Welfare benefits jobs

Team Leader

Service: Bolton Listening Lounge

Salary: £28,884 - £31,698 FTE per annum (£23,419.46 - £25,701.08 per annum for part-time, 30 hours per week)

Location: BAND, 125 Deansgate, Bolton, BL1 1HA

This post is office based working evenings and 3 weekend evenings on a four week rolling Rota (One full weekend, a Saturday or Sunday evening and two weekends off). Our office space is wheelchair accessible.

Hours: 30 hours per week (part-time)

Contract: Fixed Term until the end of March 2027

Family Action & the Role’s Impact:

At Family Action we support people through change, challenge or crisis. It’s what we’ve done for over 150 years. We protect children, support young people and adults and offer direct, practical help to families and communities.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

Working in partnership with Greater Manchester Mental Health Foundation Trust and MhIST (Mental Health Support Team), the Bolton Listening Lounge is a collaborative approach to providing mental health and wellbeing support from late afternoon into the evening.  It provides a safe space for people who are experiencing mental distress or who feel that they are going through a personal crisis. Our service staff will offer low level calming interventions and one to one support to identify the cause of the emotional distress and to put in place a plan including signposting and referring on to other organisations and services.

We are looking for someone with knowledge and understanding of Mental Health conditions and their impact on daily living and a strong track-record of working with individuals and their families to deliver positive outcomes. You will provide leadership to a small team of Support, Time and Recovery workers and demonstrate a commitment to a one team approach. You will have demonstrable experience of supporting staff or volunteers in their role and aptitude for managing professional relationships.

Main Responsibilities:

1. To provide leadership, guidance, supervision and appraisal to a small team of STR workers and to work with the Service Manager and HR on any absence, conduct or performance issues as they arise.

2. To be committed to providing an integrated one team approach to people who use our service and to work as part of a team to provide support to people using the Listening Lounge

3. To support STR workers to develop good practice in service delivery, recording and risk management skills and to implement Quality Assurance activities to monitor practice.

4. To manage risk and safeguarding effectively, offering support and advice to staff and monitoring high risk cases, ensuring that escalation processes are appropriately and consistently applied, and updating the Service Manager and external agencies as required.

5. To support workers in delivering targeted work with individuals to plan their support and achieve the goals and outcomes that are important to them, and to work with the wider Listening Lounge team to support the development and implementation of an action plan to support the individual.

6. To actively promote the use of outcome tools and analyse relevant data to support the Service Manager in delivering on KPI’s as required. To produce outcomes focused reports which evidence achievement and to adhere to timeframes at all the times.

7. To be responsible for the Health and Safety of STR workers on a day-to-day basis, including ensuring local policies and procedures are adhered to.

8. To develop and maintain networks with other organisations and agencies in order to strengthen safe working practices for service users, in line with organisational and local policies and processes

9. To maintain accurate case records and up-to-date case files using the agreed case management and recording system (currently INFORM). To ensure information handling is compliant with GDPR law and FA policies and procedures.

10. To attend and when required to chair team meetings.

11.  To make a commitment to regular supervision, including the ability to be responsive to critical challenge, advice, feedback and direction.

12. To have an understanding and to comply with, Family Action’s procedures for promoting and safeguarding the welfare of children and vulnerable adults.

13. To deputise for the Service Manager as and when required.

Benefits:

• an annual paid leave entitlement that commences at 25 working days pro rota, rising each April by one day, subject to a maximum of 30 working days plus bank holidays / of 30 working days plus bank holidays
• up to 6% matched-pension contributions
• flexible working arrangements and new starters have the right to make flexible working requests from day one of employment
• enhanced paid sick leave and paid family leave provisions
• eye care and winter flu jabs vouchers
• cycle to work scheme
• investing in your professional development with ongoing quality training and career development opportunities

We are forward looking, ambitious and committed to continuous improvement. We are a people focused, can-do organisation, which strives for excellence in all we do and operates with mutual respect.

