Volunteer support worker jobs

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Peer Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Mental Health Service in Paddington.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The primary purpose of this role is to deliver high-quality, person-centred support and targeted interventions to individuals experiencing mental health needs who would benefit from early intervention and preventative support. You will work alongside clients throughout their journey with the service, fostering independence and equipping them with the skills, confidence and resilience needed to manage their wellbeing effectively. All support and interventions will be delivered in line with organisational values, embracing the principles of recovery and co-production, and adhering to established policies, procedures and best practice guidelines.

What do I need to bring with me?

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

We're looking for someone with lived experience of mental health care pathways and a strong understanding of the challenges faced by people with a range of mental health conditions. You'll be a confident communicator, able to build trust quickly, listen deeply and engage effectively with service users in crisis, carers and professionals across statutory and voluntary services. You'll be skilled at assessing needs and risks, identifying appropriate support and signposting options, and working within recovery-focused approaches. Calm under pressure, highly organised and able to prioritise competing demands, you'll combine strong IT, literacy and numeracy skills with a solid understanding of safeguarding. Just as importantly, you'll be a collaborative team player, capable of using your initiative, building partnerships and supporting the induction of new peer staff and volunteers.

Interview Steps

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

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

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

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

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

We are a disability confident employer

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

Safeguarding Statement

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

Important Information for Candidates

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

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

Principle purposes of the job:

To deliver group support services including:

· provision of child focussed play/educational activities to support development

· parental guidance to support child development

· supervision of Play Leader and support for Volunteers

· to work alongside the scheme Manager in the planning and delivery of group support

Main responsibilities:

· To work within Home-Start’s standards and methods of practice including Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding and Promoting the Welfare of Children, Confidentiality and all mandatory policies.

· Work in close co-operation with the Play worker, Volunteers and other scheme staff as directed by the scheme Manager.

· Work in partnership with other family support agencies, as appropriate

· To make initial contact with families to assess their needs

· Review family’s needs on a regular basis and at the end of support.

· To maintain contact with individual referrers during a family’s support

· To welcome all parents/carers to the Family Group, recognising the importance of their role as the prime educators of their children

· To be aware of group dynamics ensuring the groups provide a non-judgemental environment for children and their parent/carer

· To provide a safe, stimulating environment for children and their parents

· To be vigilant about the upkeep of equipment ensuring good standards of safety and hygiene are followed.

· To closely work alongside the Play Worker planning activities for the children

· To make observations, record and report on children’s development

· To encourage the active participation of parents/carers in their child’s play and other activities as appropriate

· To provide opportunities for external agencies to offer advice/information to families

· To promote the use of suitable toys, books and activities and encourage the use of local resources e.g. Toy Library, Library and Children & Family Centres

· To complete a Risk Assessment prior to each session/outing

· To keep a register at each session detailing names of all those attending, including visitors/speakers with an evaluation of each speaker

· To record any accidents/incidents in the Accident or Incident Book and report as appropriate

· To respond, record and report appropriately all Safeguarding Children/Child Protection issues

· To liaise with the Manager regarding budgets

· To promote the work of Home-Start with referrers

· To be willing to undertake training as appropriate, including safeguarding/child protection.

· To attend regular supervision sessions

· To regularly attend staff Meetings

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join a small, committed and experienced team supporting children, young people and families before and after the death of a parent or sibling. SeeSaw is a local award-winning charity, established in 1999 and providing grief support for Oxfordshire families since 2000. 

We are looking for candidates who have experience of working with children and young people, and their families. You may have gained experience in a range of settings, but the most important quality is the ability to communicate effectively and to make and sustain supportive relationships with families. 

Our practitioners have a caseload of individual children and their families, and liaise with professionals from schools, health, social care and children and young people’s mental health services, as well as with our team of Volunteer Support Workers. You will be able to work collaboratively and on your own initiative, ideally have a qualification in health care, social work, counselling, psychological services or education; knowledge of therapeutic interventions in grief work would be helpful but not essential as training will be given. 

