Community support jobs

The purpose of the role is to utilise effective and efficient administrative and fundraising skills to assist in delivering both financial and non-financial targets which will provide a gateway to all fundraising activity across Maggie’s. 

As Centre Fundraiser, you will assist the Centre Fundraising Manager to implement the fundraising strategy to deliver income targets through proactive donor recruitment and excellent donor care.  

This includes supporting and retaining existing supporters and researching new key relationships with individuals as well as partnerships with local businesses, groups and associations.  

You will represent the work, vision and purpose of Maggie’s whilst supporting the delivery of local and central fundraising initiatives and campaigns. This includes presentations, face to face, telephone and written communications.  

There will be a requirement to work irregular hours as well as frequent local travel. 

About the role: 

This role involves providing information, support and advice, particularly around welfare benefits, housing and learning disabilities to Carers through one-to-one case work, and group facilitation. 

Our Charity: 

We are a busy, ambitious charity operating at the heart of the Wandsworth community since 1995, helping thousands of people across the borough in unpaid Caring roles. We give information and advice, organise respite, offer complementary therapies, deliver training, provide peer support, arrange fun events and much more.In short, we are the Carer's friend and advocate, often helping Carers through difficult times. 

Benefits of working for Wandsworth Carers’ Centre: 

• Hybrid on completion of induction period with a minimum 60% office based

• Friendly team and working environment 

• Annual leave starts at 31 days increasing to 36 days plus bank holidays

• Contributory company pension, 

• Ongoing training and development opportunities

• Employee assistance program.

As the successful candidate, you will have experience of working in front line services, giving information and advice, as well as advocating on behalf of another and providing one to one support. You will have excellent communication and IT skills, and a commitment to working in the voluntary sector.

If you're committed to working in the voluntary sector and want to be part of a diverse team that makes a real difference to people’s lives, this role is for you! 

Key Responsibilities Include: 

• Providing advice & advocacy on welfare benefits and housing. Minimum of 3 days a week.

• Providing one to one support to Carers of people with Learning Disabilities. 

• Facilitation of the Learning Disability Carers Peer Support Group 

• Maintaining accurate case records, adhering to AQS standards.

• Managing your own case load 

Essential Requirements Include: 

• Experience of, or ability to provide one to one support, information, advice and advocacy, including welfare benefits. 

• Developed IT skills 

• The ability to balance and prioritise a busy and varied workload. 

• Ability and commitment to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

• Ability to deliver training and information sessions. 

• Experience of or ability to facilitate groups in person and online. 

Please see the job description and person specification for a full list of responsibilities and requirements.

Wandsworth Carers’ Centre is an inclusive employer, committed to the continued development of a diverse workforce.

Age UK Solihull is looking for a proactive and relationship‑driven Partnerships Officer to help grow our income and impact across the Solihull borough through corporate partnerships and high‑value giving. You’ll identify and cultivate relationships with businesses and supporters, negotiate mutually beneficial partnerships, and deliver excellent stewardship, securing significant support that helps improve later life for older people.

This is a varied and outward‑facing role, ideal for someone confident engaging senior decision‑makers, building long‑term partnerships and representing the charity within the local business community. With flexible hours, hybrid working and the chance to see the direct impact of your work, this role offers a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference.

You’ll be comfortable working independently, managing a pipeline of prospects and representing Age UK Solihull at meetings and networking events. In return, we offer flexible working (up to 30 hours per week), hybrid working, and the opportunity to play a key role in strengthening our local presence and impact.​

We look forward to hearing from you!

We are looking for a person with a personal commitment to the mission of the Trust and capacity to undertake the administrative duties for the Rights and Justice programme. They will bring experience of working in/with voluntary organisations and knowledge of issues relevant to JRCT’s Rights and Justice programme, in particular racial justice and migrant justice.

We seek a thoughtful, strongly motivated, accountable, energetic, and congenial individual with excellent organisational and communication skills. The work is highly detail-oriented and requires the ability to use initiative and anticipate outcomes, multi-task and work flexibly.

