Education and specialist support workers jobs

The Alex Project is Spectra's specialist sex worker support service. We provide outreach, advocacy, online engagement, community development and research activity with sex workers across London.

As our team continues to grow, we are looking for a compassionate, strategic and community-minded leader to join Spectra's Senior Management Team as our new Head of Sex Worker Support Services.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape and develop a well-established service that combines frontline support, community engagement, partnership working and research. You'll work alongside a committed team of staff, volunteers, partners and community members to ensure that sex workers across London can access high-quality, accessible and non-judgemental support.

About the role

The Head of Sex Worker Support Services provides strategic leadership for the Alex Project and is responsible for the overall direction and development of the department.

The role includes:

• Leading and supporting a multidisciplinary team delivering outreach, advocacy, online engagement, research and community development activities.
• Developing partnerships with statutory, voluntary and community organisations across London.
• Supporting staff with complex casework, safeguarding and service development.
• Working with colleagues to secure funding and support sustainable growth.
• Overseeing service monitoring, reporting, quality assurance and learning.
• Supporting meaningful community participation and ethically governed research activity.
• Contributing to Spectra's wider organisational leadership as a member of the Senior Management Team.

About you

We're looking for someone who combines strong leadership skills with a commitment to the rights, wellbeing and self-determination of sex workers.

You will have:

• Experience of leading staff, volunteers or services within the voluntary, health or community sector.
• Experience of advice, advocacy, health or education programmes.
• Excellent partnership-building and communication skills.
• A strong understanding of the diversity of sex worker communities and the barriers many people face when accessing support.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, confidentiality and good record keeping.
• A commitment to anti-oppressive, community-led ways of working.

We particularly encourage applications from people with current or previous lived experience of sex work or transactional sex, and from people with experience of peer-led community support.

About Spectra

Spectra is a health and wellbeing organisation with a strong LGBTQ+ heritage. We work with people from marginalised communities across London, including LGBTQ+ communities, sex workers, young people, and people living with or affected by HIV.

Our values are grounded in lived experience and community participation. We aim to be inclusive, accessible, anti-oppressive, supportive, emotionally aware and community-driven in everything we do.

Make a meaningful difference with Catalyst and the Women’s Support Centre, helping women across Surrey build safety, recovery and independence through trauma-responsive advocacy.

We’re looking for a compassionate and skilled Recovery Worker to provide high-quality support to women affected by substance use, trauma, multiple disadvantage, and contact with the criminal justice system. Working across Surrey, you will offer one-to-one and group support, manage a caseload, complete risk assessments and safeguarding referrals, and work closely with partner agencies to ensure women receive joined-up, person-centred support.

This is a rewarding opportunity to use your experience in substance use, trauma-informed practice and women-specific provision to support positive change. You’ll be part of a values-led charity with a welcoming, non-judgemental ethos, committed to kindness, integrity and commitment in everything we do.

Location Based at our Women’s Support Centre in Woking and working across Surrey as required

Salary £31,130

Work Pattern 35 hours across Monday – Friday

Contract Permanent

About Catalyst Support

Though Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health and wellbeing – together every step of the way.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, trauma-responsive advocacy and support to women in contact with, or at risk of being in contact with the criminal justice system with a specific focus on Substance Use and Trauma. 
• Design, coordinate and deliver one to one and group interventions to assist women to achieve their goals.  
• Complete safeguarding referrals where appropriate and support women’s safety through involving them in the safeguarding process. 
• Take a collaborative multi-agency approach to supporting women, including representing and supporting women at multi-agency meetings. 
• Involve women in the design and delivery of interventions, ensuring that they are at the heart of the work at all times. 
• Undertake all aspects of case management and recording including developing and documenting individual support plans with women.   
• Work in line with Data Protection legislation, maintaining confidential service-user records of interventions and contact details.
• Complete client work in line with the Women’s Support Centre’s core values.
• Ensure women are supported to achieve independence though structured intervention planning and strengths-based support and appropriate onward referrals.
• Support in the collation and production of reports as requested, including ensuring that appropriate recording, monitoring and evaluation of work is completed to set deadlines. 
• Develop and utilise a variety of strategies to communicate effectively with women using our services, colleagues, external organisations, stakeholders and the general public.
• Be responsible for establishing and maintaining professional relationships internally and with other relevant statutory and voluntary sector agencies.
• Develop educational materials to support women and external partners to better understand Substance Use. 
• Attend and prepare for regular line management meetings, including performance development reviews. 
• Attend regular clinical supervision. 
• Take responsibility for self-care and managing vicarious trauma, promoting the importance of self-care both internally and externally. 
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge and awareness of developments in relevant public policy and legislation by attending relevant training courses, meetings and conferences.   
• Maintain and improve competencies through continuous professional development. 
• Abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practices. 
• Support and promote inclusion, diversity and equality of opportunity in the workplace. 
• Treat with confidentiality any personal, private or sensitive information about individual organisations, clients, staff and project data. 

About you

We are looking for someone who:

• Has significant experience supporting women affected by substance use, trauma and multiple disadvantage.
• Understands the impact of trauma, offending, homelessness, mental health needs and contact with the criminal justice system.
• Can work in a trauma-informed, strengths-based and non-judgemental way.
• Is confident engaging, motivating and advocating for women with complex and intersecting needs.
• Has up-to-date safeguarding knowledge and can respond calmly and appropriately to risk.
• Can manage a caseload, prioritise workload and keep accurate, factual case records.
• Communicates clearly with clients, colleagues, partner agencies and stakeholders.
• Works well independently and as part of a flexible, supportive team.
• Is passionate about women-specific provision, social justice, equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Is resilient, reflective and committed to ongoing learning, self-care and professional development.
• Is able to travel across Surrey for outreach appointments and partnership meetings.

Benefits 

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental and counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working wherever possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation and access to our employee assistance programme

Safeguarding & Checks

Please note past drug and/or alcohol or criminality history will not necessarily discount you from undertaking this role. We encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate

All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment. Please let us know if you require any adjustments to support your application.

Please note, this post is open to female applicants only – Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1 applies.

This role delivers one to one case work including ongoing support to resolve both immediate and crisis situations, in the main relating to welfare benefits, referring to appropriate support agencies and other ICCM services promoting a multiagency approach. The aim of the service is to empower people through access to appropriate support services and improve quality of life, health and wellbeing.

