Community support worker jobs

Family Support Worker - Greater Manchester

£24,000 pa + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)

Greater Manchester region

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker on a full-time basis (35 hours per week), funded by Kentown Support as part of a developing programme delivering high quality wrap-around care and high-quality family support service as part of our Greater Manchester Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Greater Manchester Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a demanding and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator - you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We are a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation, an outstanding place to work! We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Company car for front line care posts

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Time off in Lieu

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

As part of our learning and development Anne Harris Skills Development Programme, we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be their best and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Teams are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, introduction to play, drawing and talking training.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

Please visit our website and apply online.

Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Greater Manchester Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Background Information

Spitfire Advice & Support Services (Birmingham) Limited is not-for-profit organisation that offers help, information and support to clients from the most excluded communities.  We are currently funded to deliver our services in Castle Vale Ward and all the Sutton Coldfield post codes. Other funding we have enables the delivery of a number of projects that support our client’s including our Money Advice and Financial inclusion programmes.

Our Money Advice Caseworkers’ support clients who are affected by welfare reforms and have complex welfare benefits and debt issues. The appointee will need to have extensive experience of Legal Services Commission casework in the context of the Advice Quality Standard and will have worked in a target driven environment but who will also understand that people will always be our priority.

Essential Qualifications:

a)Educated to degree or equivalent level or have demonstrable work experience in the delivery of debt and benefit advice.

b)Hold either an IMA (Institute of Money Advisers) qualification or have recent GGDA (Giving Good Debt Advice) training.

Job Purpose

The key purpose of the role is to deliver a first-class specialist debt and money advice service to clients in need of support. ensuring income maximisation for all clients through the take up of appropriate welfare benefits.

We use a digital case managment system which enables hybrid working to function smoothly.

Case Workers Core Duties (extracte from the full Job Description for the role)

a) The delivery to AQS standard of the core Money Advice Service. This may be via telephone, MS Teams, email or face to face

b) The provision of advocacy and court representation at tribunals or other statutory bodies as appropriate.

c) Taking client instructions; this may include but is not limited to; drafting letters/emails to the client and third parties, preparing financial statements and negotiating with third parties.

d) Ensuring income maximisation through the take up of appropriate welfare benefits.

e) Working to targets to ensure that we meet all our contractual obligations.

f) Managing own caseload, opening and closing cases appropriately and carrying out reviews as required by AQS and the Head of Advice

g)  The support, with other team members/volunteers, of the delivery of the service on an outreach basis if required.

h) Maintain accurate case and client records using our digital case management system and for purpose of continuity of client casework, information retrieval, statistical monitoring and reporting preparation to AQS standards.

i) Ensuring that all casework meets AQS standards and complies with Money Advice Team Procedural Manual.

j) The maintenance of records and other data ensuring that it is up to date and accurate; either paper records (as required by Tribunal cases) or on our digital casework management system.

k) Ensuring that all confidential information is managed in line with the company’s Confidentiality Policy and GDPR Policy.

Looking for a career with purpose and a clear path for development? 

As a social worker, you’ll work directly with children and families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. It’s a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps you step into children’s social work with the training, tools and support to make a difference.

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll also explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches — and earn a master’s degree along the way. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma 

• Work with children and families within a local authority, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

You’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a role that takes empathy, resilience and strong judgement, rooted in anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice. 

Who we’re looking for 

You don’t need experience in social work, just the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. We welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from those underrepresented in the sector, including men and people from racially diverse communities. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme. 

Job Purpose

This role sits within our crisis alternative service, Safe Space, which is a core and out of hours service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed and experiencing crisis. Our aim of the service is to keep individuals well in the community and prevent readmission into hospital. The service operates 365 days a year from 14:00-22:00pm across all of our boroughs.

Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone or virtual on a one-to-one basis to individuals experiencing mental health crisis or preventing crisis.

The objectives of the service include:

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health and social crisis in HFEH.
• To proactively work with keeping people well in the community to reduce re-admitters into hospitals by working with WL NHS teams (e.g. discharge, LPS, CATT, MINT and SPA)
• To provide a true alternative to A&E via a non-clinical drop-in service to support clients
• To provide support to clients accessing the service- for instance: signposting, de-escalation and crisis recovery planning.
• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To treat service users with respect, dignity and personalised support
• To raise awareness of mental health services available with the goal to improve long term mental health and reduce social isolation
• To increase self-management skills of those accessing the service
• To reduce the use of police, ambulance and statutory mental health services whilst experiencing crisis via a drop-in service.
• To reduce the use of statutory crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.

