Social welfare jobs

Care about community? Good at making connections?

Community Catalysts CIC is a busy, buzzy social enterprise that tries hard to live up to its name. We’re extending a successful project that has been running for 3 years in partnership with Suffolk County Council and need an energetic, and imaginative person to help coordinate things for us.

We are looking for a person to join our existing team of Catalysts to support local entrepreneurial people and community organisations to offer new and creative care and support options for people who need help at home and in the community. In this way we will help people to get the support they need to live the life they want.

To do this job you must:

· Understand the world of care - but maybe feel it could do with a bit of a shake up!

· Be a real people person - able to work well with all sorts of folks with confidence.

· Instinctively make connections - and join up dots that are sometimes less than obvious.

· Be able to spot what people are good at and nurture it.

Have a look at our website and the job description and person specification for more information about us and the job. You will be employed by Community Catalysts and based in Suffolk.

Closing date for applications is on 23rd July at 1.00 pm and interviews will take place in Ipswich on 29th July 2025.

We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community.

“Providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice”

Citizens Advice Southwark has a track record of delivering high-quality services from its offices in Peckham and Walworth and outreach locations across Southwark and South East London. We sort out problems together, for good, by providing free, independent, confidential and impartial advice across all areas of social welfare law, and through using the experience of our clients to bring about positive change through research and campaigns. 

Gateway Assessor

NJC Scale 2 - £28,050 to £28,427 per annum

Full-time – 35 hours per week

The role will assist in providing a quality service to clients through face to face, telephone and digital gateway assessment by supplying accurate, personalised, relevant information and guidance. You must have:

• Recent experience of undertaking the role of Gateway Assessor or of providing information, advice and guidance to the public either through face to face, telephone and emails including experience of exploring clients’ problems and identifying appropriate next steps.
• An understanding of the main enquiry issues involved in assessing clients' problems
• Experience of using interpersonal skills, including sensitive listening and questioning skills to understand the needs of others, especially in the context of telephony
• To understand, empathise with and be committed to the Service’s aims, principles and equal opportunities policies

Closing date: 9.00 am Wednesday Monday 16 July 2025

Interviews: Friday 18 July 2025

In return, we can offer you a range of employee benefits, including generous annual leave, an employer matched pension contribution up to 10% of gross salary, an Employee Assistance Programme and training and development opportunities to continue your professional development.

Citizens Advice Southwark is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all applicants who meet the person specification irrespective of sex, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, sexual orientation, race, religion or belief, age, or disability.

Are you a dedicated professional experienced in income generation and fundraising, seeking a rewarding opportunity to make a difference to the local community and beyond? This exciting new role as a Fundraising and Development Manager with Sharewear Clothing Scheme will put you at the forefront of our fundraising ambitions, as you lead, develop and deliver the charity’s income generation strategy across all income streams to ensure long-term financial sustainability, enabling the organisation to deliver its mission and impact. Reporting to the Operations Manager, you will work alongside our passionate, hardworking employed team and work closely with the Board of Trustees to align income generation strategies with organisational priorities.

About us!

At Sharewear Clothing Scheme, our mission is to provide free clothing and bedding to people in need. As a registered charity, Sharewear Clothing Scheme has been working to alleviate clothing poverty by providing emergency clothing and bedding to those that need it across the East Midlands, South Yorkshire and surrounding areas since we opened our doors in March 2014. In that time, we have reached well over 20,000 people in need of our support. We operate in two ways, both on a referral basis, and an outreach basis. As a result of this model, we believe at Sharewear that we are the space where clothing poverty meets clothing waste. Our ultimate goal is to roll out our tried-and-tested model on a national scale and alleviate clothing poverty across the UK.

About the Role

Position: Fundraising & Development Manager

Location: Hybrid working between remote and from our base in Edwalton, Nottingham. This role may require some require flexible working, such as attending events that may be in evenings or weekends.

Hours: 25 hours per week (part-time), across Monday to Thursday

Salary: £32,000 pro rata per annum 

Key Responsibilities (see Job Description for full Role profile)

Strategic Income Generation: 

• Liaise with the Board to develop a multi-year income generation strategy aligned to Sharewear’s goals, ensuring a sustainable income from individual, corporate, legacy and trust donations, and  development of new income streams to enable growth.

