Family support services manager jobs in Birmingham

Purpose of the Role:

The Senior Research, Policy and Influencing Manager will play a pivotal role in driving Cerebra’s mission to influence national and local policy and practice. You will lead on the translation of research into actionable policy recommendations, develop strategic partnerships, advocate for systemic change and influence, persuade and engage with policy makers to improve outcomes for children with neurological conditions and their families. Alongside this you will work with the Research and Information team on Cerebra’s research contracts and the development and dissemination of information.

This is a senior role requiring strategic vision, strong analytical and communication skills, and an ability to build influence across government, academia, and the third sector.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

1. Policy and Influencing  

• Identify opportunities to influence national and local policy agendas, including legislation, guidance, and funding priorities related to childhood disability and neurological conditions.
• Develop accessible and compelling policy briefings, consultation responses, reports, speeches, and presentations for a range of stakeholders, including MPs, government officials, sector partners and the public.
• Monitor policy developments across the neuro-diverse landscape and lead on timely, evidence-led responses.
• Analyse data, trends and policy developments to produce insights and recommendations.
• Translate complex ideas into clear, persuasive communications that support positive change.
• Ensure our policy positions reflect the real experiences and insights of the neuro-diverse children and families we support.
• Develop and deliver Cerebra’s policy and influencing strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and research priorities.
• Develop and deliver influencing campaigns in partnership with Communications team.
• Work closely with the Communications Team by contributing to the drafting of responses to media enquiries on our policy and influencing work and act as the media contact if required.
• Liaise with the Legal Rights Team to assess the impact of current or proposed policies in terms of their actual or potential effects on children with neurological conditions at both national and local levels, and for their input into consultation responses.

2. Engagement and Relationship Building

• Build and maintain strong strategic relationships with decision-makers across government departments, policymakers, NHS bodies, local authorities, professional associations, and sector partners.
• Represent Cerebra at meetings and events, including engaging with MPs, civil servants, policy forums, advisory groups, and cross-sector coalitions and other key influencers, or brief the CEO or Directors if attending.
• Work closely with internal teams to ensure our policy and influencing work is grounded in practice and informed by those delivering services.
• Work closely with the Communications Team to ensure consistent, impactful messaging.

3. Research and Information

• With one of our Lead Research Officers leading, you will oversee the tendering process and delivery of our research contracts.
• Working with our Information Development Officer to ensure that we maintain our PIF Tick accreditation for our information resources.
• Carry out high-quality research and analysis.
• Use findings from Cerebra-funded and external research to produce policy briefs, consultation responses, and evidence-based recommendations.
• Alongside our Lead Research Officers carry out horizon scanning to identify emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities in child health, neurodiversity, and public service delivery.

4. Budgeting, monitoring and forecasting

• Working with the team and Director to set income and expenditure budgets for Corporate, Philanthropy, Legacy and Trust & Foundations to assist with any funding applications.
• Monitoring and reporting on income and expenditure and KPIs throughout the year.
• Providing quarterly income and expenditure re-forecasts.
• Ensuring all relevant information is recorded in line with charity, fundraising and data legislation and best practice.

5. Line Management

• Line management responsibilities for a small team, currently comprising of 3 staff.
• Be responsible for the day-to-day management of the team.
• Complete regular supervision and team meetings.
• Provide effective performance management to the team.
• Promote a positive and inclusive team culture aligned with Cerebra’s values.

6. General

• Monitor and evaluate the impact the areas of work that leading on.
• Support collaboration across the different Cerebra teams.
• Experience using Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems or similar digital tools for recording and tracking work.
• Uphold Cerebra’s Data Protection Policy and all relevant confidentiality and safeguarding policies.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the needs of the team and organisation.

Please see attached job description for person specification.

About Kinship

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

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

About the role

The Research Officer supports Kinship in building a strong and coordinated evidence base about kinship families, and ensures our influencing work is grounded in real experience.

The role supports the design, delivery and communication of high-quality research, insights and evaluation that shapes policy, practice and service development. It also supports the coordination and operational delivery of research and practice activity, helping ensure projects, networks and events run effectively and that insights are shared across the organisation and the wider sector.

They will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, including Policy, Programmes, Peer Support and Communications. It will ensure that research and insight are gathered and used consistently and that the experiences of kinship carers, particularly those from underserved communities, are central to our work.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and deliver qualitative and quantitative research that improves understanding of kinship families’ needs, experiences and outcomes.

• Lead data collection through surveys, interviews, focus groups and desk research.

