Emotional support worker jobs in Bracknell, bracknell forest

We're looking for 3 kind, compassionate and resilient Support workers to join our Learning Disabilities service in Langley.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. In some services, this will include providing physical, domestic, emotional and social care.

What you'll do:
- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, as facilitated by the lead Support Worker
- Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as may be reasonably assigned
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised

What you'll bring:

Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector

Desirable:
- Experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and Autism

About us:

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

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

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

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

Please see full job description on our website

Working Well Trust is a mental health and employment charity in London. All of our projects share the aim of improving the lives of people with mental health support needs, learning disabilities, neurodiversity and/or complex issues through training and employment. 

We are recruiting for Peer Support Worker in Kingston upon Thames.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible person with lived experience of autism who is committed to supporting autistic people to work towards their individual goals. Lived experience refers to the first-hand involvement or direct experiences and choices of a given person, and the knowledge that they gain from it, as opposed to the knowledge a given person gains from second-hand source. 

Goals you may support clients to work on include: 

· Taking more control of their lives through gaining a greater understanding of their own wellbeing 

· Reducing feelings of isolation through building connections in the local community 

· Gaining confidence and an improved sense of wellbeing

You will use your own direct lived experience of autism, to work together with people to identify their wellbeing goals and find the right resources and support for their needs. You will have excellent interpersonal skills and be committed to using a strength based and client led approach. 

Experience of peer support is not essential; it is more important that you share our commitment to supporting people to achieve their personal and wellbeing goals. Peer support training will be provided. 

This is a hybrid role involving both working from home and working in the community.

Please click apply to send your CV and a cover letter. Please add a cover letter to the end of your CV when uploading. Applications without a cover form will not be considered. 

Candidates need to clearly outline how they meet the person specification points in their personal statement. 

Staff benefits include an employer contribution to a personal or workplace pension equivalent to 6% of gross salary. 25 days annual leave per annum pro rata plus statutory holiday. 

Working Well Trust is an equal opportunities and confident about disabilities employer (two ticks). We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, ethnicities, disability statuses and sexual orientations. We are happy to discuss any workplace adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post. Special requirements for the interview process can be submitted in the cover form. 

Closing date: Friday 9th January (9am). Please note, Interviews will be arranged throughout the application window. Therefore, it is important to get your application in as soon as possible. We may close this vacancy early.

Support Specialist

We are looking for a compassionate, motivated and confident Support Specialist– Non-Malignant Brain Tumours to deliver the charity’s highly regarded coaching and information service for people living with a non-malignant brain tumour and their families.

This role is central to empowering individuals to feel informed, supported and in control of their lives following diagnosis. Working closely with the Head of Support and wider services team, you will provide tailored emotional and practical support through coaching, information sharing and community engagement.

If you are an excellent listener, calm under pressure and driven by a desire to improve outcomes for people affected by long-term or serious illness, this is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful and lasting impact.

Location: Remote (home-based), Leeds office, or hybrid
Salary:£27,500 per annum
Hours: Full-time (flexible working patterns supported)
Contract:Permanent

Closing Date:Noon on Friday 16th January 2026
Interviews: Conducted remotely on a rolling basis

The Role

We’re seeking a dedicated Support Specialist – Non-Malignant Brain Tumours to join our experienced and passionate team, delivering impartial, high-quality coaching and information to people living with a non-malignant brain tumour and their caregivers.

You will work directly with individuals and families via phone, email, online and face-to-face support, helping them navigate diagnosis, treatment, recovery and long-term wellbeing. You will also play an active role in growing and nurturing our supportive community through workshops, events and online engagement.

Full training and ongoing coaching will be provided, giving you the confidence and skills to deliver a service that truly transforms lives.

In this role, you will:

• Provide one-to-one coaching, information and support to people living with non-malignant brain tumours and their caregivers
• Help individuals feel empowered, informed and better able to manage their circumstances
• Contribute to building and sustaining a strong community through workshops, events, social media and peer connection
• Work within case management systems to triage and record support accurately and confidentially
• Collaborate with clinical and voluntary sector stakeholders to ensure joined-up support
• Support volunteers involved in service delivery
• Share insight from lived experience to help shape services and inform decision-making

About You

To be successful as a Support Specialist, you will be an empathetic communicator with strong organisational skills and a genuine passion for supporting people affected by serious illness.

