Social work jobs

Job Role: Domestic Violence and Abuse Co-ordinator

Salary: £15,720 per year (based on an FTE of £26,200 per year)

Hours: 22.5 hours per week (3 days across Monday to Friday)

Contract type: Permanent

Location: BANES

Additional information:

A valid driving licence and access to own vehicle

Participation in an on-call out-of-hours rota

Regular travel across the BANES area (travel across the South West for training and events may also be required)

Alongside is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. However, this is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

About Alongside:

Alongside is a charity dedicated to making a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society. We run several projects and every year we help thousands of people out of homelessness, into employment, away from domestic abuse, and more.

If you’d like a real sense of job satisfaction, great career prospects and a competitive benefits package, you could be who we’re looking for!

About the Role:

As a Domestic Violence and Abuse Co-ordinator, you’ll play a vital role in supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse to rebuild their lives. Working holistically, you’ll carry out in‑depth needs assessments and develop tailored support plans that reflect each individual’s circumstances, strengths, and goals.

You’ll provide compassionate, trauma‑informed case management, advocacy, and resettlement support for people with a wide range of complex social and housing needs. From navigating services and securing safe accommodation to monitoring progress and celebrating milestones, you’ll walk alongside survivors every step of the way — empowering them to move forward with safety, dignity, and confidence.

This is a deeply rewarding role where your work will make a meaningful, lasting difference every single day.

What you’ll be doing:

Conduct key works sessions on a regular basis whilst developing individual support and risk management plans.

Establish the risks and needs of survivors and their children through assessing their practical and emotional support needs.

Champion safeguarding by following policies and procedures to keep everyone safe, and that any concerns are brought to immediate attention of a manager.

Collaborative multi-agency working to advocate for survivors ensuring their needs are met.

Maintain accurate client records using our system, INFORM.

Please note: Job descriptions are not exhaustive, and the successful candidate may occasionally be asked to take on other duties that align with the key responsibilities outlined.

You can view the full job description by clicking here.

What we’re looking for:

Understanding of domestic abuse including the impact this has on victims and their children.

Experience working in a housing, social or health care setting.

There are many great reasons to join our team!

Access to our Rewards Platform, which includes an Employee Assistance Programme and Health Cash Plan

27 days annual leave, including an extra day off for your birthday, plus bank holidays - increasing up to 30 days after 4 years of continuous employment (pro rata for part-time staff)

30% staff discount at Alongside charity shop

A generous and competitive pension scheme

A supportive culture where staff feedback is highly valued and regular supervisions with line managers are conducted

Great opportunities for career development and free monthly training sessions from experienced facilitators

For all the fantastic and valuable work, you’ll be doing, you’ll be eligible for the Blue Light Card which offers amazing discounts on thousands of brands

Reflective Practice sessions from objective, external facilitators

Our Ethos

As an Equal Opportunities employer, we have an Equality and Diversity Action plan in place showing our commitment in ensuring continuous improvement in creating an inclusive culture. We also have a committed group of Inclusion & Diversity champions who meet monthly to ensure progress is being made. We invite applications from people from all backgrounds and cultures, especially minority groups that are underrepresented in the workplace. We also welcome applications from those with lived experience. We embrace flexibility and are proud to be a Disability Confident and Mindful employer, as well as an Armed Forces Covenant Supporter.

If you have any special access requirements or other support needs throughout the application process (including interview), please contact us so that we can let you know how we can support you. We accept CVs and applications in all formats.

DBS Checks

We welcome applications from people with lived experience. All applicants working with our clients will be expected to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from becoming an employee, the decision will depend on the type of offence and its relevance to the role. If you would like to discuss any convictions you may have, please contact the person named in the advert. All information will be dealt with according to our Data Protection Policy.

We’re looking for two Youth Workers (one Lead Youth Worker, and one Support Youth Worker) to plan, deliver and facilitate educational and social activities for separated children (up to 21 years old) in the context of an interactive youth club to be held weekly in partnership with Corner House Youth Project in Stockton-on Tees.

Although the Lead Youth Worker will prepare and deliver the materials, supported by the Support Youth Worker, they will also have the back-up of a Support Worker from Corner House and a social worker or personal advisor from Stockton-on-Tees Council.

Club Class is a long-standing project for The Separated Child Foundation, and Club Class in Stockton-on-Tees is a new location for us, launching as a 1-year pilot in October 2026.

