Education and family support worker jobs

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to. 

Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

About the role

This is an exciting and pivotal leadership role at the heart of Kinship’s digital transformation. You’ll lead a talented and ambitious team to deliver innovative digital products, accessible content, and outstanding user experiences that support kinship carers and strengthen our organisational impact.

Kinship is growing rapidly. We are expanding our reach and digital capabilities, and our digital platforms are central to this change. In 2024, we launched a new website that brings together all our content and services under one roof, and introduced a new Kinship Compass postcode search feature. This is a national tool that helps kinship carers find and navigate local and national support, like their kinship local offer, local peer support groups and training. 

Alongside this, we have been developing a new AI-powered tool to help kinship carers get the information they need quickly and accurately, 24/7. This role will lead the evolution of these digital products, ensuring they are safe, ethical, data-driven and continuously improved to meet the needs of kinship carers.

You’ll play a key role in the Department for Education funded national Training and Support Service, helping kinship carers easily access and book high-quality training. You’ll also oversee the content design in collaboration with internal and external subject experts and kinship carers themselves.

This is a role for a digital leader who is both strategic and hands-on. You should be able to balance innovation with delivery, and big-picture thinking with strong governance. You’ll champion inclusive, accessible and co-produced design, helping Kinship use digital to deliver more impact, insight and empowerment for kinship families.

Key responsibilities include:

• Provide digital leadership across the organisation, increasing capability, confidence and collaboration. 

• Continue to develop and deliver Kinship’s digital strategy and product roadmap, covering the website, Kinship Compass, Kinship Minds, AI tool and other digital tools (excluding marketing and social media). 

• Ensure our content design approach is consistently applied — using evidence, data and co-production to create content that is: 

  • informed by user need 

  • written in plain English and inclusive language 

  • trauma-informed and strengths-based 

  • tested, iterated and continuously improved 

• Collaborate across teams to ensure digital products support fundraising, campaigning, research and service delivery where appropriate. 

• Build relationships with sector peers, tech partners and funders to share best practice and explore innovation. 

• Embed co-production with kinship carers in all digital design and development, including Kinship Minds content and UX design. 

• Ensure induction, documentation and systems support efficient and sustainable working. 

Essential knowledge, abilities, skills and experience includes:

• Significant senior digital leadership experience covering strategy, delivery, KPIs, budgeting and reporting. 
• Successful track record leading mid–large scale website and digital development projects. 
• Credible technical expertise for a senior role, including SEO, analytics and optimisation. 
• Excellent project management experience and commitment to taking accountability for tools like Asana and Notion. 
• Positive, solutions-focused mindset with a commitment to innovation and improvement. 
• Substantial experience leading dispersed teams, including wellbeing, performance and professional development 
• Experience designing and delivering digital services for families in crisis or underserved communities. 
• A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role. 

What we’ll offer you 

Kinship offers 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time). We have an excellent wellbeing offer including the Employee Assistance Programme and clinical supervision. We will invest in your professional development with training and career development opportunities.

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

How to apply

Respond on CharityJobs to these 5 questions:

1. Digital leadership and strategy: Describe a time when you developed and implemented a digital strategy that transformed user experience or service delivery. 

2. Product development and continuous improvement: Tell us about a digital product or platform you’ve led from concept to launch. 

3. Inclusive and co-produced design: How have you embedded inclusion, accessibility, and co-production into digital design or content development? 

4. Leading teams through growth and change: Describe how you’ve built and led a high-performing digital team through a period of change or rapid growth. 

5. Using data and insight to drive improvement: Give an example of how you’ve used digital analytics, SEO, or user data to inform decision-making and improve a service or platform. 

Kinship reserves the right to close a recruitment campaign earlier than the advertised where we have received sufficient applications so please apply early! 

Please use examples to demonstrate your experience. 

Are you passionate about ensuring the voice of children and young people are heard? Are you committed to advocating that children and young people’s rights are upheld? Do you believe that all children should receive consistently high-quality care in environments that strive to improve outcomes for each child?  Do you have experience in social work, education, inspection, advocacy or residential childcare management? Then we have an exciting opportunity for a professional like you.

