Complex needs support worker jobs

We're looking for 2 kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Workers to join our Mental Health service in Tower Hamlets.

£29,500.18 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
Specialist Support Workers help to enable vulnerable customers living at the scheme to manage their tenancies, mental/ physical health and wellbeing and assist them to move to social housing within the community. It is a step-down service with a short licence tenancy up to 28 days.

The shift pattern for this role consist of: early shift 9am to 5pm and late shift 12pm to 8pm. Weekends and bank holidays 9am to 5pm

The contract for this role is expected to end: 31st March 2026

What you'll do:
* Undertake key-working responsibilities for a caseload assigned by the Manager
* Conducting regular flat checks and medication spot checks.
* Undertake initial and continuous assessment of needs and potential risks and agree levels of support and actions
* Create support plans / risk assessment plans for providing appropriate services based on the assessment and reflecting the services and resources available
* Support customers to access local activities and services to maintain and improve health and well-being, avoid hospital admission, support to access and maximise welfare benefits
* Support customers to undertake activity of daily living (ADL), including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation and maintain their home.
* Link customers immediately with Green House to secure appropriate accommodation. Maintain regular contact with Green House.
* Develop and maintain links with all key agencies and service providers in the local community in Hackney

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
Relationship-building
- Empathy and respect for all individuals, with the ability to build relationships and understand people's motive and perspectives.
Motivation
- Committed to making a positive impact for individuals.
Adaptability
- Resilience and flexibility in changing circumstances, with the ability to work under pressure and deal with uncertain or unexpected outcomes
Communication
- The ability to collaborate with and influence a wide range of people in person and through written communication
Problem solving
- The ability to objectively analyse situations, using information and clear judgement to generate effective response

What you'll bring:

Essential:
? Worked in a customer care setting with transferrable skills.

Desirable:
? Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent.

? Past or present experience in providing support to people with mental health, Learning Disability, Substance misuse and Autism

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job description

We're looking for an organised, compassionate and resilient Deputy Manager to join our Learning Disabilities service in Hertfordshire.
£34,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
A Deputy Contract Manager is to support the Area Service Manager who is responsible for the effective management of all contracts within their designated patch, including line managing the relevant front line staff.
Experience with working with Severe Learning Disability, Profound Autism, and behaviours of distress needed.

What you'll do:
* Support the Area Service Manager to drive business planning activities within your contract, ensuring relevant and challenging objective setting and ongoing performance tracking, developing turn around action plans as may be necessary
* Support the Area Service Manager, using sound financial and accounting principles, manage contract budgets to deliver on corporate and local contract financial targets
* Successfully lead and motivate the team to ensure the championing of and maintenance of a positive local culture within your service
* Work to continuously improve staff competence, ensure ownership of all staff issues and speedy and effective conflict resolution
* Responsible for reporting all staff changes to HR and Payroll departments, as appropriate e.g. starters, leavers, additional hours etc.
* Supporting Area Service Manager in maintaining quarterly staff succession plans
* Deliver effective, professional, and commercially focused briefings and supervision meetings with staff and ensure that information, reporting and communications flow up/down is effective

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
* Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement and inclusion
* Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
* Prefers working as part of a group or team
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments

What you'll bring:

Essential:
* Educated to degree level or equivalent
* Holds relevant CMI/NVQ Level 4 or other business/management qualification
* Sound understanding of Positive Behaviour Support framework2 years of experience with profound autism or complex learning disability

Desirable:
* Any other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications
* Clinical background or relevant experience

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job Descrption

Main purpose of job: To provide specialist advocacy support to a caseload of clients with complex mental health needs, including support around housing, finances, health, domestic abuse and other issues. The role may also involve occasionally supporting CARA groups.

Start date: As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary: £28,344 - £30,469 per annum.

Contract: Permanent contract.

Hours: Full time, 35 hours a week.  

Place of work: To work flexibly across CARA premises in Colchester with regular travel across mid and north Essex, including Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester and Dunmow. The post may also involve some remote working, if a suitable home working environment is available.

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.  Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications. 

Application deadline: as soon as possible. We will be reviewing applications and shortlisting candidates to interview as applications are received.

Interviews:  To be arranged as suitable applications received.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

To provide advocacy support to a caseload of clients with complex mental health needs, including support around housing, finances, health, domestic abuse and other issues. CARA’s advocacy service focuses primarily on meeting the needs of some of our most complex clients – victims and survivors who would be unable to access other advocacy services.  The role will also involve supporting the wider CARA team in signposting other clients to external advocacy agencies, as appropriate and attendance at CARA groups to provide a drop-in advocacy surgery.