Are you passionate about racial justice and supporting young Black people to thrive?

Our Youth Employment Manager role is an exciting new opportunity to lead on Poetic Unity’s innovative Employment programmes, which makes up one of our three priority areas: Mental Health, Employment and Education. This role, forming part of our Senior Leadership Team, will play a critical role in supporting thousands of Black young people across the UK to access safe, inclusive and empowering employment opportunities - changing culture and reshaping systems.

Key responsbilities 

- Be responsible for the development and management of the Chief Operations Officer Senior Leadership Training (COO SLT) - an innovative training programme for 10 Black young people to achieve the skills required to thrive in positions of senior leadership

- Be directly responsible for the management of the annual Cultural Leaders programme - a 12 month employment programme for 5 Black young people each year, working across different areas of Poetic Unity and with partners across the sector to develop transferable skills.

- Design, implement and manage The Blueprint - a national framework of best practice for the employment of Black young people in creative organisations

- Ensure all Employment programmes are effectively meeting the needs of the target demographic and are aligned with Poetic Unity’s strategic Vision

- Ensure all Employment programmes are effectively meeting the objectives and funding goals as outlined in associated funding requirements

- Be responsible for the effective monitoring and evaluation of all Employment programmes

- Be responsible for programme budget and finance management, working in line with awarded funding allocations and following all documentation protocols. 

Person specification 

- At least 2 years experience in leadership, people and project management roles, preferably within the charity sector

- Proven track record of effectively managing programmes and services, including programme development, implementation, and evaluation. To hold the knowledge, skills and confidence to bring programmes to life, oversee and manage their efficiency and deliver against outlined project goals and funding requirements

- Experience in project finance management, including keeping to budgets, managing over or underspend, and maintaining required evidence for efficient fund management

- Strong background in operational management - programme impact and evaluation, risk management and programme development

- Experience in stakeholder engagement, relationship management, and advocacy, with the ability to represent Poetic Unity effectively at various levels and build strong, sustainable partnerships to support the programme goals and our strategic vision. 

About us

Poetic Unity is a Black-led charity committed to addressing systemic racism and its impacts on children and young people’s mental health, education and employment. We use poetry and social action to cultivate joy, connection and empowerment across our communities. Based in Brixton and founded in 2015, we have since worked with over 60,000 young people across the UK in communities, education, cultural spaces and prisons. 

As a Black-led charity working towards racial justice, we strongly welcome applications from people with lived experience of racism. We are also particularly interested in applications from women and people from and/or with knowledge of our local Brixton community.

If this role sounds of interest to you please read full job description below with more details and how you can apply

We are looking for an exceptional, highly motivated and dedicated individual to join our team as a full-time Youth Worker (Youth Voice), supporting our mission to enable young people who are homeless, facing homelessness or unsafe to achieve independence and positive futures.

The successful candidate will work within the Youth Work Team to deliver our frontline drop-in service and support our weekly and monthly activities to all young people experiencing homelessness.

You’ll specialise in youth participation, ensuring that a diverse range of young people’s voices are heard. You’ll also facilitate and lead on supporting our Youth Advisory Board and work alongside them to cultivate inclusive activities which increase youth participation across all our services. We have an ambitious plan to improve and accelerate our youth voice strategy and this role will be at the heart of this delivery.

You should be experienced in designing, planning and facilitating a range of activities and group work with and for young people and be able to work dynamically in a fast-paced day centre environment. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about youth engagement and skilled in bringing out the ideas, voices and opinions of young people to shape service delivery. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a background in running participatory youth projects, co-production, youth engagement sessions and/or community engagement.

The ideal candidate is a team player who enjoys working collaboratively across our organisation. This role also includes working closely with our Campaigns, Impact and Policy team to ensure young people’s voices are at the heart of our external campaigning work.

Finally, you will also be committed to the safeguarding of young people and delivering an inclusive and trauma-informed service.

This role will be based at our day centre in Camden, with some travel to other New Horizon projects within London.

Closing date for applications: Monday 21st September

Interviews: Thursday 1st October

Please note interview dates are fixed and will not be changed. Please ensure you are available on these days when applying for this role.

We are seeking an enthusiastic and highly motivated Chief Executive to assume overall responsibility for the management of HMC. The purpose of this senior leadership role is to lead the organisation in fulfilling its purpose of supporting migrants in Hackney and the wider London community, ensuring they can access their rights and overcome injustices in the immigration and social welfare system.

