Care service manager jobs
We have some fantastic opportunities for dedicated and enthusiastic Keyworkers to join Barnardo's. Currently we have multiple Full Time, Permanent contracts available as we add to our growing team in Greater Manchester. Would you like the chance to provide crucial support to Children, Young People with Learning Disabilities and/or Autism (up to 25 years) and their families as part of the NHS Long Term Plan?
Covering the Greater Manchester area, it is essential to hold a valid UK driving licence with access to your own vehicle. As a Keyworker, you will have passion and commitment when delivering quality support within the family home, placement, or inpatient setting. You will work as part of a team to prevent - where possible - children and young people from requiring an inpatient admission or placement. Are you a compassionate individual looking for a meaningful and rewarding role?
As this is a new service there are lots of opportunities to develop your skill set, knowledge and career progression going forward. The service has a comprehensive training offer including core competencies through to bespoke training. To be a successful Keyworker, you will need to have the following:
- Experience in supporting children with Learning Disabilities or Autism
- The ability to ensure the 'voice' of the child and family is central, enabling lived experience to create change.
- Excellent team working skills. You will work as part of a service that covers the whole of Greater Manchester. However, there are 5 teams providing the opportunity to offer support and create strong relationships and partnerships in a local area and with colleagues which include Manchester, Bolton, Wigan, Tameside, Salford, Stockport and Trafford.
- Safeguarding knowledge.
- Good IT and recording skills.
This service is dynamic, no two days are the same, however you will have a number of children and young people who you will build positive and meaningful relationships with. You will manage your own diary with families, providing support at a time that suits their needs. This means you will be working some evenings and weekends. In return you will manage your hours so may benefit from later starts or earlier finishes. You will support in homes and the community and attend meetings with professionals and families to ensure excellent communication, a shared understanding and a team approach. You will support information to be understood, views to be shared, checking the right provision is known about and able to be accessed. You will work closely with health and social care partners. We aim to provide the right support, at the right time, in the right way. You may work by yourself or alongside colleagues depending on the support needed.
When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Advert description, Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.
Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.
Pay & Reward Framework
We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values. We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people.
For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay.
Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours. More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application.
Benefits
Workplace Offer: What it means for you
Our hybrid working initiative is based on trust, flexibility and empowerment. We understand our workplace offer means different things to different people, and we encourage those conversations. This may mean working at one of our stores, services, working at home, in the community, at one of our Collaboration Hubs or depending on the role any combination of these. Please read through the advert carefully to understand the remits of hybrid working that will be specific to the role.
- Barnardo's believe in creating equality of opportunity in the workplace and supporting people to manage their work-life balance; we are therefore open to offering flexible working arrangements.
- Annual Leave entitlement for full-time colleagues is 26 days per annum, increasing to 27 days per annum, after 3 years Barnardo's service, 29 days per annum, after 5 years Barnardo's service and 30 days per annum, after 7 years Barnardo's service. Those working less than full time are entitled to the same level of holiday pro rata
- The ability to buy up to another 5 days annual leave via our HolidayPlus scheme
- A host of family friendly leave options including company Maternity Paternity and Adoption pay; together with all family additional leave options
- Service related sick pay from day 1
- Access to a Group Personal Pension with a matched 4% or 6% contribution from Barnardo's. Ability to pay via salary sacrifice to garner both tax and NI savings on your own contribution
- Death in service cover of 4x annual earnings for all staff contributing to our Group Personal Pension
- Cycle2work scheme
- Interest free season ticket loans
- Discounts and cashback from at high street shops including major supermarkets, cinemas, gyms, leisure/theme parks, holidays and much more via our Benefit Portal
- 20% discount at Barnardo's stores
- Opportunity to purchase a health cash plan to claim towards dental, glasses, therapy etc
- Free access to round the clock employee assistance program for advice and support
- Access to Barnardo's Learning and Development offer
*T&C's apply based on contract
About Barnardo's
We are committed to being an inclusive employer and cultivating a culture where everyone can belong and thrive through inclusion and connectivity. We want our workforce to be reflective of the communities we work with, and for equality, diversity and inclusion to be embedded in everything we do. We are a Disability Confident Leader, are progressing our ambition to be an anti-racist organisation with Anti-Racism Commitments and actions in place and have networks for colleagues who are disabled, LGBT+, Black and Minoritised Ethnic and Women. We particularly encourage applications from Black and Minoritised Ethnic and/or disabled candidates who are currently underrepresented in our workforce. For disabled applicants, we offer reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Our basis and values
Thank you!
