Health and wellbeing jobs

We're looking for a passionate, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Mental Health Social Care Service in Tower Hamlets.

£30,784.00 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
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
* 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
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
* Free DBS
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.

Tabard Court is a mental health supported accommodation service for individuals with significant
offending histories and complex mental health needs.

The working pattern for this role is: -

Week 1: M8 T0 W8 T8 F8 S0 S0
Week 2: M8 T8 W8 T0 F8 S8 S8
Week 3: M0 T8 W8 T0 F0 S8 S8
Week 4: M8 T8 W8 T0 F8 S8 S8

What you'll do:
1. Keyworking, Support Planning & Recovery
? Hold a keyworking responsibility for at least one customer, meeting them at least weekly for
structured keywork sessions focused on support needs, wellbeing, mental health, daily living
skills, risk and recovery goals.
? Record keywork sessions fully on our systems and share relevant updates with the team so
that concerns, progress and agreed actions are clearly understood.
? Take the lead on your assigned customer's day-to-day support needs, including paperwork,
applications, appointments, meetings and practical support, while ensuring the customer has
an active role in how they are supported.
? Contribute to support plans, risk management plans and crisis plans for your assigned
customer, ensuring these are meaningful, up to date, co-produced where possible and linked
to clear achievable outcomes.
? Ensure your assigned customer's paperwork is completed accurately and within required
timescales, recorded on relevant systems and signed by the customer and management
where required.
? Where you will be away from work when customer paperwork or key tasks are due, provide
a clear handover and agree who will take responsibility in your absence.

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:
Experience & Knowledge
? NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent, or relevant experience in mental health, social care, housing,
criminal justice or another support setting.
? Experience of working with people with significant mental health needs, offending histories,
complex needs, homelessness, substance use or trauma is desirable.
? Understanding of recovery-oriented practice and trauma-informed approaches, or a willingness
to develop this knowledge through supervision and training.

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.

Please see our website for full Job description

Job title: Immediate Support Coordinator - Dorset, Wiltshire, Hampshire and Isle of Wight

Reports to: Immediate Support and Debrief Manager

Salary: Salary of £27,427 per annum

Location: Remote work with significant travel in the region

Hours: Fulltime, 37.5 hours a week

Post No: 2WISCFT1

Objective:

2wish exists to provide support to anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under.

Aims:

• Ensure every Emergency Department and Critical Care unit has a suitable bereavement suite
• Ensure that bereavement boxes are available at each of these hospitals
• Ensure that immediate bereavement support is available for all affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide a professional counselling service and complementary therapies for those affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support to individuals who witness the sudden death of a child or young person
• Provide support and training to professionals from any sector who may be affected by the sudden death of a child or young person
• To advocate and campaign on behalf of suddenly bereaved families

2wish Cymru & 2wish:

2wish has been established since 2012 and has grown from strength to strength. During this time, we have worked tirelessly to embed our service and ensure that the offer of support is made at the point of death. We offer an immediate, consistent, high-quality and compassionate service to all individuals affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under in Wales and the bordering counties in England, including; Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Avon and Somerset, with the plan to continue to roll out support to the whole of England. We work in partnership with professionals who refer int the charity on behalf of families, so they don’t have to trawl through the internet for an organisation who may, or may not, be able to support. We provide immediate, and ongoing, support and are here for as long as our families need us.

Context of role:

2wish support anyone affected by the sudden and unexpected death of a child or young person aged 25 and under. We are an All-Wales and part England charity providing immediate casework support, as well as ongoing aftercare services including counselling, alternative therapies, play therapy, support groups, support events and a respite cottage.

The post holder will provide immediate and ongoing emotional and practical support to families affected by the sudden and unexpected death of their child or young adult.

Main duties:

Service:

• To initiate immediate support for a caseload of families whose children and young people aged 0-25 have died suddenly and unexpectedly across the region
• To contact all families within 24-48 hours of the referrals by telephone
• Complete an initial assessment of families' needs to identify and plan the support as required in line with safeguarding and risk reduction
• Offer emotional support and advice to a case load of families through home visits and ongoing weekly telephone calls
• To liaise with the Counselling Support and Outreach Coordinator, who is responsible for organising formal support such as counselling, complementary therapy or play therapy, subject to consent from the bereaved individual
• To work with hospital staff, GP’s, police officers, coroner offices, mental health teams and other healthcare professionals to raise awareness of and promote referrals into the charity
• To liaise with other professionals working alongside the family to provide a holistic and multi-agencynapproach to support
• Attend relevant forums within the area
• To deliver awareness training in hospitals and other healthcare settings, schools and workplaces on the use of the bereavement boxes, referring into the charity and bereavement awareness
• To monitor the use of the memory boxes and ensure families have been offered a memory box
• To work with hospital trusts to establish and maintain the upkeep of suitable bereavement suites for bereaved individuals to use as required
• Facilitate debriefs within professional settings following a traumatic or sudden death of a child or young person
• To submit monthly/quarterly/annual reports to Bereavement Services Manager as required
• To signpost and/or refer to other agencies as required that can provide support as needed
• Cover members of the support team for annual leave and/or sickness

General:

• To be responsible for organising own work agenda, time management and administration
• To show respect and sensitivity for the cultural and religious beliefs of families
• To undertake learning opportunities and seek them out for the team
• To adhere to all company policies and procedures including Safeguarding, Confidentiality, Health and Safety and Lone Working; and to be proactive in implementing new safe working practices as appropriate
• To attend weekend and evening community events in support of the charity as necessary
• Participate as and when required in team meetings and one-to-one meetings, and undertake, as appropriate, courses/training/other developmental activities, which is relevant to the role
• Contribute on the social media platforms maintained by 2wish

It is the nature of the work that tasks and responsibilities are in many circumstances unpredictable and varied. All employees are therefore expected to work in a flexible way and tasks, which are not specifically covered in their job description may have to be undertaken.