Main Responsibilities

·To manage a caseload of complex clients seeking short and long-term advocacy support, including support around housing, finances, health, domestic abuse and other issues.

·To manage referrals in to CARA’s Advocacy service, ensuring clients meet the referral criteria.

·To provide line-management for CARA’s social care placement worker and potential future advocacy volunteers.

·To assess all new referrals to CARA’s advocacy services, allocating cases to members of the advocacy team, as appropriate.

·To liaise with other agencies, receiving and making referrals and ensuring that they understand CARA’s role and services.

·To gather information about local and national agencies and manage storage and display of this material at CARA.  To work with CARA’s Integrated Support and Advocacy Manager to create a directory of services that can be used by all the CARA team.

·To support CARA’s group work, including attendance to provide advocacy support and supporting other activities.

·To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.

·To maintain and collate evaluation data, testimonials or case studies for distribution.

·To adhere to CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.

·To report to the Integrated Support and Advocacy Manager, Head of Operations, Chief Executive Officer and Trustees as required, including the production of written reports.

·To be administratively self-servicing.

·To undertake any other activities as required by the Integrated Support and Advocacy Manager, Head of Operations, Chief Executive Officer and Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion on our website. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy East

CARA is part of Synergy East and we work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.

Are you an experienced domestic abuse professional — or ready to take the next step into a leadership role?

Join our small, dynamic team at FLAG DV as Service Manager, and help empower survivors navigating the family court system with specialist legal and emotional support.

This is an opportunity to blend frontline delivery with strategic leadership. You’ll oversee our Legal Advice Clinic and Court Support Services, hold a small caseload, manage a committed team, and act as our Designated Safeguarding Lead — with support from our Director of Service Development & Engagement and a Deputy DSL.

You’ll be at the heart of a trauma-informed, passionate organisation, playing a pivotal role in shaping our services and ensuring survivors receive the support they need. Whether you already have leadership experience or are ready to step up, we’re looking for someone who’s confident, compassionate, and committed to survivor empowerment.

We reserve the right to close the post early if sufficient applications are received.

Social prescribing empowers people to take control of their health and wellbeing through referral to non-medical ‘link workers’ who give time, focus on ‘what matters to me’ and take a holistic approach, connecting people to community groups and statutory services for practical and emotional support.

• To provide personalised support to individuals, their families and carers to take control of their wellbeing, live independently and improve their health outcomes; strengthen personal resilience and reduce health inequalities by addressing the wider determinants of health such as debt, poor housing, physical inactivity and low understanding of the health condition. 

• To take a holistic approach, based on the person’s priorities and the wider determinants of health to co-produce a Personal Action Plan to improve health and wellbeing, introducing or reconnecting people to community groups and statutory services. 

• To encourage the patient to carry out the goals set in the Plan, and to work with the Scheme volunteers to ensure the participants get any extra support they require to achieve their goals.

The role will require you to manage your own caseload in accordance with the needs and priorities of clients.

The successful candidates will be able to demonstrate the ability to be a good listener, have time for people and be committed to supporting local communities to care for each other and reduce health inequalities. You should have experience of working positively with people facing complex social and emotional challenges in either a paid or voluntary capacity; inspiring trust, building confidence and motivating. You will have great interpersonal skills; be empathetic, resilient and be able to maintain effective working relationships with partners across the sectors. 

Citizens Advice Wirral is part of the Disability Confident scheme. We're taking positive action by providing interviews to candidates who have a registered disability, provided they meet the minimum skills for the role. We'll ask you whether you are eligible when you apply, so if you'd like to be considered for this scheme, all you need to do is let us know in your application.

Interview date: Thursday 15th May

Interview location: Birkenhead or Wallasey, Wirral - in person

This post is currently funded until March 2026

At Help for Heroes, we help the Armed Forces community live well after service.

Life can be tough when a military career comes to an end, especially if it has been cut short by illness or injury. Overnight, people lose not only their job, but also a support network that is like family. There are many ways we help veterans, their relatives, serving personnel, and people who worked alongside the UK military. We help people with their physical and mental health needs, and a range of welfare issues. Our support gives people the skills, confidence and knowledge to make a success of life after service.