To Apply:

·       Apply via our website and click the “Apply Now” link to fill out our digital application form

· Closing Date: Closing date Tuesday 31st March @5pm

· To learn more about Family Action: Careers

Interviews are scheduled to take place week commencing Monday 6th April 2026.  

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion:

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community / particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates and candidates with disabilities because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Family Action. We know that greater diversity will lead to even greater results for families and children and strive for our workforce to be truly representative of the diverse communities we support.

All candidates with a disability are welcome to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and request priority consideration for an interview, provided they meet the essential criteria for the role. 

To help remove financial barriers to working with us, we will reimburse travel costs if you are invited to attend an interview in person. 

*Ordinarily Family Action appoints new starters at the starting point of the salary scale (with subsequent annual pay progression), unless you have experience that would justify appointment further up the salary scale or there are any other exceptional reasons.

RSPCA Little Valley Animal Shelter is seeking an exceptional Chief Executive Officer to guide us through an exciting period of growth, transformation and renewed strategic ambition.

At Little Valley, our purpose is clear: to promote kindness, prevent cruelty, and provide outstanding welfare for the animals who rely on us. Our next Chief Executive Officer will inspire staff and volunteers, strengthen community partnerships, and lead with clarity, compassion and courage.

About the role

Our team is united by our compassion, collaboration, integrity, excellence and deep connection to our community - values that guide every decision we make. We are looking for a Chief Executive Officer who will champion these values in everything they do.

We are in a pivotal moment of investment and cultural renewal, with major developments underway - including improved facilities, modernisation of systems, strategic income growth and strengthened community engagement. This is your opportunity to lead an ambitious and much‑loved charity into its next chapter.

Key Responsibilities

(Full Job Description and Person Specification attached.)

• Lead the organisation’s strategic direction, ensuring alignment with our mission, values and long‑term goals.
• Drive high‑quality, compassionate animal welfare services across all operational areas.
• Provide visible, empathetic leadership that supports a positive culture for staff and volunteers.
• Ensure strong financial stewardship, diversifying income and securing long‑term sustainability.
• Strengthen partnerships, community profile and external relationships across the region.
• Champion innovation, operational excellence and continuous improvement at every level.

About You

You’ll bring proven senior leadership experience, exceptional communication skills, strong financial and governance capability, and the emotional intelligence needed to lead a complex and values‑driven organisation. Above all, you’ll bring a genuine passion for animal welfare and a commitment to ensuring values remain at the heart of everything we do.

Why join us?

As our Chief Executive Officer, you will lead a dedicated team, steward an organisation with strong foundations, and be at the forefront of shaping a more compassionate future for animals across Devon. This is more than a leadership role - it’s a chance to create lasting impact.

How to apply

Please submit your CV and a supporting statement (maximum two pages) outlining how your experience, leadership and values make you the right person to become our next Chief Executive Officer.

Application deadline: Tuesday 7 April, 5pm

We encourage applications from leaders who are motivated by purpose, committed to impact and inspired by the opportunity to shape the future of Little Valley Animal Shelter.

#Chief Executive Officer #Chief Executive #CEO #Chief Executive Officer

We are looking to employ a Housing and Welfare Benefits Advisor for Camden Disability Action's Social Welfare Advice services. You will have at least two years' experience providing welfare rights advice and housing casework and have up-to -date knowledge of welfare benefits and housing law, especially relating to Disabled adults.  Your role will be to identify potential income maximisation and provide the support needed to get benefits correctly assessed, and assisting with appeals as well as supporting Disabled people with housing support, including homelessness prevention measures.  You will work in a holistic way, managing and holding complex cases and advocating for clients across statutory services, specialist advice partners and community organisations.

You will be committed to learning more about the Social Model of Disability and you will share our vision for a radically inclusive world where people with differences are never disabled by the society in which they live.

The post is currently funded for 12 months, however it is an organisational priority to secure ongoing funding for this role and to keep growing the size and scope of our advice team.

The role is advertised as hybrid and a minimum of 2 days on site in the NW5 1LB office is essential.