You will be subject to performance review, which will incorporate a review of the above duties and performance over the period.

This role is subject to a DBS check.

What we do for you:

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Normal office hours are 9am - 5pm, although alternative hours may be worked with line manager agreement. Work outside office hours may sometimes be necessary and will be compensated for by time off in lieu.

Annual leave: 28 days plus bank holidays. Annual leave steadily increases after five years of service. Annual leave and statutory holidays are calculated on a pro rata basis where applicable.

Pension: 2wish operate a contributory pension scheme. 2wish will auto-enrol you into the scheme in accordance with it's auto-enrolment obligations. Full details of the scheme will be provided to you once you are enrolled, including the minimum level of contributions that you will be required to make during your membership (current contributions - employer 3% and employee 5%).

Mileage: A fixed rate allowance is payable for agreed mileage undertaken on 2wish business in a private vehicle, over and above your usual journey to your workplace/s.

Location: 2wish currently offers a form of hybrid working and this will continue for the foreseeable future. This post is home based with travel across the region you are covering.

Additional benefits for our employees:

• An 'Employee Assistance Programme, ' including wellbeing support
• Free parking on 2wish premises
• Free branded 2wish clothing
• An extra annual leave day on your birthday
• Incremental increase in holiday entitlement based on length of service
• Paid sick leave
• Discounts for personal purchases on 2wish Merchandise
• Discounted tickets to UK 2wish events for staff and family
• Extra holiday entitlement when taking part in 2wish overseas events
• Company mobile phone for performance of duties
• Tools/equipment required for the performance of duties
• Reimbursement of work expenses
• Bright Exchange employee discounts
• Auto-enrolment into company contributory pension scheme after 3 months service

How to apply:

Please return a CV and covering letter, or a CV and two-minute video, by email.

Closing date: Friday 10th July 2026

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. Only those applicants that have been shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.

Antenatal Family Support Coordinator

Do you have midwifery experience, antenatal education experience or professional knowledge of pregnancy, birth preparation and early parenthood?

We are looking for a Family Support Coordinator to support families from pregnancy through the early years.

This is an opportunity to join a supportive and purpose-driven team where your work will make a direct difference to families across Gloucestershire.

Position: Antenatal Family Support Coordinator

Location: Stroud & Gloucester /Hybrid (covering office, family hubs and community sessions)

Hours: Part-time, 26 hours per week

Salary: £32,597 pro rata (£22,818 actual)

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 8th July 2026. This job opportunity may close early if we find an appropriate candidate before the closing date.

The Role

You will deliver the core support offer, including home visiting, 1:1 support, group work and volunteer-supported family support. You will also lead delivery of the Bump antenatal programme, helping expectant parents prepare for birth, early parenthood and the transition to family life.

In this role, you will:

• Support families during pregnancy, early parenthood and the early years
• Provide practical, emotional and educational support to expectant parents
• Help parents prepare for birth, baby care and the transition to parenthood
• Support early attachment, bonding, infant development and parental confidence
• Manage a caseload of families with different levels of need
• Work with and support trained Home-Start volunteers
• Help colleagues with pregnancy-related queries and appropriate signposting
• Support inclusive engagement with mothers, fathers, partners and co-parents
• Work with local services, family hubs and community partners

This is a non-clinical role. You will not be providing medical advice or clinical care, but you will use your knowledge and experience to support parents, strengthen early family relationships, and help the team respond confidently to pregnancy-related needs.

About You

We are looking for someone who understands pregnancy, birth preparation, early parenthood and the emotional realities of becoming a parent.

You may have worked as a midwife, maternity support worker, antenatal educator, early year’s practitioner, family support worker, health-related practitioner, or in another relevant role supporting families during pregnancy and the early years.

You will bring:

• Experience or strong knowledge of antenatal support, pregnancy and early parenthood
• Confidence delivering group sessions or antenatal education
• Good understanding of early attachment, infant development and postnatal adjustment
• Awareness of perinatal mental health and the impact of trauma, stress and isolation
• Experience supporting families during pregnancy, birth preparation or early parenthood
• Experience delivering group-based support, education or facilitation
• Good understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries

This is a non-clinical family support role. You will not provide medical advice, diagnosis, clinical maternity care or infant feeding clinical support. Where families need specialist health, maternity, mental health or safeguarding support, the postholder will follow procedures and signpost or escalate appropriately.

On offer:

• A supportive and values-led working environment
• Meaningful work with families at an important stage of life
• Reflective supervision and team support
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• The chance to shape and strengthen the antenatal and early years support offer

About the Organisation

Join a voluntary organisation committed to promoting the welfare of families with at least one child under five years of age. Trained home-visiting volunteers offer regular friendship, emotional, and practical support to help families experiencing a challenging time in their lives. The service is unique and also offers free support peer groups, antenatal, postnatal, and perinatal mental health services.

The role will require an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references. The charity is committed to equality, diversity, equity and inclusion. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and lived experience, particularly those who reflect the communities we work alongside.

You may also have experience in areas such as Midwife, Maternity Support Worker, Antennal, Antenatal Support, Early Years, Early Years Practitioner, Family Support Worker, Health, Clinical, Baby, Infant, Nurse, Nursery Nurse.

