Community support jobs

Purpose of the Post

To work as part of our Homeless Services Team, providing tailored support to asylum seekers and newly recognised refugees, helping them prepare for life in the UK, avoid crisis situations, and reduce the risk of homelessness and rough sleeping. The postholder will deliver one-to-one advice, guidance, and group information sessions within Greater Together Manchester’s Lifeskills programme, embedding support in trusted community settings.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver individual support to asylum seekers and new refugees, including:
  • Advice and guidance on housing, welfare benefits, health, employment, and education.
  • Support with paperwork, applications, and referrals to statutory/voluntary services.
  • Crisis prevention planning for those leaving asylum accommodation.
• Facilitate group information sessions at Lifeskills activities (e.g. football, workshops), covering:
  • Rights and responsibilities after gaining refugee status.
  • Access to housing and homelessness prevention.
  • Health and wellbeing, including GP registration.
  • Financial literacy, banking, and benefits.
  • Employment and education pathways.
• Build trust and positive relationships with participants, creating safe spaces for learning and support.
• Act as a link between participants and local statutory/voluntary organisations, strengthening pathways into services.
• Support individuals moved outside Manchester to connect with appropriate services in their new location.
• Maintain accurate records of support provided and outcomes achieved, in line with grant monitoring requirements.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues, volunteers, and external partners to strengthen Greater Together Manchester’s refugee and asylum seeker support offer.

I am delighted to be working alongside a leading charity is seeking a Carer Support Officer to support unpaid carers and their families. This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is both compassionate and highly organised. This is a fully remote, immediate start temp role until the end of the year.

The role
You’ll be the first point of contact for carers and referral partners, ensuring a smooth and supportive journey into the service. Key duties include:

• Responding to calls and emails with empathy and professionalism
• Providing first-line advice and signposting to relevant services
• Recording client details accurately and managing referrals
• Booking appointments and updating waiting lists
• Monitoring cases, closing them when support is complete, and tracking outcomes
• Ensuring warm handovers to external organisations when required
• Supporting wider team activities such as campaigns, events, and admin tasks

About you

• Experience in helpline, advice, or family/community support services
• Strong listening and communication skills
• Confident using IT systems and databases
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities
• A flexible, team-focused approach

Join a supportive team and make a real difference to the lives of carers and their families.

If you have the above skills and experience and are immediately available, please apply online today, I would love to have a conversation with you! 

Location: Northmead House, Creekmoor, Poole, Dorset – CAN operates hybrid working

Hours: 37 hours per week

Salary £45,000 – £50,000 per annum

Contract length: 1 Year initially  

Closing date: 5th November midday

Interviews: 14th November ONLINE

The Role:
We are seeking a dynamic and strategic Deputy Chief Executive to join our Senior Leadership Team. This pivotal role will work closely with our Chief Executive to ensure our internal governance, planning, and systems are robust and future-ready.

About CAN (Community Action Network):
CAN is a respected local infrastructure charity proudly holding the NAVCA Quality Award. We are a membership-led organisation committed to strengthening Dorset’s voluntary and community sector. Our mission is to serve and champion local charities and community groups, helping to build strong, healthy, diverse, and thriving communities.

We hold two national quality assurance awards and our work is underpinned by NAVCA’s four functions of a Local Infrastructure Charity:

• Leadership and advocacy
• Partnerships and collaboration
• Capacity building
• Volunteering

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership and operational oversight across the organisation.
• Drive performance by setting clear expectations and evaluating outcomes.
• Contribute to the delivery of our strategic plan, Action With Heart, aligning with our vision, mission, and values.
• Act as a key ambassador and representative for CAN, deputising for the Chief Executive as required.
• Collaborate with the Senior Leadership Team to identify and secure new income streams, strengthening our financial sustainability.

About You:
You are an experienced leader with a passion for the voluntary and community sector. You bring:

• Proven experience in strategic planning, governance, and performance management.
• Strong financial acumen and a track record of income generation.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• A collaborative and values-driven approach to leadership.

Why Join Us?
At CAN, you’ll be part of a dynamic team making a real difference in Dorset. We offer a supportive and flexible working environment, opportunities for professional development, and the chance to shape the future of a vital local charity.