Deadline for applications is Monday 23rd March 5pm. Interviews will be held on Tuesday 31st March and Wednesday 1st April.

Since 1899, Birmingham Settlement has been working to create opportunity and choice – connecting and empowering people through action, activities, and shared learning to build and sustain wellbeing for all.

Debt & Welfare Benefits Adviser  

Salary: £30,000 pa

35 hours per week, 25 days A/L + contributory pension scheme

Birmingham Settlement has an opportunity to join our Money Advice Team as an experienced Debt & Welfare Benefits Adviser.

As an experienced Debt & Welfare Benefits Adviser you will already have a background in providing effective, high-quality debt and welfare benefits advice to a wide range of clients in differing circumstance.

Based at our Newtown office with outreach work in other areas of the city, you will be adaptable with excellent communication skills, flexibility, and the ability to manage your own workload.

You will be joining a long established and professional Money Advice Team providing specialist advice with a holistic approach that covers all areas of debt and welfare benefit along with training to build and continually improve money management and financial capability. 

This is a great opportunity to join a progressive charity making a real difference to people’s lives – see our website.

For an informal discussion about the roles call Theresa Gniadkowski, Birmingham Settlement Sports & Community Centre,

For an application pack visit our website, email us or write to Human Resources, Birmingham Settlement Sports & Community Centre, 600 Kingstanding Road, Kingstanding, Birmingham, B44 9SH

Closing date for applications: Thursday 26th March 2026 at 5pm

Interviews: Wednesday 1st April 2026 

Birmingham Settlement is committed to Equality of Opportunity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Registered charity number 517303

Talking Money is looking for a compassionate, creative problem solver to join our team of dedicated specialist debt and welfare benefits advisers.

You will help people on low incomes build financial security by providing clear, compassionate and high-quality welfare benefits and debt advice and casework. You’ll work collaboratively with colleagues and partners to strengthen people’s confidence, understanding and capability and to identifying barriers within local systems (for example, within the local authority) and contributing to efforts to reduce these. 

Your work will be rooted in a person-centred approach—flexible, respectful and tailored to each individual. Everything you do will help us deliver our organisational purpose: 

“Help me with my money worries, in a way that suits me, so that I can get on with my life.” 

About Talking Money  

Talking Money is an independent charity providing free, expert money advice across Bristol and South Gloucestershire. Demand for our services continues to rise.  

Our approach is:  

• Integrated: addressing debt, benefits, energy/fuel poverty, income and wellbeing together.  

• Person-centred: psychologically informed, strengths-based and empowering.  

• Practical and impactful: securing income gains, writing off unmanageable debts, preventing eviction, reducing stress and anxiety and improving knowledge and confidence.  

We are looking for someone with:

• Strong experience delivering welfare benefits advice and casework to people facing financial hardship. 

• Passion for improving the lives of the people who we work with. 

• A willingness to learn debt advice to a generalist level. 

• Commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues and clients.

Hours: 30 – 37.5 hours a week (0.8 - 1.0 FTE) 

Contract term: Permanent

Location: Hybrid working negotiable but majority of time in office is required to deliver advice as part of a supporting, collaborative team. 

Salary: Grade 5 SCP 19-25 (approx. £32,000 - £35,000 FTE for FY26-27) 

Reporting to: Leadership Team 

Holiday entitlement: 25 days FTE pro rata (rising to 30 days after 5 years) + bank holidays.

Before You Apply

Don’t meet every single requirement?

Studies have shown that women and people of from minoritised ethnic communities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification.

At Talking Money, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, so if you’re excited about this role, but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with the criteria, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles and lived experience goes a long way. Still not sure? Talk to someone at Talking Money about the role to see if it sounds like something you would be great at doing: telephone Nick Leaman  on 07496 441 494 or email (see application method for address) 

Access

Do get in touch if you would like any of this information in another format, or if you would like to apply in another format. 