Please note this role is advertised by the recruitment agency acting for the client, Not For Profit People. #INDNFP

Action for Refugees in Lewisham is a thriving, dynamic community charity supporting asylum seekers, refugees and migrants across South East London. This is an exciting new role to the organisation forming a senior management team alongside the Executive Director, Casework Manager and Education and Finance Manager. This key senior position combines line management of central staff, high level fundraising, grants monitoring and compliance, development of enhanced member co-production, oversight of operational systems and management of pilot projects emerging from AFRIL’s 2027-30 strategy.

Job Purpose:

• To manage and coordinate the operations of the organisation, overseeing high level day to day operations including IT and systems, GDPR, Health and Safety, volunteer management, operational policies and procedures.

• To provide leadership and line management to the Monitoring and Operations Officer, Experts by Experience Coordinator and Community Activities Coordinator. With possible additional line of other project staff as organisational capacity requires.

• Lead the enhancement of processes and systems which support AFRIL’s frontline systems to work effectively and holistically together, providing capacity and support to project managers and leads.

• Lead the development and delivery of AFRIL’s co-production work, supporting the Experts by Experience Coordinator to amplify members' voices at all levels of the organisation.

• Supporting the Director in delivering the organisation's fundraising strategy. Writing a range of funding applications, holding key funder relationships and developing new funding relationships, including the establishment of enhanced individual, community and corporate fundraising relationships.

• Leading on the management and oversight of the grants compliance and reporting cycles, producing monitoring reports for funders with the support of the Operations and Monitoring Officer. Overseeing and developing evaluations and impact measurement systems alongside the Director.

• Assist the Director with the implementation of AFRIL’s strategy, taking a leading role in the delivery of new projects and areas of work to advance the mission and vision of the organisation.

• Supporting the Director with the development and implementation of a communications strategy, enhancing awareness of the organisation's work and impact.

• To represent AFRIL at a range of stakeholder meetings, and develop and manage partnerships to benefit AFRIL’s service users.

• To work collaboratively and dynamically in a small team, following AFRIL policies and reflecting AFRIL’s values.

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

£26,227.50 per annum, working 37.5 hours per week.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)

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.

Support Workers are responsible for supporting people with autism, learning disabilities and behavioural needs to live full lives, develop skills and maintain their wellbeing. The Pelham road Service will be 5 new self-contained flats, for customers with learning disabilities, Autism and Complex needs, and we are looking to build a staff team with an excellent value base to support the customer to build their new life and develop their skills as an independent person. Support Workers will need to be flexible and shifts will require some mornings, afternoons/Evenings and weekends.

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.

• Supporting the customer to undertake a full timetable of preferred activities including sport and leisure activities, attending community groups, visiting local amenities, and introducing them to new activities to expand their horizons and networks;
• Developing the customer's independent living skills and involving them in all aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning and decorating;
• Enabling the customer to keep up with the important people in their life and to meet new people with shared interests;
• Supporting the customer to communicate their wants and needs, and communicating with them in a person-centred way;
• Supporting the customer to manage their anxieties and frustrations, using Positive Behaviour Support and Autism-specific approaches;
• Collating a range of behavioural data and essential paperwork to be analysed within our local management structure;
• Driving the customer to activities using the customer's vehicle, in rotation with the wider team;

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

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
• Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Challenging Behaviour/learning disabilities and supporting them in line with a PBS framework

Desirable:

• Has some experience in Trauma Informed care
• Has some experience in working with people with Mental health
• Driving licence and a willingness to drive as part of support duties

About us:

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.

Location: Putney, SW London with travel to various services across London

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £32,800 per annum

Specific Hours: Part time / 30 hours per week / Monday-Friday / Flexible working hours

About This Role

This is an exciting new opportunity to be part of a project within our Wraparound Service in the UK. As Psychological Therapist, key aspects of your role will be:

• Facilitation of Reflective Practice for residential staff to help support therapeutically informed practice, staff resilience and emotional wellbeing.
• Direct support to Children in Care and Care Leavers to improve their emotional health and well-being, and to provide any additional support identified as needed by statutory services to those with mental health needs.
• Working with children, residential carers and social workers where care arrangements are at risk of breaking down.
• Consultative support and training to foster carers and residential staff where there are children in placement who have complex needs.
• Support the development of the UK Therapeutic Service to help meet the needs of staff and young people across the organisation.

The successful candidate will have:

• Degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, Psychotherapy)
• A minimum of three years working directly with children, young people and families
• Experience of dealing with crisis situations and working with emergency services
• A minimum of one years’ experience of delivering therapeutic interventions
• Previous experience of delivering therapeutic interventions to children and young people with emotional and behavioural difficulties
• Experience of working in a multi-agency setting
• Knowledge of UK Legislative framework
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Knowledge/Experience of Care Planning and Care Management
• Ability to manage caseload and to work on own initiative
• Responsive to deadlines
• Excellent IT, report writing and presentation skills
• Ability and willingness to work outside of normal office hours as required

In return we offer:

• Competitive salary.
• A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
• Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy.
• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.
• UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
• Discretionary funded training programs.
• Employee awards based on performance and length of service.
• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.

Recruitment Process

St Christopher’s is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people in our care and is dedicated to the principles of Safer Recruitment.

As part of the recruitment process, you will be required to complete an online application form. This enables us to collect the information necessary to meet legislative requirements, safer recruitment standards, and vetting procedures, ensuring your suitability to work with children and young people.

Applicants are encouraged to subscribe to the DBS Update Service. Where an applicant is not registered with the service, St Christopher’s will carry out an Enhanced DBS check prior to employment commencing.

Your application must include a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the criteria outlined in the Person Specification.

