Independent social worker jobs

Support Workers

We are currently seeking two permanent support workers for Ripon House, due to the nature of the post we can only accept applications from women.

If you are passionate about working with individuals in the criminal justice system and you are resilient with a mature outlook and want to work in a residential setting that provides an opportunity to support and make a real difference to those released from custody, then the Support Worker job could be ideal for you. It is also a pathway to gain experience if you are thinking of a career in Criminal Justice.

Progress To Change runs two Approved Premises (formerly known as Probation and Bail Hostels) in Leeds. Ripon House provides a service for women offenders and Cardigan House works with male offenders. Both Approved Premises (AP) operate alongside the National Probation Service (NPS) Approved Premises. Nationally there are fourteen APs that are independently managed. All APs operate to a national agreement / rules.

Purpose of Job Role

1. To provide double cover for the Approved Premise in accordance with the rota.

2. Ensure smooth operation of the premises, with an emphasis on risk management and health and safety

3. To engage with residents and enable and motivate them to attend appointments and activities in order for them to work towards successful resettlement.

4. To support the Case Managers in delivering structured activities.

Relevant Experience:

1. Engaging and motivating others to make positive changes

2. Working with disadvantaged groups and people from diverse backgrounds

3. Working to procedures / systems to manage risk and ensure safety

4. Working as part of a team

Relevant Knowledge:

1. Knowledge re good communication Systems

2. Difficulties experienced by offenders and or other disadvantaged groups

3. Engagement / pro social behaviour

4. Knowledge of diverse backgrounds

We do not do any personal care or restraint. All service users must be independent and able to manage themselves.

The work can be challenging but is also rewarding. If you like engaging with people, enjoy problem solving and are motivated, assertive and enthusiastic, this could be a fantastic opportunity.

You must be at least 18 years old, have 5 GCSE passes including English and Maths and / or some paid or voluntary experience of working with people, particularly disadvantaged groups. Above all you must enjoy working with and motivating people.

The service provides 24 hour support and therefore candidates must be able to undertake the full pattern of shifts which includes, earlies, lates, weekends and waking night shifts.

Special Requirements:

1. Compliance with DBS

2. Commitment to shift work and flexible.

Closing date: 20th July 2025

Interviews to take place: 5 & 6 August 2025.

37.5 hours per week / permanent / working Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm with the requirement of working one late shift per week, one shift at the weekend per month and be part of ‘on-call rota’

Our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, increasing life skills and self-confidence, and improving emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Are you a person-centred leader who thrives on getting the best results possible, leading a dynamic team to encourage positive change for young people?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Supported Housing Manager to join our team at Worthing Foyer.

Worthing Foyer is a 29-bed medium-low supported accommodation for young people between the ages of 16-25 that is staffed 24/7. We adopt a trauma informed and psychologically informed approach to supporting our residents to help them build essential life skills, identify their goals and work towards aspirations so that they can move on to enjoy fully independent futures. We have a dedicated team of Support Workers, Night Support Workers and additional Bank Workers who provide support, guidance, and signposting around areas such as housing, budgeting, living skills, jobs and relationship building. Situated in the centre of Worthing, the project has strong links with and contributes to the local community.

In delivering the role, you will report to the Supported Housing Manager and be responsible for:

Service Provision: Supporting the Supported Housing Manager with the daily operations of the services so that they meet the requirements of the service specification including compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) and Ofsted regulations. Oversee the residents’ referral, interview and induction processes for all beds and ensure the Occupancy Agreements and House Rules are fully understood. Ensure the quality of accommodation that is provided, liaising with the Housing and Property Services team to complete estate inspections and health and safety risk assessments, and to turn around voids and organise repairs in line with organisational targets and statutory obligations. With the Supported Housing Manager ensure effective income collection for all beds, working closely with the Rents team to create a rent payment culture.

Leadership and People Management: Directly line manage team members, ensuring their service delivery, working culture and personal development mirror best practice. Ensuring the team is adequately trained and empowered to work effectively and creatively with our young people to enable them to achieve their aspirations and ambitions, whilst ensuring they are supported within safe and consistent boundaries.

