Empowerment Worker Jobs

This is an exciting opportunity to work as a refuge worker within a refuge service, supporting women and their children fleeing domestic abuse. Your responsibilities will include supporting and advocating for women and children, taking part in the on-call rota, managing day to day running of the refuge; health & safety, safeguarding and supporting the service and deputy manager. 

Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota. An enhanced DBS will also be required for the successful applicant.

Bonny Downs Community Association has been working together to change lives and transform our community since 1998. Over the past 25 years our team has grown to provide a wide array of services that benefit Newham residents from all walks of life. 

This role is specifically funded through the Youth Endowment fund as a pilot project ‘Thriving Communities’. You will be required to work alongside Thriving Communities commissioners, as well as the project’s Youth Justice Worker’s, Educational Psychologist, and/or professionals assigned to individual young people’s cases- such as teachers, social workers and mentors. The Thriving Communities project is a small part of a wider collaborative project, EMPOWER YOUTH, delivered by two partner charities so, although this position is based at BDCA, you will be working closely with a second East Ham Youth Partnership Project lead and team of Sessional Assistants based at nearby charity The Renewal Programme (TRP). Staff from each organisation will work together to deliver the programme and cross-refer young people to activities led by both teams. You will also be required to work with BDCA’s own Children & Families team during the summer scheme and liaise with our marketing team all year round. External partner agencies that you will work directly with include Thriving Communities panel, Newham Youth Empowerment Service, Newham Community Engagement Team, local sports clubs and schools.

ABOUT THE ROLE

A new opportunity has arisen to join a new contract in Lewisham. You will support over 2 properties which supports residents and participants with acute and/or complex mental health needs who are supported/treated in the community in their recovery as appose to hospital inpatient care. You will focus on rehabilitating and reintegrating our residents and participants and help our residents and participants achieve their personal goals and gain a level of recovery that enables them to return home or move into supported housing.

Shift Pattern: Rota based Monday to Sunday between 08:00 and 19:30 

ABOUT THE SERVICE

The Integrated Community Rehabilitation Services will enable people to receive a community-based offer and avoid admission into a rehabilitation unit. 

The service is across 2 properties in Lewisham (one 8 self contained rooms, and another with 6 self contained rooms) located in close proximity to each another and both will be staffed 24/7 by a minimum of 2 Mental Health Recovery Workers (MHRW) at all times, at each site. This will include Shift Leads to support the Management Team. 

These addresses are a short walk from each other and are served by good public transport links; close to Bellingham, Catford and Catford Bridge train stations, and close to bus stops.

Benefits, including Non-Contractual Perks

• 25 days annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Medicash includes discount gym memberships, routine optometry care, dental treatments, and physiotherapy treatments
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing.
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards

If you have the passion, creativity, and tenacity to make a real difference in people's lives, challenge stigma and make our communities safer, we would love to hear from you!

ABOUT YOU

We're looking for a resilient individual, who has a desire to support our residents and participants to be the best versions of themselves, providing a fully flexible service. You will be driven to provide high quality care and support to others, an effective team member who can communicate effectively, and can be compassionate, supportive, and empowering to others. 

OVERVIEW OF KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and sustain therapeutic relationships with residents and participants, providing practical and emotional support.
• Support residents and participants with relevant skills, knowledge, and understanding about their mental health and wellbeing.
•  Identify activity needs and wishes and support with participation and projects.
• Act as a key worker for participants and residents, contribute to the development of support plans, risk assessments, and subsequent reviews. 
• Support with various personal needs as required.
• Attend appointments when required.
• Housing Management; ensure safety throughout and report repairs and maintanence as needed. 
• Various other responsibilities within the position as required.

Other responsibilities than those described above may be required to be undertaken from time to time and will be expected to be performed to as long as it is within the capability and level of the position. 

KEY CRITERIA

What we are looking for:

• Previous experience working with people with multiple complex backgrounds/needs, mental health, substance misuse, alcohol, and behaviours 
• Previous experience creating co - produced support plans, key working, and care planning, providing appropriate interventions for service users
• IT Proficiency; ability to learn new software and basic Microsoft
• Understanding of the housing and social needs of people with multiple and complex needs
• Understanding and/or practical knowledge of the social and societal marginalisation that can be attached to people with various challenging backgrounds, mental health, addiction, exploitation, homelessness, and previous convictions

What we would like, but not essential:

• Understanding and/or practical application of key legislation regarding social care, housing, criminal justice, and mental health
• Ability to Recognise signs of deteriorating mental health and initiate appropriate interventions to prevent crisis

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

WORKING FOR US

ABOUT US

Social Interest Group (SIG) believes good care and support improve lives. Our values of ambition, empowerment, transparency, and inclusivity drive everything we do. Our mission is to empower people who are marginalised by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement.

