues, reports, parliamentary moments and campaign activity
• Draft and circulate high-quality parliamentary briefings, email updates and other materials for MPs, peers and parliamentary staff
• Organise meetings with MPs, peers, advisers and parliamentary staff, including preparing agendas, briefings and follow-up actions
• Monitor parliamentary developments, including debates, questions, statements, select committee activity and relevant legislation, and advise colleagues on opportunities for engagement
• Support the planning and delivery of parliamentary events, roundtables, receptions and campaign actions
• Maintain accurate records of parliamentary contacts, engagement and follow-up
• Investigate the possibility of forming an APPG on the implementation of Covid Inquiry Recommendations with a suitable Member of Parliament as the chair.
• Support the development and delivery of campaign activity that advances the organisation’s objectives.
• Contribute to campaign planning around major reports, anniversaries, parliamentary moments and external developments
• Assist with drafting campaign materials, including action briefings, supporter emails, event materials and other public-facing content as needed
• Assist with press and media work where required, including drafting press releases, statements, media briefings and ops notes
• Assist with drafting clear and sensitive communications for members and supporters where needed
• Attend campaign activities where required, including meetings and events
• Work flexibly across a small team and support colleagues in different areas of work where needed

Person specification

Essential

• Strong understanding of the UK Parliament and how parliamentary processes can be used to support campaigning
• Experience of engaging effectively with MPs, peers and parliamentary staff
• Experience of drafting clear, persuasive briefings and other written materials for political or policy audiences
• Understanding of how to monitor parliamentary activity and translate it into practical next steps
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to prioritise a heavy workload and work to tight deadlines
• Ability to handle external engagement quickly, professionally and sensitively
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a small team
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends as required
• Knowledge of, and interest in, current affairs and public policy
• Flexible and willing to contribute across different areas of work in a small team
• Personal belief in and support for the aims of Covid-19 Bereaved Families for Justice UK

Desirable

• Experience of working in a parliamentary, political, campaigning or policy environment
• Experience of supporting parliamentary events, briefings or stakeholder engagement activity
• Experience of working across campaigning, communications and policy in a small team

Covid-19 has affected us all, but some communities were disproportionately impacted, including Black, Asian and minoritised ethnic communities and disabled people, so we particularly welcome and encourage applications from candidates from those backgrounds. 

Please submit your CV and a covering letter explaining how you meet the essential criteria for this role.