The Role

The role of the support workers will be to support the rest of the team in delivering interventions on a one-to-one. The role will also involve triaging and assessing all clients accessing the service, signposting and delivering collaborative self-management plans with clients to improve mental wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.
• Promoting people’ rights and responsibilities
• Considering each person as an individual
• Working collaboratively with clients to understand their needs and developing flexible and realistic crisis support packages/person centred plans
• Understanding of safety planning
• Experience with de-escalation, recognising and mitigating risks.
• Experience of working with challenging behaviour
• Listening to clients and encouraging positive steps towards self-management of crisis and recovery
• Good time keeping skills – Essential
• To attend all mandatory training including safeguarding and GDPR
• To work autonomously in a fast-paced environment and under pressure
• Providing advice, information, practical and emotional support to clients
• Proactively recognising the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitate appropriate action, whilst liaising with relevant agencies e.g. CATT, Emergency Duty Teams, CMHTS, etc
• Engaging with clients to show empathy, inspire hope and promote recovery
• Establishing supportive, empowering and respectful relationships with clients and carers/ family
• Maintaining accurate records, detailing interventions
• Ensuring that outcomes, outputs and impact are recorded
• Providing administrative support to the team
• Attend reflective practice, clinical supervision, peer supervision and line management supervision
• Create and maintain good working relationships with partner agencies
• Follow workplans and actively participate in training and development
• Provide and manage resources for clients and staff

Person Specification

• Minimum of 1 year working in mental health services and with clients experiencing mental health distress and crisis
• Experience of managing challenging behaviour and dealing with clients with complex needs
• Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children
• Evidence of continual professional development
• Understanding of the Recovery Model in mental health
• Understanding of the principles of trauma informed care
• Understanding of suicide prevention and safety planning
• Understanding of the relationship between mental health and social issues and how these issues may impact on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
• Understanding of relevant legislation and policies
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Awareness of issues in mental health service provision
• A good understanding of mental health conditions
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload
• Ability to involve clients and carers in all aspects of work
• Empathy and non-judgemental approach
• Good communication skills
• Capacity to work within an agreed shift pattern
• Experience of delivering information and advice (housing, benefits, debt etc)
• Experience of non-clinical, therapeutic interventions like psychoeducation
• Good IT skills including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint, with proven ability to input and extract information and produce reports
• Car driver with sole ownership of a vehicle and willingness to travel to locations would be desirable.
• Ability to work out of hours and on weekends

** To read the full job description and submit your application form, please visit the Vacancies page on the Libraries Unlimited website **

Climate Community Outreach Officer
Job ref: CCOO1

Salary: £19,950 per annum (£28,500 – FTE)
Hours: 25.9 hrs per week (exact hours and days to be confirmed with successful candidate. Core hours being 9am-5pm)
Location: Hybrid working – home with base library location to be agreed (2 roles covering Devon & Torbay)
Closing date: 9am, Monday 10th November 2025
Interview date: TBC

Are you passionate about inspiring communities across Devon to take meaningful climate action that enhances lives and transforms local environments?

Libraries Unlimited is seeking two motivated and dynamic Climate Community Outreach Officers to help deliver of our Together for Tomorrow initiative – an ambitious five-year project funded by The National Lottery Community Fund and in partnership with Resource Futures.

Together for Tomorrow aims to empower communities across Devon to take meaningful, sustainable action to address climate change while improving wellbeing and social cohesion. From repair cafes and community fridges to sustainable gardening and outreach to under-represented groups, this project puts people and place at the heart of climate resilience.

This is a permanent position, supported by National Lottery funding for an initial 5-year period. We are committed to the long-term vision for this post, recognising that libraries play an important role in empowering communities to take steps in climate action, and are committed to exploring further funding to ensure the long-term sustainability of the project.

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: Derby
Salary: £12,756.17 per annum
Contract type: Part Time, Permanent 

Hours: 18.5 hours per week (days to be discussed) 

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker in Derby.

The post holder will provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic abuse and their children living in our refuges. This includes safety planning and enabling women to access housing, welfare, benefits, and legal advice. A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that women are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles.

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

Closing Date: 09:00am 7 November 2025

Interview date: 20 November 2025

Looking for a career with purpose and a clear path for development? 

As a social worker, you’ll work directly with children and families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. It’s a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps you step into children’s social work with the training, tools and support to make a difference.

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll also explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches — and earn a master’s degree along the way. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma 

• Work with children and families within a local authority, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

You’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a role that takes empathy, resilience and strong judgement, rooted in anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice. 

Who we’re looking for 

You don’t need experience in social work, just the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. We welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from those underrepresented in the sector, including men and people from racially diverse communities. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme. 

We are Hestia. We make a difference.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Floating Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Complex Needs Service in Hammersmith and Fulham.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

Your primary focus will be on housing and benefit-related support for vulnerable adults aged 16 and over who are referred to the service.

You will support staff in managing their caseloads, conducting regular supervisions, and ensuring effective service delivery.

This role offers an exciting and varied working week. You will need to manage your own time and workload effectively. You will play an invaluable role in helping individuals make positive changes using the recovery model. We welcome applications from candidates with lived experience.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

You will have proven experience of working with people living with mental ill health and complex needs, with the ability to deliver high-quality support in community and outreach settings. You will be skilled at enabling service users to achieve their goals and aspirations, using person-centred support planning, key working, and recovery-focused approaches. With excellent knowledge of the signs, symptoms, and treatments of mental illness, you will be confident in assessing when someone's mental health is deteriorating and taking appropriate action to ensure their safety and wellbeing.

