Benefits advice worker jobs

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Complex Needs & Outreach Keyworker

Salary: £25,000- £27,000 pro rata

Location: Kent Advance Women’s Centre including co-location at Folkstone Probation Office

Hours: 28 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term Contract for 12 months

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.  

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to EL1 MOJ Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending.  We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies. Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

This is a pilot project for Advance working with women with complex needs related to their involvement with the criminal justice system. As the Complex Needs & Outreach Worker you will provide intensive, trauma-informed support to women experiencing multiple and intersecting vulnerabilities, including homelessness, domestic and sexual violence, mental health challenges, substance misuse, and social exclusion. Working flexibly across outreach and community settings, you will focus on building trusting relationships with women who may be disengaged from or distrustful of services, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed holistically.

You will be based primarily at Folkestone Probation Office, with up to two days per week spent providing outreach support in the community. This position involves close collaboration with the Folkestone Women's Pod to identify women who require intensive support.

A car may be desirable for this role, though not essential.

About You:

To be successful as the Complex Needs & Outreach Worker you will need the below experience and skills:

You will be highly empathetic, able to listen without judgement, and emotionally resilient when supporting women who have experienced significant trauma and adversity. The role requires tenacity and persistence, maintaining consistent engagement with clients who may have chaotic circumstances or face barriers to accessing support. You will advocate on behalf of clients, coordinate multi-agency responses, and support women to access safe accommodation, health services, safeguarding support, and pathways to recovery and independence.

This role demands a proactive, compassionate professional who can manage complex risk, work autonomously, and remain motivated and resilient while delivering person-centered, strengths-based support to some of the most vulnerable women in the community to enable them to lead safe and fulfilling lives.

How to apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.

• Interviews are taking place on a rolling basis

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)
• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home
• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more
• Pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee eye-care scheme
• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles
• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation
• Organisation wide away days
• Thorough induction and training
• Career development pathways

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe.  We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks.  We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

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.

Senior Community Action Worker

Salary: £30k per annum

35 hours per week (flexible)

25 days A/L pro rata + contributory pension scheme

Birmingham Settlement is recruiting a Senior Community Action Worker to help us grow and offer more to the communities and people we serve.  Mainly based at our Sports & Community Centre (SCC), the role will help to develop, lead and manage activities that support individual and community leadership, voice and engagement in line with individual, community, and funder needs.

The role will focus on the overall management and development of the Settlement’s Sports & Community Centre to encourage active living, offering a diverse range of opportunities and learning activities to encourage physical health and wellbeing including partnerships and greater use of site facilities – the sports pitch, the gym, halls and large outside space as detailed in the job description.

An open mind, adaptability and a willingness to work flexibly along with excellent customer care skills are standard requirements that we must all always adhere to.

For an informal discussion about the role call Alex Howell. 

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

Closing date: 5pm Thursday 26th February 2026

Interviews: Friday 6th March 2026

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

The Senior Support Worker is the lead practitioner within their designated intensive support  domestic abuse refuge, providing day-to-day operational oversight and support to staff, volunteers and bank staff. 

Working closely with the Refuge Manager and Deputy Refuge Manager, the postholder ensures the consistent delivery of high-quality, trauma-informed support to women and children fleeing domestic abuse. The role acts as the main point of continuity within the refuge, supporting staff induction, maintaining standards of practice, and contributing to a safe, stable and supportive environment. 

Why work for us? 

Pathway Project is an inspiring  place to be, we are a charity with big ambitions and huge energy. 

We have a bold new strategy and a passion  for excellence in service delivery with an eye on growth. 

Supported by a driven and energetic board of trustees the new Chief Executive is leading Pathway Project through their ambitious plans. 

It’s a really fantastic time to join our amazing charity as we move into the next phase of our exciting journey. 

We are a flexible and supportive employer, committed to the personal and professional development and wellbeing of our employees. We welcome applications from women with lived experience of domestic abuse and from minority  or under-represented groups. 

