Trainee support worker jobs

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

Can you inspire, energise and motivate young people aged 9–18?
Do you want to make a genuine difference while being part of a supportive, values-driven team?

If so, we’d love to hear from you!

One YMCA Youth Clubs provide safe, inclusive spaces where young people can socialise, build confidence, and develop skills for life. We are looking for a Youth Development Worker to support the delivery of engaging youth work sessions and contribute to the growth of our youth offer, including the opening of new clubs in Bedford town centre.

The Role

Reporting to the Senior Youth Development Worker, you will support the planning and delivery of a range of youth work activities. This is a hands-on role working directly with young people, helping to create welcoming, fun and meaningful sessions that reflect the YMCA Youth Work Strategy and Principles.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone passionate about youth work who wants to develop their skills in a supportive environment. Training and ongoing support will be provided.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the planning, delivery and evaluation of youth work activities for young people aged 9–18
• Deliver a range of youth work activities, including centre-based sessions, outreach, school-linked programmes, mentoring and digital engagement
• Build positive, trusted relationships with young people, offering encouragement, guidance and support
• Assist with projects and new youth club development in Bedford town centre
• Maintain accurate records of attendance, engagement and outcomes to support monitoring and reporting
• Promote safeguarding, equality, inclusion and positive behaviour in all aspects of delivery

About You

You don’t need to be fully qualified - what matters most is your enthusiasm, reliability, and commitment to young people.

You will be:

• Passionate about supporting children and young people
• Confident engaging with young people in group settings
• Willing to learn and develop your youth work skills
• Able to work as part of a team and follow safeguarding procedures
• Experience working with young people (paid or voluntary) is desirable but not essential.

Hours and Contract

• Part-time role
• 10 hours per week, paid on a monthly salaried basis
• Working pattern includes evenings and weekends, with most sessions taking place after school

Additional Information

• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)
• This role may require a Basic or Enhanced DBS check following a conditional offer
• Applications will be reviewed as received, so early application is encouraged

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: At One YMCA, we are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and aim to create a working environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect.

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know if you need any support to apply or attend an interview.

One YMCA provides housing, health, wellbeing, children’s, youth and community services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We are committed to helping people reach their full potential and strengthening communities through inclusive, high-quality programmes.

Are you an experienced youth worker ready to take the next step in your development?
Do you enjoy leading sessions, supporting colleagues, and shaping meaningful opportunities for young people?

We are seeking a Senior Youth Development Worker to support the development and delivery of One YMCA’s Universal Youth Work provision in Bedford.

The Role

Reporting to the Youth Work Coordinator, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality youth work for young people aged 9–18. You will lead engaging sessions, support and supervise sessional youth workers, and contribute to the growth and development of One YMCA’s youth work offer in line with the YMCA Youth Work Strategy.

This is a hands-on role combining direct youth work, team support, and partnership engagement. You will help ensure young people feel safe, included, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver and evaluate inclusive youth work sessions for young people aged 9–18
• Lead sessions and act as a positive role model for young people
• Support and supervise sessional youth workers during delivery
• Build and maintain positive relationships with partners, schools and external agencies
• Maintain accurate records to monitor attendance, engagement and outcomes
• Contribute to the development and expansion of One YMCA’s youth work offer, including partnership and funding opportunities
• Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of work

About You

You are passionate about youth work and committed to making a positive difference in young people’s lives. You are confident leading sessions, supporting others, and working collaboratively as part of a team.

You will have:

• Experience delivering youth work (paid or voluntary)
• Confidence leading group sessions and supporting small teams
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• An understanding of inclusive and safeguarding-led practice
• A Level 3 Youth Work qualification, or willingness to work towards one (essential)

Hours and Contract

• Part-time role
• 18 hours per week, salaried on a monthly basis
• Working pattern is flexible but will include evenings and weekends, with most delivery taking place after school

Additional Information

• Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged
• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
• This role may require a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, subject to a conditional offer

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: At One YMCA, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We actively promote equality of opportunity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities, and experiences.

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any support to participate fully.