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings (including people's own homes), probation settings, and hospitals awaiting discharge. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, and Kent. We believe in the power of well-planned, well-managed services to make a difference. We work with high standards and external and internal regulatory frameworks.

Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change

Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Our Values

Ambition – Eager to succeed and to accomplish as much as possible for our people

Empowerment – Giving staff and the people we support the tools, training, and information they need to achieve their potential

Transparency – Upfront and visible about our actions and open to scrutiny from stakeholders, service users, and staff

Inclusivity – Listening to, understanding, and including all our stakeholders to ensure we make a difference and get things right

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

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

We're looking for two kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Workers to join our Young People & Mental Health service in Ealing. No personal care or experience is required, just the right values.

£28,500.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Specialist Support Workers within Look Ahead are required to have either an extra dimension of experience or a higher qualification level as determined relevant for the particular post. Specialist Support Workers provide information, social inclusion and vocational opportunities to support people to recover and stay well; exercise choice and control in their care and lives; and participate on an equal footing in the community. Support is also provided to develop a model of re-enablement towards self-advocacy, self-management and empowerment, incorporating the principles and practice of recovery, co-production and peer support.

Oaklands & St Kilda is a pair of 6 unit supported accommodation mental health rehab services working with young people between the ages of 18-25 who may have experienced a mental health related hospital admission to gain and develop skills for future independent living. The service will support individuals transitioning from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult services.

The service forms part of a pair of services supporting up to 12 individuals at any one time across the sites, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for young people across london on a spot purchase basis.

Specialist Support workers will manage a caseload of customers to help them to identify, plan and achieve their goals, develop relationships meaningful to them and achieve greater independence by providing a flexible and individually tailored support package.

Consists of working 5 days a week across all days, 8 hours shifts starting at either 8am or 2pm.

This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.

What you'll do:

Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
Create support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customer to progress in their recovery
Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking
Provide support and access to relevant services to enable customers to continue their recovery and empower customers to self-manage their medication regimes through individual re-enablement programmes and informed decision making
Undertake support work in partnership with external stakeholders to compliment their interventions

For the full list please see our website.

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:

Plans and encourages involvement in local activities.
Approachable and open behaviour
Prefers working as part of a group or team
Is fundamentally calm and emotionally resilient in the face of challenging situations
Confident in the completion of regular paperwork and is well organised
Flexible
Open to feedback and self development
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
Confident in the use of IT systems such as SharePoint and Microsoft Office suite.
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is essentially customer-focused
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours

What you'll bring:

Essential:

Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience supporting young people or people experiencing mental health challenges.
Specialist knowledge relevant to supporting young people with a Mental Health diagnosis.

Desirable:

Experience of working in a complex mental health environment
Demonstrable experience of trauma-informed practice

About us:

Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

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.

Salary up to £43,316 depending on experience

37.5 hours per week

Location: This role will cover Stevenage and Essex (Hybrid working)

We have a fantastic opportunity to join our team and a growing fostering service in the Eastern Region where you will be able to contribute to achieving positive results for young people.

About Us

Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future.

St Christopher's is a leading charity for children and young people. We are proud of our history of providing fostering, children's homes and innovative leaving care services across the UK & Isle of Man.  We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do.  We provide positive life experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home.

We are an equal-opportunity employer keen to develop an inclusive workforce where people feel they belong.  We hope to attract applications from under- represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions, faith, sex, orientation, childcare responsibilities, and gender-diverse identities.

About the Role

As a Supervising Social Worker, you will contribute to the growth and development of St Christopher’s fostering services by playing a key role in the recruitment, training and assessment of foster carers and by building positive relationships with referring authorities and other professionals.

