Community outreach worker jobs in East of england

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? Do you thrive on engaging with diverse groups and driving positive change? Are you ready for an adventure in advocacy? We are currently looking for a Community Development Worker to join our dynamic and passionate team in Hertfordshire. Immerse yourself in a role that makes a real difference!

Hours of Work: Full-time: 37 hours per week, between Monday to Friday, 9 am – 5 pm

Location: Home based with travel around the county. 

(Applicants have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport)

Salary: Total salary £25,877.80 Per Annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Key Responsibilities

• Engage with diverse community groups, organisations, and stakeholders to build and strengthen partnerships.
• Conduct assessments to identify gaps in services and resources within the community, focusing on advocacy needs.

• Develop and implement strategies to address identified gaps and enhance accessibility to services for vulnerable populations.

• Facilitate community meetings, workshops, and events to promote awareness of advocacy services and encourage community involvement.

• Collaborate with other agencies and organizations to promote integrated service delivery and improve outcomes for community members.
• Collect and analyse data related to community needs and service utilisation to inform advocacy efforts and policy development.
• Act as a liaison between community members and service providers, ensuring that the voices of those in need are heard and considered.

Benefits:

1. 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
2. Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
3. 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
4. Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
5. Auto enrolment Pension plan
6. Death in service cover.
7. Bike to work scheme.

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do

POhWER stands for People and Organisations Working in Equal Rights. We are dedicated to empowering and supporting adults with multiple vulnerabilities, promoting their rights to have a voice and exercise choice in the services they receive. With a strong presence in communities across the UK, our team is committed to providing high-quality advocacy services that make a lasting impact. We are dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of individuals in care settings and the community

If you think you are suitable for this Community Development Worker role, don’t wait, – apply now! Take the first step to joining an organisation that values your passion and skills and make a genuine difference in your community.

Closing Date: 9AM, 4 September 2026

Interview Date: TBC (Via Teams)

An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

We’re proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.

Help build a community where everyone belongs.

Join the Renewal Programme as our Community Hub Connector and help create a welcoming, inclusive space where local people can connect, access support and thrive. You'll build trusted relationships with residents, community organisations and faith groups, helping people overcome barriers and become active participants in their community.

You will have a strong understanding of the challenges affecting refugees, asylum seekers and people experiencing homelessness, together with the ability to coordinate day-to-day activities, work collaboratively with volunteers and partners, and contribute positively to the charity's ongoing development.

One morning you might be meeting with a local mosque to develop a new partnership. That afternoon you could be welcoming someone who has recently arrived in the UK, introducing them to activities at the Hub and connecting them with the support they need. No two days are the same—but every day is about helping people feel they belong.

Based at our RenewALL Hub in East Ham, you'll coordinate activities, lead community outreach, support volunteers and work alongside statutory, voluntary and community organisations to create opportunities that improve people's wellbeing and strengthen local communities.

This is a varied and rewarding role for someone who enjoys working directly with people, building partnerships and making a tangible difference. You'll support residents facing a range of challenges, including migration, loneliness, disability, digital exclusion and social isolation, ensuring everyone can access opportunities and services in a way that works for them.

This role is funded by the Mercers' Company, and you will contribute towards delivering the agreed outcomes and objectives of the grant.

You'll join a friendly, supportive team within the Renewal Programme, a respected Newham charity that has been serving local communities for more than 50 years. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and able to thrive. In return, we offer ongoing training and development, an Employee Assistance Programme, generous annual leave and the opportunity to be part of an organisation making a genuine difference every day.

If you're passionate about community development and creating opportunities for people facing disadvantage, we'd love to hear from you.

Job description 

We are looking for someone with the values and commitment to increase the independence,self-confidence and access to new opportunities for people with learning disabilities and enduring mental health support needs. This will be across our Supported Living Services in Kingston.You will be supporting people to live independently in the community in their own homes. 

Who we are 

At Balance we are committed to empowering those we support to build independent, fulfilled and self-confident lives. We work hard to ensure our charitable values are central to the professional experience of those who work for us, with us and who benefit from our services. We operate a range of services in SW London including outreach and small homes-based services in Kingston and Richmond. 

Who you are 

You are someone with experience of or a commitment to developing aperson-centred approach in working with people with complex needs and challenges. You will be a collegiate player, and someone able to see beyond the barriers that people with disabilities experienceevery day. Your values and working practice will align with those of the charity to maximise the independence of those you are working with;to enable their ability to make decisions about the types of service they are in receiptof and to ensure that your approach is both professional and sustainable. 

Key Responsibilities of this role 

Your primary responsibilities will include: 

• To work as part of a diverse and experienced team providing personalised support, advice and advocacy to people living independently or in supported accommodation. 

• To apply a collegiate approach to deliverstrengths-basedsupport that maximises independence,knowledge and confidence of those using our services. 

• To provide a key point of reference for information and support to those using the services and professionals and carers dependent on it. 

• To work independently across the boroughs weoperatein, with people in their homes or in accessing support and resources across the community. 

Critical Values in the delivery of this role 

• A commitment to building independence and self-confidence amongst your colleagues as well as those you provide services to. 

• Recognition of the skills,knowledge and commitment of those working around you and your contribution to them. 

• A professional,can-do attitude that finds solutions in the darkest corners. 

• A willingness to empower those around you to exercise authority to make mistakes, test things out and lead from the front. 

Benefits in working for us 

The charity ensures the following benefits for all its operational staff: 

• A baseline commitment to pay London living wage for all its front-line staff. 

• A commitment to training and professional development to at least Care Certificate 

• Inclusion in and contribution to the charity's pension scheme, if eligible 

• Access to a range of discount schemes 

• Access to the charity's employeeassistanceprogramme

Application Instructions

Please apply through our website.

What is the overall purpose of the role?

At Youth Action Alliance, our mission is to support the personal and social development (their values, beliefs, ideas and skills) of the young people living in Kensington and Chelsea and neighbouring boroughs, enabling them to increase their resilience and skills in the present, and promote their ambitions for the future.

We are ambitious to grow, to continue supporting more young people and influence positive change. To do this we are looking to appoint a Support Youth Worker to work across two projects:

The role will cover the following projects:

Irish Traveller young people (Travellers project) 11-19 years old, including;

●       Weekly workshop/sessions 

● Targeted mentoring and support - helping them to stay in education, enrol in college, seek work opportunities, and access additional support services.

● Off-site holiday activities

●       Outreach, detached work and networking

Please note, work may extend to ages 8–21, subject to funding.

Staying Connected project young people, 11-19 years old, including;

● Targeted one-to-one mentoring and support via face-to-face, online or via phone

● Group support delivery

● Personal action plans, including progressive pathways

● Off-site holiday activities

●       Outreach, detached work and networking

Job responsibilities

● Support with the planning and delivery of an innovative, cohesive and progressive programme of delivery with a proactive approach  for Travellers and Staying Connected (focusing on personal and social development skills), and budgeting to ensure smooth and effective delivery of the programme.

● Recruit, engage and support young people aged to participate in the programmes.

● Building and strengthening partnerships with local organisations, services, and stakeholders (such as schools, youth services, community groups, health providers, or charities)

● Adhere to the programme risk assessments as/when required and carry out regular health and safety checks.

● Develop promotional content and material for the projects and events (e.g. via social media, website, offline marketing etc.).

● Support young people into positive outcomes including Education, Employment and/or Training.

● Deliver one-to-one or group support sessions (via text message, email, telephone, virtually and face-to-face) to provide advice, information, guidance, mentoring and signposting to internal and external services (e.g. mental health and wellbeing services, YAA events).

● Create individual action plans with young people to capture their key aims and objectives at different stages of engagement.

● Support the organisation and delivery of trips and positive activities in line with provision delivery plans and/or requirements.

● Provide day-to-day operational and administrative management support of the programmes.

● Support the management of project budget sheets, recording expenditure and forecasting financial information for reporting purposes.

● Maintain an asset register for any equipment/assets associated with the programmes and ensure their safekeeping.

● Support the management of referrals to and from the programmes, including partner agencies such as Social Services, the Police, the Youth Offending Team (YOT), Alternative Provision and Schools.

● Record young people’s data, (Views) including membership information, case notes, session notes, registers, and case studies.

● Prepare reports for funding applications,collate monitoring statistics to evidence impact and engagement for reports and funding bids.

● Capture and evaluate young people’s journeys and progress through feedback, consultation, and creative methods to evidence impact and support future funding.

● Ensure youth voice shapes programme design and delivery, reflecting the needs and priorities of the community.

This job description cannot cover every task that may arise within the post at various times and the post-holder will be expected to carry out other duties from time to time which is broadly consistent with those in this document. This job description does not form part of the contract of employment.

Person specification

Knowledge and experience

● Certification and professionalism - Youth Work Qualified

● Experience in the charity sector, the voluntary sector, or community sector would be desirable.

● Experience working with children, young people and vulnerable adults

● Competent in the use of MS Word, Excel, and databases for recording and reporting.

● Excellent time-keeper and manages own time effectively to keep to deadlines

● Good communication skills, including literacy and writing skills (creative skills welcomed)

● Good interpersonal skills and some experience of engaging with a diverse group of young people, including the Irish Traveller community (preferred).

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis? Are you calm, non-judgmental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Hospital Mental Health Outreach Worker / Community Outreach Worker (Bounce Back)
Reference Number: 377
Reports to: Senior Community Outreach Worker (Bounce Back)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)
Based: Watford General Hospital and Watford Wellbeing Centre
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum

We have a vacancy for a Bounce Back Worker to join our team.

The Bounce Back service forms an integral part of Hertfordshire Mind Network’s Complex Needs Community Services. The service provides one-to-one outreach support to facilitate a smooth, timely and supportive discharge from hospital back in to the community.

About the Project

Herts Mind Network (HMN) has a partnership with Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT) to deliver a one-to-one outreach service for people who are in hospitals across Hertfordshire.

There is an emergency department arm of the project and will be based at Watford General Hospital working in A&E departments, with the Mental Health Liaison Team, and hospital wards facilitating hospital discharge for people with mental health need.

About the Role:

The Bounce Back Worker will be based at Watford General Hospital and HMN Centres, promoting joint working between Watford A&E, creating a seamless pathway into community support for clients recovering from mental ill health.

The aims of the Bounce Back service are to provide up to 16 sessions of emotional and practical support and advice & information to patients. We will visit patients on the ward and continue the sessions in the local community and in patient’s homes once discharged. We will facilitate a smooth and timely hospital discharge.

Key Responsibilities

The Bounce Back worker will use a recovery orientated approach working with patients on the ward, and in the local community, including in people’s homes.  The recovery approach includes empathy, warmth, acceptance, authenticity, compassion and humanity. To work with hospital staff to ensure patients are offered advice, information, and holistic support.

The post holder will need to:

• Provide practical and emotional support to encourage patients to develop their independence within their local community.
• Facilitate a smooth discharge from hospital back to the community.
• Have a solid understanding on the dual effect of mental health and drugs and alcohol.
• Monitor outcomes and evaluate the service.
• Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of patients using the service is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• Embed a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.
• Eligibility for blue light card.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 9th September at 5pm.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 15th September at our Watford Wellbeing Centre.
N.B: Please quote reference number 377 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

What is the overall purpose of the role?

At Youth Action Alliance, our mission is to support the personal and social development (their values, beliefs, ideas and skills) of the young people living in Kensington and Chelsea, enabling them to increase their resilience and skills in the present and promote their ambitions for the future.

We are ambitious to grow, to continue supporting more young people and influence positive change. To achieve this, we are seeking to appoint a Lead Worker for the Irish Traveller cohort to develop and deliver an innovative and progressive project in a safe, industrious, and supportive environment, working primarily with this community.

The role will cover Lead and Support Worker positions across the following projects :

Irish Traveller young people (Travellers project Lead) 11-19 years old, including;

●       Weekly workshop/sessions 

● Targeted mentoring and support - helping them to stay in education, enrol in college, seek work opportunities, and access additional support services.

● Off-site holiday activities

●       Outreach, detached work and networking

Please note, work may extend to ages 8–21, subject to funding.

Staying Connected project (Associate Lead) -young people 11-19 years old, including;

● Targeted one-to-one mentoring and support via face-to-face, online or via phone

●       Direct liaison and programme planning and development Staying Connected Project Lead

● Group support delivery

● Personal action plans, including progressive pathways

● Off-site holiday activities

●       Outreach, detached work and networking

Key Responsibilities

Programme Leadership & Delivery

• Plan and deliver an innovative, progressive programme of activities, developed in collaboration with young people and colleagues.
• Create safe, supportive spaces that foster personal and social development.
• Deliver 1 to1 and group support sessions through a variety of methods (in-person, phone, digital), providing advice, guidance, mentoring, and signposting to other services.
• Organise trips, workshops, and positive activities in line with the project delivery plan.

Project & Partnership Management

• Lead the day-to-day operational and administrative management of the project.
• Develop and manage partnerships with schools, local agencies, and trusted community stakeholders.
• Represent YAA at borough, London-wide, and partnership meetings to champion Traveller young people’s voices.
• Manage project budgets, expenditure records, and ensure assets and equipment are safeguarded.
• Supervise project staff, support workers, and facilitators, ensuring high-quality delivery and compliance with YAA standards.

Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting

• Record attendance, case notes, and data consistently and accurately in the online database.
• Capture and share the impact of young people’s journeys through case studies, feedback, quotes, photos, and video.
• Produce monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports for senior management and the Board of Trustees.
• Contribute to fundraising efforts by demonstrating impact and supporting applications to secure sustainable funding.

This job description cannot cover every task that may arise within the post at various times, and the post-holder will be expected to carry out other duties from time to time, which is broadly consistent with those in this document. This job description does not form part of the contract of employment.

This is a unique opportunity which merges two roles with the aim to uphold the standards of the organisations and create more access and opprotunities for young people across our services.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• A minimum Level 3 Youth Work qualification (or equivalent).
• Strong experience working with young people, ideally including the Traveller community.
• Skilled at building positive, trusting relationships with young people, families, and partners.
• Excellent organisational skills, able to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively.
• Confident communicator with strong literacy, report-writing, and presentation skills.
• Competent in MS Office (Word, Excel) and database systems for recording and reporting.
• A strong commitment to equity, inclusion, and safeguarding.

Desirable

• Experience within the charity, voluntary, or community sector.
• Understanding of the specific challenges facing Irish Traveller young people.
• Track record of partnership working and external stakeholder engagement.

About the role:

• Support individuals through the transition into adult integrated services

• Support individuals through the transition in to paid employment and/or relevant training, education or occupation/diversionary activities that can best support there ongoing needs

• Deliver a range of treatment interventions to the clients utilising a child and young person centric approach guided by the 10 key policy principles of working with children and young people.  This may include both individual and group based client work.

• Carry out triage/screening assessments where appropriate

• Work flexibly and in a holistic way to promote harm reduction.

• Devise, implement and review individual care plans with young people.

• Appropriately include parents/carers in the planning and delivery of support.

• Support a caseload of young people, delivering psychosocial interventions alongside basic counselling skills and motivational interviewing approaches.

• Actively develop relations with partner agencies ensuring robust referral protocols and care pathways are put into place for young people to receive substance misuse interventions and other appropriate support.

• Offer a flexible service across the local area in partnership with Health, Social Care, Criminal Justice and generic youth services.

About you:

• Considerable knowledge and experience of working in the substance misuse field.

• Considerable knowledge and experience of working with children and young people.

• Knowledge of issues facing young people today.

• Basic counselling and / or group work experience.

• Experience of undertaking comprehensive assessments and in implementing and reviewing individual care plans.

• An ability to maintain accurate and timely records.

• Understanding of professional accountability in relation to The Children Act 2004 and Every Child Matters 2004

What we will give to you:

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days”.
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme
• Contributory pension scheme
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc.
• A friendly and supportive team culture
• Training, career development & progression opportunities
• Refer a Friend Scheme

Overview

Do you want to work for a caring organisation that believes in people?

Do you want to make a difference?

As a Young Persons Transitional Worker with Change Grow Live, you’ll work with people who use our services, helping them get to where they want to be.

We’re looking for a dedicated Young Person’s & Adults Recovery Transitions Worker to join our Newham Service. This role sits within our Young Persons team and focuses on supporting individuals aged up to 25 as they transition into adult services.

You will provide assessment, advice, care-planned treatment, and ongoing support to young people experiencing serious or complex substance-related issues. A key element of the role is coordinating transitions, both into adult treatment pathways and into meaningful education, employment, or training opportunities.

Importantly, this role will also support individuals who require help around ketamine use, offering tailored harm reduction advice, early intervention, and recovery-focused support as part of their care plan.

Location: Newham

Hours: Full time, 37.5 per week

The Community Support Worker will provide direct, practical and person-centered support to mentees approaching release from prison and after release into the community. Working under the direction of the Project Manager, the post-holder will help mentees identify priorities, develop and progress action plans, access appropriate services and maintain engagement during a period of significant transition.

This is a front-line resettlement and community support role. The post-holder will work alongside mentees, volunteer mentors, prison and probation colleagues and community services to reduce barriers to stability, support safe mentoring relationships and help mentees progress towards realistic goals.

The role requires someone who can build trust while maintaining clear professional boundaries, work confidently across prison and community settings, manage a varied caseload, respond proactively to changing needs and escalate safeguarding or risk concerns appropriately.

Key relationships

· Project Manager and Service Delivery Director.

· Other Trailblazers staff and project colleagues.

· Volunteer mentors and prospective volunteers.

· Mentees and, where appropriate, family members or other community support networks.

· Prison staff, including resettlement, offender management and other relevant departments.

· Probation practitioners and other statutory services.

· Community organisations, accommodation providers, DWP / Jobcentre Plus, employers, education and training providers, health and substance misuse services and other local partners.

We are looking for someone with the values and commitment to increase the independence,self-confidence and access to new opportunities for people with learning disabilities and enduring mental health support needs. This will be across our Supported Living Services in Kingston.You will be supporting people to live independently in the community in their own homes. 

Who we are 

At Balance we are committed to empowering those we support to build independent, fulfilled and self-confident lives. We work hard to ensure our charitable values are central to the professional experience of those who work for us, with us and who benefit from our services. We operate a range of services in SW London including outreach and small homes-based services in Kingston and Richmond. 

Who you are 

You are someone with experience of or a commitment to developing aperson-centred approach in working with people with complex needs and challenges. You will be a collegiate player, and someone able to see beyond the barriers that people with disabilities experienceevery day. Your values and working practice will align with those of the charity to maximise the independence of those you are working with;to enable their ability to make decisions about the types of service they are in receiptof and to ensure that your approach is both professional and sustainable. 

Key Responsibilities of this role 

Your primary responsibilities will include: 

• To work as part of a diverse and experienced team providing personalised support, advice and advocacy to people living independently or in supported accommodation. 

• To apply a collegiate approach to deliverstrengths-basedsupport that maximises independence,knowledge and confidence of those using our services. 

• To provide a key point of reference for information and support to those using the services and professionals and carers dependent on it. 

• To work independently across the boroughs weoperatein, with people in their homes or in accessing support and resources across the community. 

Critical Values in the delivery of this role 

• A commitment to building independence and self-confidence amongst your colleagues as well as those you provide services to. 

• Recognition of the skills,knowledge and commitment of those working around you and your contribution to them. 

• A professional,can-do attitude that finds solutions in the darkest corners. 

• A willingness to empower those around you to exercise authority to make mistakes, test things out and lead from the front. 

Benefits in working for us 

The charity ensures the following benefits for all its operational staff: 

• A baseline commitment to pay London living wage for all its front-line staff. 

• A commitment to training and professional development to at least Care Certificate 

• Inclusion in and contribution to the charity's pension scheme, if eligible 

• Access to a range of discount schemes 

• Access to the charity's employeeassistanceprogramme

Application Instructions

Please apply through our website.

We are looking for an exceptional, highly motivated and dedicated individual to join our team as a full-time Youth Worker (Youth Voice), supporting our mission to enable young people who are homeless, facing homelessness or unsafe to achieve independence and positive futures.

The successful candidate will work within the Youth Work Team to deliver our frontline drop-in service and support our weekly and monthly activities to all young people experiencing homelessness.

