Independent mental health advocate jobs in East of england

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

· advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing

· user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

· local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

This position involves supporting the Finance team by providing financial assistance to the Head of Finance in maintaining the organisation’s financial records and internal controls.

You will utilise your finance skills to ensure that transactions are accurately and promptly recorded, and you’ll assist in preparing high-quality month-end reports. You will also collaborate closely with the Finance Officer and wider teams to contribute to the organisation’s financial reporting and planning.

Key responsibilities

• Prepare monthly management accounts and internal reports for departmental managers and participate in regular review meetings; conduct variance analysis against budget and forecasts and provide commentary for senior management.
• Prepare, check, and submit end-of-month financial data to external accountants.
• Respond to internal and external finance queries in a timely and professional manner.
• Process the month-end transactions on Quick Books.
• Assist the Head of Finance with payroll processing, audits, financial reports, and ad hoc finance-related tasks.
• Prepare budgets and financial forecasts in collaboration with the Head of Finance and ensure accurate upload into the financial system.
• Monitor cash flow and support cash flow forecasting.
• Contribute to the development and enhancement of financial procedures and systems to improve efficiency and accuracy.
•  Assist with the preparation of year-end accounts and liaise with auditors as required.
• Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, internal policies, and reporting standards.
• î  Support the Finance Officer in reconciling bank accounts.
• î  Undertake any other duties as required by the Head of Finance to support the effective running of the finance function

General responsibilities

• Work according to the Equality Act 2010 and other forms of legislation that combat discrimination and promote equality and diversity.
• Participate in personal, team and organisational development.
• Contribute to internal and external monitoring reports.
• Adhere to organisational policies, including those related to health & safety, safeguarding, and risk management.
• Work in alignment with our mission, vision, and values.
• Person specification
• We welcome applications from people with transferrable skills and qualities, and people with diverse employment histories and personal backgrounds.

Essential qualities and attributes:

• Proven experience in a finance role, preferably in a management accounting or analytical capacity.
• Strong understanding of financial principles, reporting, and analysis
• Excellent attention to detail and strong organisational skills.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial software systems.
• Highly organised with the ability to prioritise a heavy workload and multi-task
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate financial information clearly to non-finance colleagues.
• Ability to work flexibly and to tight deadlines
•  A proactive, solution-focused approach to improving systems and processes. 

Desirable knowledge, experience and qualifications:

• Accounting qualification or studying towards an accounting qualification (e.g. ACCA, CIMA or equivalent)
• Experience of working in the charitable or voluntary sector.
• Knowledge of data protection regulations and managing confidential information.

Essential qualities and attributes:

• Understanding of the role and responsibilities of an advocate.
• Understanding of issues faced by people with mental health conditions, physical health conditions and learning disabilities.
• Ability to listen and build trust, to encourage people to express their own views and to represent clients’ self-defined interests.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal). Good at working with a wide variety of people including commissioners, service users and colleagues.
•  IT literate, including working knowledge of Microsoft packages (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.
• Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative, to plan and prioritise your own workload.
• Willingness to promote The Advocacy Project and its services in line with our mission, vision and values.
• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

PURPOSE OF POSITION

This role is responsible for the service delivery of an effective, high quality, person centred support service to residents with a background of rough sleeping and range of medium to high needs. These includes entrenched drug and/or alcohol issues, mental health diagnosis and a range of offending backgrounds.

They will be the principal providers of support to residents in the Harbour Project team and will also work alongside Assistant Support Workers, to promote resident engagement through the development of positive relationships with our residents and contributing towards the promotion of a fulfilling, safe and inclusive environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES & ACCOUNTABILITIES

 To be responsible to the Team Manager for the day-to-day delivery of the Harbour Project Team.

Use motivational and asset based interviewing techniques to interview, assess and create support plans and risk assessments that address the needs of residents.

Take a positive, trauma-informed approach to working with residents with complex needs and challenging behaviour.

Conduct regular reviews of support plans and risk assessments as required.

Take a pro-active approach in multi-disciplinary support required for residents.

Work within a Psychologically Informed Environment approach and strive to meet targets and deliver results.

Ensure a high standard of customer service is upheld

To attend team meetings and take part in service policy and planning.

To participate in team meetings, team review days and other meetings as agreed with the Team Manager.

To keep abreast of current housing legislation, welfare benefit legislations and other matters relevant to successful support and move on of residents.

To respond and process all referrals made to the Complex Needs service and ensure those accessing the service meet the service eligibility criteria.

To ensure all case work is properly recorded and all service offers and outcomes are entered clearly onto the case management system.

To actively collect follow up information with regards to the outcome of reconnections and report

To deal with the immediate support needs of the residents as appropriate.

To assess resident safety and develop risk management strategies with the resident and other involved services.

To ensure all service delivery policies and decisions made by the Team Manager or team are observed and followed through.

To keep accurate records and statistics on referrals, service outputs and outcomes etc.

To maintain a high standard of record keeping in the office and keep all financial and administrative systems including resident files in the office in an accurate and up-to-date manner in line with policy.

To ensure that all written work both for internal and external use is of a high standard.

To ensure the results of all assessments and all service offers are entered clearly and in a timely fashion onto the case management system.

To liaise and negotiate effectively on a day to day basis with outside agencies including the police, social services and other statutory and voluntary agencies.

To build and maintain good working relationships with colleagues.

Ensure that all duties and services provided are in accordance with policies and procedures.

To comply with individual responsibilities, in accordance with work role for health and safety in the workplace.

To undertake such other duties within the competence of the post holder which may be required from time to time.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Ideal attributes for meeting the needs of position and being an effective member of the wider Your Place team.

Experience

A demonstrable level of experience and understanding of the range of approaches appropriate to working with challenging behaviour including current drug /or alcohol use, antisocial behaviour, offending, substance misuse and complex needs

Experience of working with clients in a trauma-informed way with proven effectiveness

Demonstrate an understanding of statutory compliances and standards such health and safety, equal opportunities, data protection, particularly within a residential setting.