And who are we you’re wondering? We are experts and beginners. Generalists and specialists. Ordinary people with an extraordinary passion towards making a positive change to the lives of our veterans (and having fun while doing it).

As One Team we share a philosophy – I.C.A.R.E. It’s the way we walk and talk, the way we interact with others and how we approach everything we do. We are:

Innovative – Collaborative – Authentic – Resourceful – Energetic. 

We have an incredible opportunity for a Senior Videographer to join our team.

Please see Job Description below for more information on what just might be your future role.

About You

You are a talented storyteller who’s passionate about creating meaningful video content.  

You know how to take a concept and turn it into compelling content—whether it’s an emotional short film, a punchy campaign video, or a snappy social edit.

You’re comfortable leading projects from start to finish, organised and collaborative, thriving in a fast-paced environment.

You are confident as a ‘self-shooter’ but equally happy to work as a small team.

Most importantly, you care about the people behind the stories—you’re motivated by the opportunity to shine a light on their experiences.

About the Role

This role provides the opportunity to work across a broad range of projects from powerful interviews with veterans to dynamic campaign content and behind-the-scenes glimpses of our work—you’ll lead the way in bringing our mission to life through film.

As Senior Videographer, you’ll also supervise a videographer in the team—offering guidance and creative leadership to help us deliver high-quality, content across all our channels.

You will be responsible for the development, production, and post-production of all the Charity’s video content.

You will be creating both internal and external-facing video to support marketing, communications and wider charity goals. As part of the content team, you will be consulting with internal clients offering creative guidance and managing projects from conception to filming through to final edit. You will also be expected to collaborate at times with external creative resource.

About the Team

You will be part of a small team of experts who thrive on creative thinking and finding innovative ways to create engaging content. This small and dynamic team is part of the wider Marketing and Communications team who work collaboratively, supporting each other on a variety of exciting projects.  

Start date:  Mid-August 2025 (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary: £36,411 - £38,261 per annum, pro rata.

Hours: 35 hours a week, with some flexibility possible.

Contract: This is a 9 month maternity cover contract, with possibility of extension to 12 months

Place of work: To work flexibly at CARA premises across mid and north Essex, including Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton, Colchester, Harwich and Dunmow, with some remote home working.

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification. 

Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications.

Application deadline:  10am, Monday 2nd June 2025 

Interviews:  Monday 9th June 2025 

Start date: Mid-August, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.

Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

The role of CARA’s Child and Young Person’s Practice Manager is to lead CARA’s teams of Young Person’s Practitioners and Child and Family Practitioners and manage the provision of specialist sexual violence counselling for young people, play therapy and support for parents and carers.  The post holder may hold a small caseload of clients and undertake some assessments, but the main emphasis of this role will be on the management, support and coordination of the team.

This is a varied and interesting role, giving the post holder opportunity to lead a talented and committed team of practitioners.   As well as overseeing day-to-day operations of the team, the post holder will be part of CARA’s management team and will have the opportunity to play a key role in CARA’s wider development, working closely with the CEO and Deputy CEO.   The post holder will work with our sister centres, SERICC and SOS Rape Crisis to gain an understanding of Child and Young Person’s services across Essex and coordinate these as appropriate.   

Main Responsibilities

Leadership and Management

• To manage all operational aspects of CARA’s Child and Young Person’s Practice, including overseeing the delivery of our specialist young person’s counselling service, play therapy and support for parents and carers.    This may also include managing any new Child and Young Person’s Practice projects that CARA develops.

• To work in accordance with CARA’s policies and procedures and embed a feminist approach in CARA activities.

• To co-ordinate, review and develop effective processes within the Child and Young Person’s Practice, working closely with the Deputy CEO, the Young Person’s Practitioners and the Child and Family Practitioners.

• To line-manage a team of Young Person’s and Child and Family Practitioners, providing day-to-day support, monitoring performance and identifying training and development needs.   This will include keeping up to date notes of line management meetings and conducting and recording annual staff appraisals.

• Work with our Adult Practice Manager to oversee the work of a wider team of sessional counsellors, including supporting Practitioners in line managing sessional and volunteer counsellors and identifying training needs. This will include helping to co-ordinate a monthly sessional and volunteer counsellor meeting. 

• To support practitioners and sessional counsellors in maintaining up-to-date client records and ensure that gaps in data are proactively addressed, as required.