You will bring:

• Excellent communication skills across phone, email, online and face-to-face settings
• A calm, compassionate and reassuring approach when supporting people in difficult situations
• Strong time-management and prioritisation skills
• A high standard of written communication
• Confidence using digital tools such as MS Office, email and case management systems (e.g. Salesforce or similar)
• A commitment to learning, self-development and reflective practice

Experience of coaching, counselling, support work or patient-facing roles is highly desirable, though full training will be provided. A degree is not essential, but a qualification in caring or communication skills would be an advantage.

About the Organisation

This is a leading national charity supporting people with brain tumours and their families. Through its unique coach-led support model, the charity helps individuals navigate complex care systems, build resilience, access reliable information and feel less alone, while also campaigning for better outcomes and increased awareness.

The organisation is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and actively welcomes applications from candidates from all backgrounds.

Other roles you may have experience of could include Support Worker, Health Coach, Patient Support Officer, Case Worker, Community Support Officer, Care Navigator, Wellbeing Coach, Helpline Advisor, Information and Support Officer, Charity Support Worker. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Family Support Worker – Thames Valley

£24,000 pa + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)

Thames Valley and surrounding areas.

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Thames Valley Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Thames Valley Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a stressful and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

This role covers Thames Valley and surrounding areas. The role does require travel, however you have the freedom to plan your own diary around the demands of both the families you are working with, your team, and also any personal appointments you may need to attend.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator - you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We are a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation, an outstanding place to work! We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Company car for front line care posts

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Time off in Lieu

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

As part of our learning and development Anne Harris Skills Development Programme, we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be their best and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Teams are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, introduction to play, drawing and talking training.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

Please visit our website and apply online.

Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Thames Valley Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Reports To: Head of Frontline Services

Hours: 12 hours per week (flexible but should include attendance at fortnightly Monday morning team meetings in Harrow). There may be opportunity to expand hours if desired.

Location: [Hybrid: Harrow team meetings /West London Community – which could span Hounslow, Hammersmith, Harrow, Barnet, Ealing, Brent/Online/Telephone] 

Our head office is currently in Croxley, Watford and team meetings may move to this location. You need to be able to travel to this location as part of the role.

Salary - £34,320 pro rata

The Violence Intervention Project (V.I.P) is a young Charity (founded in 2017), pioneering new approaches to working with young people (YP) involved in serious youth violence (SYV). Through a combination of practical and therapeutically informed practice, we support YP, their families and communities to live safer lives. Today, The V.I.P. supports more than 50 YP and families across the London Boroughs of RBKC, H&F, Ealing, Hounslow and Hillingdon. As an organisation with a therapeutic ethos at the heart of our practice, we prioritise the care and wellbeing of our employees. As a result, we have an incredible team and strong employee engagement backed by clinical supervision, a Board of Trustees and a Leadership Team who support and promote personal care and professional development. It’s because of our unique working culture that we’re able to meet the serious challenges and demands of our work.

At the V.I.P we aim to be a thought leader in our sector. To date we’ve established strong ties with the Anna Freud Centre along with funding from the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit. All our operations are framed within a public health approach and built on the fundamental belief that shame is a catalyst for violence; to which relationships are the antidote.

Our innovation, passion and principles have translated into a strong reputation and sustained expansion across West London. Our practice model, Urban Therapy, meets young people where they are — in cafes, parks, and community spaces. We also deliver early intervention programmes in schools and lead The Shame Initiative, our national training and consultancy offer for frontline practitioners.

All our posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS disclosure as well as a full employment history and two employment references. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment and service delivery and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Job Purpose: The Family Outreach worker plays a vital role in supporting the families of clients to enhance their stability, wellbeing, and access to essential services. In this role, the Family Outreach worker will provide personalised assistance to families, strengthen connections with external partners and community resources, and collaborate with the team to ensure comprehensive and cohesive support. Additionally, they will establish structured communication and availability protocols to manage expectations and promote sustainable assistance for families.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and Implement Family Support Plans § Caseload Management: Maintain a focused caseload of 4–5 families at a time, ensuring each receives consistent, high-quality support § Care Plan Development: Co-design and implement personalised support plans with families, focused on clear, achievable goals, addressing unique needs such as housing support, access to services, and emotional and practical assistance. § Outcome Tracking: Regularly assess and monitor family progress, aiming for high satisfaction and meaningful, positive outcomes. § Ensure all work complies with safeguarding and confidentiality policies and promptly escalate any concerns regarding the welfare of children or vulnerable adults.