Demonstrate excellent customer service skills. Ability to develop good working relationships and rapport with residents and stakeholders.

Using motivational interview techniques to produce and approach referrals, needs and risk assessments and support planning in a SMART manner

Knowledge of Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE).

Demonstrable experience within local authority, voluntary, independent, charity or social housing sector

Successful track record of work with colleagues in order to achieve common goals

Working across agencies and / or partnership arrangements

Awareness of issues facing single people that experience homelessness or rough sleeping.

Skills & knowledge

IT skills and particularly Microsoft Office packages

Knowledge, understanding or experience of working in a casework management system.

Knowledge in identifying and dealing with substance misuse issues

Sound knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting supported housing and vulnerable adult groups

Understanding of health and safety in a supported housing setting

Abilities

Willingness and ability to work shifts including evenings, weekends and waking night shifts on a rota basis)

Ability to motivate those with complex needs to engage with meaningful activities

Evidence of effective de-escalation techniques.

Ability to interact and communicate effectively with a wide variety of people at all levels, maintaining professional boundaries

Ability to interpret and communicate the meaning of legislation, policy, guidance, research and information on best practice

Ability to work co-operatively to achieve goals

Ability to set up and work according to schedules

Personal qualities

Self-sufficient and highly organised with the ability to accomplish goals according to deadlines, and a flexibility and to juggle a variety of tasks

Ability to act on own initiative and effectively under own direction, as well as productively within a team

Strong sense of responsibility and accountability

Awareness of own training and support needs

Desirable criteria

Experience of using In-Form as a case management system.

Qualifications relevant to supporting vulnerable adults

Full current driving licence

Successful track record in developing services in response to changing needs and demands

Before starting this position, you’ll need to undergo a criminal record check by the Disclosure and Barring Service. You must be entitled to work in the UK.

We are looking for a proactive and compassionate Hospital Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) to support victims and survivors of domestic abuse within a hospital setting.

The role is based at Princess Royal University Hospital along with some working from the Victim Support office in Old Street and some home working.

What we offer

At Victim Support, we are committed to attracting and retaining the best talent. Our competitive rewards and benefits package includes:

• Flexible Working Options: Including hybrid working.
• Generous Annual Leave: 28 days plus Bank Holidays, increasing to 33 days plus Bank Holidays, with options to buy or sell annual leave.
• Birthday Leave: An extra day off for your birthday.
• Pension Plan: 5% employer contribution.
• Enhanced Allowances: Enhanced sick pay, maternity, and paternity payments.
• Exclusive Discounts: High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment, and leisure discounts.
• Financial Wellbeing: Access to our financial wellbeing hub and salary-deducted finance.
• Wellbeing Support: Employee assistance programme and wellbeing support.
• Inclusive Networks: Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes.
• Sustainable Travel: Cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans.
• Career Development: Ongoing training and support with opportunities for career progression.

About the Role

As an Independent Domestic Violence Advocate you will provide pro-active, high quality, frontline service to victims of domestic abuse through on-going risk assessment, providing individual safety planning, trauma-informed support, guidance, information, and advocacy and enabling victim/survivors to access the services they need in the aftermath of the abuse and trauma they have experienced.

You may work within a Hospital Trust's Safeguarding Team to support both patients and staff in an Acute Hospital setting, who have experienced Domestic Abuse. You will make initial contact with victims of domestic abuse, explaining our services and assessing the impact of crime, or receive referrals from colleagues, in order to provide on-going support and case management.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assess risks and needs using evidence-based checklists.
• Focus on high-risk cases with short to medium-term crisis intervention.
• Assist high-risk victims in accessing safety services.
• Deliver tailored support and information.
• Understand legal frameworks for protecting children and vulnerable adults.
• Provide advocacy on legal, housing, health, and financial options.
• Empower clients to recognize domestic abuse dynamics.
• Participate in Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences (MARAC).
• Work with a team to deliver respectful, dignified, and sensitive services.
• Maintain accurate and confidential case records.
• Comply with data protection laws and organizational policies.
• Stay updated with procedures, policies, and professional codes.

About You

Ideally, you will have knowledge about legal remedies for domestic abuse victims and have experience working with drug, alcohol, and mental health issues. An understanding of benefits, housing, and homelessness would also be beneficial.

You will need:

• Strong understanding of domestic abuse and its impact.
• Demonstrate proficiency in English, both verbally and in writing.
• Experience in statutory, voluntary, or multi-agency settings.
• Competency in risk and needs assessment frameworks.
• Understanding of safeguarding issues.
• Direct service delivery experience to victims or vulnerable people.
• Ability to manage complex caseloads and prioritize work.
• Strong crisis management skills.
• Effective communication, negotiation, and advisory skills.
• Commitment to equal opportunities and diversity.

About Us

Victim Support is an independent charity dedicated to supporting people affected by crime and traumatic incidents in England and Wales. We put them at the heart of our organisation and our support and campaigns are informed and shaped by them and their experiences.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

At Victim Support, we're proud to celebrate diversity and create a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We're committed to being an antiracist organisation, and we actively welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from Black and Asian and other minoritised communities.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we will offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet all essential criteria for a job where it is practicable to do so. We are also happy to make reasonable adjustments during the recruitment and selection process.

How to apply

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

·advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing

·user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

·local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

You’ll provide a warm and professional presence and a welcoming space to everyone that contacts The Advocacy Project.  You’ll interact regularly with senior managers from local government and the NHS, local councillors, charities, and people in need of our services.  Some of those who use our services may be unwell or in desperate need of help. A calm, professional manner is therefore key.  You’ll be proactive in finding ways to help people, whether through making a referral to our services or signposting to services provided by other organisations.

Key responsibilities

î  Answer calls professionally and in line with our customer service standards

î  Manage the info email box ensuring all queries are dealt with in a timely and professional manner.