• To work with CARA’s Deputy CEO to recruit and train new staff and sessional and volunteer counsellors, as required.

• To lead regular Young Person’s Practice and Child and Family Practice meetings, producing notes to share with team members and with senior management.

• To maintain an overview of waiting lists, working closely with practitioners and with the Deputy CEO and CEO to ensure that staff and resources are deployed effectively.

• To keep up to date with relevant legislation, policy and practice issues, including BACP and child safeguarding guidance and ensure the practitioners are aware of changes.

• To liaise with CARA’s other teams and more widely with Synergy Essex teams, resolving problems and ensuring good communication and mutual understanding of respective roles and ways of operating.

• To liaise with external agencies, including children’s mental health and social care, ensuring CARA is represented at meetings as required and developing effective relationships to ensure our services co-ordinate with statutory and voluntary services.

• To be part of the CARA management team and attend regular management team meetings, contributing to CARA’s ongoing development.

Counselling and client support

• To oversee client work within the teams, working closely with all team members to resolve client issues and ensure high quality service provision.

• To undertake client assessments and make appropriate arrangements for support.

• To provide specialist counselling for young people and/or play therapy for children and support for their parents, holding a small caseload of clients.

• To keep client records up to date. 

• To work flexibly at CARA centres across mid and north Essex, providing face-to-face and remote sessions, as required.

General

• To work flexible hours, including some evening work and occasional weekends.

• To participate in CARA team meetings, supervision, training and development.

• To provide specialist advice to other workers and agencies, including participation in delivery of training sessions.

• To raise awareness of sexual violence and its impact in the community and within other agencies.

• To keep appropriate records in accordance with CARA policies and procedures.

• To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.

• To be administratively self-servicing.

• To report to the Deputy CEO, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports and verbal reports.

• To undertake any other related activities as required by the Deputy CEO, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

About CARA 

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs.

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich. We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here.   We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy East

CARA is part of Synergy East and we work closely with South Essex-based SERICC and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.

The Snowdrop Project is the first organisation in the UK to provide long-term, community based support to survivors of modern slavery and exploitation. We aim to empower survivors of modern slavery and exploitation to recover from their experiences and thrive. We aim to reduce the risk of re-exploitation, to create and implement models of best practice and to share this knowledge with other agencies and individuals nationally and beyond.

Each year, our casework team engages with over 150 individuals and their dependents to provide trauma-informed advocacy, advice and support towards independence. The Casework Manager leads our team of specialist caseworkers to deliver this programme, carry a small caseload, collaborate with our wider operational team to develop opportunities, influence national policy and improve access to support for survivors in South Yorkshire and beyond. 

Position: Casework Manager

Salary: £32,000 per annum, pro rata, pension paid at 4% contribution

Benefits:

• Monthly independent therapeutic supervision,
• Cycle to Work Scheme,
• Holiday Sacrifice Scheme,
• Employee Life Insurance and ancillary benefits,

Holidays: 6.6 weeks (pro-rata, including bank holidays) + your birthday off!

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 30 hours p/w (.8 FTE)

Working Pattern: takes place between Monday-Friday 9-5 ; In-person.

Location: Snowdrop Project Offices, Castle Green, 7 Castle Street, Sheffield, S3 8LT

Reporting to: Head of Operations

Collaborating with: Counselling Manager; Community Development Manager; Policy, Training and Research Lead

Direct reports: Casework Team: Senior Caseworkers, Reach-In Workers 

You'll be responsible for: 

• Developing the casework service delivery, empowering your team, creatively approaching problems and finding creative solutions to barriers
• Working in collaboration with the wider Operational Team to deliver whole-person centred and best practice approach with Counselling and Community managers. 
• Assessing referrals and delivering support to survivors with complex needs
• Contributing to our policy, training and research programme to improve lives beyond South Yorkshire

Please see the Job Description document for full details and the Person Specification 

How to apply: Click the CharityJob Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and answer a few short screening questions about your relevant skills and motivation. CVs will be screened and candidates will then be asked to complete a short application form and personal statement detailing how they meet the requirements on the person specification. 

Applications close on Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 and interviews will take place on Friday, 30th May 2025. 

Please note- we will not be working with recruiters for this post. 

Exciting Job opportunity: we are looking for a Participation and Development Worker

Are you looking for a job that enables you to work directly with young people, make a real difference to their lives and where you can support them to get their voices heard and listened to on a local, regional and national level?   If so, then this might just be the job for you.