Men, younger people, and individuals from minoritised communities are underrepresented in our workforce and we are particularly keen to encourage applications from these groups. 

Interviews will be held on 24th March 2026. 

At Yada we provide an outreach service across coastal west Sussex that supports women impacted by sexual exploitation. Our outreach team is warm, friendly, approachable and trauma informed. As a team we are passionate about reducing the risk of sexual exploitaton, supporting women impacted by it and educating our community on the risks of sexual exploitation.

About the role

The Side-by-Side project supports children in care and care leavers to have the same opportunities as those who have not experienced care.

For many young people, navigating the care system and especially the transition to leaving care can be complex, isolating, and overwhelming. Too often, care-experienced young people are expected to face adulthood before they are ready, without the safety nets of family, friends, and community networks that many of us take for granted.

The project provides a mentoring and befriending service, offering consistent, trusted relationships that help young people feel less alone, build confidence and life skills, and navigate key life changes as they move towards independence.

Side-by-Side supports young people with a range of needs, including those who may be at risk of exploitation, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and young people living with identified mental health challenges. The project is guided by strong safeguarding practice, built on trust, and delivered through trauma-informed, person-centred approaches.

As a Community Engagement Worker, you will work directly with young people through engagement sessions, group activities and co-designed initiatives. You will also work alongside volunteers, supporting them to safely and effectively engage with young people. This role does not involve acting as a young person’s key worker or holding a caseload. Instead your focus is on enabling connections, strengthening community networks and creating opportunities for young people to thrive across Hertfordshire, Luton and Bedfordshire.

About you

We are looking for a compassionate and motivated individual, to work 21 hours per week that has strong local knowledge and a commitment to community-based support. You will be confident working directly with care-experienced young people, including those who may be at risk of exploitation, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, and young people living with identified mental health challenges.

You will live in or have strong connections to Hertfordshire, Luton, or Bedfordshire, and be confident working across these communities.

Your key responsibilities will include:

• Build community links: develop relationships with local venues, services, and partners to support young people and Side-by-Side activities.
• Support volunteers: recruit, train, and guide volunteers, helping them signpost young people to relevant services.
• Engage young people: deliver activities, gather feedback, and support co-designed initiatives to ensure young people shape the services they receive.
• Live our values: all work is guided by trust, reducing loneliness, providing practical and emotional support, and delivering person-centred approaches.

How to apply

In your application, you will need to evidence, using specific examples, how your skills and experience meet the criteria laid out in the person specification, within the job description attached.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website.

Employee benefits

We offer the following employee benefits:

• 26 days, increasing to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
• Occupational sick pay (subject to completion of qualifying period)
• Enhanced pay for family friendly leave
• Free parking at some of our offices
• Employee assistance programme
• Group stakeholder pension scheme
• Access to BHSF health cash plan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Support and supervision from your line manager
• Learning and Development opportunities

​Safeguarding and Compliance

NYAS operates robust safe procedures to ensure the protection of the children, young people and adults at risk we work with. To comply with NYAS’s Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy, candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check, references and a Digital Risk Assessment.

In accordance with UK immigration law, NYAS is required to ensure that all prospective candidates have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Therefore, proof of eligibility to work in the UK will be required as part of the recruitment process.

We reserve the right to close the advert early should the right candidate be found before the closing date.

Family Support Worker – Thames Valley

£24,000 pa + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)

Thames Valley and surrounding areas.

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Thames Valley Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Thames Valley Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a stressful and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

This role covers Thames Valley and surrounding areas. The role does require travel, however you have the freedom to plan your own diary around the demands of both the families you are working with, your team, and also any personal appointments you may need to attend.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator - you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We are a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation, an outstanding place to work! We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Company car for front line care posts

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Time off in Lieu

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

· Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

As part of our learning and development Anne Harris Skills Development Programme, we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be their best and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Teams are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, introduction to play, drawing and talking training.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

Please visit our website and apply online.

Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Thames Valley Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds.

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

 OASIS HUB BLAKENHALE

 PART TIME: 15 hours per week

FIXED-TERM CONTRACT: 18 months

SALARY: £10,533 for 0.3 FTE and £28,088 for 1FTE

We’re looking for an organised, people‑focused Volunteer Coordinator to recruit, support and coordinate volunteers across our community projects.

At Oasis Community Hub Blakenhale we provide a range of community activities including stay and play, food club, warm welcome space and adult education, community events and school holiday activities. Together, we aim to Creating places of belonging where we can connect with each other. Creating opportunities to volunteer and be change makers. Create a community we are proud of. Volunteers are at the heart of this work and the role of the volunteer co-ordinator will be a key part of this community.

Key Responsibilities

• Recruit, induct and match volunteers.
• Promote volunteering through events and local outreach.
• Provide ongoing support, supervision and admin for volunteers.
• Coordinate volunteers across hub activities.
• Support corporate/skills‑based volunteering and training sessions.

About You

• Experience supporting volunteers or working in a community setting.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding and confidentiality.
• Confident with Word and Excel.
• Relevant qualification or equivalent experience.

Safeguarding

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment and to undergo appropriate checks, including enhanced DBS checks.

What we offer

• Flexible working practices which encourage innovation and fresh ideas.
• A supportive network and friendly team in a motivating working environment.
• A non-contributory defined benefit pension scheme with 7% employer contributions.
• 25 days holiday per year (plus Bank Holidays), rising to 30 days after 2 years of service.
• Employee wellbeing schemes such as Cycle to Work and an employee funded health cash plan.

 Application process

For full details please go the Oasis UK charity website.

Closing date for completed applications is 9am Friday 20th March. Interviews will take place at Oasis Blakenhale on Wednesday 25th March.

Please send us your CV and cover letter.

To arrange a visit or an informal conversation about the role, please contact Oasis UK Charity Jobs website.

We actively encourage applications from people of all ethnic backgrounds and minority and underrepresented groups. Oasis is committed to making a difference to the lives of the communities it works in, and as such you must show a willingness to demonstrate commitment to the values and behaviours which flow from the Oasis ethos. 

The successful candidates must have the right to work in the UK.  Oasis cannot assist with sponsorship or visas.

Oasis supports Equal Opportunities.  Registered Charity No. 1163889

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with The Insurance Charity in their search for a Senior Administrator and Case Support Worker

 Location: Cannon Street (3 days office /2 day remote)

Salary: £32,000-£34,000

Benefits: Generous pension entitlement (20% of base salary), plus permanent health/income protection insurance and life assurance.

 The Insurance Charity has been supporting those working in the insurance profession for over 120 years. They provide financial and practical assistance to people facing hardship — helping them find stability and hope during difficult times. You’ll join a warm, motivated team of eight colleagues who are passionate about making a difference.

 About You

You are an organised, approachable administrator who enjoys supporting both colleagues and applicants. You are confident on the phone and email, with strong digital skills, attention to detail, and experience with databases. Compassion, empathy, and a non-judgmental approach are central to your work

 Key Responsibilities

• Acting as first point of contact for applicants via phone and email
• Supporting casework: allocating cases, following up for documentation, updating records
• Maintaining databases and producing reports
• Preparing grant documentation, committee papers, and payment requests
• Assisting with partnerships, volunteer management, and beneficiary engagement
• Providing administrative support to the Welfare Team and wider organisation

Essential Skills

• Strong interpersonal and organisational skills
• Microsoft 365 proficiency and database experience
• Empathetic, professional, and collaborative
• Attention to detail and methodical approach

Desirable: Experience with complex needs, change programmes, or the charitable sector

Join this small, friendly team and make an impact where it truly matters – supporting people when they need it most.

For more information, please send your CV to

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

Deadline: 06/04/26

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

Join Homeless Oxfordshire as a Project 41 Support Worker, supporting people with experiences of homelessness, trauma, substance use, and mental health needs to live more independently in dispersed accommodation. You’ll build compassionate, trauma-informed relationships, deliver high-quality support, coordinate with partners, manage risks and safeguarding, and help clients move on to suitable long-term housing. Join a supportive team where your commitment, resilience, and positive approach truly change lives.

Main Purpose Of Job:
Project 41 accommodates individuals within the homeless pathway and as part of Oxfordshire’s Homelessness Alliance. These individuals have support needs including substance use, mental health and offending histories, but are able to live in dispersed accommodation in Oxford with a higher level of independence than in our hostels. The successful candidate will understand the trauma people using our services have experienced, and have a compassionate and assertive approach to building relationships. At Project 41 you will provide high quality support service provision, work with clients to ensure suitable and timely move on, ensure the health and safety and safeguarding of service users and colleagues, work in a psychologically informed way, and develop and maintain effective partnerships with relevant agencies.

Main Areas Of Responsibility:

• To ensure the effective delivery of high quality support, housing management and resettlement opportunities.
• To develop effective professional relationships with service users that is trauma informed and compassionate, and which empowers and motivates our service users to make positive changes in their lives.
• To work in partnership with support agencies to coordinate a holistic response to an individuals needs; this may include substance use services, probation, health professionals and adult social care.
• To lead on identifying and applying for suitable move on accommodation, and providing support throughout the move and whilst settling in to new accommodation.
• To assess risk and suitability of referrals for the service.
• To be responsible for creating and actioning person centred, strengths based support plans, and identifying and working towards suitable move on.
• To assess and manage risk for individuals and in the service, creating and maintaining risk assessments for all clients. Reporting any safeguarding concerns without delay in line with procedures.
• Work with the Team Manager and colleagues to achieve agreed contractual performance targets and organisational targets and objectives.
• Maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment across accommodation services; this may including room cleaning and clearance.
• Manage challenging situations in line with procedures and to ensure the safety of yourself and others.
• Ensure that IT systems are updated as required and concise record keeping is completed promptly.
• To participate in the induction of and support new team members.
• To contribute to a positive team culture which is inspiring and motivational.
• Comply with Homeless Oxfordshire’s policies and procedures.
• Contribute to a positive working environment in which equality and diversity are valued and staff are enabled to do their best.
• Contribute to the work of the broader team.

About Us:

We are an open door for people experiencing homelessness whose lives have been shaped by trauma and disadvantage; providing safety, stability and support when it is needed most. We deliver this support across Oxfordshire by providing a range of accommodation with access to high quality support, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to take control of their own lives. We are an accredited Oxford Living Wage employer, and benefits to the role include: annual leave starting at 26 days (excluding bank holidays), flexible working, enhanced benefits with qualifying service, retail discounts with our Homeless Oxfordshire Benefits Hub, and life assurance up to four times your salary and a £250 bonus if you successfully refer a someone as a new colleague through our Employee Referral Scheme as a thanks from us!

What’s Next: Have a look at the job description to find out more about the role and apply on our website. Please be aware that this role is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure check and will be undertaken for the successful candidate .

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we identify a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

Young People Support Worker (Stockport)

We promise you that no day will be the same, and you will get so much out of working with our residents as you ensure that they are well-cared for, and empowered to make progress in their recovery.

Location: Stockport Pathway

Salary: £27,136 per annum

Closing Date: 22 March, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Make a real impact in the lives of young people at risk of homelessness as a Young People Support Worker. You’ll deliver strengths‑based, psychologically informed support that builds confidence and independence, creating safe and empowering spaces where young people can thrive. From shaping personalised plans to running meaningful activities, your work will help each person move closer to a stable, positive future.

