Children and young people support worker jobs

Location:

Based in our hub in Peterborough, with regular time in our Wisbech and Huntington hubs

Role will require some cross county travel

Hours: 35

Salary: £34,000 to £38,000 per annum/pro rata

Duration: Permanent

Closing date: 11th Feb

Interviews to be held Mon 23rd Feb

Centre 33 is an ambitious and growing charity based across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough. We offer a range of high-quality services to young people aged up to 25, including information and support on a “drop in” basis, mental health services, counselling, housing and financial advice, sexual health support and support for young carers.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our established ‘Someone to Talk to’ service in a Team Lead role.  The Team Lead will manage and oversee a team of staff and volunteers supporting young people across Centre 33’s two hubs in our North Locality – in Peterborough, Huntingdon and Wisbech. The Team Lead will work closely with the other Team Leads and Heads of Service to jointly ensure our multidisciplinary teams deliver excellent, safe, impactful and responsive services to young people.

We are looking for a highly motivated professional with experience working within a Mental Health, or youth work role, and with experience of managing people.  The Team Lead will bring strong expertise and leadership to Centre 33’s mental health support offer for young people aged 13-25 years, leading the teams delivering counselling and the wider, flexible emotional wellbeing offer. They will be responsible for providing support with case allocation, case management, reflective practice, risk management and Safeguarding. They will provide day-to-day designated Safeguarding leadership, supported by the Head of Service and Director of Services.  They will develop strong relationships with local organisations and statutory services to ensure effective joint working and support for young people.  This role may deliver ad hoc case work to support young people with more complex needs but will hold only a limited ongoing, regular case load.

The hours of work for this role are predominantly within core opening hours of 10 to 6pm, with some evening/Saturday working based on a rota. Due to our service delivery, it is important that the Team Lead is available for hub-based work during our core working hours.

This role will work to Centre 33’s values of being young people led, collaborative, inclusive and striving for excellence.

Responsible to: Youth Services Manager

Hours: Full time 37 hours (Job share considered)

Salary: £27,500

Based: Hybrid (Bedford + one day per week in Q:alliance Head Office, Milton Keynes)

Contract: Fixed term for 2 years, with possibility of extension (subject to funding)

Closing Date: 18th February 2026 at 23:59

Interview Date: Tuesday 3rd March

Context

Q:alliance provides support, information, and representation for LGBTQ+ young people in Bedford, drawing on our wider experience delivering established services across Milton Keynes for the last 50 years.

We have detailed knowledge of the issues and challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals and organisations locally, and it is our goal to create more safe spaces and resources to ensure the LGBTQ+ community in Bedford is visible, well represented, and supported.

Scope

This is a newly created role within our Bedford services, delivering Q:alliance’s established youth support model developed in Milton Keynes and shaping pathways and support that respond to local need in Bedford Borough and Central Bedfordshire.

You will manage a one-to-one caseload of support for LGBTQ+ young people, while building relationships with schools and developing a collaborative schools’ network informed by young people’s insights. You will also develop and deliver LGBTQ+ inclusion training for teachers, education staff, and youth workers. This work will contribute to safe, affirming environments that strengthen resilience, wellbeing, and mental health.

You will work closely with the Youth Services Manager and youth teams across our service areas, building on existing Q:alliance provision in Bedford, where a dedicated youth team already leads on LGBTQ+ youth group delivery.

The role includes outreach across Bedfordshire’s urban and rural communities, supporting young people who may experience increased isolation due to limited access to LGBTQ+-affirming spaces.

You will work collaboratively with the Youth Services Manager to agree outreach and engagement targets, contributing to effective monitoring and reporting systems to ensure robust evidence of impact.

What you’ll bring to the team

This role is a key opportunity for Q:alliance to grow our work in Bedford, build local relationships, and better understand and respond to the needs of LGBTQ+ young people across the area. You will play a central role in shaping a new service, reaching young people who may not yet be connected to support, and helping both staff and the board of trustees develop a strong, place-based understanding of LGBTQ+ youth experiences in Bedford.

You will act as a first point of contact for schools, colleges, and youth settings in Bedford, building trusted relationships and establishing a collaborative network of school and college leads. You will share insights gathered through this work with the wider Q:alliance team, helping to strengthen our responses to local need and inform the development and sustainability of services, including future funding.

You will help ensure continuity of support between schools, our support spaces and Q:alliance’s wider youth service provision.

Main Responsibilities

· Networking – Support teachers, education staff and youth workers to access resources, implement inclusive learning environments and provide support for LGBTQ+ young people in their settings. Develop a network of school representatives to provide peer-support on shifting needs, priorities, and situations in a local and national context.

· Data capture and intelligence - Support Q;alliance’s commitment to sustaining a contemporary data and monitoring mechanism, guaranteeing we can deliver thorough evaluations of our services and competent feedback to our funders and stakeholders on the efficacy of our work. Analyse local intelligence directly from LGBTQ+ youth communities and use this to co-produce plans with young people to ensure our youth services are engaging and meeting needs.

· Support, information and empowerment – develop and implement resources for 1:1 education and resilience work with LGBTQ+ young people, provide support and advocacy for young people, ensuring effective signposting to relevant services and collaboration with parents, guardians, teachers and education staff where appropriate.

· Innovation – work with the Youth Services Manager, school representatives and young people to innovate a schools accreditation system that will acknowledge and cultivate schools’ competence to provide safe spaces and support for LGBTQ+ young people.

· Stakeholder and community engagement – Forge and support enduring relationships with key partners, strengthening our commitment to building an alliance of cross-sector compassionate advocates for the LGBTQ+ community in its diverse forms.