Applicants should have:

• CQSW, DipSW, BA Social Work or equivalent professional qualification, and registration with the Health and Care Professions Care Council (HCPC).
• Experience of working in fostering or adoption.
• Knowledge of relevant child care legislation.
• Ability to manage your caseload effectively and to plan and priorities work to meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication, motivation and team work skills.
• Ability to travel independently to all areas required by job responsibilities.
• Passion for building brighter futures for vulnerable young people and delivering the highest quality services possible.

In return we offer:

• Salary up to £43,316 depending on experience.
• Flexible working arrangements.
• A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
• Industry Leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and Social Pedagogy,
• Contributory pension scheme, Enhanced Maternity and Company Sick Scheme.
• BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
• Interest-free season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme.
• Discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
• Discretionary Funded Training Programs.
• Employee Awards based on performance and length of service.
• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.

Who are we?

DIAL Barnsley is a local user-led organisation which, through the provision of advice and support, aims to address poverty and social exclusion for disabled people, their families and carers in the borough of Barnsley. Established in 1985 our services have developed to meet the needs of service users. We attribute the longevity and success of our organisation to our ethos which is to ‘See the person first’ 

We are a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. 

What do we do?

Our core advice services include:

• telephone information, advice and guidance

• regular face to face welfare benefit advice sessions in communities

• independent advocacy support for people wishing to make complaints about their health and social care 

• home visits and support to address fuel poverty/energy efficiency

The advice team is rare and unique as they are representative of the people they serve. Most of our paid advisors have long-term disabilities or health problems and personal experience of the financial and other barriers disabled people face each and every day. They are a shining example to the people they speak with on a daily basis and are truly inspirational.  Everyone’s attitude is down-to-earth but professional, knowledgeable, non-patronising and their commitment is unequalled.

The advice service is complimented by other enabling services focussing on people supporting each other:

• community support groups providing social contact and activities 

• digital peer support group for people to come together

• volunteer opportunities

Overview of the Role

As a Welfare Benefits Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in assisting individuals in making benefit claims and accessing the support they need. You will join a busy team that supports thousands of disabled people and carers across the borough and specifically provide a bespoke home visiting service to our most vulnerable clients.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Benefit Claims Assistance:

   • Provide guidance and support to individuals in understanding their eligibility for various welfare benefits, including Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Attendance Allowance.

   • Assist clients in completing benefit application forms accurately and efficiently.

   • Stay updated on changes to welfare benefit regulations and policies to provide accurate information to clients.

2. Home Visiting Service:

   • Conduct home visits to assess clients' needs and provide personalised support in accessing welfare benefits.

   • Develop tailored action plans in collaboration with clients to maximise their benefit entitlements and improve their financial stability.

3. Client Empowerment and Education:

   • Empower clients through education about their rights and responsibilities within the benefits system.

4. Working within our Team

• Liaise with colleagues in order to provide the best possible advice to all clients

• Attend team meetings

• Undertake appropriate training

• Work with our Communications Lead to share the impact of the service

Join our team at Alexandra Wellbeing House, where we're committed to revolutionising
mental health care in partnership with Gloucestershire Health and Care NHS Foundation
Trust.

What You'll Do: -

Collaborative Pathway Development: Partner with Complex Emotional Needs (CEN) team to deliver operational pathways that guide service delivery, ensuring seamless transitions within the Acute Therapy Service (ATS) model.

Empowerment and Support: Serve as a beacon of empowerment and support for individuals accessing our service, providing personalised non-clinical wellbeing support and safety plans tailored to their unique circumstances.

Compassionate Guidance: Offer compassionate guidance and assistance to those navigating acute emotional distress, offering integrated solutions that prioritise their wellbeing and autonomy.

Salary:

£23,612 per annum, pro rata for part time £18,890

Role Status:

1 x 37.5 hours per week and 1 x 30 hours per week

BASED IN MANCHESTER

NO CVS ACCEPTED and STRICTLY NO AGENCIES/RECRUITMENT CONSULTANTS.

This role requires the submission of a completed Medaille Trust Application Form which you can download from the Vacancies page on Medaille Trust website and applied on Medaille Trust website. This is to be uploaded to the 'Other Document Upload' button. Your application will not be considered without an application form as we do not accept CVS.

THE CLOSING DATE FOR THIS ROLE IS 22/05/2024 AT 10AM

About Us

Come join our team working to help change the lives of some of the most vulnerable people in society. Ranked 2023 Q4 by Best Companies as the 8th best charity to work for in the UK, Medaille Trust is one of the UK’s leading charities in the fight against modern slavery. Our innovative model is based on three principles: Prevent, Protect and Pursue. We are one of the UK’s largest providers of survivor services, with ten safehouses and six outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year. We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators

About the job

We are seeking a confident and experienced Modern Slavery Case Worker Assistant with a wide range of skills and importantly, a ‘can do’ approach. As a Modern Slavery Case Worker Assistant, you will provide high quality practical and emotional support to potential victims of modern slavery within a safehouse setting.

You will work as a member of the team providing a safe temporary environment for vulnerable adults who have experienced trauma and exploitation. The role will involve assisting service users with increasing practical skills and self-confidence to empower and enable independent and safe living.

This service is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Applicants must be willing to work flexibly, which will include on call duties, evenings, weekends and bank. Both roles will work between two properties approx. 4 miles apart on a Rota basis. A full induction and continuous training will be given.

The 30 hour per week post will be shifts from 4pm-10pm, 5 days per week, however, the initial induction will consist of day shifts until knowledge of safe house is comprehensive.

You must have experience of working with vulnerable adults, the ability to work within a ‘risk associated’ environment and ideally experience of working within a residential or community setting with non-UK citizens. Relevant social care qualifications or suitable experience of supporting vulnerable people is essential.

This is a challenging but important and rewarding job because our team members know they are working hard to help transform the lives of some of the most vulnerable people. In our December 2022 survey, 85% of our staff said they loved their job. We offer generous annual leave, as well as a day off for your birthday and an annual volunteering day. We also offer an Employee Assistance Programme, and a staff benefits package.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 22 May 2024 at 10 A.M.

Interview Date : Monday, 3 June 2024

Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and we reserve the right to interview/ appoint before the closing date. Early applications are therefore strongly encouraged.

This position is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check. The ability to drive with a valid licence and use of your own vehicle insured for business purposes is essential.

Join a team with a bold mission – at Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind, we are dedicated to reshaping the landscape of mental health and emotional well-being in our community. We believe in empowering individuals with opportunities for a richer life. 

What You'll Do: -

Collaboration and Efficiency: Work hand-in-hand with existing Mental Health Provision for people and their families, as well as other local agencies/organisations to effectively support people transitioning from services. 

Innovation and Empowerment: Channel your passion into providing evidence-based interventions, becoming key in shaping this role as the service develops as well as providing support to the core Access Community Mental Health team.

The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women is looking for an experienced and results-driven marketing professional with great know-how in marketing opportunities and managing agencies, and a commitment to women’s economic empowerment to join our team as Programme Marketing Manager for 12 months.

Please note, applications without a covering letter will not be considered. All applicants must have the full legal right to work in the UK as the Foundation does not offer sponsorship at this time.

General information

Start date: Mid to end of June dependent on notice period required

Contract: Temporary – 12 months

Hours: Part time: 21 hours per week, ideally over 4 or 5 days but 3 days considered. 

Salary: £34,176 - £37,024 per annum (£20,506 - £22,214 pro rata) 

About the role

Becoming the Programme Marketing Manager at the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women is a fantastic opportunity to help drive progress for women entrepreneurs in low and middle income countries by engaging more people in our work.

The key purpose of this role is to effectively market our programmes to participants – chiefly our HerVenture business skills microlearning app and our sector-leading Mentoring Women in Business programme.

This will span three main projects:

· to successfully manage a marketing agency to effectively market the HerVenture app to women in South Africa (as part of a fixed-term project with active marketing ongoing until Mar ‘25);

· to successfully manage the same marketing agency to promote the app in Nigeria (as part of a separate fixed-term project with active marketing ongoing until Dec ‘24); and

· to effectively promote the opportunity to become a mentor to a woman entrepreneur through our Mentoring Women in Business programme to paying professionals worldwide. Your objective will be to secure 18+ paid mentors for the Nov ’24 programme intake and 20+ for the May ’25 intake.

Following the completion of the two HerVenture marketing projects, you will also lead other programme marketing initiatives in 2025. These will be determined in late 2024.

Following the May ’25 Mentoring intake you will deliver a strategy, harnessing your learning and analysis to outline an approach for marketing the programme to paying mentors in future.