2. Build and Strengthen External Partnerships and Professional Networks § Networking and Outreach: Dedicate time each month to building relationships with key external partners, such as housing providers, domestic violence services, cultural support groups, and other community organisations. § Professional Network Integration: Actively collaborate with members of each family’s professional network (e.g. healthcare providers, educators, social services) to ensure aligned and effective support. § Partnership Development: Identify service gaps and cultivate partnerships with external agencies to broaden the range of resources available for families, especially during crises or complex situations. § Crisis and Complex Needs Support: Utilize professional connections to extend the support network available to families, enhancing their access to comprehensive care.

3. Foster Team Collaboration and Communication § Team Meetings and Case Discussions: Participate in regular team discussions to align family support strategies and incorporate team insights into care plans. § Documentation and Information Sharing: Maintain detailed documentation on family interactions, progress, and needs to facilitate informed team coordination. § Collaborative Problem Solving: Leverage the collective expertise of the team to address complex family needs and ensure proactive, cohesive support.

4. Develop Clear Communication and Availability Protocols § Service Model Communication: Communicate service guidelines, availability expectations, and emergency protocols to families to promote mutual understanding and prevent miscommunication. § Feedback-Driven Adjustments: Regularly gather and assess feedback from families to adjust communication protocols and improve service effectiveness.

5. Ongoing Monitoring, Review, and Professional Development § Role and Service Review: Schedule regular check-ins with management to assess role effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. § Feedback Collection and Analysis: Collect feedback from families and professional network contacts to maintain high-quality service standards and align with organisational objectives. § Professional Growth: Engage in professional development opportunities to continually refine and align your approach with the organisation’s mission, vision, and evolving community needs. Key Requirements: § Experience in Family Support or Community Outreach: Proven background in social work, family support, or community engagement, with an ability to manage complex family cases. § Strong Communication and Network-Building Skills: Effective communicator able to engage with families, team members, external partners, and professional networks, ensuring cohesive, high-quality support. § Empathy and Professionalism: Commitment to providing respectful, empathetic support to families, balanced with clear professional boundaries. § Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple cases, maintain thorough documentation, and adhere to Urban Therapy protocols to ensure high-quality, consistent service.

Key skills and qualities: · Flexibility and adaptability · Trust building · Advocacy skills · Crisis Intervention skills · Resilience · Active Listening · Solution Focused · Ethical practitioner

Urban Therapy is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

This role may evolve as community needs develop; the Family Outreach Worker will contribute to shaping the service model over time.

Casual Worker / Bank Staff (Substance Misuse)

We are looking for someone mature, motivated and caring to provide tailored person-centred support to our residents in their recovery journey. If you have a heart to see people overcome substance misuse - to reset, recover, and restore their lives - please join our dynamic team.

You will be providing support to men individually or in a group - men who are overcoming substance abuse issues, helping them to achieve their personal goals in all areas of life (behaviour, health, faith etc.). You will therefore have great inter-personal skills and the ability to implement firm but caring boundaries. In addition, you will be responsible for a variety of administrative tasks, including updating records, checking leave and visit applications, and managing the Manor during weekends and overnight.

This is a part-time role on zero hours contract, including occasional evenings and weekends. 

If you're interested in this opportunity and feel you have the skills to help support the work we do, we’d love to hear from you. Please submit your CV along with a covering letter to explain your suitability for the role as outlined in the job description.

Yeldall Manor is a Christian organisation, and this role has an occupational requirement that the successful candidate be a committed and practising Christian able to support residents in their spiritual journey (in accordance with Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010).

Yeldall Manor is committed to safeguard and promote the welfare of its residents. The successful candidate will be subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check. We welcome candidates with lived experience but, if you are in recovery, you must have a minimum of two years’ clean time.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Jigsaw4u’s Piece of Mind Service helps 11 to 25 year-old young people in SW London overcome depression and/or anxiety. We are seeking 1 full-time counsellor, or 2 part-time counsellors, to support 15 referrals over 3 months, in the London Boroughs of Kingston and Richmond. 

There is the potential for this fixed-term contract to become permanent. 

Each young person receives 6 to 16 targeted, evidence based therapeutic support sessions.  Support sessions will be delivered at our Kingston-Upon Thames hub, at school, home or in the community where appropriate. The counsellor will liaise with parents/carers, and referrers and partner agencies as appropriate. They will evaluate the interventions through use of Outcomes Star and other agreed measurement tool.

Jigsaw4u is a community charity that helps children, young people and families across South West London put the pieces back together following social and emotional difficulties.

 We have a multi-disciplinary team of Specialist Support Practitioners and Therapists, with a proud 27-year history and values that are informed by our shared experiences and feedback from our service-users.