The post-holder will be based at GMRC but work alongside TRC and MASH women’s services and Greater Manchester Pathfinder partnership, with service users who have experienced sexual trauma but who present with additional complex mental health needs.

They will work with service users in partner organisation settings and in the community, working collaboratively with individuals, carers and partners from local multi agency providers and services, to assess and identify social care needs that may be potential barriers to the client being able to address their sexual trauma.

The post-holder will provide guidance, leadership and consultation on social care legislation and policy to the team and to other areas of mental health services, including joint working where appropriate.

They will contribute to developing and maintaining high standards of decision making and professional practice in the field of social work.

The post-holder will be responsible for a caseload of service users under the care of the Pathfinder Partnership, supporting them in their recovery journey.

They will provide specialist social work interventions to service users and their carers / families, and involve them in all planning, helping to develop social resilience, motivation and daily living skills.

One YMCA provides housing, health, wellbeing, children’s, youth and community services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We are committed to helping people reach their full potential and to strengthening communities through inclusive, high-quality services.

Are you passionate about youth work and ready to lead and shape provision for young people aged 9–18?
Can you inspire, motivate and support young people while coordinating engaging, safe and impactful youth programmes?

One YMCA Youth Clubs provide welcoming and supportive spaces where young people can build confidence, develop life skills, and feel a strong sense of belonging. We are now seeking a Youth Work Coordinator to lead the development and delivery of our Bedford Town Centre Youth Clubs.

The Role

As Youth Work Coordinator, you will take a lead role in the planning, coordination and delivery of youth clubs and activities. You will be responsible for setting up and developing new sessions, coordinating day-to-day delivery, supporting youth workers and volunteers, and ensuring high-quality youth work practice in line with the YMCA Youth Work Strategy and Principles.

You will also work closely with local partners, schools, and community stakeholders to strengthen engagement and create positive opportunities for young people. This is a hands-on role combining direct youth work, outreach, and leadership responsibilities.

The role includes working 2–3 days per week after school, with some evening work required. Additional daytime hours are allocated for planning, coordination, partnership working, and administration, bringing the total to 37.5 hours per week.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate and deliver centre-based and outreach youth work sessions
• Lead the development of new youth clubs and activities
• Support, mentor, and coordinate youth work staff and volunteers
• Build positive relationships with young people aged 9–18
• Work collaboratively with local partners and stakeholders
• Ensure safeguarding, health and safety, and quality standards are met
• Contribute to planning, monitoring, and evaluation of youth provision

What We’re Looking For

• Experience in youth work or a related field (paid or voluntary)
• A strong commitment to inclusive, young person–centred practice
• Ability to coordinate sessions and support a small team
• Strong communication, organisational, and partnership-working skills
• Willingness to undertake a Level 3 or Level 6 qualification in Youth Work (essential)
• An understanding of both outreach and centre-based youth work

What We Offer

• Opportunity to accrue up to 5 additional days of leave
• Paid training and tailored learning and development opportunities
• Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (including counselling and GP access)
• Employer contributory pension scheme
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and compassionate leave
• Health and wellbeing initiatives
• Employee discount scheme (brands, travel, groceries, and more)

Additional Information

• This is a full-time role (37.5 hours per week)
• Working pattern includes shifts over 7 days, including evenings
• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK (no visa sponsorship available)
• The role may require a Basic or Enhanced DBS check following a conditional offer

At One YMCA, we actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion and are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

We look forward to receiving your application and welcoming you to our dedicated Youth Work team at One YMCA.

Would you like to use your partnership-building skills to make a difference in the lives of learning disabled and autistic young people?

Are you an experienced fundraiser looking for an opportunity to help shape new business opportunities?

This is a new role in the organisation to help us meet the growing need for a safe space for learning disabled and autistic young people to thrive in. You will play an important role in shaping our new business offer and work closely with the Fundraising and Communications Manager to grow our corporate income, partnerships, and major donor income streams. 