• Carry out analysis using suitable methods to produce accurate and meaningful insight.

• Ensure research reflects the diversity of kinship carers, including carers from ethnic minority communities, mixed heritage families, informal kinship carers and carers experiencing additional barriers.

• Maintain strong ethical standards and follow GDPR requirements.

• Developing and supporting participatory research methods with carers, children and young people.

• Support evaluation of Kinship services including peer support, training and digital programmes.

• Develop tools and approaches that help gather feedback and evidence of outcomes.

• Analyse programme data to highlight trends, gaps and opportunities.

• Provide evidence that strengthens Kinship policy positions and external influencing activity.

• Contribute data and insight to briefings, consultation responses and reports.

• Support opportunities for kinship carers to participate in research in a respectful and inclusive way.

• Manage the Kinship Professionals Network and the Kinship Care Researchers Network, including planning and scheduling meetings, coordinating agendas, recording and minuting meetings and sharing insights across the organisation. 

• Support the planning and delivery of research and practice events, from consultations to knowledge exchange events.

Essential requirements include:

• Experience completing mixed methods research including design, fieldwork, analysis and reporting.

• Experience working in a research, evaluation or insight role in a charity, academic or public sector setting.

• Experience producing accessible research outputs for different audiences.

• Experience engaging with underrepresented communities and understanding barriers to participation.

• Experience of kinship care or social care research in the UK or comparable settings

• Undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related discipline

• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with experience of R or equivalent statistical languages.

What we offer you:

• Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
• ​30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
• Charity Worker Discounts.

Key dates:

• Application deadline: 11.59pm on Sunday 19 April 2026
• First interview: w/c 27 April 2026 (online)
• Second interview: w/c 4 May 2026 (if required)

How to apply:

Please apply for the role of Research Officer by sending a CV (max 2 pages) and cover letter (max 1 page). The deadline is 11.59pm on Sunday 19 April 2026. Any applications arriving after the closing date will not be considered for shortlisting unless there are exceptional reasons. Please ensure you have read the application timelines.

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

An exciting oppourtunity to lead compassionate, community-driven perinatal services that make a real difference to families every day. Shape how frontline support is delivered across our Baby Bank, Community Doula service, infant feeding support, and volunteer programmes in Birmingham. Ensuring safe, trauma-informed care reaches those who need it most.

As Head of Service at Elayos, you’ll turn strategy into meaningful action. You will lead staff and volunteers, strengthen safeguarding practice, embed reflective learning, and champion lived experience at the heart of everything we do. This is a rare opportunity to combine operational leadership with purpose, impact, and values-led service development in a growing organisation supporting mothers and birthing people, who find themselves disadvantaged, during pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.

Job Title:

Senior Legal Rights Team Manager

Department/Responsibility for:

Legal Rights Team

Line management of 3 employees

Reports To:

Director of Research and Support Services

Purpose of the Role:

Due to an ambitious strategy to increase our reach and revenue by 2027, and increasing demand for our legal services, we are ready to welcome an experienced Senior Legal Rights Team Manager to our Legal Rights Team.

We are looking for an experienced and organised individual to lead the delivery of our high-quality legal rights service, managing a team to ensure our services and support comply with regulatory obligations and remain up to date with the latest legal updates. This includes casework supervision within the team as well as managing your own caseload. The legal focus of the team’s work is within the health and social care field.

In addition, you will need to support the Director of Research and Support Services in managing our external relationships, evaluating and monitoring our service, devising and delivering training and supporting research and marketing activity. Additionally, you will use casework evidence to inform the Charity’s wider policy and advocacy strategies to achieve systematic change.

To be a success in this role, you should be an excellent communicator, proactive, flexible, highly organised and able to meet deadlines. This is a challenging but well-supported role, where you can make a large, career-defining impact for Cerebra and the children and families that we serve.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

1. Team Management and Supervision

• Provide effective, remote line management, support and performance management to direct reports to help them maximise their potential and effectiveness.
• Ensuring that knowledge, training and skills are maintained within the team, with a particular focus on legal knowledge and expertise.
• Conducting inductions, performance management and ensuring casework supervision.
• Provide practical and person-focused coaching support to the Legal Rights Team.
• Ensure there is a continual culture and focus on learning and development and wellbeing.

2. Culture & leadership

• Work to continue the development of a strong, person-centred, empathetic, supportive and inclusive culture at Cerebra.
• Build on excellent relationships between different teams and directorates for each other’s and Cerebra’s overall strategic goals and objectives
• Collaborate across departments to align partner activity with service delivery and communications.
• Contribute to strategic, organisational and cultural development.
• Champion innovation, growth mindset and learning from failure.