· Education – Plan, develop and deliver positive and engaging classroom workshops and school assemblies to a wide range of young people, ensuring key messages are inclusive of diverse perspectives, including those from black and minoritized communities.

· Training - Develop and deliver training for teachers, education staff and youth workers with the aim of improving the wellbeing of LGBTQ+ youth communities and the capacity of those with the power to assist in this endeavour.

Skills and Experience

Expertise

· Experience working with and supporting young people

· Experience of developing and sustaining a network

· Ability to deliver innovative education and training packages, delivery, and evaluation

· Knowledge of the challenges affecting young LGBTQ+ people

· Knowledge of issues affecting young people’s mental health and the skills required to build resilience

· Excellent planning, organisation and administrative skills

· Expertise in safeguarding young people, ensuring welfare of all by following policy and procedures in relation to recognising, recording, and responding to safeguarding concerns and liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead

· Ability to observe strict confidentiality at all times with respect to matters concerning young people and the schools, colleges and youth settings in which you support through your role in the developing network

· Capable to respond to a young person in crisis, signposting to appropriate resources and support.

Communication

· A high standard of written English, including an ability to write thorough reports, make referrals to partner agencies, maintain outreach files, and record minutes of forum meetings

· An engaging and charismatic public speaking style with the ability to adapt delivery style dependent on context and audience

· Ability to adopt a positive constructive language style when talking to young people 1:1

· Confidence to communicate with relatives, guardians, social workers and related professionals or advocates of young people

· Knowledge of social media and a recognition of the role it plays in young people’s lives

Behaviours

· Skills in forming constructive working relationships with colleagues and stakeholders at all levels

· Demonstrate an understanding and appreciation of professional boundaries when working with young people and the importance of consistency

· Passionate about equality, the rights of LGBTQ+ people and neurodiversity.

· Evident desire to improve service delivery using co-production initiatives with young people

· An ability to listen with empathy and act compassionately

· Competence to work on own initiative and demonstrate innovation and creative problem solving

· Model conduct essential for successful teams, such as reliability, honesty and courage

Desirable

· Qualifications in youth work, teaching or mental health support

· LGBTQ+ lived experience

Other

· Full driving license and use of own vehicle

· Ability to work flexibly, with occasional evening and weekend working

· Commitment to further personal development and training

· Please note: Enhanced DBS is required for this role

The LGBTQ+ Youth Outreach Practitioner will have responsibility for the following documents.

· Contact Evaluation forms/data capture

· Monthly Outreach Report

· Resource library pertaining to our work with young people

· Network minutes (schools forum)

Apply via our website and complete an application form

Would you like to use your partnership-building skills to make a difference in the lives of learning disabled and autistic young people?

Are you an experienced fundraiser looking for an opportunity to help shape new business opportunities?

This is a new role in the organisation to help us meet the growing need for a safe space for learning disabled and autistic young people to thrive in. You will play an important role in shaping our new business offer and work closely with the Fundraising and Communications Manager to grow our corporate income, partnerships, and major donor income streams. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Contribute to and help deliver our new business strategy in line with our organisational priorities 

• Actively pursue and create new opportunities for Caxton’s fundraising 

• Develop a new business pipeline by researching and building relationships with companies whose values align with our work 

• Design and deliver tailored cultivation journeys to convert prospects into high-value partners 

• Prepare clear proposals, pitch decks and budgets to support partnership development 

• Work closely with the Fundraising and Communications team to create materials and pitches for potential and existing partners 

• Maintain accurate records of all partnership activity on our database to support good stewardship, forecasting and reporting 

General requirements: 

• To amplify the voices of learning disabled and autistic young people

• To ensure that no young person suffers discrimination in access to provision as a result of their gender, ethnic identity, sexuality, disability and/or social background.

• To work within and according to Caxton Youth Organisation’s policies and procedures. 

• To work in a supportive manner with the staff team, volunteers, and trainees.

• To undertake training relevant to the post, as identified through supervision. 

Caxton Youth Organisation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider all reasonable adjustments under the terms of the Equality Act (2010) to enable an applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post. We encourage applicants from underrepresented groups. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of moving fundraising relationships through a pipeline from identification to active supporters.

• Significant and demonstrable experience of building five figure partnerships.  

• Good, demonstrable knowledge of commercial sector and how to access decision makers.  

• Working to KPI’s and annual targets 

• Understanding and experience of brand and strategic charitable partnerships and/or Charity of the Year style partnerships 

• Demonstrable experience of supporter relationship management to aid retention, maximise income and secure repeat support 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• A proactive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn 

Desirable 

• An understanding of challenges faced by learning disabled and autistic young people

Personal Attributes and Other Requirements 

• Strong sense of collaborative work, excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Highly motivated, curious and thoughtful 

• Self-starter, able to use own initiative to show insight and manage competing deadlines. 

• Is dependable and professional. 

Caxton Youth Organisation:  

Caxton Youth Organisation is the only specialist youth club of its kind for learning disabled and autistic young people in Westminster aged 11 to 25. There is nowhere quite like Caxton Youth Club; that’s what the young people we work with and their families tell us, and we passionately believe it too. 

Caxton has been around for 77 years, quite something for a small but mighty charity, and our longevity says so much about the importance of the services we provide to ensure young people with disabilities in Westminster are able to advance in their personal development, develop a sense of belonging in our community, and lead independent and fulfilling lives. 

The majority of our work is delivered at our dedicated youth club in South Westminster. Our youth work team focus on young people’s social and emotional wellbeing, independence, employability, creating community and opportunities, social action and health & getting active. All these topics are explored during weekly youth club sessions which take place in the evenings, and young people are supported to attend thanks to our very own Caxton minibus which collects and drops participants home across the borough. During school holidays we run trips, including residential trips, giving our members the opportunity to experience life outside London, and parents and caregivers some much needed respite.