Night Support Worker

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Job Title: Night Recovery Worker

Location: Romford -  Unfortunately there is no step free access available at this service. 

Salary: £28,800 

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week on a rolling rota between Monday to Sunday 20:00 - 09.30. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service requirements such as bank holidays and evenings. 

About the Role

We're looking for a Night Support Worker to join our night team in successfully rehabilitating and reintegrating our male residents and participants into the community. In this role, you will provide pathways, support, and appropriate interventions to enable successful resettlement. You will also collaborate with internal and external partners and agencies to achieve desired outcomes.

Our Complex Needs Accommodation provides supported accommodation, bespoke person-centred care and support as well as intensive housing management services in the community for adults with specific accommodation and well-being support needs. You will ensure the smooth running of the night service by conducting welfare checks, supporting residents, and handling any issues that arise. The role includes completing administrative tasks and providing thorough handovers with day staff and managers to maintain consistent service.

Some key responsibilities include: 

• Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents and participants at all times
• Focusing on empowering our residents to take control over their lives and meet their personal goals
• Planning activities to engage residents with other people, communities, and opportunities
• Building trusting professional relationships with residents, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations which could be through tailored one to one sessions, group sessions, in and out of service activities, and general wellbeing check ins
• Be a valued and reliable member of the team, completing handovers for night colleagues for a seamless service

About You

We’re looking for someone with a genuine passion and felt purpose to help people, challenge stigma, and make a real difference to people’s lives!
We are looking for a team player, driven to provide high quality care and support to others, an effective communicator who is able to build rapport with others from various backgrounds. You will be compassionate, supportive, and empowering to others, whilst able to form effective, positive and motivational relationships. 

• Experience of working with people of complex backgrounds and/or a good understanding of the sector, particularly around multiple and complex needs and homelessness
• Ability to show empathy and compassion to our residents, and different challenges they face
• Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
• Ability to promote the service and provide outreach-based provision, with an ability to liaise and work effectively in partnership with stakeholders
• Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

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

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

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

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

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

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

Do you have experience in supporting vulnerable adults and empowering them to move forward with their journey?

Walking With the Wounded (WWTW) supports those who have served in the British Armed Forces and their families, specialising in developing pathways to independence.

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Veterans Liaison and Officer (VLSO) to join a team providing support to ex-armed forces personnel.  You will be home-based, with a caseload spread across Hertfordshire and occasionally adjoining counties.

We are looking for a dedicated individual who will empower ex-service personnel to regain their independence after a period of Mental Health (MH) Crisis, supporting them to thrive and contribute to our communities.  This role will join a team of existing VLSOs across the  East of England as part of a wider collaborative team within NHS England’s Op Courage - the Veterans’ Mental Health and Wellbeing service, and will work with other service charities and local support services. You will be home based with daily travel around your local region to support your clients and build relationships in the community, whilst working as part of the wider regional WWTW and NHS clinical teams.

We are looking for a highly motivated self-starter with prior experience of working with vulnerable adults; an individual who can work independently to set priorities that accurately reflect the client’s needs.  Your role will be to work with clients in the community (or their homes), facilitating intense support and analysing individual needs to create a support plan that will break down barriers to a successful stabilisation, whilst navigating their mental health pathway.

In return, we will provide you with the opportunity to demonstrate and develop your skills and career as a Veterans Liaison and Support Officer in a supportive, inclusive environment. In this role, no two days are the same and every day will bring new challenges. Internal training will be provided, and we encourage our staff to develop their own personal and professional skills. 

For an informal discussion please contact Anne Germany 07935-065716.

About the Role

Location: Cornwall (Agile / Field‑based)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £24,544.91
Contract: Permanent
DBS: Enhanced with Adults

Who We Are

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe recovery is possible. We exist to improve the quality of life for people severely affected by mental illness by providing person‑centred, strengths‑based support that helps people live fulfilling, connected lives.

We work closely with individuals, families, and partner organisations to support recovery, independence, and wellbeing within local communities.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Lifestyle Support Worker to join our Cornwall Community team and support people with long‑term mental health challenges to live healthier, happier, and more connected lives.

