Family community development worker jobs

Looking for a career in children’s social work with purpose and a clear path for development? 

Applications to Approach Social Work have re-opened for a limited number of locations. This is the final opportunity to start the programme in summer 2026. 

As a children and families social worker, you’ll work directly with children to make sure they are safe, supported and able to thrive. Social work is a career that offers stability, progression and the chance to make a lasting difference.

On this fully funded social work training programme, you’ll be supported from day one and gain the skills, experience and master’s degree to succeed, wherever your career takes you. 

About the programme 

Approach Social Work is a fully funded social work training programme that helps you become a children’s social worker through hands-on experience, academic study and expert support. 

On the programme, you’ll develop a deep understanding of child-focused social work practice and how to build relationships that create real change. You’ll explore anti-discriminatory, anti-oppressive and anti-racist approaches, while working towards a postgraduate diploma and master’s degree in social work. 

What to expect 

Year one: 

• Begin study for your postgraduate diploma in social work

• Learn alongside children and families within a local authority social work team, supported by experienced tutors and practice educators 

• Receive a tax-free bursary of £18,000 or £20,000 (depending on location) to help with living and travel costs 

Year two and three:

• Move into a paid role as a newly qualified children’s social worker (up to £34,000, or more in some London boroughs) 

• Keep working towards your social work master’s degree 

• Join the Frontline Fellowship, a national community offering career-long support and development 

The role:

As a children’s social worker, you’ll learn how to build relationships, make difficult decisions and advocate for children’s safety and wellbeing. That means: 

• Visiting a child at home or school 

• Supporting a parent through difficult circumstances 

• Working with teachers, health professionals or police 

• Writing reports and helping decide what’s safest for a child 

It’s a challenging and rewarding public sector career, rooted in empathy, resilience and strong judgement. 

Who we’re looking for  
You may have studied a humanities, social sciences, education, law or healthcare degree, but we welcome applicants from all degree backgrounds. We particularly encourage people underrepresented in the sector, including men and those from racialised minority backgrounds. 

You don’t need experience in social work. We are looking for the right values, resilience and commitment to making a difference. This role is open to graduates in their final year, or you may already have an existing undergraduate degree and be working in a related role such as a youth worker, support worker, family support worker, teacher, learning support assistant, teaching assistant, counsellor, care worker, key worker, charity worker or social work assistant. 

Eligibility requirements 

• Have at least a 2.2 (predicted or obtained) in an undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent)

• Have obtained GCSE English Language at Grade C/4 or above (or approved equivalent qualification)

• Possess the right to work and study in the UK (including access to public funds) for the duration of the programme (until September 2029)

• Be resident in England by the time the programme commences

• Not be a qualified social worker 

Places are only available in select locations and will close as they reach capacity. If you are eligible and ready to apply, this is your last chance to join the 2026 cohort. 

Real support. Real skills. A career that matters. 

Apply now.

Delivered by children’s charity Frontline. Formerly known as the Frontline programme.

Shop Manager

Service: Relate at Family Action

Location: Warwick

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (full-time)

Salary: £13.10 per hour

Contract type: Permanent

We are looking for a talented Shop Manager who is an enthusiastic self-starter, with a passion for charity retail, to manage our Warwick shop on a full time (37.5 hours per week) basis.

Who we are

Relate is a leading relationships service, offering counselling, information, mediation and support to individuals, couples and families from all backgrounds and sexualities, at all stages of life. We also provide expert training for relationship support practitioners.

Relate is now part of the family charity, Family Action. Supporting people through change, challenge or crisis, we protect children, support young people and adults, and offer direct, practical help to families and communities. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today. With Relate at Family Action, we work to support the creation of secure foundations for children and young people, and safe, supportive relationships for all.

We currently manage 11 shops located within 5 regions across the UK. Our shops generate income to support the work of Relate. The shops are managed by paid Shop Managers, supported by Assistant Shop Managers/Sessional Workers (Retail Assistants) and our amazing Shop Volunteers.

What are we looking for?

• Charity retail experience preferred

• Experience of customer care

• High levels of organisational skills

• Highly focussed on maximising sales

• An eye for detail

• A sound track record in achieving targets and delivering success

You will be responsible for the creation of a warm and welcoming environment for customers, volunteers and donors, with a view to maximising sales, profits and Gift Aid to support the work of Relate at Family Action.