This is a fixed term role to cover for Maternity Leave (9 Months)

· Delivering client focused, culturally appropriate support services for the benefit of members of the Irish community in Manchester on an appointment office basis, drop in service, and on outreach for those with mobility issues facilitating access to mainstream health, housing, education and employment services.

• To provide support to members of the Irish community who are vulnerable through age, poor physical or mental health, homelessness, risk of homelessness, drug/alcohol use, offending, hate crime, social and cultural isolation etc.
• To complete an initial assessment of Service Users’ needs, presenting issues and risks, making onward referrals to statutory and other voluntary support agencies as appropriate for people to access specialist support
• An understanding of how to deal with people who have experienced trauma.
• Inputting all client based work onto the CMS; maintaining accurate and up to date case files and reporting.
• To facilitate the successful running of ICCM’s health and well being activities as required.
• To promote the wider work of ICCM, facilitating pathways to support where needed.
• To be aware of and maintain best practice in safeguarding.
• To commit to continuous professional development and keep up to date with best practise in the sector.
• To attend relevant training, conferences and seminars locally, regionally and nationally as directed by line manager.
• To participate and engage in supervision and appraisal provided by the manager
• To work as an accountable member of the staff team, working within the charity’s policies and procedures
• It is the nature of the work at ICCM that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All staff are therefore expected to work in a flexible way, when the occasion arises, when tasks not specifically covered in their job have to be undertaken.
• To ensure you fully embrace ICCM’s values in all your work.

We're looking for a Senior Project Worker to share responsibility for the effective daily operation of Catching Lives’ services, in the day centre and in the community. They coordinate with the Manager, colleagues, volunteers and external partners to deliver a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment in which people get the help that they need to make positive changes and move on in their lives. The post-holder provides one-to-one support to clients and works alongside the Manager to offer support and oversight to the wider client-facing team. They are the Designated Safeguarding Lead, assessing and escalating concerns in line with our policy and safeguarding best practice, and participating in multi-agency safeguarding work.

Key responsibilities

Tenancy Sustainment

• In conjunction with the Manager and Senior Project Worker, assess and prioritise the need for tenancy support on a case-by-case basis.
• Meet people in the day centre before they move into a tenancy.
• Visit clients in their homes and in community locations to provide practical and motivational support to sustain tenancies and prevent repeat homelessness.
• Share practical skills and guidance to support tenants e.g. paying bills, reporting disrepair, choosing furniture etc.
• Help people get to know their neighbourhood e.g. visiting a local café, GP etc.
• Problem-solve with individuals to overcome challenges or concerns.
• Liaise with other agencies e.g. councils, landlords, social services, housing associations, maintenance contractors to help people sustain their tenancies.
• Apply for individual grants or provide direct support through Catching Lives’ tenancy sustainment budget for specific items e.g. household starter packs.
• Keep accurate records of tenancy sustainment actions and outcomes.
• Make appropriate use of technology provided by Catching Lives e.g. alert systems for checking in and out when lone working.

Community progression

• In conjunction with colleagues, identify people who want to access community activities, education, training, employment or volunteering.
• Make plans on a case-by-case basis, led by the client.
• Develop external relationships and establish referral pathways/signposting to local partners e.g. employment, education, training, volunteering.
• Identify community groups/activities and share relevant information with clients.
• Accompany clients e.g. to open days, taster sessions, course registration.
• Keep accurate records of community progression actions and outcomes.

Who we're looking for

Essential

• Experience of providing one-to-one support or advice to individuals e.g. in relation to housing, benefits, healthcare.
• Good practical knowledge and skills around household/tenancy management.
• Proven ability to work independently and proactively, and to use initiative.
• Experience of managing a workload with varied time-sensitive tasks.
• Experience of coordinating work with colleagues and/or external stakeholders.
• Able to communicate clearly and to remain calm under pressure.
• Able to offer a friendly, non-judgemental service to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental ill-health, and other challenges.
• Able to maintain professional boundaries.
• Able to handle challenging behaviour with confidence.
• Able to write and speak concisely in plain English.
• Understanding of, and commitment to, diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Clean driving licence and access to a car for use at work.

Desirable

• Knowledge of current legislation and practice relevant to tenants.
• Experience in a related service e.g. advice, housing and homelessness, employment, community.
• Understanding how to work in a trauma-informed way.
• Experience of following Safeguarding processes with people at risk.
• Fluency in additional languages.
• Lived experience of homelessness and/or experience of using services such as mental health, substance use, criminal justice.

Working at Catching Lives

Catching Lives is a community charity, currently staffed by a team of 10. We’re in the process of expanding with current recruitment, so that we can introduce community-based support alongside strengthening our core day centre offer.

The successful candidate will complete a structured induction that includes shadowing colleagues and visiting local services. Staff typically attend weekly team meetings on Wednesday afternoons, as well as having regular 1-1s with their line manager, and there is confidential access to an employee assistance scheme. The day centre offers free tea and coffee throughout the working day. As well as core training for new starters, there are ongoing training and development opportunities.

The job is open to anyone with the experience and skills listed in the Essential section of the Person Specification below. The post is subject to DBS and reference checks, but please note that our policy does not automatically exclude people with past offences.

We particularly encourage applications from people whose identities are currently under-represented in our team including men, Black and Asian people, LGBTQ+ people and people with lived experience of homelessness.

Job Title:

Victim Support Casework Team Lead 

Salary:

Actual salary is £27,200 per year (FTE £34,000). 

Contract/Hours:

Permanent. 4 days per week / 0.8 FTE. The normal working week is 30 hours.

Annual Leave:

FTE annual leave entitlement is 23 days pro rata plus public and bank holidays. 

Location:

NUM delivers its services UK-wide through a combination of digital resources, remote services and in-person hubs. Staff work on a hybrid basis, with the balance of home and location-based working depending on business needs. This role is primarily remote, with occasional travel possible for meetings, events, and outreach. If you are based in one of our hubs, Glasgow, Manchester or London then this is desirable.

About NUM:

National Ugly Mugs (NUM) is a UK-wide charity which delivers a holistic safety, wellbeing and economic support model for sex workers, combining digital harm prevention, specialist casework, mental health support and pathways to economic stability. Activities are delivered UK-wide via a digital platform, remote services, and in-person hubs. We run a wellbeing drop-in service in Glasgow and other in-person services and events in Manchester and London. We have developed Vocational Support Services for those exploring careers both in and outside of sex industries and we run a Racial Justice project and Youth Justice project that makes visible the lived experiences of harm among racialised and young (18-25) sex workers towards systems change. 