General: Be a member of the ‘on call’ rota to provide out of hours management support to projects in the wider locality. Reflect Psychologically Informed Environments (PIEs), Trauma Informed approaches and restorative practices.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.

You will already have experience working in supported housing, or similar services for young people and/or adults at risk, as well as managing and/or supervising a team. You will have working knowledge of Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) and Ofsted, along with working knowledge of Trauma Informed Care and Psychologically Informed Environments. You will have good communication and facilitation skills and the ability to successfully manage challenging situations whilst remaining calm and solution focused. In addition, you will have experience of overseeing safeguarding procedures for young people or adults at risk in residential settings, and knowledge of how to maintain professional boundaries.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Behavioural Night Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities service in Hertfordshire.

£21,606.00 per annum, working 30 hours per week.

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

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Waking Night Behavioural Specialist Support Workers are responsible for ensuring continuity of a support service at night and for keeping customers and the building safe.

Hemel Hempstead Supported Living Service will be a new home for one customer with learning disabilities and Autism, and we are looking to build a staff team with an excellent value base to support the customer to build their new life and develop their skills as an independent person.

10 hour night shifts.

Experience is essential.

What you'll do:

Building a supportive, trusting relationship with the customer and creating a positive atmosphere;
Supporting the customer in their preferred night time routine, including personal care and promoting good sleep hygiene;
Supporting the customer to undertake activities in line with their preferences;
Ensuring the customer's safety and wellbeing at night, providing emotional and practical support and reassurance as needed;
Using positive behavioural support and Autism-specific approaches to manage any distress during night time hours;
Working proactively with other members of the team to meet the needs of the customer and handle administrative responsibilities;
Conducting key work sessions as required, that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals;
Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with the customer within an attitude of 'positive risk taking';
Ensuring appropriate handovers between shifts and documenting night time activity, including any incidents;

For the full job description please see our website.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:

Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
Prefers working as part of a group or team
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organized
Able to apply the right balance of care and support dependant on the needs of the customer
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour
Ability to adhere to Look Ahead's professional boundaries policy

What you'll bring:

Essential:

- NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with little or some previous relevant sector work experience

Desirable:

- Driving Licence

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Job Title: Floating Support Coordinator

Location: Luton based within the office with travel as required

Salary: £24,500 (Annual equivalent)

Shift Pattern: Fixed term contract ending June 2026, 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday, shift patterns including 08:00 - 16:00, 09:00 - 17:00 and 10:00 - 18:00. You may be required to be flexible around these hours depending on service requirements.

About the role

We're looking for a Floating Support Coordinator to join our team based in Luton. You will deliver community based support to individuals with mental health and wellbeing needs. You will work alongside various community and statutory services to help our participants to transition into independent living within two years. You will inspire and motivate our participants to achieve their personal goals, build independence, and reintegrate within the community. You will provide tailored personalised support to help our participants to live more fulfilling lives. You will deliver personalised support plans to engage them with opportunities available within the community, and help them to develop their social skills and independent living skills. 

About you

We are looking for someone who is truly passionate about supporting individuals who have challenges with their mental health and wellbeing. You will be dedicated to be proactive and use your initiative and creative ways to find solutions, and empower them to live more fulfilling lives. We look for people, people who have resilience, determination, and a genuine passion for wanting to help make a difference to people's individual lives. You will have:

• Experience of working with people who come from complex backgrounds and have a history of mental health and wellbeing needs
• An understanding of the support to put in place for people who have mental health and wellbeing needs
• An adaptable approach to your work, able to alter your way of working to suit different needs
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns and way of working
• Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including use of our systems and Microsoft
• Understanding of the housing and social needs of people with multiple and complex needs
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

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

What we offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme
• Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives.
• Join an organisation with a mission to empower people who are marginalised by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement.

We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of all of our employees. We have a team of staff ambassadors who volunteer to actively support us in fortifying our organisational value of Inclusivity. They embrace this unique opportunity to deliver awareness, events, and developments to our organisation to support us in ensuring our value of Inclusivity is embedded throughout the organisation. 

SIG actively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly lived experience; Naturally, we approach any emerging issues with empathy and sensitivity. 