In this role, you’ll work alongside other Lifestyle Support Workers, therapists, and multi‑disciplinary teams to engage people in meaningful activities that promote wellbeing, confidence, and independence. This could include:

• Supporting individuals one‑to‑one to build confidence accessing community spaces such as gyms, groups, or public venues
• Facilitating group activities such as healthy eating, wellbeing, or lifestyle sessions including activities in the community.
• Encouraging engagement in volunteering, recovery activities, and local community opportunities
• Supporting people to develop routines, life skills, and social connections

This is a field‑based role across Cornwall, with some administrative work based in NHS buildings and opportunities for agile working.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting people with mental health needs in a community or support setting
• Is passionate about recovery, empowerment, and person‑centred support
• Can build positive, respectful, and professional relationships with service users
• Has experience in facilitating group work in the community.
• Is confident working both independently and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team
• Has strong communication, organisational, and basic IT skills
• Holds a full driving licence with access to a vehicle (essential for covering Cornwall)
• Believes in equality, inclusion, and strengths‑based approaches

Formal clinical qualifications are not essential — we value empathy, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to supporting others.

What We Offer

At Rethink Mental Illness, we’re proud to support our staff. You’ll receive:

• A comprehensive induction programme
• Regular supervision and reflective practice
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• The opportunity to contribute to service development
• A supportive, values‑driven culture where your voice matters

Ready to Apply?

If you believe in recovery, want to make a real difference, and are passionate about supporting people to live well in their communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Rethink Mental Illness welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace.

Why Work With Rethink Mental Illness?

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe that when you feel supported, you can make the biggest difference. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits:

• Inclusive Culture: Staff networks that champion diversity and inclusion
• Wellbeing Support: Access to our Wellbeing Hub, Employee Assistance Programme, and Unmind mental health app
• Recognition & Rewards: Discounts, cashback offers, and recognition through our PULSE platform
• Flexible Working & Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and your birthday off, with options to buy or sell leave
• Learning & Development: Structured onboarding and ongoing training
• Financial & Family Support: Pension scheme, enhanced family leave, and travel benefits
• Referral Bonus: Earn up to £300 for introducing someone to our team

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity is important to us, and we value difference, inclusiveness, and belonging. By welcoming a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we strengthen our ability to support the diverse communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a signatory to the Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a Truly Anti‑Racist Organisation

We have an ambition to become a truly anti‑racist employer, campaigning organisation, and service provider. Through our Anti‑Racist Statement and Race Equality Action Plan, we are committed to accountability, learning, and meaningful progress.

Specialist Behavioural Support Worker

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities Care Service in Newham. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£31,117.00 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

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.

Specialist Support Workers within Look Ahead are required to have either an extra dimension of experience or a higher qualification level as determined relevant for the particular post.

What you'll do:

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 .

• Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
• 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
• 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

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

Essential:

• NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some or equivalent sector work experience

Desirable:

• Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications and languages

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.

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

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

The National Flood Forum (NFF) is seeking a dynamic, motivated individual for the role of Flood Engagement Officer for West Midlands. This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about working with communities, especially those at risk of flooding, to deliver community-based flood risk management solutions.

Key Details:

• Location: Home-based (West Midlands), with regular travel across the West Midlands including evening meetings and occasional overnight stays.
• Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: £24,784.56 per annum rising to £27,840.90 travel expenses covered
• Contract: Permanent
• Benefits: 30 days annual leave including bank holidays, a day off for your birthday, auto-enrolment pension scheme, learning and development opportunities.
• Closing Date: Sunday 17th May 2026 (Midnight). Early application is encouraged as the position may close earlier if sufficient applications are received.

Role Overview:

The Flood Engagement Officer will support the West Midlands community engagement team, reporting to a Community Engagement Manager. Your primary responsibility will be to work closely with communities to support them in tackling flooding risks.

Key Responsibilities:

• Community Project Delivery: Lead and support the implementation of projects focused on flood risk management.
• Community Engagement: Engage and empower at-risk communities, ensuring they have the tools and information to co-create solutions to flood risks.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain relationships with key community stakeholders and partners.
• Data Management: Provide data to help evaluate and support engagement activities.
• Support the Senior Team: Assist in broader tasks and activities as required by the senior team.

