Entry level jobs

Want to play your part in transforming society?

You're in the right place.

Many of our Spear trainees have faced significant barriers to finding work, including family breakdown, growing up in care, disability or mental health difficulties, having been involved in crime, or really struggling at school. We believe that being out of work can lead to isolation and proliferate these challenges, meaningful work is key in helping young people find a sense of purpose and community. We're proud that the coaching and community that the Spear Programme provides makes such a difference that 75% of those who take part find work, and are still in work a year later.

Not only will you be part of bringing about powerful change in people's lives, but throughout this paid, dynamic opportunity, you'll be supported and challenged. We'll invest in you, developing expert coaching and leadership skills to set you on a great career path.

Please feel free to let us know if you may require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in our recruitment process, or if you have any enquiries regarding accessibility such as wheelchair access. 

The important stuff

Location: Islington

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm (With some out-of-hours work needed for events such as our Spear Celebrations)

Salary: from £27,000

Closing date: Monday 5th January (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate)

Upcoming Assessment Days: Thursday 22nd January

Application pack: Have a look at our application pack for more information about the role and Resurgo

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave (including Christmas Gift Days) plus bank holidays
• Excellent personal development and training opportunities, including our iLM-accredited 5-day Coaching for Leadership programme (worth £3,000)
• We aim to support all Graduate coaches to progress to other roles with us after this initial year, with development towards management level within 3 years.
• Regular staff prayer meetings, conferences and retreats (one residential)

What will you do?

• Coach 16-24 year olds, bringing about powerful change in their lives 
• Build great relationships with relevant professionals 
• Form part of an intentional church community 

What will you gain?

• Management skills and career progression 
• Excellent coaching capability 
• Social Impact Experience
• Christian Leadership Skills 

Want to play your part in transforming society?

You're in the right place.

Many of our Spear trainees have faced significant barriers to finding work, including family breakdown, growing up in care, disability or mental health difficulties, having been involved in crime, or really struggling at school. We believe that being out of work can lead to isolation and proliferate these challenges, meaningful work is key in helping young people find a sense of purpose and community. We're proud that the coaching and community that the Spear Programme provides makes such a difference that 75% of those who take part find work, and are still in work a year later.

Not only will you be part of bringing about powerful change in people's lives, but throughout this paid, dynamic opportunity, you'll be supported and challenged. We'll invest in you, developing expert coaching and leadership skills to set you on a great career path.

Please feel free to let us know if you may require any reasonable adjustments to participate fully in our recruitment process, or if you have any enquiries regarding accessibility such as wheelchair access. 

The important stuff

Location: Brighton

Contract: Full-Time, Permanent

Hours: Monday - Friday, 9.30am - 5.30pm (With some out-of-hours work needed for events such as our Spear Celebrations)

Salary: from £25,300

Closing date: Monday 5th January (We are interviewing on a rolling basis and might close the application early if we find the right candidate)

Upcoming Assessment Days: Thursday 22nd January

Application pack: Have a look at our application pack for more information about the role 

Benefits

• 28 days annual leave (including Christmas Gift Days) plus bank holidays
• Excellent personal development and training opportunities, including our iLM-accredited 5-day Coaching for Leadership programme (worth £3,000)
• We aim to support all Graduate coaches to progress to other roles with us after this initial year, with development towards management level within 3 years.
• Regular staff prayer meetings, conferences and retreats (one residential)

What will you do?

• Coach 16-24 year olds, bringing about powerful change in their lives 
• Build great relationships with relevant professionals 
• Form part of an intentional church community 

What will you gain?

• Management skills and career progression 
• Excellent coaching capability 
• Social Impact Experience
• Christian Leadership Skills 

Our mission is simple but ambitious: to create thriving places for young people and flourishing, resilient communities—supporting transformation in mind, body, and spirit.

YMCA St Paul’s Group (SPG) is a long-standing charity dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities across London. For over 150 years, we’ve been providing life-changing youth work, essential community services, inclusive health and wellbeing centres, and supported accommodation for those at risk of homelessness. 

