Community support worker jobs

Family Support Worker

1-year Maternity Cover

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

South West Care Team - Swindon and Wiltshire areas

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 to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our South West Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the South West 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 stressful 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.

This post will cover the South West of England, with this position focusing on Swindon and Wiltshire area.

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

If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our website.

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, counselling skills, introduction to play.

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 via the link and complete an application form.

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

Closing date: 11 November 2025

Interviews will take place at our South West Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

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.

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: This is an on-site role, located within the London Borough of Hillingdon, there may be a requirement to occasionally work in the London Borough of Hounslow. 
Salary: £28,857.12 per annum, inclusive of London weighting allowance if applicable
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker to provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges.

The post holder will provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence 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.

Please note that 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 10 November 2025

Interview Dates: 18 and 19 November 2025

Location: Much Hadham, Hertfordshire
Salary: £25,066 – £26,632 per annum (pro rata for part-time)
Hours: Full or Part Time
 
More than a job. A chance to be part of a child’s journey, helping them thrive in a safe, caring, and joyful environment.
 
About St Elizabeth’s Centre
 
St Elizabeth’s is a vibrant, values-led charity set in 60 acres of Hertfordshire countryside, supporting children, young people, and adults with complex needs including epilepsy and learning disabilities.
 
Our unique site includes a school, college, supported living for adults, children’s homes, and on-site therapies — all working together to create a safe, joyful and aspirational environment where every person is supported to live life to the full.
 
Whether it’s helping someone bake their first cake, swim their first length, or make their first friend, we celebrate every achievement — big or small.
 
About the Role
 
Are you a kind, patient, person and passionate about making a real difference in children’s lives? We’re looking for a dedicated Care and Support Workers to join our close-knit team supporting children with epilepsy and complex medical and developmental needs.
 
As a Care Support Worker, you’ll play a key role in empowering individuals across both our Children’s Homes (ages 5–19). You’ll build strong, respectful relationships and provide high-quality, person-centred support that helps people grow in confidence, develop skills, and discover joy in everyday experiences.
 
What you’ll do

• Support individuals in their personal care, wellbeing and day-to-day routines
• Encourage participation in daily life, education, community activities and fun experiences like swimming, shopping, baking, cinema trips and day outings
• Supporting children in school, play, and therapy activities, recording progress and achievements in line with care and safeguarding requirements.
• Work flexibly as part of a wider team including education staff, therapists, nurses and families
• Follow clear support plans and behaviour support strategies to promote safety and dignity at all times

 
What we’re looking for

• This is a rewarding opportunity for someone who is compassionate, committed, and ready to make a real difference.
• Someone with a genuine love for working with children.
• Calm, observant, and reliable – especially in high-pressure or emergency situations.
• Experience with epilepsy, learning disabilities, or complex needs is a plus (but full training will be provided).
• A great communicator who’s confident working with families and professionals.
• Flexibility to work mixed shifts (7am – 2:30pm/ 2:30pm – 9:45pm) and weekends.

 
Training and Support
 
Don’t worry if you don’t have experience in every area – we provide:

• Full induction and ongoing training with our knowledgeable Learning and Development Trainers, Nursing team and other professionals from across the service (including epilepsy awareness and emergency protocols) All completed in our dedicated Learning Zone!
• Opportunities for career progression into senior roles and recognised care qualifications (e.g. RQF Level 3 in Residential Childcare)
• A supportive and welcoming team environment

 
What we offer
 
We want you to feel your best so you can give your best. In return for your hard work, we offer:

• Full-time and part-time roles available
• Shift patterns: early (7:00am–2:30pm) and late (2:15pm–9:45pm)
• 25 days’ holiday bank holidays
• 20% uplift for weekend overtime
• Fully funded Diploma in Residential Childcare
• Free on-site parking and DBS
• Subsidised staff transport from Harlow, Bishop’s Stortford, Sawbridgeworth and Stanstead Abbotts
• Blue Light Card discounts and discounted gym membership at Manor of Groves
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing platform

 
Important Information
 
Please note that our location is not on a public transport route, so access to your own vehicle or reliable transport is essential when working outside of the set shift patterns.
 
Apply Now
 
Visit our website to apply. Interviews are held on a rolling basis, so apply early to avoid missing out.
 
Inclusion & Safeguarding
 
We are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and Investor in People. St Elizabeth’s is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming and safe environment for all.
 
All roles are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. This role involves regulated activity; applying if barred from such activity is a criminal offence.
 
Live life to the full. Help others do the same.

Join us at St Elizabeth’s.
 
#INDCSW
 
REF-224 307

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. 

Project Worker - Mockingbird

Making a Difference in Foster Care!
 

We are seeking a talented individual to join our team of passionate and dynamic project workers.  You will make a vital contribution helping to sustain and expand this model throughout the UK. In this role you will help make a difference and improve the lives of foster families and of children and young people in foster care

Position: Project Worker – Mockingbird
Salary: £32,480 – £37,555 per annum
 

Location:Home based in the North West / Yorkshire or Midlands England, with travel required throughout UK. Applicants MUST live in these areas to be considered.
 

Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
 

Closing date: 31st October
Interview dates: Friday 14th November (held in person in Leeds, venue TBC)

About the Role

As a Mockingbird Project Worker you will support services to deliver sustainable foster care. This exciting programme is currently working with over a hundred fostering services across England, Scotland and Wales, and is looking to grow further. Mockingbird is an evidence-based model structured around the support and relationships an extended family provides. The model nurtures the relationships between children, young people and foster families supporting them to build a resilient and caring community.

You will make a vital contribution helping to sustain and expand this model throughout the UK. In this role you will work directly with fostering services to help make a difference and improve the lives of foster families and of children and young people in foster care. You will provide guidance and support to fostering services to enable them to understand, implement and sustain the Mockingbird model.

This is a great opportunity to join the Mockingbird programme at an exciting time of continued growth in a role that offers the opportunity to have a genuine impact on the experiences and outcomes for looked after children and fostering families.

About You

We're seeking individuals who are:

• Experienced in delivering training and coaching, both online and in person within fostering or children’s services.
• Passionate about improving the lives of children and young people in care.
• Skilled in relationship-building and confident working across multidisciplinary teams.
• Organised and self-motivated, able to manage a varied workload and travel regularly.
• Familiar with children’s social care policy and practice (fostering knowledge is a strong advantage).
• Committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Essential:

• Experience in delivering training and support both online and in-person.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Confident IT skills, including Microsoft Teams and Office 365.
• Willingness to travel and work flexibly across your region and the UK.

Desirable:

• Understanding of the Mockingbird model.
• Experience working with foster carers, local authorities, or independent fostering agencies.
• Lived experience of the care system.

The role is home based (applicants MUST live within the Northwest/Yorkshire or Midlands area) and will require extensive travel and occasional overnight stays within the UK on a regular basis. 

About the Organisation

As the UK’s leading fostering charity, they work with fostering services and foster families to transform children’s lives. The Mockingbird programme is one of the most exciting developments in foster care, improving stability and outcomes by replicating the support of an extended family. They offer a flexible, inclusive and supportive work culture where your contribution truly matters.

What We Offer

• 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and sick pay
• Pension scheme and life assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7)
• Season ticket loan
• Eye care contributions

Other roles you may have experience in could include: Mockingbird Liaison Worker, Family Support Worker, Children’s Project Worker, Children’s Support Worker, Therapeutic Fostering Worker, Fostering Support Officer, Learning and Development Coordinator, Practice Development Officer, Community Support Worker, Social Care Project Worker,

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Rough Sleeping Outreach and Assessment Worker – £34,127 per annum
Lavender Hill, Clapham Junction (with work across Richmond and Wandsworth Boroughs)
Full time, 37.5 hours per week on a rota

Be part of something that changes lives.

Join SPEAR and help end homelessness across Richmond and Wandsworth. As a Rough Sleeping Outreach and Assessment Worker, you’ll play a vital role in our Street Outreach Service and the new 24-hour Assessment Centre. One night you could be out on the street engaging with people sleeping rough; the next day you might be welcoming someone to the centre, creating a support plan, and linking them to housing and health services.

What you’ll do

• Carry out late-night street outreach and day-time reception shifts as part of a rota.
• Build trusting relationships with people who are rough sleeping and help them move quickly into safe accommodation.
• Provide trauma-informed, person-centred support, including assessments, personalised action plans and follow-on help to sustain tenancies.

-Work closely with partner agencies to connect clients to health, housing, and other specialist services.
-Keep accurate case notes and share information securely using CHAIN and InForm systems.

About you
You bring experience of working with vulnerable adults, ideally in homelessness or a related field, and you’re confident working late-night shifts. You can build rapport quickly, stay calm under pressure, and work well with partner agencies. Above all, you believe that homelessness should be rare, brief and non-recurring.

Why join SPEAR
We are a supportive, forward-thinking charity where staff are valued and encouraged to grow. You’ll have access to regular training and supervision, and a wide range of staff benefits, including:

• Generous holiday – 26 days plus public holidays, rising by up to 5 extra days with length of service
• Wellbeing & EAP – 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme with free counselling, money and legal advice
• Health support – Occupational health service and free annual eye test (with contribution towards glasses if required)
• Cycle to Work – Save on a new bike and accessories through salary sacrifice
• Season ticket loan – Interest-free loan for annual travel passes
• Moving house day – Extra day’s leave when you move home
• Financial security – Life assurance (4× salary) and interest-free emergency staff loan
• Family-friendly policies – Enhanced maternity and adoption pay, plus flexible working options
• Career development – Ongoing training, learning and progression opportunities
• Blue Light Card – Discounts across a wide range of shops, restaurants and services

Location: Waltham Forest

Salary: Unqualified Applicants £28,255 - £29,913 per annum

Qualified Applicants £29,923 - £32,623 per annum

(Please note that applicants are usually appointed at the bottom of the relevant band)

Hours: 37.5 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term Contract (Until 15th January 2027)

Closing Date: Monday 10th November 2025

Closing Time: 00:00am

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as an Duty Worker at Solace Women's Aid.  