Essential Safer Recruitment Criteria 

1. A cleared Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level. This check is necessary as the work involves dealing with or having access to children and vulnerable adults whilst undertaking normal duties. 

2. The candidate must be able to provide at least two relevant references prior to taking up the post. 

Application Process: 

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role through Charity Jobs before the closing date. We will be doing rolling interviews as we receive applications.

We will host first-stage interviews the week of the 26th of January. 

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK. You will also be required to work from our London office/clubrooms at a minimum of once a fortnight, preferably once a week, as part of our hybrid arrangements

ROLE PROFILE: Grants Wellbeing Worker 
This is a fixed-term position until October 2026, with the possibility of 
extension to March 2029, subject to continued funding.
Responsible to: Carers Accreditation & Grants Manager
Key Internal Stakeholders: Carers Hub Team Leads & Managers
Vale Unpaid Carers Hub
Training team
Finance team
Wider hub teams
External Stakeholders: Commissioners
Unpaid carers
Schools
Partner organisations
Responsible for: Volunteers
Location: Hybrid: Home and community based
Salary: £24,285.69 (pay review in April pending)
Hours of work: Full time: 37.5 hours per week
Monday – Friday, flexible between 8am – 7pm 
Key Purpose / WHY?
To co-ordinate and develop TuVida’s grant programmes including.
• Carers Support fund – Financial Wellbeing Service Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan
• Short Breaks Scheme – Bridgend
• Carers Trust Grants 
delivering targeted financial education, support, and direct grants for unpaid carers in financial hardship or in need 
of a short break. The service aims to address both immediate financial need and support long-term financial 
resilience for carers.
Key Responsibilities / WHAT?
Service Delivery
• Act as the main point of contact for all financial wellbeing and grants-related enquiries.
• Conduct research to provide up-to-date information and practical guidance to help unpaid carers maximise 
their income.
• Deliver benefits checks using Money Helper tools and support carers in navigating the welfare system.
• Provide tailored financial guidance, signposting to appropriate services, and assisting carers with benefits 
and grant applications.
• Plan, prepare, and chair regular grant panel meetings, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
• Communicate grant decisions to carers and arrange timely award payments.
• Actively identify, engage, and support unpaid carers, including those from seldom heard or marginalised 
communities.
• Support carers in articulating their financial goals and refer them to relevant services such as the Vale 
Unpaid Carers Hub, Cardiff Independent Living Service or Bridgend Carers Wellbeing Service.
Monitoring and Administration
• Maintain accurate and timely records on TuVida’s CRM system, supporting monitoring and reporting 
requirements.
• Oversee the grant budget in collaboration with the finance team, ensuring monthly reconciliation and robust 
tracking of expenditure.
• Contribute to contractual reporting and outcomes tracking.
Awareness and Engagement
• Promote the service across social media, online platforms, and through outreach work, with a focus on 
increasing access and income maximisation for unpaid carers.
• Represent the service at events such as Young Carers Action Day, Carers Rights Day, and Carers Week, 
promoting carer awareness and increasing engagement.
Service Development
• Engage with stakeholders, carers, and community partners to review and shape the development of the 
service.
• Actively contribute to team meetings, supervisions, and service reviews, sharing insight to improve 
outcomes for carers.
• Operate within TuVida’s policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, and diversity.
Culture 
• Role model behaviour with volunteers and wider staff team consistent with the values of the organisation.
• Champion the rights and wellbeing of carers and those they support.
General
• To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the rights and welfare of carers and the people they care 
for.
• To comply with the Code of Practice and Code of Conduct for employee.
• To contribute to the organisation’s public profile and influence / foster good relations with statutory and 
voluntary bodies.
We are an organisation led by our culture and values. Our expectation is that all employees will adhere to 
behaviours that demonstrate these values in everything they do and all decisions they make. No matter what role 
an employee holds in the organisation, we expect them to operate with compassion for our customers and for each 
other; to fiercely protect and promote the brand and the reputation of the organisation; and to work in a spirit of 
openness and trust…always challenging practice or behaviour that compromises the reputation or values in any way. 
Vision Values
A society where every 
person who is ill or 
disabled and every 
carer can live well and 
enjoy life
Pioneering – we will continuously try new approaches and ideas, challenging the 
status quo.
Uncompromising – we will do what we say we are going to do and when we are going 
to do it.
Compassionate – we are committed to enabling people to have choice over their care 
and support.
Person Specification
Essential Desirable
Qualifications • A good standard of general 
education, with a commitment to 
continual professional 
development
Experience • Experience of partnership working 
with multiple organisations which may 
include education, local authority, 
health boards and the third sector.
• Experience of social care issues and 
knowledge relating to Adults and 
Children’s Services provision, 
including the private and third sector.
• An understanding of the needs of 
carers (young and adult carers), 
people with a disability, dementia, 
mental health, substance misuse and 
people experiencing illness.
• Experience of working with 
professionals, including private and 
third sector.
• Previous experience of working with 
unpaid carers and their families
• Previous experience of working with 
Information Advice and Guidance 
services
Skills & abilities • Excellent verbal and written 
communications skills.
• Ability to manage and work within a 
limited budget.
• Must be able to meet deadlines 
effectively.
• Ability to gather and collect data and 
information, prepare reports.
• Able to demonstrate the ability to 
think innovatively and to not accept 
the status quo.
• Able to demonstrate an ability to 
assimilate and understand 
information to provide the correct 
advice and information quickly and 
accurately.
• Excellent recording skills including 
the use of ICT within the workplace
(i.e., Microsoft Office, Outlook)
• Good working knowledge of 
Microsoft Excel
• Excellent networking skills.
• Previous experience of using CRM 
e.g., Charitylog or upshot etc.
• Research skills.
• Ability to communicate in Welsh.
Personal qualities • Self-aware and able to articulate your 
own values, strengths and limitations
can identify own emotions and 
prejudices and how these affect 
decisions and behaviour.
• Reliable and consistent.
• Able to acknowledge mistakes and 
use them as learning opportunities.
• Able to manage stress and pressure 
and how this may impact on others 
around them.
• Ongoing personal and / or 
professional development.
Knowledge • A knowledge of and a commitment to 
equal opportunities.
• Knowledge and understanding of 
relevant legislation for health and 
social care.
Other • Willing to be flexible with their hours 
of work and willing to work outside of 
normal office hours when required, 
including occasional weekend work 
when the service needs require.
• Commitment to the values of TuVida.
• Current driving licence and access to 
a vehicle for work purposes

