Social welfare jobs

Annual Leave: 25 days plus 8 bank holidays pro rata per annum from 1st January to 31st December. This rises to 30 days pro rata over the next 5 years.

We have an exciting opportunity to join our Debt Team!

Are you an experienced caseworker who has a strong background in the delivery of high-quality advice and a good working knowledge of debt advice?

Role purpose

• To contribute towards the delivery of a comprehensive debt advice service for clients, in line with the requirements of our contractual obligations.
• Taking responsibility for the delivery of individual and team targets and outcomes.
• To undertake high quality Social Policy work at local, regional and national level

For a job pack contact us.

CV’s are not accepted. Previous applicants need not apply.

Closing Date: Wednesday 22nd July 2026 at 12 noon

Interview Date: Tuesday 28th July 2026

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of young carers?

We are looking for new sessional workers to join our Young Carers team. Our sessional workers play a key role in supporting the delivery of a programme of activities designed for our young carers aged 5 to 15 and the delivery of monthly peer support groups and activities for young adult carers aged 16 to 21.

Carers’ Hub plays a vital role in Lambeth, supporting unpaid carers across the borough with 1-1 and peer support, signposting, monthly forums, training, workshops and social activities. Our young carers team works with children from the age of 5 upwards, offering support and information to young carers and their families. Adventure, friendship and support are super-important for young carers, so we split our work into four areas:

1. We organise a mixture of exciting activities throughout the year

2. We run monthly young carers groups – a space to relax and have fun

3. We provide a listening ear and relevant help to young carers and  their families

4. We run dedicated projects working with schools to support young carers with their education

If you are passionate about delivering exciting activities and focused interventions to children and young people, we would love to hear from you. 

Please note, the majority of hours available will be during school holidays and the occasional weekend.

Closing date: 9am, Friday 10 July

Interview date: Wednesday 22 July

Join GMWSA and help women build positive futures after prison

The Greater Manchester Women’s Support Alliance (GMWSA) is looking for a passionate and motivated Link Worker to support women who have experienced multiple recalls to custody and are preparing for release from HMP Styal.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist, women-centred organisation committed to delivering trauma-responsive, gender-specific support to women facing multiple disadvantage.

Working directly with women in custody, you will support them to overcome barriers to successful resettlement, reconnect with services in their local communities, and build the foundations for a more stable future.

About the Role

As the HMP Styal Link Worker, you will provide one-to-one support to women from Greater Manchester who have been recalled to custody. Many of the women you will work with will have experienced trauma, domestic abuse, poor mental health, homelessness, substance misuse, family separation, and other complex challenges.

You will:

• Build trusting relationships with women whilst they are in custody.
• Assess individual needs and develop person-centred support plans.
• Support women to prepare for release and reintegration into their communities.
• Link women into local Women’s Centres, housing providers, and specialist support services.
• Work closely with prison staff, probation, housing providers and community organisations.
• Provide practical and emotional support before and immediately after release where required.
• Advocate on behalf of women to ensure they can access the services and support they need.

This role requires someone who can combine empathy, resilience and strong professional boundaries while working in a challenging but highly rewarding environment.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about supporting women and understands the challenges faced by those involved in the criminal justice system.

You will ideally have:

• Experience of supporting vulnerable adults with complex needs.
• Experience in advocacy, support work, case management or related roles.
• An understanding of trauma-responsive and strengths-based approaches.
• Knowledge of issues affecting women involved in the criminal justice system.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• The ability to work independently and manage a varied caseload.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

We welcome applications from women with lived experience of the criminal justice system and will support successful candidates through the required vetting processes.

Why Join GMWSA?

GMWSA is a partnership of Women’s Centres and specialist organisations working across Greater Manchester to support women facing multiple disadvantage.

We believe in:

• Trauma-responsive and evidence-led practice
• Women’s voices shaping services
• Partnership and collaboration
• Equality, diversity and inclusion
• Empowerment, dignity and respect

You’ll be joining a team committed to helping women overcome barriers, reduce reoffending and create lasting positive change.

Important Information

This post is open to women only and is exempt under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 (occupational requirement).

The successful candidate will be required to undertake:

• Enhanced DBS check
• BPSS clearance
• HMPPS prison vetting and barring processes (Enhanced Check Levels 1 and 2)

A full driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential.