You will also be called on to support other forms of programme marketing on an ad hoc basis, for example advising on development of corporate pitch decks, or co-designing materials for fundraising events.

This position reports directly to the Head of Communications and Marketing, however this is a highly collaborative role and you will also work closely with the Entrepreneurship programmes team and the Programme Funding team to develop and deliver plans and manage projects.

Our ideal candidate will be a knowledgeable and motivated marketer with experience in ‘selling’ professional development / online volunteering opportunities, and in managing agencies and contractors to deliver on fixed projects as aligned to good marketing practices. You should be highly organised and goals-driven, with a collaborative approach, a growth-oriented mindset, and a strong desire to harness the power of marketing to support women’s economic empowerment.

We are open to applications from consultants.

For full information on this role, please download the job pack

What the Foundation can offer you 

· A fantastic package of 28 days of annual leave (which includes three that must be taken during the festive break).

· An organisation that values you. As a smaller organisation, we value everyone’s individual perspective and voice and all team members are able to contribute to our strategic planning.

· Professional development, with career growth built into each staff member’s annual plan and a wide range of skills-building and learning opportunities provided. Each staff member has an annual £1,000 training budget.

· A positive, supportive and collaborative culture and leadership style. We encourage teamwork and open and honest communication, while maintaining a friendly and relaxed atmosphere where everyone can thrive.

· A focus on personal wellbeing and happiness, with regular team-building activities and line manager meetings that as well as your personal wellbeing. 

About the Foundation 

The Cherie Blair Foundation for Women exists to create a future where women everywhere enjoy equal economic opportunities so they can thrive. Together with partners around the world, we work with women in low and middle income countries so they can start, sustain and grow successful enterprises. We collaborate to create fairer business environments so women are not constrained by gendered barriers and can reach their potential on their terms.

Since 2008, our training and mentoring services have supported more than 250,000 women to build successful micro, small and medium enterprises in over 100 countries. By blending insights from research, strong partnerships and pioneering technology we open doors for women entrepreneurs to skills, confidence, networks, finance and markets. We press for change to stop millions of women being held back from having the choice and opportunity to thrive.

Our gender transformative approach means women can  achieve their own economic objectives. They create a better future for themselves, their families, and their communities. They contribute to thriving, fair economies, and global economic justice.

To find out more about our work, you can read our latest annual report here, and read our 2023-2026 organisational strategy ‘Ready for Business’ here. 

How to apply 

To apply, please download the job pack and send us the following: 

· Covering letter addressing relevant experience for the role (one A4 page maximum). When writing your cover letter, please refer to the job description, focussing on the essential and desirable criteria.

· Current CV (two A4 pages maximum).

All applicants should have the legal right to work in the UK prior to applying.

Please send your application by 11:59 BST, Tuesday 14 May.

First round interviews will be held on 22 and 23 May.

The Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply for this position. Please let us know if you have any access requirements that you would like us to be aware of during this process. 

Due to the large number of applications we receive, please note that you will only be contacted should we wish to invite you to interview. 

Thank you for your interest in the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women. We look forward to receiving your application. 

Main purpose of job: To lead and develop CARA, taking overall responsibility for the operational and financial management, generating income, working closely with the board of trustees to achieve CARA’s strategic and budgetary aims, whilst ensuring compliance with statutory, contractual, and regulatory requirements.

Start date: To be agreed with the appointed candidate (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary: £55,000 - £60,000

Hours: Your hours of work are as required to perform the duties of your role, for a full-time employee this is normally 35 hours per week. 

Contract: Permanent

Place of work: At least two days a week in the Colchester office, with some home working, regular travel across Essex and occasional travel in the East Region.

Holiday: 25 days per year pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Application deadline:  10am, Thursday 16th May 2024.

Interviews:  Tuesday 4th June, in Colchester.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1.

Job Description

The post of Chief Executive Officer offers an exciting opportunity to steer CARA through the next stage of its development, providing leadership to the talented and committed CARA team. The role will involve building on the considerable growth and development that CARA has achieved over the last 10 years, securing funding to ensure it can continue to provide excellent specialist services to survivors of sexual violence and take steps towards CARA's vision of a world without sexual violence and child sexual abuse.