The National House Project (NHP) is committed to working with care experienced young people, encouraging them to take ownership of their futures and supporting them to live connected and fulfilling lives. The approach was co-designed with young people from the start and is centred around a groupwork approach. It supports young people to move into properties that become their homes whilst also building a strong and supportive friendship network.

NHP supports Local Authorities to establish Local House Projects (LHPs) and put young people at the centre of the decision-making processes Once an LHP has been established it supports staff to work with young people in an inclusive way, encouraging them to find the solutions to the challenges they face. LHPs enable young people to leave care in a planned and supported way, their outcomes are improved, and staff develop a way of working that is relationship based and psychologically informed.

To ensure that young people are involved at every level of the organisation each LHP elects two young people to represent them at the Care Leavers National Movement (CLNM). This forum provides the platform to hear, amplify and act on the voice of young people, who not only support the development of their own LHP but also contribute to developing practice and policy at a national level. CLNM meets regularly, undertakes Peer Evaluations, hosts and delivers their own National Conference and provides an ‘expert user’ consultancy.  Members from this group also sit on the Board of Trustees as expert advisors.

We are looking for someone who is motivated and experienced in working with young people and excited by the thought of working directly with young people and supporting them to have their voices heard and acted upon.

Many people go into youth work and social work to do just that but find that the systems that sit around large organisations inhibit the difference that can be made. At NHP you will be able to use your energy and enthusiasm to work in a creative way, enabling young people to use their care experience to make a positive difference to the way in which those systems support them.  You will work with CLNM as well as the core NHP team to ensure that young people continue to drive our work at both a local and national level.

You will need to have a professional/academic qualification in a related field eg Youth Work, Social Work, Education, Health. Current registration with a professional body is desirable. We actively encourage applications from those who are care experienced and will guarantee an interview if the essential criteria are met.

The NHP office is in Crewe. We support hybrid working and currently spend a minimum of two days in the office. In this role you will be expected to travel to LHPs and attend meetings across the country on a regular basis. There will be some planned weekend work throughout the year.

Benefits: 31 Days Annual Leave plus bank holidays, 10% Contribution to Pension, Salary Sacrifice Option, Hybrid working, Professional Development

Safeguarding Statement
NHP is committed to protecting the well-being of young people. All staff must adhere to our safeguarding policies.

Recruitment Agencies: We do not accept unsolicited CVs from agencies.

General Requirements: Right to work in the UK, two professional references, and a DBS check.

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Find out more

If you’re excited by the opportunity to build something transformative, we’d love to hear from you.

You are invited to join the Participation & Development Worker online briefing.

When: Tuesday 29th April 2025 12:00-1:00 pm

Please register in advance for this meeting:

https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/aDBKw4SSQ-6liUGPM1VwFA

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

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How to Apply

Apply via CharityJob with a CV and Cover Letter detailing what skills, knowledge and experiences make you the best candidate for the role by Monday 5th May 2025.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require adjustments during the process, let us know.

Interviews are due to take place on Friday 23rd May

Youth Voice Participation Worker

Permanent with funding until 30th April 2026

£30,600.00 per annum

Location: Whaddon Youth Centre, Dart Road, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire

Supporting all services in the West Midlands (including Shropshire and Birmingham)

35 hours full time

When completing your personal statement please outline your specific skills, knowledge and experience that relates to those listed in the recruitment pack.

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We run local services that support children when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for children, every step of the way.

This role sits within our Youth Practice team, across Birmingham. The focus of the role is to develop a culture of youth voice & participation within services. Also to lead a programme of youth voice and participation work with children and young people in order that their views and ideas inform the work of services and The Children's Society.

We are currently looking for an individual that is passionate and energetic and committed to the values of youth voice and participation to join our dynamic, ambitious team.

A key part of this role will be your ability to

-develop relationships with young people and support them to have their voices heard.

-lead and develop groups.

-respond and adapt to new ways to amplifying young people's voices and addressing the barriers to those least likely to engage.

-have a clear commitment to intersectional approaches when working with young people and working with young people who experience multiple systemic oppressions.

-commit to continuous learning to enhance own practice and keep abreast of innovative practice.

-use your communication & influencing skills, both written and verbal to lead and inspire others and the ability to engage with young people.

-keep clear records of work and complete monitoring and evaluations.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

In order to be successful in this role, you must have:

-A minimum of 2 years experience in youth work

-Experience of facilitating participation activities with young people on a one-to-one basis and in group work settings.

-Experience of supporting young people who are dealing with complex and sensitive needs and providing pastoral support.

-Experience of working independently and as part of a team in the field of youth voice and participation.

-Experience of being a champion of youth voice and participation.

-Experience of developing inclusive practice.

Other requirements for the role:

-Regular evening working which are both face to face and virtual engagement.

-Regular weekend working which is on average once a month.

-Regular travel across the region to work with young people.

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support. We campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer.

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.

Benefits

Enhanced Annual Leave 28 days-length of service extra 2 after 2, 5 and 7 goes up to 36 days.

Free eye test-claim back via my finance-take form to dentist-eye test form can also claim for glasses.

Pension-match contribution up to 8% can opt out, have to auto enrolled every 2 years do get money refunded if opt out you contribute 4% and will be matched to 8%

Life assurance - death in service, 4x salary gets paid to nominated person.

Cycle to work 39% off bike cost can be spread across the year.

770 retailers discounts offered with YouStar App.

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Therefore, candidates applying for work in our Children and Young People's Directorate will be required to complete an “Employment history template” document prior to interview. The fully completed document should be uploaded by the candidate alongside uploading your CV.

Closing date midnight 7th May 2025.

Interviews will be held on the 30th May 2025.

Interviews will be in two stages:

Stage 1 Staff interview panel and Stage 2 Young People's panel both taking place on the same day.

Interviews will be held at Whaddon Youth Centre, Cheltenham.

IN1

To be successful in this role, you will be a motivated, flexible individual, who is passionate about working with young people around their sexual health. The postholder will conduct outreach, education, and training in several settings depending on the need of different young people. These could be educational settings, youth settings, community events, sports settings, clubs and pubs. You will target vulnerable young people, such as Looked after Children (LAC), those who are Not in Education, Employment, or Training (NEET), those who come from areas of high deprivation and high need, and those with other increased risk factors, as well as young people aged 13-15 who are not yet able to access online services. 

 As part of your frontline work, you will encourage young people to sign up for a C-card, and if aged over 16, register to Get It in order to order condoms and lube from the website. When appropriate, you will refer young people into appropriate local sexual health services for contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, STI screening and treatment.

Programme

METRO work closely with our partner Spectra to deliver sexual health services in the London Boroughs of Wandsworth, Richmond, Merton and Kingston. In these Boroughs, METRO deliver the Come Correct free condom scheme (C-card), the National Chlamydia Screening Programme (NCSP) as well as Get It, an online scheme which offers condoms, lube, Chlamydia and Gonorrhoea screens.

METRO also delivers training and education, aimed at both young people and professionals working with young people, as well as community outreach and engagement to reach young people directly- particularly those who are most vulnerable to sexual ill health. 

Purpose of the role

At NEON we believe that organising is crucial if we’re to build the power we need to win a new economy and deepen cross-community solidarity at a time of political polarisation. A central part of our new strategy - and this role -  is to support movement organisations and organisers to build their capacity to do what we call Transformative Organising - where we transform the conditions we live in, transform ourselves and transform who has power in society. We use a combination of trainings, 1-2-1 mentoring and strategic partnerships with movement organisations to give organisers the tools, skills and confidence they need to build a base with those at the sharp end of the crisis, develop politically conscious leaders, and plan strategic & escalating campaigns that win. You’ll work with our Head of Organising and colleagues in the Movement Building Hub to scale up this offer over the coming years, with a particular focus on the housing, climate and migration movements, as well as supporting movements to tackle a rising far-right. 

What you will be doing

1. Deliver organising trainings to social movement organisers and campaigners, using content from our Transformative Organising programme and working closely with our Head of Organising and NEON trainers. These will be a mix of shorter workshops and multi-day trainings, blending in-person and online delivery, and you will be supported to experiment with different delivery models to meet movement needs. 

2. Work in partnership with organisers, organisations and coalitions to build their organising capacity over the long-term, through ongoing mentoring and hands-on support and training.

3. Conduct extensive 1-2-1s with movement organisers, to strengthen relationships, explore opportunities for collaboration and understand movement needs. 

4. Support the development of a network of UK-based organisers, and create spaces for collective learning and ensure NEON’s organising offer meets the needs of organisers on the ground.

5. Work with the Head of Organising to periodically review and update NEON’s Transformative Organising content, staying responsive to movement needs and incorporating the latest organising practices and tools. 