How to Apply

Please download and complete the application form and return it by 12 noon on Thursday 2nd July 2026.

The recruitment pack and application form can be accessed via our website by clicking the "Redirect to Recruiter" button.

Please note that we do not accept CVs or covering letters in place of an application form.

Application deadline: 12 noon, Thursday 2nd July 2026

Interview Date: TBC

Day Opportunities Senior Manager 

Are you ready to lead a service where people come first?

At London Ability, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to live a full and valued life, with meaningful experiences, real choices and the right support to achieve their potential. We work in partnership with the people we support, recognising strengths, encouraging independence and always putting our clients at the heart of what we do.

Our strapline, “It’s what you can do that matters.” is more than just words on page, it’s the belief that underpins everything we do, and reflected in our values and the way we work.

Over the last 40 years, we have provided services and support for adults with Learning Disabilities, Autism and additional physical and sensory disabilities, working alongside our clients to create meaningful opportunities, encourage independence and recognise everyone’s strengths and potential.

We’re equally committed to creating a great place to work and in 2024, London Ability received national recognition from Investor in People as one of the UK’s Top 20 Employers.

We’re now looking for a passionate, positive, values-driven Day Opportunities Manager to lead one of our community-based services and help shape the next chapter of our journey.

What Makes Us Different:

Clients are at the heart of everything we do

We work to ensure that our clients are at the heart of every decision we make, with their voices helping to shape the services and opportunities we provide.

Monday to Friday working

Enjoy a healthy work-life balance with no regular evenings or weekends.

Supportive leadership

Be part of an experienced, welcoming organisation where collaboration and mutual support are valued.

Lead an established and respected service

Build on strong foundations, supporting the continued development of a well-regarded service while helping to shape its future.

A great place to work

Benefit from an Employee Assistance Programme, staff recognition awards, subsidised meals, birthday leave and our Christmas shutdown.

Well-connected location

Based in East London, with on-site parking available and excellent transport links via Leyton and Stratford.

Competitive salary and benefits

Recognising the responsibility and impact of your leadership role.

What You’ll Be Doing

As Day Opportunities Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day operation and management of our service, ensuring that the people we support receive high-quality, meaningful and personalised opportunities.You will lead and develop a committed team, foster a positive and inclusive culture, and ensure the service continues to evolve and grow.

As a senior manager, you will also contribute to the wider success of the organisation and provide support and deputise for colleagues when required.

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who genuinely lives our values and can inspire others to do the same.

You’ll bring:

• A passion for supporting people to live full and meaningful lives.

• Previous leadership or management experience working with adults with disabilities in day opportunities or a similar setting.

• The ability to lead, motivate and develop a dedicated team.

• Strong organisational and administrative skills.

• A proactive, positive and solution-focused approach.

• The confidence to build positive relationships with the people we support, their families and professionals.

• Knowledge of relevant legislation, safeguarding and quality standards.

Why This Role Stands Out

• Join an organisation where values aren’t just words — they shape everyday practice.

• Be genuinely supported by an experienced, welcoming and collaborative management team.

• Help create services, activities and opportunities that empower adults with disabilities to thrive and develop skills.

• Play a leading role in the future of an organisation that has been making a difference for over four decades.

Location: East London

Hours: Monday to Friday

Salary: £49,000

Closing Date: 10 July 

If you’re an inspiring leader who believes that great services are built through partnership, respect and empowerment we’d love to hear from you. 

Get in touch if you'd like an informal conversation about the role with our CEO, Helen Gore.

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.

Title: Blended Team Service Manager
Post no: 659
Working base: Biggleswade CMHT (Community Mental Health Teams) SG18
Area covered: Bedfordshire, Luton
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday
Salary: £29,355.00 per annum

About the Service and the Role

This role is an exciting opportunity to work with the Operational Services Manager (Blended Teams) to manage the daily operations of our Blended Teams functions.

This includes managing a core team of workers in a diverse range of projects and services often in partnership with the NHS and other VCSE and community groups. The role will involve multi-agency working and ensuring the continuous development of our services to ensure that they meet the needs of the community and blended team outcomes.