î  Listen to voicemails and take appropriate action

î  Refer queries about existing referrals to the appropriate advocate or service manager proactively. Where appropriate chase to ensure that the advocate or manager has continued to work on the case

î  Make referrals to our own service using the web form which helps you enter relevant information into our Case Management System

î  Maintain a list of services provided by other organisations so that you can signpost people if they need a service that we do not offer

î  Upload reports received from external agencies into our Case Management System

î  Act with care and attention in line with our data protect and confidentiality policies; you’ll be dealing with sensitive personal data

î  Follow a simple flowchart; remain alert to potential safeguarding situations where prompt action needs to be taken to keep people safe

î  Call the Duty Advocate and request assistance on complex cases

î  Raise potential issues and problems with your manager at the earliest possible opportunity

General responsibilities

î  Participate in team meetings and training

î  Participate in personal, team and organisational development

î  Contribute to monitoring reports

î  Keep to our policies, including health & safety, safeguarding and risk regulations

î  Work to our mission, vision, and values

î  Carry out other projects and tasks as needed

Person specification

We welcome applications from people with transferrable skills and qualities, and people with diverse employment histories and personal backgrounds.

Essential qualities and attributes:

î  Aligned to our values – voice, rights, and choice

î  Calm empathetic professional manner

î  Shows professional curiosity – no stone unturned when trying to find the root cause of issues that individuals face

î  Proactive and responsive

î  Committed to high quality work

î  Team player

î  Experience of customer care or helplines, including handling telephone calls

î  Good knowledge of IT – Microsoft Office and other databases

î  Experience of data entry

î  Experience of working to customer service standards

Desirable knowledge, experience and qualifications:

î  Ideally you have worked in health and social care. Experience of working in consumer organisations such as a utility company would also be beneficial

î  Good understanding of advocacy

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

About The Advocacy Project

We help people speak up and make decisions about their health, wellbeing and social care. We’re here to make sure people who are vulnerable because of their circumstance can understand their rights, make effective choices about their lives and voice their concerns.

Some of the ways we do this include:

· advocacy services that make sure people can express their wishes when decisions are being made about their care or wellbeing

· user involvement projects that help organisations improve what they offer by listening to people who use their services

· local Healthwatch services, which act as health and social care champions for the areas they serve and give people a direct channel to share their feedback

Our services are independent, confidential, and free to those receiving them. Together, our teams are standing up for essential rights and supporting people to have a say on the issues that matter to them.

About the role

We are seeking a skilled Bid Writer to work alongside our Head of Business Development to secure vital funding through tenders and trusts and foundations. If you have experience of winning income for front line services (especially advocacy), we would be particularly delighted to hear from you.

Key responsibilities

î  Identify pipeline tenders.

î  Manage and write tender submission

î  Produce highly quality proposals for trusts and foundations working closely with staff and service users

î  Produce best practice toolkit

î  Manage funder communications and reporting.

î  Assist with other funding applications as required

Experience and skills

î  Proven success as a bid writer in the charity sector.

î  Ideally experience in Advocacy or user involvement

î   Proven experience with large grants, tenders, and government contracts.

î  Highly IT proficient with experience of using AI to support in bid preparation

î  Ability to work collaboratively

î  Be highly organised and self-motivated with a proven ability to work to tight deadlines

î  Proactive, dynamic, able to work effectively independently

î  Strong writing, research, and communication skills.

î  Knowledge of fundraising regulations, GDPR, and best practices.

î  Strong understanding of EDI principles and how to apply them in your work

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

Rolling Recruitment – Please Read

This role is being recruited on a rolling basis. Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews will be scheduled on an ongoing basis.​
Early applications are strongly encouraged, as the vacancy may close before the advertised closing date if a high volume of applications is received or once a suitable candidate has been appointed.

About the role

This role sits within Women and Girls Network’s CJS Team and provides rapid, short-term advocacy and support to survivors, in London, who have experienced sexual violence and are engaging with, or considering engaging with, the criminal justice system.

You will deliver brief, trauma-informed and survivor-centred support to people who are unable to access an ISVA locally or who are waiting for support through the London Survivors Gateway. Working across the Gateway partnership - including Rape Crisis Centres, Galop, Survivors UK, Respond, and the Havens - you will help ensure survivors receive timely, independent information and advocacy at a critical point.

As this is a pilot role, you will also play a key part in shaping and developing this specialist brief intervention ISVA provision in response to survivor need.

What you will be doing

As the Brief Intervention Independent Sexual Violence Advocate (ISVA), you will:

• Provide rapid, short-term independent advocacy, information and support to survivors navigating or considering the criminal justice system, enabling informed choice and access to rights.
• Deliver empowering, trauma-informed and intersectional support, including risk and needs assessments, safety planning and tailored action planning.
• Offer clear, impartial information about reporting options, the criminal justice process, survivors’ rights under the Victims’ Code, and available legal and compensation routes.
• Advocate on survivors’ behalf with police and criminal justice agencies, and support attendance at police stations or court where required.
• Work within strict safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries, ensuring survivor safety and wellbeing remain central at all times.
• Develop and pilot a brief intervention ISVA model, contributing to service design, case management systems and best practice alongside the CJS Team Manager and Gateway partners.
• Build strong working relationships across the London Survivors Gateway partnership to strengthen pathways and improve access to timely support.
• Maintain accurate case records, monitoring and evaluation data, and engage in supervision, reflective practice and continuous professional development.
• Model WGN’s feminist, trauma-informed and anti-oppressive approach, contributing to a collaborative team culture and high-quality service delivery.

Closing date and interviews

This vacancy is open to applications on a rolling basis, with interviews conducted as applications are received.

We encourage early applications, as the role may close before the advertised closing date due to a high volume of applications or once a suitable candidate has been appointed.