In addition, you will demonstrate a sound understanding of health and safety requirements when working in the community, as well as welfare benefits entitlements relevant to the client group. You will actively promote equality, diversity, dignity, and choice in your work, respecting the rights of every service user. Importantly, you will bring strong safeguarding knowledge and the ability to respond effectively to any concerns, ensuring a safe and supportive service environment.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Platform’s North Sea Workers’ Transition project is building towards a managed phase-out of oil and gas extraction in the UK North Sea. We’re organising for an energy industry that protects the rights and livelihoods of the current oil and gas workforce and directs wealth back to communities, especially those impacted by industrial change.

We have been working with offshore oil and gas workers and their unions for 5+ years. In 2023, we published a groundbreaking set of 10 demands for a just energy transition away from fossil fuels co-created with offshore workers: Our Power: offshore workers’ demands for a just energy transition. Since publishing the report we have launched public advocacy and media campaigns based on these demands - working alongside industrial trade unions, national and grassroots climate groups, and oil and gas workers. We coordinate a first-of-its-kind coalition of industrial unions and climate groups working together on national worker transition demands.

As living conditions continue to decline and the climate crisis deepens, we are looking for a motivated and creative campaigner, who is able to lead the next stage of the project, and who has a strong understanding of anti-oppression and energy justice.

About the role

The Worker Transition Campaigns Manager will work closely with our Worker Organiser and Public and Community Ownership Campaigner, supported by our Organising and Advocacy Lead, Research Lead and Communications Lead.

You will be responsible for strategising, project managing and delivering the project. Activities will look like:

• Coordinating an existing coalition of climate groups and trade unions, including holding relationships with a wide range of key stakeholders across movements;
• Developing and delivering political advocacy and public campaigns strategies to win Our Power demands - including public ownership of energy - at a UK and Scottish Government level;
• Supporting the work of Platform’s Worker Organiser(s) to build links with energy workers and involve them in media, political meetings and/or campaigning activities.

This post would sit within Platform’s internal collective management structure and would therefore be expected to support the collective management of the organisation in addition to finance and fundraising-related responsibilities. This includes line managing 1-2 staff members after the 6 month probation period and attending collective management meetings. 

Role Details

Hours: 4 days (32 hours) based on a 40 hour work week (5 x 8 hour days including a 1hr lunch break).

Contract: Permanent

Proposed start date: ASAP, depending on notice period.

Salary: £36,824.41 for 4 days (32 hours) per week (£46,030.51 FTE) is our baseline salary, adjustable according to our Socially Just Waging System. Terms and conditions apply.

Other benefits include: 30 days annual leave (pro rata) plus bank holidays, enhanced parental leave, enhanced sick pay allowance. We offer Wellbeing and Training and Development funds to all staff. All policies subject to review.

Location: The role will be formally based at Oxford House, Derbyshire Street, London, E2 6HG, but remote working is possible.

Most Platform staff are supported to work from home most of the time, but all permanent members of staff are expected to attend in-person meetings 3-4 times a year, usually at the London office, and other in-person meetings when required.

Responsible to: Management Group (MG), Trustees (in conjunction with the Treasurer) 

You can find more details about the person specification and job description on Platform's website. 

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.

Looking for a career with purpose and a clear path for development? 

As a social worker, you’ll work directly with children and families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. It’s a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps you step into children’s social work with the training, tools and support to make a difference.

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll also explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches — and earn a master’s degree along the way. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma 

• Work with children and families within a local authority, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

You’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a role that takes empathy, resilience and strong judgement, rooted in anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice. 

Who we’re looking for 

You don’t need experience in social work, just the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. We welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from those underrepresented in the sector, including men and people from racially diverse communities. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme. 

Looking for a career with purpose and a clear path for development? 

As a social worker, you’ll work directly with children and families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. It’s a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps you step into children’s social work with the training, tools and support to make a difference.

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll also explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches — and earn a master’s degree along the way. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma 

• Work with children and families within a local authority, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

You’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a role that takes empathy, resilience and strong judgement, rooted in anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice. 

Who we’re looking for 

You don’t need experience in social work, just the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. We welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from those underrepresented in the sector, including men and people from racially diverse communities. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme. 

Looking for a career with purpose and a clear path for development? 

As a social worker, you’ll work directly with children and families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. It’s a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps you step into children’s social work with the training, tools and support to make a difference.

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll also explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches — and earn a master’s degree along the way. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma 

• Work with children and families within a local authority, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

You’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a role that takes empathy, resilience and strong judgement, rooted in anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice. 

Who we’re looking for 

You don’t need experience in social work, just the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. We welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from those underrepresented in the sector, including men and people from racially diverse communities. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme. 

Looking for a career with purpose and a clear path for development? 

As a social worker, you’ll work directly with children and families to make sure children are safe, supported and able to thrive. It’s a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference. On this programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded training programme that helps you step into children’s social work with the training, tools and support to make a difference.

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll also explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches — and earn a master’s degree along the way. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma 

• Work with children and families within a local authority, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

You’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a role that takes empathy, resilience and strong judgement, rooted in anti-racist, anti-oppressive and anti-discriminatory practice. 

Who we’re looking for 

You don’t need experience in social work, just the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. We welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from those underrepresented in the sector, including men and people from racially diverse communities. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now 

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.