We offer the following benefits: 

• 25 days paid leave plus statutory holidays (pro rata) 

• A competitive pension scheme

• Employee Assistance Programme delivered by Health Assured which offers incredible support to staff and their families

We value our colleagues and are constantly reviewing our policies and practice, looking for ways in which we can better demonstrate this. We also recognise the potential impact of working in this field and provide clinical supervision to all of our employees, whatever their role.

About Pathway Project 

We are a domestic and sexual abuse service based in Lichfield & Tamworth, Staffordshire. 

We offer a range of support services and run two refuges in confidential locations. 

We have been operating for over 30 years helping adults and children overcome domestic abuse, and to build a future where they live in safety and are free from fear.

Since our founder, Kathy Coe MBE, created Pathway Project, we have helped over 25,000 people, with 5,814 hours of support provided in the last year. 

We offer a wide range of services, including adult and children outreach and community support, mental health, wellbeing and financial advice.

We support the relatives of those who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and offer specialist counselling, advocacy and care to all who need us. 

Pathway Project believes in working as a cohesive team and are service user led. 

Our helpline is access to all and is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. 

** Please ntoe we may close this application early if we receive sufficient applications**

We are seeking an experienced and diligent HR Administrator to provide HR admin support to the organisation. You will be responsible for all HR administration, including the production of HR paperwork, and serve as the day-to-day generalist HR contact for all employees. We do not currently have HR software, so reviewing our requirements in this area would be one of your responsibilities. 

This is part-time fixed-term position, as we review the organisation’s needs in this area, and will be subject to review and possible extension at the end of six months.

As a small charity (c. 35 staff including part-time and casual workers), the role will require balancing practical tasks with more senior HR responsibilities. You'll be based in the office (a lovely rural setting near Twyford, Reading) for at least two days per week and, being situated within the rehabilitation centre, you will have daily contact with those men whom you are helping. They inspire and motivate us just as much as we seek to encourage and support them.

As this is a strategic post within an actively Christian setting, applications should be from committed Christians. Schedule 9, Part 1:3(a) of the Equality Act 2010 applies

The Role of Diocesan Housing Surveyor

We are looking for someone who can work alongside the Diocesan Property Manager, and Property Officer, to assist in the management of the Clergy Housing stock comprising of 160 houses across Coventry and Warwickshire.

The main responsibilities of the of Diocesan Housing Surveyor

 are:

• Inspect Clergy houses and assess repairs and improvements necessary in compliance with Coventry Diocese Clergy Housing Standards.
• Implement the recommendations of the property reports.
• Arrange property inspections and implement the required works with the agreement of the Property Manager.
• Arrange stock condition surveys.
• Address reactive repairs and ensure works are undertaken and completed in accordance with the Housing Standards.
• Prepare schedules of work and cost budgets, agree these with the Property Manager before tendering to approved contractors.

What we are looking for in a Diocesan Housing Surveyor:

· Driving Licence with access to own car

· Previous experience of managing small works contracts

· Working knowledge of residential building defects and their resolution

· Proven awareness of health and safety with regard to building management and works contracts.

· Being responsible for the day-to-day maintenance of properties whilst remaining within budgetary and time constraints

· Degree Level or relevant experience commensurate to the role

· Evidence for continuing professional development.

· Familiarity using a modern Property Management software package.

This post reports to the Property Manager and is based in the Diocesan Offices in Coventry.

Interviews will be held on 24 March at the Diocesan Offices in Coventry

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join a rapidly growing caring charity with the benefits of flexible family friendly working (from home), generous holiday, pension scheme, travel expenses, laptop and phone provided.  

Reaching Families was established in 2008 to empower, inform and support parent-carers and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in West Sussex.  We achieve this through the delivery of a range of services including information, training and peer support.

Our ND Navigation Service provides information, training and support to parent-carers of children and young people waiting on, undergoing or completed an assessment for ADHD, Autism and other neurodivergent conditions. 

We are looking to recruit a skilled and motivated Administration & Data Management Officer to join our Team. The post holder will be responsible for providing a range of administrative duties in support of our ND Navigation Service and Outreach team, including processing referrals, creating and maintaining records on our Charitylog database, collating data and generating monitoring reports as well as managing enquiries from parents.