Working a rotating shift pattern, you’ll build trusted relationships, champion safeguarding and collaborate with local partners to ensure every young person receives consistent, high‑quality support. Your creativity, communication skills and professional integrity will help clients engage in education, training, employment or volunteering opportunities—supporting them to take the next step towards independence.

In this role, you will:

• Provide strengths‑based, trauma‑informed support to young people at risk of homelessness

• Complete high‑quality risk assessments, SMART support plans and accurate case records

• Deliver one‑to‑one sessions and group activities that build resilience and independence

• Support young people to access education, training, employment and volunteering

• Maintain a safe, welcoming accommodation environment with regular health and safety checks

• Work collaboratively with partners and follow safeguarding procedures across a rotating shift pattern

About You (What we are looking for from you – Person Specification)

When completing your application form please address all the points set out below.

• Experience of working with young people or those who have experienced homelessness

• An understanding of the needs of people who have experienced homelessness, poor mental health, substance misuse or the care system

• A knowledge and understanding of Risk Assessments and Support Planning

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

• Able to demonstrate clear understanding of Safeguarding requirements and procedures

• Commitment to working in a manner which promotes diversity and equality, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one suffers from discrimination

• Commitment to promoting an environment, which has the highest regard for the Health and Safety of others

• Personal and professional integrity

• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain these

• Effective collaborative working

• Ability to effectively reflect on own practices for ongoing learning and development

• Respect for the values and ethos of Depaul and its founding partners

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family‑friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death‑in‑service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

Senior Young People Support Worker (Islington)

Join us to lead meaningful change, empower young people to thrive, and shape a service where your leadership, compassion and creativity make a real and lasting impact every day.

Location: Islington

Salary: £31,203 per annum

Closing Date: 22 March, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Step into a key leadership role as a Senior Young People Support Worker, where you’ll drive high‑impact, psychologically informed support for young people at risk of homelessness. You’ll lead a team of professionals, guide high‑quality assessments and support plans, and create safe, empowering environments that build confidence, resilience and independence. Every day, you’ll use an asset‑based approach to help clients develop skills and move positively towards sustainable futures.

You’ll take ownership of day‑to‑day service delivery—managing risk, maintaining high safety standards, strengthening partnerships with local agencies and ensuring the accommodation remains welcoming and well maintained. With your inclusive leadership and creative problem‑solving, you’ll connect clients to education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities, while also supporting staff development, supervising volunteers and contributing to the smooth running of the wider Islington pathway. This role is ideal for someone who leads with integrity, collaborates confidently and is motivated by achieving meaningful outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Lead high‑quality, psychologically informed support for young people, delivering tailored one‑to‑one and group interventions that build resilience and independence.

• Oversee day‑to‑day service delivery, ensuring strong safeguarding practice, effective risk management and a safe, well‑maintained environment.

• Supervise and develop Progression Coaches, volunteers and placements, providing guidance, performance oversight and positive role modelling.

• Build effective partnerships with local agencies and internal teams to strengthen client support pathways and meet contractual outcomes.

• Support clients to access education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities aligned to their goals and strengths.

• Manage key operational tasks including casework quality, financial recording, health and safety checks and participation in the on‑call rota.

About You (What we are looking for from you – Person Specification)

• Experiencing of supervising the work of others.

• An understanding and commitment to working in an assets-based way

• Experience of working with people who have experienced homelessness, poor mental health, substance use or have a history of living in care.

• Experience of using Risk Assessments and Support Planning.

• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills

• Experience of operating safeguarding requirements and procedures

• Commitment to working in a manner which promotes diversity and equality, ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one suffers from discrimination.

• Commitment to promoting an environment which has the highest regard for the Health and Safety of others.

• Personal and professional integrity

• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain boundaries

• Effective collaborative working

• Ability to effectively reflect on own practices for ongoing learning and development

• Respect for the values and ethos of Depaul and its founding partners.