NUM values those with lived experience in sex industries and work with them to shape services and responses, conduct research, develop education packages, and participate in policy advocacy to change the conditions that lead to survival sex work, gain rights and recognition, and improve the safety of UK-based sex workers. 

Background and Responsibilities:

The casework team is at the heart of NUM. We provide vital support from assistance through the criminal justice journey to essential emergency financial support. We are looking for a Casework Team Lead to lead our casework team. If you are driven, have a keen eye for detail, can effectively motivate others in a demanding and emotive area of work with the ability to support people in an empathetic and trauma informed way then this could be the role for you. 

This role will specifically focus on the day-to-day running of the casework team alongside carrying your own caseload. The work involves utilising and monitoring our digital platform and CMS maintaining and monitoring the documentation of cases and coordinating responses to ensure sex workers received the high standard of support they deserve, to prevent and recover from violence as well as seek justice and recourse. The Victim Support Casework Team Lead is responsible for maintaining high standards for all digital, individualised and in-person support provided by the casework team. All responsibilities can be grouped under five umbrella categories. The successful candidate will evidence suitability for the role based on the strength areas below:

1) Management: Manage the operations and administration associated with victim and vocational support casework. 

2) Leadership: Lead and motivate the team of national case workers towards service excellence. The best leaders can also be led. The successful candidate will value the lived and learned experiences on the casework team and ensure that everyone works to their strengths and strives for the best outcomes for sex workers. 

3) High Standards: Support good performance and quality outcomes for sex workers.

4) Creative and Innovative: Ability to strategise and problem-solve. Sex workers experience forms of violence before and after accessing support. At NUM, our principle of 'Sex Workers First' means that we work with them to achieve the outcomes that they desire. Sex workers are in control of their healing and recovery, and it will be the successful candidate's job to ensure that lives are improved as a result of contact with NUM. 

5) Well-being Focused: Provide care for the health, safety and welfare of the case work team and the sex workers we serve. 

Day-to-day tasks include but are not limited to the following.

• Managing your own caseload, providing individualised support to sex workers alongside your leadership role ensuring that sex workers are put at the forefront of all services offered. Maintaining our high standard of support.

• Continued monitoring and development of the NUM platform backend functions to find efficiencies and boost productivity. Develop and update Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) based on new policies and service priorities, new platforms/ procedures, and new innovations or services. 

• Problem-solving to ensure the smooth and efficient operations of the casework team eg, managing resource and rota’s including leave and absences, delegation of task where appropriate to the casework team.

• Audit overview and quarterly reporting to Operations Manager with responsibility for data management and the production of case studies. 

• External communications with practitioners to ensure best practice of utilising NUM service, promoting NUM membership where possible and attending external meetings as a NUM representative where required. 

• Host or contribute to the ongoing meetings of the National ISVA/SWISVA forum and continue to foster useful and productive spaces for SWISVAs (specialist sex work ISVA’s) throughout the UK to share experiences, insights towards delivering quality support services to sex workers with maintaining high service standards and prioritising self-care. 

• Deliver weekly operations meetings, keep them short and concise to discuss operational updates NUM wide/internal. Analyse statistics and case work trends and discuss any issues or take aways with the Operations Manager to inform Casework Team strategy.

• Communicate and collaborate with other work streams and projects at NUM. Contribute to organisational priorities and support initiatives that strengthen National Ugly Mugs’ overall impact. 

• Lead 1-2-1 check-ins and appraisals with staff, acknowledging individual and team success in appropriate ways, motivating the team and resolving conflict and managing team dynamics (with support where needed).

• Onboard and train new members of the casework team.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Skills and Experience

• Demonstrable casework skills, with experience in delivering advice, information, emotional and practical support and advocacy in partnership with health, wellbeing and criminal justice outcomes for individuals who may have experienced traumatic events.

• Experience managing a team, providing line management support, and managing rotas and team resources.

• An understanding of coordination responsibilities and the requirements of middle management in a fast-paced and ever-changing environment.

• Qualified ISVA or relevant casework support experience.

• Strong interpersonal skills and an ability to work with multiple partners on complex cases.

• Excellent administrative and organisation skills, able to manage both your own and other people’s workloads effectively.

• An understanding of Equal Opportunities, the diversity of sex workers and the impact of criminalisation, stigma, and marginalisation on sex workers and a team comprising those with lived experience.

• Effective communication skills and the ability to deliver training, guidance, advice and support to a diverse range of stakeholders to promote best practice in relation to supporting sex workers when they’re victims of crime.

• Experience of using online communication tools, CMS (Oasis), google workspace, MS suite, slack and other digital platforms to maximise efficiency and productivity of your own casework and that of the casework team. 

• Experience of dealing with internal and external complaints and having difficult conversations.

• Strong empathic and active listening skills.

• Willingness to undertake continued professional development. 

Desirable:

• Experience of the sex work community.

• Experience completing detailed reports on workstream productivity, both statistically and in written form.

• The ability to understand local, regional and national policy and evidence-based research in relation to community safety, health and social inclusion.

• Ability in languages other than English is beneficial but not required. 

If you are passionate about NUM’s mission to ‘end all forms of violence against sex workers’ we would love for you to hear from you!

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications close on 13th August 2026 at 11:30pm BST. We encourage applicants to apply before the deadline as interviews may be held on a rolling basis. You can apply via Charity Jobs or by emailing admin[at]nationaluglymugs[dot]org with your name and ‘Victim Support Casework Team Lead’ in the subject line. 

Please include a CV (max 3 pages) and a cover letter (max 2 pages) describing your suitability for the role. The cover letter should address the points in the ‘Personal Specification’ section of this posting. 

NUM is a diverse team committed to inclusion and equal opportunities in the workplace, and we actively encourage applicants of all different ages, genders, social and economic backgrounds, ethnicities, religions and sexual orientations, and from people with disabilities. If you have any access requirements related to applying, please contact admin[at]nationaluglymugs[dot]org.

We understand that everyone’s experience is different and encourage applications from those who may not meet all of the person specifications. If you’re passionate about equality, economic empowerment, and ending violence against sex workers, we want to hear from you.