Please note that CVs will not be accepted in place of a completed application form.

It is against the law to apply for work with Children/Young People if you are barred from working in Regulated Activity and if your name is added to a Children Barred List.

All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked.

Role Purpose

As part of the Clinical Services leadership team, the Adult Team Manager provides operational oversight, line management, and clinical leadership to a multidisciplinary team delivering bereavement support to adults after the death of a child. The post holder ensures the delivery of safe, high-quality, and evidence-informed therapeutic support that is in line with organisational standards and clinical governance frameworks. They maintain a small caseload to ensure continued practice relevance and lead by example through high quality therapeutic work. The role balances hands-on leadership with operational management, contributing to service development, outcome measurement and quality improvement under the direction of the Head of Clinical Services.

Main Responsibilities

Operational and Team Management

· Oversee the daily operations of the adult bereavement service, ensuring effective coordination, delivery, and monitoring of therapeutic interventions

· Provide regular line management to counsellors and practitioners, supporting professional growth, wellbeing, and accountability

· Contribute to the safe and effective clinical triage of all referrals, informed by individualised needs, evidence-based practice and ensuring decisions align with clinical governance, safeguarding and risk, and recognised best practice standards

· Support in the allocation and management of team caseloads, ensuring referrals are prioritised and distributed appropriately to meet clinical need

· Monitor team performance, service activity, and adherence to quality standards and policies

· Support recruitment, induction, and development of new team members, modelling the organisation’s values and culture

· Foster a supportive, cohesive team culture driven by compassion, accountability and inclusion

· Work collaboratively with the Head of Clinical Services to identify service gaps, pressures, risks, and staffing needs, proposing solutions and adjustments as required

Clinical Leadership

· Provide clinical leadership and guidance to ensure the delivery of high-quality, evidence-informed interventions

· Maintain a personal caseload of complex cases, modelling best practice and demonstrating clinical credibility

· Lead group peer supervision sessions and promote an environment of continual learning and professional growth

· Support risk assessment, management, and escalation processes, ensuring that safeguarding and ethical practice are consistently applied

· Offer consultation and advice to bereavement specialists, counsellors, volunteers on complex bereavement and trauma presentations

· Ensure staff receive appropriate clinical supervision in accordance with organisational guidelines

Service Delivery and Quality

· Oversee consistent delivery of individual, couple, group, and workshop bereavement support in line with agreed frameworks

· Ensure effective use of outcome measures and client feedback to assess impact, promote clinical reflection, and inform continuous improvement

· Contribute to the monitoring and auditing of service quality

· Contribute to the development and implementation of new models of care, services, resources, and practice improvement initiatives

· Support compliance with relevant legislation, safeguarding standards, and regulatory frameworks

Communication and Relationships

· Communicate effectively and sensitively within the organisation and with external professionals, including health and mental health services such as CMHTs and GPs

· Convey complex and emotionally sensitive information with clarity, empathy, and professionalism

· Manage interactions with individuals or groups who may be distressed or emotionally impacted by information shared

· Develop and maintain strong, positive working relationships with colleagues and peers to promote effective teamwork and collaboration

· Model organisational values and behaviours, demonstrating respect, compassion, and integrity in all communication and relationships

Knowledge, Training and Experience

· Undertake therapeutic assessments and interventions with adults in line with evidence-based and best practice approaches

· Complete comprehensive assessments, including risk assessments, and determine appropriate levels of intervention and response

· Ensure all practice meets professional standards and complies with relevant codes of conduct and national guidance

· Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current research, evidence-based practice, and developments in bereavement and trauma-informed care

· Engage in continuous professional development and maintain an active professional portfolio in line with professional body requirements

· Demonstrate knowledge and compliance with organisational policies, procedures, and safeguarding legislation, including Safeguarding Children and Adults and the Mental Capacity Act

· Provide guidance, supervision, and support to volunteers individually or in groups as required

Analytical and Judgement Skills

· Apply sound professional judgment and analytical skills to assess needs, plan interventions, and evaluate outcomes in accordance with best-practice frameworks

· Participate actively in team meetings to plan, review, and evaluate care strategies and approaches

· Ensure the accurate and timely recording of data and information to support monitoring, evaluation, and service development

· Contribute to the collection, analysis and reporting of outcome measures to support quality assurance, demonstrate

Person Specification

Education/Professional Qualification

Essential

· MA/MSc or Postgraduate Degree (minimum Level 6 or equivalent) in Counselling, Psychotherapy, Arts Therapy

· Registration with a professional body (ie. NCPS, HCPC, UKCP, BACP, BAAT, etc)

· Evidence of continuing professional development

· Training in safeguarding children and adults at risk (Level 3 minimum)

Desirable

· Additional training in clinical leadership

· Certificate/diploma in supervision

· Dual qualification (social work and counselling/psychotherapy)

· BACP accreditation or eligible for BACP accreditation

Skills and Experience

Essential

· Strong clinical leadership skills with the ability to support, motivate and develop others

· A strong understanding and knowledge of relevant psychological theories, therapeutic interventions, and models of grief work for adults, especially those bereaved of a child

· Able to make clear psychosocial assessments and managing complex emotional and mental health needs, risk, and safeguarding

· Evidence of working in a psychological framework with adults who have experienced common mental health problems (ie. anxiety and depression)

· Very strong assessment, formulation and planning skills within a therapeutic context

· Experience of triaging cases based on evidence and clinical need with the ability to make sound clinical judgements and risk assessments

· Significant experience of working therapeutically with adults who experience trauma and significant emotional distress

· Experience of using outcome measures, feedback tools and data to evaluate effectiveness and impact of interventions