Ideally, you will be required to have knowledge of managing remote teams who may be imbedded in NHS services and the ideal candidate would have the skills to support staff with the complex challenges that come with blended working as well as maintaining and building relationships with key stakeholders. You will also be required to hold your own caseload, supporting the teams with more complex service users and cover gaps in services.

Key Responsibilities and Service Delivery

• Operate a service and ensure outcomes which support individuals with mental health and wellbeing needs in line with Mind BLMK’s and blended team model and contract requirements.
• Work with the Operational Services Manager (Blended Teams) and senior managers to ensure the management of an effective workforce including recruitment and performance management challenges
• Ensure that services with complex partnerships and remote teams are effectively managed and maintained, through effective relationship building and multi-agency working.
• Ensure regular involvement of service users, volunteer and staff on local service delivery, organisational matters and wider mental health strategies.
• Assess suitability for community connection support as part of a blended team approach and support individuals to access the service by utilising in depth knowledge of local voluntary and community services and networks.
• To work with individuals to coproduce a plan to address their mental health and wellbeing goals. Enable people to achieve these goals through facilitating access and connecting with appropriate resources.
• Enable people to access community resources which may include accompanying them.
• Offer support, guidance and help where possible to people to gain confidence, overcome initial fears and seek solutions to any barriers inhibiting attendance.
• Take a holistic approach, based on the individuals’ priorities and wider determinants of health that impact on their health and wellbeing, such as debt, poor housing, being unemployed, loneliness and caring responsibilities.
• To work as part of an integrated team to ensure the best outcomes for each person accessing the service.
• Maintain an effective workforce for the service in line with Mind BLMK’s HR policies, procedures and guidance (recruitment, line management, workload planning, support and development of crisis workers, peer support workers and volunteers).
• Hold responsibility for health and safety, data collection and cash handling in line with Mind BLMK’s policies, procedures and guidance.

The successful candidate will have experience of managing diverse staff resources, multi-agency working, 2 years’ experience working with people with mental health and managing remote teams. Level 3 Social Care (or equivalent) and Management and Leadership qualifications are desirable.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Health Plan with a wide variety of benefits
• 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: 5pm on Thursday 23rd July 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Mental Health Service Manager, Community Services Manager, Service Coordinator, Mental Health Team Leader, Service Delivery Manager, Community Support Manager, Operations Manager, Wellbeing Centre Manager or Mental Health Project Manager.

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.

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.

Money and Employment Caseworker (Mental Health)

Location: Sheffield – Gleadless & Heeley
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £26,457 - £28,500 based on experience
Contract: One Year Fixed Term
 

Join us and help change lives in your community

At Mental Health UK, we believe everyone should be able to live a fulfilling life, with the right support at the right time. Our Money & Employment teams help people across Sheffield to manage financial challenges, access specialist advice, and move closer to meaningful paid employment — all while navigating the realities of mental health difficulties.

We’re now launching an exciting new pilot within the Sheffield 24/7 mental health partnership, and we’re looking for a passionate and skilled Money and Employment Caseworker to join us.

If you’re committed to improving people’s financial wellbeing, understand the barriers created by mental health, and want to make a real impact locally, we’d love to hear from you.

About the role

This unique role blends specialist money advice with employment support using the IPS (Individual Placement and Support) model. You’ll work one-to-one with people who are experiencing mental health challenges, helping them stabilise their financial situation and take steps towards sustainable paid work.

You’ll be based within the community in Gleadless and Heeley, working closely with mental health professionals, local partners, and employers to provide early, accessible support that prevents crisis and supports recovery.

You will:

• Deliver high-quality money advice, including debt casework, budgeting, income maximisation and welfare benefits support.
• Complete holistic assessments to understand clients’ financial, wellbeing, and employment needs.
• Support individuals to progress towards paid employment using the IPS approach.
• Build strong relationships with local employers, referral routes and community services.
• Maintain accurate casework records and uphold quality, safeguarding and compliance standards.
• Contribute to ongoing learning and service development within this innovative pilot.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is motivated, compassionate, and confident working both independently and as part of a wider team.

You’ll need:

• Accredited or recognised training in money advice (e.g. IMA or Wiser Adviser).
• Experience delivering debt casework and ideally providing welfare benefits advice.
• Strong understanding of the link between financial wellbeing, employment, and mental health.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work flexibly in community and remote settings.
• Experience using electronic case management systems.