3. Legal Casework

• Oversee and supervise casework around health and social care legal entitlements.
• Manage referrals to the Legal Rights Service and triage new cases.
• Ensure that casework is managed in a timely, appropriate and compliant manner.
• Undertaking a personal caseload, including complex cases.
• Ensure all cases are handled in a timely manner - compliantly, effectively and ensuring quality standards are adhered to.
• Develop and maintain legal information products.
• Providing reports to the Director Group and Trustees where required on service performance, legal trends and key performance indicators.
• Use any common occurring problems that arise from the casework to feed into developing further research work into the area of health and social care.

4. Policy and Advocacy

• Utilise insights and data gathered from casework to identify systematic issues/updates and contribute to Cerebra’s policy and advocacy strategies.
• Collaboration and supporting the Senior Research, Policy and Influencing Manager to ensure insights and data trends identified from casework are appropriately actioned and communicated.
• Use knowledge, experience and legislative updates to influence wider policy changes.

5. General

• Monitor and evaluate the impact of the Legal Rights Team.
• Build and develop relationships with similar charities/organisations.
• Analyse trends in the area of health and social care law that can feed into future research projects.
• Develop and deliver Cerebra’s legal rights strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and research priorities.
• Support collaboration across the different Cerebra teams.
• Experience using Client Relationship Management (CRM) systems or similar digital tools for recording and tracking work.
• Uphold Cerebra’s Data Protection Policy and all relevant confidentiality and safeguarding policies.
• Carry out any other reasonable duties in line with the needs of the team and organisation.

Please see attached job description for person specification.

We are looking for an inspiring Support Services Manager to lead our supported housing schemes, ensuring high‑quality, person‑centred support for women and children across our services.

If you are passionate about transforming lives, improving service quality and leading dedicated teams — we’d love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Support Services Manager, you will:

Lead and develop high‑quality support services

• Provide operational leadership across supported housing schemes
• Ensure trauma‑informed, person‑centred support plans and risk assessments
• Monitor KPIs, contractual compliance and service performance
• Drive service improvement and co‑production with clients

Manage, motivate and develop staff

• Line manage Support Workers and Volunteers
• Ensure supervision, training and performance management
• Support recruitment and staff development across the region
• Build a strong, motivated and skilled team

Champion safeguarding & risk management

• Act as a safeguarding champion across supported housing
• Ensure robust risk assessments, incident reporting and GDPR‑compliant records
• Support staff to maintain the highest safeguarding standards

Ensure housing & compliance excellence

• Work closely with Estates teams to maintain safe, compliant accommodation
• Support quality improvements across physical properties and service delivery

Build impactful partnerships

• Liaise with local authorities, commissioners, health partners and referral agencies
• Represent Life at case conferences, multi‑agency meetings and contract reviews
• Identify and respond to new referral opportunities

Drive quality, governance & reporting

• Produce performance reports and maintain audit readiness
• Support strategic growth and contribute to the department’s business plan
• Promote Life Charity within local communities and public forums

Manage budgets & resources

• Monitor expenditure and support resource planning
• Support with funding bids and service redesign
• Work with finance teams to ensure clients receive appropriate financial support

We’d love to hear from you if you have:

Essential experience & skills

• Experience managing or delivering support and/or care services
• Understanding of supported housing and estates management
• Strong knowledge of support planning, risk assessment and safeguarding
• Excellent communication skills with the ability to engage at all levels
• Strong organisational, leadership and problem‑solving abilities
• Ability to work independently, handle pressure and prioritise workloads
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion
• Full UK driving licence

Desirable

• Relevant housing qualification (e.g., CIH Level 4)
• Experience working in a charity environment
• Experience in troubleshooting or service improvement roles
• Good strategic awareness

About Life: 

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish. 

Our services include:  

• Supported housing and community support   
• Counselling and skilled listening   
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies  

Our values :

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values: 

• Humanity – All people are special and equal 
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you 
• Community – We’re better together 
• Charity – Doing good for one another 
• Common good – Building a better world 

Information about the role: 

For further information, please see the attached job description. 

Salary: £34,000 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week over 5 days

Location: Home Based with Extensive Travel across the Midlands and South East England

Benefits:  

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:  

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours) 
• Birthday Leave  (applicable after 1 years service)
• Additional annual leave for long term service  
• Company Pension Scheme  
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge 

Safeguarding and Equality: 

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.   