The successful applicant will be required to work flexibly for 37.5 hours each week (5 days per week including Weekends) across a 7 day trading week, Monday to Sunday.

What will we offer you?

We offer flexible working hours, a generous pension scheme and leave entitlements, eye care vouchers, a cycle to work scheme and other great benefits. We have an excellent wellbeing offer and we will invest in your professional development with on-going quality training and career development opportunities. We have six staff diversity networks that offer peer support and contribute to the strategic development of EDI; Accessibility Network, Anti-Racism and People of Colour Network, Gender Equality Network, Inter-Faith Network, LGBTQIA+ Equality Network and Parents and Carers Equality Network. You’ll join an established, supportive and high-performing service and have the opportunity to thrive in an innovative organisation that values your opinion, encourages learning and has the needs of children and families at its core.

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect. If you share these values and behaviours and have the necessary skills then we look forward to hearing from you.  

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community / particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support.

All candidates with a disability are welcome to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and request priority consideration for an interview, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role. 

To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person. 

To Apply:

· Click the ‘Apply’ link below and fill out our digital application form

· Closing Date: Thursday 26th February 2026

Appointments are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks, including a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where appropriate to the role.

Overall Purpose of the Role

Youth Action Alliance (YAA) exists to support the personal and social development of young people in Kensington and Chelsea and neighbouring boroughs, helping them build resilience, confidence, and skills for the present while shaping positive futures.

We are seeking an experienced, values-driven male youth worker to lead the Staying Connected & Boys Project. This is a key role combining strategic leadership with hands-on delivery, focused on engaging boys and young men aged 11–19 (up to 21, subject to funding) who may be facing multiple challenges.

The post holder will design, deliver, and grow a high-quality, trauma-informed programme that provides safe, trusted spaces through weekly group sessions, one-to-one mentoring, targeted interventions, education attainment, Advice, guidance, and signposting, Off‑site trips, enrichment activities, and holiday provision. The role supports young people to remain connected to education, training, positive relationships, and their wider community, while playing a central role in shaping YAA’s youth offer and driving meaningful, lasting change.

Children’s and Families’ Worker

Community of St Paulinus, Sheffield Cathedral

We are seeking a creative, relational and passionate Children’s and Families’ Worker to join our newly forming team, working at the heart of the Cathedral’s life and mission with children, families and local communities.

Based at the Cathedral, you will be responsible for shaping and delivering engaging children’s work, including Sunday provision, early years activities, and creative opportunities that help children grow in their Christian faith and feel at home within the worshipping life of the Cathedral. You will recruit, support and develop volunteer teams, work closely with Cathedral colleagues, and help create welcoming spaces where children and families can explore faith together.

You will also contribute to the wider mission of the Cathedral through the Community of St Paulinus, supporting the development of new worshipping communities for young children and their families, and working in partnership with local churches and the Centenary Project Network.

This is an exciting opportunity for a practising Christian with experience of working with children—whether in a church, school, youth work or community setting—who is passionate about children’s spiritual development, inclusive mission and creative engagement with families, particularly in areas of social and economic disadvantage.

For an informal chat about the role, contact Dr Genevieve Langdon, Sub-Prior of the Community of St Paulinus 

• 25 hours per week (to include Sundays and Thursdays)

• Fixed-term until 31 December 2028, with the possibility of extension subject to funding. 

• £20,270 per year for 25 hours/week (£30,000 FTE), plus Cathedral pension

Closing date:  2 pm, Friday 13 February 2026

Shortlisting: Wednesday, 18 February 2026

Overview

CGL Buckinghamshire Children and Family Worker

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives, offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each person as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission of helping people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential. 

An exciting opportunity has arisen within our Buckinghamshire Service for you to join a dynamic team committed to supporting children and young people who have been affected by someone else’s drug and/or alcohol use. The role of a Children and family Worker will support children and young people under the age of 18 on a one-to-one basis in a confidential space. The role will deliver a wide range of interventions/ education though activities, such as games, arts and crafts and emotional wellbeing resources. The role will utilise a young person-centred approach, empowering them to explore situations which they feel they have little control over to support them to lead a safe, happy, and healthy life.

The role will work in partnership and liaise with other young people services throughout Buckinghamshire, to provide holistic support to young people accessing the service. We need to record information about what we do, so enjoying a bit of admin work and attention to detail is important, but most of the time you’ll be enjoying working with young people from all backgrounds, making a difference to their lives. You will be required to work flexibly across operational sites as required so must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a car. Don’t worry, there is a wide array of training and development opportunities to help support you in your work.