Fundraising: 

• Oversee and deliver fundraising activities across individual giving, trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, major donors, events and community fundraising.

• Write compelling and creative funding applications and partnership proposals to secure financial support. Work closely with the operations team in supporting funding applications and pitches where appropriate to bring funders closer to our work. 

• To inspire a culture of fundraising across the charity. Support staff and volunteers in promoting digital and social media engagement of fundraising. 

Develop Sustainable Relationships: 

• Represent the charity externally with stakeholders, networks, and partners, ensuring impactful storytelling and donor engagement, including in-person meetings, providing representation at events and in the media.

Business Development:

• Identify new income opportunities

• Confidence using social media to promote the organisation and it’s fundraising events, look for new opportunities and identify, research and contact potential supporters. 

• To undertake other duties as required commensurate with this post, such as travel as necessary for events and fundraising activities.

Essential Skills and Experience

• An experienced corporate or trust fundraiser, with a strong track record of securing funding, particularly from trusts and grants.

• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship-building skills with experience of relationship management within philanthropy, or a business development or client account management role. 

• Ability to think commercially - identifies and progresses opportunities for funding / organisational growth, innovation and collaborative working. 

• Experience in using social media and website platforms to promote fundraising activities.

• Willingness to get involved and go the extra mile.

• Results driven, with a proactive and autonomous approach to achieving targets and goals. 

• Collaborative and a team player.

Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience in a small to mid-sized charity.

• Experience working closely with trustees and board reporting.

To Apply for this Role: Click the CharityJob Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and a covering letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the role.

Job Summary

Learning Support Assistants support PiP’s Development Workers to deliver a flexible programme of learning and development opportunities; ensuring that students can actively participate and engage in sessions, giving student’s maximum opportunity to learn and develop. 

PiP’s programmes focus on four learning pathways:

- Independent Living Skills

- Creative and Performing Arts

- Health, Wellbeing and Happiness

- Employment and Vocational Skills

The role incorporates session delivery, recording and monitoring student progress, key working responsibilities such as liaising with student’s support networks and involvement in PiP’s wider work. 

Who We Are

PIP is a local charity that supports adults with learning disabilities or autism to achieve their potential, and to lead lives that are as independent as possible.  

Our mission is to empower adults with learning disabilities to achieve their potential. We are a growing, grassroots charity based in West London, and run a number of key services to promote independence and choice for our students.

What You’ll Need

• Experience of working with people with learning disabilities, or a similar vulnerable service user group in care or educational settings
• A strong commitment to person-centred support and advocacy
• A passion for enabling positive change in the lives of our students
• The character and communication skills to be an effective and supportive team member
• Energy, initiative and a proactive attitude
• A calm and creative approach to challenges and problem solving

What We Offer:

· You'll get 25 days holiday + bank holidays ever year. We're closed for Christmas but the rest of the year you may take leave whenever you wish. 

· An extra day of annual leave for each year you've worked with us up to another 5 (30 in total)

· We offer a travel subsidy to help with the cost of commuting.

· We provide a 4% pension contribution

· Incremental pay progression

· When we can, we try to have an early finish on Fridays for staff at 4 pm

· Free Employee Assistance Programme 24/7 including access to counselling

· We offer regular team meals and social-generally during work hours and they are optional.

· We offer a cycle-to-work scheme and other staff discounts

Our Mission

PiP's mission is to empower adults with learning disabilities to achieve their potential. We are a growing, grassroots charity based in West London, and run a number of key services to promote independence and choice for our service users.

Our commitments

PiP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with the Inclusive Employers Standard 2020. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly applicants who are significantly underrepresented in our sector, such as people with lived experience of disabilities and individuals from Black and Minority ethnic communities. 

PiP keeps all personal information confidential and in line with current data protection legislation and GDPR. 

Closing Date: July 31st 2025

We encourage you to apply early, as applications will be reviewed as soon as they are received, and we reserve the right to close the advert sooner subject to finding suitable candidates.  

Civitas Recruitment are delighted to be working with a fantastic Diocese based in Westminster. The Diocese is a faith-based charity and one of the leading Catholic Dioceses in the country delivering their charitable mission through their network of 208 schools, 212 parishes and hundreds of social justice initiatives. An exciting opportunity exists for an Individual Giving Manager to join the team. As Individual Giving Manager, you will lead on the planning, coordination and delivery of the charity’s three major annual appeals. The Cardinal’s Appeal, The Priest Training Fund Appeal and The Sick & Retired Priests Appeal. This is a multifaceted role that will require strong project management skills with strong Marketing and Communications skill set.