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development
• Flexible working options where suitable
• 26 days annual leave, rising with service
• Family‑friendly leave policies
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%
• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access
• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more
• Cash health plan for you and your family
• Death‑in‑service benefit
• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

LGBTQ+ Adult Project Worker 

Responsible to: Communications and Engagement Manager 

Hours: Part time 6 hours 

Salary: £13.45 per hour 

Based: Fenny Stratford + outreach across Milton Keynes (for which travel expenses are paid) 

Contract: Fixed term for 12 months (potential extension, subject to funding) 

Closing Date: 23:59 on 8th April 2026

Interview Date: Tuesday 14th April 2026

Context 

Q:alliance provides support, information and representation for LGBTQ+ people who live, work and socialise in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas. Our goal is to create safe, welcoming spaces and accessible resources to ensure that the LGBTQ+ community is visible, represented and supported. 

Scope 

The Adult Project Worker will facilitate up to three weekly provisions for LGBTQ+ adults, working collaboratively within the team to develop activities that reduce isolation, create opportunities for belonging, and strengthen participation within the LGBTQ+ community in Milton Keynes. 

Sessions may take place at our centre in Fenny Stratford or at community locations across Milton Keynes, including Central Milton Keynes. Due to the nature of community-based group provision, most sessions take place during evenings, with some weekend working required to support community events and activities. 

Main Responsibilities  

• Support, information and empowerment – Develop and deliver resources, activities and events within group programmes. Create welcoming, safe and enjoyable environments where community members feel respected and included. Provide light-touch support and appropriate signposting to relevant services, and liaise with stakeholder organisations that support our community. 

• Co-production – Encourage meaningful involvement from beneficiaries in shaping activities and services. Support individuals to take on participatory roles within the organisation, such as co-chairing sessions or contributing to programme development. Seek innovative ways to embed community voice within service delivery. 

• Inclusivity – Ensure that services remain welcoming and accessible to a diverse range of LGBTQ+ people. Support activities that reflect varied perspectives, experiences and identities within the community. 

• Data capture and intelligence - Support Q;alliance’s commitment to sustaining a contemporary data and monitoring mechanism, guaranteeing we can deliver thorough evaluations of our services and competent feedback to our funders and stakeholders on the efficacy of our work.

Skills and Experience  

Expertise 

• Experience supporting individuals or facilitating group activities 

• Ability to plan, deliver and evaluate a diverse range of activities

• Knowledge of the challenges affecting the LGBTQ+ community 

• Understanding of mental health and approaches to building resilience 

• The ability to follow policy and procedures in relation to recognising, recording, and responding to safeguarding concerns and liaising with the Designated Safeguarding Lead 

• Ability to maintain confidentiality 

• Confidence to plan and lead activities independently and work as part of a team 

Communication 

• A general level of education evidencing good literacy skills and record keeping 

• A confident and engaging communication style 

• Ability to motivate and inspire participants

• Confidence communicating with partner and stakeholder organisations

Behaviours 

• Demonstrates clear professional boundaries

• Passionate about equality and the rights of LGBTQ+ people 

• Commitment to co-production and community involvement

• An ability to listen with empathy and act with compassion

• Model conduct essential for successful teams, such as reliability, honesty and courage 

Desirable (non-essential)  

• Qualifications and training in mental health first aid, or the desire to gain relevant qualifications. 

• Data, monitoring, and impact training, including up to date GDPR certificate (2 years) 

• LGBTQ+ lived experience

• Volunteer management experience

• Full UK Driving License

Other 

• Ability to work flexibly 

• Commitment to further personal development and training

• This role involves working with members of the community and may involve contact with adults who could be considered vulnerable. As part of our commitment to safeguarding, the successful applicant will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Appointment to the post will be subject to satisfactory DBS clearance and references.