Where: This role will be based across Buckinghamshire County

When: We're looking for the right person to join our team ASAP on a permanent contract

Hours: Full Time, 37.5 per week

Full Time Salary: £27,861.26 - £32,002.35 per annum, pro rata

Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.

Responsibilities

About the role: 

• To holistically support CYP affected by parental substance misuse, using a range of interventions including group work, 1:1 work, whole family interventions, safety planning and safeguarding working closely and proactively with the family unit to support positive and sustainable outcomes.
• Identify families in conjunction with other agencies, who will benefit from a Think Family / Whole family approach, negotiating participation and engagement with the programme of care.
• Identifying and responding effectively to potential safeguarding issues. 
• Reducing drug and alcohol related harm to young people and the wider community. 
• Working with young people to support positive, holistic outcomes in relation to their health and wellbeing, enabling them to lead safe, healthy, and purposeful lives: reducing risk and increasing resilience 
• Working flexibly across sites where required

About you: 

• Experience of working with young people and knowledge of the issues they face 
• Knowledge of safeguarding concerns in relation to children and young people and the Fraser Competence framework 
• Have an excellent understanding of drug and alcohol issues and experience of working within a related field 
• Knowledge of working with evidence-based practice around young people’s substance misuse treatment services and methods, including relevant best practice guidance 
• An accomplished communicator, both verbal and written with a high degree of personal IT competency 
• Be able to accurately update and maintain records and to work to deadlines for the submission of information, e.g., reports 
• Have excellent team working and interpersonal skills, maintaining a highly cooperative approach to supporting colleagues in delivering service objectives 

What we will give to you: 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days” 
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• A friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme.

Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details outlined in the job description. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role. 

Direct applications only — we will not be engaging agencies for this vacancy.

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions. 

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Interview Date

2/3/2026

Closing Date

20/2/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

We are recruiting for a family support worker and we would like to hear from you if you have a Level 3 qualification or substantial work experience related to social care, social work, family support or early help. The ideal candidate will also have experience working with children, adolescents and families and have knowledge of parenting skills.

The role of the  Family Support Worker is to directly support, maintain and develop the network around the child, liaising, building relationships and communicating between multiple agencies and multi-disciplinary roles, these include, the local authority, social workers, family members, carers and significant others and the child in placement.
Within the community, the role is closely linked with each child in placement and will closely work with the Community Director and the senior management team to ensure that it meets the therapeutic and educational needs and interests of each child. This will necessarily include working closely with professionals and developing their expertise in a psychoanalytic-systemic approach to care, education and treatment.
Responsibilities include:

• Ensure that plans for the process of assessment, co-ordination and delivery of placement and family support and transition plans are developed and managed on a day to day basis to agreed standards.
• Co-ordinate and facilitate contact arrangements, linking with networks and families in a manner which is integrated with the community’s existing relationship and contribute to and develop its professional effectiveness.
• Contribute to the holistic assessment of needs of children, families and networks.
• Devise and develop tailored packages of support based on assessment.

Childhood First is committed to safeguarding children. Appointments will be subject to a satisfactory DBS Disclosure and references.

Overview

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives.   

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our teams apply these daily offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.    

 We are looking for a passionate and experienced professional to lead the development of our Affected Others service, supporting children, young people (CYP), and families impacted by familial substance misuse. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow a service that makes a real difference in breaking cycles of harm and building resilience.

Where: Buckinghamshire (Countywide)

Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week

Full Time Salary Range: £32,002.35- £34,214.20*

*Please note: Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours. 

Responsibilities

About the Role
As the lead for this specialist area, you will:

• Drive the design and delivery of innovative interventions for children, young people and families affected by substance misuse.
• Develop group programmes, resources, and training to strengthen whole-family approaches.
• Build strong partnerships with key stakeholder such as adult substance misuse services, schools, children’s services, and health professionals to ensure seamless referral pathways.
• Develop and deliver training and consultation to external partners and stakeholders on the issues facing young people affected by substance misuse of others. 
• Champion safeguarding and best practice across the service.
• Hold a caseload of complex and high-risk cases involving children, young people, and families, delivering whole-family support, including parenting programmes and harm reduction strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate service impact, ensuring continuous improvement.

