Engagement support worker jobs

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for someone who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a fixed-term contract as an Education Worker at our
centre in Nottingham.

Location: Nottingham
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until December 2026
Applications close: 9am Monday  18th Mayl 2026
Start date: June 2026

Salary

£28,250 per annum

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

JOB TITLE: Community Support Worker

RESPONSIBLE TO:  Community and Families Manager

HOURS OF WORK: Part-time 28hours (evening and weekend work will be required)

LOCATION: Hybrid – in person community delivery across Scotland, with requirements to attend office base in Edinburgh and home working possible. (Car driver with access to own transport desirable)

DURATION: Fixed term 24 months (with potential for extension, funding allowing)

SALARY / GRADE:Grade 3 / £24479 per annum fte – pro-rata

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

• Community and Families Manager

• Head of Community Services and communities team

• Adoption UK Scotland and Kinship service colleagues 

• The Adoption and Kinship Community in Scotland 

• Local Authorities and external commissioners 

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

• To support the community work of Adoption UK Scotland community support services, to plan and deliver community events, provide professionals, parents/carers, children, and young people access to information, resources, and services and to engage with families in their local communities. 

• To offer a front-line service, primarily to adoptive and kinship families, and care experienced individuals and young people, by supporting delivery and administration for activities and events, including regular support groups delivery, youth and teens/young adults, and family events. Support of events across Scotland based on resources and availability.

• Support planning, organisation of, and attendance at, in person and online events through funded projects and services to bring together adopted and care-experienced individuals and young people and adoptive and kinship families, enable peer support, build a sense of community and promote an active and supportive Community Network. 

• To respond to enquiries received via the Information and Support Service and relevant email inboxes with relevant information and/or signposting.

• To be part of the wider communities within Adoption UK Scotland, working across teams and services. 

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across all services areas of Adoption UK 

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Working alongside service leads within the communities team, and with the wider Adoption UK Scotland team members to plan and deliver specific events and activities for adoptive and kinship community members, and care experienced children and young people via our E Project youth service for children, teens and young adults.

• Provide administrative coordination for community event provision, including collating event materials, gathering feedback and evaluations for reporting purposes, supporting delivery of events, maintaining records using existing required systems, and responding to enquiries via our Information and Support line and relevant email inboxes.

• Working alongside Communications colleagues and across teams to ensure promotion of events to relevant target groups 

• Attending events to promote the wider work of AUK Scotland at conferences or support groups

• To hold responsibility for administrative requirements relating to community events, including setting up booking pages, sharing information via newsletters and social media, and recording service delivery interactions, using existing Adoption UK systems and processes

• To work with colleagues in the Foundations for Families kinship support service to support delivery and coordinate activities between services where appropriate.

• To report to line manager and directors in Adoption UK Scotland relating to service delivery, including contributing to monitoring and reporting on activities. 

• To work alongside Adoption UK colleagues to develop and improve resources and services for our communities.

Criteria

EXPERIENCE, EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & KNOWLEDGE

• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the issues and challenges faced by care experienced families. (Essential)
• Experience of engagement and direct work with families and/or young people (Essential)
• Experience of facilitation of in person and online groups (or commitment to learn) and commitment to digital safeguarding (Essential)
• Relevant degree or qualification (e.g. community work, social sciences) or equivalent experience (Desirable)

Skills and abilities

• Report writing and record keeping (Essential)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal (Essential)
• Ability to build and maintain relationships (Essential)
• The ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) (Essential)

Accountability

• Liaise with colleagues to share updates and information
• Report to supervisor and relevant managers and external commissioners on activities

Behaviours

• Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values and mission in all interactions with external stakeholders.
• Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.
• Follows all policies and procedures relating to risk assessments, safeguarding and youth service delivery
• Contributes to an open and honest culture
• Encourages challenge and creativity, transparency and consistency.
• Leads by example.
• Offers outstanding service to members.
• Promotes cross functional team working, sharing skills and knowledge
• Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.
• Valuing the opinion of other. Treating colleagues and other stakeholders with respect.
• Takes pride in own development, committed to achieving high standards and agreed objectives

