Community outreach worker jobs in east of england
Main purpose of job:
To manage three key aspects of CARA’s service:
· New referrals into CARA
· Counselling waiting lists and allocation to a counsellor
· CARA’s client database
Start date: As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).
Salary: £37,411 – £39,261 per annum, pro-rata.
Hours: 35 hours per week, with some flexibility possible.
Contract: This is a permanent contract.
Place of work: CARA premises in Colchester and some remote home working. Some travel to other locations in Essex may be necessary.
Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.
To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.
Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications.
Application deadline: 9am on Wednesday 26th November 2025
Interviews: Tuesday 2nd December 2025
This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.
Job Description
This is an exciting and varied role, and we are looking for a proactive post holder who will manage three key aspects of CARA’s service provision:
- Manage new referrals into our service, overseeing the work of our team of First Contact Navigators and our Information and Referrals Co-ordinator.
- Manage our counselling waiting lists and the allocation of clients to a counsellor, overseeing the work of our Allocations Team.
- Act as the main lead and point of contact for managing CARA’s client database and resolving any data queries.
This role will lead a talented and committed team of six, supporting their work and assisting them to develop their key roles. As well as overseeing day-to-day operations of the team, the post holder will be part of CARA’s management team and will have the opportunity to play a key role in CARA’s wider development, working closely with CARA’s Senior Leadership Team and Team Managers.
The First Contact Navigator project is a shared project with our sister centres, SERICC and SOS Rape Crisis, so the post holder will liaise closely with colleagues in those centres.
Main Responsibilities
Line management and team support
· To line manage CARA’s Information and Referrals Co-ordinator, First Contact Navigators and Allocations Co-ordinators, providing day-to-day support, monitoring performance and identifying training and development needs. This will include keeping up to date notes of line management meetings and conducting and recording annual staff appraisals.
· To support CARA’s Information and Referrals Co-ordinator, First Contact Navigators and Allocations Co-ordinators, working alongside them where necessary, and covering these roles during annual leave and other absences.
· To work with CARA’s Head of Operations to recruit and train new staff and volunteers, as required.
· To liaise with CARA’s other teams and more widely with Synergy East teams, resolving problems and ensuring good communication and mutual understanding of respective roles and ways of operating.
· To be part of the CARA management team and attend regular management team meetings, contributing to CARA’s ongoing development.
Service development
· To work with CARA’s Information and Referrals Co-ordinator, First Contact Navigators, Allocations Co-ordinators, Head of Operations, CEO, and our four team Managers to refine and develop CARA’s referrals and allocations processes.
· To oversee and update CARA’s counselling waiting lists, working with the Allocations Co-ordinators, and leading regular meetings to review waiting times, pushing forwards actions to reduce these wherever possible.
· To oversee and update the CARA map of service delivery ensuring we have an accurate picture of client sessions across our therapy teams.
· To develop expertise in our purpose-designed client database, ensuring the team are fully trained in its use and working with the Senior Leadership Team and Synergy Partners to ensure client data is kept up to date.
· Working with the CEO, Head of Operations and Information and Referrals Co-ordinator to represent CARA at meetings, making presentations about our work.
General
· To work flexible hours, including some evening work and occasional weekends.
· To participate in CARA team meetings, supervision, training and development.
· To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in delivery of training sessions.
· To raise awareness of sexual violence and its impact in the community and within other agencies.
· To keep appropriate records in accordance with CARA policies and procedures.
· To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.
· To be administratively self-servicing.
· To report to the Senior Leadership Team and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports and verbal reports.
· To undertake any other related activities as required by the Senior Leadership Team or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
· To undertake any other related activities as required by the Senior Leadership Team or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.
About CARA
CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.
CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex. We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich. We also provide remote services.
CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers. We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.
You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.
About Synergy East
CARA is part of Synergy East. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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: Support Mentor
Location: West London (Unfortunately, this premises has no step free access)
Salary: £27,000
Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday (One Saturday once every 3 months instead of a Friday) on a rolling rota including 07:30 - 15:30, 09:00 - 17:00 and 11:30 - 19:30
About the Role
We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Support Mentor. We are looking for someone who really cares about the rights of women and their children to join our service in West London. This is an opportunity to support within a refuge accommodation for women and children surviving domestic abuse, many of whom are living with trauma. As a Support Mentor, you will support in providing a much needed safe space and support for women, for them to feel empowered in their healing journey and feel secure in their independence, strengths, and skills.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support residents/participants to achieve their desired goals/outcomes in various ways
- Ensure all residents/participants understand their rights and responsibilities, and have access to the right tools, resources, and networks to support them in achieving their goals.
- Develop, participate in, and encourage residents/participants to participate in the running and development of various projects and activities.
- Empower residents/participants to make decisions to take control over their lives, by creating an enabling environment.
- Provide advice, information, guidance, and life skills training to residents/participants as required.
- Recognise signs of deteriorating mental health, physical health, or other health implications and initiate appropriate interventions to prevent crisis or other risks.
About You
Our Refuge works to support women with complex and enduring needs and women who experience domestic abuse to reclaim their power and find their voice. 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 and children 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 a strong understanding of, domestic abuse and the systemic barriers faced by women.
- Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs
- Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
- Ability to promote the service and provide outreach-based provision, with an ability to liaise and work effectively in partnership with stakeholders
- Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges
- Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency
Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.
What we Offer
- 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
- Employer Pension Contribution
- Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
- Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
- Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
- Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
- Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Annual Staff Awards
- EDI Ambassador programme
About Social Interest Group (SIG)
SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change.
We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group.
Additional Information
Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.
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.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Empowering independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital and off the streets
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Title: Support Mentor
Location: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), the service is a short walk from Ladbroke Grove (Circle and Hammersmith) station. Unfortunately, this service does not have step free access.
Salary: £27,000 (Full Time equivalent)
Shift Pattern: Part Time 15 hours per week Monday to Friday on a rota between 09:00 - 17:00 and 13:00 - 21:00. You may be required to work bank holidays and evenings as required.
About the Role
We are seeking a compassionate and dedicated Support Mentor to join our team based in RBKC to support our residents who have multiple and complex needs which could include mental health, substance use, homelessness, and/or offending backgrounds. You will support in providing our residents with the support needed to help them overcome their personal barriers, and achieve their goals in a person centred approach. You will work within a residential setting, creating a safe and comfortable space which our residents can call their homes during their time within the service. The role includes:
- Supporting residents with daily tasks
- Holding a caseload, conducting key work sessions which are personable to their needs
- Carry out regular welfare checks, safeguarding checks, and general living checks
- Encourage residents to take part in activities and events
- 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
- Carry out general housing management support
About You
We're looking for someone who has a true passion to support those who have multiple and complex needs, with a drive to help support those who suffer with homelessness, mental health, and substance use. You will be able to build rapport and trusting relations in a professional setting, and able to build positive outcomes. You will have an adaptable and flexible approach to helping others, with an understanding that each individual has different levels and types of support needs. Further we look for:
- 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
- Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs
- Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
- Ability to promote the service and provide outreach-based provision, with an ability to liaise and work effectively in partnership with stakeholders
- Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges
- Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency
Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.
What we Offer
- 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
- Employer Pension Contribution
- Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
- Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
- Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
- Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
- Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Cycle-to-work scheme
- Annual Staff Awards
- EDI Ambassador programme
- Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.
- Join an organisation with a mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of all of our employees. We have a team of staff ambassadors who volunteer to actively support us in fortifying our organisational value of Inclusivity. They embrace this unique opportunity to deliver awareness, events, and developments to our organisation to support us in ensuring our value of Inclusivity is embedded throughout the organisation.
SIG actively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly lived experience; Naturally, we approach any emerging issues with empathy and sensitivity.
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.
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.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Empowering independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital and off the streets
Thank you!
The Cardinal Hume Centre works to prevent and tackle youth and family homelessness.
Job title: Life Skills and Activities Co-Ordinator
Westminster, London
Hours: 35 hours (full time) working at least 4 days in our office near Victoria
Are you passionate about making a real difference in the world? Do you want to leverage your skills to combat homelessness for children and young people? Then we have the perfect opportunity for you.
We are looking to recruit a life skills and activities co-ordinator to concentrate on building and expanding relationships with young people living in our supported accommodation as well as families in Westminster who attend sessions in our Family Services department. This is a unique and rewarding role in our Employment & Learning Team that will involve meeting and working with residents in our supported accommodation on a one-to-one basis and in groups, facilitating activities and evaluating and building evidence that these interventions have made a difference. Your work will focus on supporting our residents (aged 16-25) on-site with their Life Skills development. You will also work holistically to support the families who attend sessions in the Family Centre and who attend outings and “away-days”. The role also requires facilitating our study club (aged 13+) and group ESOL sessions (19+).
Please refer to the job description on our website for further information.
In your cv and cover letter, please outline how you meet the requirements of the role and why you would like to work for us. You must account for any gaps in your employment history.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We require job applicants, staff and volunteers to complete a criminal records self-declaration. This role requires an enhanced DBS check plus children’s barred list. It is an offence to apply for the role if the applicant is barred from engaging in regulated activity.
Applicants must have the right to work in the UK. We are unable to sponsor visas.
Benefits
· 26 days’ leave rising to 28 days’ leave after two years’ service (pro rata for part time staff)
· Discretionary wellbeing and celebratory days
· Access to Blue Light Card discounts
· Pension: stakeholder pension scheme and we will match employee contributions up to a maximum of 6%.
· Life assurance cover (after probation passed)
· Season ticket loan
· Training and development opportunities
Closing date for applications: 9am Monday 17th November 2025
Interviews: W/C 24th November 2025
If you’ve not heard from us three weeks after the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
The Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Due to the urgent need to fill this post, we will be shortlisting applications as they are received and may invite candidates to interview before the closing date. We will only shortlist applicants with two weeks' notice.
The Interim Head of Services will oversee the effective delivery, performance, and quality assurance of some of our mental health services in Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Redbridge.
What you'll do:
- Lead and support Service Managers and Coordinators to deliver high-quality, client-centred services.
- Drive continuous service improvement and foster collaboration across teams and partners.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders to enhance service delivery.
- Act as a Designated Safeguarding Officer, providing expert guidance to ensure client safety and staff compliance.
See the job pack for full details.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
The Head of Services will oversee the effective delivery, performance, and quality assurance of some of our mental health services in Tower Hamlets, Newham, and Redbridge.
What you'll do:
- Lead and support Service Managers and Coordinators to deliver high-quality, client-centred services.
- Drive continuous service improvement and foster collaboration across teams and partners.
- Build and maintain strategic relationships with key stakeholders to enhance service delivery.
- Act as a Designated Safeguarding Officer, providing expert guidance to ensure client safety and staff compliance.
See the job pack for full details.
Registered Charity
51 - 100
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.