164 Independence support services manager jobs

To provide high-quality and comprehensive advice, information, practical and advocacy support relating to domestic and other forms of gender-based violence perpetrated against Black and minoritised women and children. To provide efficient and high-quality administrative support in managing the Central Pot, a key fund that supports women with no recourse to public funds (NRPF) and other exceptional needs. This includes overseeing the Central Pot inbox, assessing and approving applications, maintaining financial and case management records, and contributing to monitoring and reporting requirements.

To assist with educational, developmental, policy and campaigning work arising from advice and casework.

To promote the aims and objectives of SBS as a specialist organisation for Black and minoritised women and children.

Why work with Southall Black Sisters?

Southall Black Sisters is committed to providing a supportive working environment, where team members feel valued, empowered and safe. To that end, we provide an excellent package of employee benefits including:

• Generous annual leave entitlement 
• Hybrid working 
• Enhanced pension contribution
• Enhanced sick pay
• Subsidised public transport season ticket
• A comprehensive Employee Assistance Programme, including access to confidential support from MBACP therapists 
• Clinical supervision with an MBACP therapist to explore issues arising from casework
• A focus on continued learning and development through accredited training delivered by experts in their field
• Organisation-wide away days
• Career development pathways and support
• The opportunity to learn and grow within an organisation renowned for inspiring political activism and campaigning successes
• Employer eye care scheme

To Apply

Submit a completed application form along with the optional equal opportunities monitoring form by the application deadline. Please do not send us your CV as this will not be considered.

Please note, incomplete applications will not be considered.

Harris Hill are thrilled to be working with a well-established community charity in North West London, seeking an experienced Interim Advice Manager to lead a vital advice service supporting people experiencing poverty, hardship and food insecurity.

Brent, London (Hybrid) | £36,565–£41,000 per annum
Fixed term until 30 September 2027, with possibility of extension

The charity provides frontline services that help people move from crisis towards greater stability and independence.

About the role

You will lead the Advice and Open ARMS services across multiple sites, managing staff and volunteers delivering advice on benefits, housing, debt and immigration.

Alongside overseeing day-to-day delivery, you will support service development, quality assurance and improvements to systems and processes. You will also maintain a small caseload and work closely with the Senior Leadership Team.

Key responsibilities

• Manage and support advice staff and volunteers, including supervision and performance management.
• Maintain a small caseload, supporting clients with complex needs.
• Ensure high-quality, compliant advice and effective safeguarding.
• Act as the Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Lead on quality assurance, case checking, AQS audits and case management systems.
• Develop Advice and Open ARMS services in line with organisational strategy.
• Support funding applications, reporting and monitoring of outcomes.
• Manage the service budget and funder requirements.
• Support the induction, supervision and development of advice volunteers.

About you

You will be an experienced advice professional and confident manager, committed to supporting people experiencing hardship.

You will have:

• At least three years' experience in welfare advice or casework.
• Experience managing staff and volunteers.
• Experience handling complex advice cases and developing services.
• Experience with monitoring, evaluation and case management systems.
• Experience responding to safeguarding concerns.
• Knowledge of AQS or a similar quality framework.
• Excellent communication, organisational and IT skills.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and lead change.

Experience working with refugees and asylum seekers, AQS assessments, safeguarding training, budget management, fundraising or community languages would be desirable.

For more information, please submit your CV.

Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

We’re looking for someone inspirational, approachable, open-minded, with great communication skills and a genuine passion for supporting people experiencing mental health difficulties, their families, friends and their carers to live their best lives.

If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.

As our current CEO prepares for retirement, we are looking for someone new to lead our organisation with the kindness and professionalism we’re known for.

For more than 30 years, Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Mind has supported people across the Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Local Authority areas and the Hywel Dda University Health Board region.

Mental health challenges affect people from all walks of life, and the need for accessible, person-centred support continues to grow. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and other long-term mental health difficulties remain some of the most common health issues faced by individuals, families, and communities.

Compassionate, local mental health support can make a meaningful difference, we help people build resilience, maintain independence, and find hope during difficult times.