We offer a competitive salary and great benefits, including contributory pension scheme, 25 days holiday (pro-rata) plus all bank holidays, season train ticket loan, flexible working and much more.

Mind in Croydon is seeking to recruit a full time Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA)  to join our small, dedicated team of Independent Mental Health Advocates working to provide advocacy services to adults subjected to detention under the Mental Health Act in the London Borough of Croydon to ensure they understand, express and exercise their rights, and to enable them to access essential services. The advocacy team also provides Community Mental Health Advocacy for people who are informal patients in psychiatric hospital or living in the community and provides weekly advocacy service at two InMind Healthcare Group hospitals in Croydon.

This role is suitable for a fully qualified Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) with a proven ability to support people under the Mental Health Act. We are not considering trainee positions at this time.

In December 2024 the team was awarded the Quality Performance Mark in Advocacy, a testament to their quality of service providing safe and life-changing support.

SALARY: £30,404 per annum
plus pension contributions (above 4% by salary sacrifice.

REPORTS TO: Advocate Service Manager 

TERM: Permanent, subject to funding, full time (36 hours pw)

BASED AT: Bethlem Royal Hospital, Beckenham BR3 3BX. Advocates are also required to meet clients at different sites throughout Croydon and neighbouring boroughs.

This role supports hybrid working. Other flexible arrangements can be discussed however please note that specific flexible working arrangements such as staggered hours may not be feasible due to operational constraints set by the Hospital.

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.

We are entering an exciting phase of growth and are looking to expand our services supporting families and individuals and extend our reach across Birmingham, the Black Country, and surrounding areas. This new Operations Manager role is central to these plans.

As Operations Manager, working closely with the CEO, you’ll oversee the day-to-day running of organisation across our 2 main premises and in other community venues.   You will manage the admin and appointments functions and ensure our services run smoothly, consistently, and with a focus on quality, sustainability, and user experience. 

Initially, the role will be hands-on and operational, with responsibility for recruiting and training administrative staff, fully re-opening our 2 main premises, and transitioning to a hybrid model of online and face-to-face counselling. You will also support the implementation of updated policies, procedures, and new online appointment and case management systems.

As the organisation grows, there is significant opportunity for development, allowing you to contribute to how our services are delivered, strengthen our team, and help us meet the increasing need for our services.

Based at our Birmingham office, this role will require some flexibility in working hours to meet service needs, including working at other centres from time to time.

What you’ll do

· Oversee day-to-day operations across Birmingham, Wolverhampton, and community venues.

· Lead and manage the administration team, including recruitment, training, and volunteer coordination.

· Manage appointments, service utilisation, waiting times, and payments.

· Streamline processes and systems to improve efficiency, consistency, and client experience.

· Support implementation of new technology, online appointments, and case management systems.

· Ensure premises are safe, functional, and fit-for-purpose.

· Monitor service performance, budgets, and KPIs; prepare reports for management and funders.

· Promote a positive, inclusive, and supportive workplace culture.

· Work closely with service managers and the CEO to align operations with strategic goals.

· Ensure compliance with HR, health & safety, and organisational policies.

What we’re looking for

· Proven experience in operational management, ideally in third sector, health, or community services.

· Strong administrative experience and ability to oversee budgets, KPIs, and performance.

· Experience designing and embedding processes, policies, and systems.

· Confident in implementing technology and using data to drive decisions.

· Experience managing premises and creating safe, functional environments.

· Understanding of client journeys and accessibility, with experience improving engagement and service utilisation.

· Knowledge of HR and health & safety, with experience managing staff wellbeing and compliance.

· Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills, with a commitment to inclusion and equity.

About Kapella

Kapella’s mission is to build better relationships and improve the wellbeing of families and individuals. We provide accessible and affordable services, including counselling, family mediation, training, and domestic abuse programmes across Birmingham and the Black Country. Our work includes self-paying clients as well as funded projects delivered through contracts, grants, and partnerships.

Why join Kapella?

Play a key role in expanding essential services to families and individuals across Birmingham and the Black Country.
Be part of a passionate, supportive, and values-driven team.
Significant opportunity to shape operational processes and grow into a senior leadership role.
25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, pension, CPD and staff wellbeing support.