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

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

About UP

Unlocking Potential deliver high performing therapeutic programmes and education provision for children and young people with SEMH needs. We work in collaboration with families, communities, and other partners to ensure that children and young people access the interventions they need to thrive.

Mission

We work collaboratively with communities to enable children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs to unlock their full potential

Values

Trust

We build trust by being honest, transparent, and accountable in the way we work with children and young people, staff, and partners and by providing services and programmes whose outcomes are measurable and evidenced based.

Collaborative

Relationships are at the heart of our work. We prioritise communication and collaboration with partners, families, and communities, believing that by working together we create more effective and holistic outcomes for children and young people.

Empowering

We co-create opportunities for our children, young people, parents/carers and staff to actively participate in decision-making that influences change. We promote the voices of children and young people in our organisation and the wider community.

Nurturing

We provide a nurturing approach based on safety and space for creativity, exploration, and growth. We support and care for our children, young people, and staff to realise their potential.

Impact

We are committed to measuring our impact through a data driven method to develop our programmes and make a greater difference to the lives of children, young people, and their parents and carers.

Overview

We will be launching our new programme from September 2025, initially as a pilot working with families across Wandsworth, with aims to be able to expand and continue beyond this.

As a Family Support Worker, you will deliver flexible, hands-on, and therapeutically minded support to families facing multiple and complex challenges. You will build trusted relationships through home visits, school meetings, and practical support—empowering parents and carers to strengthen routines, manage behaviour, improve attendance, and access services. Your role will be guided by detailed needs assessments and focused on achieving meaningful outcomes with each family.

Are you passionate about making a difference in people’s lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Community Development Worker to join our vibrant team in Gloucester!

Join our dynamic advocacy team at Pohwer, dedicated to empowering communities and enhancing service delivery in Gloucester. We are looking for a motivated Community Development Worker who is passionate about making a difference by identifying service gaps and fostering strong networks within the community.

Hours of Work: 1xFull-Time: 37 hours, working between 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday.

Location: Home based with travel around the Gloucester area. 

(Applicants should live in the Gloucester area)

Salary: £25098.00 pro rata per annum

Contract Type: Permanent

Community Development Worker Requirements:

1. Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
2. Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
3. Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

1. Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
2. Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
3. Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

1. 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
2. Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
3. 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
4. Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
5. Auto enrolment Pension plan
6. Death in service cover.
7. Bike to work scheme.

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients’ best interests.

We provide a full induction, training and equipment including a laptop and mobile phone. It is a contractual requirement that all advocates hold or are working towards an advocacy qualification. The most recognised qualification is the City and Guilds Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification (IAP) for practising advocates, previously completed City and Guilds Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ). If you do not already hold an NAQ certificate or diploma or IAP qualification or equivalent, the expectation will be that you will gain the City and Guilds IAP qualification following successful completion of probation and pre-enrolment process. POhWER will fully sponsor this and provide a reasonable amount of study time and in return expect advocates to manage their time and complete within 12 months of registration.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Community Development Worker role? Don’t wait! Apply Now with your CV and Cover letter!

Closing Date: 9am, Monday 14th July 2025 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early)

Interview Date: TBC

An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

We’re proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Triage & Early Interventions Office to join the Affected By Crime team in Humberside, working 37.5 hours a week.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

As a Senior Triage and Early Interventions Officer (TEIO) you will:

• Line manage a team of TEIOs
• Allocate work to the team
• Provide early intervention support and work with those affected by crime
• Ensure quality of service by monitoring and sampling work
• Work with other managers to develop, enhance and coordinate the Hub

You will need:

• Good organisational & people and communication skills
• Experience of managing others & an understanding of managing a team in a similar environment
• Experience of answering calls & speaking to people in distress
• The ability to keep calm and make decisions based on information
• Good IT skills, able to work on a case management system, access phone & online systems, email and Microsoft Office programmes.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

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.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

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 look forward to hearing from you.

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.

Do you want to work for an award winning charity? One that values its colleagues and clients alike? Do you want to have an impact and make a real difference to young people who need a fresh start? Do you have tenacity, resilience and strength of character to guide and advocate for young people?