Help children and young people recover from sexual abuse. 

Respond is looking for a compassionate and skilled Specialist Child and Young Person Advocate to join an innovative partnership delivering a new Child Sexual Abuse Support Hub. 

Working alongside SurvivorsUK and other specialist organisations, you will provide trauma-informed advocacy and emotional support to boys, girls and non-binary children and young people who have experienced sexual abuse. 

This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a collaborative service that places children and young people at the centre of support, helping them understand their options, improve their safety and access the specialist services they need. 

About the role 

You will: 

• Hold a caseload of children and young people requiring specialist advocacy and support. 

• Provide practical and emotional support tailored to individual needs. 

• Support children and young people to access health, education, social care, therapeutic and criminal justice services where appropriate. 

• Work collaboratively with families, carers and professionals while ensuring the wishes and rights of the young person remain central. 

• Contribute to safeguarding, risk management and multidisciplinary working across the partnership. 

• Help improve access to services for children and young people who experience additional barriers, including disabled children and young people and those from under-represented communities. 

Please note this is not a court advocacy or Independent Sexual Violence Adviser (ISVA) role. Where ongoing ISVA or court support is required, you will work closely with partner organisations to ensure children and young people receive the right support at the right time. 

About you 

We're looking for someone who has: 

• Experience supporting children and young people affected by trauma, abuse or exploitation. 

• A strong understanding of safeguarding and trauma-informed practice. 

• Experience working collaboratively across agencies. 

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills. 

• A commitment to equality, inclusion and anti-discriminatory practice. 

• Experience supporting autistic children and young people, those with learning disabilities, or additional needs would be highly valued. 

Why Respond? 

For over 30 years, Respond has been a national leader in supporting autistic people and people with learning disabilities who have experienced abuse, violence and trauma. We are committed to delivering accessible, inclusive and person-centred services that enable people to recover, heal and thrive. 

Joining Respond means becoming part of a supportive team that values collaboration, reflective practice and continuous learning while making a genuine difference to the lives of children and young people. 

We welcome applications from everyone 

We are committed to building a diverse workforce and particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience and those from communities that are under-represented in our workforce. 

Respond is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk. The successful applicant will be subject to an Enhanced DBS check. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an Independent Victim Advocate to join the team in the West Cumberland area of Cumbria, working 30 hours a week. This role is offered as a homebased role but with the expectation to travel across the Cumberland area.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafe
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role

As an Independent Victim Advocate you will:

• deliver excellent services to adult victims of crime through the direct provision of information, practical and emotional help from the point of crime and where appropriate, onwards throughout the criminal justice process.
• help people cope and recover from the effects of crime.
• act as a single point of contact, undertaking effective need and risk assessments.
• coordinate the overall delivery of the cope and recovery plan and recovery journey, working closely with other service providers to meet the needs of victims.

You will need:

• Previous experience delivering a service and working directly with service users in a statutory, voluntary or community work setting
• Previous experience of working with vulnerable adults and/or families
• To be able to work without direct supervision, prioritising work and managing competing demands
• The ability to complete needs and risk assessments
• To demonstrate empathy

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us

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

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

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

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

How to apply

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

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

We are looking for a motivated and supportive Triage & Early Intervention Officer to contact victims of crime to offer support and complete initial assessments. This role is part-time working a rota pattern between 8-6pm Monday to Friday, with extended working hours until 8pm on Wednesdays. This role is offered full time working from the office.

What we offer

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

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

About the Role

As a Triage & Early Intervention Officer, you will be the first point of contact via telephone, text or email for clients referred to our service. You will conduct comprehensive impact and risk assessments, provide immediate and short-term interventions, and ensure that each client receives tailored support that meets their individual needs.

The role may require occasional travel in Hampshire.

As a Triage & Early Interventions Officer you will:

• Conduct comprehensive impact & risk assessments for clients.
• Provide tailored responses to clients' needs including information about their rights and the services available to them.
• Take incoming calls and efficiently triage to other teams including domestic abuse and children & young people
• Maintain accurate & confidential case management records.
• Work as part of a team & collaborate with statutory & voluntary agencies to address clients' needs.

About You

Ideally you will have an understanding of the impact of crime & the criminal justice system. Experience in delivering services within a statutory, voluntary, or multi-agency setting is also beneficial.