Interviews are planned to take place remotely on week starting August 17th. We will let you know by August 18th if you have been selected for an interview. Please note that due to the high number of applications expected for this role if you do not hear back from NUM by the August 18th unfortunately your application has not been successful. We are not able to provide feedback on your application at the application stage.

Housing Project Worker
Hours of work: Full-Time, 37.5 per week (5 days per week)
Contract: 2-year 9-months Fixed Term
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Location: Overstream House, Cambridge CB4 or at other locations within Cambridge

About Us

Wintercomfort works with people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or with a history of homelessness. We provide services to aid every stage of recovery - from immediate basic welfare needs to long term help in identifying and dealing with the problems which are undermining their stability, and enabling them to engage with education, employment and specialist health services.  National statistics rank the numbers of rough sleepers in Cambridge within the highest 20 UK local authorities.

Wintercomfort is the only day-time service in the city, providing year-round advice and support for homeless or vulnerably housed people. Over the past three decades Wintercomfort has continued to grow and adapt to meet the needs of the homeless community.

Our specialist Housing Team provides expert advice and support to help people successfully navigate the search for housing and crucially, support them to sustain life away from the street.

About you and the Role

This is a full-time community outreach and homelessness prevention role, working as part of the Wintercomfort tenancy sustainment and homelessness prevention project worker team. The Wintercomfort Housing Project Worker will provide practical, person-centred, housing-related support for people identified through community outreach and within Overstream House who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

The postholder will deliver frontline casework, advocacy and practical support to help vulnerable individuals secure, maintain and transition into safe, independent living. This will include supporting people to understand the options available to them, complete practical tasks, access appropriate services, strengthen housing stability and work with local partners to prevent housing crises from escalating.

Key Responsibilities

• Community and Centre-Based Engagement – Build trusting relationships with people in familiar community settings and within Overstream House, including those who may feel unable to approach statutory services independently. Engage people at the earliest possible stage, identify practical support needs, and offer approachable, consistent support that encourages ongoing participation.
• Housing-Related Support and Homelessness Prevention – Provide practical housing-related support and homelessness prevention assistance while recognising that the charity does not provide formal housing advice to people at risk of losing their accommodation. Supporting individuals to gather information, complete forms, attend appointments, understand correspondence and access appropriate statutory, voluntary or legal services where specialist advice is required.
• Casework, Advocacy and Practical Support – Manage a caseload of people with varied and sometimes complex needs, providing one-to-one support, clear action planning and regular follow-up. Liaise with landlords, local authority housing teams and other agencies, accompany people to appointments where appropriate, and help individuals navigate housing-related processes, benefits, financial support, grants and wider welfare systems without providing regulated or specialist advice.
• Partnership Working and Referral Pathways – Develop and maintain productive working relationships with local authority services, landlords, voluntary sector partners, legal advice providers and internal charity services. Make timely referrals into welfare, counselling, women’s services, wellbeing support, training opportunities and other specialist provision where further advice or support is required.
• Safeguarding, Risk and Complex Needs – Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, mental health issues and other factors that may affect a person’s ability to engage with support. Work within organisational policies and professional boundaries, ensuring that risks are identified, recorded and escalated when necessary.
• Housing Stability and targeted intervention – Provide support to service users to both secure new accommodation and sustain their current homes, including mediation with landlords, accessing legal support, addressing anti-social behaviour. A core focus involves identifying high-risk groups and delivering targeted trauma informed interventions to those navigating complex mental health challenges, dual diagnosis, or substance misuse, as well as individuals fleeing difficult circumstances or leaving prison, hospital or care systems.
• Records, Outcomes and Service Development – Maintain accurate, timely and confidential case records on Inform, monitoring activity and outcomes to demonstrate the impact of the outreach programme. Contribute to service learning, identify gaps in provision, and support the development of effective community-based responses to homelessness and housing insecurity and deliver impactful case studies for funder reports.

One of our core values at Wintercomfort is to recognise and reward our staff as our greatest asset. We realise that it's our people who have helped us to become a well-respected charity that helps to make a positive change to homeless people’s lives. We want to continue to deliver excellent, relevant services for the homeless in Cambridge by attracting and retaining talented and motivated people.

If you choose to come and work with us, you will find that we offer:

• Benefits – You will be eligible for benefits and services, including pension scheme, death in service benefit and free counselling and clinical supervision.
• A supported work environment – You will receive a comprehensive induction, and you will have a probation period to provide a supportive framework for reviewing your progress and discussing your training and development needs. You will be expected to have developed the skills to fulfil all role requirements within this period. Appropriate objectives will be discussed, agreed and reviewed regularly with your Line Manager so that your performance can be measured against these.
• Training – We recognise the importance of having a motivated and effective staff team. We offer on-going training to support you in your role.

Closing date: Thursday 27th August 2026

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.

We are committed to a proactive approach to equality, which includes supporting and encouraging all underrepresented groups, promoting an inclusive culture and valuing diversity. We make selection decisions based on personal merit and an objective assessment against the criteria required for the post. We do not treat job applicants or members of staff less favourably than one another on the grounds of sex (including gender reassignment), marital or parental status, race, ethnic or national origin, colour, disability (including HIV status), sexual orientation, religion, age or socio-economic factors.

No agencies please.

Tenancy Sustainment Project Worker
Hours of work: Full-Time, 37.5 per week (5 days per week)
Contract: 2-year 9-months Fixed Term
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Location: Overstream House, Cambridge CB4 or at other locations within Cambridge

About Us 

Wintercomfort works with people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or with a history of homelessness. We provide services to aid every stage of recovery - from immediate basic welfare needs to long term help in identifying and dealing with the problems which are undermining their stability, and enabling them to engage with education, employment and specialist health services.  National statistics rank the numbers of rough sleepers in Cambridge within the highest 20 UK local authorities.

Wintercomfort is the only day-time service in the city, providing year-round advice and support for homeless or vulnerably housed people. Over the past three decades Wintercomfort has continued to grow and adapt to meet the needs of the homeless community.

Our specialist Housing Team provides expert advice and support to help people successfully navigate the search for housing and crucially, support them to sustain life away from the street.

About you and the Role 

The Tenancy Sustainment Project Worker will provide targeted, practical and relational support to individuals who have recently secured accommodation or who are at risk of losing their tenancy. This is an outreach-focused role, working proactively with people in community settings, partner agencies, drop-ins and other accessible locations to maintain engagement and offer support where it is most appropriate.