Key responsibilities: 

• Contribute to and help deliver our new business strategy in line with our organisational priorities 

• Actively pursue and create new opportunities for Caxton’s fundraising 

• Develop a new business pipeline by researching and building relationships with companies whose values align with our work 

• Design and deliver tailored cultivation journeys to convert prospects into high-value partners 

• Prepare clear proposals, pitch decks and budgets to support partnership development 

• Work closely with the Fundraising and Communications team to create materials and pitches for potential and existing partners 

• Maintain accurate records of all partnership activity on our database to support good stewardship, forecasting and reporting 

General requirements: 

• To amplify the voices of learning disabled and autistic young people

• To ensure that no young person suffers discrimination in access to provision as a result of their gender, ethnic identity, sexuality, disability and/or social background.

• To work within and according to Caxton Youth Organisation’s policies and procedures. 

• To work in a supportive manner with the staff team, volunteers, and trainees.

• To undertake training relevant to the post, as identified through supervision. 

Caxton Youth Organisation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We will consider all reasonable adjustments under the terms of the Equality Act (2010) to enable an applicant with a disability (as defined under the Act) to meet the requirements of the post. We encourage applicants from underrepresented groups. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

• Experience of moving fundraising relationships through a pipeline from identification to active supporters.

• Significant and demonstrable experience of building five figure partnerships.  

• Good, demonstrable knowledge of commercial sector and how to access decision makers.  

• Working to KPI’s and annual targets 

• Understanding and experience of brand and strategic charitable partnerships and/or Charity of the Year style partnerships 

• Demonstrable experience of supporter relationship management to aid retention, maximise income and secure repeat support 

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills 

• A proactive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn 

Desirable 

• An understanding of challenges faced by learning disabled and autistic young people

Personal Attributes and Other Requirements 

• Strong sense of collaborative work, excellent communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Highly motivated, curious and thoughtful 

• Self-starter, able to use own initiative to show insight and manage competing deadlines. 

• Is dependable and professional. 

Caxton Youth Organisation:  

Caxton Youth Organisation is the only specialist youth club of its kind for learning disabled and autistic young people in Westminster aged 11 to 25. There is nowhere quite like Caxton Youth Club; that’s what the young people we work with and their families tell us, and we passionately believe it too. 

Caxton has been around for 77 years, quite something for a small but mighty charity, and our longevity says so much about the importance of the services we provide to ensure young people with disabilities in Westminster are able to advance in their personal development, develop a sense of belonging in our community, and lead independent and fulfilling lives. 

The majority of our work is delivered at our dedicated youth club in South Westminster. Our youth work team focus on young people’s social and emotional wellbeing, independence, employability, creating community and opportunities, social action and health & getting active. All these topics are explored during weekly youth club sessions which take place in the evenings, and young people are supported to attend thanks to our very own Caxton minibus which collects and drops participants home across the borough. During school holidays we run trips, including residential trips, giving our members the opportunity to experience life outside London, and parents and caregivers some much needed respite.

Essential Safer Recruitment Criteria 

1. A cleared Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level. This check is necessary as the work involves dealing with or having access to children and vulnerable adults whilst undertaking normal duties. 

2. The candidate must be able to provide at least two relevant references prior to taking up the post. 

Application Process: 

Please submit your CV and cover letter outlining your suitability for the role through Charity Jobs before the closing date. We will be doing rolling interviews as we receive applications.

We will host first-stage interviews the week of the 26th of January. 

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.

Assistant Benefits Advisor
Salary £24,000 FTE (rising to £27,000 per year FTE after 1 year and completion of training) 
17.5 - 21 hours per week, 6.6 weeks holiday   
Remote working with occasional travel for events and meetings in West Sussex

Are you passionate about working with SEND families? 
Do you have the transferable skills and qualities to train as a benefits advisor?

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

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

Our Benefits Advice Service provides support to parents of children and young people with SEND in West Sussex applying for Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independent Payments (PIP).  Offering 1-2-1 advice sessions on the above benefits, support with claim checking of draft applications, information resources on benefits and other sources of financial support, and training workshops on DLA, PIP and Universal Credit.