You will need:

• Strong written & verbal communication skills.
• Good time management skills.
• Competent IT skills, able to use generic systems.
• To work effectively both as part of a team & independently
• To develop & maintain partnerships with external organisations.
• The ability to undertake impact & risk assessments.
• Knowledge of safeguarding issues & legislation related to child protection & vulnerable adults.

Please note that as this post require police vetting, you must have lived in the UK for a minimum of three years prior to application.

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us

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

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

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

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

How to apply

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

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

Advice & Navigation Manager

Part-time | 4 days per week | Hybrid London (1 day a week remote) | 6-month FTC
£37,887 per annum pro rata | Start date 1 October 2026

We’re working with a London-based organisation providing vital community support and are seeking an experienced Advice & Navigation Manager for a 6-month fixed-term contract.

This is an excellent opportunity for a values-led manager passionate about supporting people experiencing inequality, exclusion and multiple disadvantage.

The role

You’ll lead advice, navigation and social prescribing services, ensuring residents receive safe, effective and person-centred support. You’ll:

• Lead high-quality service delivery and oversee referrals, triage and case progression.

• Manage and develop staff and volunteers through supervision and performance management.

• Support complex cases, safeguarding and quality assurance.

• Build strong partnerships across primary care, NHS, statutory and voluntary sectors.

• Use data, feedback and frontline insight to improve services and demonstrate impact.

• Support delivery planning, performance monitoring and contractual requirements.

About you

You’ll have:

• Significant experience in advice, navigation, community, voluntary sector or health services.

• Experience managing and developing staff and/or volunteers.

• Strong cross-sector partnership-working experience.

• Sound judgement when managing complex situations.

• Experience using data and feedback to improve services.

• Excellent communication, organisation and workload-management skills.

• A person-centred, strengths-based approach.

Experience of social prescribing, primary care or community-based teams would be particularly desirable.

The opportunity

You’ll support a committed frontline team, strengthen partnership working and help ensure people access the right support at the right time. The organisation uses a collaborative co-management model, so you’ll need to provide clear leadership while working closely with colleagues and partners.

Location: London, hybrid
Hours: 4 days per week
Contract: 6-month FTC
Salary: £37,887 per annum pro rata
Start: ASAP

If you’re an experienced people manager looking to make a meaningful difference through community-based services, apply now to find out more.

• A Level 2 or Level 3 Youth Work qualification, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with young people.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and youth work practice.
• The flexibility to work evenings and weekends.

We’re looking for a Waking Nights Support Worker to join us, supporting young people aged 16-25 who have high support needs. In this role, you’ll be safeguarding wellbeing, encouraging positive relationships, and supporting each resident’s journey towards independence, all while ensuring the safety, calm, and security of our service overnight.
 
A Typical Night in the Role 
 
Your shift will start with a handover from the day team before you prepare for the night ahead. You’ll carry out building checks to make sure the environment is safe, address tenancy issues like smoking or noise, and be available to respond to any emergencies. You may host activities like a film night to build community spirit, but you’ll also be prepared to de-escalate challenging situations, offer emotional support, and ensure all residents feel safe.
 
What We’re Looking For

• Experience working with vulnerable young people (16-25 years) in social housing, education, or the charity sector, with a focus on development and personal growth.
• Professional experience of supporting people with complex needs, including homelessness, mental health, high-risk or high-harm behaviours, or high vulnerability.
• Experience of working with young people who display challenging behaviour or conflict, while remaining approachable, engaging effectively, providing constructive support, and maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Thorough and up-to-date knowledge of safeguarding and trauma-informed care.
• Good IT skills, demonstrable experience of managing a complex caseload, strong report writing skills, and effective time management. 
• Must hold GCSE Maths and English at grade C/4 or above (or equivalent).

What We Offer

• 25 days’ annual leave
• Flexible benefits scheme, including family-friendly options and discount
• Up to 10% pension contribution
• Comprehensive training and development 

If this sounds like the kind of meaningful work, you’d love to be part of, we’d love to hear from you.

Please read before applying

As an employer, Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer - you must be eligible to work in the UK and able to work the full contracted hours of 37.5 hours per week. 

This role will require an Enhanced DBS check. 

Interviews will be taking place in person no later then the 16th September at our Landor Road location. 

Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.