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.  

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.  

Our Charity

Established in 1972, P3 Charity is a modern, forward-thinking organisation providing support services to people facing social exclusion across the UK.

We offer a wide range of services, including homelessness prevention, supported housing, mental health support, community advice, hoarding support and services for young people.

We’re a person-centred organisation who works alongside people to improve lives. We do this by strengthening communities, unlocking potential and creating new possibilities. We tackle challenges others won’t and we go the extra mile. We believe in collaboration – both within our teams and with the local community – to achieve the best outcomes.

Our values-driven approach means we recruit for values and train for skills.

The Role

Are you a strong and compassionate leader who knows Ofsted inside and out and believes great services for young people are built on relationships, accountability and trauma informed practice?

We're looking for a Regional Manager to lead, support and inspire Ofsted-regulated children, young people and family services across East and West Midlands. This is a pivotal role with real influence - shaping quality, culture and outcomes at a regional level.

What We Offer

Enhanced annual leave entitlement – 27 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays.

Commitment to mental health and wellbeing – people are at the heart of what we do; you’ll also have access to our National Wellbeing Lead and Regional Wellbeing Champions.

Paycare health cash plan – you can claim back costs for a wide range of everyday health expenses, including optical, dental, physiotherapy, and more, within an annual limit.

Employee Assistance Program – access to 24/7 GP appointments, 1-1 counselling and health assessments.

Team initiatives – this may include team away days, P3’s Big Day Out and our Annual Awards Ceremony.

Discounts – including the Blue Light Card, Bike2Work Scheme, Paycare Perks and Tickets for Good.

Personal development opportunities – including mentoring, training, secondments, job shadowing and a Colleague Volunteering Programme with 1 day paid leave per year.

Earning Potential – optional overtime and refer a friend bonus scheme.

Please note P3 reserves the right to close this advert earlier than the stated closing date.

The successful candidate must hold a full UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle. Please note, this post is subject to an enhanced check made by the Disclosure & Barring Services, paid for by P3.

P3 is an equal opportunities employer and is committed to combating all forms of discrimination.

Retail Regional Business Manager – Region 1 (Midlands, Kent, South Coast)

Service: Retail

Salary: £32,365 plus £480 home working allowance, per annum

Location: Home-based with regular travel throughout Region 1 (covering shops in Evesham, Hythe, Meads, Seaford, Warwick, and Whitstable); overnight stays as appropriate

Hours: 37 hours per week (full-time)

Contract: Permanent

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

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.

This is an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and driven Retail Regional Business Manager to play a pivotal role in leading the success and growth of our Community Shop network. You will champion high-quality retail operations across your region, inspire and develop Community Shop Managers, and cultivate strong, positive relationships within local communities. With a focus on commercial performance, brilliant customer experience, and exceptional people leadership, you will help shape the future of our shops and strengthen their impact. This role offers the chance to influence strategic direction, support new store developments, and contribute meaningfully to Family Action’s mission and values while growing your own leadership and retail management expertise.

Main Responsibilities:

• Provide direct line management to Community Shop Managers, ensuring clarity of objectives and accountability and assist them in the day-to-day running of their stores.
• Maximise income from the Community Shops in the region by tightly managing expenditure and being innovative in income generation.
• Conduct regular shop visits to monitor performance, provide feedback, and document findings in visit reports.
• Develop and execute an annual business plan for the region and the individual Community Shops.
• Assist with the preparation of budget forecasts and monthly reporting.
• Monitor retail budgets, track expenditures and flag variances.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety, financial control, and all operational policies and procedures.
• Process Shop Teams’ petty cash claims and expenses and sign-off timesheets.
• Work with Recruitment and HR teams to fill vacancies and support Community Shop teams.
• Maintain staff and volunteer records – particularly around absence tracking and training logs.
• Work with and support Shop Teams to achieve financial targets.
• Keep up to date with developments in the charity retail sector at the local and national level and use this information to help grow the business.
• Support the Shop Teams in embedding the shops in their local communities.
• Allocate resources within the region and share best practices across the shops to maximise opportunities to achieve budgets.
• Serve as a liaison between Shop Teams and the wider charity.
• Deliver inductions, coaching, and training to Community Shop Managers and Shop Teams.
• Promote a positive image for Family Action among your team.
• Lead on creating high-performing cultures with a focus on customer service, operational excellence, financial control, and delivering budgets and targets (both financial and Gift Aid).
• Maintain P&L accountability for the region, controlling costs and monitoring budgets.
• Contribute to the development of the national Retail Strategy.
• Support on new site acquisitions, refits, and disposals in the region as required.
• Act as a key member of the Retail Senior Leadership Team, supporting strategic decision making.
• Uphold Family Action’s Health & Safety and Data Protection policies, reporting issues promptly.
• Promote and embed Family Action’s Equality & Diversity principles in all work.
• Adherence to Family Action’s Safeguarding policies and processes. 
• Work flexibly to meet the needs of the service, visiting shops a minimum of once per month and overnight stays as required.