About us 

Women and Girls Network (WGN) is a pan-London organisation that supports women and girls affected by all forms of gendered-based violence. Our overall aim is to promote, preserve and restore the mental health and well-being of women and girls who have experienced, or are at risk of, gendered-based violence, whilst working towards a society free of gendered-based violence.

We do this by:

• Providing women-only holistic and seamless therapeutic services, which meet women and girls’ needs and contribute to total and sustainable recovery from the experiences of violence.
• Evidencing the impact of gendered-based violence and presenting this information in appropriate forums to affect social change in attitudes towards, and responses to, gendered-based violence.
• Developing good practice in the sector by providing training and guidance on specialist service provision and the development of culturally appropriate service delivery.

WGN is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer and a member of The London VAWG Consortium, Halo Code, and Helplines Partnership.

Join us and be part of a team that values your well-being, growth, and contribution.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

We are deeply committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity, resilience and strength of the women and girls we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black and Global Majority women and applicants with Lived Experience, including those who may not meet every criterion.

WGN is an equal opportunities employer.

Exemption

This post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, and is open to female applicants only, due to the nature of the role.

Casework is at the heart of everything Medical Justice does. We assist vulnerable people in immigration detention to access medical evidence. The evidence we produce forms the basis of our advocacy work to secure lasting change, including our research into the systemic failures in safeguarding and healthcare provision, the harm caused by these shortcomings, and the harmful effect of immigration detention itself on the health of those who are subjected to it.

As a Caseworker you will have your own caseload and be working directly with people in immigration detention, many of whom may be very unwell, traumatised and experiencing deterioration in their health. You will coordinate with our clinicians and, if clients have legal representation, their lawyers, to organise medical assessments. You will maintain communication with your clients throughout this process, acting as a key point of contact.

We are looking for an experienced caseworker, who can use their compassion and organisational skills to support clients in extremely vulnerable situations. We are looking for someone who has experience dealing with clients in crisis situations, who is resilient and able to manage complex, often traumatic, caseloads in a professional and empathetic way. You will play a key role in striving to ensure clients receive access to adequate healthcare and that they obtain high-quality independent medical evidence to progress their legal cases. As well as working as part of a small, dedicated team of caseworkers dealing with around 500 referrals a year.

Location: North London, the role is hybrid with 3 days based in the office each week following the successful completion of probation and training period.

Reports to: Head of Clinical Evidence & Casework

Salary: £33,000 per year

Contract:  Permanent, 37.5 hours per week

About Medical Justice:

Medical Justice works to uphold the health and associated legal rights of people in immigration detention and provides medical evidence, so the devastating health harms of detention are understood and acted on. Our paid and volunteer clinicians visit people held in immigration detention, document scars of torture, assess deterioration in health, and challenge medical mistreatment. We use medical evidence to secure lasting change through research, policy work, and strategic litigation. We work with parliamentarians and the media.

Informal online information sessions

We are holding informal online information sessions to learn more about the role and Medical Justice on:

• Monday 29 June: 13:00 – 14:00
• Friday 3 July: 13:00 – 14:00

Details of how to sign up are in the Candidate Pack.

How to apply:

Please read the candidate pack carefully, you will need to send a completed application form and CV to be considered for this role. The application form can be downloaded from our website by clicking the 'Redirect to Recruiter' button below.

We are actively interviewing for this role.

We will be actively interviewing for this role and encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible. Please note that we may close this vacancy ahead of the stated deadline if suitable candidates are identified.

All applications submitted prior to closure will be considered fairly and in line with our recruitment process.

We welcome applications from refugees and other migrants, and from people with lived experience of detention, which could include detention in another country, or in the UK (immigration detention in an IRC or prison or being placed in institutional asylum accommodation such as military barracks).

We are part of the Experts by Experience Employment Initiative. The network supports inclusive recruitment of people with lived experience of the UK asylum or immigration system. If this is your experience, you can find useful resources on their website.

Independent Living Advisor (Self-Directed Support Service)
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Action on Disability, Mo Mowlam House, Clem Attlee Court, London, SW6 7BF

The Organisation

Action on Disability (AoD), founded in 1979, is one of London’s leading Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations. As we believe in the social model of disability, our values and principles embrace inclusive and accessible ways of working both internally and in all our activities, seek the participation and contribution of our members, and encourage and respect diversity.

The organisation is a medium sized charity with a Board of Trustees (at least 75% is disabled trustees), 20 staff and a strong ad hoc staff and volunteer base including many with direct experience of disability – all of whom are passionate about removing the barriers that disabled people face.

AoD provides five key services. These are: Youth, Employment, Welfare Benefits, Independent Living and Our Place.

AoD’s Independent Living Service

The Independent Living Service (Self-Directed Support Service) is a new service that will provide support to Direct Payment users within the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The service will enable disabled people to have genuine choice and control over the way in which they lead their lives.The post-holder will be working alongside disabled people to enable them to have more choice and control over their care and support needs.

Purpose of Post

To work with individuals, their family and friends (where appropriate) to provide them with information, advice and assistance to enable them to access and manage a Direct Payment

(DP) and recruit and manage a Personal Assistant (PA).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Support to individuals employing their own Personal (care) Assistant (PA) or engage an agency to deliver care and support.

1. Provide information and advice on becoming an employer and the role of the Personal Assistant.
2. Ensure that the client understands their legal obligations and responsibilities of being an employer.
3. Work with clients to: set up a profile on the Find-a-pa website, advertise and recruit a Personal Assistant, create a personalised job description and specification identify the level of experience and training requirements needed for the role.
4. Advise and help to calculate the PA’s salary and on costs (full training provided).
5. Support the client through the interview process and where necessary sit in during interviews.
6. Support individuals to reference, check legal status and where necessary DBS their support worker.
7. Support individuals to set up an induction plan for their PA and enable them to identify training needs.
8. Support the client to complete payroll and insurance documentation.
9. Work with the client to draw up a Statement of Particular (contract) for the employed PA (templates provided).
10. Encourage DP employers to take a lead in all employment issues. Information on where to seek advice e.g. ACAS, Fish and Premier Care helpline will be given and clients will be encouraged to use them.
11. Ensure that the individual has a back-up plan for emergencies.
12. Encourage DP employers to be assertive and proactive with their Personal Assistants.
13. Work with agencies to set up support for clients who may not wish to employ a PA directly.