· Ability to oversee operational delivery, managing clinical and management responsibilities

· Experience of safeguarding decision-making and managing complex cases involving risk

Desirable

· Experience in line management and clinical supervision within a therapeutic or mental health environment

Knowledge and Understanding

· In-depth understanding of the psychological impact of bereavement, trauma, and loss following the death of a child

· In-depth knowledge and understanding of relevant psychological theories, therapeutic interventions, and models of grief work

· Knowledge of therapeutic models and interventions relevant to adult trauma and grief

· Strong understanding of risk assessment and management, safeguarding legislation and frameworks and ethics in practice

· In-depth knowledge of evidence-based models of counselling and therapeutic interventions including creative and systemic approaches

· Proven ability to design, deliver and adapt psychological assessments and therapeutic interventions effectively through digital platforms, maintaining therapeutic alliance, safety, and impact when working remotely with adults

· Strong understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion relevant to bereavement and mental health

· Knowledge of service outcomes, quality standards, and measurement systems

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: 9th July 2026 at midnight

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

Interviews

First Stage Screening Interviews

You may be asked to attend a 10-minute Screening Interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the vacancy, to assess your suitability for the role. During the interview, you will be asked two skills-based questions.

Second Stage Interviews

If you are progressed to a second stage interview, you will be invited to attend a 1-hour formal interview on MS Teams with the Hiring Managers for the role. It is our policy to share the role-specific interview questions with applicants ahead of the interview, to aid their preparation. You may also be asked to complete an interview task, which will also be shared with you in advance.

For further information please see the Recruitment Pack for this role.

Position: Senior Individual Giving Manager (Development)
Hours: Full-time (35 hours a week)
Contract: Fixed Term Contract - 12 months (Maternity Cover)
Location: Office-based in London. With flexibility to work remotely.
Salary: Starting from £40,630 per annum plus excellent benefits
Salary Band and Job Family: Band 3, Charity
You will start at our entry point salary of £40,630 per annum, increasing to £43,170 after 6 months service

About us

We make sure people living with MS are at the centre of everything we do. And it’s this commitment that unites us across the UK.

Our strategy is based on what people affected by MS have told us is important to them. It gives us a clear and determined focus.

Our work is based on the hopes and aspirations of our MS community. Together we campaign at all levels, fund ground-breaking research and provide award winning support and information.

Our people are our greatest asset and the key to our success. We offer a vibrant, progressive working environment where you'll be able to make a difference.

About this job

Join the MS Society as our new Senior Individual Giving Manager (Development).

We’re looking for a motivated, organised and creative Senior Individual Giving Manager to lead our ambitious, supportive development team at the MS Society for a 12-month fixed term maternity leave cover.

You’ll be responsible for the strategic planning and oversee the delivery of multi-channel fundraising campaigns and supporter engagement projects ensuring they are delivered to time, income targets and expenditure budgets. You’ll have space to be creative, freedom to test new ideas, and the chance to shape the future of our development programme.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with experience working in Individual Giving roles.  You’ll have a proven track record of managing successful direct marketing campaigns from start to finish. You’ll analyse results, test new ideas, and find ways to improve future campaigns.

With great interpersonal skills, you’ll manage a high-performing team, work collaboratively with internal stakeholders and external suppliers to deliver high-quality campaigns and build relationships with supporters. With a creative and enthusiastic approach, you’ll take ownership of your work, shape our individual giving programme, and make a real difference to people living with MS.

We’re committed to equality, diversity and inclusion, and we encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences—especially those with lived experience of MS or disability.

Closing date for applications: 9:00am Monday 13 July 2026

Interested?

PLEASE PRESS THE 'HOW TO APPLY' BUTTON FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Equal Opportunities 
We particularly welcome applications from people with disabilities and or from ethnic minority backgrounds.

We’d be grateful if you downloaded and completed the equality and diversity monitoring form and submit it with your application. 

Disability Confident Employer 
We’re a Disability Confident Employer and we’re committed to promoting equality and diversity.

You can ask for reasonable adjustments as part of both our recruitment and new starter on-boarding processes.

If you need any help or adjustments to apply for this role, please contact us. You can also ask for the application materials to be sent to you in a different format. Such as for them to be sent to you by email or in a larger word format.

More about our employee benefits:
We have a wide range of employee benefits including (but not limited to): 

Encouraging work life balance

• 38 days paid annual leave (including bank holidays), pro-rata for part-time
• More annual leave entitlement, based on length of employment
• Smart working options (with the opportunity to work remotely and find a smart working pattern that suits both you and us) 
• Flexible working options 

Caring for you and your family 

• Generous sick pay entitlement
• More sick pay entitlement, based on length of employment 
• Opportunity to buy and sell annual leave in each calendar year 
• Free access to a GP virtually 24 hours a day/7 days a week allowing you unlimited advice, reassurance and where appropriate diagnosis 
• Enhanced leave for new parents 
• Free access to a confidential 24 hours a day/7 days a week helpline service for both you and your family with a specialist range of support and information
• Special leave options (such as up to 5 days paid leave for domestic or personal emergencies a year)
• 10 days paid disability leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• 10 days paid carers’ leave a year, pro-rata for part-time 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Death in service scheme
• New family-friendly benefits, including paid leave:
  • In the event of miscarriage or still birth 
  • To support fertility treatments
  • For antenatal appointments for both parents

Thinking about your finances 

• Enhanced salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Discounted season ticket loan and interest-free emergency loans
• Give as you earn to support other charities of your choice before tax
• New employee portal including lifestyle savings vouchers and personal wellbeing

Enriching your life at work

• Personalised development plans with a wide range of training courses and opportunities to source additional training options with your line manager
• Yearly internal apprenticeship opportunities
• New, modern offices that embrace working together both in-person and remotely 
• Various opportunities to influence how we internally operate (including surveys, and focus and committee groups) 
• Active and supportive internal employee networking groups for collaboration and peer support 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering for MS Society activities during normal working hours (such as fundraising events, or campaigning in the local community) 
• 2 days paid leave a year for volunteering with other charities during normal

Safeguarding 
We’re committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of everyone who uses our services and we come into contact with.

