Education support worker jobs in Birmingham

Principle purposes of the job:

To deliver group support services including:

· provision of child focussed play/educational activities to support development

· parental guidance to support child development

· supervision of Play Leader and support for Volunteers

· to work alongside the scheme Manager in the planning and delivery of group support

Main responsibilities:

· To work within Home-Start’s standards and methods of practice including Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children, Confidentiality and all mandatory policies.

· Work in close co-operation with the Play worker, Volunteers and other scheme staff as directed by the scheme Manager.

· Work in partnership with other family support agencies, as appropriate

· To make initial contact with families to assess their needs

· Review family’s needs on a regular basis and at the end of support.

· To maintain contact with individual referrers during a family’s support

· To welcome all parents/carers to the Family Group, recognising the importance of their role as the prime educators of their children

· To be aware of group dynamics ensuring the groups provide a non-judgemental environment for children and their parent/carer

· To provide a safe, stimulating environment for children and their parents

· To be vigilant about the upkeep of equipment ensuring good standards of safety and hygiene are followed.

· To closely work alongside the Play Worker planning activities for the children

· To make observations, record and report on children’s development

· To encourage the active participation of parents/carers in their child’s play and other activities as appropriate

· To provide opportunities for external agencies to offer advice/information to families

· To promote the use of suitable toys, books and activities and encourage the use of local resources e.g. Toy Library, Library and Children & Family Centres

· To complete a Risk Assessment prior to each session/outing

· To keep a register at each session detailing names of all those attending, including visitors/speakers with an evaluation of each speaker

· To record any accidents/incidents in the Accident or Incident Book and report as appropriate

· To respond, record and report appropriately all Safeguarding Children/Child Protection issues

· To liaise with the Manager regarding budgets

· To promote the work of Home-Start with referrers

· To be willing to undertake training as appropriate, including safeguarding/child protection.

· To attend regular supervision sessions

· To regularly attend staff Meetings

We are looking for someone experienced, proactive, organised and confident in delivering on tasks. Someone who values collaboration, co-production and working in a culture rooted in trust, flexibility and compassion.

This is an opportunity to provide trauma-informed, gender-sensitive casework support with women impacted by their own or someone else’s gambling who are experiencing complex and intersecting challenges including mental health difficulties, debt, homelessness, relationship breakdown, neurodiversity, coercive control, isolation and safeguarding risks.

The role provides longer-term, structured support and advocacy, primarily online and by telephone, helping women stabilise, rebuild safety, access services and strengthen resilience.

This role requires high emotional literacy, strong boundaries, and safe risk management within a multi-agency framework.

Key Responsibilities

Intensive Casework Support

• Provide structured 1:1 support to women with complex needs.
• Develop collaborative support plans with clear goals and review points.
• Provide safety planning where risk is identified.
• Support women navigating debt, housing, legal and safeguarding systems.
• Facilitate access to specialist services (mental health, housing, domestic abuse, financial advice, substance misuse, etc.).
• Support women experiencing homelessness risk, including advocacy with local authorities and housing providers.
• Maintain ongoing contact over medium-to-longer term support journeys (as agreed in service model).

Risk Assessment & Safeguarding

• Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
• Conduct proportionate risk screening and escalate concerns to DSL.
• Work in accordance with safeguarding policy.
• Maintain awareness of suicide risk indicators and escalate appropriately.
• Record safeguarding actions accurately and promptly.

Advocacy & Systems Navigation

• Advocate on behalf of women with external agencies where appropriate.
• Support women in understanding rights and entitlements.
• Attend multi-agency meetings (online) where required.
• Work collaboratively with associate counsellors when women are accessing therapy.

Trauma-Informed & Gender-Sensitive Practice

• Deliver support grounded in trauma-informed principles.
• Recognise impact of shame, stigma and gender-based inequality.
• Understand intersection of gambling harm with coercive control, domestic abuse, and financial exploitation.
• Maintain non-judgemental, strengths-based approach.
• Respect women’s autonomy and lived experience.