The postholder will organise and manage the events associated with these appeals, ensuring effective promotion, engagement, and delivery. You will also support and deliver additional ad hoc fundraising events as required. This is a full-time, permanent role, hybrid, based in Westminster.

Who are we looking for?

Ideal candidates will have previous experience of delivering fundraising activities or alternatively previous experience of events management and marketing. With excellent project management skills, you will be able to deliver on marketing projects ensuring quality of output and under budgets and agreed timescales. You will be comfortable in using data sets and CRM systems as well as developing strong relationships with donors and prospects. Excellent interpersonal awareness and communication skills with the ability to listen and understand the needs of others is essential for this role.

If the above role description sounds of interest and you feel like you meet the criteria; please apply immediately or for further information, please contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment for a full JD and informal discussion. Early applications are encouraged as we will be reviewing on a rolling basis.

Civitas Recruitment are proud to be partnering with a historic and impactful charity based in East London. Since 1884, the charity has worked alongside people facing poverty, injustice and inequality—providing vital advice and support, and driving systemic change. A fantastic opportunity exists for an HR Business Partner to join the organisation on a fixed-term contract (30–35 hours per week). This is a hybrid role, with flexibility to work from home and from their East London offices. The salary is £40,000–£45,000 FTE and the role is expected to start from 1st July or as soon as possible.

Who are we looking for?

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in employee relations and generalist HR experience, ideally gained in a charity or non-profit setting. You will be confident in advising on HR policies and procedures, managing employee relations cases, and supporting recruitment and retention strategies. A CIPD Level 5 qualification (or equivalent experience of 4+ years) is essential. Strong knowledge of employment legislation, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work both strategically and operationally are key. Experience working independently in a hybrid environment and partnering with managers at all levels will be highly valued.

If the above role description sounds of interest and you feel you meet the criteria, please apply immediately or contact Syed at Civitas Recruitment for a full job description and informal discussion. Early applications are encouraged as we are reviewing on a rolling basis and the position may close earlier than advertised.

Job Title: Support Mentor (Nights)

Location: Latimer Road, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) - Short walking distance from Latimer Road underground station (Circle and Hammersmith and City Lines)

Unfortunately this location does not have step free access

Salary: £27,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Sunday on a 6 week rolling rota which includes at least one day shift per week, weekends, and bank holidays. Hours can vary between 21:00 - 09:00 and 11:00 - 20:00

About the role

Our residents in this service have experienced long-term street homelessness and have faced significant challenges including with their mental health, substance use, and alcohol dependency, and struggled to sustain engagement with support services. That's why they're here, to make a change and gain the support they need to enable greater independence and recovery.

As a Support Mentor, you will work within a 24 hour service which provides person centred support to our residents, you will work to ensure safety and wellbeing of our residents. You will support mainly the night shifts to ensure the service runs smoothly at night, being a point of contact for residents, engaging with them to ensure their safety comes first, and running various evening activities for engagement. You will build trusting and professional relationships with residents, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations which could be through one to one sessions, group sessions, and general wellbeing check ins. During quieter hours, you will be responsible for ensuring administration is up to date, the service is kept clean and tidy, and will support with additional ad hoc tasks. 

About you

We're looking for someone who has a true passion for what we do as an organisation, and particularly in supporting those who have faced homelessness and may have other complex needs. Our residents needs are at the forefront of service delivery, so someone who can build trusting professional relationships is key. You will be adaptable, proactive, and able to use your initiative to resolve challenges, and keep the night service running smoothly. You will be able to work within a team, and have previous knowledge of the needs our residents may have. Each support plan is tailored to the individual, putting their needs first for the team to be able to deliver support to their needs. What are we looking for:

• Understanding of the needs of those who have faced homelessness and have various complex needs including mental health, substance use, and alcohol dependency
• Ability to use IT systems to record case notes, email relevant people, and use other software required within the role
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
• Understanding of the housing and social needs of people with multiple and complex needs
• Cultural awareness, Self-awareness, and ability to identify personal growth areas and take feedback
• Sensitivity and empathy to others, and ability to deal with individual circumstances with professionalism
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme
• Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives.
• Join an organisation with a mission to empower people who are marginalised by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement.