We are opening a new detox centre and are looking for Support Workers to provide safe, compassionate, and practical support to individuals undergoing detoxification in a structured, trauma-informed environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day support to clients during detox, ensuring safety, dignity, and wellbeing
• Recognise and respond to signs of withdrawal, deterioration, or crisis, escalating concerns appropriately in line with protocol
• Act as a keyworker for allocated clients, offering consistent support and engagement
• Carry out regular welfare checks and monitor clients’ physical and emotional presentation
• Support safeguarding practices and report concerns in line with policy
• Assist with drug and alcohol testing in line with training and procedures
• Support safe medication administration in line with policy and competency assessment, and report any side effects or concerns.
• Follow health & safety, infection control, and lone working procedures at all times.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary professionals (e.g. nurses, clinicians, therapists) to ensure safe and effective care.
• Liaise with community services and professionals (e.g. housing, probation, recovery services) to support move-on following detox
• Maintain accurate electronic records and contribute to handovers and team communication
• Support with practical tasks as required, including maintaining clean and safe communal environments

Essential criteria:

• Experience in a support, care, or people-focused role
• Strong verbal and communication skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and willingness to follow safeguarding procedures
• Ability to recognise risk and respond appropriately, including escalation of safeguarding or medical concerns.
• Ability to build professional and supportive relationships with vulnerable individuals
• Willingness to complete mandatory training (e.g. safeguarding, first aid, de-escalation, substance misuse).
• Basic computer literacy and confidence using electronic systems
• Calm, reliable, and compassionate approach, including in challenging situations
• Willingness and ability to work across different shift patterns, including some weekends, as required by the service

Desirable:

• Experience in mental health, substance use, recovery, or related services
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches
• Experience of key-working or supporting individuals with complex needs
• Knowledge of detox or recovery pathways
• Experience liaising with community or statutory services
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team

We offer:

• Full training and ongoing development with scope for progression
• Supportive team environment
• Regular supervision and reflective practice
• Opportunity to be part of a new and developing detox service

This role requires working shifts, including evenings, weekends, and potentially nights.

Enhanced DBS required.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Dual Diagnosis service in Brent.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

We are looking for a dedicated team member to empower service users in building independence and engaging confidently with professionals such as mental health teams, social workers, housing providers and employment services. You will play a key role in assessing support needs, advocating for service users, and ensuring smooth transitions between different levels of support. The role involves developing co-produced group activities, peer networks and community-based opportunities, while encouraging meaningful engagement and local support networks. You will also manage referrals, assessments and reviews, monitor wellbeing and safety, and contribute flexibly to the wider team. Strong administration, accurate record-keeping and a commitment to safeguarding and confidentiality are essential.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for:

The ideal candidate will have experience working with individuals with mental health and/or dual diagnosis needs in either paid or voluntary roles. They will be able to learn quickly, gather and process information, make informed decisions, and maintain accurate records within confidentiality guidelines. The role requires the ability to work with individuals who may display challenging behaviour, using a calm, non-judgemental, solution-focused approach to defuse difficult situations and support positive change. Candidates should be optimistic about clients' capacity to change, able to work collaboratively to solve problems, and adaptable to a sometimes chaotic or pressured environment. A clear understanding of safeguarding principles and the ability to address concerns appropriately is essential, alongside a willingness to work unsociable hours, including early, late, and occasional weekend shifts as part of a team rota.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

We are wanting to recruit a motivated and experienced support and recovery worker to support homeless and vulnerable guests at our daily drop-in, and in Hope House - our 4 bed supported house 

Responsibilities

Our support workers both work with guests in both Drop-in and in Hope House, but each takes a lead responsibility in one or the other of these projects. This post holder leads on the housing management responsibilities for Hope House.

Drop-in responsibilities :

· Welcome and assess first time guests, identifying priority needs.

· Signpost and support guests to access key statutory and voluntary services, especially housing, benefits, homelessness services etc

· Provide practical support and advice to guests , for example with helping with forms, bill enquiries, budgeting .

Hope House responsibilities

- Vet the suitability of potential residents and support them with their transition in/out of Hope House

· Hold weekly individual support sessions with residents

· Ensure tailored support plans (using Homeless Outcomes Star) are in place for each resident

· Identify “next step” housing options for residents and work with the residents to access these.

Oversee the safe and efficient running of Hope House, taking into account any relevant Supported Housing/ HMO specific requirements.

About Us:
Richmond Borough Mind is dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of our local communities. We provide innovative, person-centred services that reduce stigma, improve access to care, and empower individuals to live well.