How to apply

Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your relevant experience and how you meet the requirements of the role. 

Closing date: Wednesday 5 November 2025.

Kapella is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Location: Birmingham Office (with travel to Wolverhampton and other community venues)
Hours: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) – 4 days considered for the right candidate
 

Help us to bring nature benefits to more communities across the UK

Groundwork is supporting the development of a growing network of Green Community Hubs – places where people can come together, connect with nature, and access a range of services. We’re looking for a new Development Manager to take these plans to the next level.

Green Community Hubs Development Manager, Groundwork UK

• 2-year fixed term contract
• 22.5 hours (3 days) a week
• Hybrid working, with regular days in our Birmingham office
• Salary: £27,199

Groundwork is a national charity working to address poverty and improve the environment in three connected ways:

• We help people create better places
• We help people improve their prospects
• We help people protect the planet

Groundwork UK is looking to recruit a Green Community Hubs Development Manager.

Working with colleagues across the country, this role will help us to build on good practice, develop external partnerships, and drive income generation plans to grow and sustain our Green Community Hubs network. The successful candidate will need an understanding of community development, a passion for working with people and nature, and a track record of securing external funding.

We’re particularly interested in receiving applications from people who are from ethnically diverse backgrounds, are disabled, are from low-income households, or are not currently in employment.

Closing date: 12 noon Monday 10th November 2025
Proposed Interview dates: Week commencing 17th November 2025

To Apply and for More Information:

If you would like to apply and find out more about this position, please click the apply button to be directed to our website. 

No agencies please. CVs will not be accepted.

JOB TITLE: Lead Youth Services Worker (Northern Ireland)

RESPONSIBLE TO: Director, Northern Ireland

HOURS OF WORK: 25 hours a week (flexible with some evenings)

LOCATION: Office based, with travel across Northern Ireland.

DURATION: Fixed Term – 5 Years 

SALARY / GRADE: Grade 5 (£30,738 - £33,921 FTE)

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•Adopted Young People in Northern Ireland

•  Director Northern Ireland & Northern Ireland staff

•  Wider AUK youth staff

 •Representative staff from educational establishments.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To develop, implement and evaluate the Banter Project youth service in partnership with adopted young people in Northern Ireland.  These young people range in age from 14-25 years and live throughout Northern Ireland.  The role will primarily work with the project participants, but has additional relationships with community organisations, educational establishments and employers to ensure that all project goals and outcomes are efficiently and effectively met.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• To lead the development and delivery of all elements of the Banter Project adopted young people’s service within Northern Ireland in a fun, interactive, interesting and an ability appropriate manner.

• To support the project participants to play an active role in the design and implementation of a programme of monthly activities for adopted young people. Sustaining and developing a monthly social hub, supporting the development of basic life-skills, and preparation for opportunities in further education, training, employment.

• To support a Youth Advisory Group (YAG) in its role to enable adopted young people to steer the Banter Project while developing skills which promote independence, personal development, social and life skills, leadership, and community involvement.

• To organise and supervise the work of the Youth Services Support Worker to deliver the Banter Project. 

• To provide opportunities to connect with, and signpost to, relevant services, particularly those who work with care experienced young people.

• To develop and implement robust monitoring and evaluation to review individual goals, track progress and impact, via data and analysis of outcomes to assess effectiveness and areas for improvement.

• To record service activity using the electronic data management systems to collate in preparation for reporting and learning opportunities.

• To gather output and outcome data from the Banter Project service in accordance with the quality assurance systems within AUK. 

• Work with other staff members to deliver a high-quality project for our adopted young people and their adoptive parents.  Work as part of a team to contribute to a positive work environment and shared goals. 

• To attend internal and external training/meetings as appropriate, to remain connected with broader adoption issues, relevant policies, working practices, and network with other youth work providers in Northern Ireland.

• To engage in supervision and professional development.

Prison Facilitator - Bank Staff

Shannon Trust Prison Facilitator (bank staff)

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes across a number of prisons. To ensure the continuation of our programmes during times of staff absence, we are now seeking to recruit a Prison Facilitator on a bank working basis to work across the South Central region, covering HMP Aylesbury, HMP Huntercombe and HMP Bullingdon. Working closely with prisons and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will support with the delivery and development of our literacy and numeracy programme in the Central region, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships quickly and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. You will also have a willingness to travel, sometimes at short notice, to provide short or long term cover within the region including possible overnight stays.