Job Description & Person Specification

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

1. Processing referrals received into the NDP Navigation service

2. Creating and updating service user records on Charitylog and Excel including data entry and uploading documents, etc.

3. Weekly collating of data from Charitylog and generating monthly monitoring reports on Excel to provide senior managers, partners and funders

4. Arranging community outreach events (ND Navigation Roadshow) with local partners including CDC’s, Family Hubs, special schools, short break providers, parent support groups, etc.

5. Managing enquiries from parent-carers and professionals working with parents

6. Managing bookings in the event of staff sickness or absence – for the NDP Navigation service

7. Carrying out regular telephone surveys with parent-carers who have accessed the NDP Navigation service, maintaining monitoring records and testimonials and updating log sheets

8. Monitoring posts on Reaching Families Facebook group and where relevant, follow up with signposting to appropriate Reaching Families Services and other relevant providers

9. Providing other administrative support to the Outreach and Training Manager, Team Lead, Co-ordinators and ND Support Workers in executing their duties

10. To pursue a strategy of continual personal and professional development

11. To carry out other occasional duties commensurate with the role

See attached job description for details and full criteria 

We welcome applications from all members of the community and value diversity in the organisation. Please contact us if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application or interview process due to any disability or health requirements. 

Closing date for applications is 2nd March 2026

Interviews to be held in Littlehampton on 11th March 2026

To apply please complete the attached application form and share why you feel you fit the role and person specification (see attached documents) 

Historically, the organisation has delivered a grant giving programme but has evolved over the past ten years to provide a holistic service to clients that includes financial grants, advocacy,fmaily support,psychotherapy, volunteering opportunities and social events. 

Most of our clients have support need over and above financial assistance.  Many are socially excluded from society and face a combination of linked problems such as unemployment, discrimination, poor skills, low incomes, poor housing, living in areas of high crime, bad health and family breakdown. These problems are linked and mutually reinforcing so that they can create a vicious cycle in people’s lives. 

For this role its expected you have experience working with families who need support with complex issues and engage with them to work out solutions and postive outcomes.

Stewardship serves Christian donors, workers, charities and churches in the UK and beyond called to faithfully steward their personal, professional or ministry resources for God's glory. We are now recruiting for the Head of Accounts Examination Services. This is an opportunity to lead a growing team, working to support churches and Christian charities through finance and play a significant part in driving forward our mission.

Our aim is to improve governance in the Church and Christian charity sector. You will have the opportunity to shape and develop an already highly regarded and growing service.  You will lead a dedicated team to deliver high-quality accounting and examination services, ensuring our ministry partners receive mission-aligned professional support.

This role offers an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic and strategic leader who is motivated by serving the organisation’s Christian mission and committed to delivering excellence. As Head of Accounts Examination Services, you will provide both operational and strategic leadership to a committed team, ensuring the effective delivery of high-quality accounting and examination services.

Occupational Requirement (OR)

As a result of our Christian ethos, this post is covered by an Occupational Requirement (OR) under Part 1 of Schedule 9 to the Equality Act 2010. The successful applicant will be expected to be a practising Christian and to clearly demonstrate a personal commitment to the mission, principles, values and practices contained in our Ethos Statement, by:

· Active membership of local church congregation.

An understanding of the faith aspects of the work of Christian charities, including the preparedness to pray with colleagues, where appropriate.

We’re recruiting a Training Lead (Employment Law)

Salary range: £38,000 - £40,000 FTE (per year, depending on accreditation and experience)

Hours: Full time (37.5 hours per week) or part-time, with flexibility for an exceptional candidate

Contract: Fixed term for 12 months (2-month probation)

Location: London hybrid (with possibility of remote for an exceptional candidate)

The Work Rights Centre is looking for a motivated employment law expert to  lead  our growing training programme, and support the wider development of the charity.

Over the last few years our legal teams have delivered a number of successful training and capacity building programmes to other advice charities and local authorities - from short teaser sessions, to in-depth programmes that walked attendees through the core pillars of employment law over the course of several weeks.