It would be great if you also bring:

• Accreditation with the Institute of Money Advisers (or willingness to work towards it).
• Experience in supported employment or knowledge of employment legislation.
• Experience working in mental health services or lived experience of mental health challenges.
• Skills in assessing risk and developing support plans.

Why join Mental Health UK?

You’ll be part of a supportive, forward-thinking organisation that puts people with lived experience at the heart of its work. We offer ongoing training, regular supervision, opportunities for progression, and the chance to contribute to a truly meaningful pilot programme that will shape future service delivery.

Ready to apply?

If you’re passionate about empowering people severely affected by mental illness, and you have the skills to support both financial stability and employment aspirations, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply today and help us create a future where everyone can thrive.

Service Manager - Part time

Location: Northamptonshire

Salary: £21,600 per annum

Vacancy Type: Permanent, Part Time

About The Role

We’re launching a brand-new Day Rehab Programme in North Northamptonshire and are looking for a Service Manager to help shape and lead it from the ground up. This is a part-time role (21 hours per week, with flexible working patterns available), offering the chance to build a service that will make a real difference in people’s recovery journeys.

You’ll also support the development of a new LERO, helping it grow towards independence and sustainability, while working closely with the Regional Manager and wider partners.

What you’ll be doing

This is a hands-on leadership role where you’ll balance operational delivery with strategic input.

• Lead delivery of the Day Rehab Programme (Self-Help Addiction Recovery model)
• Support the setup and development of a new LERO service
• Line manage a Lead Counsellor, Administrator, and LERO staff
• Work with the Regional Manager on strategy, business planning, and service improvements
• Build and maintain strong relationships with commissioners and key stakeholders
• Ensure accurate data, timely reporting, and full audit compliance
• Monitor performance against service level agreements and targets

What We're Looking For

You'll be confident leading services in a fast-moving environment, with the ability to support both people and performance.

• Experience in service management within health, social care, or substance misuse
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Confidence working with data, reporting, and compliance frameworks
• Ability to develop partnerships and work collaboratively with external stakeholders
• A proactive, organised, and solutions-focused approach
• Commitment to safeguarding, quality, and continuous improvement

As this is a part-time role, it may particularly suit a practising counsellor, therapist, or other health and social care professional who wishes to combine service leadership with an existing private practice or portfolio career. However, we welcome applications from all candidates who can demonstrate the skills, experience, and availability required for the role.

No two days will be the same, you might be shaping service delivery in the morning, supporting your team through supervision in the afternoon, and reviewing performance data or meeting commissioners later in the day.

Some flexibility is required, including occasional evening or weekend work, and travel within the region may be necessary.

This is a rare opportunity to help design and embed a brand-new service from day one. You’ll play a key role in shaping recovery pathways, building a strong team culture, and ensuring high-quality support for service users.

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
• BHSF 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)

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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.

Are you passionate about supporting young people and making a real difference to young carers?

We are looking for a motivated individual to lead our Young Carers service at an exciting stage of development.

This is a unique opportunity to combine hands-on service delivery with the chance to shape and grow the project.

The role would suit someone who is confident working both operationally and strategically who can deliver high-quality support, while helping us build for the future.

Could this be you?

We’re looking for someone who:

• Experience working with children and young people
• Strong understanding of safeguarding and social work practices
• Experience of managing or supporting staff
• Excellent partnership and communication skills
• A proactive and adaptable approach

About the Role

As the Young Carers Project Manager, you will:

• Lead the day-to-day delivery of the Young Carers service
• Manage and support a small team
• Build strong relationships with schools, families and partner organisations
• Ensure high-quality support, safeguarding, and positive outcomes for young carers
• Lead and support the Young Carers Forum to develop and grow the service and to have their voices heard
• Contribute to funding bids and future service development
• Monitor and report on service performance

What else can we tell you?

• You will be joining a team of people with a strong commitment and passion to support carers.
• Salary: £29,688 for a 35 hour per week.
• Location: Trafford
• All staff receive 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and Christmas Efficiency days.

Public Practice is a small social enterprise that works with the public sector to build capacity and develop placemaking capabilities. As our Recruitment Manager, you will support the delivery of our recruitment activity across various strands of work. The role is split into four key areas of work:

• Use your people and communication skills to build meaningful relationships with prospective clients throughout their journey;
• Use your organisational skills to manage our candidate recruitment, assessment and selection processes, and support occasional event management;
• Use your attention-to-detail to see through matching successful candidates with our placement opportunities to a high and consistent standard; and
• Use your technical confidence and data management skills to support the development and embedding of AI across processes within our recruitment work.

You’ll be managed by the Head of Recruitment and will also work closely with the Programmes team to ensure alignment across recruitment, delivery, and organisational priorities. You will regularly meet with and collaborate with colleagues from across the company.

Responsibilities

Working closely with the Head of Recruitment, you will deliver the below responsibilities:

• Customer Service & Relationship Management (25%)
  Respond to prospective clients at various stages of the sales journey, and progress them through our matching process.
• Business Development Support & Collaboration (15%)
  Support broader proactive business development activities and cross-team collaboration.
• Recruitment and Assessment Management (10%)
  Support the delivery of our bi-annual online assessment process for the Associate Programme. From the initial online application and assessments through to their entry into the candidate pool. 
• Candidate Communications & Engagement (15%)
  Manage communication with our candidate pool, ensuring candidates are informed, engaged and have a positive experience.
• AI & Continuous Improvement (20%)
  Ensure systems and digital tools are used effectively to manage relationships, track activity and support reporting. You will proactively design AI into our workflows and process with the Head of Recruitment.
• Reporting & Performance Support (5%)
  Support the Head of Recruitment with reporting, forecasting and improving outreach effectiveness.

The other 10% of your time will be covered by central business activities, such as planning, team meetings and professional learning and development.

Each team member is given individual quarterly objectives that they are responsible for delivering and reports on these during our weekly team meeting. Your line manager will work with you on setting and achieving these objectives and provide regular one-to-ones to ensure you have what you need to be successful in the role.

Residential Assistant Manager

Sale, Manchester
£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

Assessment and Reconnection Worker

Hounslow

£36,095 - £39,861 

Do you have a passion for supporting people to rebuild their lives? 

Our client looking for Assessment and Reconnection workers to join their excellent team in Hounslow. The Hounslow LIFE service is a large multi-site supported accommodation service that has a staff team of 31 supporting 86 clients, covering specialisms such as Homelessness, Substance Use and Mental Health.

This is an exciting opportunity to join their new Assessment Hub team at Apple Tree Cottage, providing rapid assessment and support into appropriate accommodation to clients over a 28-day period, ensuring those at risk of rough sleeping and homelessness can be directed to services suitable to their immediate, medium and longer term needs.  

In the role of Assessment and Reconnection worker you will: 

• Work with clients on their road to recovery, by identifying their needs, helping them to access appropriate support and access suitable accommodation. 
• Provide thorough assessment of housing eligibility and support needs.
• Provide clients with dynamic support to identify suitable accommodation and support them to obtain this.
• Have some housing management responsibilities as part of ensuring they deliver safe, high quality services.

About you 

To succeed in this highly rewarding role you would benefit if you: 

• Have an understanding of the issues faced by homeless or vulnerably housed people – you may have had personal experience of homelessness yourself. 
• A creative and dynamic approach, with excellent communication skills, and the ability to build relationships and negotiate with a wide range of partners and external audiences. 
• The ability to operate in a fast paced environment and manage a varied workload and multiple priorities.
• Knowledge and understanding of the housing and support needs of people experiencing homelessness. 

However, above all they are looking for inspirational, committed individuals who have a genuine desire to support people to transform their lives. 

Please note, due to the needs of all their services, there is a requirement to work a shift rota, so flexibility is required. This will include some weekends and bank holidays, and the role will be service based with no home working.

Closing date: 10am on 6 July 2026

Interview and assessments on: TBC

We are looking for a Weekenders Journey Guide to support prospective Weekend Foster Carers from their first conversations with Now Foster through to the next stages of the recruitment and assessment journey.

This is a highly relational, candidate-facing role. You will be one of the main people helping applicants understand what Weekenders is, explore whether it is right for them, stay motivated through the process, and feel supported to take the next step.

Introductory conversations (our ‘intro chats’) will be a core part of the role. You will speak with people who are curious about fostering, but who may also feel unsure, nervous or are still working out whether they can foster. Your role will be to bring warmth, clarity and momentum: helping people feel welcomed, informed and confident, while also making sure the right people progress at the right pace.

You will use Now Foster’s digital platform (a bespoke CRM system) to manage the candidate journey, track progress, record key information and help the team understand where applicants are getting stuck or moving forward. You will play an important role in making sure we are attracting the right leads, supporting them well, and learning how to improve the journey as we grow.

This role would particularly suit someone with experience of fostering or working in fostering. It could also suit someone from a related background who is deeply motivated by innovation in this area and excited by what fostering could look like if it were designed around children, carers and relationships.

You do not need to be a qualified social worker, but you do need to be emotionally mature, reflective, organised and comfortable working closely with a social work-led team. You will need to understand safeguarding, and be confident holding thoughtful conversations with prospective carers.

What You’ll Be Doing

Supporting candidates through the journey

• Acting as a consistent, warm and encouraging point of contact for prospective Weekend Foster Carers.

• Carrying out intro chats with people who have expressed interest in the Weekenders programme.

• Helping candidates understand the Weekenders programme, what the role involves, and what the journey looks like.

• Supporting candidates to reflect on whether Weekenders is right for them.

• Keeping candidates engaged, informed and motivated as they move through the process.

• Helping people overcome practical barriers where appropriate, while being honest and clear about expectations.

• Making sure candidate communication feels relational, timely and values-led.

Helping the right people progress

• Helping identify candidates who are ready to move forward, as well as those who may need more time, more information or a different route.

• Support candidates to progress, pause or close, as advised by our fostering service colleagues.

• Using strengths-based and motivational approaches to help candidates reflect on their motivations, support networks and capacity.

• Working closely with social work colleagues to escalate questions, concerns or safeguarding issues appropriately.

• Supporting candidates to prepare for training, home visits and assessment stages.

• Helping ensure the process is clear, efficient and supportive.

Supporting groups, events and community activity

• Supporting information events, training sessions and candidate-facing events.

• Co-delivering sessions with social workers and other colleagues.

• Helping create a welcoming community for people exploring Weekenders.

• Supporting socials and community-building activity for applicants and approved Weekend Foster Carers.

• Helping candidates connect with the mission and feel part of something meaningful.

Administration, data and follow-up

• Keeping candidate records, notes and next steps up to date on Now Foster’s digital platform.

• Using Google Workspace, Trello and other tools to access key documents and manage your workload. 

• Making sure no candidate falls through the cracks.

• Supporting data capture so the team can understand what is working and where candidates are getting stuck.

• Helping improve templates, messages, prompts and workflows for the candidate journey.

• Supporting home visit admin and logistics where needed.

Contributing to innovation and learning

• Gathering feedback from candidates to help improve the journey and bringing this insight from candidate conversations into team discussions.

• Helping the team understand what motivates people to become Weekend Foster Carers, what worries them, and what helps them move forward.

• Supporting testing and iteration of new candidate journey approaches.

• Helping us build a process that is warm, efficient, inclusive and effective.

• Contributing to a new model of fostering that is relational, ambitious and designed around children and young people.

You’ll Thrive in This Role If You Are

• Warm and relational – able to build trust quickly and make people feel welcome.

• Emotionally mature – able to have thoughtful conversations about motivation, care, family life and uncertainty.

• A strong communicator – clear, encouraging and confident across phone, video calls, emails and written updates.

• Motivational and strengths-based – skilled at helping people see their potential while also being honest about what fostering involves.

• Organised and proactive – able to manage a busy candidate journey, track next steps and keep people moving.

• Tech-savvy – comfortable using digital platforms, Google Workspace and Trello.

• Confident in your judgement – able to decide when someone should progress, pause or close, while knowing when to seek advice.

• Safeguarding-aware – able to recognise when something needs to be escalated and comfortable working within clear safeguarding processes.

• Reflective and curious – interested in learning what works and improving the candidate journey over time.

• Comfortable with ambiguity – happy working in a small, growing charity where things are evolving.