About You
We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in working with families facing multiple risk factors, including parental substance misuse.
• Skilled in delivering 1:1 and group interventions and developing new programmes.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Qualified to Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
• A strong communicator and collaborator, able to influence and lead within multi-agency settings.
• You will need to work flexibly countywide across Buckinghamshire so must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a car.

 What we Offer 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days” 
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• Opportunity to lead and shape a vital service alongside a friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme.

Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details outlined in the job description. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role. 

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 28 to 30 (£32,002.35 - £34,214.20)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Closing Date

19/2/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

Community Development Worker

We are looking for a Community Development Worker to join the team in this part-time role.

Position: Community Development Worker

Location: Cross Green, Leeds

Hours: Part-time, 17.5 hours per week

Salary: £27,097 - £29,331 per annum pro-rata

Contract: Fixed term for 12 months in the first instance

Benefits: The provision of workplace wellbeing support and activities, flexible working and a range of family friendly policies and free parking.

Closing Date: 25th February 2026

The Role

As a Community Development Worker you will play a key role in the organisation, building strong relationships with communities.

Key areas of responsibility include:

• Deliver outreach including activities, information and support.
• Plan community groups with members, ensuring members have access to opportunities and promoting health and wellbeing.
• Support families with their own goals and help people organize together when facing a collective issue – aiming to improve health, homes, education and inclusion for members.

A team player you will communicate proactively with your team and line manager and work with members, staff and partners to build trusted relationships.

You will listen to and identify members issues and concerns, bringing a solution focused approach to the work. You  facilitate asset-based community development approaches in galvanizing people, by working together on projects that bring improved health, wellbeing and social inclusion to the members in Bradford.

About You

We are looking for someone who is able to engage and involve members in all aspects of their work. You will have experience of:

• Helping to run group activities.
• Working in a supportive role.
• Building long-lasting and trusting relationships. 

PLEASE NOTE: CV’s will not be accepted for this role, you will be redirected through to the charity’s website where you will need to complete their application form

About the Organisation

You will be joining a vibrant and brave grassroots organisation led by Gypsy and Traveller people in West Yorkshire. This is an established and award-winning civil society organisation with a national profile.  Recognised as being innovative, brave and creative.  The overall aim of the charity is to improve the quality of life for Gypsies and Travellers through addressing inequalities in homes, health, education, and employment, financial and social inclusion. There are a number of community-facing and strategic projects to achieve aims including advocacy, community development and youth work.

Other roles you may have experience include Community Development, Community Partnerships, Community, Outreach, Community Outreach, Family, Family Support, Social Welfare, Community Development Worker, Community Partnerships Worker, Community Worker, Outreach Worker, Community Outreach Worker, Family Worker, Family Support Worker, Social Welfare Worker. #INDNFP

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

About the Role

We are seeking a passionate and organised Children and Families Worker to lead and grow our ministry with children and families in the parish. This role is perfect for someone who loves helping children explore faith, has experience working with different age groups, and enjoys building relationships in the community.

Key Responsibilities

• Run Children’s Church on Sundays during term-time — including leading sessions and coordinating a team of volunteers.

• Develop a new older children’s group, including volunteer recruitment and curriculum planning.

• Help lead monthly All-Age Services in collaboration with the Vicar.

• Run a monthly Bubble Church service and manage related outreach and admin.

• Co-lead Tufnell Tots (stay-and-play group) on Thursday mornings.

• Build relationships with local primary schools (Tufnell Park and Yerbury) through regular lunch clubs, assemblies, and visits.

• Support and co-run termly community events such as our Pancake Party, Fireworks Night, and Back to School Party.

• Develop creative, new initiatives — such as after-school activities or holiday clubs — to help children and families engage with faith.

• Ensure full compliance with our safeguarding policy and support safeguarding admin.

• Encourage sustainability in children’s events and teach the importance of caring for God’s creation.

• Support an inclusive approach to working with children with additional needs and disabilities, adapting content and approaches as needed.

About You

Essential:

• A living Christian faith and a desire to help children grow in their knowledge and experience of God.

• Good knowledge of the Bible and enthusiasm for sharing its stories.

• A strong understanding of safeguarding principles.

• Excellent team player who relates well to both children and adults.

• Experience in recruiting and supporting volunteers.

• Confident organisational and communication skills.

Desirable:

• A qualification in children’s ministry or a related field.

• Experience working with a range of age groups — from toddlers to pre-teens.

• First Aid certification.

Why Join Us?

• A caring, inclusive church committed to your growth and well-being.