• We are particularly interested in receiving applications from individuals from underrepresented communities within the LGBTQ+ community and those with lived experience of marginalisation 

What you’ll bring to the team 

You will work collaboratively with the adult services team to strengthen Q:alliance’s adult provision and ensure that our services continue to meet the needs of the LGBTQ+ community. 

The role will contribute to creating safe and welcoming spaces in line with Q:alliance’s Safer Spaces policy, helping ensure consistency and quality across our different adult programmes. 

All staff are required to adhere to Q:alliance safeguarding policies and procedure 

The Adult Project Worker will have responsibility for the following documents. 

• Session registers and monitoring data 

• Overview and evaluation forms 

• Basic activity reports where required 

About the role

The Community Support Worker will play a key role in our community support team and service provision.  Leading a team of volunteers, they will manage community enquiries through our helpline, digital channels, and in person at our Welcome Area, ensuring that IRMO remains a warm and accessible space for all. 

They will work closely with other teams to provide service users with accurate, up-to-date information, support the delivery of our advice services and make referrals to partner organisations and services. They will also play a key role in the delivery of the Community Support and Access to Health initiatives by planning, organising and delivering one-to-one support, outreach activities and workshops. This post is designated for a Portuguese speaker, in order to strengthen engagement and inclusion of Brazilians and other Portuguese-speaking migrant communities.

Key responsibilities

Community Support

• Serve as a key point of contact for Portuguese and Spanish-speaking community members, guaranteeing a welcoming environment, managing enquiries and referring to relevant IRMO services or external providers as needed.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of internal and external resources and services available to the community, and share this information with community members.

• Follow safeguarding practices across the services provided by the Community Support team.

• Actively contribute to the planning, organising and delivery of the Advice area’s  activities, events and workshops, including outreach sessions.

• Lead the recruitment, induction and supervision of Community Support volunteers.

• Represent IRMO in meetings and events related to community engagement, promoting our services among key stakeholders.

• Maintain accurate and timely records of service users and project activities using IRMO’s monitoring tools and database (Views).

• Record user feedback and complaints.

• Respond promptly and professionally to phone calls, emails, WhatsApp messages, and other enquiries.

• Assist with additional administrative tasks as required.

Access to Health

• Organise and manage drop-in sessions, including initial screenings.

• Deliver specialist information and advice as part of Access to Health initiatives, increasing awareness and accessibility for the community on topics such as cancer screenings, Chagas disease, sexual and reproductive health and vaccination uptake.

• Assist and advocate for community members facing barriers in accessing healthcare.

• Plan, organise and deliver rapid community testing screening sessions and health promotion events, both at IRMO and in external community settings.

• Organise and participate in regular outreach activities to promote Access to Health services and engage community members.

Key Duties & Responsibilities may evolve to meet the changing needs of the organisation and community, requiring flexibility and openness to additional duties as directed by the line manager.

Person specification

E = Essential - D = Desirable

Qualifications, Experience & Knowledge

• At least one year of experience in a similar role (E)

• Experience working or volunteering in the not-for-profit sector (D)

• Experience in managing and motivating volunteers (D)

• Understanding of issues facing the Latin American community in the UK (E)

• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection practices (E)

Skills & Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Portuguese (E)

• Good verbal and written communication skills in Spanish (E)

• Ability to communicate in an effective and accessible way with a diverse range of individuals and organisations (E)

• Ability to work with service users in a way that promotes their rights and dignity, while being aware of relevant boundaries (E)

• Ability to interact with service users from all backgrounds in a friendly, approachable and supportive way (E)

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail (E)

• Ability to manage own time and workload effectively (E)

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team (E)

• Good IT skills, including experience using Google Workspace applications and databases (E)

Personal Attributes

• Professional, positive and flexible attitude (E)

• Self-motivated and resourceful (E)

• Commitment to the principles of equality, diversity and inclusion (E)

• Commitment to IRMO's vision, mission and values (E)

Other requirements

• Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends as required (E)

Job description

About KLS’ Future Foundations education team 

Future Foundations is an education programme of Katherine Low Settlement. Since 2004, KLS’ Future Foundations education team of 10 part-time staff and over 100 volunteers, have supported young refugees and their families in Battersea and the London Borough of Wandsworth to thrive in their education. Through mentoring, family support, casework and homework clubs, we provide the tailored support each young person and their family (if they have one) needs to overcome the barriers to education they face at home and school. 