You’ll specialise in youth participation, ensuring that a diverse range of young people’s voices are heard. You’ll also facilitate and lead on supporting our Youth Advisory Board and work alongside them to cultivate inclusive activities which increase youth participation across all our services. We have an ambitious plan to improve and accelerate our youth voice strategy and this role will be at the heart of this delivery.

You should be experienced in designing, planning and facilitating a range of activities and group work with and for young people and be able to work dynamically in a fast-paced day centre environment. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about youth engagement and skilled in bringing out the ideas, voices and opinions of young people to shape service delivery. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a background in running participatory youth projects, co-production, youth engagement sessions and/or community engagement.

The ideal candidate is a team player who enjoys working collaboratively across our organisation. This role also includes working closely with our Campaigns, Impact and Policy team to ensure young people’s voices are at the heart of our external campaigning work.

Finally, you will also be committed to the safeguarding of young people and delivering an inclusive and trauma-informed service.

This role will be based at our day centre in Camden, with some travel to other New Horizon projects within London.

Closing date for applications: Monday 21st September

Interviews: Thursday 1st October

Please note interview dates are fixed and will not be changed. Please ensure you are available on these days when applying for this role.

About Us

The Comedy School draws on the power of comedy to improve wellbeing across community, health, education and criminal justice settings. Since 1998, we have co-designed and delivered workshops, courses and training projects that build confidence, resilience and life skills for socially isolated and vulnerable people. We have worked with individuals with mental health conditions in collaboration with South London and Maudsley Recovery College for 15 years, and in 2023 expanded this work to veterans in partnership with London’s NHS Veterans Mental Health Services. Our Comedy for Veterans programme delivers evidence-based interventions that improve confidence, connections, wellbeing and sense of purpose.

Purpose of Role: The Veterans’ Worker will lead on outreach and peer support within the Comedy for Veterans Project, with a specific focus on engaging veterans from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and other communities underrepresented in traditional support pathways. The role aims to ensure inclusive participation, support mental wellbeing, and sustain long-term engagement with the project.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead outreach and engagement efforts to promote the Comedy for Veterans Project, focusing on building trust and participation among veterans from Black, ethnic minority, and underserved communities.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with veteran organisations, community groups, and stakeholders to enhance referrals, collaboration, and community presence.
• Provide peer support and mentoring to veterans enrolled in the project, encouraging sustained participation, confidence-building, and shared learning.
• Identify and address participation barriers, including logistical, emotional, or wellbeing challenges, and signpost to appropriate services when needed.
• Support the delivery of workshops and events, working closely with facilitators to ensure activities are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to participants’ needs.
• Collaborate with staff and partners to monitor progress, share relevant participant insights (within confidentiality boundaries), and contribute to a safe, trauma-informed environment.
• Document attendance, feedback, and outcomes for evaluation purposes, and report on engagement levels and project impact.

Essential Criteria: 

• Proven experience in outreach, peer support, mentoring, or community engagement—ideally with veterans or marginalised groups.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport across diverse social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Understanding of mental health and wellbeing, including challenges commonly faced by veterans, and the confidence to respond supportively.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures, confidentiality protocols, and maintaining professional boundaries when working with vulnerable adults.
• Ability to work independently and manage time, alongside a flexible approach to group dynamics, changing needs, and varying energy levels.
• Commitment to inclusion and accessibility, with sensitivity to the social, cultural, and structural barriers some veterans may face.

Desirable: 

• Background in social work, community organising, mental health support, or creative arts facilitation.
• Certification in Mental Health First Aid or equivalent.
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches in community and learning settings.

Security Checks: Enhanced DBS clearance required and project specific security checks maybe required.

This post is funded by the Veterans’ Foundation

Outreach Inclusive Recovery Worker

Location: Gillingham

Salary: £26,000 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent

We're looking for a passionate and proactive Outreach Inclusive Recovery Worker to join our team on a full-time basis (35 hours per week). This is an exciting opportunity to help improve access to recovery services for underserved communities across Medway, with a particular focus on Eastern European communities.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates who have experience working with Eastern European communities and understand the cultural, social and practical barriers that can impact access to support services. Your insight and ability to build trust will play a key role in helping people access the support they need.

You'll engage with people who may face barriers to treatment, build meaningful community relationships, and support individuals to access recovery, health and wellbeing services.