Main Requirements (for details check the job description and person specification):

• Experience in managing multiple retail locations and teams
• Experience in charity retail or community-based initiatives
• Experience in P&L management
• Proven ability to deliver against financial targets and control costs
• Strong leadership and people development skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Ability to work cross-functionally with other charity functions
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and retail management systems
• Full UK driving license and willing to travel
• Excellent commercial awareness and financial acumen
• High levels of organisational skills and attention to detail
• Competence in using EPOS systems
• Ability to work under pressure
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making abilities

Benefits:

- an annual paid leave entitlement that commences at 25 working days, rising each April by one day, subject to a maximum of 30 working days plus bank holidays (pro rata)

- up to 6% matched-pension contributions

- enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions

- eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers

- cycle to work scheme

- investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

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.

To Apply:

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

· Closing Date: 13th April 2026 at 23:59pm

Interviews are scheduled to take place virtually, with slots throughout the working day and early/late slots available.

All appointments with Family Action are subject to satisfactory Safer Recruitment checks.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the recruitment process and you will be asked whether you require any adjustments if shortlisted for interview. We also make reasonable adjustments on the job, where required.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Intersectionality is important to us and we welcome applications from ethnically diverse communities, LGBTQIA+ candidates and disabled candidates. We are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action because we know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and we 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 reasonable travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person.

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

Join a team that's making a real difference.

Adfam is the leading national charity tackling the effects of alcohol, drug use or gambling on family members and friends. We improve life for thousands of people. One way we do this is by empowering families and friends to get the support they need.

We want anyone affected by someone else's drug or alcohol use or gambling problem to have the chance to benefit from healthy relationships, be part of a loving and supportive family and enjoy mental and physical wellbeing.

This role offers the opportunity to be part of a successful national remote service, offering support via the phone or Zoom to affected adults in the UK. We are looking to recruit experienced Family Support professionals to provide these virtual support sessions to individual family members and sometimes groups. We are offering a number of roles at 15-20 hours per week, across 3-5 days, including Wednesday and at least 2 evenings per week (Mon-Wed).

Experience in supporting family members affected by someone else’s substance use is essential, as is experience with assessing and managing risk. Ideally, you would also have experience of working to support parents with their parenting and / or those experiencing domestic abuse. We offer fixed hours part time contracts within a friendly and supportive team. Whilst based at home and requiring the ability to work autonomously, Adfam prides ourselves on our supportive team ethos and working culture. 

• Salary: £30,000 pro rata
• 6.5% contributory pension scheme
• Contract: One year with likely extension

This is a remote working position based at home.

Please note, although counselling skills and qualifications are welcome and valuable as part of a skillset for this role, these are not counselling roles. This is professional support work and requires additional experience or skills in substance use, social work, complex family work or a related field. The role requires directive and facilitative guidance and input. If you are a counsellor looking for typical counselling work, please do not apply for this role. Thank you.

Closing date: Sunday 19th April

Application packs can be downloaded from our website. Alternatively, please email us to request one.

Adfam actively welcomes applications from all sections of society.

About Kinship

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

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

About the role

The Senior Advice Worker – SEND will be the specialist and subject expert in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and kinship care. You’ll provide 1:1 advice directly to kinship carers on all issues that impact on their caring role.

You will often be supporting kinship carers in high crisis. It will be part of your job to calm a situation quickly and support people to communicate what they need so you can provide personalised in-depth advice.

You’ll provide advice by phone, video calls and email, but you’ll also need to be able to respond to text, WhatsApp and online chat and other channels as we develop the service.

You’ll specialise in providing advice and information to enable kinship carers to support children with SEND needs, including speech, language and communication difficulties, social, emotional and mental health challenges, specific learning difficulties, and autism.

This will include advice and casework to support kinship carers to navigate the education system, understand Education, Health and Care Plan processes and access support from schools, children’s services and CAMHS.