About the Role

As a Housing and Support Officer, you’ll play a central role within our Housing and Support team, helping us deliver exceptional care, stability, and guidance to our residents. You’ll often be the first friendly face they see—answering queries, providing clear guidance, and ensuring a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors. 

This is a dynamic, people-focused role with a broad range of responsibilities. From reception and administrative duties to first aid, safety checks, and supporting new residents, your work directly contributes to a positive and meaningful experience for our community. No two days will be the same—and every day, your impact will be felt.

Key Responsibilities

First-Class Customer Service
You’ll be at the heart of our community, offering consistently warm, professional, and helpful support. Your interactions create a real and lasting difference for residents, visitors, and their support networks.

A Varied and Engaging Role
From managing calls and handling payments to coordinating repairs and mail, your everyday tasks keep our sites running smoothly. You’ll also support essential safety and security processes that protect our community.

Safety & Security Leadership
As a trained first aider and fire marshal, you’ll be trusted to respond effectively during emergencies. Regular wellbeing and facilities patrols will help ensure that residents feel secure, supported, and at ease.

Welcoming & Supportive Engagement
You’ll warmly welcome new residents, listen to concerns, respond to incidents of anti-social behaviour, and offer compassionate assistance to those who need it. Your attentiveness helps us maintain a safe and inclusive space.

Teamwork & Collaboration
Work alongside experienced housing advisors who share your commitment to making a difference. Your enthusiasm, empathy, and professionalism will be valued and celebrated as part of a supportive and dedicated team.

What We Offer

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, diversity, inclusion, and authenticity are core values. We want you to bring your full self to work—and we’ll support your voice, perspective, and growth through our Employee Resource Groups and inclusive culture.

We’re committed to your professional development, offering a broad learning and development programme that includes formal training, qualifications, and hands-on experience. You’ll have ongoing opportunities to progress and grow your career with us.

You’ll also enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing in mind, body, and spirit, including:

• Free access to our gyms across all sites

• Discounts at major retailers and supermarkets

• Free wellbeing and counselling services

• Flexibility to work from multiple outer-London locations

• Career development programmes to help you thrive

• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity pay

• Life Assurance (for permanent contracts)

(For a full list of staff benefits, please refer to our benefits guide.)

We're looking for 2 kind, empathetic and resilient Support Workers to join our Learning Disabilities Service in Waltham Forest.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

What you'll do:
Behaviour Analysis:
- You are liable to observing and monitoring the customer's behaviours, the duration, the intensity, and the damage, as well as factors that may alleviate or trigger the behaviour
- You understand and collaborate with the different support organizations accessible in the community
- You will have ability and skill to present and feedback to other professionals in a formal setting
- Reports possible cases of abuse, neglect or endangerment appropriately
- Actively participates in the reviewing and the designing behavioural interventions plans.
- Implements behaviour support plans

Other Responsibilities:
- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, as facilitated by the lead Support Worker.
- Carry out security duties to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
- Enable customers to make full use of community facilities by providing support as directed

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem

What you'll bring:

Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Behaviour that challenges and Diabetics
- Good IT skills
- Drivers
Desirable
- Experience with PBS Approach

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for full Job Description

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for graduates who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a permanent role as an Education Worker on IntoUniversity’s Graduate Scheme, helping to change the lives of young people. 

We believe that our Graduate Scheme is one of the most exciting in the charity sector, an excellent career opportunity with exceptional training and hands-on experience, opportunities for promotion, and the chance to work with young people and colleagues who will challenge and inspire you.

Locations: We have positions available in Bradford, Nottingham and London.
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Applications close: 9am Tuesday 6th January 2026
Start date: Late January/early February 2026 – you must be eligible and available to start at this time.

Salary

£28,250 per year (plus £,200 London contribution for London based positions)

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

Become an Apprentice Worker and use your lived experience to inspire clients throughout their recovery while gaining a qualification and working on your professional development.