We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of all of our employees. We have a team of staff ambassadors who volunteer to actively support us in fortifying our organisational value of Inclusivity. They embrace this unique opportunity to deliver awareness, events, and developments to our organisation to support us in ensuring our value of Inclusivity is embedded throughout the organisation. 

SIG actively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly lived experience; Naturally, we approach any emerging issues with empathy and sensitivity. 

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Job Title: Support Mentor

Location: Based in service, Latimer Road, Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) - Short walking distance from Latimer Road underground station (Circle and Hammersmith and City Lines)

Unfortunately this location does not have step free access

Salary: £27,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week on a rota which includes day and late shifts, bank holidays, and weekends. Hours will range between 09:00 - 17:00 and 13:00 - 21:00

About the role

Our residents in this service have experienced long-term street homelessness and have faced significant challenges including with their mental health, substance use, and alcohol dependency, and struggled to sustain engagement with support services. That's why they're here, to make a change and gain the support they need to enable greater independence and recovery.

In this role, as a Support Mentor, you will work within a 24 hour service which provided person centred support to our residents, working to ensure the safety and wellbeing. You will build trusting professional relationships with residents, helping them to achieve their goals and aspirations which could be through tailored one to one sessions, group sessions, in and out of service activities, and general wellbeing check ins. Your role will focus on empowering our residents to take control over their lives and meet their personal goals. 

About you

We're looking for someone who has a true passion for what we do as an organisation, and particularly in supporting those who have faced homelessness and may have other complex needs. Our residents needs are at the forefront of service delivery, so someone who can build trusting professional relationships is key. You will be adaptable, proactive, and able to use your initiative to resolve challenges.. You will be able to work within a team, and have previous knowledge of the needs our residents may have. Each support plan is tailored to the individual, putting their needs first for the team to be able to deliver support to their needs. What are we looking for:

• Understanding of the needs of those who have faced homelessness and have various complex needs including mental health, substance use, and alcohol dependency
• Ability to use IT systems to record case notes, email relevant people, and use other software required within the role
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
• Understanding of the housing and social needs of people with multiple and complex needs
• Cultural awareness, Self-awareness, and ability to identify personal growth areas and take feedback
• Sensitivity and empathy to others, and ability to deal with individual circumstances with professionalism
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme
• Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives.
• Join an organisation with a mission to empower people who are marginalised by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement.

We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of all of our employees. We have a team of staff ambassadors who volunteer to actively support us in fortifying our organisational value of Inclusivity. They embrace this unique opportunity to deliver awareness, events, and developments to our organisation to support us in ensuring our value of Inclusivity is embedded throughout the organisation. 

SIG actively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly lived experience; Naturally, we approach any emerging issues with empathy and sensitivity. 

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Hours: 21 – 28 hours per week. All hours to be worked between 9 – 5 Monday – Friday. We will consider full days or shorter days to meet personal commitments.

Contract: Permanent 

Responsible to:  Information & Advice Manager 

Location: White House Community Centre, Hampton and at community locations / homes across the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Some home working is also possible in line with Hybrid Working Policy. 

Salary: £28 – 33,000 FTE DOE plus 5% pension contribution pension contribution. Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Blue Light card and Age UK discount schemes. 

Work as part of a team giving great support to local older people 

Age UK Richmond upon Thames is a local independent charity supporting older people across the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. We provide a wide range of useful and well utilised local services in Richmond upon Thames designed to improve wellbeing and enhance independence – including information & advice; a wide range of social & wellbeing centres and sessions; support after hospital discharge; digital skills development; Dementia Friendly Richmond; mental health peer support and home services such as handyperson, housekeeping and gardening. Partnership is a core part of our work – we work in close collaboration with other voluntary sector partners and wider organisations to maximise our impact and reach. Our friendly and committed team of 50 staff and 100+ volunteers support over 4,000 local older people each year. 

Our Information & Advice service is a central part of our organisation. Our small team of staff supported by excellent volunteers provide free and confidential Information & Advice to older people across the borough on a range of topics. The main area of support is to claim welfare benefits and other forms of financial support – but also includes a range of other topics such as accessing care & support; independent living; sorting out paperwork and housing.  