The Role:
We are looking for a compassionate and proactive Mental Health Outreach Worker to join our team. You will deliver community-based crisis prevention and mental health support, with a focus on underrepresented groups, particularly racialised communities and LGBTQI+. 

This role combines crisis intervention, peer support, and holistic outreach to individuals with complex mental health needs, including co-occurring conditions, substance use, trauma, and suicidal ideation. This role serves as the link between our services and the local community.

We are seeking a person who is dedicated, able to form professional relationships in challenging situations, understands crisis intervention and can lone work with confidence and with the support of the wider team. You will have an understanding of crisis and risk planning, developing trusting professional relationships and have the ability to work proactively with the support of the wider team.

Key Responsibilities:

· Provide timely, community-based crisis prevention and support, including outreach to individuals leaving inpatient care.

· Engage marginalised communities to improve access to mental health services and reduce stigma.

· Build relationships with LGBTQ+ and BAME individuals and organisations, co-producing peer-led support initiatives.

· Deliver culturally appropriate engagement and awareness activities in partnership with local services.

· Provide holistic, person-centred support for individuals facing complex mental health challenges, addressing co-occurring issues such as substance use, trauma, and housing instability.

· Collaborate with statutory and voluntary sector partners to remove barriers to care, promote recovery, and improve wellbeing outcomes.

· Act as a peer and advocate, creating inclusive and safe spaces for individuals at risk of crisis.

About You:

· Experience in mental health, crisis intervention, or community outreach.

· Strong understanding of the needs of underrepresented communities, including LGBTQ+ and racialised groups.

· Ability to provide trauma-informed, person-centred support.

· Excellent communication and partnership-building skills.

· Passion for reducing mental health stigma and improving access to support.

Why Join Us:
This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in your community, supporting individuals to live well and promoting inclusive, accessible mental health services across Richmond and Kingston.

We offer:

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year, increasing by 1 day per full year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days) [pro rata]

· Contributory pension

· Bonus 1 day of annual leave per year over the festive period (pro rata)

· Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which includes free counselling sessions

· Training and personal development opportunities

· Paid time off for medical appointments

· Staff away days and socials

The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring (DBS) check.

Salary: £26,140 - £31,400 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent 

Location: Wokingham

Job Reference Number: 1691

Cranstoun is a charity which believes in creating a better, healthier and safer world. With passionate staff, courageous people and the knowledge and expertise to match, Cranstoun empowers people to change and rebuild their lives. 

We provide a range of services for those affected by alcohol and other drugs within the Borough of Wokingham. 

We support people to deal with their substance use so that they can change their lives, be happy and reach their goals. 

As a Key Worker in Wokingham, you will be part of a small, dedicated team who are passionate about empowering others. You will be responsible for delivering a good quality and safe service to the people you support including assessment and engagement support, case load management, needle syringe programme delivery, harm reduction and interventions. If you are someone who enjoys problem solving to help people to change their lives for the better, this is the role for you.

You will have good Microsoft Office skills and be able to manage your own diary efficiently and proactively. The most important thing you’ll bring to this role is your desire and ability to make a positive difference to people’s lives. 

All post holders may be required to work some evenings, to meet our service delivery requirements. The core service operates Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm. The service offers a 4 day working week to support a healthy work-life balance.  

All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

We are an inclusive employer, committed to promoting equality and diversity in all areas of our work.

Registered Charity No: 1061582

The Lunch Club is looking for a compassionate and community-minded Link Worker to join our small, dedicated team.

We provide nutritious meals and a welcoming space for people facing food poverty and social isolation in Streatham. As demand continues to grow, we are deepening the support we offer, and this new role will play an important part in that.

About the role
This is an important and meaningful role, working within our Friday lunch session. You will build trusted relationships with people we support, offering one-to-one support, signposting, and gentle guidance to help people access the services they need. This might include support around housing, finances, wellbeing, or connecting into local services.

We expect this role to grow over time to other days as our capacity develops.

What you’ll be doing

• Building relationships with people we support through regular, informal conversations
• Providing one-to-one support and appropriate signposting
• Working closely with local partners and services
• Supporting a safe, inclusive and welcoming environment
• Helping us better understand and respond to the needs of our community

We’re looking for someone who:

• Is empathetic, approachable, and a strong listener
• Has experience (paid or voluntary) supporting people in a community setting
• Understands the challenges linked to poverty and social isolation
• Is confident working independently in a small team

Why join us?
This is an opportunity to be part of a grassroots, community-led charity where relationships matter. You’ll help shape a growing area of our work and make a meaningful difference in people’s day-to-day lives.