• About You:

  The ideal candidate will be:

• Empathetic: Understand the challenges faced by those at risk of flooding and help to work with communities and agencies to provide practical solutions.
• Organized and Flexible: Able to prioritize tasks and travel extensively across the region, including evenings and occasional overnight stays.
• Collaborative: A team player with a solution-focused mindset.
• Skilled in Engagement: Experience or an interest in community engagement and building relationships.
• Driving Licence: Full driving licence and access to a car are essential due to the travel requirements.

• You must also be a resident of the UK with the right to work in the UK.

  About the National Flood Forum:

  The NFF is a national charity founded by those affected by flooding, working to support and represent individuals and communities at risk. The organization focuses on empowering flood-affected communities to recover and improve flood resilience. The NFF encourages applications from individuals with lived experience of flooding, and from diverse backgrounds.

  Application Process:

  To apply, please submit the following:

• CV (maximum 2 pages) with your current address.
• Supporting Statement (maximum 1 page) demonstrating how your skills and experience align with the role.
•  
• Please include details of how you heard about the position.

• This is a wonderful opportunity for those passionate about community engagement and flood risk management to make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

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

YMCA DownsLink Group is the leading charity for children and young people across Sussex and Surrey. We offer safe homes, mental health support and trusted advice.

We believe that every child and young person has the right to be safe, heard and to shape their own future. We work alongside them to make that happen.

We are here for children and young people, many of whom face multiple challenges and need our support.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections – guide us in all our actions.

Are you a person‑centred leader who thrives on empowering others and driving positive outcomes for young people?

If so, we are searching for a motivational and resilient leader who thrives on developing others, championing best practice, and nurturing a collaborative and compassionate culture. You will bring a trauma-informed and psychologically informed approach to both your team and the young people we support, ensuring everyone feels understood, safe, and empowered. If you are energised by leading teams, shaping services, and supporting staff to deliver exceptional, person-centred support - even in challenging moments - this could be the role for you.

As Deputy Supported Housing Manager, you will play a central role in our Eastbourne and Hailsham services - supported accommodation for young people aged 16–25 who are at risk of homelessness. Our services operate 24/7 to provide a safe, stable home where young people can feel understood, encouraged and supported. You will be based at our Eastbourne Foyer, located in the heart of Eastbourne, where the service maintains strong connections with and contributes actively to the local community. The role also involves travel across Eastbourne and Hailsham to our other East Sussex sites.

Across our East Sussex sites, we work with around 50 young people, each with their own story, strengths, challenges and ambitions. Support Workers hold individual caseloads and meet regularly with residents to build support plans, celebrate progress, and set meaningful goals for the future. Your leadership will help create the environment where this work thrives - one where young people feel empowered and staff feel confident and supported. 

What you will be doing

As Deputy Supported Housing Manager, you will play a key role in the running, quality, and impact of our services. Working closely with the Supported Housing Manager, you will help lead a safe, supportive, and high‑performing environment where young people can thrive.

Service Provision

You will support the Supported Housing Manager with the day‑to‑day delivery of the service, ensuring we meet all requirements set out in the service specification and remain fully compliant with Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) and Ofsted standards. Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the full referral, interview, and induction process for all bedspaces and ensuring that every resident understands their Occupancy Agreement and House Rules.
• Maintaining the quality, safety, and presentation of the accommodation by working closely with our Housing and Property Services team to coordinate estate inspections, health and safety risk assessments, repairs, and the timely turnaround of void rooms.
• Supporting effective income collection across the service, working with the Rents team to build and maintain a positive rent‑payment culture among residents. 

Leadership and People Management

You will directly line‑manage members of the staff team, ensuring their practice, professionalism, and development reflect our high standards. You will:

• Provide coaching, guidance, and clear expectations to ensure staff feel confident, supported, and motivated in their work with young people.
• Create a team culture rooted in creativity, consistency, and best practice, ensuring staff are equipped to empower young people to reach their goals while maintaining appropriate and safe boundaries.
• Be responsible for creating and maintaining staff rotas to ensure adequate service coverage at all times.