We currently have an excellent opportunity for a Welfare Benefits Advisor to join the team.  The role will include: 

• Providing welfare benefits & financial advice, including advising older people on the financial support available, making applications on their behalf and following through applications to result.

• Providing Information & Advice on other topics older people require support with.

• Providing support via home visits, over the phone and in community settings.

We are looking for: 

• Experience of giving information & advice.

• Experience of welfare benefits advice work and completing benefit forms.

• Good understanding of the welfare benefits system for older people.

Access to a car is required.

Please click redirect to recruiter to be taken to our website for the job description and how to apply. We will interview as and when we receive suitable applications.

The Thalidomide Trust is a charity which was established in 1973 to provide assistance and support to people born in the UK with disabilities caused by their mother taking the drug Thalidomide. We have secure long-term funding that allows the team to focus exclusively on building long term relationships to provide the best possible support and make a real difference to our beneficiaries.

We are looking for a Health & Wellbeing Coordinator (Independence & Care) to join our busy Health & Wellbeing Team to meet the increasingly complex needs of our 423 beneficiaries, now aged between 60 and 66 years, whose disabilities include: absence or shortening of limbs; damaged ears, hearing and eyesight; brain and sensory impairment and extensive damage to the internal organs and skeletal structure. 

As our beneficiaries age their health is deteriorating rapidly and they face particular challenges maintaining their quality of life and independence. This post provides an opportunity to work as part of a professional multi-disciplinary team, empowering them to manage their health and wellbeing and access the services and support that they are entitled to.

We have secure long-term funding that allows the team to focus exclusively on building long term relationships to provide the best possible support and make a real difference to our beneficiaries

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced, Social Care professional to join our Health & Wellbeing team on a 12 month Fixed Term contract.

Your role will be to understand the unique and often complex growing needs of our beneficiaries and to provide advice, advocacy and support to empower them to access the health and social care services they need. You will lead on hospital discharge planning and rehabilitation and support to access social care, so must be proficient in these key areas with recent experience. You will also lead on supporting Personal Independence Payments (PIP) applications and while we welcome experience in this area, full training will be given. You will contribute to the development and delivery of the Trust’s health and wellbeing services, and you will be an important part of the successful delivery of the annual programme of Holistic Needs Assessments (HNAs), carried out in beneficiaries’ homes.

Skills & Abilities

To succeed in this busy but highly rewarding role, you will:

• Be a good listener with excellent interpersonal skills and a flexible approach 
• Possess excellent knowledge of current social care referral, assessment and funding processes and the interface between health and social care – particularly in respect of hospital discharge planning and support
• Already have a good practical knowledge of the UK benefits system, particularly PIP
• Have experience of undertaking needs assessments (including in people’s own homes)
• Have a track record of working effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team
• Be comfortable working without clearly defined protocols and have creative problem-solving skills and a solutions-focussed approach
• Be sensitive, empathetic and non- judgemental and
• Have excellent organisational skills and an ability to work autonomously and prioritise a busy workload.

The role is full time (5 days a week – Monday to Friday).  However, 4 days a week will be considered (Friday must be a working day).   There is the opportunity to work either from the Trust’s office in St Neots, Cambridgeshire or home (within 45 miles/1 hour from St Neots) but there will be the requirement to attend regular team meetings in St Neots and regular travel to visit beneficiaries across the UK, with the possibility of overseas travel.

Location: North West - Hybrid
Salary: £31,000
Hours: 35
Contract Type: Fixed Term Contract
 
About us -
 
Pure Insight supports young people leaving care aged 16 – 28. Our wraparound offer of services supports young people to develop the skills and confidence to take control of their lives, feel connected and develop a sense of belonging in their community. Over the past 11 years we have grown our services in Stockport, Salford, Cheshire East, Warrington and Halton, and are proud to have developed nationally recognised best practice programmes alongside young care leavers. Young People are at the heart of what we do, we have an exciting opportunity to join our team on a new project overseen by national partners focussed on reducing youth violence. Training and support will be provided by national partners to project leads and young people to understand the model, with opportunity to network and learn from other projects over the two years.
 
About the role -
 
This role is a 2 year contract with potential for future funding
 
As our Participation and Social Action Lead you will lead on the participation and social action element of the project, supporting a team of young people to better understand and find solutions to experiences of violence in children’s services via social action projects based on learning from peer research with children and young people with lived experience of children’s services. You will lead on the development of a small team of young people in paid peer research and social action roles, providing line management, training, mentoring and guidance to develop young people's skills, confidence and cultivate a supportive group dynamic.
 
