Specialist Support Worker - Co-Production Lead
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our homelessness Social Care Service in Tower Hamlets.
£29.073 per annum, working 40 hours per week.
Want to feel valued? 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
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.
What you'll do:
Support customers with job searches and employment search as well as support with completing job applications and CVs
Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
Key-working the most complex service-users with particular needs aligned with the post holder's specialism - Co-Production
Create support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customer to progress in their recovery
Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
Provide support and access to relevant services to enable customers to continue their recovery and empower customers to self-manage their medication regimes through individual re-enablement programmes and informed decision making
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:
Embraces a Psychologically Informed approach
Is capable of maintaining unconditional positive regard
Views challenging behaviour as a support need.
A strong specialist support worker with excellent interpersonal skills
Socially adept, networks widely, well connected in sector, influential
Approachable, open & professional behaviour
At ease in directing others, is assertive and independent minded, will challenge others, and skilled in resolving conflict
Drives change, enjoys dynamic diverse environments and demonstrates entrepreneurialism, creativity and innovation
Demonstrates significant confidence and high levels of self-esteem
Demonstrates significant levels of emotional resilience and a positive attitude
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is passionate and enthusiastic about the business
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
Is Customer focussed
We welcome applications from individuals with lived experiences of using services
What you'll bring:
Essential:
Up to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant area (e.g. psychology, Health and Social Care, Mental Health) OR experience in the social care/charity sector.
Experience building and develop strong professional partnerships with external providers aligned to their specialism
Desirable:
2-3 years experience providing targeted recovery focussed support to individuals with needs around trauma, mental health, substance use and dual diagnosis.
For our full job description please visit our website
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.
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!
Finance & Operations Director Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham
£75,000 Full-time | 35 hours per week | Southwell, Nottinghamshire
A Calling to Serve Through Professional Excellence The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham recognises that our world is in desperate need of hope. In a post-Covid age and cost of living crisis, with our country's structures and systems under pressure and the increasing mental health challenges facing young people, the cry for hope is clear. We believe that hope is found in Jesus Christ, which the church is uniquely placed to share in every community.
The Diocese has a vision of Living Hope for the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and beyond and is committed to its mission of Growing Disciples of Christ with Compassion, Confidence and Courage. A key aspect of that vision is the articulation of 7 Areas of Focus which healthy churches attend to: Inspiring Worship, Reaching Younger, Enhancing Diversity, Growing Leaders, Enabling Commitment, Encouraging Generosity and Nurturing Prayer.
Could you bring your finance leadership expertise to support our mission of Growing Disciples of Christ with Compassion, Confidence and Courage?
About Your New Ministry Context
The Diocese covers the city of Nottingham, the county of Nottinghamshire, with a few parishes in South Yorkshire. As part of the Church of England, we serve over a million people through a network of 300 churches and 73 church schools.
Based at Jubilee House in the beautiful market town of Southwell, the Diocesan Board of Finance (DBF) is the registered charity and company limited by guarantee through which the Diocese operates. You'll be joining an organisation with a clear vision of Living Hope for the city, towns and villages of Nottinghamshire and beyond.
This is an exciting time for the Diocese. In November 2024, we secured £33.16 million from the Church of England's Strategic Mission and Ministry Investment Board for a decade-long Church Growth Programme. This significant investment will fund church revitalisation, evangelism, discipleship, vocations and the development of younger leaders across our communities. The new Finance & Operations Director will play a pivotal role in stewarding these resources and ensuring ongoing financial sustainability.
Your Role as Finance Leader Reporting to the Chief Executive, you will lead the finance function as a trusted partner to both the Jubilee House Leadership Team and the Bishop's Core Team. This is a strategic role where you'll shape the financial direction of the Diocese while providing hands-on support to parishes navigating financial challenges. You will combine strategic financial stewardship with operational oversight, ensuring the Diocese’s resources are effectively managed in alignment with the vision and mission. You will work collaboratively across the organisation, with frequent and detailed parish engagement, to shape and implement financial strategy, while also leading the administration of financial initiatives which include, giving, strategic operations and property-related activities.
Your key responsibilities will include:
Strategic Financial Leadership
- Collaboratively support the development and implementation of financial strategies
- that align missionally with the diocesan seven areas of focus, across the Diocese with particular support to Parishes.
- Prepare and present financial reports, including budgets, forecasts, and risk
- analyses, to senior management and decision making committees.
- Engage with third party contractors to advise on financial planning, investment
- strategies, and capital structure decisions.
- Ensures the diocesan residential property portfolio strategically meets missional needs.
Operational Management
- Oversee day-to-day operations, including HR, Property and Finance teams.
- Implement policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and compliance.
- Manage relationships with committees, contractors, and other external partners
Risk and Compliance Oversight
- Identify and mitigate financial and operational risks.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and National Church standards.
- Coordinate audits and implement internal controls.
Team Leadership
- Leading and developing the finance and operations teams to deliver excellent service
- Foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
- Collaborate with other departments to align operational goals with the overall Diocesan vision, mission and strategy.
Who We're Looking For Professional Excellence
- Fully qualified accountant (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA or equivalent) with significant post-qualification experience
- Extensive experience in financial management and operational leadership.
- Strong understanding of financial regulations and compliance requirements.
- Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams and manage complex projects.
Essential Faith Requirement There is a genuine occupational requirement for the post holder to be a committed Christian in the Anglican tradition or another member denomination of Churches Together in England. You'll need a strong understanding and empathy with the aims, ethos and beliefs of the Christian faith and its expression through the Church of England.
Personal Qualities
- Excellent communicator who can make complex financial issues accessible to non-financial audiences
- Collaborative team player with an open working style
- Effective influencer who can build trust with clergy, lay leaders and external stakeholders
- Strategic thinker with strong analytical and problem-solving skills
What We Offer
- Competitive salary: £75,000
- Generous pension: 10% of salary contributed by the Diocese
- Excellent work-life balance: 35-hour working week with hybrid and flexible working arrangements
- Generous leave: 25 days annual leave + 5 discretionary days (predetermined dates) + 8 bank holidays
- Additional benefits:
- Free onsite parking in our scenic location
- Maternity, paternity and shared parental occupational pay
- Electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme
- Employee Assistance Programme with counselling, legal and health advice
- Relocation packages considered for successful candidates relocating from outside of the local area
- Meaningful work: The opportunity to directly support the Church's mission in communities across Nottinghamshire
Ready to Answer the Call? If you're a talented finance professional who wants to work for an organisation with a fantastic culture that makes a real difference, enables change, and has a clear purpose rooted in Christian faith, we'd love to hear from you.
Closing date of 17th Februrary 2026
Join us in our mission to bring hope and transformation to communities across Nottinghamshire and beyond.
The Diocese of Southwell and Nottingham is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community and strive to be an equal opportunity employer.