The role may occasionally involve contact in or around accommodation settings, but this would usually be planned and supported alongside other services where appropriate. The role will focus on preventing repeat homelessness by helping people stabilise their housing, understand and manage the responsibilities of a tenancy, and build the confidence and skills needed for independent living. Working in trusted community settings and in partnership with statutory and voluntary sector services, the postholder will act as a critical bridge between vulnerable individuals and the support systems available to them.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide outreach-based casework and practical tenancy support, working one-to-one with people who have recently moved into accommodation or who are at risk of tenancy breakdown, including proactive engagement in community settings, partner agencies, drop-ins and other accessible locations. Where accommodation-based contact is required, this would usually be planned in advance and supported alongside other services where appropriate.
• Support clients with the practical responsibilities of sustaining a tenancy, including rent payments, benefits, income, household bills, budgeting, financial planning, accessing furniture grants, home furnishing schemes and other resources needed to establish a safe and settled home.
• Develop clients’ independent living skills and confidence, helping them build routines, manage their home, solve problems, understand tenancy expectations and gain the skills needed to live independently over the longer term.
• Provide housing information, homelessness prevention support and advocacy, supporting clients to understand their rights and responsibilities and liaising with landlords, relevant local authorities and local authority housing services where there is a risk of eviction or difficulty navigating housing systems.
• Connect clients with wider welfare, specialist and community support, including benefits guidance, financial information, employment and training opportunities, Wintercomfort’s wider services, and specialist partners such as legal aid services where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively and maintain effective outreach casework practice, building trusted relationships with people experiencing housing crisis, poor mental health or disengagement from services, using proactive and flexible engagement methods to maintain contact, while keeping accurate records and contributing to monitoring the impact of tenancy sustainment support.
• To ensure that accurate records are kept, documenting the support services provided to Wintercomfort’s service users on Inform. Ensuring that record keeping meets the requirements of internal and external monitoring of outcomes, assisting with reports and deliver impactful case studies to funders.

One of our core values at Wintercomfort is to recognise and reward our staff as our greatest asset. We realise that it's our people who have helped us to become a well-respected charity that helps to make a positive change to homeless people’s lives. We want to continue to deliver excellent, relevant services for the homeless in Cambridge by attracting and retaining talented and motivated people.

If you choose to come and work with us, you will find that we offer: 

• Benefits – You will be eligible for benefits and services, including pension scheme, death in service benefit and free counselling and clinical supervision. 
• A supported work environment – You will receive a comprehensive induction, and you will have a probation period to provide a supportive framework for reviewing your progress and discussing your training and development needs. You will be expected to have developed the skills to fulfil all role requirements within this period. Appropriate objectives will be discussed, agreed and reviewed regularly with your Line Manager so that your performance can be measured against these. 
• Training – We recognise the importance of having a motivated and effective staff team. We offer on-going training to support you in your role. 

Closing date: Thursday 27th August 2026

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.

We are committed to a proactive approach to equality, which includes supporting and encouraging all underrepresented groups, promoting an inclusive culture and valuing diversity. We make selection decisions based on personal merit and an objective assessment against the criteria required for the post. We do not treat job applicants or members of staff less favourably than one another on the grounds of sex (including gender reassignment), marital or parental status, race, ethnic or national origin, colour, disability (including HIV status), sexual orientation, religion, age or socio-economic factors. 

No agencies please. 

Women’s Housing Project Worker
Hours of work: Full-Time, 37.5 per week (5 days per week)
Contract: 2-year 9-months Fixed Term
Salary: £28,000 per annum
Location: Overstream House, Cambridge CB4 or at other locations within Cambridge

About Us

Wintercomfort works with people who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or with a history of homelessness. We provide services to aid every stage of recovery - from immediate basic welfare needs to long term help in identifying and dealing with the problems which are undermining their stability, and enabling them to engage with education, employment and specialist health services.  National statistics rank the numbers of rough sleepers in Cambridge within the highest 20 UK local authorities.

Wintercomfort is the only day-time service in the city, providing year-round advice and support for homeless or vulnerably housed people. Over the past three decades Wintercomfort has continued to grow and adapt to meet the needs of the homeless community.

Our specialist Housing Team provides expert advice and support to help people successfully navigate the search for housing and crucially, support them to sustain life away from the street.

The Women’s Project at Wintercomfort is dedicated to empowering vulnerable women from diverse backgrounds who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness. Our objective is to provide comprehensive support across various critical areas, including assistance with domestic and sexual abuse, housing, benefits, debt management, and employment.

About you and the Role

An experienced Women’s Housing Project Worker dedicated to delivering outreach-led, trauma-informed support for women who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, experiencing domestic abuse or facing multiple disadvantage.

The role will focus on building safe and trusting relationships in community settings, with additional support delivered within the centre where appropriate, helping women access services, address housing-related barriers and work towards safe accommodation, tenancy sustainment, wellbeing and independence. The post provides practical housing-related support, signposting, liaison with partner agencies and sustained casework.

Key Responsibilities

• Outreach-Led Engagement – Prioritise proactive community outreach to identify and engage women who may be hidden, isolated, at risk, reluctant to approach services or unable to safely disclose their situation. Build safe, trusting and professional relationships through consistent contact in community settings, with additional support available within Overstream House where appropriate.
• Practical Housing-Related Support – Provide practical housing-related support to women who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, including support to gather information, complete forms, understand correspondence, prepare for appointments and access appropriate statutory, voluntary or legal services where specialist advice is required.
• Casework and Action Planning – Manage a caseload of women with varied and often complex needs, agreeing clear action plans, reviewing progress and providing sustained follow-up after initial contact. Support women to work towards safe accommodation, tenancy sustainment, improved wellbeing, increased confidence and greater independence.
• Safeguarding and Trauma-Informed Practice – Deliver trauma-informed, strengths-based and person-centred support that promotes safety, choice and empowerment. Recognise and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns, domestic abuse, mental health needs and other risks, working within professional boundaries and organisational procedures.
• Women-Only Group Sessions and Independence Support – Deliver women-only group sessions and workshops, either directly or through partner organisations, that promote independent living, tenancy sustainment, financial capability and confidence. Support and signpost women to access education, training, volunteering and employment opportunities where these contribute to long-term housing stability and independence.
• Partnership Working and Referrals – Develop effective working relationships with domestic abuse services, local authority housing teams, landlords, housing providers, education and training providers, health and wellbeing services, legal services and voluntary sector partners. Support coordinated responses, make timely referrals and build strong partner relationships that extend beyond attendance at drop-in sessions
• Records, Monitoring and Service Development – Maintain accurate case records, outreach records, risk information and outcome data on Inform in line with organisational procedures and funder requirements. Contribute to monitoring, reporting and service learning, using evidence from outreach and casework to improve outcomes for women experiencing homelessness, domestic abuse or housing insecurity and deliver impactful case studies for funder reports.

One of our core values at Wintercomfort is to recognise and reward our staff as our greatest asset. We realise that it's our people who have helped us to become a well-respected charity that helps to make a positive change to homeless people’s lives. We want to continue to deliver excellent, relevant services for the homeless in Cambridge by attracting and retaining talented and motivated people.

If you choose to come and work with us, you will find that we offer:

• Benefits – You will be eligible for benefits and services, including pension scheme, death in service benefit and free counselling and clinical supervision.
• A supported work environment – You will receive a comprehensive induction, and you will have a probation period to provide a supportive framework for reviewing your progress and discussing your training and development needs. You will be expected to have developed the skills to fulfil all role requirements within this period. Appropriate objectives will be discussed, agreed and reviewed regularly with your Line Manager so that your performance can be measured against these.
• Training – We recognise the importance of having a motivated and effective staff team. We offer on-going training to support you in your role.

Closing date: Thursday 27th August 2026

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.

We are committed to a proactive approach to equality, which includes supporting and encouraging all underrepresented groups, promoting an inclusive culture and valuing diversity. We make selection decisions based on personal merit and an objective assessment against the criteria required for the post. We do not treat job applicants or members of staff less favourably than one another on the grounds of sex (including gender reassignment), marital or parental status, race, ethnic or national origin, colour, disability (including HIV status), sexual orientation, religion, age or socio-economic factors.

No agencies please.

Learning Support Worker (1244)

At St. John's, we have a proud history of making a positive difference to the lives of young people. We are now looking for amazing Learning Support Workers to support us in continuing that impact. Could that be you?

Why join our inclusive team?

St. John's is one of the largest employers in Brighton and Hove.

What can we offer you?

• £27,976.00 FTE for 52 weeks (Your actual salary will be £25,286.00 as your contract will be term time only). 
• 32-days paid holiday (plus bank holidays) - 32-days are taken outside of term time
• Fulfilling and meaningful work – make a difference!
• Career development plans that are tailored to you
• Discounts across businesses in the local community.

Who are we?

St. John's is a non-maintained specialist provision, working with autistic people, the majority of whom also have learning disabilities. Some of our learners have co-occurring conditions such as epilepsy, hearing or visual impairments, or mental health needs. We also support autistic learners who have an additional profile of Pathological Demand Avoidance (PDA) syndrome. We have a team built up of support workers, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, nurses, PBS practitioners, assistant psychologists, and more, to support us in our holistic approach to development.

Each learner's curriculum is shaped by their individual strengths, interests, and challenges. St. John's is awarded with Autism Accreditation by the National Autistic Society (NAS). We support our learners to develop their skills in the NAS's four focus areas of:

• Difference in social communication and interaction
• Self-reliance and problem-solving
• Sensory
• Emotional Well-being

What are we looking for?

We've been doing this long enough to know that, whilst desirable, experience is not everything! Our amazing learning and development team and our passionate managers have coached people new to this field into support working roles. We know that if you have, the passion and desire to learn, and the want to empower others, you already have the foundations of an outstanding support worker. We are looking for drivers to support our young people to access the community, but having a licence isn't essential.

Sound like you? Then keep on reading!

What will you be doing?

• Supporting the young people in a classroom setting and during breaktimes
• Implementing the learner's behaviour support plan and risk assessment
• Working within a team of multidisciplinary professionals across the charity
• Tracking the progress of individuals and reporting to the teacher, care manager, and/or parents at review meetings.

Exciting opportunity? We think so! Click apply to start your journey as part of the St. John's College family as a Learning Support Worker

Please note that interviews will be arranged progressively as suitable applications are received. Early application is therefore advisable.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship, renewals or transfers. Candidates must have the right to work in the UK at the time of application.

This vacancy is recruiting for September 2026 start dates.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to fostering equity, diversity, and inclusion at every level of our organisation. We warmly welcome applications from all qualified candidates, valuing the diverse backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives they bring. We encourage applications from individuals regardless of race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or parental status, disability, or age.

Our recruitment process promotes equal opportunities, and we are committed to providing reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities or additional needs throughout the recruitment process. Please contact our Recruitment Team for accommodations. We recognise disability as a physical or mental impairment that significantly and long-term affects a person's ability to perform day-to-day activities, as defined by the UK Equality Act 2010. All applications will be considered solely on merit, aligned with our mission to support autistic children and young people.

Ambitious about Autism is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and successful candidates will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. As part of our Safer Recruitment checks, an online search maybe carried out in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education.

The Safeguarding responsibilities of the post as per the job description and personal specification.
Whether the post is exempt from the rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendment to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2021. This means that when applying for certain jobs and activities certain spent convictions and cautions are ‘protected', so they do not need to be disclosed to employers, and if they are disclosed, employers cannot take them into account. Further information about filtering offences can be found in the DBS Filter Guidance.

About the role:

A safe place to stay can be the first step. The right support to move forward is what turns it into lasting change.

Gray’s Inn Road is a 16-bed short-stay accommodation service supporting people with a recent history of rough sleeping to stabilise, rebuild confidence and move towards a home of their own. Working at the heart of Camden’s response to homelessness, the service aims to ensure that rough sleeping is rare, brief and non-recurrent, with most residents moving into suitable longer-term accommodation within three to six months.

As Resettlement Worker, you’ll take the lead on helping residents navigate that next step. You’ll build a clear picture of each person’s housing needs, strengths and aspirations, creating practical resettlement plans and identifying move-on options that are safe, realistic and sustainable. Working closely with Support Workers, you’ll help residents overcome barriers, prepare for independent living and feel confident about what comes next.

You’ll develop strong relationships with housing providers, landlords and partner agencies, opening up opportunities across social housing, supported housing and the private rented sector. You’ll bring persistence, creativity and a strong understanding of housing pathways to make sure people are not simply moved on, but supported into accommodation where they have the best possible chance of thriving.

At Single Homeless Project (SHP), we’re serious about investing in our people. You’ll have access to regular supervision, reflective practice and a wide range of learning and development opportunities to deepen your housing and support expertise, build new skills and shape the next step in your career. Whether you want to grow within resettlement, move into leadership or explore another area of our work, we’ll support you to keep learning and progressing.

About you:

• You understand housing and resettlement pathways and know how to find safe, affordable and sustainable move-on options, including within the private rented sector.
• You can build trust with people experiencing multiple disadvantage, recognising their strengths and motivating them to take meaningful steps towards independence.
• You’re confident completing thorough assessments and turning them into clear, achievable resettlement plans shaped around each person.
• You understand the practical side of sustaining a home, including housing management, benefits, budgeting, rent payments and tenancy responsibilities.
• You’re a determined and collaborative relationship-builder who can work effectively with landlords, housing providers, mental health services, substance use services and other partners to keep progress moving.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 9th August at midnight

Interview date: Wednesday 19th August online via Microsoft Teams

Please note there will be a second stage interview in service for suitable candidates 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted or progressed.

This is an exciting opportunity for an excellent communicator with experience in collaboration and partnership working who is keen to make good quality income maximisation advice and support accessible to families across Scotland.

As Development Officer (Income Maximisation in Schools) you will play a lead role in looking at the actions needed at different levels to sustainably embed advice in schools across Scotland. You’ll be involving and engaging schools, advice services and other partners to develop practical recommendations which can be used to improve provision nationally. You will also be helping to develop resources and professional learning to increase awareness and confidence in schools around financial entitlements and pathways to income maximisation support.

You will be based within the Cost of the School Day team at CPAG in Scotland and will work closely with Welfare Rights, Digital and Policy colleagues.

We welcome applications from individuals with the skills and experience outlined and we can be flexible about working arrangements. We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

For more information about this post and to apply, download the Development Officer (Income Maximisation in Schools) job pack and application form.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process please contact us at.

Closing date for applications: 11.59pm 16 August 2026

Interviews will be held at our Glasgow office in person on: 25 August 2026 

We're looking for a Tenancy Sustainment & Community Progression Coordinator to support people as they make the transition from homelessness into accommodation. They provide practical guidance and motivational support to help people manage their tenancies and settle into a new community. The Coordinator supports housed clients to resolve problems so that repeat homelessness is prevented. They also connect people using Catching Lives’ services to community activities or groups, and enable access to employment, training, education and volunteering opportunities so that people improve their skills, confidence, social connection and well-being.

Key responsibilities

Tenancy Sustainment

• In conjunction with the Manager and Senior Project Worker, assess and prioritise the need for tenancy support on a case-by-case basis.
• Meet people in the day centre before they move into a tenancy.
• Visit clients in their homes and in community locations to provide practical and motivational support to sustain tenancies and prevent repeat homelessness.
• Share practical skills and guidance to support tenants e.g. paying bills, reporting disrepair, choosing furniture etc.
• Help people get to know their neighbourhood e.g. visiting a local café, GP etc.
• Problem-solve with individuals to overcome challenges or concerns.
• Liaise with other agencies e.g. councils, landlords, social services, housing associations, maintenance contractors to help people sustain their tenancies.
• Apply for individual grants or provide direct support through Catching Lives’ tenancy sustainment budget for specific items e.g. household starter packs.
• Keep accurate records of tenancy sustainment actions and outcomes.
• Make appropriate use of technology provided by Catching Lives e.g. alert systems for checking in and out when lone working.

Community progression

• In conjunction with colleagues, identify people who want to access community activities, education, training, employment or volunteering.
• Make plans on a case-by-case basis, led by the client.
• Develop external relationships and establish referral pathways/signposting to local partners e.g. employment, education, training, volunteering.
• Identify community groups/activities and share relevant information with clients.
• Accompany clients e.g. to open days, taster sessions, course registration.
• Keep accurate records of community progression actions and outcomes.

Who we're lookng for

Essential

• Experience of providing one-to-one support or advice to individuals e.g. in relation to housing, benefits, healthcare.
• Good practical knowledge and skills around household/tenancy management.
• Proven ability to work independently and proactively, and to use initiative.
• Experience of managing a workload with varied time-sensitive tasks.
• Experience of coordinating work with colleagues and/or external stakeholders.
• Able to communicate clearly and to remain calm under pressure.
• Able to offer a friendly, non-judgemental service to people experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental ill-health, and other challenges.
• Able to maintain professional boundaries.
• Able to handle challenging behaviour with confidence.
• Able to write and speak concisely in plain English.
• Understanding of, and commitment to, diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Clean driving licence and access to a car for use at work.

Desirable

• Knowledge of current legislation and practice relevant to tenants.
• Experience in a related service e.g. advice, housing and homelessness, employment, community.
• Understanding how to work in a trauma-informed way.
• Experience of following Safeguarding processes with people at risk.
• Fluency in additional languages.
• Lived experience of homelessness and/or experience of using services such as mental health, substance use, criminal justice.

Working at Catching Lives

Catching Lives is a community charity, currently staffed by a team of 10. We’re in the process of expanding with current recruitment, so that we can introduce community-based support alongside strengthening our core day centre offer.

The successful candidate will complete a structured induction that includes shadowing colleagues and visiting local services. Staff typically attend weekly team meetings on Wednesday afternoons, as well as having regular 1-1s with their line manager, and there is confidential access to an employee assistance scheme. The day centre offers free tea and coffee throughout the working day. As well as core training for new starters, there are ongoing training and development opportunities.

The job is open to anyone with the experience and skills listed in the Essential section of the Person Specification below. The post is subject to DBS and reference checks, but please note that our policy does not automatically exclude people with past offences.

We particularly encourage applications from people whose identities are currently under-represented in our team including men, Black and Asian people, LGBTQ+ people and people with lived experience of homelessness.

About the role:

Real change rarely happens in a straight line. At our Ashley Road project, you’ll work alongside people who have experienced homelessness, trauma and multiple disadvantage, offering the consistency, practical support and belief that can help them begin moving forward.

As a Project Worker, you’ll hold a caseload and build purposeful, trusting relationships with clients. You’ll complete assessments, develop person-centred support and safety plans, and help people identify goals that feel meaningful and achievable to them. This could include supporting someone to improve their health, address substance use, manage their accommodation, strengthen their daily living skills or reconnect with services and opportunities in their community.