 We work with community and statutory partners to deliver over 24 services, including support for pre and post bereavement, depression and anxiety, young people in the care system or leaving care, domestic violence, young victims of crime, prisoners’ families and parenting programmes.

About Kinship

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

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

About the role

Kinship is undertaking a major feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) of Kinship Connected. This is aligned with recommendations set out in the Kinship Care Practice Guide published by Foundations (2024) and builds on evidence from the Kinship Navigator intervention of support for kinship carers in the USA. 

This feasibility RCT is a complex, multi-partner programme involving: 

• An active funding partner 
• An independent evaluation team 
• 5 participating local authorities (to be confirmed) 
• Internal delivery teams and cross organisational services 
• Kinship carers and lived experience subject experts

This role leads and supports the staff team delivering one-to-one navigator-style support to kinship carers as part of the Kinship Connected feasibility randomised controlled trial. You will ensure the team provides consistent, high quality, relational support that reflects Kinship’s values and trauma-informed practice. 

You will work closely with the Mobilisation and Delivery Project Manager and will share responsibility for ensuring high quality performance across the feasibility trial. You will both work closely with the core project team and partners. 

The Programmes Manager leads practice quality, staff development, safeguarding and relational delivery. The Mobilisation and Delivery Project Manager leads operational quality, systems, processes, data and compliance. Together you make sure the trial is delivered ethically, consistently and to a very high standard.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the day-to-day practice and relational delivery of the Kinship Connected (Navigator) support model.

• Support Kinship Family Workers to deliver high quality, trauma-informed and strengths-based support to kinship carers.

• Ensure clear case management, boundaries, risk management and reflective practice.

• Embed the delivery approach set out in the Intervention Protocol and Kinship Navigator Service Manual.

• Ensure equity, accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of delivery, with particular focus on minoritised ethnic kinship families. 

• Maintain delivery tracking and operational dashboards.

• Provide high quality line management, reflective supervision and pastoral support to Kinship Family Workers

Essential knowledge and experience includes:

• Strong experience leading frontline delivery teams providing emotional, relational or social care support.

• Proven track record ensuring high quality casework, assessments, boundaries and risk management.

• Experience delivering strengths-based, trauma-informed and evidence-informed approaches.

• Substantial experience in line managing practitioners, delivering reflective supervision and supporting wellbeing.

• Experience leading high performing dispersed teams with confidence, consistency and compassion.

• Experience managing change and supporting staff through shifting delivery requirements.

• Strong background in safeguarding decision making, case discussions and organisational safeguarding culture. 

What we’ll offer you 

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

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

Key dates:

Application deadline:  11.59pm, Sunday 4 January 2026

First interview: Friday 9 January 2026 (online)

Second interview:Wednesday 14 January 2026 (in-person, London)

How to apply

Respond on CharityJobs to these 5 questions, along with your CV:

1. What is it about Kinship’s mission and values that motivates you to lead the delivery of relational support for kinship carers, and how would these values shape your approach as a Programmes Manager?

2. Describe a time you led or supported a team delivering emotional or relational support. How did you ensure consistent, high-quality practice?

3. Give an example of how you have developed or supported practitioners through reflective supervision, coaching or managing difficult practice situations. What approach did you take and why?

4. Describe a situation where you had to make or support a safeguarding decision. How did you balance risk, judgement and support for staff?

5. Tell us about a time you worked with a local authority, commissioner or another external partner to resolve a challenge or improve delivery. What did you do?

We are looking to fill this role quickly and reserve the right to close a recruitment campaign earlier than the advertised where we have received sufficient applications so please apply early! 

About St Peters West Molesey & Bridge the Gap

St Peters West Molesey is one of twelve VCSE partners delivering Surrey’s Changing Futures / Bridge the Gap service. Bridge the Gap supports people experiencing multiple disadvantage—including homelessness, rough sleeping, mental and physical health challenges, substance use, domestic abuse, offending behaviours, and other safeguarding concerns.

Using a holistic, trauma-informed and person-centred approach, we walk side by side with clients to help them stabilise their lives, regain control, and achieve meaningful change.

The Role

We are looking for a compassionate, motivated Bridge the Gap Practitioner to provide intensive outreach support to single people who are rough sleeping, homeless, or at risk of homelessness. Each individual is unique, and your work will reflect their personal goals, strengths, hopes, and aspirations.