• Committed to better outcomes for children and young people – motivated by Now Foster’s mission and the potential of Weekenders.

Experience We’re Looking For

Fostering experience would be highly beneficial. For example, this could include experience as a foster carer, working in fostering, supporting foster carers, working with fostering services, or working in a closely related part of children’s social care.

We are also interested in people with experience in:

• Volunteer management

• Children’s social care or youth work

• Community work

• Social prescribing

• Mentoring or coaching

• Recruitment, onboarding or candidate support

• Relationship-based support roles

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who understands the importance of relationships, can guide people through a meaningful decision-making process, and is excited by the possibility of building a different kind of fostering journey.

Bonus Points For

• Lived experience of the care system or fostering.

• Experience working directly with prospective or approved foster carers.

• Experience using motivational interviewing, coaching or strengths-based approaches.

• Experience supporting people through an application, recruitment, assessment or onboarding journey.

• Experience delivering or supporting information sessions, preparation groups, training or community events.

• Experience working remotely or in a flexible, fast-moving team.

An interest in innovation, service design or changing how fostering works.
 

About Us

Now Foster is a team of innovative social workers, designers, and entrepreneurs on a mission to change fostering in the UK.

We bring together social work, service design, public sector transformation and lived experience to create better outcomes for children and young people. Our overarching vision is to transform the fostering system by bringing many more wonderful people into it as foster carers, so that children and young people have the relationships, stability and support they need to thrive.

You will be joining a small, ambitious and passionate team, alongside our trustees, freelancers and advisors, all of whom play an active part in shaping our work. We partner with local authorities and not-for-profits who share our values and are ready to embrace change. As a registered charity, everything we do is driven by purpose, not profit.

About Weekenders

Weekenders is Now Foster’s flagship programme. It pairs children and young people in foster care with inspiring adults who can offer guidance, stability and encouragement on a regular basis. It is about showing up, making a difference, and being that person a young person can count on.

The programme is growing quickly. We are scaling Weekenders across London and beyond, testing new ways to support applicants, local authorities and independent social workers, and building the operational foundations needed for long-term growth.

A core part of this growth is making sure that people who are interested in becoming Weekend Foster Carers receive the right balance of warmth, encouragement, information and challenge as they move through the journey. That is where the Journey Guide comes in.

Working Pattern and Location

This role is offered at 4 to 5 days per week, with a salary of £34,000 pro rata.

The role can be based anywhere in England, with occasional travel to our Weekender delivery areas. Our Weekenders team is currently based across London and Manchester, and our wider organisational team is based in Oxford. Most work will be home-based, but there will be some in-person meetings, events, training sessions or bi-monthly co-working days.

The role will involve some work outside standard office hours. This is likely to include:

• Around one weekend day per month, which you would take back as time off during the previous or following week.

• Some evening work, for example around one information event per month.

• Some evening intro chats with prospective foster carers, where this helps people engage with the process.

We work flexibly and will support the successful candidate to manage their time in a sustainable way.

Safeguarding

Now Foster is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people.

This role will involve contact with prospective carers, rather than direct work with children and young people. However, you will need to understand safeguarding, work within Now Foster’s safeguarding processes, and escalate any concerns appropriately.

This role will require an enhanced DBS check.

What’s In It For You

Joining Now Foster means being part of something different. We are small, ambitious and innovative, and you will play a key role in helping Weekenders grow.

You will be close to the people exploring whether they could become Weekend Foster Carers, and your work will directly shape whether they feel supported, confident and ready to take the next step.

You will join a supportive, collaborative and values-led team. We work hard, care deeply about what we do, and are building something bold and lasting: a new way of fostering that blends social work, design, technology and relational practice.

We will provide the tools and technology you need, cover agreed travel and expenses, and support you to work flexibly within the rhythm of the programme.

How to Apply

Please send us your CV and a short cover letter explaining:

1. Why you are interested in Now Foster and the Weekenders programme.

2. The experience you would bring in supporting, guiding or motivating people.

3. Any experience you have of fostering, working in fostering, children’s social care, community work, volunteer management or similar.

4. What excites you about innovation in fostering and what fostering could look like.

5. Your availability, including whether you are looking for 4 or 5 days per week and when you could start.

You must have the right to work in the UK.