Across the UK, many people experience significant impacts on their daily lives, relationships, and wellbeing because of mental health problems. The wider effects on families, carers, and support networks can also be profound, highlighting the importance of early help, ongoing support, and community-based services.

Who we’re looking for:

• We’re looking for an experienced, confident and compassionate leader who can balance people, purpose and performance.
• You will be responsible for implementing the organisation’s strategy, as set by the Board of Trustees, leading staff and volunteers, overseeing services and finances, and ensuring strong governance and compliance.
• You’ll need strong knowledge and understanding of NHS and Local Authority structures, as well as health and social care legislation in Wales.
• You will maintain our welcoming, inclusive culture while planning for the future by identifying opportunities, building new partnerships and income streams, managing risk, and ensuring the charity’s financial sustainability.
• You will be a great listener, ensuring that our community feels heard. You will amplify their voices locally, regionally and nationally. These views will also inform the design, development and delivery of all our high-quality services

Application Resources

For Job Role specifics and more about us please see our CEO Recruitment Pack

Application Instructions

Ready to lead?

If you are interested in becoming Pembrokeshire and Carmarthen Mind’s next permanent Chief Executive Officer, please complete our application form and attach your CV. The application form can be found on our website.

For Full Application Instructions and more about us please see our CEO Recruitment Pack

Closing date for this role will be at 12:00 midday on 30/09/26

Interviews for this role will be held on week commencing 19/10/26

Accountable to: Support Team Manager

Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (including evening and weekend hours on a rota)

Contract type: Permanent

Salary: £26,750

Location: Loughborough, England (Travel required to all Baca Services locations)

Start date: September 2026

Help Change Young Lives

At Baca, we support young people who have fled war, persecution, and trafficking, providing safe housing, education, and therapeutic care to help them rebuild their lives.

As a Support Worker, you will be a key worker for several young people in Baca's care, providing high-quality holistic and therapeutic support for their transition to adulthood. You will deliver services in line with Baca’s Theory of Change, ensuring the highest quality outcomes in physical and emotional wellbeing, education, employment, training, social engagement, and personal safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support young people using trauma-informed approaches (including PACE and recovery models)

• Promote safety and safeguard young people from exploitation and harm

• Support emotional wellbeing, independence, and life skills development

• Encourage engagement in education, training, and community activities

• Maintain accurate and compliant records

• Work closely with social workers, schools, and partner agencies

• Contribute to a reflective, learning-focused team culture

• Be a role model, offering care and compassion without discrimination.

• Plan and participate in day trips and annual residential weeks.

About you:

• Alignment with Baca’s values and mission.

• Ability to respond to change and work as part of a diverse team.

• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take initiative.

• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and issues faced by unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people.

• Relevant training or willingness to complete essential training within the first year.

• Experience working with young people, especially in cross-cultural settings.

• Excellent communication, organisational, and ICT skills.

• Driving licence and access to a car.

• Enhanced DBS check required.

You will be:

• Approachable, reliable, and a strong team worker.

• Supportive, responsible, and personable.

• Flexible and able to work occasional evenings and weekends.

What We Offer

• The chance to make a meaningful difference

• A supportive, values-driven team

• 33 days’ holiday (pro rata), pension, wellbeing support, and more

How to Apply

If you are passionate about creating lasting change for young people and have the skills needed, we would love to hear from you.

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK. You must also be able to legally drive in the UK for this role.

Successful candidates will be asked to apply for an Enhanced DBS Certificate including a check of the children’s barred list.

Are you someone who thrives on making a genuine difference to people’s lives? Do you have experience working in health, social care or the voluntary sector and want to play a vital role in improving how older people access the support they need? If so, we would love to hear from you.

Age UK Bromley & Greenwich is seeking a dedicated and compassionate Care Navigator to join our expanding team in partnership with Oxleas NHS Trust. Based at Memorial Hospital in Woolwich, you will be embedded within a multi-disciplinary team working on the Proactive and Frailty pathways. Your focus will be on supporting older people with complex needs, helping them navigate health and social care systems, and connecting them to relevant services across the community.