General Responsibilities

• Participate in the management on‑call rota, offering out‑of‑hours support to services across the wider locality.
• Embed Psychologically Informed Environments (PIEs), Trauma‑Informed approaches, and restorative practices throughout your work, ensuring our support model is compassionate, reflective, and person‑centred.

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

You have experience line managing staff and building positive, supportive team cultures. You bring consistency, are well organised and approachable, and are confident in setting clear expectations. You enjoy motivating others, supporting staff development, and planning effective rotas to ensure high‑quality service delivery.

You will bring experience working in supported housing or similar services, supporting young people and/or adults at risk, along with proven experience in managing or supervising a team. You will already have a solid understanding of the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) and Ofsted frameworks, as well as a strong working knowledge of Trauma‑Informed Care and Psychologically Informed Environments (PIE).

You will be an effective communicator with strong facilitation skills, able to navigate challenging situations with confidence, calmness, and a solution‑focused approach. You will also have experience overseeing safeguarding procedures within residential settings, ensuring safety, accountability, and robust decision‑making. Just as importantly, you will understand the importance of maintaining professional boundaries, modelling best practice for the team and the young people we support.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 31 May 2026 at midnight. Please note applications will be reviewed on an ongoing basis, and we may invite strong candidates to interview before the closing date, so early applications are encouraged.

We are not able to support a work permit or offer a visa sponsorship for this role. Candidates 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 are required to undertake an Enhanced DBS (including the Children’s and Adults’ barred lists) check, along with a reference and background check carried out by a third-party service provider.

As Philanthropy Officer, you will build strong, lasting relationships with individuals, families and organisations, helping them to achieve their philanthropic goals while increasing charitable income and delivering meaningful impact in communities across Wales.

We’re looking for someone with a strong understanding of social issues and community needs in Wales, who can use that insight to build networks, identify opportunities and develop tailored support for existing and prospective donors. This role will play a key part in securing new funding, growing our donor base and building high-quality, long-term relationships.

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven experience in a philanthropy or fundraising relationship management role.
• Ability to identify and develop new philanthropic opportunities, including prospecting and converting new donors.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience of developing, managing and growing relationships.
• Strong communication, evidencing excellent customer relationship with a focus on trust, respect, confidentiality and attention to detail alongside the ability to juggle multiple relationships simultaneously.
• Confidence speaking publicly to a variety of audiences.
• High levels of motivation, be results-driven and able to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.
• Experience of producing compelling reports, narrative and presentations alongside creating tailored donor experiences to inspire donors.
• A strong commitment to your own learning and development. 

Read more in the full job pack.

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records.

There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project.  We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.

This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including:  coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks. 

Main responsibilities

 Planning & strategy delivery

•  Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy
•  Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities
•  Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)
•  Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement
• Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.

Practical engagement and involvement

• Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups
• Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme.  To include, for example:
  • Managing and supporting Youth Advisors
  • Running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)
  • Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary
• Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK
• Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals
• Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers
• Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.

Team support

• Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
• Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
• Sharing examples of emerging good practice and impact across the research team.
• Line managing an Engagement and Involvement Officer

Wider

• Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider communities of practice
• Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
• Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.

Knowledge, skills and experience

 Essential criteria

Engagement and involvement

•  Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)
•  A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting
• Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement,  including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice
• Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including  marginalised and vulnerable groups
• Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration
• Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.

Other essential criteria

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.
• Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals
• Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
• Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)

Desirable criteria

• Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement
• Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience
• Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood
• Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks
• Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.
• Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)

Dimensions

• This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.
• Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available).

Please apply via CharityJob, making sure to answer the screening questions in full.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 31st May. 

 Interviews are currently expected to be held Wednesday 1st/Thursday 2nd July.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration. 

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Team Leader to join Learning Disabilities Service located in Tower Hamlets. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£33,131.00 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

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.

The post holder will be fully involved in all aspects of the day to day management of their designated service, including line managing the relevant front line staff. You will lead and develop competence of direct reports as well as carry caseloads of customers requiring support. You will work closely with the contract manager to ensure that the service delivers on all targets, both financial and those around the quality of the service.