We are looking for a Community Leader Programme Support Worker who will focus on engaging existing members of SLRA’s Community Leaders Programme and encouraging new members to join, through one-to-ones and grouplistening sessions. Through these listening activities, the role will identify the issues people are facing and barriers that exist to participating in the programme, and use this learning to help shape the monthly sessions, projects and actions, as well as the evaluation of the programme. This is a developmental role and focus will be on strengthening core skills through training opportunities and support from the team.

We would love to hear from you if you have: 

• Experience of community organising work, and participating or leading activities/workshops.
• Personal, lived experience of the impact of the UK immigration or asylum system.
• The ability to quickly build positive relationships with community members and colleagues.

Join us for a short information session on Tuesday 27th January 13:00-14:00 to find out more about the role ahead of applying,  find details on our website.

SLRA is a well-established local migrant support organisation working with and for refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants who are at risk or in crisis as a result of immigration issues. We provide specialist immigration advice, as well as a broad range of practical, social and therapeutic support services. SLRA also campaigns for a fairer immigration system, local people with lived experience in influencing local and national policy and practice.   

Benefits include: 

• 25 days holiday per year (with 3 additional days when the office is closed at Christmas) plus bank holidays.
• Additional long service annual leave days up to a maximum of an additional 5 days per year.
• Flexible and family friendly working arrangements including compressed hours and school term time working.
• Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution.
• Commitment to staff learning and development.
• Cyclescheme and travelcard loans.

For all roles, we particularly welcome and encourage applications from individuals of the global majority, and those who are migrants or refugees, and those with lived experience of the hostile immigration system. 

We are seeking a dedicated and compassionate Caseworker to join our Domestic Abuse team based at our office in Basingstoke with regular travel required throughout the region. Please note you will be required to work from the office full time.

What we offer

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

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

About the Role

As a Caseworker, you will provide structured, tailored support plans based on holistic assessments for individuals affected by crime. You will make initial contact with victims via the telephone, then tailor the support to them explaining our services, and assessing the impact of crime. Your responsibilities will include developing, delivering, and monitoring safety and support plans, providing resources, interventions, and information to service users.

As a Caseworker you will:

• Manage a caseload of self-referred & referred service users, providing information & advocacy to help them navigate the criminal justice process.
• Conduct risk & needs assessments, ensuring each victim receives tailored support & information.
• Identify barriers to accessing services & work with partners to provide ongoing support.
• Keep accurate & confidential case records on a bespoke case management system
• Make calls to offer support to victims of domestic abuse, delivering immediate support.
• Develop, deliver and monitor safety and support plans for those affected by crime who accept ongoing support
• Liaise and actively engage with other local providers to share information on the VS service offer
• Work as part of a team with staff and the volunteer team to provide a seamless service to clients

About You

You will have an understanding of the impact of crime on victims & experience in delivering services within a statutory, voluntary, or multi-agency setting. Experience in managing a caseload and of completing risk & needs assessments would be beneficial.

You will need:

• Strong written & verbal communication skills.
• Strong IT skills, including the ability to navigate and utilise bespoke case management systems effectively and an ability to use Microsoft Office applications to a high standard
• Good organisational & time management skills, able to manage competing needs and priorities.
• To work effectively both as part of a team & independently
• To develop & maintain partnerships with internal & external organisations.
• The ability to maintain professional boundaries & confidentiality.
• Personal resilience to manage exposure to highly emotional or sensitive demands of the role

This role involves regular travel and due to the location, a driving license and access to a vehicle is considered an essential requirement. If you are unable to drive because of a disability, please indicate this in your application in your personal statement so we can explore the feasibility of alternative arrangements.

If you are passionate about supporting victims of crime and have the necessary skills and experience, we encourage you to apply.

About Us:

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

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

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

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

How to apply:

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

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

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Harwood Road Mental Health Service in Fulham.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

You will be providing day‑to‑day personalised care in line with support plans, helping service users engage in education, leisure and health activities while encouraging independence, including with medication. You will contribute to planning and reviewing support plans, promote wellbeing and safety, maintain accurate records, and support housing management, risk assessments and health and safety standards. You will build positive, reciprocal relationships that focus on strengths, help individuals expand social networks, liaise with external agencies, and carry out domestic tasks when needed. You will uphold organisational policies, take part in supervision and learning, and complete QCF training within your first year.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

You will bring a solid understanding of mental illness, including recognising signs, symptoms and appropriate responses to deteriorating wellbeing, alongside a basic awareness of health and safety. You will be comfortable cooking, cleaning and offering personal care, and you'll work flexibly within a rota that includes evenings, weekends and sleep‑ins. You will motivate service users toward independence, travel across services when needed, and maintain a strong service‑user‑focused approach. You will have good literacy, numeracy and IT skills, understand safeguarding responsibilities, and demonstrate a clear commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive practice

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

We are looking for a committed and proactive Support Worker to join our team working with young people. This is a rewarding frontline role where you will support young people to develop essential life skills, increase independence, and move towards positive, sustainable futures.

You will work directly with customers in a supported accommodation setting, building trusting relationships and providing practical, emotional, and administrative support. You’ll be part of a dedicated team, working closely with internal colleagues and external agencies to ensure high-quality, safe, and person-centred support.

Key responsibilities

• Build supportive, professional relationships with young people
• Deliver regular, engaging keywork sessions aligned to individual support plans
• Provide day-to-day direct support, including daily living skills and tenancy sustainment
• Support customers with Universal Credit and Housing Benefit claims
• Maintain daily case management, accurate record keeping, and case notes
• Proactively manage risk, safeguarding concerns, and incidents in line with policy
• Follow missing person procedures and escalate concerns appropriately, including liaising with the police when required
• Enforce licence agreements and promote positive behaviour within the service
• Work collaboratively with external agencies including NHS professionals, social workers, and the police
• Encourage rent payments and support effective rent account management
• Promote social inclusion and community engagement
• Uphold health & safety, safeguarding, and organisational policies at all times

What we’re looking for

You’ll be someone who is calm, resilient, and motivated, with a genuine passion for supporting young people.

Essential:

• Ability to manage challenging behaviour positively
• Strong organisational and communication skills
• A proactive, can-do attitude and willingness to take responsibility

Desirable:

• Experience in supported housing or homelessness services
• Knowledge of benefits systems and safeguarding procedures

Personal qualities

• Approachable, respectful, and customer-focused
• Comfortable working as part of a team in a dynamic environment
• Emotionally resilient and able to remain calm under pressure
• Open to feedback and committed to learning and development
• Confident, organised, and flexible

Hours: Full-time, rotating shifts

• Early: 8:00am – 4:00pm
• Late: 12:30pm – 8:30pm
• Every other weekend

Why join us?

• Competitive salary with an upcoming increase
• Meaningful work making a real difference to young people’s lives
• Supportive team environment
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities

We're looking for a 3 kind, empathetic and resilient Night Support Workers to join our Mental Health Service in Kensington and Chelsea.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

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.

RBKC MH Night Support Workers enable people with mental health support needs to manage their tenancies and live independent lives of their choosing in the community. Night Support Workers are responsible for ensuring continuity of a support service at night and for keeping customers and the building safe.

The working pattern for this role is as follows:

Monday to Sunday - Rolling rota
Week one:
Mon Tue Wed Thurs
10 10 10 10
Week two:
Sun Mon Tue Wed
10 10 10 10
Week 3:
Sat Sun Mon Tue
10 10 10 10
Week 4:
Fri Sat Sun Mon
10 10 10 10

What you'll do:
- Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
- Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and 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 customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
- Support customers and colleagues during incidents calmly and professionally, following policies and procedures and escalation protocols and completion of incidents reports.
- Providing support with daily living activities, including practical assistance to support customers to independent living e.g. budgeting, cooking, establishing a night time routine
- Supporting customers to maintain a healthy environment and where appropriate assisting them to clean their accommodation and maintain good personal hygiene

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

What you'll bring:
Essential:
- NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some previous relevant sector work experience

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.

The primary aims of the team are to work with 11-25yr olds to help them to exert more positive control over their lives and to live safely as they progress towards adulthood.  The team is a multi-disciplinary team with a diverse skill set.

You will work with young people who are at risk of gang exploitation; child sexual exploitation; substance misuse; criminal or anti-social behaviour; those who have been excluded from school or violent towards other people in the home, or those who have been subject to missing episodes.

The project aims to make a positive contribution to the Council's wider aims by helping to minimise and manage the risks posed by young people engaging in activities related to drugs, alcohol, child sexual exploitation, criminal behaviour, gangs, radicalisation, and to prevent young people from coming into care, by supporting them to live safely with their families.

The worker will be co-located within Wolverhampton Children's Services as a key worker within a multi-disciplinary team. There are a team of 5 key workers currently, including a further Barnardos Project worker. They will use WCC systems (recording, policy, management) alongside employment and line management support from Barnardo's.

Although this role has a permanent status, please be aware that this post is subject to a contract that expires on 31.05.2026.  Future funding has been agreed, and the service will continue and be re commissioned.  Therefore, should Barnardo's not be successful in being recommissioned, you will be eligible for TUPE and a transfer to the successful organisation. 

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.

Neighbourhood Housing Project Lead (Sheffield and Scunthorpe)

Fixed term (18-months), full-time post, 40 hours per week (1 FTE), inclusive of breaks 

Salary: £42,752 (National)

Regular travel to Sheffield and Scunthorpe will be required. Occasional travel to London will be required.

Building Tomorrow – Neighbourhood Housing Project Lead

Oasis exists to build stronger communities where there is no one left out. Building Tomorrow is an innovative new neighbourhood housing programme that Oasis is developing in Sheffield and Scunthorpe.

We are pioneering a new community-led solution to housing challenges in two communities where Oasis already works, running five schools and two community Hubs. We are working to develop quality housing that offers opportunity for families to find a stable and supportive place of belonging in community.

The programme will combine quality housing, excellent education (provided through Oasis academies), and community wrap-around support (delivered through our existing youth and community teams). This programme is designed to offer a preventative approach to housing challenges, acting as a proof of concept that can be replicated in other communities around the country. 

This role will act as the central point of coordination which will ensure Building Tomorrow moves successfully from initiation to full activation over the initial 18-month period. In the activation period, we will purchase and refurbish the 20 properties, and this role will work in close coordination with our property consultants. As properties are purchased, we will begin to move into the delivery phase, where we start to house families.