6. Organise public events on organising topics, including webinars and workshops, bringing together organisers from across social movements

7. Contribute to the Movement Building Hub’s wider work, including the organising components of our Worker-led Transition programme and our work to build the strategic capacity of movement leaders and organisations. This role will also contribute to cross-organisational work in NEON’s key focus areas (migration, housing, climate, and tackling the rise of the far-right), as well as projects to support the development of NEON’s internal culture. 

Who you are

This isn’t a tick box exercise and we don’t expect you to meet all of the criteria - it’s more to give both us and you an overall sense of the role, and how the skills and experience you have might map onto it. 

We’re looking for someone with a: 

1. Proven track record of using organising tools and approaches to plan and deliver successful campaigns, with at least 3-5 years of experience. This might include doing base-building, conducting outreach, mapping, organising mass meetings and actions, or integrating political education into campaign planning 

2. Ability to deliver a strategic and escalating organising plan in a fast moving  and politically complex environment 

3. Experience of delivering trainings, including to those at the sharp end of injustice, with a passion for being and developing as a trainer

4. Understanding of UK social movements, their strengths and weaknesses, and opportunities for NEON to provide support 

5. Good communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and sensitively, and work effectively with a range of movement organisations and individuals, including those directly impacted by injustice and oppression

6. Excellent planning skills to ensure projects are designed delivered to a high standard

7. Ability to work independently and flexibly in a dynamic organisation

8. Willingness to occasionally work unsociable hours (always repaid with TOIL)

9. Proven understanding of anti-oppression work and commitment to tackling all institutional forms of oppression, bigotry and exclusion

10. An affinity with NEON’s aims, objectives and organisational values of solidarity, generosity and respect.

Research Associate - National Youth Agency

Contract: 12-month Fixed Term Contract (with potential to extend)
Hours: Full-time - 37 hours per week 
Salary: £30,000 – £35,000 per annum, dependent on experience
Remote: This role is 100% homebased with occasional travel for staff residentials and other events.

What we do

As the national body for youth work, the NYA has a dual function. We are the professional statutory and regulatory body (PSRB) responsible for qualifications, quality standards, and safeguarding for youth work and services in England. In line with our charity mission and aims, we also champion youth work through research, advocacy, campaigns, and programmes.

We work in partnership and believe in collaborative leadership, listening to youth workers and the youth work sector so that we can understand their needs and respond to the challenges they face. We are ambitious for youth work and for young people and integrate youth voice and influence across our work

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Knowledge Team, working alongside two existing Research Associates and a Data Analyst. 

You will be integral in delivering research, data, and insights that support organisational development and programme delivery across NYA.

We are looking for an experienced mixed-methods researcher with a strong understanding of social research and evaluation approaches. Ideally, you will have experience working in or alongside the youth sector and be confident using both qualitative and quantitative methods.

You’ll need to be flexible, proactive, and a strong communicator, able to explain complex ideas to varied audiences. 

This role is ideal for someone looking to make a tangible difference through evidence-led approaches that shape policy, practice, and impact in youth work.

Key responsibilities for this role will include:

• Designing and delivering research projects using a range of methods including surveys, interviews, and focus groups.
• Supporting the development of the NYA research and data hub, including external research collation and data visualisation.
• Leading on evaluations to meet funder requirements and contribute to NYA’s growing evidence base.
• Analysing data from NYA programmes to support impact measurement.
• Promoting evidence-based practice across NYA and the wider youth sector.
• Communicating findings clearly through reports, briefings, and presentations.
• Managing research projects and collaborating with internal and external partners to deliver on time and to quality.
• Responding to internal and external research enquiries.

The ideal candidate will have experience in social research, familiarity with various research methodologies, and the ability to communicate complex findings to diverse audiences. 

Please refer to our Candidate Pack for more information on the role and the requirements.

Why Work for NYA?

NYA operates as a people-first organisation, prioritising the well-being and needs of its employees.

NYA offers an exceptional flexible working approach which encourages our team to balance professional responsibilities with their personal life.

A remote based team, spread across England, fostering inclusivity and diverse talent. Despite geographical distances between team members, NYA maintains a highly motivated and connected team through the optimisation of digital tools.

NYA is committed to supporting the continual personal and professional development of our team and helping them achieve their ambitions.