Director of Fundraising
Salary: £70,000 to £75,000 per annum
Location: Hybrid – London EC1Y/Home
Join MQ and help transform mental health research.
At MQ, we champion and fund world-class research to transform the lives of everyone affected by a mental health condition. We strive to create a world where mental illness is better understood, diagnosed, treated and, hopefully someday, prevented. We believe research is the first step towards making that a reality.
We connect scientists with supporters, people with lived experience of mental health illnesses, policymakers, and practitioners, so together we can strive to understand mental health, improve treatments and prevent mental illnesses.
Supported by our world-class Science Council, MQ funds research globally and works in partnership with leading organisations in the field including Wellcome Trust, the Mental Health Mission, DATAMIND, University of Oxford, Glasgow University and Kings College. In the US, we work through our sister charity the MQ Foundation.
What you'll be doing:
The Director of Fundraising is a senior, strategic leadership role responsible for driving significant and sustainable growth in income for MQ, with a target of achieving £10 million annual turnover over the next five years.
As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the postholder will set and deliver an ambitious, data-led fundraising strategy across philanthropy, trusts and foundations, partnerships and other income streams. They will personally steward high-value relationships while building a high-performing, commercially minded fundraising function capable of supporting MQ’s long-term mission.
Key Responsibilities:
Fundraising Strategy & Income Growth
- Develop and deliver MQ’s overall fundraising and income generation strategy, aligned to organisational priorities
- Set clear income targets and KPIs across all fundraising streams
- Personally lead and secure six- and seven-figure gifts, grants and contracts
- Build and maintain strong, long-term relationships with major donors, funders and partners
- Ensure excellent stewardship, reporting and donor experience across all income streams
Pipeline, Performance & Data Oversight
- Provide strategic oversight of the fundraising pipeline, ensuring a healthy balance of prospecting, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship
- Use data, insight and CRM reporting to track performance, forecast income and manage risk
- Identify income concentration risks and develop mitigation strategies
- Drive continuous improvement in fundraising processes, systems and ways of working
Financial Management & Reporting
- Own the Fundraising budget, including income forecasting, expenditure control and cost-of-fundraising oversight
- Work closely with the Finance team to ensure accurate income phasing, reporting and financial planning
- Produce regular reports for the CEO, Executive Team and Board on income performance, pipeline health and risks
- Ensure all funding is managed in line with grant conditions, donor expectations and regulatory requirements
Leadership & Team Development
- Provide strategic leadership and line management to the team
- Build, develop and retain a high-performing, motivated fundraising team
- Foster a collaborative, ambitious and accountable fundraising culture
- Support succession planning and talent development within the Fundraising function
External Profile, Partnerships & Thought Leadership
- Represent MQ at high-level events, conferences and networking opportunities
- Strengthen MQ’s profile with funders, corporates, policymakers and partners
- Work closely with the Board and Science Council to maximise fundraising and partnership opportunities
- Undertake speaking engagements where appropriate to generate visibility & awareness
Executive Leadership & Governance
- Act as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, contributing to organisational strategy and decision-making
- Support the CEO with Board engagement, particularly around fundraising strategy and performance
- Ensure fundraising activity complies with all relevant legislation, regulation and best practice
- Uphold MQ’s values, reputation and commitment to ethical fundraising
Person Specification:
We'd love to hear from you, if you have:
- Significant senior leadership experience in fundraising or income generation, ideally within the charity, research or mission-driven sector
- Proven track record of delivering substantial income growth and securing high-value gifts
- Experience leading and developing high-performing fundraising teams
- Strong commercial acumen, including budgeting, forecasting and performance management
- Demonstrable experience of managing complex stakeholder relationships
- Strategic, analytical and data-driven approach to decision-making
- Excellent communication and influencing skills, including at Board and senior stakeholder level
- Strong understanding of the UK research funding or philanthropic landscape
- Clear alignment with MQ’s mission and values
The following is highly desirable
- Knowledge of mental health research and lived-experience-led approaches
- Experience of US philanthropy or international fundraising
- Experience working with Boards, trustees or scientific advisory groups
- Familiarity with modern CRM systems and fundraising analytics
Why Join MQ?
We offer a great working experience within a friendly team. Hybrid working (in the London office Mondays and Tuesdays, with the remaining days from home). We are located near Barbican Tube.
Plus, we offer lots of generous benefits and training opportunities.
We're a Sunday Times Top Company to work for.
Benefits
- Flexible working: As a mental health charity, staff wellbeing is of paramount importance. We operate a core hours policy (10-4) to encourage flexible working and staff are mainly home based with the requirement to come into the office two days per week. A standard full-time working week is 35 hours, plus an hour for lunch breaks.
- Holidays: Annual holiday entitlement of 31 days (inc. office closure between Xmas and New Year) plus bank holidays.
- Wellbeing Allowance: MQ provides an allowance of up to £1200 per annum for each employee to spend on activities that increase their wellbeing. This is paid through payroll and is taxable.
- Virtual GP & Other wellbeing services - Get quick GP appointments and support with cancer and caring responsibilities through our Zurich benefits scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme: An interest-free loan is available to enable employees to purchase a bike and accessories, repaid via equal deductions from the employee’s salary over 12 months.
- Employee Assistance Programme: All employees and their families have access to a 24-hour confidential advice and support line.
- Counselling: Employees have access to a number of free face-to-face sessions, via the EAP scheme.
- Pension: MQ makes contributions of 5% and employees make contributions of 3%.
- Life Assurance - Up to 4 x your salary in the event of death in service.
- Season Ticket Loan: An interest free season ticket loan is available, repaid via equal deductions from the employee’s salary over 12 months.
- Personal Development: We value employee development and review individual training needs through our performance management system. HR also runs internal management development sessions for all staff.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Closing date: 22nd February 2026
Please note, we typically start interviewing within two weeks of the job advert going live. We reserve the right to close the job before the deadline based on the volume of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
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 believe in equality and inclusion and we welcome job applications from everyone, provided you meet the criteria for the job.
Safer recruitment is important to us and the successful applicant will be asked to provide two references. They will also be required to complete a safeguarding self-declaration and undertake a DBS check.
No agencies please.
Thank you!
37 hours per week / £32,565 per annum / fixed-term until 31 March 2027 / working Monday - Thursday 9.00-1700, Friday 9.00-16.30.
At YMCA DownsLink Group,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, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.
Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.
YMCA works to prevent and disrupt the sexual exploitation of children and young people aged 5-25 across East Sussex, Brighton and Hove, and Surrey.
We are a specialist team of passionate, dedicated professionals who support each other to work in this challenging area.
We deliver trauma informed, consent-based work with young people, schools, statutory services and Sussex Police. The WiSE SOLAH ("safer online at home") project focuses on one-to-one interventions as well as group work, training for professionals and creation of resources to challenge the risk presented from the online space.
We have an exciting opportunity to join the WiSE team as a Child Sexual Exploitation (CSE) Practitioner - SOLAH. We are looking for someone who is passionate about safeguarding children and young people, working creatively around promoting healthy relationships, online safety whilst creating safe spaces for children and young people to be heard.
You will provide early intervention support to children and young people 5-25 years who have been identified as being at risk of sexual or criminal exploitation.
Working primarily across Rye, Eastbourne, Robertsbridge and Hastings, you will support children and young people to stay safe online and within their communities by providing consultation, guidance and professional support to those working directly with individuals at risk of exploitation. As the role involves travel across East Sussex, you will ideally need access to a car and the ability to drive. Your work will include exploring key topics with young people such as risk, healthy and unhealthy relationships, sex and consent, negotiation and assertiveness, protective behaviours, personal boundaries, harmful sexual behaviours, gender identities, and concepts of masculinity.
Key responsibilities are:
- Manage a caseload of vulnerable young people and supporting them to stay safe and leave the influence of perpetrators
- Work with other professionals to deliver tailored care packages and provide consultation
- Maintain accurate case records and contributing to timely reports
- Liaise with Children’s Services, Sussex Police and other agencies to disrupt abuse and support prosecutions
- Deliver training and awareness-raising workshops to professionals and foster carers
- Contribute to strategic development and deputising at relevant meetings
This is a challenging role where children and young people do not always identify the level of risk they are exposed to or the abusive nature of the relationships they are in. The support of victims can be distressing and emotionally demanding for the workers, consequently 1-to-1 clinical supervision, weekly team meetings and regular line management supervision of cases and wellbeing.
If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but don’t meet every single requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Your skills and experiences may be more transferable than you think, and you could be exactly the person we’re looking for.
Qualifications, experience and knowledge:
- Qualification in Youth Work/Social Work or equivalent, or comparable experience working with vulnerable young people
- Proven experience in safeguarding young children
- Experience providing casework support young people aged 10 to 25 years old
- Group work experience with young people
- Safeguarding children and young people at risk of serious harm
- Delivering and risk assessing outreach work with young people
- Knowledge of risks posed to vulnerable young people through sexual exploitation and harmful sexual behaviour
CLOSING DATE: Sunday 15 February 2026 at midnight.
Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.
An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment.
Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.
YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns.
Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity check.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be.
Thank you!
Salary: £33,500 pro rata (£26,800 actual)
Hours: 28 hours per week - Wednesday 10:00-18:00, Thursday 9:30-17:30, Friday 9:30-17:30, Saturday 10:00-18:00
Contract: Permanent
ABOUT US
Somebody goes missing in the UK every 90 seconds. Missing People exists to ease the heartache experienced by those missing someone, and to help people who are away from home find their way back to safety. Our vision is for every missing child, adult and family left behind to find help, hope and a safe way to reconnect. We are a non-judgemental, highly skilled team of staff and volunteers working for everyone who needs us. We provide free, confidential support, help and advice by phone, email, text and live chat.
THE IMPACT YOU WILL HAVE
As a Senior Helpline Coordinator, you will help ensure Missing People's award winning, high quality, 7-day-a-week helpline is safe, effective and compassionate for children, young people, adults in crisis, and their families. You’ll support smooth daily operations, oversee rotas, guide staff and volunteers, make safeguarding decisions, and ensure every contact is handled with care. Your leadership will help keep this vital lifeline running and continuously improving.
ABOUT YOU
You’ll bring strong frontline experience, sound judgement and a calm, supportive approach. You will have:
- Right to work in the UK.
- Experience supporting children, young people and/or vulnerable adults by phone or digital channels in a supervisory or coordination role.
- Experience managing or supervising staff or volunteers.
- Solid safeguarding knowledge, including risk assessments and referral processes.
- Strong organisational and time management skills.
- High IT confidence, with the ability to work across multiple systems.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience of coaching and training groups or individuals.
WHAT WE OFFER
Working for Missing People means living our values. It’s a place where people are encouraged to ‘let fly’ so you can ‘make things happen’. We know you’re more than just a job title, and ‘be human’ is an important value here. Missing People is an independent charity that relies on donations.
HOW TO APPLY
Please include your CV and a brief supporting statement that demonstrates how you are a good fit for this role. We look forward to receiving your application. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert early if we receive sufficient applications, so please apply promptly.
Closing date: 23:59 on 12th February 2026
Interviews: 18th February 2026
Start date: ASAP March 2026
Benefits: 28 days annual leave per annum/pro rata plus statutory holidays on appointment. Additional, annual leave days awarded on length of service*,Company pension contribution, Life insurance (3 x salary)*, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) including 24/7 support helpline, Interest-free Season Ticket Loans*, Additional maternity pay and leave*, Additional paternity pay*, Additional sick pay* *available after probation period passed
REF-226 493
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Missing People is the only UK charity dedicated to reconnecting missing people and their loved ones.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
OVERVIEW OF ROLE
Beacon is seeking a creative, organised, and digitally savvy Digital Content and Communications Officer, whose role will focus on two main areas: delivering day-to-day communications and supporting digital projects.
At the heart of this role is driving engagement with Beacon’s events and projects, strengthening our community connections, and communicating our impact clearly and effectively. You will coordinate content across multiple channels - including social media, email, newsletters, and the Beacon website - and monitor the effectiveness of these communications. This includes writing copy, creating graphics and video content, scheduling and publishing materials, and engaging with the rare disease community on behalf of Beacon. You will also drive promotional and outreach activity, helping connect with patient groups, partners, and wider networks to amplify Beacon’s work.
You will support The Resources Hub (our e-learning platform) by assisting with uploading, formatting, publishing, and updating content. As you grow in the role and depending on your skills and capacity, there may be opportunities to contribute to content development, coordinate volunteers and external partners, or assist with other digital projects, such as podcast production, video series, or multimedia content.
While the focus and direction of your work will stem from ongoing events, projects, and organisational priorities, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of your work and play a key role in driving communications forward. You will collaborate closely with the Digital Resources Manager, COO, and wider Beacon team to gather information, shape messaging, and ensure content is accurate, timely, and aligned with organisational goals.
Working at Beacon
Beacon is a small, close-knit team of 10 people. We are friendly, supportive, and highly collaborative, and we value working closely together. At the same time, in a small organisation, everyone is expected to take responsibility for their work, demonstrate initiative, and confidently manage their day-to-day tasks.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys working independently, is proactive in keeping work moving, and takes pride in following tasks through to completion, whilst collaborating effectively with colleagues and knowing when to seek input or support.
Training and support will be provided across all of Beacon’s platforms and software, making this an excellent opportunity for someone seeking a junior or early-stage role in digital content in the charity sector.
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MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Gather information, insights, and key messages from colleagues across the organisation to guide content priorities for communications.
- Draft and schedule social media posts across Beacon’s channels (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook) using Hootsuite, ensuring a consistent flow of content.
- Engage with the rare disease community on social media, responding to comments, shares, and messages in Beacon’s voice, and actively interacting with posts from patient groups, partners, and other relevant organisations.
- Facilitate the bi-weekly newsletters on Mailchimp and LinkedIn, including drafting copy, formatting content, and scheduling.
- Liaise with colleagues across the organisation and, where necessary, coordinate input from team members to ensure communications tasks are delivered effectively.
- Support website updates in WordPress and Divi, including uploading news posts, blogs, homepage banners, and other routine page updates, as well as drafting copy as needed.
- Assist with maintaining The Resources Hub by uploading, formatting, publishing, and updating content.
- Create graphics and simple videos using Photoshop/Premier Elements and Canva, using templates initially and gradually developing skills to produce original content, ensuring all visual material aligns with Beacon’s branding guidelines.
- Support promotional and outreach activities, connecting with patient groups, partners, and wider networks to amplify Beacon’s work.
- Monitor the impact of communications on engagement with Beacon’s activities.
- Capture content and provide live updates at key events, including social posts, photos, testimonials, and short videos to engage the community in real time.
- Assist with the preparation of materials in the lead-up to major events and support on-the-day event delivery alongside other team members.
- Provide ad hoc support to projects as required, in line with capacity.
- Attend and represent Beacon at external events.
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PERSON SPECIFICATION
This is a junior or early-stage role in digital content and communications, offering the opportunity to gain hands-on experience across multiple channels in a small, supportive team. We’re looking for someone enthusiastic, proactive, and eager to develop their skills whilst making a real difference at Beacon.
Essential
- Strong written communication skills, with an excellent understanding of the English language, and a keen eye for clear, engaging copy.
- Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, timelines, and deadlines.
- Proactive and self-motivated, with the initiative to keep work moving and see tasks through to completion.
- Eager and enthusiastic to learn new software, systems, and digital tools, and willing to develop skills in innovative digital content creation.
- Strong attention to detail and pride in producing high-quality work, with a focus on accuracy, consistency, and fine design elements.
- Adaptable, with the ability to stay focused, resourceful, and effective in a dynamic environment.
- Proficient in internal communication, able to work collaboratively with colleagues and peers.
- Ability to reflect on work, identify opportunities for improvement and enhance processes and outcomes.
- Positive attitude and commitment to contributing to a small team environment where every individual makes a real difference.
- Collaborative and open, engaging in constructive feedback to drive personal and team development.
- A commitment to Beacon’s mission and desire to represent the charity with professionalism and integrity.
Desirable
- Experience in digital content creation (copywriting, graphics, or video production) through work, volunteering, or student societies.
- Experience posting or engaging on social media or drafting written content for different audiences.
- Familiarity with charity or not-for-profit environments.
- An understanding of rare diseases, medical science, health charities, or small-organisation dynamics.
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FLEXIBLE WORKING
We offer flexible working practices to support a healthy balance between personal and professional life, including hybrid working and flexible hours. Our hybrid working policy requires staff to be office-based for at least 50% of their working time.
Given the high level of cross-team collaboration involved in the Digital Content and Communications Officer role, regular in-person working is particularly important. Following an initial in-person onboarding period, our preference is for this role to be based in the office for at least three days per week on average, to support effective communication and smooth day-to-day working.
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SEE OUR JOB DESCRIPTION FOR A FULL OVERVIEW AND FURTHER INFORMATION ON OUR BENEFITS
Registered Charity
6 - 10
Beacon for rare diseases: ensuring that no one faces their rare journey alone
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
All counselling delivered through The Matthew Hackney Foundation is provided in line with the BACP Ethical Framework for the Counselling Professions (or equivalent professional standards).
The Matthew Hackney Foundation is a small, registered charity (Charity No. 1208669) dedicated to improving access to emotional and mental health support for children and young people who would not otherwise be able to access counselling.
We currently provide funded, school-based counselling across 23 Surrey schools and support approximately 45 children, young people and their caregivers each week. We are proud of the strong, trusting relationships we have built with the schools we work with, all of whom provide appropriate, private spaces for counselling sessions. Session days and times are arranged collaboratively, with flexibility for our counsellors wherever possible.
The Role
This role is particularly well suited to newly qualified counsellors or therapists looking to build confidence, experience and regular school-based hours within a highly supportive charity setting.
We are delighted to invite one or more fully qualified Counsellors to join our small, passionate team on a self-employed basis, initially for the Summer Term 2025.
You will provide a minimum of 3 hours of counselling per week in one school. There is flexibility to take on additional paid hours, up to 6 hours per day and up to 5 days per week, delivered across different schools, depending on availability and funding. Placements typically run for up to 11 weeks, aligned with individual school terms.
You will need access to your own transport, as travel between schools may be required.
Should funding continue, there may be opportunities to extend this work into the next academic year.
Key Responsibilities
Clinical Practice
· Deliver high-quality, safe and confidential 1:1 counselling to children and young people
· Undertake assessments and agree appropriate therapeutic interventions
· Manage and maintain a clinical caseload, including regular reviews
· Work using an integrative therapeutic approach
· Maintain accurate, confidential and up-to-date clinical records
· Engage in monthly clinical supervision with a suitably qualified supervisor experienced in working with children and young people (external supervision is acceptable and expected)
Working with Schools
· Build and maintain positive, professional relationships with pupils and school staff
· Work closely with the school’s designated contact and the Foundation’s Clinical Lead
· Embed the counselling service within the ethos of each school
· Work autonomously and proactively within the school environment
· Identify and discuss potential referrals appropriately
· Promote positive mental health and share good practice where appropriate
Safeguarding and Professional Practice
· Demonstrate a strong commitment to safeguarding and child protection
· Respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns and follow reporting procedures
· Work in line with KCSIE, statutory guidance and the Foundation’s safeguarding policies
· Maintain high standards of professionalism, conduct, punctuality and communication
· Promote the values, reputation and policies of The Matthew Hackney Foundation
Person Specification
We warmly welcome applications from newly qualified counsellors and therapists, as well as those with more established practice.
Essential Criteria
· A recognised post-graduate qualification in Counselling, Psychotherapy, or Psychology
· BACP Accreditation, UKCP or BPC registration (or working towards), or equivalent
· Experience of working therapeutically with children and/or young people or relevant transferable experience and a clear interest in developing this specialism
· A sound understanding of child development and the emotional, social and educational needs of children and young people
· A clear understanding of safeguarding and child protection responsibilities
· Commitment to equality, diversity and anti-discriminatory practice
· Ability to work independently while recognising when to seek support
Desirable Criteria
· Experience of working within a school setting
· Additional training in child and adolescent therapeutic approaches
· Knowledge of local CAMHS and mental health services
Personal Attributes
· A genuine passion for supporting the mental wellbeing of children and young people
· Emotionally resilient, reflective and self-aware
· Friendly, approachable and professional
· Proactive, organised and reliable
· Creative and flexible in approach
What Support Will I Get?
We recognise that working in schools — particularly as a newly qualified counsellor — can feel both exciting and daunting. We are committed to providing a supportive, containing and ethical environment in which you can develop your practice.
You can expect: - A named Clinical Lead for guidance, consultation and professional support - Clear safeguarding procedures and support with decision-making - Well-established relationships with schools, reducing administrative burden - Flexibility around days and times where possible - Opportunities to gradually increase hours as your confidence and availability grow - A values-led organisation that prioritises ethical practice, reflection and care for practitioners
Additional Information
Employment Status
- This role can be offered on either a self-employed or employed basis
- Self-employed counsellors are responsible for their own tax, National Insurance, supervision and professional insurance
- Employed counsellors will receive statutory holiday pay and employer National Insurance contributions; the employed hourly rate has been calculated to reflect this difference
- You must be able to commit to a minimum of one half-day per week (term time only) for at least one school term (ideal for newly qualified counsellors building a portfolio of experience)
- You will be required to obtain an Enhanced DBS check, provide evidence of safeguarding training, and supply three professional references
- Counsellors may also have the opportunity to be listed on our website for self-referrals and to receive referrals for part-funded work
If you share our values and are passionate about making a meaningful difference to children and young people’s mental health, we would love to hear from you.
We will review your application within 2 weeks and respond. Interviews will be arranged at a mutually convenient time and will happen in Byfleet, Surrey.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
You will be required to attend the office for a minimum of 2 days per week with the option to work remotely for the remaining 3 days.
About us
Christian Aid exists to create a world where everyone can live a full life, free from poverty. We are a global movement of people, churches and local organisations who passionately champion dignity, equality and justice worldwide. We are the changemakers, the peacemakers, the mighty of heart.
We're committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and recognise the value this brings in forming strong, creative and high performing teams. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, and from those with experience from outside of the voluntary sector. And no, you don't have to be Christian to work here - we encourage people of all faiths and none to apply. We just ask that everyone lives out our values of dignity, equality, justice and love. We value a good work-life balance, so we're open to part-time and flexible working. We also offer hybrid working for our office-based colleagues and the option of being a homeworker for most of our roles too.
Learn about our vision, mission and values
About the role
The Campaigns Officer is a fast-paced and exciting role. It leads and contributes to a variety of projects to deliver our campaigns, equip and inspire our core audience to get involved in activism, and build power in the movements for justice of which Christian Aid is part
The postholder will help develop a range of strategies, tactics and activities to help deliver our campaigning work. They will create resources and marketing content, develop and lead workshops and much, much more.
The role reports to the Campaigns Advisor and works closely with colleagues across our Income and Public Engagement team to engage Christians to give, act, pray in support of Christian Aid. The role will also work closely with our UK influencing team to ensure our actions and tactics contribute to making impact.
About you
You will be passionate about tackling poverty, making change happen and building the agency of others to campaign.
You will be comfortable taking on responsibility for delivering projects and outputs within agreed parameters and able to scope and shape projects as required - as such you will have proven project management skills and ability to work unsupervised, under pressure and juggling multiple priorities simultaneously.
You will have knowledge and experience of winning campaigns, mobilising a wide range of people and applying different campaign methodologies
You will have a good understanding of UK churches in their diversity.
A full list 'person specification' is included in the job profile.
Further information
At Christian Aid we strive to be an inclusive and diverse employer and recognise the value that this brings in helping to build strong, creative and high performing teams.
We are actively encouraging racialised minorities, LGBTQ+, people with disabilities, returning parents or carers who are re-entering work after a career break, people with caring responsibilities, people from low socioeconomic backgrounds, women, and older workers to apply. This is because these groups are under-represented within our teams, especially at senior level, and we recognise and value the contributions members of these groups make to strong, creative and high performing teams.
We have a strong Christian ethos and we encourage applications from all faiths. Applicants will be expected to demonstrate an understanding of and sympathy with Christian Aid's faith identity.
All successful candidates will require a DBS/police check appropriate to the role and location and a Counter Terrorism Sanction check as part of your clearance for commencing your role with us. We also participate in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information as part of the referencing process from job applicants' previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.
This role requires applicants to have the right to live and work in the country where this position is based and undertake the role that you have been offered. If you are successful and we make you an offer for the role, we will be required to conduct a right to work check on your immigration status in the UK. We will contact you regarding the documentation you will need to provide to evidence this.
You can expect a wide range of rewards and benefits, please refer to the benefits booklet for your location to see our full list of employee benefits.
For Salary details for this role, please refer to the Salary band by location.