• Flexibility, creativity, and scope to shape and develop this ministry.

• A part-time role that makes a full-hearted difference in the lives of local children and families.

Deadline for completed applications: 23 February 2026 at 5:00 PM.

Interviews: We expect to interview in late February to early March. 

It is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a committed Christian.

The Diocese of London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults through the use of the Safer Recruitment practice guidance.  This role is subject to acceptable pre-appointment checks, including a satisfactory Enhanced DBS.

Family Support Worker - Greater Manchester

Maternity Cover up to 12 months

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

Greater Manchester region

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

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker for a fixed term period of up to 12 months, on a full-time basis (35 hours per week), to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Greater Manchester Care Team.

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

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

What we’re looking for:

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

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

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

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

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

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

What we offer:

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

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

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

· Company car for front line care posts

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

· Time off in Lieu

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

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

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

About us:

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

How to apply:

Please visit our website and apply online.

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

Interviews will take place at our Greater Manchester Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.

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

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

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

A rare chance to join an incredibly supportive and inclusive employer that values hard work, flexiblity and employee well-being, and recognised by the GM Good Employment Charter! We are a small but vastly experienced team of family support/volunteer Coordinators, delivering highly respected volunteer-led home visiting support to families in the early years. 

We are looking for someone to provide direct support to families and also recruit, train and support a team of local parent/carer volunteers who will provide weekly home visiting and community support to families.

You will work  with other professionals from universal and specialist services to provide a coordinated response to families’ needs. You will assess need and risk prior to carefully matching volunteers with families or offering direct support, working as part of multi agency support, ensuring information sharing and safeguarding is at the forefront of your work. This will include instigating Early Help assessments, preparing for and attending Child in Need and Child Protection meetings.

You will have an understanding of recruiting, carefully selecting and managing volunteers to ensure they feel supported and fully trained to offer effective support to families in order to get the best outcomes for the family and in particular the children. 

You will be experienced in working with families in their own home - skilled in recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns, be apt in completing strengths-based assessments and conversations and have a deep understanding of the issues families can face and the link with childhood development and difficulties they may experience later in life.

Family Support Worker 

Maternity Cover up to 12 months

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

Essex and surrounding areas, including Romford, Ilford, Harlow, Loughton, Chelmsford

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

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker for a fixed term period of up to 12 months, on a full time basis (35 hours per week) to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Essex Care Team.

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

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

Location:

This role covers Essex and surrounding areas, including Romford, Ilford, Harlow, Loughton & Chelmsford.

What we’re looking for:

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

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

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

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

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

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

What we offer:

· We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

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

· Company car for front line care posts

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

· Time off in Lieu

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

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

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

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

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

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

Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our website.

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

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

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

About us:

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

How to apply:

Please visit our website via the link and apply online.

Interview Date to be confirmed

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

Interviews will take place at our Essex Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.

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

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

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation.

Job description

We are looking for people with the values and commitment to increase the independence, self-confidence and access to new opportunities for people with learning disabilities and other complex needs using our Wandsworth Day Opportunities Services to enable them to remain as independent as possible while receiving person centred care approach.

Who we are

At Balance, we are committed to empowering those we support to build independent, fulfilled and self-confident lives. We work hard to ensure our charitable values are central to the professional experience of those who work for us, with us and who benefit from our services. We operate a range of services in SW London, including two day centres in Wandsworth, offering a range of support, activities and therapeutic interventions for people with complex physical and learning disability needs.

Who you are

You are someone with experience of or a commitment to developing a person-centred approach in working with people with complex needs and challenges. You will be a collegiate player and someone able to see beyond the barriers that people with disabilities experience every day. Your values and working practice will align with those of the charity to maximise the independence of those you are working with, to enable their ability to make decisions about the types of service they receive, and to ensure that your approach is both professional and sustainable.

Key Responsibilities of this role

Your primary responsibilities will include:

To work as part of a multi-disciplinary team providing personalised support and group-based activities to people accessing our Day Opportunities service in Wandsworth.

To apply a collegiate approach to deliver strengths-based support that maximises independence, knowledge and confidence of those using our services.

To provide a key point of reference for information and support to those using the services and professionals and carers dependent on it.

To work from one of our day centres based in Tooting or Southfields and to key work specified individuals and act as a primary contact for the families, carers and other key professional

Your primary responsibilities will include:

· To work as part of a diverse and experienced team providing personalised support, advice and advocacy to people living independently or in supported accommodation.
 