If you are shortlisted, Talking Money will work with candidates to ensure their access needs are met during the interview process and will ensure access requirements are not a factor in decision making. 

Application Process

To apply please email your CV and cover letter (max of 2 sides of A4) to our recruitment address (see application method for details)​

If you have queries about the role, please contactNick Leaman by email or telephone 07496 441 494.

Application Timeline 

Applications close: 17.30pm on Sunday 12th April 

Shortlisting: Monday 13th April 

Interviews:Tuesday 21st April 

About the role

The role will play a critical role to help deliver an effective and high performing rent collection and recovery service in accordance with legislation, the organisation’s policies, set performance targets and customer satisfaction requirements. In collaboration with the Resident Services Manager to ensure that the organisation is compliant with all regulations and using robust policy and procedures and ensuring the right systems are in place to effectively manage the revenue and income streams and arrears of the organisation. This role will also manage the impact of welfare reform provisions, ensuring an effective advice and support service to residents to manage risk on revenue and income levels.

We welcome applications from those with experience in supported housing and rent arrears management. 

Responsibilities

• The role also oversees the best payment methods for all residents at sign up and this includes the setting up of standing orders or direct debits in line with the direct debit guarantee where applicable. To liaise with the Assistant Accountant who will oversee the administration of this.

• Production of performance and management reports, setting collection targets in consultation with the Resident Services Manager and proactively monitoring and reporting in respect of service delivery, performance indicators and targets.

• Maximise the collection of arrears by having regular meetings with the Team Managers; being proactive in contacting Support Workers or residents, providing them with clear instructions on information requests and repayment options.

• To work closely with other members of the Revenue team to manage resident rent and accommodation charge accounts and other former resident debts, on a regular basis identifying trends and patterns on individual accounts and then liaise with Support Workers or residents to rectify income issues and address arrears in line with policies and procedures.

• To maximise rent collection in line with targets by making arrangements to recover rent arrears and to enforce related tenancy conditions, ensuring residents’ rent accounts are monitored and prompt actions taken to prevent the accumulation of debt, and to authorise any rent account adjustments and refunds.

• Work closely with the Assistant Accountant to ensure that all residents Personal Contributions (PC) and Housing Benefit (HB) are calculated correctly on sign up and when there has been a change of circumstance

• Liaising with local authorities’ benefits teams and Government agencies on new benefit claims and issues in liaison with the Assistant Accountant and regular meetings together.

• Acting as the main first point of contact on queries around revenue and income management, policies, procedures and systems.

• Ensuring team have Welfare benefits training and are up to date with regulation. Working with Support Workers to ensure residents maximise their incomes by claiming all benefits due them

• To assist vulnerable residents with prompt and appropriate action and advice, and liaise with other agencies and departments to ensure that their needs are met.

• To be responsible for preparing timely and accurate reports on arrears cases, to attend Court and represent the organisation on individual arrears and possession cases when relevant, to prepare eviction reports and represent the organisation at evictions to ensure the successful repossession of properties.

• To maintain appropriate and accurate records to comply with statutory and service-wide reporting requirements on performance issues.

• To contribute towards the continuous improvement of performance in line with the organisation’s service plan targets.

• To work with other agencies and departments such as the organisation’s Finance Department, Customer Services Team; Housing Benefits, The DWP, Advice agencies, Housing Officers, Solicitors and the Courts in delivering an efficient and effective service.

• To attend meetings internally as and when necessary, for example, Directorate, Management and planning meetings.

• Cover the lead person when required on daily cash reconciliations whilst following finance policies and procedures

• Cover the lead persons when required to organise banking with the Finance Department whilst working closely with colleagues within the Resident Services Department and other senior employees to carry out banking runs.

• To undertake such other duties within the competence of the post holder which may be required from time to time.