This is a key role that sits at the heart of person-centred care. You will attend multi-disciplinary team meetings, work alongside professionals including GPs, case managers and mental health staff, and spend time speaking directly with patients and their families. Your role will be to truly listen, identify what matters most to the individual, and help them take practical steps towards better health, independence and wellbeing.

Key responsibilities include:

• Attending Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) meetings and contributing to holistic care planning

• Working with patients to understand their needs, provide emotional support and signpost to local services

• Liaising with a wide range of professionals across the NHS, social care and voluntary sectors

• Inputting information into systems including RIO and Framework I, with training provided

• Keeping accurate records and contributing to service evaluation and improvement

We are looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in health, social care or voluntary sector settings

• Empathetic and a confident communicator

• Able to build strong relationships with a range of professionals and clients

• Organised, reliable and motivated by positive outcomes for others

• Comfortable working independently and as part of a team

• Passionate about supporting older people to live well and with dignity

This role offers the opportunity to be part of a well-respected local charity with a strong values-led culture. You will be joining a supportive team that values collaboration, creativity and kindness. As a Care Navigator, your work will have a direct impact on people’s lives at a time when they are most vulnerable.

For the full person spec and job description please download the job pack.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Service Managerto play a pivotal role in Crisis Recovery Housein Thanet, Kent

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

As Service Manager, you will have overall responsibility for the leadership, performance and continuous development of TRH, ensuring the delivery of a safe, welcoming and person-centred crisis service that provides an effective alternative to hospital admission. You will lead a recovery-focused, psychologically informed and strengths-based model of support, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements, legislation, safeguarding responsibilities and Hestia's quality standards. Working closely with clinical, statutory and community partners, you will drive service improvement through the use of data, outcomes, resident feedback and learning, while maintaining effective risk management, safeguarding and governance processes. You will provide visible, values-led leadership to the team, overseeing workforce planning, recruitment, retention and development to ensure the service remains well staffed and equipped to deliver high-quality support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

What do I need to bring with me?

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

We're looking for an experienced and values-driven leader with a strong background in managing mental health, housing, social care, crisis or other complex-needs services. You will have a proven track record of leading high-performing teams, managing service delivery against contractual requirements, KPIs and quality standards, and overseeing budgets and resources effectively. The successful candidate will bring substantial experience of safeguarding, risk management, quality assurance and partnership working with NHS, local authority, voluntary sector and community organisations. You will have a strong understanding of recovery-focused, strengths-based, trauma-informed and psychologically informed approaches, alongside a commitment to co-production and involving people with lived experience in service development. A sound knowledge of relevant mental health, safeguarding, health and safety, social care and welfare legislation is essential, as is the ability to assess and review risk and support plans, maintain accurate records, and utilise IT systems to produce high-quality reports and data.

Interview Steps

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

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

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

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

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

We are a disability confident employer

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

Safeguarding Statement

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

Important Information for Candidates

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

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

Farm Discovery Programme Manager

Salary: £40,170 | Home-based | 35 hours per week | Permanent

This is a varied senior role combining programme leadership, team and contract management, quality assurance, safeguarding, data and financial oversight, partnership development and programme improvement.

You’ll ensure our Farm Discovery team has the clarity, support and resources they need to deliver consistently high-quality educational experiences for children from disadvantaged communities. You’ll also use data, feedback and evaluation to improve the programme, develop partnerships and contribute to its future growth and development.

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a strong track record in programme management and leading complex delivery
• Is outstanding at enabling and leading educators and dispersed teams
• Understands the primary education context in England
• Can build strong relationships with schools, farmers, funders and partners
• Has experience of quality, safeguarding, health and safety and risk management
• Is confident using data, managing budgets and improving systems and processes
• Can communicate effectively and work collaboratively across an organisation
• Shares our commitment to creating meaningful opportunities for children experiencing disadvantage

The role is home-based, with regular travel across England and North Wales, including overnight stays, an essential part of the role. Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses are covered.

Hours: 35 hours per week, with flexible working arrangements considered, including slightly reduced or compressed hours for the right candidate.

Closing date: Thursday 8 October 2026, midday.
CVs not accepted for this role. Please see our website for more information.