· To apply a collegiate approach to deliver strengths-based support that maximises independence, knowledge and confidence of those using our services.
 

· To provide a key point of reference for information and support to those using the services and professionals and carers dependent on it.
 

· To work independently across the boroughs we operate in, with people in their homes or in accessing support and resources across the community.
 

Critical Values in the delivery of this role
 

· A commitment to building independence and self-confidence amongst your colleagues as well as those you provide services to.
 

· Recognition of the skills, knowledge and commitment of those working around you and your contribution to them.
 

· A professional, can-do attitude that finds solutions in the darkest corners.
 

· A willingness to empower those around you to exercise authority to make mistakes, test things out and lead from the front.
 

Benefits of working for us
 

The charity ensures the following benefits for all its operational staff:
 

· A baseline commitment to pay the London living wage for all its front-line staff.

· A commitment to training and professional development to at least Care Certificate.

· Inclusion in and contribution to the charity's pension scheme.

· Access to a range of discount schemes.

· Access to the charity's employee assistance programme.

Application Instructions.

Please attach a covering letter and CV that indicates how you meet the key criteria in the person specification.

Young People and Families Worker (Wales and South West England)

Contract type: One year, Fixed term, Hybrid*
Travel: Regular travel around Wales and the South West of England region with occasional UK travel

*This role is for a hybrid worker with the expectation is that you will spend at least 40% of your working time in our office spaces or working in community settings.

Join us and use your skills, knowledge, passion and energy to help us achieve a future free from arthritis.

Are you passionate about improving the lives of children, young people and their families?
Are you experienced in creating inspiring programmes and offering life-changing one-to-one support?
Are you committed to putting children and young people at the heart of decision-making?

About the role

We are looking for a dynamic, creative, innovative team player to join our Young People and Families Service. This role will be based in Wales (Cardiff office) and the South West of England, but will also support service delivery across UK.

As a Young People and Families Worker you will work with colleagues, partners, healthcare professionals, schools, volunteers, and - most importantly - young people and families to co-plan, deliver and evaluate a high quality, holistic support offer, both locally and nationally.

You will help young people living with arthritis to build their confidence, make friends and achieve their personal goals. This will be achieved by providing one-to-one support, creating a community of peer support for young people and families and working with volunteers to co-deliver self-management activities on a variety of topics.

You will also co-design an exciting program of social events, youth voice opportunities, digital content and residential events. You will act as the bridge between young people, their families and professionals - especially in healthcare settings where you will play a unique role working collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams to meet a range of needs. You will support young people during the pivotal transition from paediatric to adult services, making sure it is a time of empowerment and growth.

About you

If your knowledge, skills and experience include the following then we would love to hear from you:

• Experience of working with the third sector, preferably within the fields of youth/community development work and/or health and social care - with a passion for improving the lives of both children and young people as well as their families.
• Experience of delivering interventions to people living with long term conditions, understanding the importance of self-management.
• Experience of taking a person-centred approach when providing support.
• Experience of using a community development/youth work approach to co-design and deliver a quality service/project that is inclusive, inspiring and makes a difference. Engaging colleagues, funders, supporters and partners to make it happen.
• Knowledge and experience of safeguarding and safe working policies and procedures.

As an inclusive employer we will consider home-based working for anyone where office-based hybrid working would be a barrier to being able to work for us, for example for someone living with a long-term health condition or disability.

Application deadline and shortlisting 

• We advise candidates to apply early as we reserve the right to close applications ahead of this date.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

We do not wish to receive contact from agencies or media sales. 

Please note that we do not use Artificial Intelligence (AI) during our recruitment and selection processes, and we would respectfully ask that you also refrain from using AI during the selection process. Whilst we do recognise that AI may be a beneficial tool for some when aiding research and preparation for an application or interview, we want to maintain a fair, inclusive and positive recruitment experience at Arthritis UK where candidates can feel supported to demonstrate their experience, knowledge, and skills without the use of AI generated answers.

Interview

Interviews will take place in the Cardiff office on Thursday 5 March 2026.

Our Cardiff office address is Quest House, St Mellons Business Park, Fortran Road, Cardiff, CF3 0EY.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we guarantee you will be offered an interview if you disclose a disability and demonstrate sufficient evidence within your application that you meet the essential criteria for this role. We will also make any reasonable adjustments you may require for your interview.