• Person specification

• Experience

• Demonstrable experience of working in a supported housing environment in a similar or related role

• Experience of supervising a person or team

• Qualifications

• GSCE (or equivalent) in English, Maths

• Skills and Knowledge

• Knowledge of supported housing sector and housing law

• Detailed knowledge of rent arrears issues and processes

• Detailed knowledge of housing and welfare benefits

• Understanding of trauma informed practice

• Abilities

• Capable of developing and maintaining constructive and positive working relationships both internally and externally

• Personal qualities

  • Be creative in problem solving and seek out practical solutions to complex problem

• Demonstrate a high degree of accountability and decision making

• Full driving licence held and maintained

• Desirable criteria

• Housing or a related qualification

•  

• Be able to meet deadlines and balance priorities

• Be able to delegate and allocate work effectively

• Be able to monitor operational and customer service performance and suggest and implement ways of improving performance

• Be able to manage change, introduce new initiatives, and revise systems and processes

• Be able to communicate clearly and concisely, with a systematic and consistent style including experience of report writing and drafting policies/procedures

• Interview process

  Interviews will be held during the week commencing 13 April 2026. The process will begin with a short pre‑screening interview. Candidates who are successful at this stage will be invited to an in‑person interview, which will include a practical test as part of the assessment.

  Before starting this position, you’ll need to undergo a criminal record check by the Disclosure and Barring Service. You must be entitled to work in the UK. Due to the customer‑focused nature of this role, working from home will be one day per week 

This role sits within our Connecting Communities service, which is an element of the larger Mental Health and Wellbeing Service in Tower Hamlets. The post holder will be committed to supporting our clients through their recovery and developing greater resilience and wellbeing. This role will offer a personalised approach to accessing welfare and housing-related advice and information, through casework, workshops and advice surgeries.

What you’ll do 

• Provide welfare benefits and housing advice to support people with mental health challenges to live independently in the community.
• Help clients understand and resolve issues related to welfare benefits and ensure they receive their correct entitlements.
• Run workshops, groups, and advice surgeries on welfare benefits and related topics, such as money management.
• Work collaboratively with the Connecting Communities team, mental health services, housing associations, and other providers to support welfare benefits enquiries, referrals, and training needs.

Are you an experienced Welfare Rights Adviser who is passionate about making a real difference to people’s lives? Citizens Advice Cheshire West is looking for a skilled and committed Welfare Rights Caseworker to join our dedicated team. In this role, you will provide specialist benefits advice and casework to clients across Cheshire West, helping people navigate complex welfare systems, maximise their income and access the support they are entitled to at some of the most challenging times in their lives.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference in the local community by providing specialist welfare benefits advice and casework to clients across Cheshire West. You will support people to access the benefits they are entitled to, helping to maximise income and improve financial stability.

The role involves managing complex welfare benefits cases, preparing detailed written submissions, negotiating with third parties and, in exceptional circumstances, representing clients at tribunal.

This is a hybrid role with time spent working from home and from our offices in Winsford and Chester, alongside outreach work across the Cheshire West area. Due to the nature of the role, extensive travel is required and access to your own transport is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide specialist advice and casework across the full range of welfare benefits.
   

• Prepare written submissions and supporting evidence for reviews, appeals and tribunals.
   

• Act on behalf of clients by negotiating with relevant organisations and drafting correspondence.
   

• Represent clients at tribunals where appropriate.
   

• Ensure clients receive the benefits they are entitled to, supporting income maximisation.
   

• Maintain accurate case records and statistical information using our case management systems.
   

• Work collaboratively with colleagues and external agencies to support clients.
   

• Contribute to research and campaigns work by highlighting issues affecting clients.
   

About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has recent welfare rights casework experience within Citizens Advice or a similar third sector organisation.
   

• Has experience preparing high-quality written submissions and casework documentation.
   

• Has excellent written communication and negotiation skills.
   

• Can manage a complex caseload in an organised and structured way.
   

• Understands the challenges faced by vulnerable clients.
   

• Is able to work flexibly to meet service needs.
   

Desirable:

• Experience of representing clients at tribunal.
   

Why Join Us?

This is a rewarding opportunity to use your welfare rights expertise to make a genuine difference to people facing financial hardship and complex benefit challenges. If you are committed to delivering high-quality advice and want to work as part of a supportive and values-driven team, we encourage you to apply and help us support communities across Cheshire West.

We Offer:

• Flexible and hybrid working wherever possible

• Enhanced holiday and sick pay entitlement

• A strong focus on staff health and wellbeing

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme

• Health benefits package

At Age UK Kensington & Chelsea, we believe that ageing should be about living well — staying connected, independent, and fulfilled at every stage of life.

We’re a vibrant, values-led local charity and proud partner of the Age UK network. Every day, we work alongside older people to design and deliver services that promote wellbeing, independence and dignity. From supporting people to manage their health, to tackling loneliness and influencing local policy, we put people and communities at the heart of everything we do.

Our Information and Advice service provides rights-based information, advice and advocacy on Welfare Benefits, Social Care and Housing options; practical assistance with individual grant applications, accessing social tariffs, blue/purple badge and taxi card applications. The service is delivered through a range of channels, including face to face, telephone, email and digital, across Kensington and Chelsea borough.

This is an exciting new role for us - to help shape our Information and Advice service, a service we're proud to dleiver within the community. If you're passionate about helping people, have experience of successfuly managing a team and are seeking a new challenge then get in touch!

The role is 21 hours per week.

Due to the number of applications we may not be able to respond to all unsuccessful applicants.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a skilled line manager with experience in general welfare advice to join Sufra NW London. In this highly rewarding role, you will oversee the delivery of services that can measurably change lives by providing quality advice and support to those most in need.

You will manage our team of advice staff and volunteers to deliver high quality advice, information and welfare support to guests on a range of topics including benefits, housing, debt and immigration issues. An additional focus will be on establishing clear pathways for referring guests to external services, and managing volunteers to triage, signpost and refer guests to other forms of welfare support.

The advice team consists of paid staff and support volunteers. This year will be dedicated to consolidation of the service, ensuring that we are fulfilling our core mission to the highest standards. We are also hoping to launch our immigration advice service, providing guests with a first point of contact for their immigration needs and smooth referral pathways to specialist advice.

Finally, our OpenARMs programme will be launching workshops for our refugee and asylum seeker communities.

You will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team, especially Head of Advice at Sufra to support the implementation of new initiatives, and the expansion of our information and advice services to enhance our efficiency and impact.

The post holder will be a highly articulate and proactive individual with good welfare advice knowledge, 3+ years delivery experience in managing a charity team, strong service management skills, as well as experience managing staff and volunteers. The ideal candidate will have up-to date knowledge of the welfare system, immigration and safeguarding protocols. They must also have demonstrable experience using a case management system, adhering to advice standards and be able to manage a diverse workload and work under pressure.

This is an immensely rewarding role working in a dynamic charity built on an ethos of sharing, hospitality and inclusivity. We are looking for an exceptionally committed individual who is willing to go the extra mile and has flexibility to work during evenings and weekends if necessary. As this is a frontline role, you will be required to work on site at least 2 days per week.

We offer a wide range of employee benefits including:
• Excellent annual leave entitlement0
• Pension scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Death in Service benefit
• Flexible working
• Opportunities for training and professional development

This role requires regular in-person engagement in London. Applicants must be able to travel to and work in London easily.

About us

SurvivorsUK exists for men, boys and non-binary people who have experienced any form of sexual violence. 

We support – by providing services such as a helpline, counselling, ISVA and groupwork.
We challenge – by raising public awareness of the issue, and dispelling myths
We build – by creating and facilitating networks for better access to help

Role

In this exciting role, you will provide pro–active emotional, practical information, advice and advocacy support for male and non-binary survivors who have experienced any form of sexual violence.

As our Sexual Violence Caseworker, you will ensure survivors are aware of their social welfare rights, options and entitlements and assist them in accessing key services such as social services, housing, and benefit agencies.

Please see attached Job Description and Personal Specification for more information.