The Lunch Club is committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of the challenges our community faces. We are committed to equality of opportunity and to building a diverse team that reflects the community we serve.

Across the UK, millions of children and young people are facing complex social and emotional challenges. AllChild works within local communities and wider support systems to identify and support children and young people most at risk of poor social, emotional and academic outcomes. Through our two‑year Impact Programme, we help build a joined‑up network of support around each child and family, working in partnership with schools, local services and community organisations.

Our dedicated, school-based Link Workers coordinate bespoke, strengths‑based support through our trusted partners, from counselling, tutoring and engagement opportunities in sport or art to access to wider community and early-help support where needed. By mobilising trusted relationships and coordinating support across the local system, we help young people flourish, building confidence, skills and a positive future. Founded in West London, AllChild is now expanding to new places to create lasting, place‑based change. 

We’re seeking people in the Greater Manchester area with a genuine passion for supporting children and young people, strong intrinsic motivation and high personal standards. If that sounds like you, we’d be delighted for you to join our team.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 4 June 2026.

Across the UK, millions of children and young people are facing complex social and emotional challenges. AllChild works within local communities and wider support systems to identify and support children and young people most at risk of poor social, emotional and academic outcomes. Through our two‑year Impact Programme, we help build a joined‑up network of support around each child and family, working in partnership with schools, local services and community organisations.

Our dedicated, school-based Link Workers coordinate bespoke, strengths‑based support through our trusted partners, from counselling, tutoring and engagement opportunities in sport or art to access to wider community and early-help support where needed. By mobilising trusted relationships and coordinating support across the local system, we help young people flourish, building confidence, skills and a positive future. Founded in West London, AllChild is working in communities nationally to create lasting, place‑based change. 

We’re seeking people in the West London area with a genuine passion for supporting children and young people, strong intrinsic motivation and high personal standards. If that sounds like you, we’d be delighted for you to join our team.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 31 May 2026.

We are looking for a Drop-in Support Worker to join the team at MASH as Maternity cover and provide support to women.

Using a gender and trauma-informed approach, the Drop-in Support Worker will manage our city centre Drop-in Centre and support the women who attend. This will involve managing volunteers, providing support and advice to women, and delivering a range of activities.

We believe in choice and empowerment, focusing on the material impact and reality of women’s lives, and how we can work with women to create the change that works for them. We hold a strong belief in women’s assets, talents, skills and abilities. Through our services we partner with women as they access and navigate services to aid recovery and realise their goals.

MASH is the only organisation in Greater Manchester which exists specifically to support women who sex work. Through our range of services we build trusted relationships with women to keep them safer, healthier and more equipped to take control of their lives.

To work with other members of the MASH team to achieve the following outcomes:
• To improve women’s health
• To improve women’s wellbeing
• To increase women’s safety
• To enable women to identify and achieve their goals
• Women who sex work are heard, understood and experience less stigma
• Other agencies and policymakers understand the needs of women

Are you passionate about making a lasting difference to the lives of vulnerable adults?

The Hammersmith and Fulham Rough Sleepers Assessment Hub oversees 20 beds in a 54-bed building located close to Earls Court station. The Hammersmith and Fulham outreach team can bring clients as a safe alternative to rough sleeping. At the Hub, clients will receive a thorough assessment of their needs and be supported with an offer of suitable accommodation to move into.

As an Assessment and Reconnection Worker, you will:

• Be part of a busy team environment working closely with those new to, or at risk of rough sleeping.
• Provide a personalised case management service to clients, turning assessment recommendations into practical action plans which fully involves the client.
• Build and maintain effective relationships to support clients throughout their recovery.
• Develop a knowledge of relevant legislation such as, welfare benefit and housing legislation.
• Work on the weekly 7-day rota including weekends and bank holidays

About you

If you have a genuine desire to support people to transform their lives you don’t need to have direct experience to succeed in these roles.

If you have good interpersonal and listening skills, patience and resilience and the ability to adapt to new situations we will provide you with the rest through our training and development programs where you will develop the skills to provide high quality person centred support to clients.

If you have a good understanding of the complex issues faced by homeless people and the ability to manage complex behaviours and to deal with people who may be in a difficult personal or emotional situation we encourage you to apply!

How to apply

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.