We are looking to recruit a skilled and motivated Assistant Benefits Advisor to join our team
The post holder will be responsible for supporting our Benefits Advisor with the delivery of information, advice and guidance on Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to parent-carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in West Sussex.  This is a training role with the view to promotion to Benefits Advisor following completion of training. 

Person Specification (essential):
• Understanding of challenges facing parents and carers of children with SEND 
• Passionate about improving the life chances of children with SEND and their parents/carers, and families
• A highly motivated self-starter with a flexible approach to working life 
• A creative and strategic thinker 
• Committed to professional and personal development and lifelong learning 
• Ability to work independently and manage a diverse and demanding workload 
• Comfortable working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
• Excellent writing and editing skills 
• Experience of using MS Office including SharePoint
• A good all-round education including GCSE’s (or equivalent) or NVQ level 2 

See attached job description for details and full criteria 

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

Closing date for applications is 12th January 2026

Interviews to be held in Littlehampton on 21st/22nd January 2026

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

St Peter’s Hospice is seeking a compassionate, experienced Team Lead to manage our Psychological Therapies team to deliver specialist psychological care for people affected by life‑limiting illness and bereavement. You will combine leadership and management with direct clinical practice. 

It’s an exciting time to join the team as we develop our services to meet our strategic ambitions – leading, learning and innovating to deliver specialist palliative psychological support.

The role

• Provide day‑to‑day operational leadership and line management for our Psychological Therapies service, setting clear standards and fostering collaboration.
• As a qualified psychological therapist, you will hold a small clinical caseload, delivering evidence‑based one‑to‑one and group interventions, in person and virtually.
• Ensure the team are clinical governance (audit, investigations, KPIs) and safeguarding; contribute to service development and continuous improvement.
• Work as part of a multi‑disciplinarily team and with external health, social care and third‑sector organisations.

What we can offer you:

• Band 7 equivalent salary from £47,810 up to £54,710 per annum, dependent on experience, plus enhancements
• Working hours are 37.5 per week, Monday- Friday
• Permanent position
• Access to staff wellbeing and employee support services
   

Location & working pattern:

Based at our Brentry site with travel across Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire; remote working by agreement.

A full driving licence and access to a car required.

Interview Date: 27th January 2026

Due to the nature of the work involved, this role is exempt from the ROA and the jobholder will be required to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service Check.

We will be screening as we receive applications and therefore strongly encourage applications as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

All applicants must be eligible to work in the UK before they apply for a vacancy and be able to provide evidence of this.

Strictly no agencies.

Medical Detection Dogs trains dogs to save lives.

We train specialist dogs to detect the odour of human disease, providing life-saving alert assistance dogs to people with complex health problems across the UK and collaborating with NHS Trusts and other researchers and Universities both in the UK and internationally to advance the early diagnosis of disease.  

We have an exciting new opportunity to join this innovative charity that is a world-leader in its specialist field.

JOB TITLE:Regional Assistance Dog Instructor Scotland

LOCATION:Scotland (Central belt, between Glasgow and Edinburgh)

SALARY:£24K - £29K per annum, depending on experience

JOB TYPE:                         Part time and full time hours considered, with occasional evening and weekend work required

REPORTS TO:                   Instructor Manager

The Job

We are looking for a passionate and driven person who ideally has previous experience and skills working as an Instructor within an Assistance Dog organisation, who has worked with clients and partnerships. The role includes supporting both clients who have had a MDD dog placed with them and also our own dog applicants with their puppies and young dogs to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and early training in terms of obedience, public access and developing an alert to the applicant’s condition, with the aim to reach an accreditable assistance dog partnership status. It is also will include carrying out client specific and odour training for MDD own dogs, placing these dogs with their new clients and looking after a number of established partnerships. This role would suit somebody residing in the central belt of Scotland, between Glasgow and Edinburgh.