We are now looking for an experienced trainer to join the charity, drive the development and delivery of our new exciting training programme, and support the ongoing growth of the charity.

This is an ideal opportunity for a candidate with a strong sense of justice, who values impact, and the autonomy of working in a diverse and agile team. We can accommodate part-time, flexible and remote work, and offer 28 days of annual leave in addition to a winter holiday break.

The role

This critical new role is an opportunity to build on our existing portfolio of workshops to develop a whole new line of work for the charity, working closely with the Deputy CEO and the Employment and Immigration legal teams. We are looking for a passionate self-starter, with strong legal expertise in employment, and experience of developing and delivering high-impact and engaging training sessions. 

About you

We seek an employment law expert who has a passion for training and an entrepreneurial spirit. We are looking for:

● Qualified solicitor or barrister, eligible to practise in England and Wales.

● Experience in developing training or professional development materials

● Experience in delivering compelling and accessible legal training or workshops (internal or external)

● Excellent written and verbal communication skills

● Knowledge of, and empathy with, the backgrounds and experiences of migrants and other vulnerable workers.

Please download the job description for full responsibilities and complete person specifications.

How to apply

Please send your CV and Cover Letter by the end of Sunday, March 1st  and don’t hesitate to reach out with any queries about this opportunity.

JOB PURPOSE 

The Resettlement Coordinator supports the Resettlement & Housing Needs Service Manager with both the development and the day to day running of the Resettlement Team, the core team within The Passage Resource Centre. The Resettlement Coordinator line manages a team of Resettlement Workers, who are responsible for the initial assessment of service users. The Resettlement Coordinator will lead the team in providing advice and housing-related support to clients with a wide range of needs to enable them to sustain their tenancies, improve their quality of life and increase self-reliance. 

They are responsible for:

Managing and coordinating the work of the team in providing support and resettlement of service users, ensuring:

• Service users have a safe and welcoming place to access and work towards positive change.

• That the team are offering practical and personal support in a way that is approachable, engaging, flexible and caring.

• That the team are supporting service users to make the most of their strengths and to make progress to achieving their hopes and ambitions.

• That service users have opportunities to contribute and be involved through co-production, working with the Experts by Experience Facilitator to identify new ways of involving service user voices in the development and delivery of front-line services

• Ensuring the service meets best practice requirements.

• Managing, leading, motivating and developing the staff team.

• Supporting the Service Manager to maintain and build on the network of relationships with other statutory and voluntary agencies, and the local community.

• Continual service development & improvement, establishing referral pathways and building new partnerships to support positive resettlement for service users.

• Overseeing the No Night Out project, ensuring cases are progressing and assisting to produce high quality reports and evidenced based impact analysis.

• Reviewing and developing working practices to ensure they are in line with The Passage policies and procedures, and that the best possible service is provided to all service users. 

MAIN TASKS 

Care and Support of Service Users

• Ensuring that all service users receive high-quality Triage Assessments and Needs Assessments, support, care and advice that is focused on their strengths and goals, and delivered in a way that suits them and within a framework of active engagement, positive risk taking and person-centred planning. 

• Ensuring that effective and reliable assessments are carried out and that person centred Resettlement Plans and Safety Plans are created and updated for all service users through a lead case worker system.

• Ensuring that the service users' rights to privacy, dignity and self-determination are promoted, and that their rights as citizens are upheld. 

• Ensuring as far as possible that service users are involved in the management of the service and that regular service user consultation occurs. 

• Enabling the service users to participate in, and have access to, available resources in The Passage and the wider community by promoting worthwhile activity and referring internally and externally to appropriate agencies. 

To Lead and Manage a Team

• Providing leadership and day to day management & supervision of a team of Resettlement Workers

• Management of Resettlement Team staff rota.

• Taking the lead in recruitment and selection of new staff and volunteers to the team.

• Developing performance targets and quality control measures for the work of the team, and monitoring team members’ work to ensure that these are met and are aligned with The Passage Values.