Please visit our website and apply by clicking the ‘Apply Now’ Button to start your online application form.

Closing date: 10am on 11 May 2026

Interview and assessments on: w/c 18 May 2026

37.5 hours per week / permanent / working onsite / this role operates on a seven‑day rolling rota following a four‑on, four‑off shift pattern. Shifts will include evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Working hours are either 8pm to 7am or 9pm to 8am and are subject to ongoing review.

YMCA DownsLink Group is the leading charity for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. We offer safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice.

We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen.

We are here for children and young people, many of whom face multiple challenges and need our support.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections – guide us in all our actions.

We are looking for a Housing Night Worker to join our 16+ Older Looked After Young People (OLYP), Care Leavers and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children (UASC) services. In this role, you will help ensure the safety, security and wellbeing of our residents by providing a friendly and reassuring presence within the service at night. You will manage challenging situations calmly and professionally, while keeping essential administrative tasks and housekeeping duties running smoothly.

Our OLYP services delivers specialist 24-hour supported accommodation where young people are supported to acquire the necessary skills in preparation for living independently, safely explore their increased freedom of choice and develop responsibilities associated with adulthood, whilst still having the appropriate level of support from an experienced team. We adopt a trauma informed and psychologically informed approach to supporting our residents to help them build essential life skills, identify their goals and work towards aspirations so that they can move on to enjoy fully independent futures. We have a dedicated team of Support workers, Night workers and additional Bank workers who provide support, guidance, and signposting around areas such as housing, budgeting, living skills, jobs and relationship building.

What you will be doing

This is more than a night shift role - it’s an opportunity to make a real difference, working as part of a dedicated team committed to helping young people grow and develop.

Main areas of responsibilities are:

Safety and security

• Provide a friendly, professional presence and ensure the building remains safe, secure and welcoming at night.
• Support resident wellbeing by upholding health and safety procedures, house rules and tenancy requirements.
• Monitor risks and respond to incidents calmly and appropriately, recording and reporting to the relevant teams. 

Resident engagement

• Welcome residents and offer informal, responsive assistance to help them develop confidence, independence and life skills.
• Encourage residents to share their views and engage with available services and opportunities.
• Assist with evening groupwork sessions that promote learning, wellbeing and positive development.

Administration and housekeeping

• Complete essential admin tasks including data entry, case notes and record management.
• Carry out routine health and safety, compliance and room checks.
• Log maintenance issues to ensure the building remains safe and well maintained.

General

• Work collaboratively on a four‑on, four‑off rota, providing consistent, non‑judgemental support overnight.
• Maintain a calm, professional approach and handle challenging situations effectively.
• Take part in ongoing training and reflective practice to support psychologically informed care.

This role involves lone working, so you will need to be confident in decision‑making and in following procedures. However, before joining the rota, you will have the opportunity to get to know the team and services, take part in a full induction, complete the required training, and undertake shadow shifts to ensure you feel confident, supported, and well prepared.

If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Your skills and experiences may be more transferable than you think, and you could be exactly the person we are looking for.

About You

A dynamic role for someone passionate, empathetic and committed to young people’s development.

Experience and knowledge

• Experience in a customer‑facing role, staying calm and solutions‑focused during challenging situations.
• An understanding of the needs and experiences of young people and adults at risk.
• Awareness of trauma and the ability to work in a strengths‑based, compassionate way.
• Confidence in accurate record‑keeping, including incident logs and health and safety checks.
• Basic safeguarding knowledge and the ability to maintain professional boundaries (training provided).

Skills and abilities

• Clear verbal and written communication, with accurate handovers for day‑time colleagues.
• Strong interpersonal skills, able to build positive relationships.
• Comfortable lone‑working, using initiative, and working as part of a team.
• Competent IT skills, including Microsoft 365 and basic system navigation (training provided).
• Ability to de‑escalate situations and manage challenging behaviour calmly.
• You will bring an awareness of the challenges young people face and the ability to connect with them positively 

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 31 May 2026 at midnight. 

PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to provide work permits or visa sponsorship for this role, so applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity check.

About Police Care UK
Police Care UK is the national, independent charity supporting serving and veteran members of the police community, and their families, when they’ve been physically or psychologically harmed through policing.
Demand for our services has grown by more than 400% in the last decade. This reflects the increasing impact of trauma in modern policing – from major incidents and serious violence to cumulative and vicarious trauma. We understand that harm doesn’t end with a shift, and that families are often affected too. We’ve evolved from a traditional benevolent fund into a sector-leading organisation delivering evidence-informed support, trauma-focused recovery services and practical prevention programmes across UK policing. Our work is grounded in compassion, clarity and evidence, and we’re fiercely independent so we can focus on what people really need. 