Ongoing support to individuals in receipt of Direct Payments

1. Providing advice on employment issues.
2. Support individuals to solve practical problems e.g. lateness of staff, change of needs.
3. Support individuals to recruit again if necessary.
4. Assist individuals to re-look at budgets, training and job descriptions as they change over time.
5. Assist individuals to ensure that they continue to manage their Direct Payment or budget.
6. Support individuals to make informed choices.
7. Meet with the DP Support Group on a regular basis.
8. Assist in the development of training and other resources to support employers to manage their DP and their PA relationships.
9. Develop links and professional relationships with Social Work teams to support a healthy level of referrals.

For all work:

• Work in a person-centred way.
• Comply with AoD’s agreed policies and procedures.
• Participate in the wider development of the service and contribute to service improvement as required.
• Be computer literate and administratively self-supporting.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as identified by the Self-Directed Support Service Lead or line manager.

Special requirements

• Ability to travel within the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
• Some attendance at meetings and events outside of normal office hours will be required.

Person Specification

To be considered for this role, candidates must have:

• Good standard of education.
• Experience of recruiting volunteers or staff.
• Knowledge of employment law.
• Understanding of social care and Direct Payments legislation.
• Experience/knowledge of supporting individuals to recruit and manage employees.
• Experience of working with clients with support needs.
• Experience of using a person-centred approach.
• Ability to think creatively and to come up with solutions.
• Ability to gather and assess information efficiently.
• Numeracy skills and knowledge of budgeting.
• Ability to use Word and Excel packages to a high standard.
• Ability to work under pressure, and to tight deadlines.
• A flexible approach and able to work on own initiative
• Good communication skills including interpersonal, written, presentational and spoken.
• Ability to guide in a sensitive way
• Ability to assess and match skills and personalities to individual needs and preferences.
• Commitment to the Social Model of Disability and to promote choice, independence, rights and inclusion.
• Understanding of and commitment to the aims of the organisation.
• Excellent practical understanding of the need for confidentiality.
• An understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice

Desirable qualities

• Experience of working with disabled people
• Lived experience of disability

Closing Date: Friday 10th July 2026
N.B. we reserve the right to close this vacancy early and/or begin interviewing before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
Early applications are therefore encouraged.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

We welcome applicants from all walks of life.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from Disabled people and people with long term health and mental conditions. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme in that we will guarantee an interview to all Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. Please state in a cover letter if you wish us to consider you for this guaranteed interview scheme.

AoD is a Living Wage Foundation registered employer and all of our employees, casual workers and contractors are paid above the London Living Wage.

No agencies please.

This is a joint venture between Citizens Advice Woking (CAW) and i-access, the drug and alcohol community service which offers specialist assessment, support, and treatment to people in Surrey who want help with their drug and/or alcohol use. The role is fixed term to the end of March 2027, but it is hoped that it will continue, subject to funding. 

We are looking for a highly motivated person to join our specialist team. It is essential that the applicant has recent experience of advising clients, at Citizens Advice or another comparable organisation. 

You will need to demonstrate that you can cope with a demanding caseload and that you are able to monitor and manage your own caseload to meet deadlines. The successful candidate will be required to work with i-access service users, either remotely or in person, the role is to provide information, advice, and casework in all areas of generalist advice, but particularly in the areas of welfare benefits, debt, and housing. Patience and empathy are essential. 

The i-access adviser will need to travel to the three i-access locations in Guildford, Redhill, and Chertsey as well as to CAW’s office in Woking. It's likely the role will also entail working remotely from home, which will require a confidential work space and reliable Wi-Fi.

We will require the successful candidate to be screened by the DBS. However, a criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to your being able to take up the job. 

The Citizens Advice service values diversity promotes equality and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We particularly welcome applications from disabled and Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic people, as they are currently under represented in our workforce. 

For more information about the role and how to apply, please see the job pack. 

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Job title: Community Support Worker (Primary Care Network)
Reference Number: 362
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum
Reports to: Team Leader (Complex Needs & Community)
Hours: Full time, 37.5 hours per week
Work Pattern: Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm
Contract: Permanent
Working base: Herts Mind Wellbeing Centre closest to Successful applicant(s).

We are looking for a Community Support Worker to join our team. The Primary Care Network Service works in partnership with GP surgeries in Hertfordshire to provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to individuals who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing. Supporting people in the community in their own homes and our wellbeing centres.

Community Support (PCN) Service Objectives

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill health.
• To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental ill health, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To ensure correct access via Primary Care into the HMN service therefore reducing the pressure on GP services
• To contribute to an improvement in the proportion of people with mental ill health who are accessing specialist support via their GP surgery
• To provide an assertive outreach approach for clients that may have complex or multiple needs.

The Successful Candidate will

• Provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing.
• Maintain and enhance service delivery standards and effectiveness.
• Promoting the service, increasing visibility and being responsive to changing needs.
• Provide practical and emotional support to encourage service users to develop their independence within their local community.
• Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of service users using the service is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.