• Supporting staff by setting clear objectives and holding individual supervisions and case reviews regularly.

• Ensuring good communication between staff by holding team meetings regularly, and additional briefings as necessary.

• Inducting new staff and planning the continuing development of existing staff on the basis of an annual appraisal.

• Managing the rota and workload of the team to ensure that adequate cover is provided at all times.

• Ensuring the health and safety of team members. 

• Defining (and reviewing from time to time) the roles of staff to ensure these support the function’s aims and objectives.

• Operating The Passage’s disciplinary and grievance procedures where necessary.

Resource Centre Management

Working closely with the Operations Coordinator to ensure the provision of high-quality service delivery within the Passage Resource Centre through:

• Assisting with incident management and follow up to instances of anti-social behaviour, or other breaches of the Service User Agreement.

• Assisting with Duty Manager shift cover within the Resource Centre as needed to ensure service continuity. 

• Prompt follow up of maintenance issues.

• Liaison with the Facilities Team to ensure provision of quality and seamless service management.

• Processing and responding promptly and objectively to complaints from service users and other agencies as required.

• Ensuring property related risk management and assessment procedures are followed by all team members.

Networking, Liaison and Resource-building

• To be responsible for good and effective liaison with outside agencies including the police, social services and other statutory and voluntary agencies and delegating this work where appropriate.

• To identify volunteering opportunities, for both corporate partners and individuals, to add value to the work of the team and ensure volunteering policies and procedures are put into place and monitored

• To work collaboratively with the Service Manager to attend external meetings, manage internal and external communication effectively, encourage and seek opportunities to maintain partnerships across the sector.

Information Management

• Ensuring the team is recording and updating. To ensure the Resettlement Team are keeping accurate record keeping, while maintaining timely record keeping using internal database as well as client files and ensuring all record keeping is kept securely in line with General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR).

• Ensuring that The Passage’s policies and procedures in relation to information management, monitoring and reporting are fully implemented, in an accurate and timely way, ensuring that all staff members are clear about their responsibilities.

• Ensuring the collation and submission of accurate and timely monitoring information for external bodies as required.

• Participating in the production of promotional information in relation to The Passage’s services.

• Regularly reviewing and analysing data from In-Form to identify gaps in delivery, monitor caseloads, identify trends and to plan service delivery. 

• Work closely with the Service Manager to produce high quality and engaging reports for our funders (both voluntary and statutory) and supporters that demonstrates both hard and soft outcomes that our services achieve. 

Finance

• To liaise with the Finance team in the preparation of project budgets.

• To monitor the service’s income and expenditure in line with the budget. 

• To monitor and authorise staff-related and office expenditure in line with the organisational and service budget and in line with financial regulations. 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES 

• To keep abreast of current housing legislation, welfare benefit legislation and other matters relevant to successful support and resettlement of clients.

• To adhere to The Passage’s Policies and Procedures at all times.

• To provide or arrange cover for other members of the team and division as necessary.

• Being proactive in reviewing and evaluating own performance and identifying and acting upon areas for improvement, training, and development.

• To participate in regular supervision and annual appraisal and help in identifying your own job-related development and training needs.

• Undertaking, as required, any other duties compatible with the level and nature of the post and/or reasonably required by more senior members of staff

• Attend and participate in internal & external divisional and team meetings and other forums as required.

• To contribute to the effective implementation of The Passage’s Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Policy as it affects both The Passage and its work with vulnerable adults.

• In conjunction with other managers and the Head of Community Services, to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of The Passage.

• To always undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high-quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with the aims, values, and ethos of The Passage.

• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role or organisational requirements.

This job description covers the current range of duties and will be reviewed from time to time. It is The Passage’s aim to reach agreement on changes, but if agreement is not possible, The Passage reserves the right to change this job description. 

About Shooting Star Children’s Hospices 

We have an exciting opportunity for a qualified Complementary Therapist to join our team at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices as Complementary Therapies Lead. 

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices provides specialist care to families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or who have been bereaved. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, we support families across Surrey, north-west London and south-west London from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, psychological and medical care.