This role requires a person who:

· Loves organisation and turning complex plans into simple, actionable steps.

· Is a fantastic communicator – someone who can talk to a contractor, a community leader, and a new resident with  equal ease and effectiveness.

· Thrives on problem-solving and is comfortable making quick, informed decisions to keep the project on track.

Why might you consider Oasis?

We work in 52 local neighbourhoods in the UK, building stronger communities. Our place-based, holistic neighbourhood work brings together local people to create belonging, opportunity, and change.

Where you live and grow up in the UK determines a lot about your opportunities and life chances – your access to public services, education, employment, housing, life expectancy and much more. We work in many communities where poverty and inequality are deep rooted. We know too many families and individuals feel excluded and ignored, lacking hope that anything will change for themselves or their children. We are not content with this disparity. Together we deliver joined-up education, youth work and family support, housing, church and community work, so that everyone can thrive.

Over the past four decades we’ve set up different parts of our organisation to develop expertise and deliver our mission to build stronger communities.

- A network of 56 Oasis Academies (Oasis Community Learning).

- Youth and community work (Oasis Community Partnerships)

- Homelessness and housing (Oasis Community Housing)

- Secure education for young people (Oasis Restore)

- Anti-human trafficking work (STOP THE TRAFFIK)

What will you do?

The key areas of responsibility for the role are as follows:

· To act as the main link between all stakeholders: the Oasis teams including academies; contractors; and any community partners. To make sure everyone is communicating effectively and working toward the same goal.

· To work in close collaboration with Oasis Community Leaders in Sheffield and Scunthorpe. To support the Community Leaders and wider community teams to welcome families by acting as a key part of the community support offer through the 18-month activation phase.

· To own the 18-month master plan. This will involve tracking progress, analysing potential delays, and proactively solving problems so the activation stays on time and on budget.

· To focus on transitioning the housing element from a period of acquisition and refurbishment into functioning homes. This includes everything from smooth resident move-ins to ensuring the community support is fully accessible.

· To work alongside colleagues in the Operations Group to design operational processes including the community support offer, housing management systems, and tenancy arrangements. 

· To help the team set clear, achievable goals for the activation period and then track whether those goals are being met, providing regular, honest updates to all stakeholders.

· To support the Group CEO in liaising with our social investor.

What will you get in return?

· A network of peers and partners all sharing the same vision and an environment set up to ensure everyone is supported and included.

· A package of reward that includes a 7% employer contribution pension scheme, annual leave allowance starting at 25 days (plus Bank Holidays) increasing over time, eligibility to join the Green Commute cycle to work scheme and cash benefit health plan.

· Be part of an international network of Oasis charities offering opportunities to develop your career in new directions and locations.

· A competitive salary and workplace flexibility.

To apply, please send your CV and a Supporting Statement via Charity Jobs or view our website for further information.

Please expand on your CV to tell us about relevant skills, experience and qualifications you have that relate to the job description and person specification.

Completed applications should be returned by 12 noon on Friday 30th January 2026.

Interviews will be held the week commencing Monday 2nd February 2026.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and underrepresented groups. If you require any assistance to overcome potential barriers during the recruitment process, please let us know. 

Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos.  We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks. 

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1026487

ABOUT THE CLINK CHARITY

The Clink Charity, founded in 2009, aims to prevent and reduce reoffending through training, rehabilitation, and support. We deliver hospitality and horticulture training behind the prison walls and in the community by creating an environment where our students are supported to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to rebuild their lives.

Since that time, we have trained approximately 5,000 people in prison and delivered 2,600 City & Guilds qualifications in a variety of hospitality and food courses.
What makes The Clink so unique is our post-release support and mentoring programme that rehabilitates an offender back into society through assistance with health and mental health issues, housing, employment, family connections and friendships.

The charity operates an award-winning fine-dining restaurant open to the public inside HMP Brixton, training kitchens in the prison estate, horticulture projects at HMP Send and HMP Erlestoke, a commercial bakery in Brixton, and a bespoke delivery service, Catered by Clink.

Additionally, Clink Events is our social enterprise catering business with food produced by the women in HMP Downview and also in an additional kitchen at Herne Hill and then served by alumni on front of house at some of the best venues in London including: the Guildhall, the Science Museum, Cutty Sark, Kew Gardens and the Camden Roundhouse. In 2024, across 218 events, The Clink fed 36,000 people.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Support and Employment Worker will provide a high quality and responsive mentoring and advocacy service which creatively addresses the needs and risks of our students and graduates to enable them to avoid further offending and to obtain and maintain employment upon release.

Our students and graduates will come from multiple prison sites across the London and the South East region, so careful diary management, logistical planning and travel are key components of the role.

This is a flexible role, mostly based at HMP Brixton, but will also include travelling between

HMP Downview and HMP Send multiple prisons and our Clink Training Café site in Herne Hill, with some working from home and managing a community caseload of graduates who have been released.

The Support and Employment Worker will develop action plans with each student in prison to support them in obtaining employment upon release and also in developing independent living skills to work towards their long-term goals and aspirations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Support and Employment Worker at The Clink, you are responsible for:

•Mentoring, supporting and being the point of contact for students and graduates as they transition from our hospitality and horticulture training programmes in prison and in the community for up to 12 months.

•Working with and supporting people in prison and students prior to and after release from prison, or from graduation in our community café, to empower them in finding and maintaining accommodation, employment and a drug-free, offence-free lifestyle.

•Building relationships with Clink Chef Trainers, HMPPS Resettlement and Employment Teams, HMPPS Officers and Governing Teams in the prison and all parties invested in the training, support and employment of our learners.

•Working with students and graduates to identify their needs and risks, and to identify short and long-term goals.