BACKUP North West delivers support and housing services for homeless and vulnerable young people in Bolton. If you have great written and verbal communication skills, are committed to improving the lives of young people, are motivated and resilient, we need you! Due to growth we are looking for several new colleagues to work in front line service delivery roles across our supported housing provision. Your primary role will be to enable young people to achieve their potential, be safe and secure and move out of (literally) homeless services.

(We are Ofsted registered)

To join us, you will have to demonstrate a commitment to the ethos and values of the charity, be a positive role model for young people and colleagues and be person-centred.

Excellent people skills are a must. We are an Investors in People GOLD employer.

Join our dynamic advocacy team at Pohwer, dedicated to empowering communities and enhancing service delivery in Gloucester. We are looking for a motivated Community Development Worker who is passionate about making a difference by identifying service gaps and fostering strong networks within the community.
 

Hours of Work: 1xPart-Time: 22.2 hours, working between 9am – 5pm Monday – Friday.

Location: Home based with travel around the Gloucester area. 

(Applicants should live in the Gloucester area)

Salary: Part-time salary £15,058.80 per Annum (Full time salary equivalent £25098.00 per annum)

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Community Development Worker Requirements:

1. Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
2. Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
3. Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

1. Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
2. Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
3. Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

1. 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
2. Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
3. 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
4. Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
5. Auto enrolment Pension plan
6. Death in service cover.
7. Bike to work scheme.

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients’ best interests.

We provide a full induction, training and equipment including a laptop and mobile phone. It is a contractual requirement that all advocates hold or are working towards an advocacy qualification. The most recognised qualification is the City and Guilds Level 4 Independent Advocacy Practice Qualification (IAP) for practising advocates, previously completed City and Guilds Level 3 National Advocacy Qualification (NAQ). If you do not already hold an NAQ certificate or diploma or IAP qualification or equivalent, the expectation will be that you will gain the City and Guilds IAP qualification following successful completion of probation and pre-enrolment process. POhWER will fully sponsor this and provide a reasonable amount of study time and in return expect advocates to manage their time and complete within 12 months of registration.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Community Development Worker role? Don’t wait! Apply Now with your CV and Cover letter!

Closing Date: 9am, Monday 14th July 2025 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early)

Interview Date: TBC

An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.

We’re proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.

Job Purpose

This role sits within our crisis alternative service, Safe Space, which is a core and out of hours service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed and experiencing crisis. Our aim of the service is to keep individuals well in the community and prevent readmission into hospital. The service operates 365 days a year from 14:00-22:00pm across all of our boroughs.

Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone or virtual on a one-to-one basis to individuals experiencing mental health crisis or preventing crisis.

The objectives of the service include:

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health and social crisis in HFEH.
• To proactively work with keeping people well in the community to reduce re-admitters into hospitals by working with WL NHS teams (e.g. discharge, LPS, CATT, MINT and SPA)
• To provide a true alternative to A&E via a non-clinical drop-in service to support clients
• To provide support to clients accessing the service- for instance: signposting, de-escalation and crisis recovery planning.
• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To treat service users with respect, dignity and personalised support
• To raise awareness of mental health services available with the goal to improve long term mental health and reduce social isolation
• To increase self-management skills of those accessing the service
• To reduce the use of police, ambulance and statutory mental health services whilst experiencing crisis via a drop-in service.
• To reduce the use of statutory crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.

The Role

The role of the support workers will be to support the rest of the team in delivering interventions on a one-to-one. The role will also involve triaging and assessing all clients accessing the service, signposting and delivering collaborative self-management plans with clients to improve mental wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.
• Promoting people’ rights and responsibilities
• Considering each person as an individual
• Working collaboratively with clients to understand their needs and developing flexible and realistic crisis support packages/person centred plans
• Understanding of safety planning
• Experience with de-escalation, recognising and mitigating risks.
• Experience of working with challenging behaviour
• Listening to clients and encouraging positive steps towards self-management of crisis and recovery
• Good time keeping skills – Essential
• To attend all mandatory training including safeguarding and GDPR
• To work autonomously in a fast-paced environment and under pressure
• Providing advice, information, practical and emotional support to clients
• Proactively recognising the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitate appropriate action, whilst liaising with relevant agencies e.g. CATT, Emergency Duty Teams, CMHTS, etc
• Engaging with clients to show empathy, inspire hope and promote recovery
• Establishing supportive, empowering and respectful relationships with clients and carers/ family
• Maintaining accurate records, detailing interventions
• Ensuring that outcomes, outputs and impact are recorded
• Providing administrative support to the team
• Attend reflective practice, clinical supervision, peer supervision and line management supervision
• Create and maintain good working relationships with partner agencies
• Follow workplans and actively participate in training and development
• Provide and manage resources for clients and staff

Person Specification

• Minimum of 1 year working in mental health services and with clients experiencing mental health distress and crisis
• Experience of managing challenging behaviour and dealing with clients with complex needs
• Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children
• Evidence of continual professional development
• Understanding of the Recovery Model in mental health
• Understanding of the principles of trauma informed care
• Understanding of suicide prevention and safety planning
• Understanding of the relationship between mental health and social issues and how these issues may impact on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
• Understanding of relevant legislation and policies
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Awareness of issues in mental health service provision
• A good understanding of mental health conditions
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload
• Ability to involve clients and carers in all aspects of work
• Empathy and non-judgemental approach
• Good communication skills
• Capacity to work within an agreed shift pattern
• Experience of delivering information and advice (housing, benefits, debt etc)
• Experience of non-clinical, therapeutic interventions like psychoeducation
• Good IT skills including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint, with proven ability to input and extract information and produce reports
• Car driver with sole ownership of a vehicle and willingness to travel to locations would be desirable.
• Ability to work out of hours and on weekends

About us

Balance is a creative and socially progressive charity in SW London looking for someone whose professional approach aligns with our values of Indepence, Empowerment, Partnership, Recognition and Sustainabilty. We are a growing business running strength based and person centred services across SW and Central London. 

About you

You will an enthusiastic and and independent creative professional with an ability to collaborate across our departmenal disciplines to shape our voice and public profile across a range of audiences. You may be an experienced professional looking for a move to the charity sector, a recent graduate looking for an opening to test your knowledge or someone with a commitment to transformative change and social inclusion for people living with a disability. 

If this is you we would like to hear from you.

About the role

Position: Communications Lead

Based: Flexibly from home and our corporate headquarters in Kingston upon Thames

Your Hours of work: Will be part-time based initially on 22 hours per week

Salary: £34,818 per annum paid pro rata based on a 22 hour working week.

Other Benefits include the following:

• 3% employers pension contribution
• A commitment to training and continual professional development
• Access to annual season ticket loan
• Flexible working
• Access to Blue Light Discount Card and other discount schemes
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free employee assistance programme
• A day off for your birthday in addition to a generous holiday allowance

How to apply: Please apply submitting a CV and Suporting Statement adressing clearly each area set out in the Person Specification.

About the Role

Its purpose and associated values

• Building partnership through training, insight and support across the charity’s functions in respect of its promotion, marketing and communications.
• Work with the charity’s leadership to build professional communications and social media outputs to widen our market position and business sustainability.
• Developing resources, templates and content that will empower our staff to work more independently to shape the public narrative of their work and its impact.
• A commitment to communicating and marketing a public narrative that show cases the charity’s work in empowering the people who use its services to live independent and validated lives.

Main Responsibilities of the Job

• Generate (or work with our managers to generate) engaging and accessible content for the charity across a range of digital and social media platforms.
• Lead on the collection and development of stories, as well as other content showcasing the quality of our work and its impact for those using our services.
• Work with colleagues to plan and coordinate communications around key milestones, launches, campaigns and events.
• Coordinate general communications and engagement planning with corporate and operational managers.
• Support the development and implementation of a communications and influencing plan as part of the charity’ corporate planning and strategic review process.
• Work closely with the charity’s corporate leadership to align messaging and communications activity across the business to help shape our working culture and values-based approach.
• Create compelling stories about what the charity does and the difference it makes in the lives of people who benefit from its services.

Analysis and data interpretation

• Provide overview and reporting on performance analytics related to the charity’s digital and social media outputs. Particularly against any benchmarks set at the commencement of any given financial year.
• Identify opportunities and development priorities for targeted and/or generic media output against any valuation of our performance metrics as reported above.
• Provide access and guidance on analytics and data metrics for departmental managers and leads to help shape future messaging and content generation.

Development Support

• To work closely with the charity’s leadership, its managers and operational leads in shaping our communications messaging and output.
• To design training and support to grow internal capacity across the charity in how to get the best out of our communications and social media tools.
• Monitor departmental social media and communications output and help shape their approaches to messaging what their services do and to whom.
• Develop plans, campaigns and promotional activity based on an understanding of the charity’s values, it target audiences and its strategic priorities for growth and sustainability.

Behaviours and Values

• To provide meaningful support to the organisations outward facing and public activity, promoting both its person-centred and strengths-based approach to its work.
• Maximise their role to facilitate the inclusion of people using our services in shaping a public narrative of their lives and the positive contribution they make to the communities in which they live.
   

Communication

• To model professional and effective communication skills professionally with all internal and external partnerships, representing the charity and its corporate position at meetings and events when necessary.
• To demonstrate flexibility in communication style as appropriate for different audiences, including the people we support, their families, internal colleagues, and colleagues from our Health & social care partners. Showing an awareness of people’s communication needs and adjustments that may need to be made.
• To demonstrate and model a consistent professional approach in communication via the multiple tools related to their post.
• To be a great listener including demonstrating a proactive approach to supporting a range of stakeholder in expressing their wishes and views.

 Additional responsibilities

• To demonstrate continued commitment to own personal development and learning.
• To attend reviews and meetings as required, and chair meetings where necessary.
• To maintain confidentiality and to ensure that access and sharing of and use of the information complies with relevant policies and procedures, including the Data Protection Act.
• To work in accordance and support the implementation of Balance policies, procedures, values and commitment to equality and inclusion.
• Any other duties commensurate with the grade of the post, as may be required from time to time.

The Role

• This role ensures the efficient delivery of a comprehensive residential rehabilitation programme with emphasis on supporting residents’ transition to independent living within their community.
• You will manage a multi-disciplinary team of therapeutic workers, counsellors and night workers providing support and leadership in all areas of delivery. 
• You will ensure that service delivery is in line with recommended professional good practice and Phoenix Future’s policies & practices and that the reasonable expectations of purchasers and service users are met.
• You will maintain a recovery-orientated approach to all undertakings and a demonstrable commitment to continued professional learning & development.
• As part of the management team, you will deputise for the Residential Service Manager as required.
• The role is based at Ophelia House, and you will be expected to take part in a on call rota to support the staff and service delivery.

About You

We are looking for an individual who enjoys bringing innovative ideas to life and isn’t afraid to take on new and exciting challenges. To join us at Ophelia House you will need:

• Experience working in a CQC registered service or similar.
• Experience of managing teams or internal staff.
• Evidence of effective partnership working and the ability to network for the benefit of the client and service.
• Determined, with a drive to succeed and a willingness to learn.
• Passionate and enthusiastic about making a real difference to the lives of people we support.

Please note, we will be assessing applications as they are submitted and may close this role should we find sufficient applicants with which to make our shortlist. As such, we would advise applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe it is important to include people with lived experience to ensure the needs of the people we support are represented. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is free to be themselves and we ensure equity of opportunity.

So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as a Deputy Manager, please get in touch or apply today.

Please note, we will be assessing applications as they are submitted and may close this role should we find sufficient applicants with which to make our shortlist. As such, we would advise applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe it is important to include people with lived experience to ensure the needs of the people we support are represented. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is free to be themselves and we ensure equity of opportunity.

So, if you’re seeking your next challenge as an Administrator, please get in touch or apply today.

Your Rewards

• Starting salary of £32,500, with opportunity to access potential yearly salary increments subject to appraisal, meaning potential salary increase of up to £38,000 (inc. £2k geographical supplement)
• 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing each year to a maximum of 30 days)
• Clinical Supervision
• Brand new refurbished service
• Free car parking

• Benefits including season ticket loan, pension scheme and life assurance
• Support through occupational sick pay, eye-care vouchers and regular wellbeing talks and activities
• Continuous training and career development via PXL our dedicated learning management system 
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance programme including telephone and online access
• A rewarding role with the opportunity to help us support people on their journey to recovery and change their lives for the better.
• We’ll ensure you get all the support you need to thrive and succeed in your role and find your place amongst our incredible and collaborative team.

About Phoenix Futures

Phoenix Futures Group is a charity with over 50 years’ experience and a leading provider of drug and alcohol treatment.

Our values are what define us and ensure we work to the highest standards. We believe in being the best, we are passionate about recovery, we value our history and use it to inform our future.

We work with local authorities, other charities and service providers across the country to deliver innovative programmes and projects that change lives for the better, setting people on the path to health and emotional wellbeing.

We provide a diverse range of services, our expertise in psychosocial treatment and support is the common thread that runs through everything we do. People need psychological interventions, social support, meaningful use of time, sense of purpose and a place of safety to sustain their recovery. At our core, we support people, families and communities to recover from drug and alcohol dependency.

This role will be working in a women’s-only residential service specialising in providing safe therapeutic environments for those who have experienced multiple disadvantage and those who have experienced past trauma. Therefore there is an Operational Requirement for this role to be fulfilled by a female (determined compliant under ACAS guidelines for recruiting applicants with a protected characteristic to do a certain job).[1]

[1] Using protected characteristics in recruitment: Recruitment: hiring someone - Acas

Job Title: Service Manager

Location: Royal Borough Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC)

Salary: £38,700

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday, 09:00 - 17:00. Onsite face to face service, with flexibility around these hours required. All managers, including this position will take part in the out of hours on call duty. 

As a note, this is one of two positions. This position is a permanent post, and we also have a 12 month fixed term contract opportunity live via Job ID 268355

About the Service Manager Role

We have an exciting opportunity, perfect for you if you are looking to take the next step in your career within a supported housing service! This is a great opportunity for current deputy service managers, or experienced support workers (and/or equivalent) looking for that next step! 

We're looking for a natural leader, someone with experience in supporting people who have struggled with homelessness, substance use, mental health, and/or offending backgrounds. You will be confident in your experience and knowledge and be able to use this to support and lead your team to feel empowered within their roles so they can deliver a seamless and supportive service to our residents to overcome their own personal challenges, and to achieve their personal goals and milestones.

You will have a passion for what we do, and an understanding of the multiple needs that our residents may have, and able to provide a solutions based approach in your work. This role is perfect for someone who is determined, takes pride in their work, and is able to motivate a diverse team. The role includes:

• Leading and motivating a team to deliver high-quality care and support
• Managing complex situations and driving service improvements
• Support a team who directly support individuals in their recovery journey
• Working closely with other teams and organisations to ensure the right support is provided
• Risk Management, Information Management, and Case Recording
• Property and Housing Management
• Financial Management

What we're looking for in a Service Manager:

• Experience in supporting people who have multiple and complex needs including mental health, homelessness, substance use, offending backgrounds
• Experience in frontline, and now able to empower a team to deliver a seamless service
• Confident leadership skills and ability to inspire and motivate a team. While you’ll have support from management, this role requires someone who can take ownership and lead with confidence
• Confidence in using IT; we use various systems and software's so need someone who is confident in learning new IT skills and can navigate around computer systems
• Ability to drive the service forward and implement improvements
• Confidence in managing complex situations and making decisions
• Ability to work at pace, using initiative, making decisions, and proactiveness in your approach
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Transparency, and Inclusivity

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

What we offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives.
• Join an organisation with a mission to empower people who are marginalised by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement.

We are committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all our employees. We have a team of ambassadors who are staff volunteers and actively support us in fortifying our organisational value of Inclusivity. SIG actively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly lived experience; Naturally, we approach any emerging issues with empathy and sensitivity.

Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We are an inclusive employer and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below.

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

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Service Manager | Residential Manager | Homelessness | Complex Needs | Trauma-Informed Care | Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) | Recovery and Rehabilitation | Independent Living | Person-Centred Support | Leadership and Management | Team Development.