At the heart of what we do are our dedicated staff; their exceptional commitment and professionalism means every family has the opportunity to make every moment count.

It’s a great time to join Shooting Star Children’s Hospices as we have a growing therapies team, supporting families through complementary therapies, arts therapies and EMDR therapy. 

About the role 

As Complementary Therapies Lead, you will lead the delivery of high-quality complementary therapies to children, parents and families of Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. This includes families affected by a child’s life-limiting condition, and families who experience the sudden and unexpected death of their child. The Complementary Therapies service includes individual treatments and therapeutic support groups, to help ease physical discomfort, reduce anxiety, and promote emotional wellbeing in a safe and nurturing environment. 

About you 

This role requires a minimum of two years post qualification experience as a Complementary Therapist practicing aromatherapy and holistic massage. You may have additional qualification in reflexology, Indian head massage, or acupuncture. 

We are looking for someone with experience of working with individuals of different ages and those who have experienced trauma or significant mental health struggles You will be passionate about utilising the complementary therapies for easing a wide range of difficulties, including helping children with medical conditions, carers struggling with the emotional and physical difficulties that arise in caring for their life-limited child and families who have experienced the death of their child.

You must be registered with the Complementary and National Healthcare Council or other professional body (or able to apply and confirm membership ahead of appointment).

Please see the attached job description for more information about this opportunity at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices. 

What we offer

In return you will receive a competitive salary along with a range of benefits, which include:

Pension scheme

• NHS Pension Scheme (for eligible employees) or our stakeholder pension scheme, with up to 7% employer contributions
  
  Annual leave

• 27 days plus Bank Holidays rising with length of service
• 2 weeks paid sabbatical leave after 5, 10 and 15 years’ service
  
  Contractual benefits

• Generous sick pay scheme
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave pay
• Flexible working arrangements
• Death in service benefits
• Reimbursed professional membership fees
• Eye care
• Employee referral scheme
• Blue Light discount card
  
  Health and wellbeing

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational Health
• Mindfulness sessions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Mental Health First Aiders

Anticipated Start Date: 04/05/2026

Closing Date: 28/02/2026

The vacancy

The Housing Officer role is 37.5 hours a week, working shifts between 8am and 8pm Monday-Friday which you will share with two other staff members on an 8-4, 10-6 or 12-8 rota pattern.

The role is based in Colchester.

Your time will be spent working with residents towards independent living by assisting them to claim and maintain benefits, move into work, education or volunteering, learn about successful budgeting, to eat healthily and keep themselves safe and healthy both physically and mentally. You will also interview prospective residents, carry out room checks, fire checks, assist with our food distribution scheme, collect payments and arrears, attend appointments with the young people as and when necessary, take an active role in resident engagement and support the management team.

Who we are and what we do

YMCA Essex has a 44 room, supported housing unit on Magdalen Street in Colchester. We house young people aged 16-25, supporting them towards independent living and a well rounded life. We encourage and support them into work, education or training and to be able to maintain a tenancy and look after themselves when they leave YMCA. Residents can live at the YMCA for a two-year period after which time we assist them in moving onto independent living.

You

Have an active care and concern for the community, work in an inclusive way, welcoming the diverse needs of our young residents. You are tolerant, understanding and non-judgemental. You have an interest in the needs of young people and a thirst to support them towards being the best they can possibly be.

You have experience of working in supported or general needs housing, wellbeing planning, risk assessments, working with young people and a great knowledge of welfare benefits, grants and other sources of income available. You have housing management, rent accounting and tenancy sustainment expertise as well as experience of dealing with anti-social behaviour and resident engagement.

Your IT skills are current with a good understanding of Microsoft packages and Sharepoint and you have an excellent level of education. You are experienced in working in and handling stressful situations. You are flexible and adaptable in regard to working hours and are able to take part in an on-call rota evening and weekend rota. You have a driving licence or can get to Magdalen Street at any time of day or night (if on call) within 30 minutes.