Key Objectives for this Role

Working with the Senior Caseworker and Team Manager you will: 

Key Objectives and Details for this Role

Working with the Senior Caseworker and Team Manager your role and responsibilities include: 

•Support staff to liaise with families/carers to communicate information regarding our work

•Support staff to keep and maintain robust recording and monitoring systems

•Maintain, collect, edit and store documentation of our work including photos, case studies for Newsletters, funding reports and other records

•Support our senior case workers with weekly drop-in advice sessions at KLS, including completing forms with families, general admin tasks etc.  

•Support casework team with making and following up on internal and/or external referrals, signposting whenever relevant and according to adequate referral pathways and in response to the young people’s/family's needs – with support and guidance from staff

•Add information to our database – guided by team leads/managers - log all cases; monitor progress and ensure all identified actions are taken

•Support with casework tasks, guided by senior caseworker and manager, from initial contact to resolution, maintaining confidentiality throughout

•Liaise with external agencies and organisations on behalf of clients

•Respond to enquiries by telephone, email, referring on internally or externally organisations when necessary

•Ensure records are kept and information managed confidentially in line with the data protection legislation

•Supporting Refugee team with general admin, database, evaluation data

•Maintain excellent safeguarding practices

•Supporting with partnerships liaison work – keeping records up to date 

Teamwork and reporting

•Work with Future Foundations team members to coordinate work, refer young people and/or parents/carers to our casework and advice team.

•Contribute to reports for trustees and funders and attend periodic meetings with funders

•Communicate well with other teams within KLS to provide a high-quality service to our members

Other Duties 

•Participate in regular supervision and annual appraisals; help to identify your own job-related development and training needs.

•Always work with anti-discriminatory, empowering practice, ensuring everyone is treated with dignity andrespect.

•Adhere to Katherine Low Settlement’s code of confidentiality, safeguarding and equal opportunities policies. 

•Undertake your role in a professional manner and maintain a high-quality standard of work in accordance with the aims, values and ethos of KLS.

The above job description reflects the position at the time of writing; it is not intended to be a task list but indicates the general level of work involved. It is expected that duties will be reviewed and revised as required.

Person Specification

The following skills and experience are required for this post:

Essential

·      Fluency in Arabic (spoken and written) to effectively support Arabic-speaking service users and families

·Experience of working with refugee communities and/or children/young people and/or vulnerable groups ensuring that clients’ needs are at the forefront of service planning and delivery

·Ability to manage an independent workload and support the wider team

·Ability to work as part of small team, whilst also working independently

·Personal attributes: hard working, organised, takes initiative, reliable, patient, high professional standards

·Excellent IT skills including MS Office suite and ability to use Internet, email and social media

·Committed to KLS’s mission, vision and values

·Passionate about social justice, education and championing the value of families from refugee communities

·Excellent communicating skills (oral and written) with refugee families, staff and partner organisations

Desirable

·Experience of planning, delivery and reporting in a similar voluntary sector project (preferably with refugee communities) 

·Experience and sensitivity working with vulnerable communities who are affected by mental health issues and past trauma. Empathetic, non-judgmental and able to form supportive but boundaried relationships with individuals

·Knowledge of up-to-date best practice as regards safeguarding the welfare of children and adults

·Excellent problem-solving skills and strong attention to detail

·A recognised casework/advice qualification

·Experience of collecting monitoring and evaluating data

·Aptitude for communicating in another language, particularly Somali, Farsi and/or Tigrinya

·Knowledge of Battersea / Wandsworth