This role will be prison-based. This is a bank role and so the number of days to be worked will vary and are not guaranteed. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.  The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised. 

Closing date: 1st December 2025

Applications for this role will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may be held before the closing date so early applications are encouraged.

REF-224 948

37.5 hours per week / £27,770 per annum / permanent / working onsite on a seven-day rolling rota, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

 is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, increasing life skills and self-confidence, and improving emotional wellbeing and mental health.

provides 24-hour supported housing services offering medium levels of housing-related support for young people aged 16-25 with 38 bedspaces and shared communal facilities. We adopt a trauma informed and psychologically informed approach to supporting our residents to help them build essential life skills, identify their goals and work towards aspirations so that they can move on to enjoy fully independent futures. We have a dedicated team of Support Workers, Night Workers and additional Bank Workers who provide support, guidance, and signposting around areas such as housing, budgeting, living skills, jobs, relationship building and wellbeing. Situated in the centre of Crawley, the service has strong links with and contributes to the local community.

Each Support Worker holds a caseload of residents and meets with them weekly to build a support plan and help them achieve their goals.

We are looking for a Supported Housing Support Worker to join our Crawley Foyer team. Main areas of responsibilities are:

Housing:

• Coach young people to manage their occupancy agreement and adhere to house rules, in preparation for independent living
• Promote a credit culture, encouraging young people to keep up to date with all payments for rent
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing and welfare benefits for young people and be well-informed on significant changes to housing law
• Deal effectively with non-compliance issues, such as non-payment of rent or damage to room, using restorative practices and working collaboratively with the rest of the team

Coaching and Engagement:

• Coach young people so they can articulate their aspirations and ambitions and take the lead in acquiring the skills they need to live independent and fulfilling lives
• Ensure young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own personal development, to engage with the services on offer and build strong networks and connections within the local community 
• Ensure consistent standards of safeguarding and Trauma Informed Practice when supporting young people, observing our safeguarding procedures, and keeping yourself and residents safe by respecting professional boundaries
• Maintain client records on In-Form (client database) detailing the young person’s journey in relation to their strengths and needs, any risks, and any outcomes (to monitor service performance)

General:

• Work as part of a team, on a rota shift pattern, ensuring young people at the service have non-judgemental, objective, and supportive staff during the day/evening, along with taking responsibility for personal safety during periods of lone working
• Contribute to a great working environment, with a calm, yet assertive manner, being able to handle potentially difficult situations
• Participate in relevant continuing professional development and utilise Reflective Practice Supervision as part of leading psychologically informed practice

There will be times when lone working will be a requirement for this role, but you will get to know the team and service, along with an induction and training prior to starting on a rota. Please download the job profile for full role details.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate. 

This is a dynamic and varied role; you will be passionate about being involved in the support and growth of young people.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Experience relating to housing, support work, and/or working with young people at risk
• Experience of working proactively with a caseload of young people with multiple and complex needs to enable them to achieve independent living
• Knowledge of statutory and voluntary resources available to young people with multiple and complex needs
• Knowledge of good safeguarding procedures in relation to young people and the ability to maintain effective professional boundaries
• Demonstrated confidence and competence in recording notes/actions in service log, incident forms and health and safety check lists

Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing for appropriate recording of a resident’s progression, and to evidence outcomes achieved
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, including signposting and advocating for clients as necessary
• Ability to work autonomously, and use own initiative, as well as being part of a team
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, good IT, and keyboard skills
• Ability to de-escalate volatile situations and manage challenging behaviour appropriately

If you would like any further information or an informal discussion about this post, please contact

Should you require any assistance with our application process, please email us at 

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 9 November 2025 at midnight. We reserve the right to close this advert early if a successful candidate is found, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Successful candidates will already have the right to live and work in the UK without restrictions. We are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists) check, along with a reference and background check carried out by a third-party service provider. 

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.

· To provide structured housing related support to beneficiaries of Newport City Council’s prevention service. 

· To act as a support worker providing practical and low level emotional support, advice and information with the goal of achieving greater independence in the community.