The Vacancy

The Independent Monitoring Service is seeking to recruit professionals with experience of working with children and vulnerable adults to the role of Independent Visitor.

We are looking for individuals all across the Midlands, including but not limitted to: Leicestershire, Northampton, Bedfordshire, Milton Keynes 

The role of Independent Visitors is to provide visiting services on behalf of NYAS which are consistent with the National Quality Standards for Children’s Homes, Residential Special School Standards, Welsh National Minimum Standards, Health and Social Care Standards Scotland and CQC regulations. The main duties are:

• To undertake monthly visits to identified homes in accordance with the requirements of the relevant NYAS manager.

These visits will be:

Regulation 44 visits to residential children’s homes, short breaks and secure units.

Regulation 25 visits to residential family centres.

Care Quality Commission visits to residential adult homes.

Care Inspectorate Wales regulation 8 visits to residential children’s homes.

RSS20 visits to residential special schools.

Health and social care standards Scotland residential children’s homes.

Monitoring visits to unregulated provision.

• To undertake all tasks as identified by the relevant NYAS manager, during the visits and thereafter, in order to fulfil all aspects of the role.
• To provide factual reports within set timescales as required by the relevant NYAS manager.

Candidates should have demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks and also knowledge of current legislation and statutory guidance relating to children, young people and adults at risk particularly those in residential care.

Candidates must have experience of working within a social or health care organisation, safeguarding and experience of managing complex relationships across a diverse field, e.g. OFSTED inspectors, social workers, residential care workers and registered managers, health care professionals.

Candidates should also possess a professional qualification in a related field, i.e. social work, residential care, health care professional, advocacy or youth work.

This is a self-employed position and you will be paid a sessional rate.

You will also be required to complete annual safeguarding and compliance including, Personal Safety, Data Protection, Information Security, Safeguarding and Equality and Diversity. You will be able to subscribe to an e-learning platform provided by NYAS. The platform will provide you with the opportunity to undertake a number of other professional courses that you can complete in your own time to maintain your own CPD. You can do this on the e-learning platform at a significantly reduced cost compared to undertaking each course individually with different providers.

Note for candidates - when completing the application form, it is important that you refer to the person specification within the contract delivery specification and detail how you can evidence the criteria.

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early once we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

As an established leading rights-based charity, NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is well positioned to ensure that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are fully respected, represented, and supported in expressing their views and having their rights upheld.

We work with care-experienced children, young people, and adults who are often reliant on statutory services suffering the negative impact of the cuts in public expenditure. Our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure that they receive the services they need and that their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment which means NYAS welcomes applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

NYAS is proud to share that we are a Disability Confident Employer and we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for our vacancies.

Work with us to help change young lives.

Family Support Worker: Targeted Support and Community Programmes

Oasis Hub Lord’s Hill, Southampton

PART TIME, 20 HOURS PER WEEK

FIXED TERM CONTRACT UNTIL 31st December 2026 (with a view to extend – subject to funding)

SALARY: £15,250 per annum (£30,501 for 1 FTE)

We have a unique opportunity to join Oasis Hub Lord’s Hill as part of our work with students and families. This role will create a real impact in the Lord’s Hill Community by working alongside our Academy colleagues to support families of Oasis students and the wider community. Helping more families to engage with support and provision, including the therapeutic space of our city farm.

We’re looking for an individual who has a passion for supporting families and compassion for all, to take on this exciting role. You’ll need to be an effective communicator and ready to work with some of our hardest to reach families with drive and initiative. Best of all, you’ll be supported by a thriving team of people who are dedicated to supporting families and young people in our community, city farm and academy.

The successful post holder must have:

· Experience of family support

· Experience of managing and working with volunteers

· Good project management skills, able to balance a range of priorities.

· Good standard of basic education, including English and Maths Level 2

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing national organisation, making a real difference to communities on a local level. As part of the package, Oasis offers:

· A pension scheme, currently offering 7% employer contribution

· A generous holiday allowance

· Working as part of a friendly, community-minded team of professionals

If you are interested in being part of this service, then please:

Apply with a CV via Charity Jobs or by visiting our website. Your Supporting Statement should be no more than two A4 pages and must address the following:

Please expand on your CV to tell us about the relevant experience you have in family support Completed applications should be returned by 12 noon Thursday 4th December 2025

If you have any questions about the role, please use our contact details on the job advert on our website.

Interviews will take place at the Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill, on Thursday 11th December 2025.

The successful candidate will need to be provide proof of the right to work in the UK. Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas. We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. 

If you require assistance or adjustments to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. 

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

We’re looking for a youth worker to plan, deliver and facilitate educational and cultural activities to separated children (up to 21 years old) in the context of an interactive youth club held weekly in partnership with CARAS (Community Action for Refugees & Asylum Seekers) in South West London. Although you will prepare and deliver the materials, you will be supported by the Programme Coordinator from CARAS, along with CARAS volunteers.

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to the lives of separated children who are newly arrived in the UK.

Role: Youth Worker – Club Class in South West London
Salary: £20 per hour
Hours: Six hours a week (three hours on a Wednesday and three hours a week for planning/prep/meetings) throughout the year
Contract: Freelance
Location: Club Class sessions are held in South West London
Reports to: Programme Manager

Youth Project Worker

Transform the lives of  young people with learning disabilities and autism who are avoiding school . Use creativity, advocacy and relationship-building to help them articulate their needs, re-enter education and rebuild social connections.

You'll work with 35 young people with learning disabilities and autism in Coventry each year , helping them to:

• Articulate their needs and wishes through creative one-to-one advocacy and support
• Re-enter education in a way that works for them as complex individuals
• Re-build social skills and connections to protect their wellbeing and enrich their lives

These young people may be learning-disabled or autistic, in special or mainstream education, or not in education, employment or training (NEET). They include school avoiders, those on reduced timetables, and young people with unmet mental health needs. Without support, their outcomes are often bleak - but you can change that.

What You'll Do

You'll meet young people where they feel most comfortable - at times that suit them, using WhatsApp, Zoom, or face-to-face. Together, you'll:

• Create multimedia person-centred 'back to learning and community' plans using video, voice recording, photographs, artwork or graphics
• Build their confidence through weekly one-to-one sessions, with gradual group engagement on their terms
• Advocate for their views and support them to develop self-advocacy skills
• Connect them with meaningful opportunities across the city
• Work collaboratively with parents, schools, and other professionals
• Complete risk assessments, travel plans and project monitoring

A fun and creative touch is essential - you'll co-design all activities with young people, focusing on what matters to them.

About You

We're looking for someone who:

• Has experience in youth work, particularly one-to-one or small group personal and social development
• Has worked with teenagers experiencing mental health difficulties, special educational needs and disabilities
• Is creative and confident with multiple media platforms and social media
• Can help young people think broadly and creatively about their choices
• Works collaboratively with families, colleagues, and external professionals
• Has a deep listening ability - picking up on young people's signals, cues and feelings
• Is nurturing, non-judgmental and sees past first impressions
• Has tenacity and resilience with the ability to walk in young people's shoes
• Believes disabled young people should lead fulfilling lives as equal citizens

You'll need to be brilliant with young people, adaptable, and bring a flair for doing things differently. You'll have responsibility and autonomy, with the support of a strong team behind you.

Desirable: Qualifications in youth work, psychology or child and youth care; knowledge of person-centred and trauma-informed approaches.

About Grapevine

Grapevine is an award-winning charity bringing people who are marginalised into the centre of their communities. We're nationally acclaimed for our person-centred, strengths-based approach built on 30 years of curiosity and innovation.

Why work for us?

• Flexible working arrangements
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 8% non-contributory pension (we pay the full amount!)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Supportive culture focused on uncovering your potential
• Real impact - your work directly changes lives
• Continuous learning through reflective practice and peer learning
• Freedom with support - shape your projects but never feel alone

We're committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming people from all backgrounds. We actively work to create a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to be themselves.

The Impact

Since 2021, Next Steps has been achieving outstanding outcomes:

• 74% of young people felt more confident about school and the future
• 100% were able to do things that matter to them in a way they like
• 62% showed improved scores across every baseline area
• 34% increased school attendance within 4 months

Now it's your turn to be part of this success story.

The purpose of this post, as part of Mind in Gwent’s new National Mind funded Trauma-informed support project, is to provide trauma-informed mental health support to young women, girls and non-binary young people aged 11-24 and their families in Newport.

This role has the following aims:

· To respond to the increasing mental health difficulties that young women, girls and non-binary young people with experience of trauma face;

· To improve the overall mental health and wellbeing of young women, girls and non-binary young people;

· To increase knowledge of mental health and wellbeing and improve mental and emotional literacy and resilience, for young women, girls and non-binary young people and their families and wider communities;

· To increase the number of young women, girls and non-binary young people managing their mental health without being referred to specialist higher tier services;

· To increase choice, control and trust in the trauma-informed support that young women, girls and non-binary young people access;

· To improve public knowledge of where to find trauma-informed support in the community.

The project will offer trauma-informed, restorative and resilience-based focused interventions to address trauma and reduce the impact of poor mental health. The work will be targeted, albeit not exclusively, towards racialised communities and young people experiencing poverty.

Interviews to be held 16th December

Our members are looking for an enthusiastic indovidual to join our Network Hope Activities team as staff cover for 9 months.

You will work under the direction of the Project Manager and alongside, tutors to deliver activities, support networks, health and wellbeing and training support to beneficiaries and to recruit, train and support a network of volunteers to facilitate the support groups. 

The role will involve collaboration with other local businesses and third sector organisations to deliver the activities. This Project’s aim is to support vulnerable disabled people (including those with learning disabilities, autism and those affected by mental health issues and their families) through consistent provision of health and wellbeing activities, pathways into employment training, sport and social activities, advice, signposting and peer support based both at our Resource Centre in W10 and out in the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  
 
1. Supporting Tutors, volunteers, senior staff and beneficiaries 
 
Utilising EPM’s resources to lead in locally sourcing beneficiaries and volunteers from the local community. Liaise with the NHS and Social Services, partner providers and schools, colleges, community centres, voluntary organisations and referral agencies. 

· Facilitate and support local support groups, 

· Plan, arrange and run a variety of activities and training programmes. 

· Recruit and support a network of volunteers to co-facilitate support groups and activities 

· Under the direction of The Project Manager conduct home visits to assess the needs of the families and inform them of support available through Network Hope. 

· Arrange the selection and delivery of healthy food and drinks and running the catering and gardening training groups. 

· Work with sports and fitness tutors to ensure all equipment used in sports/fitness sessions are secure and meet health and safety standards. 

· Coordinate and oversee respite and peer group support to the families. 

· Develop, monitor, update and review individual action plans for all beneficiaries. 

· Conduct evaluation reports (including case studies) and work with senior management to collate the information. 

· Assist senior management in leading  advisory group meetings and lead/facilitate local support group meetings. 

          Other duties as required

Make a real difference in people's lives - and let us make a real difference to your life and career.City of Chelmsford Mencap is an independent charity that supports people affected by learning disability across mid-Essex.  It provides lifelong learning, social opportunities, work experience, advocacy and information.

Summary of the Role

The Support Lead plays a key hands-on role in delivering high-quality, person-centred support within the Outreach Academy, CCM’s lifelong learning service. They help coordinate daily activities, promote independence and wellbeing, and ensure service users experience meaningful learning in a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment.

The Support Lead works closely with the Senior Support Leads to implement care plans, support learning sessions, uphold safeguarding responsibilities, and model best practice based on key social care values. They guide and assist specialist support workers, tutors, volunteers, and work placement students during sessions, helping to create a positive and enriched learning experience for all participants.

Key Social Care Values and Approaches Required

The Support Lead must demonstrate understanding and use of:

• Person-centred thinking, planning and co-production
• Strengths-based and outcomes-focused practice
• Active Support approaches
• Positive Behaviour Support (PBS)
• Making Safeguarding Personal
• Supported decision-making and the relevant legislation
• Trauma-informed approaches
• Accessible communication methods (e.g., visual supports, Makaton, easy-read)
• Dignity in Care and principles of respect, choice, independence and inclusion

Key Responsibilities

• Supporting Daily Operations
• Direct Support and Person-Centred Practice
• Guiding and Supporting Staff, Students & Volunteers
• Communication and Partnership Working
• ​Safeguarding, Safety and Risk Management
• Record-Keeping and Administration
• ​Quality, Reflection and Development​

Initial interviews will be held in the week commencing 12th January

Join us!

 Contact is a national charity for families with disabled children. We provide information, advice and support, and bring families together so they can support each other. We campaign to improve their circumstances, and for their right to be included and equal in society.

Your role:

To support the development of the new Co-Production project in Ealing in partnership with Ealing Mencap and the EPCF

 To provide organisational and administrative support to the project and SG meetings

· To communicate with parents and parent volunteers supporting the project

·To facilitate and manage the new Co-Production Steering Group with partners and professionals from the LA

·To communicate on a regular basis with partners and LA services

·To act as first point of contact for queries about the project from parents and partners

Youth Worker: Targeted Support and Community Programmes

OASIS HUB LORD’S HILL

FULL TIME, 40 HOURS PER WEEK

FIXED TERM CONTRACT UNTIL 31st DECEMBER 2026 (with a view to extend – subject to funding)

SALARY: £30,501 per annum

 We have a unique opportunity to join Oasis Hub Lord’s Hill as part of our work with students and families. This role will create a real impact in the Lord’s Hill Community by working alongside our Academy colleagues to support Oasis students and the wider community. Helping more young people to engage with support and provision, including the therapeutic space of our city farm. 

We’re looking for an individual who has a passion for supporting young people and compassion for all to take on this exciting role. You’ll need to be an effective communicator and ready to work with some of our hardest to reach families with drive and initiative. Best of all, you’ll be supported by a thriving team of people who are dedicated to supporting families and young people in our community, city farm and academy.

The successful post holder must have:

· Experience of youth work either as a volunteer or professionally

· Experience of managing and working with volunteers

· Good project management skills, able to balance a range of priorities.

· Good standard of basic education, including English and Maths Level 2

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing national organisation, making a real difference to communities on a local level. As part of the package, Oasis offers:

· A pension scheme, currently offering 7% employer contribution

· A generous holiday allowance

· Working as part of a friendly, community-minded team of professionals

If you are interested in being part of this service, then please:

Apply with your CV via Charity Jobs or visit our website. Your Supporting Statement should be no more than two A4 pages and must address the following:

Please expand on your CV to tell us about the relevant experience you have in youth work

Completed applications should be returned by 12 noon Thursday 4th December 2025

If you have any questions about the role, please use the contact details on the advert on our website. 

Interviews will take place at the Oasis Academy Lord’s Hill, on Thursday 11th December 2025.

The successful candidate will need to be provide proof of the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas. We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. 

If you require assistance or adjustments to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. 

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

Do you want to make a real difference in children and young people's lives? If so, then we would like you to join our dedicated team of social workers and help empower children to thrive. We believe in quality over quantity, ensuring manageable caseloads so you can truly focus on the people you support. Regular supervision, peer support, and emotional wellbeing resources are all part of how we care for our team. We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our small friendly team, who are well linked in with the wider Barnardo's organisation across the UK.

Fostering Service, covering Wales. We offer flexible working options, and a strong support network, and ongoing professional development to ensure you feel valued and supported in your career. 

The suitably applicant will be enthusiastic, creative and passionate about supporting children and young people who are cared for by their foster families. You will be able to work therapeutically with people who have experienced trauma and loss in their lives. You will work in a way that acknowledges and validates their experiences and work with hope that their future may be different. You will also have opportunities to design and deliver training to a team of committed foster parents and peers. You will have strong assessment skills in order to complete Form F's and annual reviews.

Ready to take the next step in your social work career? If the answer yes, then we very much look forward to you joining the team.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

​About the role   

We are looking for an experienced, enthusiastic, and energetic supervisor or team leader to take up a full-time role within our organisation as a Project Supervisor to be part of our small and dedicated team. The role will be based in Southwark as well as potential for wider London working as you will be part several innovative housing projects in London supporting vulnerable households to sustain their tenancies. As well as a team line manager, you will be maintaining and developing partnership with the Council’s housing officers, solicitors, landlords, community services, social prescribers, and mental health support workers to ensure tailored support can be offered for each client. The objectives of these programmes are to avoid evictions, sustain tenancies, increase employment opportunities, improve wellbeing, and increase educational outcomes. You will be working in partnership with other stakeholders such as schools and local authorities to improve family health, build relationships and engage families and individuals and their networks of support.    

About you   

We are seeking an experienced and motivated professional to join our team. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in staff management and project leadership, knowledge of housing polices, and with proven experience working with individuals who have complex needs. 

You will be responsible for managing and developing partnerships, supporting data collection for reports and monitoring, and contributing to quality assurance processes. In addition, you will hold a small caseload, providing direct, holistic support to individuals as part of your role. 

We’re looking for someone who is enthusiastic, self-motivated, and highly organised. You should be confident working independently, with a genuine passion for driving positive change. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, along with the ability to provide holistic support and think creatively to find solutions. 

You will have:

• Experience leading and supervising other support workers, or volunteers, including delegation, training, and mentoring. 

• Ability to monitoring staff performance, and ensuring continuous professional development 

• Demonstratable experience of building and maintaining partnerships with stakeholders, statutory and  community organisations 

• Understanding of housing law, direct experience of working in partnership housing associations, local authorities, homeless organisations and public sector stakeholders  

• Good understanding of policy and procedures related to homelessness, benefits and housing market  

• Experience of organising project delivery and development 

• Experience of writing reports to showcase records and impact 

• Ability to work sensitively and empathetically with people in vulnerable circumstances

About Kineara   

Kineara is a unique community interest company that supports people in poverty across London who facing barriers to housing, employment and education. We break down barriers, provide holistic support for families, vulnerable adults, and school pupils, and deliver intensive one-to-one interventions to those in need of extra help through challenging times. We use holistic, trauma-informed methods, partnership working and a flexible, non-judgemental approach that puts the needs of those we work with first.

Practice Specialist (experienced social worker)

§  Salary: £46,920 or £49,980 (London based) 

§  Contract: 6 to 9-month fixed term contract

§  Working pattern: Full time, 37.5 hours a week

§  Location:  Hybrid/homeworking

§  Due to travel across London and South East, you will be based in London or Southeast. You’ll be expected to attend our London office, in Chancery Lane/Farringdon or London venue at least 2 days a month, with flexibility.

§  Closing date: 5 pm, Monday 1st December 2025

§  Interview dates: 10th and 12th December 2025

We are looking for a dynamic and highly motivated professional to join our Practice Specialist team, working within our Programme team.

Practice Specialists play a crucial role in preparing Think Ahead participants to become outstanding social workers. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced social worker to maintain links with frontline practice and practice education, with development opportunities for teaching delivery, and coaching and mentoring others. Each Practice Specialist will have responsibility for a number of Think Ahead units (groups of 4-6 participants based in the same organisation), ensuring that participants receive an outstanding practice learning experience, and that there is effective delivery of our innovative curriculum in the practice environment provided by the NHS Trusts and Local Authorities that we partner with. 

 As Practice Specialist you will:

· Manage the implementation of the programme across host organisations ensuring quality placements and that the academic and practice components are brought together effectively. This will include visiting units of participants on placement, and virtually unit meetings. 

· Support development of CSW’s through regular coaching, supervision and training.

· Establish strong relationships with all relevant key contacts across our partner NHS trust and local authorities, holding regular meetings to quality assure the programme and develop our partnerships. 

· Provide specialist professional social work expertise to the Think Ahead team bringing experience and knowledge of frontline practice.

Who we’re looking for

The ideal candidate will be an experienced social worker and practice educator, that has experience of working within mental health and has a proven record of accomplishment of developing and supporting social workers. We are also looking for someone with experience and confidence in delivering training and is willing and motivated to get involved in this evolving area of the charity. 

What we can offer you

We offer excellent employee benefits, including generous annual leave entitlement (28 days) plus additional office closure over Christmas, enhanced family-friendly leave, flexible working around our core hours of 10am to 4pm, a matched pension scheme with up to 7% employer contributions, an employee assistance programme and more. 

How to apply 

Download the candidate pack from our website.

Please provide a CV and a supporting statement (max 2 pages) outlining your fit for the role based on the person specification in the candidate pack and email these to us, together with the completed Equality and Diversity questionnaire.

We will use both the CV and the supporting statement to enable us to shortlist for interview. Unfortunately, we will not be able to consider any applications that do not address how the candidate meets the person specification in the supporting statement.

Senior Residential Care Worker

Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Salary: £33,273.24 to £43,797.00 (includes payment for 2 sleep-ins per week, dependent on experience and based on either our 39-hour or 45-hour contract options)

About Us

For over 110 years, The Caldecott Foundation has been helping children build a future. We provide homes, schools and therapeutic services for children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity and disrupted relationships.

We focus on creating safe, nurturing and playful environments where young people can develop life skills, grow in confidence, enjoy new opportunities and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

About the Role

As a Senior Residential Care Worker, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day running of the home. You’ll lead by example, guide the team, and help ensure high standards of care, safety and support for children and young people.

You will work closely with the Registered Manager and Deputy Registered Manager, contributing to assessments, care planning and the delivery of consistent, high-quality support across the home.

This role includes working a rota and participating in sleep-in duties.

What Kind of Person We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is confident, compassionate and committed to helping young people feel safe, understood and supported.

You’ll be able to:

• Lead and support colleagues as part of a collaborative team
• Build trusting, positive relationships with young people
• Stay calm, reflective and grounded in challenging situations
• Guide others in trauma-informed practice and child-centred care
• Communicate clearly and contribute to reports, records and assessments
• Meet the practical demands of the role, including working a rota and participating in sleep-ins
• Drive Foundation vehicles to transport young people to activities and appointments

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Residential Care Worker, you will:

• Support the Registered Manager and Deputies with the day-to-day running of the home
• Lead and guide the staff team to maintain high standards of care and safeguarding
• Contribute to assessments, care planning and reviewing young people’s needs
• Provide consistent support to young people during times of stress or crisis
• Maintain a safe, nurturing and positive home environment
• Ensure young people are informed, involved and supported in planning their lives
• Communicate effectively with families, colleagues and external professionals

Essential Experience & Qualifications

You will need to have:

• A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
• Proven experience working in a children’s residential setting
• Experience leading or supporting groups of children or young people
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• An understanding of trauma and the impact it can have on behaviour
• A commitment to inclusive, child-centred practice
• A full driving licence

What We Can Give You

• 28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays), rising to 30 days after 3 years
• Career development, including funded qualifications up to master’s level
• Health cashback scheme (covering you and up to four children)
• Pension scheme with up to 5% employer contributions
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to retail, food and entertainment discounts
• Cycle-to-work scheme and will writing service

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves. The children and young people we support come from many different backgrounds, and we believe our workforce should reflect and celebrate that diversity. We welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds and lived experiences who share our commitment to helping children build brighter futures.

Sound Like a Match?

If you’re ready to lead by example, support young people through both challenge and achievement, and help create a safe and nurturing home environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Please click apply to be redirected to our website.

Please note: The Caldecott Foundation is committed to safeguarding children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check in line with safer recruitment guidelines.