This is regardless of Gender, Race, Disability, Sexual orientation, Religion or belief, Pregnancy, Gender reassignment.

We recognise our particular responsibility to make sure vulnerable adults and children are protected.

We have measures in place to protect everyone we come into contact with from abuse and maltreatment of all kinds.

Your right to work in the UK 
You must have the right to work in the UK to work in paid employment with us. You’ll need to share documents showing you’re eligible to work in the UK if we offer you employment.

You can find the UK visas and permits granting you the right to work in the UK on the UK Government website. We currently don’t have a Sponsor Licence agreement with the Home Office and aren’t able to support you with your visa applications.

No agencies please.

We are looking for a motivated and personable Philanthropy & Development Officer to join our Income Generation team at Isabel Hospice. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys connecting with supporters, developing partnerships, and helping to grow income that directly supports compassionate hospice care across Hertfordshire.

Working closely with our Corporate Partnerships Manager, you will help develop income from major donors, trusts, foundations, and community audiences. You’ll support the stewardship of supporters, contribute to funding applications, and help us engage new and more diverse communities with the hospice.
 

About the Role

This varied and rewarding role will include:

• Supporting relationships with existing and prospective major donors and supporters
• Researching and preparing applications to trusts & foundations
• Helping to identify and engage new community audiences
• Supporting fundraising income targets and pipeline management
• Working collaboratively across teams to gather stories, impact information, and develop supporter materials
• Maintaining accurate records using Raiser’s Edge CRM
• Representing the hospice at events and engagement activities where appropriate
   

About You

We are looking for someone who is:

• An excellent communicator with strong written and verbal skills
• Confident building relationships with a wide range of people
• Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities
• Passionate about delivering excellent supporter stewardship
• Creative, resilient, and motivated to help grow income
• Committed to the values and mission of hospice care

You may already have experience in fundraising, customer service, community engagement, or another relationship-focused role. Experience using fundraising databases such as Raiser’s Edge would be an advantage.
 

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension and life assurance schemes
• Employee Assistance Programme for health and wellbeing support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Health Service Discounts
• Refer a friend bonus

If you're ready to use your experience and energy to connect communities and make a real impact, we’d love to hear from you!

We reserve the right to close this job earlier if sufficient applications are received, so please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Successful applicants will be required to undertake a DBS check. 

For details of our inclusion statement, please see our website.

Start date: September 2026 

Main Purpose: To provide full-time support to learners within the Building Independence (BI) pathway at The Autism Project (TAP).

The role focuses on enabling learners to develop independence, communication, life skills, and confidence, supporting them to access the curriculum and participate in community-based learning. You will work closely with teaching staff to ensure learners make meaningful progress towards their EHCP outcomes and personal goals.

Information:

Permanent part-time role. Working days are Tues to Fri 9-4pm (6.5hrs a day, allowing half hour unpaid for lunch). 26 hours a week.

Salary is £28,860 per annum (full time 37.5hrs) pro-rata. This is £14.80 per hour (London Living Wage).

Holiday allowance is 37 days per annum plus bank holidays pro-rata.

Holiday can only be taken outside of TAP term times.

Your place of work will be at our classrooms at Larcom House SE17 1RT. 

Flexibility: Term-time working only can be considered, on request.

 Learner Support

1. Support learners to access sessions across the BI pathway, including Functional Skills, PSD, social skills, and independence-based learning.

2. Provide 1:1 and small group support, promoting independence and reducing support where appropriate.

3. Use autism-informed approaches to support communication, sensory, and behavioural needs.

4. Support learners to develop:

o daily living skills

o emotional regulation

o social interaction and communication

5. Apply consistent support strategies to help learners develop coping mechanisms and resilience.

6. To provide personal care support with learners if needed.

Classroom & Curriculum Support

1. Work in partnership with tutors to support lesson delivery and learner engagement.

2. Adapt tasks and resources to meet individual learning needs.

3. Support the implementation of planned learning activities and structured routines.

4. Assist with the preparation of teaching materials and visual supports.

5. Promote a positive and inclusive learning environment.

Independence & Community-Based Learning

1. Support delivery of independence-focused sessions, such as:

o cooking and life skills

o travel training support

o accessing local community services

2. Accompany learners on trips, enrichment activities, and community visits.

3. Support learners to apply skills in real-life contexts and unfamiliar environments.

Behaviour & Wellbeing Support

1. Support learners to manage behaviour positively using agreed strategies.

2. Recognise and respond to anxiety and emotional needs.

3. Contribute to a safe, structured, and predictable environment.

4. Promote wellbeing, confidence, and self-advocacy.

Assessment, Progress & Documentation

1. Support the recording of learner progress and achievements.

2. Contribute to:

o Termly reviews

o EHCP reviews

o Risk assessments and support plans

3. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in line with TAP requirements.