Job Title: Interim Research and Policy Lead

Contract: Temporary contract - Maternity cover (13 months)

Hours: 21 hours per week

Salary: £21,600 per annum (£36,000 FTE)

Location: Hybrid (Home Based/London)

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About Coram PACEY

Coram PACEY (previously the Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years) was formed in 1977, we are a professional association dedicated to supporting home-based childcare professionals including childminders and nannies to provide high quality services, information and advice to children, their families and carers. We want all children to experience high quality childcare and early education, helping them to have a bright future.

About the role

The purpose of this role is to lead Coram PACEY’s programme of policy and campaigning activity planned during an important year for Coram PACEY as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. This will include a landmark piece of research into the future of childminding, this is an exciting time to join the organisation.

As Maternity Cover Policy and Research Lead, this role will be key in developing and delivering Coram PACEY’s policy priorities and campaigns providing expertise across key policy areas, support the Head of Coram PACEY to represent members’ concerns, and work with decision-makers, campaigners and partners to influence meaningful change for childminders, home-based childcare professionals and the wider early years sector.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing Date: 13th September 2026

Interview Date: 21st September 2026

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from global majority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBQT+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Salary: Balham Home- Waking Nights: £30,227 or Days: £29,635 & Ealing Home- Waking Nights: £30,227 or Days: £27,929 

Contract: Full time/ Permanent

Hours:40 hours per week (including weekends, bank holidays and occasional sleep-ins) 

• Day Shifts: work between 8 am and 10:30 pm 

• Waking Night Shifts: work between 10 pm and 8 am 

Additional Benefits: 

• £50 per sleep-in 

• Time-and-a-half pay for overtime (over 40 hours per week) and bank holidays 

• Two weekends off per month

Locations: Ealing (W13) and Balham (SW12) 

Looking for fantastic career progression, excellent training and therapeutic support? Join our committed and professional team and make a difference to young people living in residential care, where no two days are the same! 

About Us 

Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future. 

St Christopher's is a leading charity caring for children and young people. We are proud of our history of providing fostering, children's homes and innovative leaving care services across the UK.We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do.We provide positive and life-changing support experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home. Our offering in underpinned by therapeutic expertise and young people in our care also benefit from extensive life-skills and participation opportunities as well and learning support regarding their education. 

We are an equal-opportunity employer keen to develop an inclusive workforce where people feel they belong.We hope to attract applications from under- represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions, faith, sex, orientation, childcare responsibilities and gender-diverse identities.

St Christopher’s Academy 

At St Christopher’s, we offer more than a job in social care— we offer a real career pathway. You’ll have the chance to build your skills, grow your knowledge, and make a lasting difference to young people’s lives, as well as your own. 

When you join us, you’ll receive a tailored development plan designed around your goals. Whether you want to move into a different service, progress into a leadership role, or just explore your current role further, we’ll support you every step of the way. If you want to learn more aboutSt Christopher’s Academy, please clickhere 

Our development programme, St Christopher’s Academy, is built to help you reach your full potential — and the results speak for themselves: 
84% of our Team Leaders, Deputies, and Managers are promoted internally. 

About the Role 

As a Support Worker in a Children’s Home, you will provide direct support and care for our young people, who have complex emotional and mental health difficulties (such as trauma and loss) and can struggle to regulate their emotions. Working within a therapeutic framework, you will develop a direct programme of work aimed at developing authentic relationships with our children and young people (aged between12 – 17 years old), you will also have responsibility for making sure our those in our care are safe, providing support, liaison with other external professionals and completion of support documents to record information.

If applying for the Waking Night role, you will have the additional support of an on-call manager should there be any emergencies. Further to this, you will be involved in monthly team meetings and receive monthly one-to-one supervision with your manager. 

Applicants should have 

• Minimum of 1 years’ experience working and supporting Young People in residential, semi-independent, fostering settings or youth work centres, caring for Children and Young People with emotional behavioural difficulties, neurodivergent or SEND, etc. 

• Willingness to achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare within 2 years as per Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 (England) 

• Genuine commitment to working with and supporting children and Young People to achieve their full potential; with the ability to build and promote trusted relationships while maintaining professional boundaries. 

• An understanding of the issues facing children and Young People and a basic understanding of safeguarding Regulations and Procedures. 

• The ability to cope effectively with challenging behaviour. 

• Good communication and team working skills. 

• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays, and if applicable, sleep-in’s. 

• Commitment to undertake any mandatory training (outside of working hours) and continuous learning to ensure a high level of service. 