Key Accountabilities

• To receive referrals a wide range of referral pathways.
• To undertake initial contact with clients and complete a holistic needs assessment, making use of assertive outreach work to achieve the initial client contact, if required.
• To provide holistic support both outreach and in our centres and advocacy services to clients experiencing mental ill health.
• Ensure all person-centered risk assessments and support plans are completed as appropriate.
• To accompany clients to initial visits and appointments as necessary in order to ensure the sustained use of existing support services.
• To liaise with other agencies to ensure that clients receive appropriate support and continue to remain engaged with the service.
• To assist clients to access appropriate mental health services, drug and alcohol services, housing/tenancy services and other services according to assessed needs.
• To establish effective pathways across a variety of agencies to maximise and provide effective partnership working.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is on 6th July 2026 at 5pm
Interviews to be held on a rolling basis at our Watford Wellbeing centre.
Please note: this role may close sooner due to demand in applications.
N.B. Please quote reference number 362 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Community Outreach Worker (Community Support Service CSS)
Reference: 360
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum, pro rata
Hours: Part-time, 25 hours a week
Contract: Permanent
Working base: St Albans Wellbeing Centre/St Albans food bank centres

About the Service

St Albans & District Foodbank is an independent charity within the Trussell network, operating nine foodbank centres across the district alongside a central warehouse and home delivery service. Over recent years, the Foodbank has developed a “More Than a Foodbank” model, recognising that food insecurity rarely exists in isolation and that many people accessing support are also experiencing poor mental health, debt, housing insecurity, social isolation and wider practical challenges.

Alongside emergency food provision, the Foodbank has developed strong partnership working with Citizens Advice St Albans District, local mental health organisations, statutory services and community groups to create a more joined-up and person-centred support model.

The Reaching Communities partnership between St Albans & District Foodbank, Citizens Advice and Hertfordshire Mind Network aims to provide integrated practical, emotional and wellbeing support within trusted community settings. The partnership focuses on early intervention, reducing repeat crisis, improving access to support and helping people navigate systems before situations escalate further.

About the Role

The Outreach Worker role is intended to feel fully embedded within the Foodbank environment and wider Foodbank Plus model, working relationally and practically alongside the Wellbeing Team, volunteers and partner organisations to support people experiencing hardship and complex life circumstances.

The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Community Outreach Worker role is to:

• Expand employment, health and wellbeing, and community engagement
• Strengthen existing service provision for financial advice, food security, and homelessness support.
• Build strong local partnerships, volunteer networks, and stakeholder relationships.
• Deliver measurable outcomes for residents, with a focus on those experiencing deprivation and marginalisation.
• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients with coexisting drug and alcohol difficulties, mental ill-health, these will be clients who are presenting to the police, anti-social behaviour, tenancy enforcement, housing and environmental health services within Hertfordshire.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and solution focused approach in all aspects of the role.
• To raise greater awareness of complex needs and the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) amongst local service providers. Supporting them to gain confidence in working positively and consistently with people who have multiple needs.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) - compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 6th July 2026 5pm
Interviews to be held on a rolling basis at the Watford well-being centre
N.B. Please quote reference number 360 when completing your application for this role.

Interested? 

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. 

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Community Outreach Worker (CSS Housing)
Reference: 363
Salary: £26,000 - £26,500 per annum
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week (5 days per week)
Reports to: Senior Lead Complex Needs and Community
Working base: West Hertfordshire + possible Herts countywide travel.

About the Service

Community Outreach Workers support people with complex needs who have Housing issues as a primary need. This includes people who may have drug and alcohol difficulties. Particularly when they are coming into repeat contact with Police, Tenancy Sustainment Services, Housing and Homelessness Services and Environmental Health Services.

The five-day post will be delivered in West Hertfordshire. With the flexibility to travel Hertfordshire County.

The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Community Outreach Worker role is to:

• Provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients with coexisting drug and alcohol difficulties and mental ill-health. These will be clients who are presenting to the Police, Anti-Social Behaviour, Tenancy Enforcement, Housing and Environmental Health Services within Hertfordshire.
• Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• Remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and solution focused approach in all aspects of the role.
• Raise greater awareness of complex needs and the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) amongst local service providers. Supporting them to gain confidence in working positively and consistently with people who have multiple needs.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) - compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 3rd July 2026 at 5pm
Applications will be reviewed and interviews conducted on a rolling basis. Early submissions are encouraged.
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis at our Watford Wellbeing Centre
N.B. Please quote reference number 363 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

Rainbow Migration, the longest-running charity in Europe dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is recruiting a Policy and Public Affairs Manage. The Policy and Public Affairs Manager will join our management team and lead on developing our policy positions and engaging with parliament and government.

Responsibilities will include:

· Developing and delivering influencing strategies

· Monitoring and evaluating our policy and public affairs work

· Writing high-quality policy and briefing papers or reports

· Engaging with civil servants, parliamentarians, ministers and other policymakers, influencers or allies

· Working collaboratively with other organisations and stakeholders to achieve change

· Ensuring meaningful involvement of people with lived experience – especially our Refugee Advisory Panel – in our influencing work

· Managing occasional research projects

Rainbow Migration’s vision is that LGBTQI+ people can settle in the UK and lead fulfilling lives. Our values are: 

· Safety: We believe everyone should be safe from persecution and safe to be themselves. We strive to create a safe workplace culture, and we place importance on the wellbeing of everyone involved with Rainbow Migration. 

· Integrity: We are thorough and honest in everything we do, and we take responsibility for our actions. We want to be accountable to our communities and those who support us. 

· Belonging: We welcome and include all LGBTQI+ people, and we celebrate and value their range of experience in terms of gender, religion, race, age, disability status and class. We try to remove obstacles to participation, champion equality and promote a sense of family or home through our services. 

· Respect: We believe that every person is equal and deserves the same level of courtesy, care, and attention. We respect the rights, wishes and feelings of our service users, and campaign for their rights to be respected as they go through the asylum and immigration system. 

Diversity, inclusion and anti-oppression

At Rainbow Migration, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. We consider all qualified applicants, consistent with any legal requirements.

We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the community we work in. We are also reviewing what we do and how we do it through an anti-oppression and anti-racism lens, and are investing in being more informed and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum.

We welcome applications from candidates who have been through the UK asylum system and people of colour, who are currently underrepresented among our staff in relation to our service users.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for anyone considered as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if they meet the necessary criteria in the person specification.

To support candidates during the interview process, we send a selection of questions in advance. You are welcome to bring notes with you and also take notes in interviews to help process information. If your interview is online, we can also put questions in the meeting chat. If your interview is in person, we will send details of how to get to the building from both local tube stations and a video showing the interview space. Please let us know if we can make other adjustments to support your interview process.

Role overview

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time (35 hours per week); working part-time (minimum 21 hours) will be considered. Occasional work in the evenings and at weekends will be required but with plenty of notice. Rainbow Migration encourages staff to maintain a good work life balance and has a TOIL system in place.

Salary: Starting at £46,000 with a potential step increase each year up to £51,253 (pro rata if working part time), plus statutory employer’s pension contribution. We also try to give a separate inflationary increase every April.

Location: Remote or from Rainbow Migration’s step-free offices which are based in London between Vauxhall and the Oval. Hybrid working will also be considered and can be agreed with the line manager as per our hybrid working policy. The successful candidate could work from anywhere in the UK but would be expected to occasionally travel to London and other parts of the country for meetings and events. At the time of posting this advert, staff mostly work from home. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Annual Leave: Initially 25 days per year. After two years of employment, this will increase by one day per year up to a maximum of 28 days (pro rata if working part-time).

Benefits:

· Two days of wellbeing leave to be taken at short notice in each calendar year (pro rata for part-time staff)

· Enhanced parental leave and pay

· Full pay for jury service (up to four weeks), compassionate leave (up to two weeks) and dependants’ leave (up to four days, pro rata for part-time staff)

· Potential for two salary increases a year: a step increase and an inflationary increase

· TOIL system

· Hybrid working policy, including possibility of working abroad for 10 working days (pro rata for part-time staff) each year

· Policy on staff loans or salary advances for difficult times

· Training and learning opportunities

· Occupational health assessments for disabled employees to understand how we can support and make reasonable adjustments

· Employee assistance programme which includes counselling service, wellness advice, legal and money advice, and other matters

· Clinical supervision for staff delivering services (a safe space with an independent therapist to offload and discuss feelings and challenges)

How to apply

Closing date: 9.30 am on Friday 26 June 2026

Interview dates: We plan to do a 30-minute online interview on 6 July 2026 and, if successful at that stage, a further 1-hour in-person interview on 13 July 2026.

Please read the job description and person specification. If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, then you can contact the line manager via the email address in the job description.

Please send to the email address you will find in the job description on our website:

1. Your CV

2. A written statement (max 1,000 words). Instead of a written statement you may submit your statement by video or audio recording (max 8 minutes)

We would also be grateful if you could complete the optional monitoring form (please find the link in the job description).

In your statement, please:

1. Explain why you are interested in this role and give examples of how you meet the person specification. In addition to what is on your CV, we want to hear about any relevant skills and experience that demonstrate you meet the necessary (and, where applicable, advantageous) criteria for the role. Skills and experience could be from training, volunteering, interests or life experience.

2. Confirm if you wish to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme for anyone considered as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 (physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ effect on your ability to do normal daily activities).

3. State how many hours a week you wish to work and if you have a preferred pattern.

4. State if you have or have not used AI to help with your application in any way. If you have used AI, please explain why. While AI can be a helpful tool, we expect all applications to reflect your own experiences, qualifications and style of writing. Transparency is valued, so applications that are obviously written with AI without explanation will not be considered.
 

By submitting an application, you:

1. Confirm that you have the right to work in the UK and will produce the necessary documentation if you are offered this post.

2. Declare that to the best of your knowledge and belief, the information provided in your application is true and correct and that you understand that any false information or statement given will justify your dismissal from Rainbow Migration if appointed.

3. Accept that owing to the nature of the work, if successful, you will be required to disclose all unspent criminal records at the point of conditional job offer and subsequently to undergo a basic DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. See our website for more information.

We are proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network, which aims to create a charitable sector that is led by people with lived experience of the asylum and immigration system. As part of this network, we challenge the one-size-fits-all approach in our employment practices, and respect personal circumstances and needs of people with lived experience. Please feel free to use information and resources you will find at the Experts by Experience Employment Network website which may help in preparing your job application.

Privacy notice

If you apply for this role, the information you provide will be processed according to Rainbow Migration's privacy policy (please see the link on our website). Rainbow Migration will not share your information with any third parties unless part of the recruitment process or are legally required to do so. By applying, you are permitting Rainbow Migration to access and use the information for recruitment purposes. Rainbow Migration will store data on unsuccessful applicants for 12 months after the conclusion of the recruitment campaign. Monitoring information is kept separately and is pseudonymised to avoid identification of applicants. It is amalgamated for statistical purposes and the original data is deleted after six months.

Rainbow Migration, the longest-running charity in Europe dedicated to supporting LGBTQI+ people through the asylum and immigration system, is recruiting a Legal Officer to advise and help improve the representation of LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum.

We are looking for a qualified solicitor or barrister with valid practising certificate, or already accredited to Level 3 IAA, with two years’ experience in providing advice and representation in asylum including working in legal aid.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day delivery of the legal advice service. Under the guidance of our Legal Service Manager, you will also build capacity amongst legal representatives by designing and delivering training and giving second tier advice 

This is a unique opportunity to build on your experience as a lawyer/IAA advisor to improve representation across the sector. You will be supported to develop as a specialist in LGBTQI+ asylum.

Responsibilities will include:

• Delivering one-off advice to LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum
• Working with colleagues to refer service users to quality legal aid and pro bono lawyers
• Providing casework assistance in some individual cases
• Providing advice (within competence) on other issues affecting asylum and partnership service users
• Delivering second tier advice to the legal representatives of LGBTQI+ people seeking asylum

You will not be providing direct legal representation of service users. However, the role includes substantive advice and casework within the scope of legal support and referrals for our service users, as well as merits testing and second tier advice.