4. Provide feedback to tutors on learner progress and engagement.

Team Working & Communication

1. Work collaboratively with tutors, TAs, and the wider TAP team.

2. Communicate effectively with parents/carers and professionals when required.

3. Contribute to a consistent, person-centred approach across the BI pathway.

Safeguarding & Professional Practice

1. Safeguard all learners and promote their wellbeing at all times.

2. Follow TAP policies including safeguarding, behaviour, health & safety, and equality.

3. Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.

4. Participate in training, supervision, and ongoing professional development.

CareTrade is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of learners and expects all staff, volunteers, and partners to share this commitment. All roles are subject to safer recruitment checks, including an enhanced DBS check (with barred list where applicable), references, verification of identity and qualifications, and proportionate online checks of publicly available information as part of the shortlisting process.

Housing Interventions Worker - Custody based - HMP Swansea and HMP Parc

Location: Bridgend

Salary: £26,339 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent

If you’re an experienced, positive, and solutions-focused individual with a passion for preventing homelessness, reducing reoffending, and supporting meaningful change in the lives of people involved with Criminal Justice services, this could be the ideal role for you.

The service supports individuals with a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement as part of their Community Supervision Licence, helping them prepare for returning to the community upon release. Our service is also available to unsentenced men on remand awaiting sentencing.

About the Role

You’ll be based primarily at HMP Parc (Bridgend) and HMP Swansea, working closely with Probation resettlement colleagues and directly with service users on the prison wings. At times, you may also support the service at HMP Cardiff, HMP Usk, or HMP Prescoed, depending on operational need.

In this role, you’ll deliver housing-focused interventions to improve housing opportunities and prevent homelessness for men on probation or approaching release. You’ll ensure holistic assessments are completed, make onward referrals to specialist services, and work collaboratively with prison, probation, and housing partners to achieve positive outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering 1:1 housing advice and interventions for men in custody or on probation in South Wales
• Completing housing needs assessments and developing structured action plans
• Actively engaging with Camau objectives to prevent homelessness and improve housing options
• Liaising with landlords, agents, and housing providers to source suitable accommodation
• Negotiating tenancy agreements and ensuring all properties meet Rent Smart Wales and safety standards
• Building and maintaining relationships with local authorities, registered social landlords, and private sector partners across Gwent, South Wales, and Dyfed Powys
• Supporting service users to access Forward Connect and other Forward Trust services

What We’re Looking For:

• Strong knowledge of housing and welfare benefits systems
• Experience providing housing or welfare advice to clients
• Proven ability to assess adults with multiple or complex support needs (homelessness, recovery, offending, etc.)
• Experience developing and delivering support plans to help clients sustain tenancies
• Understanding of the challenges faced by individuals in abstinence-based recovery or homelessness

At Forward, we believe in second chances and value lived experience. We encourage applications from people in recovery, those with previous experience of offending, or anyone who has faced homelessness.

All probation-based roles are subject to enhanced DBS checks and HMPPS security vetting. These checks can take up to 6-8 weeks to complete. Any offer of employment will be conditional upon the successful completion of both checks.

Please note if you have lived overseas within the last 5 years then checks may take longer.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits - 

• Flexible working
• Training and development opportunities
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays 
• Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter 
• Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary) 
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Team: Retail 

Location: Based centrally in the South of England, travel multiple times per week 

Work pattern: 35 hours per week, Monday to Friday 

Salary: Up to £31,918.98 per annum + £3,600 car allowance (mileage will also be paid) 

Contract: Permanent

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them. 

Will you join us and make life better for cats? 

Responsibilities of our Regional Support Manager: 

• Drive the efficient operation and performance of our Retail shops within the designated region, increasing income generation whilst setting the standard for Cats Protection retailing excellence. 

• Provide inspirational leadership, tailored training, and hands-on operational support to Shop Managers and teams to achieve growth, improve standards, foster team engagement, and minimise loss. 

• Provide shop coverage to ensure uninterrupted trading across the region, responding to challenges and maintaining business continuity at all times. 

• Champion the Retail Performance Framework, supporting its effective implementation across the region to monitor and enhance performance. 

• Act as a brand ambassador and role model for the charity’s values and behaviours, fostering a culture of compassion, teamwork, and innovation that aligns with our mission to help cats in need. 

About the Retail & Trading team: 

• The Retail and Trading department sits within the Marketing and Income Generation Directorate and comprises a diverse shop estate of 79 shops across England, Scotland and Wales and a growing ecommerce operation. 

• Our operation plays a key role in generating income and introducing audiences to Cats Protection. 

What we’re looking for in our Regional Support Manager:

• Demonstrable experience in multi-site management within retail 

• Proven ability in team management, including recruitment, training, and development of team members 

• Experience with sales targets, cash management, loss prevention, and financial processes 

• Previous project management experience and familiarity with policy implementation 

• Knowledge of health & safety practices in Retail 

• A full UK driving license and access to a car, with flexibility to travel throughout the week 

What we can offer you: 

• a range of health benefits 

• 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service 

• Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing 

• and much more, which you can learn about

Interested? Here’s how to apply: 

Application closing date: 7th July 026 

Virtual interview date: 15th July 2026 

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to. 

If successful, your recruitment journey will include: 

1. Anonymised application form 

2. Virtual interview via Microsoft Teams 

3. Informal meet up

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes. 

Acorns Children’s Hospice provides specialist care and support for babies, children and young people who are life limited or life threatened. Supporting over 750 children and nearly 1,000 families annually, Acorns is a vital lifeline for families across the West Midlands and Gloucestershire during unimaginably difficult times.

Individual Giving is a key pillar of Acorns’ fundraising strategy, delivering sustainable income through supporter retention, stewardship and meaningful donor engagement. Following a recent team restructure and significant investment in the function, Acorns is now looking for an Individual Giving Manager to help shape and grow its retention programme.