Our vision is simple: a future where every member of the police community has access to the care and support they need, and nobody faces the impact of harm alone. Based in Woking and working nationally, we’re committed to strengthening the people behind the force – and we’re looking for those who want to be a part of that work.

About the role
As our Engagement Officer, you’ll play a key role in raising awareness of Police Care UK, strengthening relationships across policing and local communities, and supporting events and initiatives that increase engagement, partnerships, and income generation. You’ll be the friendly, confident presence representing the Charity at policing events, community activities, conferences, and fundraising opportunities - ensuring Police Care UK is always represented with professionalism, warmth, and impact. This is a varied, outward-facing role that will suit someone who enjoys meeting people, building relationships, and bringing our mission to life.

What you’ll do

• Grow awareness and engagement with Police Care UK across community groups, partner organisations, supporters, and potential beneficiaries, increasing visibility within key audiences.
• Act as a central point of contact for event, engagement, and speaking enquiries from community organisations, charities, corporate partners, event organisers, and other external stakeholders.
• Coordinate the Charity’s attendance at community events, fundraising activities, and conferences, including planning logistics, preparing materials, supporting volunteers, and gathering post-event insights.
• Support the Executive Leadership Team to ensure appropriate representation at higher-profile events, preparing briefing materials and ensuring consistent messaging
• Collaborate with the Volunteer Manager to identify and support volunteer involvement at events, community activities, and awareness opportunities.
• Support the Fundraising team by promoting community fundraising, challenge events, payroll giving, and corporate partnership opportunities to a wide range of audiences.
• Develop insight into our audiences, helping the organisation better understand supporter motivations, community needs, and engagement opportunities.
• Serve as a brand ambassador for Police Care UK and to represent the Charity values in all that you do. 
• Work within agreed KPIs to measure the success of engagement activities and ensure alignment with the Charity’s strategic objectives.
• Assess and prioritise event and engagement opportunities, ensuring each activity has clear objectives, outcomes, and value for the Charity.

What you’ll bring
Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong attention to detail.
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to stay organised in a busy environment.
• Confidence presenting and delivering key messages in an engaging, accessible way.
• Experience motivating and supporting people in a friendly, professional manner.
• Ability to work collaboratively and adaptively in a dynamic environment.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office.
• Experience engaging with people from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience using CRM systems to log and track engagement data.
• Experience managing projects or new initiatives.
• Experience organising events and preparing supporting materials.
• Understanding of, and empathy for, the mental-health challenges faced by those in high-pressure roles, including policing.

Desirable

• Evidence of CPD in communications, engagement, or related fields.
• Strong analytical skills and experience working with data.
• Interest in public service, community engagement, or the charity sector.
• Experience working within a policing environment.
• Experience working with volunteers.
• Experience supporting fundraising or income-generation activities.
• Experience handling sensitive conversations or supporting individuals in challenging circumstances.
• Broad understanding of UK policing.

Why work with us
You’ll be joining a forward-thinking, committed and values driven team making a real difference to the people who keep our communities safe. We offer:

• Enhanced wellbeing support
• Pension scheme with up to 8% employer contributions
• Development opportunities
• A 35-hour working week
• A supportive, collaborative culture
• The chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of police, staff, volunteers, and their families

Contract: 12 month , fixed-term
How to Apply:  Please submit your CV and a detailed cover letter explaining why you’re the right fit for this role. Applications are assessed on a rolling basis, so please apply as soon as you are able. 

Limitations: This job description is neither exclusive nor exhaustive. The duties and responsibilities may vary from time to time in the light of changing circumstances in consultation with the jobholder. The jobholder will be required to work within the rules and regulations of the Charity and accept the authority of the Chief Executive, who has the discretion to delegate authority to the jobholder and to withdraw it.

Equal Opportunities Policy: The Charity is committed to eliminating any discrimination and promoting diversity and equality of opportunity in all it does. The Charity is committed to providing equal opportunities in employment, and we will not unlawfully discriminate against job applicants, employees of the Charity, volunteers, workers, or contract workers on the grounds of their age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins) religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. 

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