Change Mental Health is looking for a Senior Practitioner to join our team in Invergordon, supporting people through both our community Hub and Outreach services.

You’ll combine direct mental health support with day-to-day guidance and supervision for Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioners. You won’t hold overall management responsibility for the service, but you’ll be an experienced point of contact for colleagues and help maintain consistently high-quality, person-centred practice. 

About the role

You’ll work directly with people experiencing mental illness, helping them build confidence, resilience and greater independence.

The role includes structured 1:1 support, group activities, personal and outcome-focused planning, community engagement and outreach support. You’ll also provide guidance and supervision to colleagues, support reflective practice and contribute to the continued development of our services. 

Essential

•  Experience providing community-based, recovery-focused or non-clinical mental health support. 
•  Experience delivering structured 1:1 support and developing or reviewing personal plans. 
•  Strong communication skills and the ability to build positive professional relationships. 
•  Understanding of risk assessment and safe decision-making. 
• SVQ Level 3 Social Services and Healthcare (Adults) or willingness to work towards this if required. 
• SSSC registration, or willingness to register within the required timescale. 

Desirable

•  Experience providing guidance, support or supervision to staff. 
•  Experience working within a registered service and meeting SSSC requirements. 
•  Experience facilitating groups or community-based mental health activities. 
•  Knowledge of local services, referral pathways and community supports.

The post is typically worked Tuesday to Thursday, 9am–5pm, with some flexibility occasionally required to meet service needs.

What we offer

• 37 days’ annual leave (pro rata) 
• Two paid Mental Wellbeing Days
• Enhanced sick pay and leave entitlements
• Professional development, including funded opportunities 
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, including legal, financial and medical support 
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Blue Light Card eligibility
•  A supportive approach to flexible working and work-life balance

If you’re an experienced practitioner who enjoys supporting both people accessing services and the colleagues around you, we’d love to hear from you.

We are recruiting for two Information and Advice Adviser vacancies.
One post is 21 hours (3 days) per week and the other is 28 hours (4 days) per week. Applicants should indicate their preferred working pattern in their application. 

Age UK Kensington and Chelsea is seeking motivated and compassionate Information and Advice Advisers to join our dedicated team. Our Information and Advice service provides high-quality, rights-based information, advice and advocacy to older people across the borough, helping them navigate issues relating to welfare benefits, social care, housing, and other areas that affect their wellbeing and independence.

As an Information and Advice Adviser, you will manage your own caseload, providing person-centred support through a variety of channels including face-to-face appointments, home visits, telephone, email and digital platforms. You will work closely with colleagues, volunteers, statutory services and community partners to ensure older people receive accurate information, practical assistance and tailored support to access their rights and entitlements. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of older people, helping them overcome challenges, achieve positive outcomes and remain connected to their communities.

The successful candidate will be highly organised, able to work independently, and committed to delivering excellent customer service. You will also play an important role in promoting the service, maintaining high-quality records, supporting volunteers, and contributing to the wider work of Age UK Kensington and Chelsea to improve the lives of older people throughout the borough.

We will be interviewing as we receive applicants, please don't hold off applying!

Due to the volume of applications, we will not be able to respond to unsuccessful candidates.

Help us build Pathway to Protection CIC from the ground up and create a service that can make a meaningful difference to victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

We are seeking an experienced, hands-on Project Manager to turn an ambitious social-impact vision into an operational, referral-ready and funding-ready organisation.

About Pathway to Protection CIC

Pathway to Protection CIC is a newly established Community Interest Company being developed to provide a single point of contact and coordinated pathway of support for victims and survivors of domestic abuse.

Our aim is to develop referral pathways with the police, domestic abuse refuges, local authorities, social services, healthcare providers and other statutory and voluntary-sector organisations.

Following appropriate assessment and safeguarding, individuals will be supported to access relevant specialist services, including refuge and housing support, advocacy, counselling, welfare assistance and legal advice and representation.

Where legal assistance is required, we intend to establish a transparent and independent panel/referral network of suitably experienced solicitors and law firms, preserving client choice and the independence of the CIC.

The Role

This is a hands-on development role. Working closely with the Founder/Director, you will take a leading role in building the infrastructure required to launch the organisation.

Key responsibilities will include:

• developing and implementing a clear project plan for launching the CIC;

• designing referral, intake, triage and onward-referral pathways;

• developing safeguarding, confidentiality, data protection and case-management policies and procedures;

• building relationships and referral pathways with police, refuges, local authorities, social services, healthcare providers and other relevant organisations;

• developing a transparent framework for a panel/network of independent solicitors and specialist service providers;

• identifying and developing strategic partnerships;

• researching suitable grants, trusts, foundations, commissioning opportunities and other funding streams;

• developing a funding pipeline and preparing high-quality grant, bid and commissioning applications;

• assisting with budgets, monitoring frameworks, outcomes and evidence of impact required by funders;

• supporting appropriate governance and operational structures; and

• establishing clear and measurable milestones towards sustainable service delivery.

About You

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following:

• project or programme management within the charity, CIC, voluntary or public sector;

• establishing or developing a charity, CIC, community service or social-impact project;

• domestic abuse or Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) services;

• safeguarding and multi-agency working;

• grant and bid writing, fundraising or commissioning; and

• partnership and stakeholder development.

Previous success in securing grant or commissioned funding would be a significant advantage.

Knowledge of domestic abuse referral pathways, IDVA services, MARAC and multi-agency safeguarding arrangements would also be highly desirable.

You should be proactive, organised and capable of taking ownership of a project from concept through to implementation, with excellent written communication, project-planning and stakeholder-management skills.

What Success Will Look Like

By the end of the initial six-month contract, we expect substantial progress towards:

• an established operational and safeguarding framework;

• functioning referral and case-management processes;

• relationships with key referral partners;

• an independent legal referral/panel framework;

• a clear funding strategy and active funding pipeline;

• grant and commissioning applications submitted or in development; and

• a practical plan for sustainable service delivery.

Contract

6-month fixed-term contract
Part-time – 3 days per week (approximately 21 hours)
Watford, Hertfordshire / Hybrid
Salary: £42,000–£48,000 FTE, pro rata, depending on experience

A formal review will take place after three months. There may be an opportunity for extension subject to satisfactory performance, organisational requirements and funding.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a covering statement outlining your relevant experience, particularly in project development, domestic abuse/VAWG or safeguarding services, grant funding, commissioning and multi-agency partnership working.

Please include an example of a project or service you have helped take from concept to implementation and confirm your availability to commence the role.

Closing date: 5:00 pm, Monday 14 September 2026.

Applications may be reviewed during the advertising period and suitable candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date. Early applications are encouraged.

Pathway to Protection CIC is committed to equality, diversity, inclusion and safeguarding.

No recruitment agencies, please.

Activities and Events Officer

Are you passionate about helping older people stay connected, active, and engaged in their local community? Age UK Kensington and Chelsea is looking for an enthusiastic and organised Activities and Events Officer to support the delivery of a vibrant programme of activities, clubs, courses, trips, and events designed to reduce isolation and loneliness among older people.

In this rewarding role, you will help create welcoming and inclusive opportunities that enable older people to build confidence, form meaningful friendships, learn new skills, and maintain their independence.

Working closely with colleagues, volunteers and community partners, you will play an important part in planning and delivering activities that promote wellbeing, social connection, and a sense of belonging.

If you are confident and a people-focused individual with excellent organisational skills and a commitment to improving the lives of older people, we would love to hear from you!!

We are interviewing on a rolling basis, so pleae don't delay applying! 
Unfortunately we're unable to respond to all unsuccessful applicants.

£28,188 - £29,355 per annum, once 6 month probation is passed.
Permanent, Full Time (37.5 hours per week on a 24hrs shift system)

Additional payment of £30 per night for the on-call cover duties. 

Here at Stockdales, we endeavour to provide a family orientated service that meets the needs of all the people we support through holistic assessment.

We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Residential Assistant Manager to help deliver high-quality, person-centred support while assisting with the day-to-day leadership of the service. Working alongside the Service Manager, you will support the smooth running of the home, maintain high standards of care, safety and compliance, and act as a positive role model for the team.

The role includes leading and mentoring staff, supporting rota management and administrative tasks, contributing to audits and quality monitoring and ensuring care plans, risk assessments and records are accurate and up to date. You will promote best practice in safeguarding, support compliance with CQC and relevant legislation and help develop a skilled and confident team through training and guidance.

You will work closely with families and professionals to support people’s health, wellbeing and independence, while responding calmly and effectively in a range of situations. The role may include supporting people in the community, undertaking clinical duties once trained and assisting with transport where required.

About You

• Experience in residential care (1+ year in a senior/supervisory role)
• NVQ Level 3 in Residential (Level 5 desirable or willingness to work towards it)
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and relevant legislation
• Effective leadership and communication skills
• Flexible and resilient approach to work
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office (Word & Excel)
• A full driving licence and access to a vehicle

About Us

Stockdales is a local charity based in Sale, just south of Manchester City Centre. We have over 70 years’ experience supporting people with learning and physical disabilities to live life to the full. Our 5 care homes have up to 7 residents and our busy Community Service has weekly sessions, a social club and a weekend kids club. 

What you will receive whilst working for us:

• 28 days holiday per year pro rata inclusive of bank holidays
• Increased holiday entitlement with service
• Pension Scheme
• Medicash – includes access to 24hr GP, money off shopping and going out, wellbeing aids.
• Life Insurance Scheme (after 6-month probation)
• Excellent internal and external training offered.
• Monthly staff prize draw
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to Wage Stream

The Housing First Worker will be responsible for coordinating and providing a person centred, strength based support service to create long term sustainable tenancies by empowering customers, increasing independence, and maximising connectivity with the local community.

All activity will be underpinned by the following Housing First Principles:

1. People have the right to a home

2. Flexible support is provided for as long as it is needed

3. Housing and support are separate

4. People have choice and control over all aspects of their lives

5. The service is based upon individual’s strengths, goals, and aspirations

6. An active engagement approach is used

7. A harm reduction approach is used.

Reporting to the Housing First Team Leader, the Housing First Worker is responsible for coordinating and providing a personalised, trauma informed support service to people with complex needs facing multiple exclusion in line with Housing First Principles.

Organisation Context:

Oasis Community Housing (OCH) is a Christian response to homelessness and disadvantage providing housing, support and other specialised services. The support provided aims to develop life skills that will enable people to live successful independent lives.

Oasis Community Housing is part of the Oasis group of charities. The group includes national charities dedicated to education, housing, and campaigning against human trafficking and we work to a common vision of creating communities in which everyone can thrive and reach their God-given potential.

We welcome applicants from all faiths or none, but it is important that all employees understand and sympathise with the Christian vision, ethos, and culture of the organization. However, it will be an 1 occupational requirement that a practising Christian be needed for some specified roles. This will be highlighted in the qualifications section of the job description and will be clearly stated in the job advert.

Oasis Community Housing is a growing charity, with its Central Office in Gateshead. 

Duties & Responsibilities:

• To assist the Project Team Leader/senior worker in ensuring holistic (mental, physical, emotional, spiritual) support is provided to people in accordance with the ethos and values of Oasis Community Housing. 

• Work with Housing First individuals to help them articulate their goals and aspirations offering personal, therapeutic, and emotional support. The work will be informed by core Housing First principles.

• Undertake comprehensive needs and risk assessments with each allocated resident. 

• Develop and maintain relationships with Housing First individuals to enable person centred support, promoting personal choice and wellbeing. This will be done through regular contact, including visits to individuals’ homes and appropriate community settings.

• Be adaptive and flexible, resilient to challenges and rejections, to support the stability and progression of Housing First individuals to achieve personalised outcomes. 

• Liaise with accommodation providers and actively encourage Housing First individuals to move into appropriate Housing First accommodation of their choice. 

• Identify barriers to acquiring and maintaining accommodation and provide support, including practical help with furniture, benefits advice, budgeting, neighbour relations and liaising with landlords.

• Offer advice, guidance, and support on ways in which substance misuse and other harmful activities can be practiced more safely. This includes anticipating and supporting the reduction of harmful challenges while maximising opportunities.

• Support individuals in attending AA/NA and taking first steps to address their substance misuse issues.

• Be empowered and persistent in advocating for individuals to access all services, including reconciliation work with agencies, if required. 

• Develop, maintain and coordinate effective working relationships with external agencies, promoting effective communication for and about individuals ensuring the Housing First project is widely known and promoted.

• Identify cases requiring further help (specialist advice, alternative support) referring and supporting engagement as appropriate.

• Support individuals to access community resources to develop positive peer networks and meaningful leisure opportunities, including social, recreational, sport, faith, learning and arts.

• Regularly review individuals support plans to update, maintain accurate monitoring and evaluation records using InForm, including detailed information on people worked with.

• Actively participate in achieving targets as set by the Housing First senior/Manager. 

• Actively engage with supervision with line manager, including review of training needs. 

• To be responsible and accountable for the delivery of high-quality support.

• Undertake any other duties consistent with the role. 

• To assist in the recording of access to, participation in and evaluation of services; to encourage and facilitate consultation and participation at all levels of service development. 

• Supporting in the active participation of people resident in Housing First project design, delivery, and evaluation 

• Providing support in the process surrounding the refusal of applicants and move on decisions for Housing First referrals. 

• To be involved with, and facilitate, group work activities e.g. Life and Employability Skills Workshops, Social Events, Personal Development Programme activities and keep records of such activities. 

• To ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are adhered to in your practices, and that concerns are reported appropriately and expediently.

• To signpost and support people to access other professional services.

Personal Specification/Key Competencies:

Qualifications:

• Relevant qualification to NVQ Level 2 (Desirable)

• Professional qualification in a related field (housing management, social work etc.) (Desirable)

Work Experience:

• At least 2 years’ experience as a support worker (Essential) 

• Good understanding of housing first principles. 

• Experience of using person centred support plans (Essential) 

• An awareness of the impact of worklessness on homeless people (Desirable) 

• Knowledge of drug and alcohol misuse (Essential) 

• Knowledge of mental health issues (Desirable) 

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Job title: Lived Experience Facilitator – Peer Support
Post no: 669
Area covered: Central Bedfordshire and Bedford (Dunstable, Biggleswade, Leighton Buzzard and Ampthill and Bedford)
Hours: 15 hours per week. Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
Working pattern: Tuesday – (HQ Flitwick 10am to 12pm) and (Ampthill) 12pm to 3pm, Wednesday – HQ (Flitwick) 10am to 3pm, Friday – 10am to 3pm (Biggleswade) OR (10am to 3pm) Leighton Buzzard
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £24,454.04 per annum FTE (£9,913.80 per annum actual for 15 hours per week)

About the Role and the Service

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join our Peer Support service for Central Bedfordshire and Bedford.

As a Lived Experience Facilitator, you will be at the heart of the service, using your lived experience of mental health difficulties and recovery to facilitate and guide peer support group sessions.

You will also hold a one to one mentoring caseload, using your lived experience to empower people to take meaningful, practical steps in their recovery, supporting them to building confidence, resilience and independence within their communities.

In addition, you will assess individuals’ suitability for the service and signpost to wider services where necessary. There will also be opportunity to support events in the community to raise awareness of Mind BLMK services and build professional relationships with local organisations.

About You

You will need to be empathetic, energetic and deliver a person-centred approach in a non-judgemental way, collaborating with people to empower and engage them.

The successful candidate will work with the Bedfordshire Wellbeing Hub Service Manager to ensure that the Peer Support service is delivered effectively in line with best practice.

You have an understanding of Peer Support, a minimum of 2 years’ experience working with people with mental health needs and supporting recovery as well as personal lived experience of mental health challenges and recovery You can build constructive working relationships with a wide range of people, including those from culturally diverse communities.

A strong communicator, you are able to build positive peer relationships, maintain professional boundaries, manage challenging situations calmly, and work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team. You are committed to empowering others, embracing lived experience as a valuable asset, and are comfortable using IT systems and travelling across Bedfordshire to deliver services.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Optional Health Plan
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: Monday 28th September 2026 at 5pm
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.