CARA’s CEO is responsible for leading and developing CARA, taking overall responsibility for the operational and financial management, generating income, working closely with the board of trustees to achieve CARA’s strategic and budgetary aims, whilst ensuring compliance with statutory, contractual, and regulatory requirements.

The main responsibilities of the CEO are:

Strategic leadership

·Work with the Board of Trustees and the Head of Operations, and consult with staff, survivors, and others, to develop and define a clear, strong vision and direction for the future of the organisation.

·Lead on and be responsible for the creation, ongoing development and implementation of the organisation’s strategic, business and annual plans.

·Foster, model and promote an inclusive, feminist, anti-racist organisational culture that reflects CARA’s ethos and values.

·Be accountable to the Board of Trustees for the overall financial health of the organisation.

Good governance

·Report and present to the Board of Trustees on the organisation’s progress against its budgets, plans, any risks, challenges and changes, and all information relevant and necessary to the effective discharge of the Board’s duties, including strategic decision-making.

·Develop and share proposals with the Board for the implementation of its objectives and the ongoing development of the organisation.

·Support the Board of Trustees in its ongoing process of self-assessment, development and improving its diversity and representation.

·Ensure the charity meets its constitutional, regulatory and legal obligations.

Business development

·Develop and implement an income generation strategy that ensures the organisation’s sustainability and enables its sustainable growth.

·Work in partnership with the Head of Operations to develop and implement the organisational structures needed for effective delivery of CARA’s objectives and sustainable growth.

·Generate new and various funding and income opportunities through networking, developing partnerships.

• To research and identify new funding and commissioning opportunities and complete bids and applications on an ongoing basis.

·Increase the unrestricted income of the charity, including developing, proposing and implementing new and innovative approaches to its income generation activities, including working closely with the CEO of Icena.

·Be responsible for maintaining and developing strong, long-term relationships with a diverse range funders and donors, both existing and new.

Representation

• To act as lead representative for CARA in the Synergy Essex Rape Crisis Partnership, developing strong working relationships with the other partners and negotiating CARA’s role, responsibilities and the financial allocations it receives from the partnership. 
• To keep up-to-date with current developments affecting victims and survivors of sexual violence and ensure that CARA responds appropriately to these developments.
• To be the chief spokeswoman for CARA, responding to media and other enquiries as appropriate and playing a pro-active role in bringing relevant issues to the attention of the public, issuing press releases and initiating debate, as appropriate.
• Build, support and oversee strong relationships with individuals and organisations across the voluntary, public and private sectors, and in local and national government.
• To contribute to Rape Crisis England and Wales campaigns and other campaigns, as appropriate.
• To remain informed of national and regional Rape Crisis perspectives, drawing on Rape Crisis England and Wales expertise and resources as appropriate.

Organisational management

·Ensure policies and processes that support good communication, staff health and well-being, and safe and effective delivery of work are in place and adhered to throughout the organisation.

·Take overall responsibility for the staff team, its management and performance.

·Capture the organisation’s work through robust monitoring and evaluation, and ensure CARA’s impact and any learning is shared throughout the team and with the Board, survivors, funders and other partners as appropriate.

·Oversee and ensure robust financial management processes for the charity.

Other

·To oversee safeguarding at CARA, working with the Designated Safeguarding Leads to ensure effective policies and procedures are in place and communicated to staff, trustees, sessional counsellors and volunteers, and that CARA follows best safeguarding practice.

·To adhere to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures.

·To be administratively self-servicing, and to share responsibility for a range of day-to-day tasks with the Head of Operations and other team members.

·To undertake other related activities as required by Board of Trustees.

This list is indicative only, not exhaustive. It is intended to reflect a range of duties the post-holder will be expected to perform but additional duties commensurate with the role may be required. The job description will be reviewed from time to time and may change in light of experience and changing circumstances, in consultation with the post-holder.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA's vision is of a world without sexual violence and child sexual abuse.  As a step towards this vision, we do all we can to create a culture where victims and survivors are believed, supported and treated with fairness and respect.

CARA is a registered charity working with adults, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich. We also provide remote services.

CARA currently employs 39 full and part-time staff and has an annual income of approximately £1.6 million.

CARA's Aims

1. To provide high quality, specialist support to victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse.

2. To increase awareness and understanding of sexual violence and child sexual abuse and the impact they have on victims and survivors, challenging myths and misconceptions.