To liaise with a range of statutory and voluntary services to maximise resources for the client

Interviews to be held Friday 21st November

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for a Head of Research to lead our UK Research team.

Deadline: 5pm on Sunday 30th November
Location: Glasgow OR London
Salary: Starting at £52,166 rising to £58,687, plus London weighting of £4,000 where applicable
Hours: Full-time (32 hours per week)
Contract type: Permanent

This is an exciting new role with the UK’s leading public mental health charity. The Head of Research role is a fantastic opportunity to lead our UK research team to achieve social change. We are looking for research and management expertise, strategic thinking, operational delivery, and the ability to collaborate and communicate with a range of stakeholders including media, academics, policymakers and communities. You will be part of an outstanding leadership team committed to delivering change across the UK. The role will deliver our UK-wide research, reporting to the Director of Research & Lived Experience.

What does the role involve?

• Support the Director of Research & Lived Experience to develop and deliver a 5-year research strategy
• Lead our UK research team to deliver and commission studies and reviews to a high standard at pace
• Present research clearly and persuasively to media, governments, academics, funders and communities

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

• Excellent research skills, experience and credibility in health or social research
• Strategic thinker who can also effectively manage teams and projects
• Proven communication skills to different audiences

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK.

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website. Please ensure you attach an up-to-date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification. Applications will close at 5pm on Sunday 30th November and we are unable to accept late applications. Interviews are planned for week commencing 8th December.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with. Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme. Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us. We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment. Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview. Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing). We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Job Title:                     Case Worker – CAPSA Services (Culturally Appropriate Peer Support and Advocacy)  

Reports to:                  CAPSA Team Manager

Geographic focus: Lambeth

Salary:£30,500

Hours of Work: 37.5 per week (flexible working available)

Duration:1 Year Contract (with a potential to extend)

Benefits:26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contribution, Employees' Assistance Programme.

Purpose of the role

The CAPSA (Culturally Appropriate Peer Support and Advocacy) Worker role has been specifically designed to support Black people using the secondary mental health system. As a CAPSA Worker, you will provide both Generic Mental Health Advocacy and Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) to eligible individuals, including people detained under the Mental Health Act(MHA) 1983/2007, conditionally discharged restricted patients, those under Guardianship, and those on Community Treatment orders, as well as individuals considered for section 57 treatments.

You will play a key role in ensuring that the perspectives of Black service users are recognised and respected, addressing their unique and multiple needs, and promoting access to advocacy for all eligible individuals. You will raise awareness of advocacy, rights under the MHA, and the CAPSA service among professionals, individuals, and agencies.

In addition to direct advocacy, you will contribute to service development by supporting an effective administration system and helping evaluate the impact of advocacy for both service users and commissioners.

As part of CAPSA’s race-led approach to systems change, you will also help challenge systemic racism in mental health services, embed culturally competent practice, and promote equitable care within South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM).

Job summary

Black Thrive Lambeth has developed a co-designed, culturally appropriate peer support and advocacy service (CAPSA) on behalf of the Living Well Network Alliance (LWNA). CAPSA provides support to Black community members with mental health needs through peer support and advocacy, led by individuals with lived experience or lived understanding of mental health challenges. The service creates a space where experiences are respected, accepted, and valued equally.

The role involves building positive relationships with Black service users; offering one-to-one and group advocacy; supporting self-advocacy; gathering and sharing information to inform decision-making; and preparing monitoring reports and feedback. Advocates ensure that the views, wishes, and needs of Black service users are heard and acknowledged, addressing the impact of racism within traditional mental health services.

Duties and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Advocacy & Support for Black Service Users

• Work with individual Black service users to provide culturally informed advocacy, support, and representation to assist them in decision-making related to their care, treatment, and legal status.
• You will manage a caseload of up to 10 clients.
• This will consist of weekly meetings with clients and supporting them around their care in the mental health system, this will be both within inpatient services and CMHTs (Community Mental Health Teams) as well as in the community.
• Support Black service users in developing and maintaining their cultural identity by identifying strengths and advocating for culturally relevant mental health interventions.
• Develop trusting relationships with Black service users within appropriate boundaries to help them express their mental health needs.
• Assist service users in preparing for meetings, attend appointments with them if required, and advocate on their behalf where needed.
• Provide information and updates on the progress of advocacy issues and ensure clients understand proceedings.