What you'll do:

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.

• Lead and motivate your team to ensure the championing of and maintenance of a positive local culture within your service
• Deliver effective supervision and team meetings with staff and ensure that information, reporting and communication
• Responsible for the personal development of staff, identifying high performers and feeding into the organisations succession plans
• Ensure that Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) required as part of the Contract are met and recorded correctly
• Develop key business relationships with all appropriate relevant customers/external parties to ensure service delivery excellence and maximise new business opportunities in own patch
• Participate in and monitor the initial and continuous assessment of needs and ensure that support planning is carried out in line with assessed needs of the customer
• Carry out other administrative tasks as relevant to the service and directed by the Contract/Heads of Operations

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, networks in local business community
• Approachable 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

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent

Desirable:

• Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications are desirable

About us

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

Job Title:                     Case Worker – CAPSA Services (Culturally Appropriate Peer Support and Advocacy)  

Reports to:                  CAPSA Team Manager

Geographic focus: Lambeth

Salary:£30,500

Hours of Work: 37.5 per week (flexible working available)

Duration:                    2 Year Contract (with a potential to extend)

Benefits:26 days annual leave plus bank holidays, pension contribution, Employees' Assistance Programme.

Purpose of the role

The CAPSA (Culturally Appropriate Peer Support and Advocacy) Worker role has been specifically designed to support Black people using the secondary mental health system. As a CAPSA Worker, you will provide both Generic Mental Health Advocacy and Independent Mental Health Advocacy (IMHA) to eligible individuals, including people detained under the Mental Health Act(MHA) 1983/2007, conditionally discharged restricted patients, those under Guardianship, and those on Community Treatment orders, as well as individuals considered for section 57 treatments.

You will play a key role in ensuring that the perspectives of Black service users are recognised and respected, addressing their unique and multiple needs, and promoting access to advocacy for all eligible individuals. You will raise awareness of advocacy, rights under the MHA, and the CAPSA service among professionals, individuals, and agencies.

In addition to direct advocacy, you will contribute to service development by supporting an effective administration system and helping evaluate the impact of advocacy for both service users and commissioners.

As part of CAPSA’s race-led approach to systems change, you will also help challenge systemic racism in mental health services, embed culturally competent practice, and promote equitable care within South London and Maudsley NHS Trust (SLaM).

Job summary

Black Thrive Lambeth has developed a co-designed, culturally appropriate peer support and advocacy service (CAPSA) on behalf of the Living Well Network Alliance (LWNA). CAPSA provides support to Black community members with mental health needs through peer support and advocacy, led by individuals with lived experience or lived understanding of mental health challenges. The service creates a space where experiences are respected, accepted, and valued equally.

The role involves building positive relationships with Black service users; offering one-to-one and group advocacy; supporting self-advocacy; gathering and sharing information to inform decision-making; and preparing monitoring reports and feedback. Advocates ensure that the views, wishes, and needs of Black service users are heard and acknowledged, addressing the impact of racism within traditional mental health services.

Duties and responsibilities

Key Responsibilities:

Advocacy & Support for Black Service Users

• Work with individual Black service users to provide culturally informed advocacy, support, and representation to assist them in decision-making related to their care, treatment, and legal status.
• You will manage a caseload of up to 10 clients.
• This will consist of weekly meetings with clients and supporting them around their care in the mental health system, this will be both within inpatient services and CMHTs (Community Mental Health Teams) as well as in the community.
• Support Black service users in developing and maintaining their cultural identity by identifying strengths and advocating for culturally relevant mental health interventions.
• Develop trusting relationships with Black service users within appropriate boundaries to help them express their mental health needs.
• Assist service users in preparing for meetings, attend appointments with them if required, and advocate on their behalf where needed.
• Provide information and updates on the progress of advocacy issues and ensure clients understand proceedings.