You will lead on identifying additional children and young people as research and social action participants and support the peer research/social action team to develop and undertake activities prioritising safety, trust and wellbeing – taking a lead role on safeguarding. You’ll also support the development of a range of output materials sharing research findings and take a lead role in supporting young people to design and carry out social action projects with local and national stakeholders.
 
For further information such as the key activities of the role and the person specification, please view the attached job description.
 
REF-222410

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to. 

Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families

About the role

Our advice service provides over 2,000 kinship carers a year with easy access to expert advice and support to empower them to:

- realise their rights

- access the support to which they are entitled

- take the next step forward in tackling their challenges

- and navigate their way through a sometimes complex and confusing system.

We’re developing our advice service and investing in our team to make sure that we can support more kinship carers effectively. You’ll be part of a supportive team who keep kinship carers at the heart of their service.

The role of Advice Worker is pivotal in supporting kinship carers to access the right information, services and entitlements.

In this role, you’ll provide generalist advice and information to kinship carers in line with kinship carers’ preferred methods. Often, this will be by telephone, including taking live calls on our advice line, and by email. You will also need to respond to enquiries using video conferencing, text and other channels as we develop the service.

The type of person we’re looking for:

You will either have significant experience of providing advice to individuals on their rights, or you will have significant experience of providing support to kinship carers.

We will provide the training you need to undertake the role, as well as opportunities for development and progression.

You will need to be resilient and able to remain calm in difficult situations. You will have an eye for detail to identify the key issues requiring advice and the relevant legislation, guidance or practice. You will be firm, sensitive and professional in your approach and will be clear and assertive as you support kinship carers to get their needs met quickly and effectively.

The team work remotely, but there is the option to work from our office in London.

Key responsibilities include:  

Advice provision:

· Respond to enquiries through a range of incoming channels. This includes taking calls on our advice line, as well as responding to enquiries submitted through our website, via internal referral or other channels.

· Provide high quality advice and information to kinship carers on their rights, entitlements and responsibilities in relation to: welfare benefits, local authority allowances, support from children’s services, kinship care arrangements and options, housing, sources of educational, parenting and legal support and other issues that may be required.

· Address all safeguarding concerns in line with policy.

· Make referrals and signpost to other services as necessary.

· Where appropriate, provide additional advice or support to enable the client to take action or undertake follow-up action on behalf of the client to move the case on.

· Facilitate access to our advice service for people with diverse needs.

Service quality, consistency and data management:

· Respond to all enquiries in line with Kinship’s advice service framework, standards and performance targets.

· Ensure independence, impartiality and confidentiality when dealing with kinship carers.

Professional and service development:

· Maintain an up to date knowledge of relevant legislation, policy and guidance.

· Support continuous development and improvement of the service.

 

Essential knowledge, abilities, skills and experience include: 

· EITHER:

a) Minimum of 2 years recent experience of delivering advice work on social welfare issues (e.g. benefits, housing, education or social care) to members of the public.

OR:

b) Minimum of 2 years recent experience of providing support to kinship carers.

OR:

c) Experience equivalent to, or a combination of, a) or b) above.

· Experience of working with socially excluded or marginalised people and their
families. 

· Detailed knowledge of the statutory systems that people with advice needs frequently encounter.

· Knowledge and evidence of good understanding of safeguarding issues and good practice.

· Excellent interpersonal skills, and particularly, a sensitive and professional telephone manner.

· Excellent written communication skills in English.

· Proven ability to research complex information and communicate this in an easily understandable way. 

· Proven understanding and practice of keeping accurate and appropriate case records. 

· Ability to work flexibly, collaboratively and effectively as part of a team.

· Ability to organise and prioritise a busy workload without close supervision.

· Confident in using digital tools, and an ability to learn new tools.

· A demonstrable commitment to apply equality, diversity and inclusion principles in all areas of work.

· Willingness to travel across England on occasion, as required (such as for events), working flexibly in response to the need.

· Right to work in the UK.

IMPORTANT: See attached Job Pack for full job description, person specification and other details

Kinship are an equal opportunities employer. We warmly welcome applications from appropriately qualified people from all sections of the community and aim to promote diversity. 