Record Keeping & Data

• Maintain accurate case notes in our CRM system.
• Complete outcome measures as required.
• Contribute to monitoring and evaluation processes.
• Maintain confidentiality in line with GDPR and safeguarding frameworks.

Professional Boundaries

• Participate in supervision and reflective practice.
• Escalate complex clinical risk appropriately.

Working Relationships

Internal:
Service Manager
Peer Support Coordinators
Associate Counsellors
Operational Manager (for data compliance)

External:
Housing services
Debt advice agencies
Mental health services
Domestic abuse services
Local authorities
Primary Care and GP services
Voluntary sector partners

Person Specification

Essential Education & Qualifications

• Level 3 or Level 4 qualification in:
  • Health & Social Care
  • Counselling Skills
  • Community Work
  • Social Care
  • Or equivalent relevant field

• Safeguarding Level 3 (or willingness to obtain)
• Understanding of trauma-informed practice

Desirable Qualifications

• Level 4 Diploma in Counselling
• Domestic Abuse awareness training
• Suicide prevention training (ASIST or equivalent)
• Debt, welfare or housing training
• Mental health awareness qualifications
• Neurodiversity

Essential Experience

• Minimum 2 years experience supporting women with complex needs.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing:
  • Mental health challenges
  • Financial hardship or debt
  • Housing instability or homelessness risk
  • Isolation or social exclusion

• Experience working remotely (online/phone support).
• Experience multi-agency working.
• Experience risk management and safeguarding escalation.

 Desirable Experience

• working with gambling harm.
• supporting family members impacted by addiction.
• working within women-only services.
• working with domestic and financial abuse.
• experience of advocacy and case coordination roles.
• experience of supporting women who identify as neurodiverse

Skills & Competencies

• Strong relational skills.
• Ability to hold distress without rescuing.
• Clear professional boundaries.
• Excellent written case recording.
• Emotional resilience.
• Good digital literacy.
• Ability to work autonomously within structured supervision.
• Understanding of intersectionality and inequality.

Trauma-Informed & Gender-Sensitive Expectations

Postholder must:

• Understand the impact of shame and secrecy in gambling harm.
• Recognise coercive financial control.
• Be sensitive to caring roles and stigma.
• Work at pace appropriate to trauma recovery.
• Avoid deficit-based language.
• Recognise cultural and structural barriers affecting women.

Please note: This post is open to women only as a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Our current operational days are Tue-Thurs with potential evening work and appointments outside of these days. This is a remote role however applicants must be based within the UK. 

Working with thrivin’ together

· Application deadline: Tuesday 31 March 12 noon 2026

· Provisional Interview date: Wednesday 15 April 2026

Our client is the leading provider of mental health services in Birmingham and the West Midlands. Their Vision is “Better Mental Health for All” and their values of Respect, Partnerships, Recovery, Wellbeing and Prevention are at the heart of what they deliver. They have a well-earned reputation for excelling in quality delivery and plays a key role in supporting and influencing the wider mental health system across the city.

The Vulnerable Adults service (VAS) consists of two branches - Lead Worker and Supported Accommodation. These sister services work in close partnership to provide consistent, flexible support across Birmingham 365 days a year from 9AM-9PM.

Our client believes in empowering citizens to have a voice in the delivery of their support and to be active in their communities and in the organisation. They have client involvement at every level of decision-making.

Our client has a opportunity for an approachable and communicative individual to work with clients in a holistic person-centred way to build independence, community networks and improve quality of life. You will work with people experiencing a variety of mental health conditions, including individuals with dual diagnosis, complex needs and challenging behaviour and will ensure that they feel supported, as the embark on their journey to improve their wellbeing and build interdependence. It takes a village to help them grow, so you will be there to ensure that they engage in their community and build social networks. You will encourage them to constantly improve their physical and mental wellbeing, by attending relevant appointments and ensure access to health services. It is more than that too, it is also about helping them with finances, reducing debt, and understanding the importance of budgeting, as well as finding new skills through employment or education. You will work closely with each individual, reviewing personalised support plans and maintaining relevant assessment documentation, identifying any new barriers or changes in their circumstances that may have an impact on the achievement of their goals.