Culturally Informed Peer Support & Recovery

• Use lived experience and cultural understanding to promote positive self-esteem and recovery through a culturally informed peer support model.
• Provide practical guidance to Black service users, and where appropriate, their carers, on self-care, resilience strategies, and managing mental health within a race equality framework.
• Promote service user involvement by empowering individuals to communicate their culturally lived experiences and mental health needs to professionals.
• Challenge peer support models, stigma, and discriminatory practices that fail to recognise the cultural needs of Black service users.

Community Engagement & Stakeholder Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with key stakeholders and community members to develop a culturally informed advocacy and peer support model.
• Establish regular advocacy ‘drop-ins’ on wards and in the community, ensuring accessibility for Black service users.
• Signpost service users to culturally relevant community, inpatient, and online resources, as well as mainstream and specialist services.
• Liaise with, and when necessary, challenge NHS professionals, care teams, and local authorities to ensure due process and cultural competence in service delivery.
• To maintain a level of professionalism in all spaces always.

Role Expectations

• Maintain confidentiality, respect service users’ right to privacy, and ensure their dignity is always upheld.
• Keep accurate and timely records of advocacy and peer support work, providing regular verbal and written reports to the line manager.
• Attend team meetings, participate in one-to-one supervision, group supervision sessions, and complete mandatory training in peer support and other job-related areas.
• Raise safeguarding concerns following organisational policies and procedures.

GENERAL

• To attend and participate in meetings held by the CAPSA team and other bodies as required.
• To maintain records of hours worked and to complete accurate expense returns.
• To foster and develop an equality and diversity approach within the role, in line with Black Thrive’
• To promote the service through the distribution of publicity materials, liaising with statutory and voluntary services, and, where appropriate, through the media and presentations to local groups within the agreed company policies.
• To promote the role of advocates both within the Living Well Network Alliance (LWNA) and externally.
• To work well as part of the team in a way that promotes inclusivity and respect in a supportive environment.
• The above is not an exhaustive list of duties, and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your changing role within the organisation and the overall business objectives of the organisation.

Qualities Required

Each quality is marked as either E (Essential) or D (Desirable).

Experience (E/D)

1. Understanding and/or experience of mental health legislation and the Mental Health journey process in numerous settings – E
2. Lived experience of racism or discrimination in wider society and in the provision of mental health services – E
3. Experience of identifying and meeting the needs of individual people – E
4. Experience and ability to develop and maintain relationships with various stakeholders – E
5. A commitment to working in an anti-racist and anti-oppressive way – E
6. Confidence in challenging stigma and discrimination within structural settings – E
7. Experience of working in an advocacy or healthcare setting – D

Knowledge and Skills (E/D)

1. Understanding and knowledge of assessment of needs – E
2. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences – E
3. Excellent communication skills, both written and oral, including via telephone, in person, over video link, and through presentations, demonstrating confidence and assertiveness – E
4. Emotional resilience and the ability to cope with sometimes challenging people and environments – E
5. Ability to work flexibly to meet varying demands on the service – E
6. Good organisational skills, including timekeeping and ability to travel to different locations – E
7. Excellent computer literacy and a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office – E
8. An understanding and awareness of The Equality Act 2010 – E
9. Ability to act calmly and respond professionally to distress, disturbance, and unpredictability – E
10. Ability to work independently on own initiative and prioritise workload while working as part of a team – E
11. Commitment to learning through work-based learning and mandatory training – E
12. Knowledge of mental health legislation such as MHA 1983/2007, MCA 2017 – D
13. Understanding of the specific role, purpose, and responsibilities of an Independent Mental Health Advocate – D
14. Knowledge and/or awareness of safeguarding issues – D
15. An additional language (e.g., Portuguese, French, etc.) – D
16. Qualifications in Peer Support / Advocacy – D

We welcome applications specifically from Black people of African and Caribbean heritage, as the statutory requirement of the Equality Act 2010, Advance Equality in Mental Health 2020 and Parent Carer Race Equality Framework 2020, in order to address the importance of Black employee safety. These posts are therefore restricted to Black applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9 and Part 1.

An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be required. Still, we will treat applicants with a criminal record fairly and not unreasonably discriminate because of a conviction or other information revealed.