You’ll be there when situations become challenging, responding calmly to risk, safeguarding concerns and periods of crisis while continuing to recognise each person’s strengths and potential. Working closely with colleagues and external partners, you’ll advocate for clients, coordinate joined-up support and help remove the barriers that have previously prevented them from accessing the help they need.

This is a hands-on and varied role where no two days will look the same. Alongside direct support, you’ll contribute to the safe and effective running of the accommodation, maintain clear and accurate records and help create an environment where clients are treated with dignity, respect and hope. You’ll also receive ongoing training, reflective practice and development opportunities to strengthen your skills and build your future career within SHP.

The working rota for this post is Monday - Friday, with no weekend shifts. The rota will consist of a mixture of earlies (8am - 3.30pm) & lates (3pm - 10.30pm).

About you:

• You know how to meet people where they are, building trust with people who may be facing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance use, trauma or other complex needs.
• You bring patience, creativity and warmth to your work, especially when someone has been let down by services before or needs time to feel safe accepting support.
• You’re confident holding a caseload, but you never lose sight of the person behind the support plan — their strengths, choices, goals and hopes for the future.
• You understand that progress rarely happens through one service alone, and you’re ready to work closely with health, social care, housing and criminal justice partners to help people get the right support.
• You believe recovery looks different for everyone, and you’re motivated by helping people build confidence, independence and a more stable life at their own pace.

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 9th August at midnight

Interview date: Tuesday 18th August online via Microsoft Teams

Please note there will be a second stage interview in service in Islington for suitable candidates. 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check (processed by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications with insufficient/without current right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. 

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity. 

We're here for kinship carers - friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren't able to. 

We support kinship families across England and Wales and are expanding our work into Scotland.

Let's commit to change for kinship families.

Purpose of the role: 

The Kinship Navigator provides intensive, time-limited support to kinship carers through the Kinship Connected programme, a structured six-month intervention designed to help kinship families stabilise placements and access the support they need.

Working directly with kinship carers in West Dunbartonshire, you will build trusting relationships while completing structured assessments, goal setting and reviews to help families strengthen their support networks and navigate services such as children’s social care, education, health and community support.

This is a community-facing role, working from Y Sort It’s offices and directly in kinship carers’ homes and community spaces. You will work alongside Y Sort It’s Intandem mentors to ensure that both carers and the children they care for receive coordinated, complementary support.

Accurate recording of your work is essential to enable Kinship and Inspiring Scotland to understand what is working, demonstrate impact and learn from this pioneering pilot.

Direct support

You will provide intensive one-to-one support to kinship carers for up to six months, working within the delivery approach set out in the Kinship Connected Service Manual. You will also establish and facilitate a monthly support group for kinship carers in West Dunbartonshire.

This may include:

• Providing emotional and practical support to kinship carers.
• Completing structured needs assessments, SMART goal setting and regular reviews with kinship carers.
• Advocating for kinship carers in meetings with professionals where appropriate.
• Establishing and facilitating a monthly support group for kinship carers in the local area.
• Mapping local services and building relationships with organisations that can provide specialist support, training or activities for kinship families in West Dunbartonshire.
• Liaising with schools, local authorities and other professionals to coordinate support around families.
• Supporting kinship carers with challenges relating to the child(ren) in their kinship care.
• Signposting to relevant services, support organisations and Kinship training opportunities.
• Referring children in kinship care to Y Sort It’s Intandem mentoring programme where appropriate.
• Coordinating celebration and family events (including in Kinship Care Week).
• Supporting applications for grants for essential items or family breaks.

Partnership working with Y Sort It and Inspiring Scotland

• Work closely and collaboratively with Y Sort It colleagues on a day-to-day basis, building a strong co-location relationship that benefits kinship families.
• Develop and maintain clear cross-referral pathways between Kinship Connected and Y Sort It’s Intandem mentoring programme.
• Contribute to joint learning and shared reflection about how the whole-family model is working and what outcomes are being achieved for both carers and children.
• Represent Kinship professionally in all interactions with Y Sort It, Inspiring Scotland and other local partners.
• Participate in any joint reporting, learning or evaluation activities required by Inspiring Scotland.

Collaboration and wider partnership working

• Build constructive relationships with West Dunbartonshire Council and other statutory and voluntary sector partners to support awareness of the programme and effective referral pathways.
• Work closely with colleagues across Kinship, including Peer Support, Training and Communications, to ensure kinship carers in West Dunbartonshire can access the full range of Kinship’s support.
• Contribute to cross-team learning, sharing emerging insights about kinship carers’ experiences and the local landscape in Scotland to inform Kinship’s broader organisational learning.
• Represent Kinship at local meetings, networks or events to strengthen collaboration and raise awareness of kinship care in Scotland.

Safeguarding and risk management

Kinship has a robust safeguarding structure. You will be supported by a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Designated Deputy Safeguarding Leads (DDSL). In line with this policy, and mindful of the Scottish legislative and practice context, you will:

• Recognise, report, record, respond and refer safeguarding risks via our safeguarding process with the support of the safeguarding team.
• Follow and understand Kinship’s organisational safeguarding policies, as well as relevant Scottish guidance and legislation.
• Complete risk assessments for events in line with Kinship’s policy.
• Follow the Kinship Health and Safety policy.
• Use the StaySafe lone worker app.

Monitoring, evaluation and data quality

Accurate and consistent data recording is a core requirement of this role. As Kinship Connected in West Dunbartonshire is a pilot programme, high-quality records and documentation are essential to demonstrate impact to Inspiring Scotland and to generate the learning that will inform future development of Kinship’s work in Scotland.

• Maintain accurate, timely records of all activity, assessments, support plans, contacts and outcomes on Kinship’s CRM system (Salesforce) in line with organisational policy and programme protocols.
• Complete kinship carer needs assessments, SMART goal setting, reviews and outcome recording in accordance with the Kinship Navigator model.
• Contribute to monitoring and reporting requirements for Inspiring Scotland, ensuring activity and outcomes are documented consistently.
• Fully contribute to quality assurance and learning processes, including collecting feedback and case studies that demonstrate impact for kinship families.
• Contribute to the learning about how co-location with Y Sort It supports whole-family outcomes