3. To promote and represent the rights and needs of victims and survivors, including advocating for a fairer criminal justice system.

CARA's Values

Feminism.  Respect.  Empowerment.  Equality

CARA is a women-led organisation and we work from an intersectional feminist perspective.  We actively seek to ensure equality of women as a service provider and as an employer.

The core values of respect, empowerment and equality underpin everything we do.

CARA's commitment to diversity and inclusion

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed. CARA is committed to anti-racism and are currently developing an Anti-racism Policy. Through this work, we will be aiming to dismantle barriers within CARA to ensure we do not continue to perpetuate institutional racism and can create a truly inclusive environment for our service-users and our workers.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here.

We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from Black, Asian, and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy Essex

CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. We work with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex, Southend and Thurrock. Synergy Essex also shares a number of other projects, funded by the Ministry of Justice, Essex County Council and the National Lottery Community Fund.

Our current PFCC contract ends in March 2025.  Synergy Essex intends to submit a bid for the new contract, which is expected to be put out to tender in the summer of 2024.

About Icena

CARA is a founding stakeholder of Icena - a social enterprise offering training and consultancy to eradicate sexual discrimination and violence.  The creation of Icena forms part of CARA’s sustainability strategy:  Once Icena is generating sufficient profit, a share of this profit will be used to support CARA’s work.

Spectra are a lived experience organisation working with socially excluded and marginalised communities in an empowerment model, to ensure access to appropriate health, wellbeing and support services.

We offer evidence-based, inclusive, accessible, knowledgeable and quality services which are non-judgemental and delivered by peers. 

Spectra are looking for a Senior Trust Fundraiser, focussing on larger trusts, to join a growing fundraising team with exciting plans. You will contribute to raising the income required to continue delivering counselling, advocacy, mentoring, outreach, groups and other support services at Spectra, and work with a team to implement a new fundraising plan. You will report the Fundraising Manager. 

You will be confident working with diverse and intersectional groups who face social exclusion and inequalities around access to appropriate health care, wellbeing and holistic support. You will be able unequivocally to respect, support, promote and work within LGBTQ+ and other diverse communities.

£36,000 pro rata, 3 days per week.  Hybrid working (office in Ladbroke Grove) with 25 days holiday and bank holidays (pro rata), plus a pension scheme. 

National LGBT+ Independent Victim Advocate

Do you want to make life better for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse?

Galop works directly with thousands of LGBT+ people who have experienced abuse and violence every year. We specialise in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse, sexual violence, hate crime, and other forms of abuse including honour-based abuse, forced marriage, and so-called conversion therapies. We are a service run by LGBT+ people, for LGBT+ people, and the needs of our community are at the centre of what we do.

We run three national support helplines for LGBT+ victims and survivors of domestic abuse, so-called “conversion therapy, ”and hate crime. We provide advocacy services, both in London and nationally, for LGBT+ victims who need longer-term support. We are person-centred, empowerment-based, and trauma-informed – meaning our focus is always on helping our clients decide what is best for them, and then supporting them through their journey.

We use what we learn through working on the frontlines with clients to work on national and local policy change, to improve outcomes for LGBT+ victims and survivors of abuse and violence. We build evidence through key pieces of research, like our upcoming report into LGBT+ experiences of sexual violence. We push for legislative change, improved statutory guidance for victims, and better understanding of the needs of LGBT+ people around the country. 

About the role

You will be joining our growing national advocacy team, supporting survivors remotely across the UK and providing Face-to-face support, office based, or community-based support in Wales which will be 
delivered in the context of a confidential and a safe space for survivors. You will work directly with LGBT+ victims/survivors, offering them a space to talk and think through options, helping them plan what they want to do, and offering assistance in getting what they need from services. Your work will focus on needs specifically related to experiences of abuse or violence, including issues such as wellbeing, support with the criminal and civil justice process, safety and access to other services to enable survivors to cope and recover. You will be empathetic and thoughtful in your approach to understanding your clients’ needs, while maintaining boundaries and mindful of self-care.

