Counselling service coordinator jobs

Interviews will be held on 15th and 16th July, please ensure you are available on these dates

​

​About Us:

St Catherine’s Hospice is a respected local charity providing specialist hospice care alongside statutory service partners (GPs, District nursing etc) across West Sussex and East Surrey.

​

We provide care in communities across Surrey and Sussex which are richly diverse and we want to reflect that in everything we do. We celebrate and support difference and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you believe in the importance of what we do, share our values and want to be a part of an outstanding team building something important, we’d love to hear from you.​​

​

The Role:

This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role, where you will support and develop a high-performing team to sustainably grow income for local hospice care, and personally secure and steward high-value partnerships.

This post is offered permanent, part time basis, working 30 hours per week. Our core hours are 8.30am - 5pm, however working hours would be agreed with the successful post holder around business needs. At St Catherine’s we offer work from home opportunities however this is adaptable depending on business needs and regular onsite attendance is required.

Please note, the successful candidate will be an essential car user, therefore candidates must have a full driving licence and access to a vehicle.

​

About You:

Are you an experienced, confident line manager who enjoys a varied workload? Would you find it rewarding leading ambitious plans to grow income for St Catherine's through corporate partnerships trusts and foundations?

​

We are seeking a collaborative, supportive leader to guide our partnerships team and achieve ambitious income targets. Using your fundraising expertise you will inspire and engage new and existing high value partners and deliver exceptional supporter experience.

​

Key Priorities:

• Line managing a team of 3 direct reports, providing clear direction, coaching and development
• Ensuring the development and delivery of robust pipelines, high quality proposals and effective partnership engagement plans
• Securing and stewarding strategic, high value partnerships 
• Developing compelling packages of support aligned to organisational priorities
• Closely monitoring income and expenditure and ensuring strong financial oversight

​

​Employees at St Catherine’s Hospice can enjoy a variety of benefits including:

• Generous annual leave starting at 25 days, rising to 30 days with length of service, plus Bank Holidays, and an opportunity to buy / sell annual leave days. Plus we offer a day off for volunteering and moving house.
• Generous Pension scheme with up to 9% employer contributions or honour of the NHS pension.
• Life Assurance Scheme, Counselling Offering, and a range of discounts.
• Enhanced maternity and adoption pay.

​

How to Apply:

If you join St Catherine’s, you’ll be joining a supportive team all working towards a big ambition: a future where everyone approaching death and those who love and care for them can access compassionate, specialist palliative and end of life care. If that sounds like something you’d find fulfilling, please apply today.​

For a full job description and to apply, please visit our website.

​

We want our recruitment process to be accessible to everyone and we are proud to be a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer, committed to creating an inclusive, supportive workplace.

​

​

Terms & Conditions:

• Please ensure you have read our employee and recruitment privacy statement prior to applying for this role.

• Must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom, please note we are unable to offer visa sponsorships.

• Please note a requirement of all roles at St Catherine’s is to complete mandatory E-learning training and remain compliant with this throughout your employment.

• We understand that Artificial Intelligence (AI) may be used to support some applications, whilst we do not discourage this, please ensure any documentation and applications submitted accurately and truthfully reflect your own experience and suitability for this role.

• ​Please note we operate an internal recruitment function and are not engaging agencies at this time.

​

We are located in Grace Holland Avenue, Pease Pottage, Crawley, West Sussex RH11 9SL. You can access the Hospice by car, bus, bike or walking, with full transport details on our website.​

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Head of Communications has responsibility for Ubele’s internal and external communications and digital activities in support of our strategic aims as well as oversight of communications across special projects. Central to the Head of Communications’ role is responsibility for: 

• Leading on delivery of Ubele’s Communications Strategy, public and internal communications with key audiences and stakeholders via various channels, especially Ubele’s website, email communications, social media and printed materials.  With support where needed, leading the delivery of a small number of annual and special events, working alongside colleagues and partners. 
• A crucial part of the role is working successfully with external partners, special projects comms teams, contractors and consultants to deliver on our communications objectives. 
• Reporting  to the COO and working closely with other senior leaders across departments to fulfil Ubele’s strategy.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

General Responsibilities/duties: 

• Oversight of all external communications activity relating to the work of the organisation, including websites, email newsletters and social media.   
• Oversight and management of the Creative Coordinator to effectively boost engagement and grow the organisation's social media channels.
• Guide and support the strategy that manages the creative outputs of the organisation across all projects and interests.
• Managing the organisation’s websites, ensuring content is correct and up to date, developing new webpages, functionalities and layouts as required, with support from an external website developer as needed. 
• Working closely with the Hub leads and programme managers to publicise training opportunities, events, funding programmes, and wider Ubele activities across the organisation’s communication channels. 
• Leading on cross-organisation conversations and convening cross-organisational groups to develop and coordinate a pipeline of content for blogs and case studies.
• Working with Hub Leads and our external PR support team (where relevant) to produce press releases including drafting quotes on behalf of the Leadership Team and coordinating the sign-off processes.
• Dealing with inbound press enquiries and crisis management comms with relevant support.
• Working with Hub Leads and our external PR support team (where relevant) to produce press releases including drafting quotes on behalf of the Leadership Team and coordinating the sign-off processes.
• Dealing with inbound press enquiries and crisis management comms with relevant support.

Brand and marketing 

• Ensuring consistent use of Ubele’s brand across internal and external print and digital channels. 
• Managing the design, print and distribution (as appropriate) of branded print and digital media, such as stationery, templates, invitations, leaflets and publications. 
• Leading on brand guidelines, ensuring that they are adopted correctly across the organisation. Providing training and guidance to staff, teams and external partners on the correct use of the brand.
• Working with Hub leads and Creative Coordinator to manage sub-brands of Ubele projects and programmes and ensure that these are reflected in the organisation’s brand guidelines. 

Planning & Delivery

• Deliver the communications strategy which will be set ahead of each financial year in line with the organisation’s wider strategic objectives by the organisation’s Management Board and Hub leads. 
• Lead and advise on the key narratives, the best modes of communication and how to best reach our target audiences.
• Provide advice and guidance on communications to the Leadership Team, including on crisis communications and reputational risk management with support of PR freelancers. 
• Setting and managing a communications calendar, supporting external-facing activities across Ubele’s work.
• Advise Ubele’s senior leaders on how activities including leadership training, provision of funding, social investment programmes, and various events might be publicised and communicated.
• Participate in internal strategy meetings, including reporting on Communications at the monthly staff team and leadership team meetings and, where required, at the Management Board meeting. 
• Maintain strong working relationships with key sector contacts, especially Communications Leads at partner organisations.

Events 

• Attend and/or coordinate Ubele’s presence at external events (sometimes out of normal office hours) relating to ongoing relationships (e.g. GLA or sector events) 
• Organise and/or support the delivery of special events as required
• Support Programme Managers as required to deliver events (both in-person and digital) leveraging our pool of freelance events support where necessary. 
• Support teams with media enquiries, ensuring that relevant team members are supported in public speaking events. 

Line management 

• Will be line managed by new Chief Operating Officer
• Oversee and manage the work of the Creative Coordinator
• Collaborate with the Lead Designer, our PR agency and our pool of freelance professionals.

General 

• Other tasks, commensurate with the post, that senior leadership may deem appropriate (including occasional support for work that cuts across other areas of Ubele’s work). 
• To attend and participate in internal and external meetings including staff meetings and meetings with key stakeholders.
• To attend relevant training to fulfil the requirements of the job.
• To undertake other duties which may from time to time be required and which are appropriate to the responsibilities of the post.
• Ensure that the Ubele Initiative’s internal policies and procedures are followed through in all areas of work. The postholder will treat as confidential any information that could be deemed personal, private or sensitive and will comply with the organisation's GDPR and safeguarding requirements.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Experience

• Demonstrable experience in senior communications roles with responsibility for developing and delivering communications strategies.
• Managing internal and external communications across multiple channels, including websites, email marketing, social media, media relations and print publications.
• Creating and delivering high-quality communications campaigns that increase engagement with a range of audiences.
• Managing organisational websites using content management systems (CMS).
• Developing engaging written content for a variety of audiences, including press releases, newsletters, reports, web content and social media.
• Experience of managing organisational branding and ensuring consistent application of brand guidelines.
• Planning and promoting events through integrated communications activity.
• Working collaboratively with senior leaders to provide strategic communications advice.
• Experience of working within the voluntary, community, charity or social enterprise sector.
• Experience of communications within an organisation focused on racial equity, community development or social inclusion.
• Experience of working with diverse community stakeholders and underrepresented groups

Knowledge

• Strong understanding of communications planning, stakeholder engagement and audience development.
• Knowledge of digital communications, social media platforms, email marketing and website management.
• Understanding of media relations and reputation management.
• Knowledge of the policy and funding landscape affecting Black and minoritised communities in the UK.
• Knowledge of current communications trends and best practice across the voluntary, community or social enterprise sector.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion principles and how these influence communications practice.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent written communication skills with exceptional attention to detail and the ability to produce accurate, engaging copy.
• Excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to build relationships at all levels.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
• Ability to think strategically while delivering operational communications activity.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to evaluate communications performance and use insight to improve outcomes.
• High level of IT literacy, including Microsoft 365 and communications platforms such as Mailchimp, Canva, WordPress (or similar CMS) and social media management tools.
• Ability to work independently, take initiative and exercise sound judgement.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.

Personal Qualities

• Passion for community development, social justice and reducing inequalities.
• Collaborative, inclusive and relationship-focused approach.
• Creative, proactive and solutions-focused.
• Flexible and adaptable
• Strong commitment to Ubele Initiative's values and mission.

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Title: Blended Team Service Manager
Post no: 659
Working base: Biggleswade CMHT (Community Mental Health Teams) SG18
Area covered: Bedfordshire, Luton
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday
Salary: £29,355.00 per annum

About the Service and the Role

This role is an exciting opportunity to work with the Operational Services Manager (Blended Teams) to manage the daily operations of our Blended Teams functions.

This includes managing a core team of workers in a diverse range of projects and services often in partnership with the NHS and other VCSE and community groups. The role will involve multi-agency working and ensuring the continuous development of our services to ensure that they meet the needs of the community and blended team outcomes.

Ideally, you will be required to have knowledge of managing remote teams who may be imbedded in NHS services and the ideal candidate would have the skills to support staff with the complex challenges that come with blended working as well as maintaining and building relationships with key stakeholders. You will also be required to hold your own caseload, supporting the teams with more complex service users and cover gaps in services.

Key Responsibilities and Service Delivery

• Operate a service and ensure outcomes which support individuals with mental health and wellbeing needs in line with Mind BLMK’s and blended team model and contract requirements.
• Work with the Operational Services Manager (Blended Teams) and senior managers to ensure the management of an effective workforce including recruitment and performance management challenges
• Ensure that services with complex partnerships and remote teams are effectively managed and maintained, through effective relationship building and multi-agency working.
• Ensure regular involvement of service users, volunteer and staff on local service delivery, organisational matters and wider mental health strategies.
• Assess suitability for community connection support as part of a blended team approach and support individuals to access the service by utilising in depth knowledge of local voluntary and community services and networks.
• To work with individuals to coproduce a plan to address their mental health and wellbeing goals. Enable people to achieve these goals through facilitating access and connecting with appropriate resources.
• Enable people to access community resources which may include accompanying them.
• Offer support, guidance and help where possible to people to gain confidence, overcome initial fears and seek solutions to any barriers inhibiting attendance.
• Take a holistic approach, based on the individuals’ priorities and wider determinants of health that impact on their health and wellbeing, such as debt, poor housing, being unemployed, loneliness and caring responsibilities.
• To work as part of an integrated team to ensure the best outcomes for each person accessing the service.
• Maintain an effective workforce for the service in line with Mind BLMK’s HR policies, procedures and guidance (recruitment, line management, workload planning, support and development of crisis workers, peer support workers and volunteers).
• Hold responsibility for health and safety, data collection and cash handling in line with Mind BLMK’s policies, procedures and guidance.

The successful candidate will have experience of managing diverse staff resources, multi-agency working, 2 years’ experience working with people with mental health and managing remote teams. Level 3 Social Care (or equivalent) and Management and Leadership qualifications are desirable.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Health Plan with a wide variety of benefits
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm on Thursday 23rd July 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Mental Health Service Manager, Community Services Manager, Service Coordinator, Mental Health Team Leader, Service Delivery Manager, Community Support Manager, Operations Manager, Wellbeing Centre Manager or Mental Health Project Manager.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

WHO WE ARE

We are SPEAR, a charity working tirelessly to end homelessness across South West London and beyond. We believe homelessness should be rare, brief, and non-recurring, and we work every day to make that a reality. Our services include street outreach, assessment hubs, supported accommodation, and tenancy support, helping people move off the streets and into safe, secure housing. We take a person-centred, trauma-informed approach, building trust and supporting people to achieve long-term stability and independence. You will be part of a passionate, skilled team dedicated to ending homelessness. We offer a supportive environment where you can grow your career while making a meaningful impact.

YOUR ROLE

We are looking for a passionate and organised individual to join our team as a Health Link Events Co-ordinator. This is a varied and rewarding role where you will plan and deliver community health day events across SW London boroughs, bringing together NHS partners, community organisations, and volunteers to improve health outcomes for people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

Alongside coordinating events, you will play a meaningful part in supporting and advocating for our clients — facilitating service user involvement groups and making sure the voices of those we work with are truly heard and valued. Building warm, trusted relationships with clients, many of whom have complex needs, will be at the heart of what you do.
We are looking for someone who is empathetic, non-judgmental, and trauma-informed, with a genuine commitment to social justice and making a difference. You will be an effective communicator and skilled coordinator, able to manage multiple priorities, support and inspire volunteers, and build strong working relationships with a wide range of partners. Resilience, adaptability, and a person-centred approach are essential.

This is a 12-month fixed-term contract based primarily at our Twickenham (TW1) office, with regular travel across to support our communities in Richmond, Wandsworth and Kingston boroughs. Occasional travel to Croydon, Sutton, and Merton may also be required.

WHY JOIN US

- Generous holiday – 26 days plus public holidays, rising to 31 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 (4x 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

Could this be your next role? Read the full Job Description now!

To provide high quality and comprehensive helpline advice, information, practical and advocacy support relating to violence against women and girls (VAWG) perpetrated against Black and minoritised women and girls.

To work alongside helpline Coordinator and helpline volunteers and ensuring the service is trauma-informed, safe, and effective.

Why work with Southall Black Sisters?

Southall Black Sisters is committed to providing a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, we provide an excellent package of employee benefits including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Hybrid working 
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Enhanced sick pay
• Subsidised public transport season ticket
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists 
• Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
• A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
• Organisation-wide away days
• Career development pathways and support
• The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
• Employer eye care scheme

To Apply

Submit a completed application form along with the optional equal opportunities monitoring form by the application deadline. Please do not send us your CV as this will not be considered.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

Overview

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives, offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission of helping people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.

We are currently recruiting a Programmes Facilitator to work within HMP Channings Wood. Our ideal candidate will have the skills and experience to assess and engage with our service users, ensuring that they access the right intervention at the right time, in a way that best meets their needs. 

We are seeking a committed and dynamic person to support the delivery of substance misuse interventions within a custodial setting. In this role, you will work directly with individuals in prison who are affected by drug and alcohol use, helping them to understand their behaviours, build motivation for change, and engage in structured recovery‑focused programmes.

You will facilitate group sessions, complete assessments, and provide 1:1 support that promotes harm reduction, stabilisation, and long‑term recovery. Working closely with prison staff, healthcare teams, and partner agencies, you will ensure that every individual receives safe, effective, and person‑centred support.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about empowering people to overcome substance misuse challenges, able to build rapport in a fast‑paced environment, and motivated to help improve outcomes and reduce re‑offending.

Where: HMP Channings Wood 

Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week

Please note: Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours. 

Responsibilities

About the role:

• You will work with service users to initiate recovery from drug and/or alcohol dependence, to enable service users in the prison to build their own recovery capital and to support them to move into long term sustained recovery and social (re)integration.
• To develop and deliver group psychosocial interventions. This involves facilitating Foundations of Rehabilitation programme, in addition to pod working tailored to the needs of the caseload.
• To be creative and innovative so that the post best meets the needs of the service user, promoting access into treatment, and encouraging engagement with underrepresented communities.
• Assess suitability for groups related to risk and special needs, working closely with prison partners to schedule attendance.

About you:

• Sensitivity in working with complex and diverse needs.
• Demonstrate a strong recovery focus and have knowledge of a range of psychosocial interventions.
• Ability to manage change successfully in a way that prioritises the needs of service users.
• Understand the importance of information governance processes and commit to follow and apply all necessary safeguards.
• Seek out learning opportunities to improve and broaden your professional knowledge and skills and to contribute and oversee the learning and development of others.

What we will give to you: 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days”
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Several benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc.
• A friendly and supportive team
• Training, career development & progression opportunities

Please read attached Job Description for a more detailed out line of responsibilities and Person Specifications 

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)

Closing Date

7/7/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

We believe that having diverse people working as part of our team makes us the organisation that we are.

We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds to help us to provide the best possible experience for the people who use our services and to make Change Grow Live a great place to work. If you have any feedback on our recruitment processes (good or bad) we’d love to hear from you so that we can make sure they are fair and we attract and recruit the best, most diverse workforce possible.

The safety of vulnerable children, young people and adults is our absolute priority. We will support you in your role to make sure that you are equipped to support the safety of people who use our services and those around them, to the highest standard possible.

Practitioner Psychologist

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Practitioner Psychologist

Location: Based in Croydon. Unfortunately this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £60,000 (Full Time Equivalent) 

NHS Equivalent Band: 8A

Shift Pattern: 22.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday working between 09:00 - 17:00, although some flexibility may be required at times with service needs. Working days can be agreed upon next stages of the interview process. 

About the Role

We're looking for an experienced Registered Practitioner Psychologist with a background in clinical psychology to join our team in Croydon. The service offers a psychologically informed environment across four sites, providing low to high support forensic mental health services to our residents with forensic mental health needs, complex conditions, and dual diagnosis. In this role, you will drive the delivery of evidence based psychological assessments and interventions aimed at the rehabilitation and reintegration of our residents into the communities. This is a creative, evolving, and impactful role which works closely with our Group Psychological Lead and wider teams to provide support to staff and at times residents to support in providing a streamlined and psychologically informed service.

Key Responsibilities include: 

• Provide advice, guidance, and support to the team with supporting our residents to overcome personal challenges and create a supportive environment
• Advise and streamline best practices, and enhance the overall skills and expertise of the team to deliver high quality care and support
• Provide clinical supervision to the team
• Provide highly specialised psychological assessments for our residents with mental health and complex needs
• Exercise full clinical responsibility for residents psychological care as a care coordinator within a multidisciplinary team
• Formulate and implement plans for various therapy routes and management of assessing mental health conditions based upon appropriate conceptual frameworks and evidence-based practices

About You

We're looking for someone who is a self-starter, able to proactively encourage, take leadership and ownership for creating a psychologically informed environment. You will be able to communicate highly complex and sensitive information effectively within the organisation and with external partners, collaborating with external stakeholders regularly in a multidisciplinary approach. You will be able to utilise your own expertise and support in empowering the wider team to enhance their skills to deliver a service which is supportive, safe, and in line with best practice for the organisation and external regulatory bodies. 

• HCPC Registration is essential
• Post-graduate doctoral level training as a Registered Practitioner Psychologist including models of psychopathology, clinical psychometrics, and neuropsychology, two or more distinct psychological therapies and lifespan developmental psychology
• Previous experience working as a qualified clinical and/or forensic psychologist, including working with people with complex backgrounds/needs and a good understanding of the sector we run our services in
• Ability to teach, train, consult, and deliver clinical supervision
• Understanding of criminology, psychology, and behavioural patterns, and how they link to different behaviours and engagement
• Ability to understand and apply safeguarding protocols as they arise
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility in working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Main purpose of job:To work in the Navigator team supporting individuals who have or are experiencing sexual violence and or sexual abuse. As a first contact worker, you will act as a gateway to both specialist counselling and advocacy services and additional specialist support services in Essex. You will use your considerable experience to provide a high-quality telephone information and support service.

The support you deliver will help individuals on their pathway to wellbeing, recovery, and social inclusion through building trusting and collaborative relationships. You will guide users to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources/interventions.

You will work within a team of first contact navigators under the supervision of a service lead. You will be highly motivated and dedicated, have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision.

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

Salary:£26,496 - £28,845 (NJC Scales 12-17) per annum, pro-rata.

Contract: This will be a permanent contract.

Hours: 35 hours per week.  

Place of work: CARA premises in Colchester and some remote home working if a suitable environment is available.  Some travel to other locations in Essex may be required, particularly during the induction period.

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 Friday 24th July 2026 

Interviews:  Week beginning 3rd August 2026

Start date: Immediate, 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 First Contact Navigator posts will play a central role in the CARA team, ensuring that our service users and other agencies receive a high-quality service from the moment of first contact. You will work as part of a wider team of First Contact Navigators across Essex, based at our Synergy Essex Partner centres. The post liaises with clients, the CARA team and external agencies, providing advice, support and information.

The First Contact Navigator will engage with individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced, sexual violence and or sexual abuse who require information, signposting and short-term support.  You will be the first contact and conduct first meetings, managing your own caseload and co-ordinating personalised support for individuals on their pathway to wellbeing. You will have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision. You will support people who use CARA services to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources. You will work collaboratively with service users, the CARA team and other professional agencies to navigate and coordinate services.  

At the outset, the main responsibilities of the post will be:

• To act as a first point of contact for new referrals and enquiries, providing information, emotional support, advice and signposting.
• To complete first contact calls and assessments with clients over the telephone, assessing client needs and suitabilty for services.
• To ensure information about new referrals/enquiries is accurately recorded on CARA’s database in real time.
• To work collaboratively and build trust with service users, agencies, personal and professional support networks to collate relevant information to effect individualised support requirements.
• To assess and engage service users not currently engaged in appropriate specialist sexual violence services.
• To seek and respond to referrals from a variety of internal and external sources.
• To assist survivors and relatives/supporters of survivors in understanding the range of resources and services available to them.
• To support service users to engage effectively with appropriate services to meet their individual needs and aspirations.
• To identify and respond to any safeguarding concerns
• To work as a link between clients, CARA staff and external agencies, ensuring appropriate information is passed on.
• To work closely with the Essex-wide team of First Contact Navigators and Information and Referral Coordinators to ensure effective referral processes across Essex.
• To act as a point of contact for external agencies making referrals to CARA, answering queries about our referral process.
• To cover the enquiry line and the office phone and deal with enquiries as required.
• To pro-actively promote CARA’s services to external agencies, ensuring they are aware of our referral procedures.
• To contribute to development of promotional information, to ensure information about the referral process is clear and accessible.
• To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.
• To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.
• To report to the Service Engagement Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports.
• To be administratively self-servicing.
• To undertake any other related activities as required by the Head of Operations, 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 Essex

CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. 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.

Lead the operations, governance and compliance that enable Solving Kids' Cancer UK to deliver its mission and impact for children and families affected by neuroblastoma. Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will play a critical role in ensuring the charity operates effectively, compliantly and sustainably.

This broad and varied leadership role spans governance, risk, HR, IT, data protection and organisational operations, supporting delivery of the charity's strategy through robust systems, policies and processes. Acting as Company Secretary, you will work closely with the CEO and Board of Trustees, providing advice on governance, regulatory requirements and best practice. As a member of the Leadership Team, you will oversee key operational functions, lead cross-organisational projects and deputise for the CEO where required.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for a strategic, highly organised and values-driven leader with strong experience in charity operations, governance and compliance. You will have a track record of ensuring organisations are well run, compliant and effectively managed, with the ability to oversee multiple operational areas and support strong governance and decision-making at Board level.

You will be comfortable working across a broad remit, including governance, risk, HR, IT and data protection, and confident providing clear, practical advice to senior leaders and trustees.

Person specification

Key requirements include:

• Significant senior-level experience in operations, governance or compliance within a charity or similar environment. 
• Strong understanding of charity governance and regulation, with experience supporting boards and senior leadership. 
• Experience overseeing organisational functions such as HR, IT, data protection or risk. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and lead cross-organisational work effectively. 
• Strong judgement, integrity and the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion. 

See our Recruitment Pack for the full role description and specification and for information about Solving Kids' Cancer UK. 

This is an opportunity to make a significant contribution at the heart of a small, ambitious charity where strong operations are a vital enabler of impact for children and families.

Location: Home-based, within easy reach of London, with regular travel to the London office and occasional UK-wide travel.

First-stage interview: Thursday 6 August 

Second-stage interview: Thursday 13 August