•Motivating and engaging students and graduates and to provide practical and emotional support.

•Liaising with employers to secure opportunities for our students and for continuity of employment for graduates upon release.

•Supporting people dealing with drug and alcohol problems and to make referrals to other services as required.

•Undertaking risk assessments for each student, to recognise changes in risk level and take appropriate action.

•Maintaining case records and report on students' progress to external agencies and for our own Clink records on Clink Connect, our CRM system.

•Working in partnership with the team to enhance overall delivery of the service.

•Maintaining a professional approach that enhances the reputation of the charity.

DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience of prisons and/or the criminal justice system. This can be lived experience.
• Experience of working with a variety of client groups both in custody and in the community, including men, women and 16-25-year-olds.
• Experience of working with young people in gangs and/or at risk of exploitation and county lines.
• Experience of working with neurodivergent people and those with disabilities and additional needs.
• Experience and skill in using a trauma informed approach with vulnerable people who present a risk of harm, including knowledge of mental health issues, drug and alcohol use and offending behaviour.
• Experience in setting up a strong employer network and using this to support our graduates into employment post-release.
• Experience referring to other services and using a multi-agency approach.
• A level of numeracy sufficient to carry out tasks such as budgeting with clients, calculating benefit entitlements and understanding rent arrears.
• An understanding of safeguarding issues and PREVENT Duty and the ability to assess risk in consultation with line manager.
• Some knowledge of the benefits system and ability to deal with housing agencies and landlords
• Driver with clean licence.
• IT literate - will need to maintain records about our students on our in-house CRM system and complete assessments for HMPPS.
• Able to adopt a supportive, confident and motivating approach to the client group.
• Willing to engage in training and development of your own knowledge and skills.
• Able to pass a prison security clearance.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Confident and resilient personality, with the strength of character to work in complex prison settings and with highly vulnerable people.
• Perseverence and tenacity — a desire to see our students be successful and to advocate strongly on their behalf which often requires a relentless optimism.
• Highly organised and efficient person - able to juggle multiple responsibilities, manage your own time and schedule, and be a consistent source of support for our beneficiaries.
• A strong networker - your key responsibility will be to manage stakeholders in the prison, in probation, in other third sector support groups, and with employers to advocate for our students to have the chance of quality employment outcomes.
• An assertive communicator - you will need to be patient, kind and compassionate and to communicate with our students with sensitivity and clear expectations.

REPORTING LINES MANAGEMENT EXPECTATIONS

You will report directly to the Support Lead for London and the SE, the Executive Leadership Team, but also work closely with the Operations team in the prisons and related Clink project leads in the community.

GENERAL CLINK CHARITY INFORMATION

All staff are expected to:

• Comply with all current legislation
• Comply with all prison operational policies
• Comply with The Clink Staff Handbook
•  Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your Manager

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to pass prison security vetting process to be able to draw keys.
• Must have a valid driving licence .

Benefits:

• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Free meals on duty when based in a restaurant or visiting for business

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for this post, please send your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 sides of A4) to Lizann Barnwell.

In your supporting statement you should ensure that you try to address the desirable criteria set out in the person specification for the role. Make sure you give evidence which shows how you meet the criteria, not just telling us that you did it.

Interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis for this role, so early applications are encouraged. The deadline for applications is Friday 6 Feb at 0900.

We do not send individual acknowledgment of applications due to the high volume we receive, and we will only contact candidates who are shortlisted for an interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

If you would like an informal chat about this role, we can offer a call with a member of The Clink Team. Even if you feel you do not meet some of the criteria listed above, we would still welcome applications from passionate candidates who are keen to make a difference.

Appointment process

Applicants who have demonstrated that they meet the desirable criteria set out in the person specification will be contacted and interviews arranged on a rolling basis.

Interview

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to a selection process. A panel of two or more, including the recruiting manager conducts all interviews. If there are any special arrangements associated with the selection process e.g. tests or presentations, you will be informed accordingly.

Interview outcome

If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be informed either verbally or in writing of the outcome. The successful candidate will have the decision confirmed in writing as an offer of employment. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback.

References

If you are successful in your application, you are asked to provide us with the details of two referees. We only contact referees with your permission after an offer of employment has been made.

All offers of employment are conditional upon the receipt of references that are satisfactory to The Clink Charity, verification of right to work in the UK and where applicable, verification of qualifications and Disclosure and Barring Service (where required).

Personal information

The personal information that you have supplied will only be used for recruitment and selection purposes. You should refer to the Privacy Notice on our website, which sets out how The Clink Charity will deal with the personal and sensitive data you have provided in your application form and supporting information.

EDI

We welcome all applicants and are keen to enhance our team to reflect the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disabled people, those from LGBTQIA+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and those experiencing other forms of marginalisation, as they are underrepresented at this level. In addition, as this role works directly with people in prison and those at risk of offending, those with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

Accessible recruitment

The Clink Charity is committed to making our recruitment process and workplace accessible to all. If you are an applicant with a disability and/or have any specific needs or adjustments that you would like us to consider, at application, interview, or appointment stage, please make us aware in your application.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Step Down Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Complex Needs Service in Kingston.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

This role is responsible for delivering recovery-focused, person-centred support to service users across Kingston's supported accommodation services. You will develop and maintain independent living skills, wellbeing, and tenancy sustainment through key-work and personalised SMART support plans. Working in partnership with housing providers and external agencies, you'll assess referrals, manage risks, and support move-on planning to help prevent relapse or hospitalisation. The role includes supporting access to health, substance misuse, education, training, and employment services, as well as promoting social inclusion and skills development. You will work collaboratively with colleagues to ensure service coverage, meet contractual obligations, and deliver high-quality, empowering support that maximises independence.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