As a great communicator you are able to demonstrate an empathetic and person centred approach, problem solve on a daily basis, work with minimal supervision and with discretion and integrity whilst respecting confidentiality.

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A CARER ROLE. THERE IS NO PERSONAL CARE INVOLVED AND RESIDENTS ARE PHYSICALLY AND MENTALLY ABLE. CARE WORK EXPERIENCE WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED AS HOUSING EXPERIENCE.

YOU MUST HAVE RELEVANT EXPERIENCE TO BE CONSIDERED AND LIVE WITHIN 30 MINUTES TRAVEL OF COLCHESTER.

Join Us in Growing a Greener Future

Western Forest – part of England’s National Forest network and hosted by the Forest of Avon Trust – is driving an ambitious mission to restore nature, improve wellbeing, and create a climate-resilient landscape across the West of England.

We're expanding our team and looking for a Woodland Management Lead to help shape the future of our region’s trees and woodlands. If you’re passionate about woodland resilience, biodiversity, and supporting landowners to manage woodlands sustainably, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact.

About the Role

As our Woodland Management Lead, you will lead the delivery of woodland management across the Western Forest, helping us bring 1,500 hectares of woodland into active, sustainable management.

This is a varied and rewarding role combining project management, technical forestry expertise, grant scheme development, and stakeholder engagement. You’ll work closely with landowners, forestry agents, farmers, community groups, and partner organisations to enhance woodlands for ecological, economic, and social benefit.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading woodland management projects, from planning to on-the-ground delivery
• Providing trusted technical advice on forestry and woodland management
• Preparing Forestry Commission Woodland Management Plans
• Developing and managing a woodland management grant scheme
• Engaging with landowners, farmers and stakeholders to promote best practice
• Delivering workshops to build skills and confidence in woodland management

About You

We're looking for someone who combines forestry expertise with strong project management and communication skills. You’ll thrive when coordinating multiple partners and enjoy supporting others to improve woodland health and resilience.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We believe a diverse team creates stronger, more resilient outcomes. We warmly welcome applications from under‑represented groups in forestry and the environmental sector, including people from minority ethnic backgrounds, women, LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities, and those from lower socio‑economic backgrounds.

We operate a blind shortlisting process to ensure fairness and focus on your skills and experience. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Any questions or if you’d like to have an informal discussion before applying, please email Jack McCrickard, Woodland and Nature Recovery Manager on the email address provided in the job pack on our website.

Intended interviews during week commencing Monday 9 March 2026.

We will inform all applicants of the outcome of your application but we may not be able to provide individual feedback to all applicants.

Vice-Chancellor’s Office
Development, Alumni and Campaigns Office

Prospect Research Officer 
Ref: SC4931

Starting salary from £31,236 per annum, dependent on skills and experience, with an annual increment up to £37,694 per annum. 

UEA is advancing its ambitious £100 million Dare to Do Different Campaign, with Prospect Research playing a central role. We are seeking someone who can help drive transformational change.

In this role, you will work closely with our fundraising team to identify, research, and engage high‑quality prospects, helping to build a strong pipeline of major donor opportunities while upholding the highest ethical standards. Your insights will inform strategic fundraising aligned with the University’s key priorities.

The ideal candidate will be educated to at least A level (or equivalent qualification) or equivalent experience and have a good understanding of fundraising, along with strong research, organisational, and interpersonal skills.

You will join a collaborative, supportive team that takes pride in achieving excellent results. This is a valuable opportunity to make a lasting impact helping us meet campaign goals and shape UEA’s future.

This full-time post is available on an indefinite basis. 

UEA offers a variety of flexible working options and although this role is advertised on a full-time basis, we encourage applications from individuals who would prefer a flexible working pattern including annualised hours, compressed working hours, part time, job share, term-time only and/or hybrid working. Details of preferred hours should be stated in the personal statement and will be discussed further at interview.

Further information on our great benefits package, including 39 days annual leave inclusive of Bank Holidays and additional University Customary days, can be found on our benefits page.

Closing date: 16 March 2026

The University holds an Athena Swan Silver Institutional Award in recognition of our advancement towards gender equality.