What we’ll offer you 

Kinship offers 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time) as well as a generous pension scheme. This permanent role is open to flexible working. We have an excellent wellbeing offer including the Employee Assistance Programme. We will invest in your professional development with training and career development opportunities.

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

This is a fantastic time to join a supportive and well-established team within an organisation with rapid growth ambitions. This role will be what you make it and we’re looking for someone to seize this opportunity!

Do you want to join a growing and dynamic charity and make a real difference?  This varied and rewarding role could be for you!

A little about us

The Catholic Children’s Society (CCS) has been supporting children and families since 1859. Today we are one of the largest providers of mental health services to schools in London and offer a range of family support services.

Our legacy includes placing over 6,000 children with adoptive families and we now proudly operate an Ofsted-rated Outstanding Voluntary Adoption Support Agency.  Our ‘Pathways’ service supports individuals who were adopted through CCS or lived in our children’s homes, and their families. We help them access records, explore their past and reconnect with birth relatives, achieving “an exceptional level of user satisfaction” (Ofsted).

Our values

We work with individuals of all faiths and none. Our work is underpinned by our core values of integrity, compassion, inclusion and partnership.  There is no requirement or expectation that candidates for this role are Catholic. 

About the role

This is an exciting opportunity to lead our Post Adoption and Aftercare team and make a real difference to people’s lives. Facing an unknown past can be daunting. You will lead a team of experienced social workers to ensure service users access a high-quality, sensitive and compassionate service.

This is a challenging, varied and deeply rewarding role. You will be responsible for managing referrals, overseeing casework, supervising staff, and ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and standards. You will also act as the Ofsted Registered Manager for our Voluntary Adoption Support Agency.

This role would suit a dynamic and empathetic individual who is passionate about helping people find out more about their past and achieve a greater understanding of their early life and family background.

What we are looking for

We are looking for someone with a strong background in adoption or post-adoption work, who is ready to lead a small, dedicated team. The successful candidate will:

· Be a qualified Social Worker registered with Social Work England.

· Have at least five years’ experience of working in the field of adoption and/or post adoption, with a minimum of two years’ experience in post adoption.

· Have experience of managing a team, including providing supervision to other social workers.

· Have excellent knowledge of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 and related regulations.

· Be highly organised, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

What you will get in return

· Salary of £58,000 p.a. (pro rata)

· The option to work either 35 hours or 28 hours per week.

· Generous annual leave allowance of 30 days p.a. (pro rata) plus bank holidays

· 11% employer pension contribution

· Access to a staff Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme

· The opportunity to wake up each morning and feel you are making a positive difference!

Location

We have a lovely office at 73 St Charles Square, London W10 6EJ (private off-street parking is available for staff). Hybrid working options will be considered, with the expectation that staff attend the office at least two or three days per week.

Application process

We are actively interviewing for this role, so please submit your CV and covering letter as soon as possible.  The advert will close on Monday 21 July at 9am.

Please ensure you include a concise cover letter that clearly sets out why your skills and experience make you suitable for this role and what motivated you to apply.

Are you passionate about social justice? Motivated to support individuals who have been marginalised or stigmatised due to their circumstances?
Completion of LLB, GDL, or SQE1 and minimum six months’ experience in social welfare legal advice and casework in areas such as crime, housing, benefits, or debt—then this opportunity could be the perfect fit for you.

We’re seeking a committed Legal Adviser to join our dynamic social justice legal team. You'll deliver at least two legal services, both in-person and virtually, to clients engaged with alcohol and drug treatment programmes, homeless day centres, and sexual health clinics. Our work centres on providing expert advice, assistance, and representation, particularly in the areas of debt, housing (including homelessness), and welfare benefits.

Following induction and training, you'll also provide legal support via Release’s national helpline—offering guidance related to criminal law and the criminal justice system in the context of drug offences. Additionally, you’ll contribute to our innovative Harm Reduction Hub, a drop-in service supporting people with legal issues linked to substance dependency.

Beyond frontline legal work, you'll have the chance to get involved in the organisation’s vital policy and advocacy initiatives.

Looking ahead, we are launching a limited-scope immigration service in mid 2025 and recently secured legal aid contracts in Community Care and Public Law. These developments may open future opportunities for you to broaden your areas of legal practice within our team.