Benefits of Working with Us

- We are a Disability Confident Employer
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme
- Access to Clinical Supervision, if relevant for your role
- Acces to gym at our Hackney Wick offices
- Commitment to your professional development

How to apply

To express an interest in the role and to be considered, please review our JD and Personal Spec and submit the following:

• An up-to-date CV.
• A supporting statement that addresses each of the requirements in the person specification and outlines your motivations for applying.

Closing date: Sunday 22nd March 2026 at 11.30pm
Shortlisting for Interviews: Week beginning the 6th of May. The interview will be held remotely via Teams or Zoom.

We especially encourage applications from individuals who reflect the diversity of the communities we serve, including men, non-binary, Black and Asian, trans, disabled people, and those from other marginalised groups. We recognise and value the unique experiences that arise from the intersections of these identities, and we particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience or a strong understanding of the issues faced by our service users.

At SurvivorsUK, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment where everyone is empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We also understand the importance of work-life balance and are open to discussing flexible working arrangements, including job share opportunities, to support candidates with caregiving responsibilities or other needs.

If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process or have any accessibility needs, please let us know. We are here to provide any support necessary to ensure the process is inclusive for you.

Specialist Housing Worker

Salary: £32,000 | Contract: Temporary, Full-time, 12 months with potential to extend | Location: St Helens

Are you passionate about supporting refugees and individuals with humanitarian protection status to build a secure future? YMCA St Helens is seeking a Specialist Housing Worker to provide person-centred, trauma-informed support and improve access to long-term accommodation. You’ll play a vital role in helping people transition to independent living as part of our Housing Support Team.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality, person-centred housing support to refugees and those with humanitarian protection status
• Assess housing needs and develop personal housing plans
• Support clients to secure suitable and affordable housing and maintain tenancies
• Advocate for clients’ housing needs and liaise with relevant agencies
• Build strong relationships with landlords, agents, and stakeholders
• Negotiate rehousing opportunities and work with local authorities on housing schemes
• Maintain accurate records and produce reports for funders

About You
Essential:

• Experience working with refugees or individuals with humanitarian protection status
• Strong understanding of resettlement and integration challenges
• Experience working with housing stakeholders and multi-disciplinary teams
• Ability to manage a caseload and create detailed support plans
• Excellent communication and advocacy skills
• Knowledge of UK welfare benefits, housing rights, and immigration services
• Cultural competence and commitment to equality and inclusion
• Ability to work flexibly and independently, including outreach
• Full driving licence and access to a car

Desirable:

• Experience working with families and children
• Experience delivering workshops or community events
• Fluency in a relevant community language
• Lived experience as a refugee or asylum seeker
• Chartered Institute of Housing qualification

Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference in the lives of refugees and vulnerable individuals
• Be part of a supportive, values-driven team
• Help shape innovative housing solutions in the community

Closing Date: 27th March 2026 at noon
Interviews: Week commencing 6th April 2026
Apply with your CV and covering letter

Job Title: Refuge Worker

Location: This is an onsite role, located within the London Borough of Hounslow, there may be a requirement to occasionally work in the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Salary: £28, 857.12 per annum (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location)

Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (Until March 2027)

Hours: 37.5 hours

We want kind and empathic people to work at Refuge, who believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, are experts in their area of knowledge, want to make a positive difference and improve the lives of the women and children we support.

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker to provide high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges. This includes safety planning and enabling women to access housing, welfare, benefits, and legal advice. A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that women are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles. 

As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota

This post 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.

Closing Date: 09:00am 20 March 2026

Iterview Dates: 6 and 7 April 2026

About us

Join our team at the MPS Society, one of the leading rare genetic disease charities in the UK aiming to transform the lives of individuals and their families affected by MPS, Fabry and other related lysosomal diseases.  This is a rare opportunity to join our Support & Communities teams who provide direct support, practical guidance and other patient focused activities to over 1500 members and their families, UK-wide. 

Our Support Team raise awareness both within the MPS community and external agencies, offering information, advice, support, and advocacy in a range of areas including clinical management, health and social care, housing, education, transition, independent living, palliative care, and bereavement.  