With experience of working in the mental health field, you will demonstrate a good understanding of the obstacles that can be faced and how to overcome them to reach certain goals. You will be able to empathise with the daily struggles that people face and will have a commitment to user involvement and empowerment. As an ambassador for our client, you will share their values and ethos, as you deliver each support plan and remain focused on the end result.

This is a challenging yet rewarding role; one where you can be confident that you are making a difference in someone’s life and positively impacting individual growth.

Staff benefits include an attractive defined contribution pension scheme, Paycare which offers employees affordable cover for a range of healthcare treatments, an Employee Assistance Programme which includes free counselling, a cycle to work scheme, and a comprehensive training programme.

Our client is extremely proud to have a diverse workforce that is reflective of the communities that they work with. They strongly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of mental health challenges as their perspectives enrich their teams. They are also committed to changing the ethnic diversity of their management team and particularly encourage applicants from minority communities to apply for this role.

Their people are key to the success of the organisation, and they are recognised as both a Mindful Employer as well as achieving Gold standard success in Investors in People. They welcome applications from people who have experienced mental health difficulties.

Candidates must have the right to work in the UK for a minimum of 12 months. We are not a registered sponsor and therefore are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position.

The closing date for applications is Sunday 22nd March 2026

Interviews will be held on Tuesday 31st March and Thursday 2nd April 2026

The Vacancies

We are seeking to appoint one registered medical practitioner and one business registrant (Companies Committee), one lay member (Education Committee) and one optometrist (Standards Committee) to our Advisory Panel Companies Committee.

About the GOC
We are the regulator for the optical professions in the UK. Our purpose is to protect the public by promoting high standards of education, performance, and conduct.  For more information about us please visit our website.

About the Advisory Panel
The Advisory Panel is a meeting of the four Council’s committees (Companies, Education, Registration, and Standards) in plenary session. They are established by statute for the purpose of giving advice and assistance to Council (whether or not in response to a request from them) on:

• matters relating to business registrants other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be referred to the Investigation Committee, the Registration Appeals, Committee or the Fitness to Practise Committee;
• matters relating to optical training, education, and assessment;
• matters relating to registration, other than matters required by the Opticians Act to be considered by the Registration Appeals Committee; and
• matters relating to the standards of conduct and performance expected of registrants or those seeking admission to the register.

Time Commitment and Remuneration

This role is part time with a commitment of approximately 2-3 days per year, including time spent preparing for meetings.  Meetings will usually take place via MS Teams but may on occasion be held at the GOC Offices in London or other suitable venues.

Members are paid up to £185 per meeting. This is taxable and subject to National Insurance (NI) contributions. This is in line with our member fees policy and member fee schedule.

How to apply

Please apply with the following:

• your CV outlining your employment history, any relevant voluntary work, public service, or other experience; together with any relevant professional, academic, or vocational qualifications (please keep this to two sides of A4);
• the application form (attached), stating how your experience matches the essential criteria for the vacancy you are applying for; and
• an EDI monitoring form (linked in the candidate pack) 

Please email your completed application quoting reference GOC01/26 to appointment@optical. org.

We would welcome applications from individuals who are disabled and from diverse ethnic backgrounds, as these are currently under-represented on our Council and committees.

For more information about these roles please download the candidate information pack attached.

APPLICATION DEADLINE: midnight Sunday 29 March 2026.

Online interviews will be held on 14,15,18 and 19 May 2026.

If you have any questions, please email them to appointment@optical. org and we will aim to respond to you within 48 hours. 

We strive to be as diverse as the public we protect and welcome applications from everyone, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, ethnicity, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy, maternity, and geographical locations outside of London.