We recognise that some candidates may use generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, to support the preparation of their application. While this is acceptable, applications must remain an authentic reflection of your own experiences and motivations. We ask candidates to let us know if and how they used AI as part of the recruitment process.

Our Commitment to Equality

Now Foster is committed to being an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate diversity and actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, identities and experiences.

Recruitment and selection decisions are made on the basis of fair, objective and transparent criteria. We will also make reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process to ensure accessibility for all candidates.

Please Note: We are hoping to appoint as soon as possible and will close recruitment once we find the right person so candidates are advised to submit an application as soon as they are able.

 

Community Fundraiser

The Gurkha Welfare Trust | Salisbury | £26,500 - £31,500 | Maternity Cover

A varied, people-facing community fundraising role at a cause that genuinely matters, ideal for someone earlier in their fundraising career who wants real responsibility from day one.

The Gurkha Welfare Trust has supported Gurkha veterans and their families in Nepal for nearly 60 years. Gurkhas have served in the British Army for more than 200 years as soldiers of extraordinary courage, loyalty, and bravery. When their service ends, we make sure they are not forgotten. We deliver financial aid, medical support, clean water, education and housing through 21 Area Welfare Centres in Nepal and India, supported by a passionate UK fundraising team based in Salisbury.

The opportunity

This is a brilliant role for someone who thrives on variety. You will be at the heart of the Trust's community fundraising programme, supporting individuals and groups raising money on our behalf, managing our presence at events like Armed Forces Day and country shows, coordinating volunteers, and helping to grow a programme that is actively expanding its national reach.

It is a fixed-term maternity cover role of at least one year, with the option to extend. The team is experienced, ambitious and supportive and this is an exciting time to be joining, with a new strategy driving real growth.

What you'll be doing

• Supporting community fundraisers - individuals, groups and volunteers - with materials, guidance and stewardship
• Managing the Trust's attendance at appropriate third-party events including Armed Forces Day and country shows engaging with supporters
• Recruiting and coordinating volunteers, helping them champion the Trust in their local communities
• Working with the Communications team to promote community fundraising across digital and social channels
• Monitoring income, reporting on KPIs, and analysing fundraising activity against budget to improve results
• Helping to develop new initiatives and set up accessible sign-up processes

What we're looking for

• Excellent communication skills; warm, confident and clear, whether on the phone, in writing or face to face
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to juggle multiple priorities without dropping the ball
• A proactive, can-do attitude and genuine enjoyment of working with people
• Willingness to work some evenings and weekends for events (TOIL provided)
• Full UK driving licence
• Proficient in IT, particularly Microsoft Office applications
• Previous experience in the charity sector or in community/event fundraising is desirable

What's on offer

• £26,500 - £31,500 depending on experience
• Up to 10% employer pension contribution
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay
• 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Hybrid working from our Salisbury office
• TOIL for additional hours worked at events
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and free on-site parking

Location: Salisbury, Wiltshire (hybrid)

Salary: £26,500 - £31,500 depending on experience

Contract: Minimum 1-year fixed term (maternity cover, option to extend)

Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week (TOIL for evenings/weekends)

Deadline: Midday on Monday, 20 July 2026

Interested? We'd love to hear from you.

Formal application is via CV and supporting statement (max 1 page) outlining why you are interested in this role and how you fit the person specification.

In the first instance, please send your CV to Philippa at Charity People - - if your CV matches what we're looking for we'll be in touch with the full candidate pack and lots more details.

Closing: midday on Monday, 20 July 2026.

We sometimes close roles ahead of the deadline when we find the right person. Don't sit on it, apply early.

Interviews: We will be holding interview as/when suitable applications are received.

A note on AI: we embrace new ways of working, but your application should be authentically yours. Feel free to use AI to organise your thinking if it helps, but we want to hear your voice, your experience, and what genuinely draws you to this role.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential. Please inform us if you require any assistance or adjustment to help ensure the application process works for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

Shannon Trust facilitator - HMP Elmley
 
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?
 
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Elmley. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.  
 
Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach. 
 
This role is a fixed term role until 31st March 2027 with the opportunity to be made permanent subject to contract renewal.
 
The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.
 
?We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
 
?Interviews are planned for 4th August 2026, at HMP Elmley

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