• Creativity, enthusiasm and energy to inspire and encourage young people to achieve their goals. 

What you should expect from us 

• Competitive pay. 

• 4 weeks full induction and training program (paid). 

• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services, Tailored career development plan through our“St Christopher’s Academy”. 

• Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy. 

• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata. 

• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme. 

• UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary. 

• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support. 

• Cycle to work scheme. 

• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK both in store and online. 

• Discretionary funded training programs for you to explore and attain new and relevant skills. 

• Employee awards based on performance and length of service. 

Recruitment Process 

At St Christopher’s we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people in our care. During the recruitment process you will be expected to complete an online application form to ensure we capture essential information to meet legislation, best practice and vetting requirements.

Your online application must include a supporting statement addressing the criteria stated in the Person Specification. CV’s will not be accepted. 

Application Process 

1. Application:Complete our online form and include a supporting statement addressing the criteria stated in the Person Specification.Please note that applications without supporting statement will not be accepted. 

1. Interview:Shortlisted candidates attend a face-to-face interview at our Putney office. 

1. Second Stage:Successful candidates will visit the home they applied to. 

We advise applying as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. 

Important note: 

• This post has a minimum age restriction of 21 year for roles working directly with children and young people in our residential and supported accommodation Homes in line with the Equality Act ‘occupational requirement’. 

• It is illegal to applyfor any role that involves working with children and young people under the age of 18, if you know you are barred from working with children. 

• All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit aSelf-Declaration and Disclosureform which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked. 

• It is a requirement that practitioners working in Children Homes are qualified with the Diploma 3 in residential childcare within 2 years of starting in the job role. (Children Home Regulations England 2015). St Christopher’s provide access and funding to undertake this qualification. Applicants who have Citizenship or Visa status restrictions that may preclude them from being able to meet the qualification requirement may be considered for other options such as fixed term contracts. Each applicant’s situation will be assessed as part of the recruitment process. 

Waking Night Support Worker

Night Shelter Southampton

42 Hours per week, on a rota basis of 4 on and 4 off

Salary Point: 20 (£29,453 per annum for 42 hours per week)

About Us

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association.  The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.

The Impact You’ll Make

As a Waking Night Support Worker, you will be on the frontline of providing a safe, trauma-informed service for vulnerable adults in Southampton who are rough sleeping or at immediate risk of it. You will be the steady presence throughout the night, ensuring service users who have no other safe housing options feel welcomed and secure.

Your role is vital to the smooth running of the shelter, from the initial intake at 20:30 through to the morning transition. Whether you are conducting security patrols, assisting with housing management, or simply offering emotional support and de-escalation, your work directly contributes to a safe environment where individuals can begin their journey away from the streets.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for compassionate, resilient individuals who understand the complexities of homelessness, mental health, and substance misuse. You should be someone who remains calm under pressure and can handle challenging behaviour with a professional, trauma-informed approach.

As this role involves a "4 on, 4 off" night shift pattern, you must be comfortable working independently during the night while maintaining strong communication with your wider team and the Operational Security Team. We value staff who take initiative, maintain clear professional boundaries, and are committed to the safety and wellbeing of our service users.

Essential Qualities and Skills

To be successful in this role, you will need to demonstrate:

• Experience & Knowledge: A background in working with vulnerable adults and an understanding of safeguarding, protection protocols, and lone working procedures.
• Communication: The ability to listen and communicate effectively with clients and colleagues, including providing clear handovers regarding risks.
• Crisis Management: Confidence in using your initiative to respond to emergencies and the ability to carry out risk assessments and management plans.
• Administrative & IT Literacy: Sufficient IT skills to use data management systems (INFORM), update online handovers, and complete incident reports by the end of your shift.
• Commitment to Safety: A proactive approach to health and safety, including a willingness to undertake training in administering naloxone and acting as a Fire Warden or First Aider.
• Practicality: Willingness to assist with site management, including setting out breakfast, managing laundry/linen, and ensuring communal areas remain clean.

What we can offer you

We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:

• A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
• Flexible working options
• Buying additional annual leave
• Comprehensive induction and training
• Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
• Company cycle to work scheme
• Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie’s Computers
• Electric Car Scheme

SSJ are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.

At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union. To learn more about their membership benefits or to sign up, you can visit their official website.

Application closing date: Sunday 6th September 2026 

Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier.

Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion.