Community Support Worker Jobs in Reading, England
About Ashden
Ashden boosts climate innovation in the UK and the Global South. Our support brings clean energy to villages and refugee camps and fixes up cold and draughty homes. It makes schools more sustainable, helps communities protect and restore the nature around them. Let’s Go Zero is a national campaign uniting teachers, pupils, parents and their schools as they all work together to be zero carbon by 2030. We’re also working with national government to ensure the right support is in place to help all schools reach this goal through seven policy actions.
The Let’s Go Zero campaign is seeking one Climate Action Advisor based in Cumbria or Lancashire, and one Climate Action Advisor based in North/North East Lincolnshire or Hull, as part of its new climate action advisors project. This initiative will link thousands of schools across the whole of England with advice and support from a network of 31 local climate experts.
About the Role
Do you have a passion for climate action? Are you confident engaging with external stakeholders? We're looking for two advisors to support school leaders, local authorities and others to carry out projects that reduce emissions and inspire students and the wider community. We know schools are eager to take climate action, but often lack the information to do so.
You will play an important role helping them develop their plans, secure funding, and work in partnership to achieve their goals. You will support future new initiatives announced by our coalition members, the Department for Education, or other organisations working in schools, to ensure a smooth flow of information, enabling schools to transition to zero carbon.
This is an exciting and varied role, with the potential to support thousands of schools on their journey to zero carbon.
What you might find yourself doing:
Climate action advice:
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Advising school leaders, multi academy trust leaders, local authorities and local networks about climate action in buildings, estates and within school activities.
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Developing relationships with local authorities, supporting their current initiatives, building on the work already being done to support schools in the area.
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Attending and speaking in person at local and online events to encourage climate action and promoting sustainability.
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Visiting some schools in person to provide direct 1:1 guidance to school leaders.
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Recording all school engagement, advice and action in the Let’s Go Zero tracker and ensuring all team members do the same.
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Working in partnership with other Climate Action Advisors across England.
Communications:
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Communicating complex guidance to a mixed audience – helping school leaders, estates staff, finance teams and teachers to understand their impact and possible action.
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Working with the communications team to generate insights into Let’s Go Zero’s work, contributing to articles and blogs.
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Producing case studies of action in schools to be shared with the wider climate action network.
About You
You’ll thrive in this role if you have:
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Excellent interpersonal skills, a flexible approach and work well in a team.
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A track-record in either climate change, decarbonisation, sustainability or education (obtained through previous roles, volunteering or other routes).
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A passion and commitment to climate action.
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A good understanding of climate action in schools, colleges or nurseries.
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Excellent communication skills to be able to share guidance with school leaders individually and in groups.
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Strong organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and prioritise accordingly.
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A collaborative mindset with ability to work effectively with a range of partners and team members and colleagues to help them improve their skills and knowledge.
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Good IT skills.
It is also desirable (but not necessary) for you to have:
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An understanding of decarbonisation in the education sector, government education and/or net zero policy.
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Experience providing advice to others and explaining complex options.
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The drive to be an active and self-led learner who keeps abreast of developments.
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Flexibility to work outside office hours from time to time, using sustainable transport whenever possible. You will be managing your own diary.
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Experience of coordinating meetings and events involving multiple people/teams, with an education or environmental element.
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Experience with MS Office suite systems.
Application Process
The Assessment Day will take place on Thursday 20th June at our office in London. We will reimburse travel expenses and pay a contribution towards your time.
We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates for this opportunity as they are currently under-represented at this level in our organisation, and across the climate sector.
Please let us know if you have accessibility needs and/or require reasonable adjustments.
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks will be carried out for the successful candidate.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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!
Become part of a dynamic charity, with a great mix of people committed to making a real difference for young people through a range of fun and challenging programmes and initiatives.
Action4Youth changes lives and creates better chances for young people by creating opportunities to discover their personal strengths and potential.
We work with young people from all backgrounds and all abilities to make a real difference to their futures.
We are a respected and dynamic charity based in Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes but reaching young people across the wider southeast region.
The role of Deputy Centre Manageris pivotal to the continued success of our Youth Hub in High Wycombe. The Junction caters for 12 – 18-year-olds (up to 25 with SEND). This is an opportunity for someone with a can-do attitude and a strong desire to make things happen.
You will join a supportive, driven, committed team whose desire to achieve is matched by an intention to enjoy work on a day-to-day basis. You will be based in The Junction in High Wycombe, which is a multi service drop-in centre offering a full range of sessions and activities for local young people. You should expect to enjoy being part of a collaborative, loud and energetic organisation.
Job Description
Job Title
· Deputy Centre Manager (The Junction Youth Centre, High Wycombe)
Position in the Organisation
· Reports To: Centre Manager
· Responsible For: Youth Workers and freelance staff
· Working hours: The centre is open 7 days a week 4-9pm. Working hours are 1:45-9pm on a two-week rotation (4 days one week and 6 the following). This post includes regular weekend work.
· Working With: Other members of the Action4Youth team including the High Wycombe Mentor, other programme staff, schools, key partners including other local youth organisations, Buckinghamshire Council, Thames Valley Police and many more.
Main Purpose and Scope of the Role
This role will assist with the day-to-day management of the centre and lead a small team of staff, including Youth Workers and some freelancers. The Deputy Centre Manager will be working in partnership with the Centre Manager to ensure the safe running of the centre and to deliver youth work directly. This role will liaise closely with the Centre Manager in order to make sure youth provision is effective and inclusive for all young people.
This role will be based in a multi service drop-in centre in High Wycombe for young people aged 12 – 18 years (up to 25 with SEND). The service will offer a range of sessions and activities all under one roof, seven days a week, and provides specialist support to those who are vulnerable.
The centre provides support in the following areas;
1. Crisis support; a drop-in service operating seven days a week where young people can come in and access specialist support and signposting in the below areas from trained staff.
· Homelessness
· Sexual health/unplanned pregnancy/sexual identity
· Family breakdown
· Crime
· Violence
· Bullying
· Substance misuse
· Relationship breakdown
2. A programme of mentoring to support young people on a 1:1 basis.
3. Health and wellbeing; a timetable of weekly activities focussing on positive mental and physical wellbeing.
· Nutrition and cooking - A weekly ‘cook along’ session will be available for young people to participate in where they learn the basics of cooking healthy and cheap meals.
· A timetable of fitness sessions including boxing and MMA sessions.
· A fortnightly mental wellbeing session which will focus on topics such as positive body image, social media, mental resilience, stress management, positive relationships etc.
4. A Youth Space for socialising and leisure activities;
· Café area
· Pool table, table football, table tennis, gaming consoles
· Weekly homework/ study club providing a quiet space where young people can get support on any schoolwork
· Weekly SEND Youth Group- open to young people with additional needs only who can come to socialise and participate in sessions on life skills
Duties and Key Responsibilities
- Register young people on arrival at the centre
- Keep the centre clean and tidy and be responsible for opening/ locking up the centre
- Assist with the overall smooth running of the centre and all its activity strands
- Work closely with library staff, Eden security and other key partners
- Be the lead staff member, running the Youth Centre, when the Centre Manager is not on shift
- Attend Action4Youth team meetings (sometimes outside of working hours) and be a positive link between The Junction and the other Action4Youth sites
- Communicate effectively with all core staff, freelancers and partners to ensure the centre is running safely and effectively and always be a positive role model
- Assess the needs of young people to correctly plan and deliver sessions related to areas such as health, fitness, smoking, drugs, gangs, violence, relationships and bullying
- Set up and run regular group youth work sessions in line with the key areas listed above
- Develop a positive rapport with young people based on respect and trust, ensuring the youth centre is a safe and welcoming place
- Establish boundaries and challenge inappropriate behaviour
- Mentor, coach and support individual young people
- Work in partnership with families and other key people in the young person's life, as well as with professionals from other organisations such as social care, health, police, education, youth offending teams and local authorities, in order to build a strong support network
- Manage, support and mentor staff, including youth workers and placement students
- Undertake administrative tasks relating to the centre’s efficient running, maintain effective recording systems and respond to queries
- Provide reports for funders and to SMT- including attendee numbers, case studies and other KPI’s as per funding applications.
- Promote the services of The Junction and take the lead in organising recruitment events at local schools. These may be outside the regular working hours, and you will need to claim time back in lieu.
- Attend local networking meetings to represent Action4Youth and promote the services of The Junction
- Work collaboratively with local community organisations to offer the best services to young people
- Always Act as an Ambassador for Action4Youth.
General Responsibilities
· Support events and meetings when required.
- Support the continued development of quality standards as specified by Action4Youth.
- Support in other areas of the organisation as required by the CEO
· To have regard for the vision of Action4Youth and to display a commitment to equal opportunities and to the protection and safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults.
- Report any behaviour, conversations or comments which are inappropriate within a setting for children and young people.
· To carry out any other Action4Youth duties as required by your Line Manager, CEO or Directors.
· Administering own workload which includes meeting targets and deadlines in line with the Action4Youth Performance Management System.
· Attending relevant CPD training events in line with Performance Management appraisal.
· Undertaking responsibility, as part of the team, for all Health and Safety work related matters.
· Working within the guidelines of Action4Youth policies and procedures.
Skills, Experience and Knowledge
- Previous work experience in the youth, education or community sector
- Be able to lead, manage and support a small team
- Excellent communication skills, including being able to positively engage with young people from a wide range of backgrounds and actively involve them in the decision making process.
- Confident user of IT, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint
- Experience of using a CRM system (desirable)
- A full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle (desirable)
- Practical experience of designing and delivering presentations to a varied audience (desirable)
Qualifications
- A qualification and/or experience in youth work
Personal Attributes
- A team player with a cheerful disposition who is outgoing, friendly, approachable, flexible and enthusiastic
- Committed to young people’s personal and social development and to providing opportunities which enable them to reach their full potential.
- Integrity and discretion when dealing with sensitive information and compliance with data protection requirements
- A flexible approach to work including willingness to take on tasks outside the normal remit and to work irregular hours.
- Confidence to present to and motivate large/small, formal/informal meetings
- Ability to understand and deliver effective communications to diverse audiences.
- Prioritise and manage large workloads.
- Ability to work alone using own initiative
- Be committed to personal development and further training, as appropriate to the development of the role and Action4Youth
- Experience of planning, monitoring and evaluating work with young people
To Apply
To apply for this role please submit a copy of your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are applying for this position.
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 14/06/2024
Expected start date: 01/07/2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.
- 28 hours per week (this is 0.8 FTE, to be worked Mon-Thu, or worked over 5 days Mon-Fri)
- Flexible location - London / Bristol / home / hybrid
- Closing date: 16th June 2024
- Interviews: To be held online on 2/3 July 2024 (first round) and 8 July 2024 (second round)
CHANGE LIVES IN A LIFE-CHANGING CAREER
When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.
The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.
We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.
ABOUT THE ROLE
We’re looking for a Head of Safeguarding & Professional Standards with a background in social work to join Young Lives vs Cancer.
The Head of Safeguarding & Professional Standards works to create a positive organisational safeguarding culture where safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, through shaping, implementing and monitoring safeguarding activity, policy, training and governance across the whole organisation. The role also sets professional standards for our Services Directorate, and highlights areas for continuous improvement, and by directly delivering or designing and commissioning training, they enable Young Lives vs Cancer to respond to changes in policy, legislation and best practice in social care and safeguarding.
You would be joining us at a really exciting time in our journey. Following two innovative peer reviews with partner charities, we are confident in our approach to safeguarding. But like many organisations, we need to prepare for the future. With the launch of a new strategy later this year, we are looking outward to understand how we can create a better future for young cancer patients, one in which the whole system of support around them works together, face to face and digitally, and no-one is left behind. We constantly challenge how we do things, and are experimenting with new ways to create impact, influence the whole system, and importantly – fund this vital work.
You’ll be vital to this journey, leading our approach to safeguarding and professional standards and giving us a high level of confidence as we move forward. You will work closely with a passionate and dedicated group of trustees, directors and management teams who lead activities from frontline social care services through to fundraising and support services.
This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application an Enhanced Criminal Record Check will be completed. This role is also subject to a Social Worker Registration.
WHAT WILL I BE DOING?
No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.
The Head of Safeguarding & Professional Standards:
- Shapes, implements and monitors and reports performance against the safeguarding policy, training and governance across the whole organisation including with the trustees
- Reports to and supports the trustee Safeguarding Committee
- Oversees the governance of safeguarding referrals and activity in local social care teams
- Advises on safeguarding matters anywhere else across the organisational structure (including in income generation, for example)
- Works closely with the Services Senior Management team to set professional standards for our services and highlight areas for continuous improvement
- Planning and directly delivering, or designing and commissioning training, to enable Young Lives vs Cancer to respond to changes in policy, legislation and best practice in social care and safeguarding
WHAT DO I NEED?
The person we are looking for will have:
- The right experience: you must be a registered social worker and have worked as a as a social worker and in a strategic role in children or young people's social care services, delivering safe services with particular reference to safeguarding and assurance, and have significant experience of developing social work practice at a strategic or system level
- The right leadership expertise: with strong leadership and collaborative planning skills you will have ability to work collaboratively to oversee how things work, and influence stakeholders across the charity
- The right people skills: Confidence to challenge ways of thinking and the communication skills to coach and empower people to build a culture of safeguarding.
We will be unable to shortlist any applicants who do not meet the requirement to be a registered social worker.
Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.
WHAT WILL I GAIN?
For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:
- Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
- Wellbeing days: four days a year to do what works for you – from catching up on training to going for a walk
- Generous annual leave allowance
- Great family/caring leave entitlements
- Enhanced pension
- Access to our employee savings scheme
To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website via the apply button
OUR COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING
At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.
We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.
ACCESSIBILITY
We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.
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 Vacancy – Regional Adviser
The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is looking for an experienced, proactive and customer focused adviser to support the work of the wider Advice and Support team
The right candidate will enjoy and excel at managing their own diary and workload and would have significant experience of working in an educational, health or social care environment. Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal are essential for this role along with the ability to show empathy.
The post holder will be responsible for Kent and Sussex plus other areas as required and therefore must have their own vehicle and access to reliable broadband. A car allowance and mileage will be paid on top of the salary.
IT equipment and a company mobile phone will also be provided. An enhanced DBS check is required for this position
Details
Post: 12 month fixed term contract (Maternity Cover)
Description: To support the charity’s beneficiaries through assessment and practical advice to help them access relevant support
Hours: 34 hours per week (early finish on Fridays)
Hybrid: Home based with visits in Kent and Sussex
Salary: £31,525 - £34,306 (depending on experience) plus £5,000 car allowance
Holiday: 25 days (rising to 30 after 5 years’ service), plus additional 3 days to be taken between Christmas and New Year
Benefits: Excellent package including contributory pension, medical and dental plans, access to various health, wellness and retail benefits and continual professional development.
Reports to: Advice and Support Team Leader (South)
Team: 12 Regional Advisers (North and South); 2 Team leaders
About the Masonic Charitable Foundation
The Masonic Charitable Foundation (MCF) is one of the UK’s leading charities, providing a range of benevolent support to individuals and awarding grants to local and national charities.
Our work helps to encourage opportunity, promote independence and improve wellbeing for thousands of people each year. Last year, the MCF awarded support totalling around £20 million. Our support is funded from the donations of freemasons, their families and friends.
The MCF was founded in 2016 following the merger of four charities that had operated separately since the eighteenth century.
Our Regional Advisers are home-based workers who are compassionate and dedicated to responding to the needs of Freemasons and their dependents in their area, providing essential support. They are professional and accountable, working independently but collaborating with volunteers, colleagues, and local agencies to provide an exceptional service on behalf of the charity.
Their main purpose is to visit and contact members of the Masonic community to determine their needs and to help them to access support from the MCF and other relevant agencies. Support is provided through a combination of home visits, telephone calls, or video calling.
The role also provides guidance, support and recommendations to office based staff processing applications for our extensive range of grants to support those in need. They form close and effective working relationships with local volunteers, providing support and guidance to extend our reach.
Main responsibilities
- Responding to/visiting freemasons and their dependents to:
- provide support and advice; and
- determine relevant support from the MCF or other agencies to meet their needs
- Face-to-face visits, video conferencing and in-depth telephone calls are required to provide extensive and detailed support.
- Production of accurate and comprehensive reports detailing agreed plans and all relevant supporting documents
- Liaising with colleagues within the department to provide guidance and support in processing applications for our extensive range of grants to assist those in need
- Ambassadorial role for MCF, liaising with other stakeholders, delivering occasional presentations and workshops to raise awareness of the role of the Advice, Support and Enquiries Team and support available from the MCF
Essential
- Significant experience of working in an educational, health or social care environment
- Experience of working in an advisory role
- Good understanding of UK benefits and relevant legislation
- Excellent communication skills
- Good interpersonal skills including ability to show empathy
- Report writing skills
- Resilience
- · Ability to work independently and with limited day to day supervision
- · Strong attention to detail especially in transposing facts and numerical data
- · Good basic IT Skills and competent using everyday technology
- · Full UK driving licence
Desirable
- Vocational or professional qualification in education; health or social care
- Community based experience
- Good understanding of financial matters such as self-employed accounts; small business accounts; bankruptcy and debt management
How to apply
Please provide a copy of your CV together with a covering letter explaining how you meet the person specification.
Deadline for applications: 16 June 2024
First interviews to take place during week commencing: 24 June 2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.