At St Mungo’s, we believe in creating opportunities for people with lived experience of homelessness, substance use, mental health challenges, involvement with the criminal justice system, and/or recovery services. Our Apprenticeship Scheme is designed to help you build a career while making a positive impact. We have opportunities available for 18 month fixed term contracts as Client Support Apprentice Workers.

What you’ll do as an Apprentice Worker

Working as Client Support Apprentice Worker, you will complete practical work experience and academic learning, and work alongside colleagues, students and volunteers working together to empower clients, with a variety of needs in achieving personal goals.

• Gain practical experience and skills in caseload management while working in a person-centred way to support wellbeing and recovery.
• Learn how to deliver day-to-day services while collaborating with colleagues and external partners.
• Have opportunities to shadow experienced staff and receive on-the-job training, observing how we empower our clients to access the right support and move on.
• Complete the practical element of your apprenticeships with meetings and event attendance as well as formal learning while completing a Level 3 Peer Worker qualification.
• Complete on and off the job learning, shadowing and development opportunities.
• You will receive support and supervision from an Apprenticeship Advisor as well as a direct line manager, every step of the way.

Where you’ll work

We’re excited to offer 2 Client Support Apprentice Worker opportunities, joining the team in the London Borough of Camden in the following services:

Camden Shared Houses: A large service spreading across 6 properties and supporting over 40 clients with their needs around homelessness, substance use, mental and physical wellbeing. This service works closely with Camden Council, other accommodation providers in the Adult Pathway, CAPP nurses, and other local services to ensure clients receive holistic support and move towards independence.

North Camden Mental Health Accommodation Services: A mental health supported accommodation service supporting clients with high and low support. Generally, clients move to high support services from hospital and move on from there to low support and then into independent accommodation in the community. This service works closely with other providers within the Mental Health Pathway and community mental health teams.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for self-motivated people who can bring their own lived experience of recovery or using services, and use it positively and appropriately to inspire and empower our clients on their journey.

• You will have great communication and listening skills, empathy, and a genuine desire to make a difference.
• You will have some experience through volunteering or working in a similar setting, basic admin and IT skills and a  proactive attitude towards learning.
• If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply!

If you don’t think you meet all of the requirements, we would still love to hear from you. You can find more information about the scheme and our contact details on our website, why not get in touch with the team who can answer your questions. 

How to apply

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.

To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website.

Closing date: 10am on Monday 12 January 2026

Interview and assessments: between 27-29 January 2026

St Mungo's are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.

What we offer

• A full-time, paid role (37.5 hours per week) for 18 months.
• A comprehensive training programme.
• A dedicated team to support and empower you.
• Excellent development and growth opportunities
• A diverse and inclusive workplace
• Great pay and other benefits

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for someone who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a fixed-term contract as an Education Worker at our
centre in Oxford.

Location: IntoUniversity Oxford South East
Contract: Full-time, fixed-term until April 2027
Applications close: 9am Tuesday 6th January 2026
Start date: January 2026

Salary

£28,250 per annum

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

Are you a proactive and a good listener, looking for a schedule that offers unique flexibility in Bristol?

We are looking for people to join our dedicated team providing vital person centred support to people experiencing homelessness in a Level 1 accommodation setting in Speedwell Bristol.

You will be joining a busy service working as a Night Concierge, you will:

• Provide a first point of contact and safeguarding to clients at night.
• Be responsible for dealing with emergencies, undertaking regular health and safety checks on patrols and through monitoring the CCTV system.
• Report incidents or maintenance issues and communicate any concerns or events to the rest of the team.
• This is a lone-working night role, with support available through an on-call system to ensure guidance and assistance is always accessible when needed.

Typical schedule: A rolling night shift rota, including weekends and bank holidays, usually around 9pm-7.30am with 3-4 days off.