Reporting to the Senior Individual Giving Manager, you will manage the delivery of warm fundraising campaigns across a range of channels, including appeals, newsletters, telemarketing, email and regular giving. Contributing to a team income target of c.£1.5m, you will focus on retaining and developing supporters, using data and insight to maximise performance and supporter lifetime value.

This is an exciting opportunity for a driven fundraiser who enjoys testing new ideas, using data to inform decisions and taking ownership of campaign delivery. With strong support from senior leadership and the freedom to put your own stamp on the role, you will play a key role in the future growth of Individual Giving at Acorns.

Hybrid, 2 days per week at preferred location (Birmingham, Worcester or Walsall).

As Individual Giving Manager, you will:

• Deliver multi-channel retention campaigns including appeals, newsletters, telemarketing, email and regular giving activity
• Support a team income target of c.£1.5m by maximising supporter retention and increasing lifetime value
• Develop and grow the mid-value programme for donors giving between £200 and £5,000 annually
• Create tailored supporter journeys, stewardship plans and small-scale events that bring supporters closer to Acorns’ work
• Develop engaging fundraising concepts and write compelling copy across print and digital channels
• Work closely with colleagues across Data, Marcomms and Fundraising to deliver excellent supporter experiences
• Identify opportunities to test new approaches, challenge existing activity and drive continuous improvement

Essential skills and experience: 

• Campaign delivery experience within individual giving, direct marketing or supporter engagement
• Experience using data and insight to improve campaign performance and supporter retention
• Copywriting skills and the confidence to develop fundraising concepts
• Experience managing budgets, forecasts and campaign reporting
• A curious, analytical and test-and-learn mindset
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach and the confidence to work independently
• Experience working across a range of fundraising or marketing channels

Desirable, but not essential:

• Experience working across more than one organisation
• Experience delivering supporter retention programmes
• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of campaign delivery

This role could suit an experienced Individual Giving Officer looking to take the next step in their career. As the team grows line management opportunities may become available.

Benefits include:

• 27 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5 days holiday buyback scheme
• 5% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance scheme (2 x annual salary)
• Retail discounts (including the Blue Light card)
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted gym membership
• Access to expert financial health and wellbeing support

Main purpose of job:To work in the Navigator team supporting individuals who have or are experiencing sexual violence and or sexual abuse. As a first contact worker, you will act as a gateway to both specialist counselling and advocacy services and additional specialist support services in Essex. You will use your considerable experience to provide a high-quality telephone information and support service.

The support you deliver will help individuals on their pathway to wellbeing, recovery, and social inclusion through building trusting and collaborative relationships. You will guide users to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources/interventions.

You will work within a team of first contact navigators under the supervision of a service lead. You will be highly motivated and dedicated, have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision.

Start date: As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary:£26,496 - £28,845 (NJC Scales 12-17) per annum, pro-rata.

Contract: This will be a permanent contract.

Hours: 35 hours per week.  

Place of work: CARA premises in Colchester and some remote home working if a suitable environment is available.  Some travel to other locations in Essex may be required, particularly during the induction period.

Holiday: 25 days per year, pro-rata, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Applications must specifically address each essential and desirable criteria, giving evidence from previous experience or qualifications. 

Application deadline:  10am Friday 24th July 2026 

Interviews:  Week beginning 3rd August 2026

Start date: Immediate, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.

Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1

Job Description

The First Contact Navigator posts will play a central role in the CARA team, ensuring that our service users and other agencies receive a high-quality service from the moment of first contact. You will work as part of a wider team of First Contact Navigators across Essex, based at our Synergy Essex Partner centres. The post liaises with clients, the CARA team and external agencies, providing advice, support and information.

The First Contact Navigator will engage with individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced, sexual violence and or sexual abuse who require information, signposting and short-term support.  You will be the first contact and conduct first meetings, managing your own caseload and co-ordinating personalised support for individuals on their pathway to wellbeing. You will have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision. You will support people who use CARA services to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources. You will work collaboratively with service users, the CARA team and other professional agencies to navigate and coordinate services.  

At the outset, the main responsibilities of the post will be:

• To act as a first point of contact for new referrals and enquiries, providing information, emotional support, advice and signposting.
• To complete first contact calls and assessments with clients over the telephone, assessing client needs and suitabilty for services.
• To ensure information about new referrals/enquiries is accurately recorded on CARA’s database in real time.
• To work collaboratively and build trust with service users, agencies, personal and professional support networks to collate relevant information to effect individualised support requirements.
• To assess and engage service users not currently engaged in appropriate specialist sexual violence services.
• To seek and respond to referrals from a variety of internal and external sources.
• To assist survivors and relatives/supporters of survivors in understanding the range of resources and services available to them.
• To support service users to engage effectively with appropriate services to meet their individual needs and aspirations.
• To identify and respond to any safeguarding concerns
• To work as a link between clients, CARA staff and external agencies, ensuring appropriate information is passed on.
• To work closely with the Essex-wide team of First Contact Navigators and Information and Referral Coordinators to ensure effective referral processes across Essex.
• To act as a point of contact for external agencies making referrals to CARA, answering queries about our referral process.
• To cover the enquiry line and the office phone and deal with enquiries as required.
• To pro-actively promote CARA’s services to external agencies, ensuring they are aware of our referral procedures.
• To contribute to development of promotional information, to ensure information about the referral process is clear and accessible.
• To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.
• To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.
• To report to the Service Engagement Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports.
• To be administratively self-servicing.
• To undertake any other related activities as required by the Head of Operations, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy Essex

CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.