Ideal candidate

As a Senior Support Officer, you will primarily be responsible for raising awareness and providing a high-quality support and advocacy service to our members and their families.   You will be a relationship builder who cares about the community we serve and ensures that the individual (or family) remains at the centre of support.  You will have experience in multi-agency working and an in-depth understanding of the needs of those with disabilities, their families and carers.  Demonstrable experience and knowledge of health and social care, education and relevant assessment processes are essential. 

As deputy safeguarding lead officer for both shildren and vulnerable adults you will take the lead in the absence of the safeguarding leads and be confident sharing your knowledge with new recruits through mentoring.

You will have excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to uphold best practice, challenge poor policy and inappropriate decisions.  Excellent IT skills and the ability to plan, prioritise and deliver to tight timescales are essential.  You will be self-motivated and highly organised, juggling many strands of work. 

As part of a small, dedicated team, you will have a positive attitude and a willingness to work collaboratively with your colleagues and external parties to raise awareness, advocate for our membership, as well as supporting the delivery and development of services for the MPS Society community.

Whilst a relevant qualification within health & social care, education or a related field is desirable, other knowledge and work experiences may be equally as valuable in this role. Prior knowledge of MPS and related conditions is not required however a special interest in neurology and working with individuals with neurological disabilities is advantageous.  In-depth support and training to develop expertise in MPS and related conditions, and the needs of those affected by these progressive, life-limiting conditions will be provided.   

What we can offer you

Join us and you will be working for a caring charity offering:

• A competitive salary
• Generous annual leave of 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time hours)
• Extra leave between Christmas and the New Year
• Pension
• Life assurance (subject to the conditions of the scheme)
• Employee assistance programme offering support 24/7

Further information

The successful candidate must be eligible to work in the UK.

This is a full-time role (35 hrs per week) however part time hours, with a minimum of 28 hrs per week may be agreed for the right candidate.  Salary will be pro-rata for part-time.

The main duties, responsibilities and essential requirements of this role can be viewed on the attached job description.

This is an essential car user post. The applicant must hold a current UK driver’s licence, with no more than 6 points, have access to a car and be able and willing to drive UK wide as required.

This role is offered on a hybrid basis with a minimum of 2 days in our Amersham office each week. As part of the role, UK wide travel is necessary. This may on occasion include early morning and/or evening working and sometimes overnight stays.  You may also occasionally be required to attend evening or weekend conferences and events. We have policies in place to ensure that any unsociable hours worked are fairly compensated.

We encourage candidates to visit the MPS Society website to learn more about us and the community we serve.  Alternatively, if you would like an informal chat about the role or the work of the MPS Society, please contact Bethanie Pentecost.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)

The MPS Society is a charity that provides a range of care, support and activities for children and adults at risk throughout the UK. This is provided through our dedicated support and advocacy service, telephone helpline, clinical research, online activities and forums, annual events, patient expert meetings, focus groups and conferences.  MPS staff, trustees and volunteers may be asked to be involved in the delivery of its regulated services and activities. 

This post is exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  Due to the sensitive nature of the duties undertaking, the post holder will be expected to undertake a DBS check as part of the recruitment process and for this to be reviewed on a regular basis. 

Next steps: 

Applications:  Please provide your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 750 words) outlining your understanding of how rare, complex and progressive conditions such as Mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS), including their neurological impacts, can affect individuals and families across the life course. In your response, please describe the experience, skills and approaches you have developed that would support you to carry out the Senior Support Officer role, including (where relevant) supporting people with complex needs, working across health, education and social care systems, and providing advice, advocacy or casework support.

Kindly note, applications received without a supporting statement will not be considered. 

Closing Date:   Whilst we have an initial closing date of 20th March, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview and assessment.

1st interviews:  Initial virtual interviews will be held end March/early April.

2nd interviews: Final face-to-face interviews and assessments will be held on 16th & 17th April at MPS House, Amersham.