You will have experience supporting people with a wide range of needs, aspirations and associated risks, and a proven ability to deliver high-quality, person-centred support services. You will bring a strong understanding of welfare benefits, housing options and relevant legislation, alongside sound knowledge of health and safety when working in service users' homes. You will be confident in undertaking key working, support planning and risk assessments to promote independence, with a good understanding of mental health, substance misuse and related treatments. The role requires effective partnership working with external professionals, accurate record-keeping using computer-based systems, and a solid understanding of safeguarding and how to respond appropriately. You will be committed to ongoing professional development, flexible in your approach, and able to travel across the borough as required.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

JOB TITLE: SEND Engagement and Participation Officer
LOCATION: Slough
HOST ORGANISATION: Together As One
RESPONSIBLE TO: Senior Manager – Together As One

Purpose of the Role:
To work across Slough to develop and embed processes that enable the participation of children and young people (CYP) with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in decision-making and service planning, delivery, and evaluation.

This role involves empowering CYP with SEND to make a difference, helping them develop their skills, abilities, and confidence to contribute positively to outcomes for other children and young people. The postholder will work collaboratively with partners across education, health, social care, and the voluntary sector to ensure best practice in participation, and that SEND CYP have a strong voice in shaping local services.

This is a specialist role requiring a senior participation officer with knowledge of reasonable adjustments, safeguarding, service design, and co-production, as well as experience of working with CYP with SEND. Creative, enthusiastic candidates with a desire to learn are encouraged to apply.

The post links directly to Slough’s SEND improvement outcomes, particularly empowering CYP with SEND to influence local policy, service design, and review services to better meet their needs.

Interview Process: Shortlisted candidates will be invited to deliver a presentation or lead a short activity with a small group of young people with SEND as part of the interview process. Interviews are scheduled to take place in the afternoon and early evening of Wednesday 11th February.

Key Tasks

1. Work collaboratively with relevant partners (education, health, social care, voluntary sector, parents/carers) to promote an ethos of inclusive participation.

2. Build and coordinate a network of participation and co-production across Slough to enable CYP with SEND to give their views and contribute meaningfully to service development.

3. Co-produce a range of additional participation opportunities with CYP and partners to ensure their input informs services, policy, and decision-making.

4. Apply a range of participation and engagement methodologies, including face-to-face, digital, and social media, to engage CYP with SEND.

5. Identify and support CYP with SEND to participate, providing appropriate mechanisms and support for diverse communication needs.

6. Collaborate with other ‘Youth Voice’ workers and youth participation initiatives to share best practice and develop training/resources for authentic inclusion.

7. Act as an advocate for SEND CYP’s rights to be heard in decision-making, recruitment, training, and policy development.

8. Promote accessibility and inclusivity, championing diversity across age, gender, gender orientation, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, socio-economic status, and disability.

9. Promote understanding of inclusive participation practices, challenging under-representation and unconscious bias.

10. Establish processes to report findings strategically and via diverse communication channels.

11. Engage in regional or national youth participation projects as required.

12. Demonstrate understanding of inclusion, diversity, and equality in all aspects of work.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

(assessed at application and interview stage)

• Strong understanding of the needs of CYP with SEND, including autism, learning disabilities, speech, language and communication needs, and social, emotional and mental health needs, demonstrated through professional experience in a variety of settings.

• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn about, different communication needs, including non-verbal communication and alternative and augmentative communication (AAC), and the ability to make reasonable adjustments to enable meaningful participation.

• Ability to plan, design, and deliver fun, creative, and inclusive sessions for CYP with SEND that actively engage participants, build confidence and skills, and meet pre-identified objectives.

• Direct experience supporting CYP to engage in social action, youth forums, consultations, campaigns, or other participation initiatives.

• Confidence in applying a range of engagement techniques for both face-to-face and digital settings, including creative use of social media to reach CYP with SEND.

• Demonstrated empathy and understanding when working with CYP, parents, and carers.

• Ability to inspire and build positive relationships with CYP, recognising potential barriers and difficulties they may face in participation.

• Positive attitude towards diversity and inclusion, with experience of embedding equality of opportunity into daily practice.

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, guidance, and frameworks relating to CYP and participation (e.g., Children and Families Act 2014, Equality Act 2010, UNCRC, Children Act 1989, safeguarding procedures).

• Experience of producing engaging reports and communications for different audiences, including CYP, parents/carers, commissioners, and partner organisations.

• Flexible and able to manage priorities across a fast-moving workload, with the ability to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.

• Ability to meet the travelling requirements of the role and availability to work evenings and occasionally weekends.

Desirable Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

(assessed at application and interview stage)

• Knowledge of the role of key services (education, health, and social care) in the lives of CYP with SEND.

• Experience in planning, coordinating, and delivering projects or events with/for CYP, on time and within budget.

• Experience of empowering young people to develop their own projects and articulate their views to decision-makers.

• Experience in planning and facilitating engaging training or group work with young people and/or professionals.

• Experience in service user evaluation programmes or youth consultation initiatives.

• Knowledge of relevant social media channels and creative methods for engaging CYP with SEND.

• Experience of innovative methods to promote participation and co-production with CYP, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.

• Qualifications or experience relating to youth engagement, youth work, social work, teaching, volunteering, or similar professional settings.

• Professional qualification in Youth Work, or working towards one.

Reasonable Adjustments and Accessibility

Together As One is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work, including recruitment. We welcome applications from candidates with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the application and interview process.

If you require any support or adjustments, such as accessible formats, additional time, alternative ways to complete assessments, or assistance at the interview, please contact Rob Deeks (details below). We will work with you to ensure the process is accessible and allows you to demonstrate your skills and experience fully.