As subject expert, you’ll provide expert input to the development of written information and resources and the development and delivery of specialist training for kinship carers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Respond to enquiries through a range of incoming channels. This includes taking calls on our advice line, as well as responding to enquiries submitted through our website, via internal referral or other channels.
• Provide high quality advice and information to kinship carers on their rights, entitlements and responsibilities in relation to welfare benefits, local authority allowances, support from children’s services, relevant legal orders, sources of educational, parenting and legal support and other issues that may be required.
• Assess vulnerability and risk to prioritise and respond to kinship carers’ issues in a timely manner.
• Research individual cases and identify possible courses of action.
• Address all safeguarding concerns in line with policy.
• Facilitate access to our advice service for people with diverse needs, e.g. by using appropriate translation services or assistive technology.
• Adapt communication style to respond appropriately to differing needs.
• Provide advice in a format that is manageable and understandable for the individual kinship carer.
• Apply agreed Kinship models of practice as appropriate, e.g. taking a trauma-informed approach.
• Provide specialist advice and casework on SEND-related issues. This may involve:
  • providing additional advice or support to enable a client to take action
  • undertaking follow-up action on behalf of the client to move the case on, e.g. negotiating with third parties
  • taking on complex casework to pursue significant outcomes for the client or strategic impact for all kinship carers

• Proactively update colleagues across Kinship on relevant updates in the SEND landscape, providing guidance to teams.

• Work closely with training colleagues to develop, create and occasionally lead training sessions to support kinship carers to navigate the SEND system.

Essential requirements include:

• Minimum of 2 years’ recent experience of delivering in-depth advice work on complex social welfare legal issues (e.g. benefits, housing, education or social care) to members of the public.

• Experience of giving both telephone and written advice.

• Either significant knowledge of and expertise in the SEND system and SEND-related issues, with the ability to develop expertise in kinship care advice; or, Significant knowledge of and expertise in kinship care advice, with substantial knowledge of SEND-related advice issues and the ability to become an expert in SEND advice for kinship carers.

• A demonstrable knowledge of relevant sources of advice and information. 

• Knowledge and evidence of good understanding of safeguarding issues and good practice.

• Proven understanding of the importance of confidentiality and a non-judgmental approach.

• Experience and confidence in development of resources

• Experience of effective management and supervision of staff, projects and/or services.

• Experience using Case Management Systems and/or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms.

What we offer you:

• Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
• ​30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
• Charity Worker Discounts.

Key dates:

• Application deadline: Monday 20 April 2026, 12pm
• First interview: w/c 4 May 2026 (online)
• Second interview: w/c 11 May 2026 (if required)

How to apply:

Please apply for the role of Senior Advice Worker - SEND by sending a CV and answering the questions below. The deadline is 12pm on Monday 20 April 2026. Any applications arriving after the closing date will not be considered for shortlisting unless there are exceptional reasons. Please ensure you have read the application timelines.

Please provide a cover letter answering the following 4 questions (up to 250 words per answer):

1. Give an overview of how your experience, qualifications and training equip you for the role of Senior Advice Worker - SEND.
2. Explain why you want to work for Kinship.
3. What are the key skills and personal attributes that you would bring to the role?
4. What do you see as the most significant advice issues confronting kinship families navigating the SEND system?

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

Role Overview

This is an exciting opportunity to shape Shine’s strategic direction while managing the operational delivery of our services for children, young people, and families aged 0–25. Building on the success of our Little Stars/Ser Bach programme for members aged 0–12 and the development and extension of the FIRE (Friendship, Independence, Resilience, Empowerment) programme for those aged 13–25, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our support for children, young people and their families.

Working across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, you will lead the delivery of an established, evidence-based programme that improves health, social, and emotional outcomes for those living with spina bifida, hydrocephalus, and associated conditions.

You’ll lead a passionate team and work closely with Shine’s Adult Services Team (25+), Health Team, Wales and Northern Ireland Managers and wider colleagues across the organisation to ensure work is coordinated, complementary, and beneficial to members. At the same time, you’ll forge strong partnerships with NHS professionals, statutory services, and voluntary organisations—driving collaboration that will support our vision of providing consistent, high-quality support for children, young people and families nationwide.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leadership & Team Management
• Programme Development & Delivery
• Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
• Member Support & Engagement

Please see the full Job Description & Person Specification below and on our website. 

Benefits to working at Shine:

• Competitive salary: Review due April 2027
• Regular working hours, and no shift work (some very occasional weekends or evenings)  
• 3% pension contribution
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with additional discretionary leave between Christmas and New Year
• Additional annual leave awarded for ‘long service’
• Opportunity to purchase additional annual leave
• Broadband allowance for home-based roles
• Life insurance after 12 months’ employment  
• Access to our Employee Support Programme and Mental Health First Aiders 
• Support to learn and develop 

How to apply 

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job. 

If you would like to discuss the role with our Deputy CEO, Gill Valentine, please contact Shine to arrange a convenient time for a call. 

To apply please submit your CV and supporting statement, which should outline your interest and explain how you meet the role criteria. 

We understand that you may wish to use AI tools to help you with some aspects of your application but we do expect tailored applications which are personalised to your experiences and not generic applications which are completely AI generated. We encourage candidates to be transparent about AI usage in their applications. 

*Please note applications without a supporting statement will not be accepted* 

Closing date: Thursday 16th April 2026 at 11pm 

Interviews:  Monday 27th April 2026  

Please note: we reserve the right to interview suitable candidates before the closing date, therefore we encourage applications as soon as possible. 

For more than 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers.

We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

​

Brief role description:

​

The NST Client Advisor plays a key role in delivering the support centre function for the programme. Working closely with the Nova Support Team (NST), the Advisor provides initial advice, guidance, and assistance to Veterans who are at risk of contact with the Justice System or are involved in the Justice System.

​

​This is a fixed term position for just about 2 years (end date to be confirmed at the offer stage).

​

​Some of your principal responsibilities will include receiving and triaging referrals for veterans who are at risk of, or involved in, the justice system, making timely first contact and completing initial registrations, and providing accurate advice and guidance while maintaining detailed records on the case management system.

​

As a NST Client Advisor, you will need experience in guiding and supporting individuals, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders while remaining highly organised and IT confident.

​

​Ideally, you will also have an understanding of the justice system, experience using Salesforce or similar CRM systems and a resilient and adaptable approach.

​

​Please note this role requires an Enhanced DBS check and Police Vetting (NVVP 2).

​

​Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? check out our Website.

​

Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description.

​

What’s in it for you? Check out our Benefits.

​

Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date, Friday 24 April 2026.

​

Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

​

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.​

​

#LI-DNI

For more than 140 years, the Forces Employment Charity has proudly supported Service leavers, veterans, and their families in building successful civilian careers.

We provide veterans with life-long, life-changing support, jobs, and training opportunities, regardless of circumstances, rank, length of service, or reason for leaving.

​

Brief role description:

​

The NST Client Advisor plays a key role in delivering the support centre function for the programme. Working closely with the Nova Support Team (NST), the Advisor provides initial advice, guidance, and assistance to Veterans who are at risk of contact with the Justice System or are involved in the Justice System.

​

​​Some of your principal responsibilities will include receiving and triaging referrals for veterans who are at risk of, or involved in, the justice system, making timely first contact and completing initial registrations, and providing accurate advice and guidance while maintaining detailed records on the case management system.

​

As a NST Client Advisor, you will need experience in guiding and supporting individuals, strong communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders while remaining highly organised and IT confident.

​

​Ideally, you will also have an understanding of the justice system, experience using Salesforce or similar CRM systems and a resilient and adaptable approach.

​

​Please note this role requires an Enhanced DBS check and Police Vetting (NVVP 2).

​

​Interested? Want to know more about the Charity? check out our Website.

​

Eager to know more the role? Have a look at the Job Description.

​

What’s in it for you? Check out our Benefits.

​

Have we convinced you to apply? If so, submit your CV and Covering Letter by closing date, Friday 24 April 2026.

​

Please note: Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted throughout the duration of this advert; therefore, we may at any time bring the closing date forward. We encourage all interested applicants to apply as soon as possible. If you are an internal applicant, please ensure you have made The People Team aware before applying.

We are committed to equal opportunities and improving the working lives of our staff by fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where everyone, including those with disabilities, can thrive, develop, and achieve their full potential. We actively encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and ensure reasonable adjustments are made to support candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.

​

We actively recruit citizens of all backgrounds, but the nature of our work in specific departments means that residency and security requirements can be more tightly defined than others. You will be asked about this throughout the recruitment process.

#LI-DNI

Senior Family Support Worker

We are looking for a Senior Family Support Worker to act as a keyworker delivering packages of support with children, young people, and whole families to prevent escalation to more intensive services.

Join South Birmingham’s locality-based counselling service operates from community hubs and outreach venues including GP practices, community centres and Family Hubs across Edgbaston and Northfield.

Position: Senior Family Support Worker

Location: Edgbaston & Northfield Districts/Hybrid

Hours: 37 (9 – 5 Monday – Thursday, 9 – 4:30 Friday)

Contract: Full Time - Fixed Term until March 2027

Salary: £30,000

Benefits: The provision of workplace wellbeing support and activities, hybrid working where the role allows, flexible working and a range of family friendly policies.

Closing Date: 26th April 2026 (Midnight)

Interview Date: 5th May 2026

The Role

Working with families in a person-centered way, you will help people on your caseload to make positive changes and to develop the skills to manage their issues in the future.

You will work within the Early Help Locality multi-disciplinary team to provide a timely and frontline response to the needs of children, young people, and their families, acting in accordance with local policies, procedures and priorities.

As an Early Help Senior Family Support Worker, you will have responsibility for practice development. You will work at an operational level with the Service Manager to provide support to the Family Support Worker Team. 

You will carry a reduced case load, demonstrating a strong practice base that can be role modelled to staff. In addition, you will need to promote inclusion and demonstrate a sound knowledge of safeguarding and quality assurance. 

Duties and responsibilities include:

• Leadership & Operational Support
• Practice Development
• Direct Work With Families
• Partnership Working
• Recording & Administration
• Safeguarding

About You

We are looking for someone with a level 3 Qualification in relevant area (Health and Social Care, Family Worker or similar) and experience of:

• Delivering outreach or one to support work.
• Supporting families and individuals with complex support needs
• Forging links and establishing relationships with partner agencies

You we also have knowledge of VCSE organisations within the locality and support available for families and good administration and record keeping skills.

About the Organisation

Our client is leading provider of services to the health and social care sector, with the aim is to reduce inequalities in learning, employment and health. As an employer the organisation is proud to offer a range of benefits to staff including provision of workplace wellbeing support and activities, flexible working and a range of family friendly policies and subsidised parking.

You may also have experience in areas such as Family Support Worker, Children’s Support Worker, Senior Family Support Worker, Senior Children’s Support Worker, Family Support Case Worker, Family Outreach Worker, Family Outreach Support Worker. #INDNFP

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People.

Description

Help tackle child food insecurity by working directly with schools, building relationships, capturing impact, and supporting community fundraising that drives real change.

This is an opportunity to join a growing charity at a pivotal moment and play a key role in expanding a national programme supporting children and families across the UK. This is one of the charity’s first two hires and is a hands-on role in a small team.

MCKS Charitable Foundation works with schools to provide pantry and breakfast support to families experiencing food insecurity. We currently support over 180 schools and are now scaling our work towards 500+ schools nationally.

We’re looking for a Schools, Community & Impact Manager to help us strengthen our relationships with schools, understand how our support is being used, and capture the stories and data that allow us to grow our impact.

This is a varied, outward-facing role where you’ll work directly with schools, build trusted relationships, and ensure we are delivering support in the most effective way possible.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll sit at the centre of the programme, working across schools, impact and community engagement.

You will:

• Build strong relationships with schools and act as their main point of contact
• Support new schools joining the programme and help them get set up effectively
• Work with schools to understand how many pupils and families are being supported
• Identify what’s working well across schools and share best practice
• Gather impact data, case studies and stories to support fundraising and reporting
• Help develop a fair and effective funding model based on need
• Encourage schools to run simple fundraising activities within their communities
• Support wider fundraising activity by providing insight, stories and engagement

Why this role matters

This role is critical to how the charity grows.

The insights, relationships and impact evidence you build will directly support fundraising—helping us secure the funding needed to reach more children and families.

Put simply:
without strong school relationships and clear impact, we can’t grow.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A natural relationship builder, confident working with schools and communities
• Curious and analytical, with the ability to understand patterns and identify insights
• A strong communicator, particularly when writing case studies and reports
• Organised and able to manage multiple relationships at once
• Proactive and comfortable working independently in a small team

You may have experience in schools, charities, community work, or partnership-based roles—but just as important is your ability to build trust and understand people.

Why join us

• Be part of a growing charity making a real difference to children and families
• Play a key role in shaping a programme that is scaling nationally
• Work flexibly within a small, supportive team
• Opportunity to influence how impact is measured and communicated

Safeguarding

This role will involve working with schools and may include visits where children are present. A DBS check will be required.

Additional Information”

• Remote UK-based role with travel to schools nationally
• Full-time role (flexibility may be considered for strong candidates)
• Due to volume of interest, we are unable to offer pre-application calls