What you'll be doing:

• Delivering outreach in community settings across Medway
• Building relationships with underrepresented and migrant communities
• Reducing barriers to support, including stigma, language and mistrust
• Managing a caseload and delivering person-centred recovery support
• Completing assessments, recovery plans and harm reduction interventions
• Developing partnerships with community groups, voluntary organisations and key stakeholders
• Identifying gaps in service access and helping shape more inclusive services
• Managing risk, safeguarding concerns and maintaining accurate records

What we're looking for:

• Experience in health, social care, community work or supporting people facing barriers to services
• Strong communication, engagement and relationship-building skills
• An understanding of substance use, recovery and person-centred support
• A commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice
• The ability to work independently and build connections within local communities

We'd especially love to hear from you if you have:

• Experience working with migrant and/or Eastern European communities
• Outreach or community engagement experience
• Lived experience of substance use and recovery (where you choose to disclose this)
• The ability to communicate in Polish, Romanian, Bulgarian, Lithuanian or another Eastern European language (desirable, not essential)

If you're passionate about tackling health inequalities, empowering communities and supporting people on their recovery journey, we'd love to hear from you.

Please see attached Job Description for full details

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits - 

• Flexible working
• Training and development opportunities
• BHSF Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays 
• Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter 
• Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary) 
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply

Homelessness Outreach Support Worker

We are seeking someone who can build trust, support people experiencing complex needs and help them move away from rough sleeping.

Position: Rough Sleeper Navigator (internal title)
Salary: £28,135 to £30,635 per annum
Location: Bradbury Centre and community based
Hours: 37 hours per week, worked on a rota including early mornings, late nights, weekends and bank holidays
Contract: Permanent
Closing date: 31st August 2026
Interviews: 8th September 2026

About the role

This is a hands-on outreach role providing intensive, end-to-end support to people who are rough sleeping and experiencing complex, interlinked challenges. These may include housing, substance use, offending behaviour and physical or mental health needs.

Working with individuals on the street and in the community, you will provide consistent, personalised support to help them access accommodation, healthcare, treatment, benefits and other essential services.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering outreach based on local intelligence and StreetLink alerts, including early morning, late-night and weekend shifts
• Acting as a consistent point of contact and advocate with housing, healthcare, welfare and other services
• Assessing individual needs and developing personalised support plans
• Providing psychologically informed, trauma-informed and recovery-focused support
• Helping people address barriers to treatment, accommodation and recovery
• Supporting individuals with health, budgeting, benefits and access to community services
• Helping people retain their accommodation, prevent eviction and move on when ready
• Maintaining an active caseload and keeping accurate, confidential records
• Contributing to the evaluation and development of services

About you

You will be able to build trust with people who may have experienced trauma, exclusion and multiple disadvantages. You will be resilient, calm when managing challenging situations and committed to providing respectful, person-centred support.

You will need:

• Experience of engaging and motivating people with complex and diverse needs
• Experience of assessing needs and developing support plans
• Knowledge of housing, health, homelessness services and relevant legislation
• Strong communication, relationship-building and conflict-management skills
• The ability to work effectively with local partner agencies
• A full UK or equivalent driving licence
• Willingness to work early mornings, late nights, weekends and bank holidays

An NVQ Level 3 or equivalent qualification in health and social care, housing, information, advice and guidance, or a related subject would be advantageous.

About the organisation

You will join an organisation committed to preventing homelessness and helping people make lasting, positive changes. Its services are built around dignity, compassion and respect, with teams working collaboratively to provide safe, effective and responsive support.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Outreach Worker, Homelessness Support Worker, Housing Support Worker, Recovery Worker, Substance Misuse Worker, Community Support Worker, Complex Needs Worker, Engagement Worker or Rough Sleeper Outreach Worker.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Working within Baobab's welcoming and dynamic admin team in our Therapeutic Community, the Engagement and Administrative Assistant is a dual role. In your Admin assistant role you will provide comprehensive administrative support to operational, research and advocacy teams. In your Engagement Assistant role, you will lead on developing a successful programme of youth activities at the Baobab Centre (as Baobab Youth Activities Coordinator) and will focus on prioritising young people’s engagement in advocacy and research.