Rainbow Migration’s vision is that LGBTQI+ people can settle in the UK and lead fulfilling lives. Our values are: 

• Safety: We believe everyone should be safe from persecution and safe to be themselves. We strive to create a safe workplace culture, and we place importance on the wellbeing of everyone involved with Rainbow Migration. 
• Integrity: We are thorough and honest in everything we do, and we take responsibility for our actions. We want to be accountable to our communities and those who support us. 
• Belonging: We welcome and include all LGBTQI+ people, and we celebrate and value their range of experience in terms of gender, religion, race, age, disability status and class. We try to remove obstacles to participation, champion equality and promote a sense of family or home through our services.
• Respect: We believe that every person is equal and deserves the same level of courtesy, care, and attention. We respect the rights, wishes and feelings of our service users, and campaign for their rights to be respected as they go through the asylum and immigration system. 

Diversity, inclusion and anti-oppression

At Rainbow Migration, we don’t just accept difference – we celebrate it, we support it, and we thrive on it. We’re proud to be an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and do not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. We consider all qualified applicants, consistent with any legal requirements. 

We strive to build a team that reflects the diversity of the community we work in. We are also reviewing what we do and how we do it through an anti-oppression and anti-racism lens and investing in being more informed and led by LGBTQI+ people who have sought asylum.

We welcome applications from candidates who have been through the UK asylum system and people of colour, who are currently underrepresented among our staff in relation to our service users.

We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for anyone considered as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if they meet the necessary criteria in the person specification.

To support candidates during the interview process, we send a selection of questions in advance. You are welcome to bring notes with you and also take notes in interviews to help process information. If your interview is online, we can also put questions in the meeting chat. If your interview is in person, we will send details of how to get to the building from both local tube stations and a video showing the interview space. Please let us know if we can make other adjustments to support your interview process.

Role overview

Contract Type: Permanent.

Hours: Part-time (21 hours per week). Occasional work in the evenings and at weekends may be required but with plenty of notice. Rainbow Migration encourages staff to maintain a good work life balance and has a TOIL system in place.

Salary: Starting at £43,078, with a potential step increase each year up to £48,110 (pro-rata), plus statutory employer’s pension contribution. We also try to give a separate inflationary increase every April. 

Location: Remote or from Rainbow Migration’s step-free offices which are based in London between Vauxhall and the Oval. Hybrid working will also be considered and can be agreed with the line manager as per our hybrid working policy. The successful candidate could work from anywhere in the UK but would be expected to occasionally travel to London and other parts of the country for meetings and events. At the time of posting this advert, none of our staff are going into the office every day. Please contact us if you have any questions.

Annual Leave: 25 days per year rising after 24 months by 1 day after each year of service to maximum of 28 days per year (pro rata).

Benefits:

• Two days of wellbeing leave to be taken at short notice in each calendar year (pro rata for part-time staff)
• Enhanced parental leave and pay
• Full pay for jury service (up to four weeks), compassionate leave (up to two weeks) and dependents leave (up to four days, pro rata for part-time staff)
• Potential for two salary increases a year: a step increase and an inflationary increase
• TOIL system
• Hybrid working policy, including possibility of working abroad for 10 working days (pro rata for part-time staff) each year
• Policy on staff loans or salary advances for difficult times
• Training and learning opportunities
• Occupational health assessments for disabled employees to understand how we can support and make reasonable adjustments
• Employee assistance programme which includes counselling service, wellness advice, legal and money advice, and other matters
• Clinical supervision for staff delivering services (a safe space with an independent therapist to offload and discuss feelings and challenges)

How to apply

Closing date: 9am on Monday 29 June.

Interview date: We plan to hold 1-hour in-person interviews during the week beginning 6 July. Online interviews will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Please read the job description and person specification. If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, then you can contact the line manager via the email address in the application pack.

Please send to the email address in the application pack:

1. Your CV
2. A written statement (max 1,000 words). Instead of a written statement you may submit your statement by video or audio recording (max 8 minutes)

We would also be grateful if you could complete an optional monitoring form, the link is available in the application pack.

In your statement, please:

1. Explain why you are interested in this role and give examples of how you meet the person specification. In addition to what is on your CV, we want to hear about any relevant skills and experience that demonstrate you meet the necessary (and, where applicable, advantageous) criteria for the role. Skills and experience could be from training, volunteering, interests or life experience.
2. Confirm if you wish to be considered under the guaranteed interview scheme for anyone considered as disabled under the Equality Act 2010 (physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ effect on your ability to do normal daily activities).
3. State if you have a preferred pattern of working hours.
4. State if you have or have not used AI to help with your application in any way. If you have used AI, please explain why. While AI can be a helpful tool, we expect all applications to reflect your own experiences, qualifications and style of writing. Transparency is valued, so applications that are obviously written with AI without explanation will not be considered.

By submitting an application, you:

1. Confirm that you have the right to work in the UK and will produce the necessary documentation if you are offered this post.
2. Declare that to the best of your knowledge and belief, the information provided with your application is true and correct and that you understand that any false information or statement given will justify the dismissal from Rainbow Migration if appointed.
3. Accept that, if successful, you will be required to disclose all spent and unspent criminal records at the point of conditional job and subsequently to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. See our website for more information.

We are proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network, which aims to create a charitable sector that is led by people with lived experience of the asylum and immigration system. As part of this network, we challenge the one-size-fits-all approach in our employment practices, and respect personal circumstances and needs of people with lived experience. Please feel free to use information and resources on their website which may help in preparing your job application.

Privacy notice

If you apply for this role, the information you provide will be processed according to Rainbow Migration's privacy policy. Rainbow Migration will not share your information with any third parties unless part of the recruitment process or are legally required to do so. By applying, you are permitting Rainbow Migration to access and use the information for recruitment purposes. Rainbow Migration will store your data for 12 months after the conclusion of the recruitment campaign. Monitoring information is kept separately and is pseudonymised to avoid identification of applicants. It is amalgamated for statistical purposes and the original data is then deleted after six months.