Providing advice, advocacy and support to LGBT+ victims/survivors of abuse and violence, with a focus on so-called conversion practices, which will include:

• Remotely supporting, advising and advocating for a national caseload of LGBT+ people who have been subjected to abuse or violence. The focus of the support will be to LGBT+ victims/survivors of so-called conversion practices
• Ensuring your approach to contact with clients is trauma-informed, empowerment-based and person-centred.
• Providing information and support to enable clients to make informed choices and meet their individual needs.
• Assisting victims/survivors in dealing with the diverse impacts of harm and abuse (safety, emotional, social, financial, or practical).
• Assisting/supporting clients in navigating the criminal/civil justice systems, ensuring they are aware of their rights and options.
• Maintaining professional boundaries at all times and ensuring that clients understand the remit of the service.
   

Partnership working

• Providing appropriate referrals/signposting to other agencies including, housing, welfare, counselling and other support services.
• Maintaining positive working relationships with key agencies and Galop partners, including attending internal/external meetings, with a focus on Wales.
• Working with agencies to safeguard victims and survivors, keeping them informed of relevant changes to a client’s situation.
   

Monitoring and evaluation

• Ensuring all client records are maintained and treated in confidence, according to Galop policies and GDPR legislation.
• Keeping accurate records of work undertaken with clients in line with Galop’s policies and funder agreements.
• Assist collecting monitoring data and client feedback for reports.
• Understanding of and commitment to inclusive working with LGBT+ clients from diverse backgrounds.
• Acting in accordance with Galop policies, procedures and ethos.
• Being an active member of the Galop team, attending regular staff team meetings, attending clinical supervision and training.
• Participating and contributing to Galop service planning & strategic development, with a focus on Wales.
   

About you

You will have expertise in delivering needs-led specialist support services. You will need to be solutions-focused and enjoy working collaboratively across a diverse and committed team. You’ll need to have good resilience and self-care and be prepared to work in an environment where abuse and violence are regularly talked about. You’ll need to understand the impact of trauma and how that affects our team.

There is a Genuine Occupational Requirement under the Equality Act 2010 that the post holder has experience of LGBT+ needs and the impact of discrimination. Candidates should demonstrate a thorough understanding of LGBT+ people’s lives, including awareness of the issues that LGBT+ survivors might face.
In addition, due to role being a Bilingual post, it is an essential requirement for the individual for this role to speak fluent Welsh and English. 

Location: This is a remote post, working from home.
The role will include travel to our London building and occasional travel across the UK and in particular to communities across Wales.
Hours: 0.6 FTE (21 hours per week) flexibility available 
Contract: Until 31 March 2025 (extension subject to funding)
Salary: Grade F: £27,230.31 - £31,878.96 (pro-rata) 

Closing Date
Applications should be submitted by 10am on Monday 13th May2024
Interviews will be held on Wednesday 22nd May 2024 or Thursday 23rd May 2024

REF-213 721

Community Action Redbridge is a local infrastructure organisation working to create a fairer Redbridge where every one and every community thrives. Our mission is to support strong and resilient communities where people lead happy, healthy and fulfilling lives. 

We are looking for a passionate and experienced programme manager to lead our social prescribing team. In this role, you will be responsible for managing and developing a programme of work that builds on people’s strengths, and draws on the strengths of their communities, to:

• Build individual, family and community resilience 

• Support empowerment and independence

• Reduce social isolation and loneliness 

• Increase choice and control 

• Facilitate inclusion and connectedness

Through gathering insight and data, you will also play an important role in supporting the development of local plans and priorities, helping to ensure that they meet the needs and aspirations of local people. 

The successful candidate will be passionate about the power and potential of communities. You will bring previous experience of asset-based community development and a track record of managing and developing impactful projects.

Please note that this role can be offered on a hybrid basis, with a minimum of 3 days a week in the office.

What it’s like to work at Community Action Redbridge 

We are committed to creating a truly inclusive workplace culture that embraces and celebrates difference. Building a team that reflects the diversity of our communities and brings together a range of experiences, backgrounds and perspectives is essential to the work we do. 

We want Community Action Redbridge to be a safe space for everyone to bring their whole selves to work, where all our employees have the opportunity to thrive, and feel recognised and valued for the work they do. 

We offer some great benefits including 28 days’ annual leave plus public holidays, a free and confidential employee helpline, face-to-face and telephone counselling, an employee discount scheme, and a travel loan and cycle to work scheme.

How to apply 

Please download the application pack on our website and return your completed application via email by 11.59pm on Sunday 5th May 2024.

Interviews are expected to take place the week commencing 13th May 2024.