You will build trusting relationships, co-produce person-centred plans (“My Story, Strengths and Hopes”), and offer practical, emotional, and advocacy support. Alongside system partners and multi-agency teams, you’ll help clients access the services they need to move towards stability and wellbeing.

This role includes reflective practice and clinical supervision with our resident Clinical Psychologist, ensuring your own wellbeing is prioritised.

Key Responsibilities

Engagement & Support

• Build relationships with people who are rough sleeping, homeless, or at risk of homelessness

• Provide intensive, flexible outreach support

• Develop co-produced, person-centred support plans

• Support clients to improve physical and mental wellbeing

• Assist with life skills: budgeting, tenancy sustainment, accessing services, education, employment, community living

• Accompany clients to appointments and services (“walking shoulder to shoulder”)
   

Housing & Practical Support

• Work towards securing and sustaining stable accommodation

• Support clients with benefits, daily living tasks, and referrals to specialist services

• Coordinate multi-agency involvement based on client needs
   

Safety, Risk, and Compliance

• Complete and implement positive risk assessments

• Assess client safety and welfare on an ongoing basis

• Maintain accurate, timely case notes and database records

• Follow all St Peters West Molesey and Bridge the Gap policies

• Contribute to a safe, respectful service environment
   

Professional Practice

• Manage your own caseload and workload

• Attend weekly one-to-one meetings and provide activity updates

• Participate in group supervision and reflective practice

• Work collaboratively with internal and external partners

• Keep up to date with organisational and service developments
   

About You

You’ll be someone who is passionate about tackling poverty, supporting those facing multiple disadvantage, and working in a trauma-informed, compassionate way.

Required

• Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience

• Experience supporting and motivating people from diverse backgrounds

• Experience working/volunteering with adults facing disadvantage

• Confident managing challenging behaviours, conflict, or distress

• Able to plan, prioritise, and organise workload effectively

• Experience with dynamic risk management and accurate record-keeping

• Computer literate (email, documents, spreadsheets, online systems)
   

Desirable

• Qualification in mental health, counselling, or community support

• Experience in community development or poverty reduction

• Experience coordinating referrals and raising safeguarding concerns

• Clean driving licence
   

Key Skills & Attributes

• Empathy, compassion, and emotional resilience

• Ability to work independently and unsupervised

• Adaptability to changing client needs

• Strong advocacy and motivational skills

• Honesty, integrity, and alignment with St Peters West Molesey’s mission and values
   

What We Offer

• Thorough induction and trauma-informed training

• Regular supervision and reflective practice with a Clinical Psychologist

• The opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of people with multiple disadvantages

• A supportive, values-driven team culture

As the University builds on its proud heritage, we are looking for exceptional people to help shape our future. We provide a high-quality professional environment, inspired by our distinctive ethos and Catholic mission and values. Our values of excellence, generosity of spirit, inclusiveness and respect inspire us to create an academic community in which everybody is welcomed and which puts the student at the centre of all our endeavours.

St Mary’s University’s new Development Department has a bold five‑year strategy to grow philanthropy and deliver lasting impact. At its heart is the School of Medicine, opening in 2026 as one of the UK’s first socially accountable medical schools, dedicated to tackling health inequalities and serving diverse communities. In just its first year, our campaign has already secured £3.6m towards a £20m goal, funding capital projects, scholarships, and faculty. This is an extraordinary moment to join Development at St Mary’s: you will help shape a pioneering culture of philanthropy, inspire transformational gifts, and play a defining role in building a medical school of national significance and social purpose.

Job Purpose: 

We are seeking a dynamic, results‑driven Philanthropy Manager to grow our major donor programme in partnership with the Development Director. Your primary focus will be cultivating and securing five and six‑figure gifts from high‑net‑worth individuals, building a sustainable pipeline of transformational support. At this exciting moment in St Mary’s history, you will help drive a landmark £20m campaign for the new School of Medicine, inspiring donors to shape the future of UK medical education and tackle health inequalities. Working closely with senior leadership, academics, and campaign volunteers, you will translate strategic priorities into persuasive cases for support and steward lasting donor relationships.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment and want to make a meaningful impact we would love to hear from you. 

Closing date: 21 January 2026

Interviews are likely to be held w/c 2 February

St Mary’s University is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Learn more about our EDI initiatives and work as a Disability Confident employer. 

Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. St Mary’s University is holding a work visa sponsorship licence however we will not always be able to guarantee a Skilled Worker Visa sponsorship. To avoid disappointment, please ensure you meet the requirements of the Points Based System before applying as we will not be able to provide advice on individual cases.