You will be joining a team of committed and inspiring individuals whose dedication has saved the lives of thousands of women, men and children in the capital. We are looking for friendly and diligent individuals to join our services and help us make a difference.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service

Waltham Forest Advocacy & Support Services provide free and confidential support to survivors of abuse within the community. The teams are made up of professional staff offering short to medium term support to women and men affected by domestic and sexual violence in the community. Our team offer information, advocacy and specialist services to increase safety and meet a range of needs – these can include ongoing safety concerns, emotional or housing support, legal options, reporting to the police, help around child contact, benefits and financial advice. As part of the support, we also ensure survivors can access therapeutic support via the Waltham Forest Therapeutic Marketplace. 

About the Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen in this busy team for a Duty Worker.  The successful candidate will be responsible in dealing with all incoming referrals and queries to the Advocacy Service. The role will involve processing all referrals, liaising with professionals, establishing initial contact as per the service’s contract requirement. The process of initial contact will involve completing a Safe Lives risk assessment, assessing the service user’s practical and therapeutic needs and supporting with any urgent needs that arise during this contact. Additionally, the duty worker will make appropriate referral out, this includes MARAC and complete adult and child safeguarding referrals where required in line with Solace’s policies and procedures. The Duty Worker will maintain and manage any waiting list and will work closely with all members of the team in relation to the allocation of cases and case updates.

About You

Successful applicants will have in-depth knowledge of domestic abuse and its impact on service users and their children, and experience of working with women who have experienced domestic and/or sexual abuse. It is essential that you have experience of using Office Excel and case management system. You will also have excellent verbal and written communication skills.
 

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferrable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, and Part 1. Section 7(2) e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.

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. 

Location: Sheffield

Salary: £31,600 per annum pro rata plus £802 per annum pro rata essential car user allowance

Contract: Fixed term ending 31st March 2027 – funded by the National Lottery

Hours: Full time – 37.5 per week

Closing date: Sunday 9th November 2025 at 11.30 pm

Do you have a good understanding of child development and the needs of homeless families and children plus proven experience of supporting parents and children with complex needs? Then join Shelter as a Children & Families Support Worker and you could soon be playing a vital role aimed at minimising the impact of bad housing, homelessness and exclusion in the Sheffield area.

About the role 

With your own caseload of families, you will act as their key worker within our Family Service and support homeless and poorly housed families to defend their right to a decent home. Your primary focus will be on households where some tailored interventions are required around the needs of the children in order to stabilise their housing situation and enable the family to thrive.

Accordingly, you will provide intensive, tailored support as part of a whole family approach in a 1-2-1 setting and through group work. You will also need to regularly visit clients’ homes, schools and community venues across the city and liaise with other agencies in the community in order to provide a co-ordinated service.

About you 

You have knowledge of child development and a strong understanding of homeless children and families, with experience of supporting parents, children and young people who have complex needs.  You also have knowledge of housing, homelessness and ASB legislation and welfare benefits that affect families and the skills to network and gather information as well as advocacy, negotiation and problem-solving skills.

You will need to be able to demonstrate that you have worked within, or understand, a safeguarding framework, are IT literate and have experience of managing a caseload and can prioritise, organise and set boundaries. With a full driving licence, you will have access to a vehicle for work purposes, an allowance and mileage will be paid.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About the team 

Shelter Sheffield provide housing advice and support to people across the city, with a focus on emergency homelessness, intensive support for children and families, people experiencing domestic abuse and people with multiple and complex needs. We take a holistic approach to help people deal with interrelated issues that can impact their ability to keep a home and work for systemic changes to prevent homelessness and support over 5000 people every year.

About Shelter 

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

How to Apply 

You are required to submit a CV and a separate supporting statement to the following points of the ‘About You’ section of the job description of no more than 350 words each.  Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the following knowledge, experience and behaviours throughout your responses:

1. Your knowledge of;

•Child development and an understanding of the needs of homeless families and children

•And homelessness and housing legislation/ASB legislation/ welfare benefits that affect families.

2.  Your experience of;

•Working within a safeguarding framework and be able to demonstrate your role within this.

3.  Your experience of;

•Supporting parents and children with complex needs and developing parent and child activities, including through play.

4.  How you prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset

5.  How you enable decision making

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

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

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. 

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.