Culturally Informed Peer Support & Recovery

• Use lived experience and cultural understanding to promote positive self-esteem and recovery through a culturally informed peer support model.
• Provide practical guidance to Black service users, and where appropriate, their carers, on self-care, resilience strategies, and managing mental health within a race equality framework.
• Promote service user involvement by empowering individuals to communicate their culturally lived experiences and mental health needs to professionals.
• Challenge peer support models, stigma, and discriminatory practices that fail to recognise the cultural needs of Black service users.

Community Engagement & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders and community members to develop a culturally informed advocacy and peer support model.
• Establish regular advocacy ‘drop-ins’ on wards and in the community, ensuring accessibility for Black service users.
• Signpost service users to culturally relevant community, inpatient, and online resources, as well as mainstream and specialist services.
• Liaise with, and when necessary, challenge NHS professionals, care teams, and local authorities to ensure due process and cultural competence in service delivery.
• To maintain a level of professionalism in all spaces always.

Role Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality, respect service users’ right to privacy, and ensure their dignity is always upheld.
• Keep accurate and timely records of advocacy and peer support work, providing regular verbal and written reports to the line manager.
• Attend team meetings, participate in one-to-one supervision, group supervision sessions, and complete mandatory training in peer support and other job-related areas.
• Raise safeguarding concerns following organisational policies and procedures.

GENERAL

• To attend and participate in meetings held by the CAPSA team and other bodies as required.
• To maintain records of hours worked and to complete accurate expense returns.
• To foster and develop an equality and diversity approach within the role, in line with Black Thrive’
• To promote the service through the distribution of publicity materials, liaising with statutory and voluntary services, and, where appropriate, through the media and presentations to local groups within the agreed company policies.
• To promote the role of advocates both within the Living Well Network Alliance (LWNA) and externally.
• To work well as part of the team in a way that promotes inclusivity and respect in a supportive environment.
• The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Qualities Required

Each quality is marked as either E (Essential) or D (Desirable).

Experience (E/D)

1. Understanding and/or experience of mental health legislation and the Mental Health journey process in numerous settings – E
2. Lived experience of racism or discrimination in wider society and in the provision of mental health services – E
3. Experience of identifying and meeting the needs of individual people – E
4. Experience and ability to develop and maintain relationships with various stakeholders – E
5. A commitment to working in an anti-racist and anti-oppressive way – E
6. Confidence in challenging stigma and discrimination within structural settings – E
7. Experience of working in an advocacy or healthcare setting – D

Knowledge and Skills (E/D)

1. Understanding and knowledge of assessment of needs – E
2. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences – E
3. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including via telephone, in person, over video link, and through presentations, demonstrating confidence and assertiveness – E
4. Emotional resilience and the ability to cope with sometimes challenging people and environments – E
5. Ability to work flexibly to meet varying demands on the service – E
6. Good organisational skills, including timekeeping and ability to travel to different locations – E
7. Excellent computer literacy and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office – E
8. An understanding and awareness of The Equality Act 2010 – E
9. Ability to act calmly and respond professionally to distress, disturbance, and unpredictability – E
10. Ability to work independently on own initiative and prioritise workload while working as part of a team – E
11. Commitment to learning through work-based learning and mandatory training – E
12. Knowledge of mental health legislation such as MHA 1983/2007, MCA 2017 – D
13. Understanding of the specific role, purpose, and responsibilities of an Independent Mental Health Advocate – D
14. Knowledge and/or awareness of safeguarding issues – D
15. An additional language (e.g., Portuguese, French, etc.) – D
16. Qualifications in Peer Support / Advocacy – D

We welcome applications specifically from Black people of African and Caribbean heritage, as the statutory requirement of the Equality Act 2010, Advance Equality in Mental Health 2020 and Parent Carer Race Equality Framework 2020, in order to address the importance of Black employee safety. These posts are therefore restricted to Black applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9 and Part 1.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. Still, we will treat applicants with a criminal record fairly and not unreasonably discriminate because of a conviction or other information revealed.