 About you

This is a great role to learn about working in the charity sector, many of our specialist workers and managers developed a career after starting in Night Concierge roles.

• You don’t need loads of experience. Some time working or volunteering in a similar environment, and an understanding of the issues that affect vulnerable adults experiencing homelessness, who may have complex needs will be beneficial.
• You should have good communication and basic IT skills with the ability to keep records and follow procedures.
• The ability to stay alert and awake during your shift, and work independently.
• Using your initiative to remain calm to identify the appropriate action to take in various situations.

If you think you could interact with clients in a positive and friendly manner throughout the night and be passionate about working in a service that supports people experiencing homelessness, we encourage you to apply!

How to apply

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.

To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website. 

Closing date: 10 am on 6 January 2026

Interview and assessments on: 19 January 2026

St Mungo's are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.

What we offer

• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Great Pay and Other Benefits

Do you want to make a difference while benefiting from a schedule that offers unique flexibility in Bristol?

Join our dedicated team providing vital person centred support to people experiencing homelessness in a Level 1 accommodation setting in Bristol. Our residents may have complex needs, substance misuse issues and other support needs.

As a Night Support Worker, you'll offer assistance, conversation, and continuity of care throughout the night, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for residents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Continue support from the day team - engage with residents, offering support and a listening ear.
• Maintain safety protocols, respond to emergencies, and conduct hourly building checks and monitoring issues like noise levels.
• Complete administrative tasks, incident reports and handover notes to the day team.
• You will attend team meetings and training, so you can continue to develop skills and knowledge to ensure confidence in your role.
• Lone work at times when required.

Typical schedule: A flexible night shift rota, including weekends and bank holidays. Rolling 4-week rota, 9 PM – 7:30 AM, with two weekends off per month.

About you

These roles suit people with good communication skills with the ability to respond and interact effectively, if you have the ability to empathise with others and have the willingness to learn how to support people to transform their lives, we encourage you to apply. You should be able to demonstrate:

• Some experience of dealing directly with the public, clients or customers in a busy service environment.
• Some experience of volunteering or working in an environment that supports vulnerable people.
• Understanding of the issues that affect vulnerable adults experiencing homelessness, who may have complex needs will be beneficial.
• Ability to stay alert, calm, and use own initiative in emergencies.
• Familiarity with IT, administrative procedures and record-keeping.

If you think you could provide support and interact with clients throughout the night and be passionate about working in a service that supports people experiencing homelessness, we encourage you to apply!

How to apply

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.

To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website.

St Mungo's are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.

What we offer

• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Great Pay and Other Benefits

Are you passionate about empowering young people to thrive independently? Join our dynamic team and help shape brighter futures for care-experienced young people and young people at risk of homelessness in Swansea.

About Barnardo's Swansea

We deliver services that support young people aged 14–25 to:

• Access help in times of crisis
• Understand the realities of independent living
• Develop essential life skills and confidence
• Build self-esteem through social inclusion
• Develop key skills in preparation for the world of work

Our services include Believe Positive Destinations, Bloom (life coaching and befriending), Supported Lodgings, and the Transition and Training Flats Service—where young people experience independent living in a safe, supportive environment.

What You'll Do

As part of the Transition and Training Flat team, you'll:

• Lead interactive one-to-one and group sessions that build life skills, independent living skills and tenancy readiness
• Support young people in our training flats, helping them develop practical skills such as cooking, budgeting (including managing benefit claims), and managing bills
• Work flexibly across weekdays, evenings, and weekends to meet young people's needs. The service operates from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 10am to 6pm on weekends. You will be expected to work one weekend in three. Sample rota available on request.
• Collaborate with young people and professionals to create tailored support plans and track progress using outcome-based tools
• Create and deliver engaging content using social media and digital platforms to connect with young people in innovative ways

Why Join Us?

• Be part of a passionate, supportive team committed to transforming lives

• Benefit from Barnardo's comprehensive induction and training relevant to your role

• Use creativity and technology to make a real impact
• Enjoy a role where no two days are the same

What We're Looking For (Essential Criteria)

• Knowledge of issues affecting young people, especially those who are care-experienced or at risk of homelessness
• Experience of direct work with young people in a relevant setting and
• Experience of delivering group session such as issue based workshops and independent living skills programmes
• Ability to create tailored support plans and demonstrate positive outcomes achieved
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities
• Ability to travel independently to meet the requirements of the post

Desirable

• Experience of using social media and digital platforms to deliver sessions and create promotional content

Additional Information:

You must demonstrate in your application that you currently use the skills outlined above, and those in the Job Description/Person Specifications, or have used them previously in employment, education, training, volunteering etc.

Although this contract has a permanent status, please be aware that this post is subject to funding currently until March 2027 and therefore should this funding not be extended further, you may be subject to a redundancy consultation or a TUPE arrangement. This contract is due to expire on 31.03.27 

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Enhanced Support Worker to join our Mental Health Social Care service in Westminster.

£29,058.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

For a full job description, please visit our website.

As an Enhanced Support Worker you will support vulnerable people living in a variety of different tenures to manage their tenancies/ licences and move towards greater independence within the community, by providing flexible and individually tailored support.

The working pattern involves a set five-week rolling rota covering early, late, and weekend shifts. Shift times: Early: 8am-4pm. Late: 2:30pm-10:30pm. The service operates 24 hours 7 days a week.

What you'll do:

Undertake initial and continuous assessment of needs and potential risks and agree levels of support actions and capture outcomes in Support and Risk Management files.
Create support/action plans for providing appropriate services based on the assessment and reflecting the services and resources available.
Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
Develop and maintain links with all key agencies and service providers in the local community especially the local mental health system to ensure that customers receive the best treatment available

About you:

Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
Approachable and open behaviour
Prefers working as part of a group or team
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
Flexible
Open to feedback and self-development as well as thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments.
Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is essentially customer-focused
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours

What you'll bring:

Essential:

Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector

Desirable:

Experience working in mental health

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Emmaus Overview

Emmaus is a community that provides accommodation and work for vulnerable people. We are committed to providing support while promoting independence. Staff and volunteers must work closely with Companions while observing appropriate professional boundaries in performing their role. They must also learn and engage with the Emmaus ethos.

The key task for this role is to manage a caseload of up to 16 Companions and to ensure that new companions get the information and support they need to help them settle in quickly and easily to the community and to working in our charity shops, warehouse and delivery / collection service. The support worker role is central to the team and close teamwork is essential.

The support worker will undertake direct support work with companions. Each companion has a personal support and development plan to help them achieve their personal goals and ambitions, in compliance with our Emmaus ethos, strategic aims, organisational objectives, policies and procedures.

Staff are expected to participate in and support solidarity activities undertaken by the Community.  Solidarity within the context of Emmaus is the working with groups and individuals towards the alleviation of poverty, social exclusion and suffering, and responding to local, national and international appeals for relief and support.

We expect you to carry out your job responsibilities in an environmentally aware manner.  Our aim is to ensure all resources are utilised effectively and efficiently.  You will be expected to apply sound ‘value for money’ principles in undertaking purchasing or supply of goods and services.

In Emmaus, volunteers are an important resource and make a vital contribution to Emmaus’s aim to take action to help disadvantaged people.  You will be expected to encourage and support volunteer involvement in our work.

Main duties and responsibilities

Support for Companions

• Support a caseload of companions to reach their potential through both practical and emotional support.
• Tailor support plans to meet individual needs – setting goals, assigning actions and taking a holistic view of the person and their wishes.
• Guide induction and exit processes for companions – to ensure that they understand the core principles of the offer at Emmaus and move on to long term, sustainable accommodation after us.Use de-escalation techniques to manage challenging behaviour as it arises, with consideration to positive conflict resolution.Support with incident response, including responding to risk, e.g. anti-social behaviour, mental health concerns, fire alarms etc.
• Liaise with external providers (CMHT, GP, DWP, hospitals, probation, prisons, CAB etc) to ensure that specialist advice and guidance is sought where needed.

Administrative duties

• Maintain accurate records in line with internal policy and with consideration for GDPR principles.
• Perform tasks to support the effective running of the community.
• Contact external providers to make them aware of who we are and what we do to drive referrals.
• Provide written updates for key stakeholders and internal meetings.
• Provide structured support for companions as agreed in the support plan.
• Participate in an emergency on-call rota to ensure 24/7 support is available for companions where needed.

Health and Safety

•  To apply the organisations health and safety policy.
• To carry out risk assessments as and when required and to ensure actions arising from this are carried out.
• To ensure that health and safety procedures are understood and followed by all companions.
• To report any incidents or concerns to the Community Support Manager.

36 hours per week / £36,530 per annum pro rata / permanent / working two days onsite and three days from home, working pattern to be discussed at interview

At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

Brighton & Hove Wellbeing service is delivered by Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust in partnership with YMCA DownsLink Group. We offer a variety of support including counselling and psychological therapies to children and young people within Brighton and Hove.

We are looking for a compassionate and experienced Wellbeing Children & Young People's (CYP) Lead to support and shape our therapeutic services for young people in Brighton and Hove.

Overview of key areas of responsibility:

Leadership

• Provide line management support and supervision to wellbeing workers (e.g. counsellors, practitioners, therapists, link workers and trainees).
• Work alongside a team of leads to support the running, development and management of the service.
• Lead induction, mentoring, and training of new staff, trainees, and volunteers.
• Foster a culture of learning, innovation, and continuous improvement across the team.

Core Clinical

• Carry out individual counselling assessments of children and young people and make appropriate referrals.
• Provide guidance and oversight for complex or high-risk cases.
• Ensure all interventions are evidence-based, child-centred, and trauma-informed.
• Develop and oversee counselling protocols, therapeutic pathways, and risk assessment frameworks.

Safeguarding and Risk

• Lead and give oversight for safeguarding concerns, embedding a safeguarding-first culture across the service.
• Work to ensure all counsellors, staff, and volunteers are trained, confident, and compliant in safeguarding practice.
• Implement robust risk assessment and management processes.
• Monitor safeguarding incidents, identify themes, and strengthen safeguarding practice.
• Liaise with schools, health, social care, police, and other agencies in safeguarding matters.

Service Development

• Work with the Service Manager, Leads and Clinical Leads to strengthen and expand counselling provision, including group work.
• Triage referrals and represent the service in multi-agency triage meetings.
• Promote and develop opportunities for community participation and youth voice in service design.
• Build strong relationships with schools, health services, local authorities, commissioners, and community partners.
• Represent the service at local and regional forums, influencing CYP wellbeing strategies.

Qualifications, knowledge, and experience

• More than 2 years post-qualified at graduate or post graduate level Counselling Diploma or equivalent [of two years minimum duration including personal counselling or psychotherapy].
• BACP Registration or Accreditation and/or eligible for other Professional Accreditation e.g. UKCP/HPC.
• Strong team-management and line-management experience is required, including demonstrated experience in supervising, developing, and supporting staff.
• An in depth understanding of counselling theory and practice and working to short-term models.
• A sound understanding of child developmental processes, Child Protection and Vulnerable Adult Safeguarding issues and procedures, along with proven experience in safeguarding young children.
• Solid experience in delivering counselling and assessment, along with experience with high-risk/complex cases.
• Experience of multi-disciplinary team working, with the ability to work within time-limited frameworks.

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 11 January 2026 at midnight. Proposed interview date Thursday 15 January.

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity checks.

37.5 hours per week / permanent / working onsite on a seven-day rolling rota, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

At YMCA DownsLink Group, our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, building life skills and self-confidence, and supporting emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Values - we do what’s right, we work with heart, and we build real connections - guide and shape how we show up for children and young people we support and for each other.

Our Eastbourne and Hailsham services provide 24-hour supported housing for young people aged 16–25, offering low to medium levels of housing-related support. Eastbourne Foyer houses 34 young people, while our two Hailsham properties houses 10 young people, all with shared communal facilities. Across all three sites, we support residents to develop the skills needed for independent living. This includes managing finances and budgeting, building life and work skills, and maintaining personal self-care.

Our staff take a trauma-informed and psychologically informed approach, supporting residents to build essential life skills, identify personal goals, and work towards their aspirations so they can move on to independent and fulfilling futures. Our dedicated team of Support Workers, Night Workers, and Bank Workers provide personalised guidance, practical assistance, and signposting in key areas including housing, budgeting, daily living skills, employment, and healthy relationship building.

We are looking for a Supported Housing Support Worker to join our team at Eastbourne Foyer, with the expectation of working from our other sites in Hailsham when required. You will hold a caseload of residents and carry out regular key work sessions with them each week. Through these sessions, you will work together to develop personalised support plans, track progress, and help residents achieve their goals.

Main areas of responsibilities are:

Housing:

• Coach young people to manage their occupancy agreement and adhere to house rules, in preparation for independent living
• Promote a credit culture, encouraging young people to keep up to date with all payments for rent
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing and welfare benefits for young people and be well-informed on significant changes to housing law
• Deal effectively with non-compliance issues, such as non-payment of rent or damage to room, using restorative practices and working collaboratively with the rest of the team

Coaching and Engagement:

• Coach young people so they can articulate their aspirations and ambitions and take the lead in acquiring the skills they need to live independent and fulfilling lives
• Ensure young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own personal development, to engage with the services on offer and build strong networks and connections within the local community 
• Ensure consistent standards of safeguarding and Trauma Informed Practice when supporting young people, observing our safeguarding procedures, and keeping yourself and residents safe by respecting professional boundaries
• Maintain client records on In-Form (client database) detailing the young person’s journey in relation to their strengths and needs, any risks, and any outcomes (to monitor service performance)

General:

• Work as part of a team, on a rota shift pattern, ensuring young people at the service have non-judgemental, objective, and supportive staff during the day/evening, along with taking responsibility for personal safety during periods of lone working
• Contribute to a great working environment, with a calm, yet assertive manner, being able to handle potentially difficult situations
• Participate in relevant continuing professional development and utilise Reflective Practice Supervision as part of leading psychologically informed practice

There will be times when lone working will be a requirement for this role, but you will get to know the team and service, along with an induction and training prior to starting on a rota. 

If you are enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate. 

This is a dynamic and varied role; you will be passionate about being involved in the support and growth of young people.

Experience and Knowledge:

• Experience relating to housing, support work, and/or working with young people at risk
• Experience of working proactively with a caseload of young people with multiple and complex needs to enable them to achieve independent living
• Knowledge of statutory and voluntary resources available to young people with multiple and complex needs
• Knowledge of good safeguarding procedures in relation to young people and the ability to maintain effective professional boundaries
• Demonstrated confidence and competence in recording notes/actions in service log, incident forms and health and safety check lists

Skills and Abilities: 

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing for appropriate recording of a resident’s progression, and to evidence outcomes achieved
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, including signposting and advocating for clients as necessary
• Ability to work autonomously, and use own initiative, as well as being part of a team
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, good IT, and keyboard skills
• Ability to de-escalate volatile situations and manage challenging behaviour appropriately

CLOSING DATE: Sunday 4 January 2026 at midnight. 

Please note that we are unable to offer a work permit or visa sponsorship for this role; applicants must already have the right to live and work in the UK independently.

An inclusive workplace We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. 

Accessibility If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please do contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. 

Successful applicants will undergo a thorough background screening process, conducted by an accredited third-party provider. This includes an Enhanced DBS check (with Children’s and Adults’ Barred Lists) as well as comprehensive reference and activity checks.