You will play a key role in leading the day–to–day delivery of the service, providing effective management and leadership to a team of Early Help support workers and Early Help Development Workers. As the Service Manager, you will be required to work in partnership with the Operational Manager to support the strategic development of the integrated service offer for children and families living in the West of Birmingham. You will be required to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders and actively engage in local and district meetings and with Birmingham Childrens Trust. As the Service Manager, you will be working as a part of a management team and be accountable for the quality standards in the service, building and sustaining professional relationships with all stakeholders.You will play a key role in leading the day–to–day delivery of the service, providing effective management and leadership to a team of Early Help support workers and Early Help Development Workers. As the Service Manager, you will be required to work in partnership with the Operational Manager to support the strategic development of the integrated service offer for children and families living in the West of Birmingham. You will be required to work closely with a wide range of stakeholders and actively engage in local and district meetings and with Birmingham Childrens Trust. As the Service Manager, you will be working as a part of a management team and be accountable for the quality standards in the service, building and sustaining professional relationships with all stakeholders. 

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

 OASIS HUB BLAKENHALE

 PART TIME: 15 hours per week

FIXED-TERM CONTRACT: 18 months

SALARY: £10,533 for 0.3 FTE and £28,088 for 1FTE

We’re looking for an organised, people‑focused Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, support and coordinate volunteers across our community projects.

At Oasis Community Hub Blakenhale we provide a range of community activities including stay and play, food club, warm welcome space and adult education, community events and school holiday activities. Together, we aim to Creating places of belonging where we can connect with each other. Creating opportunities to volunteer and be change makers. Create a community we are proud of. Volunteers are at the heart of this work and the role of the volunteer co-ordinator will be a key part of this community.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, induct and match volunteers.
• Promote volunteering through events and local outreach.
• Provide ongoing support, supervision and admin for volunteers.
• Coordinate volunteers across hub activities.
• Support corporate/skills‑based volunteering and training sessions.

About You

• Experience supporting volunteers or working in a community setting.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and confidentiality.
• Confident with Word and Excel.
• Relevant qualification or equivalent experience.

Safeguarding

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.

What we offer

• Flexible working practices which encourage innovation and fresh ideas.
• A supportive network and friendly team in a motivating working environment.
• A non-contributory defined benefit pension scheme with 7% employer contributions.
• 25 days holiday per year (plus Bank Holidays), rising to 30 days after 2 years of service.
• Employee wellbeing schemes such as Cycle to Work and an employee funded health cash plan.

 Application process

For full details please go the Oasis UK charity website.

Closing date for completed applications is 9am Friday 20th March. Interviews will take place at Oasis Blakenhale on Wednesday 25th March.

Please send us your CV and cover letter.

To arrange a visit or an informal conversation about the role, please contact Oasis UK Charity Jobs website.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. 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. 

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

Youth Focus West Midlands (YFWM) is looking for a Regional Development Lead to work as part of the Network of Regional Youth Work Units to build an inclusive and equitable approach to youth voice and youth engagement, ensuring the most marginalised and under-represented young people have their voices heard and acted upon across the UK.

The Development Lead will manage the Amplify funded programme of work across the region. This will include the facilitation of learning networks, peer support groups and peer research approaches, overseeing of project communications and delivering training and support programmes. Along with the collation of best practice around youth voice and contributing to evaluation and impact reporting requirements.

This is a part-time (17.5 hours per week) role on a Fixed Term Contract of 4 years, offering £29,000–£30,000 per annum pro-rata depending on experience (£14,500 – £15,000 before deductions). The role is remote (equipment provided) but with frequent travel required across the West Midlands. Occasional evening and weekend working will also be required. 

To find out more please read the role description and person specification provided. To apply, please complete our official application form (CVs and cover letters will not be considered). The deadline for applications is 5pm on Wednesday 18th March. Interviews are expected to take place on 22nd April.