We provide 25 days leave plus 8 days, life assurance scheme, 5% employer pension contribution and a comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme via Spectrum.life with unlimited specialist support available to all NYA employees.

How to Apply:

Please download our applicant pack to find out more about the role and requirements

To apply, please submit the following via our online application platform by 11:59pm on Monday 12th May 2025:

A detailed CV setting out your career history, with responsibilities and achievements in line with the person specification in the About You section. 

A covering letter (maximum two sides) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the requirements in the

About You section. 

We will request data for our EEDI monitoring purposes, providing this is optional.

Please note: the covering letter is an essential part of the application process and will be assessed as part of your full application. We use AI detector software, so cover letters or CV’s with over 30% AI generated content with be disregarded. We understand that AI tools can offer support to candidates who have learning differences, which is why we will accept applications with some AI assistance. CV’s will not be accepted without a cover letter.

The National Youth Agency is an equal opportunities employer. 

At NYA our inclusive culture means that we embrace individual differences and understand that we need a diverse team to achieve our organisations mission. 

We wish to recruit candidates from all backgrounds to ensure our team reflects the rich diversity of the communities we serve. We encourage applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion, socio-economic background and political beliefs but we particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates and those from other minoritised ethnic groups in the UK as they are currently underrepresented in our team.

Youth Work changes lives

Which is why we’re committed to ensuring that as many young people as possible get to benefit from it. As the national body for youth work in England, the National Youth Agency (NYA) exists to champion its transformative power.  We believe all young people should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing impact of extraordinary youth workers and trained volunteers.

We help to grow youth work provision in ways that keep it effective, relevant, safe and engaging, to help millions of young people reach their potential and thrive. We do this by providing guidance, support, advice, training and staff development opportunities for youth workers and youth work organisations. At the heart of everything we do are young people themselves. We work hard to ensure their voices are integrated into all our work, to develop provision that truly meets their needs.

REF-221126

About the role

As a Foundation we are committed to learning together with others and reflecting and acting on what we learn. We learn to improve our understanding about how to approach the complex issues we are trying to address, to examine how our funding relates to the social change we want to see, and to improve how we work and fund.

The Learning & Insight Officer will play a key part in delivering our learning, monitoring and research activities, and we want the successful candidate to be able to develop their skills and interest within the role. They will work closely with the Head of Learning & Insight, wider Grants team colleagues and others across the Foundation to gather insights from our grants and wider work. These insights will inform our strategic direction and contribute to wider sector learning and understanding.

This is a permanent, full time role (35 hours) but we will also consider a part time role at 4 days/ 28 hours equivalent.

We are committed to best practice and accountability in equity, diversity and inclusion. We value, welcome and respect all the differences that make us who we are including: age, disability and mental health, neurodiversity, cultural background, ethnicity and race, sex, gender identity and expression and sexual orientation including LGBTQIA+ identities, religion and socioeconomic background.

Main Responsibilities

• Work with colleagues to design and implement systems for the LEF to collect data and to capture and share learning in a systematic way that reflects our values and our commitment to Power, Cuture and Inclusion.

• Coordinate a timetable of activities for LEF to learn from its grants and direct work (such as regular feedback surveys and internal reflection sessions).

• Work with colleagues to collate and analyse evidence from organisations we fund to identify key insights and learning (such as reports and notes from grant management calls).

• Work with the Head of Learning & Insight and wider grants team colleagues to prepare our grants data for publication (for example through 360Giving and as part of the Funders for Racial Equality Alliance (FREA) Audit)

• Support the LEF to communicate insights in accessible and engaging ways.

• Work with colleagues to prepare key insight reports and data for a range of audiences such as colleagues, trustees or other funders.

• Work with colleagues to run internal sessions with staff and trustees to reflect on our processes (what is working well, less well and what we can improve about how we work) and understand the progress the LEF is making towards its strategic objectives.

• Work with colleagues to run online and in-person events to bring together the organisations and people we fund to reflect and learn from one another.

• Support the development of a ‘culture of learning’ within the LEF and with grantees and 

• Work with the Head of Learning & Insight to commission and manage external contractors for particular pieces of work (for example, research briefs or learning partnerships).

• Provide administrative support on tasks, such as scheduling meetings.

• Carry out such tasks as the Director of Grants & Learning or Head of Learning & Insight may from time to time deem necessary for the effective and efficient functioning of the Foundation.

To see a full description of the role and what we are looking for, download the candidate recruitment pack.