Duties that encompass the role of an Instructor include:

• Be the first point of contact for the allocated partnerships in your area, covering all areas of Scotland. To provide guidance and instruction to applicants who have applied to the charity to have their own dogs considered for the training programme guidance and instruction on handling, behaviour and obedience and odour training as well as newly placed partnerships.
• Alongside the Instructing team, to run puppy classes, public access training, recall sessions in small groups for applicant own dogs that are in line with the charity’s quality standards and in accordance with timescales and targets. 
• To also carry out support visits and home interviews for applicants and clients that have been allocated to you.  
• Regularly monitor progress of the puppies and partnerships in training in your area and provide detailed, evidenced feedback to Instructor Manager and Head of Assistance Dog Programme.
• To carry out client specific training with any MDD owned dogs that have been matched, including the required odour scent training.
• Instructing, guiding and supporting new assistance dog clients in managing and handling a Medical Alert Assistance Dog effectively, via pre training, placement training and aftercare visits.
• Supporting partnerships in training in successfully reaching an accreditation standard and in maintaining this
• standard throughout the life of the partnership.
• To support a number of established partnerships in the form of aftercare, refresher training and yearly re-accreditations, assisting further afield on occasions as required.

Responsibilities

• To escalate issues and problems to the Instructor Manager as appropriate.
• To assist the Dog Supply Team with carrying out scent assessments on any MDD dogs in socialising as and when required with the support of the Instructor Manager and rest of the Instructing Team.
• To plan, organise and deliver practical and theoretical training to clients, meeting their individual needs in line with agreed standards to include areas such as dog welfare, appropriate handling, commanding and overall management. This will involve working with the parents as Team Leader and child as Client and working with adult clients.
• Assess the team dynamics of the family & balancing the needs of all family members as well as those of the dog.
• Assess the individuals preferred learning style and amending as relevant to aid a client.
• To accompany the client into all regular environments that they will take the dog to, ensuring the dog behaves in an acceptable manner and that the client and others are aware and clear in terms of where they dog should reside and behave for eg public transport, place of work. To complete a check list of environments for any applicant own dogs in training who are on the programme to be assessed within.
• To support and advise clients in transferring the odour training from pot training and recognising alerting behaviours to establish real life alerting.
• To monitor the correct and false alerting percentages of allocated partnerships via data analysis, advising where necessary until the correct alerting levels are achieved.
• To complete comprehensive reports and paperwork for any time spent with applicants or partnerships in training or established. Maintain accurate records by providing verbal and written information with agreed timescales about clients, dogs, applicants and apprentices as appropriate.
• To work alongside allocated partnerships with the aim of the partnership reaching an accredited standard and feeding back to the Instructor Manager and Assistance Dog Programme Manager if there are any concerns that the accreditation cannot be achieved.
• To provide clients with appropriate aftercare services at regular intervals in their own homes in the form of annual visits, support visits or at refresher workshops run at the Centre to agreed standards.  This will include continual re-assessment of the dynamics of family and dog, formulating and training on appropriate solutions, as well as offering additional dog training advice.
• To deliver handling days as part of an applicant’s pre training to include ‘Introduction to Assistance Dog’ ‘Advanced Handling’ and Family Handling.
• To scent train and seizure proof advanced dogs in preparation to be partnered with an adult or child client and ensure that applicant own dogs have received this at the earliest opportunity.
• To maintain the ongoing public access training with any advanced dog in scent training that has been allocated to them.
• To provide local support to the growing puppy socialisation scheme, based in and around Perth.
• To provide support to the Charity’s public relations and fundraising functions as required, specifically in your area.
• To act as the ‘contact’ person for the assistance dog programme in relation to training policy procedures with clients and their families, other professional service providers and members of the public.  This will include on-going research and development of the project.
• To liaise with and provide support for Volunteers who may operate as part of the aftercare programme provided by the charity.
• To ensure all partnerships are in line with the ADUK regulations with regards to behaviour, obedience and welfare and branding.
• Due to the nature of the role, flexible working hours may be required in some instances to facilitate the effective delivery of the work e.g. working during the school holidays with school age clients.

Other

• Share best practice with colleagues across the charity.
• Any other duties or tasks that are required to ensure the successful running of the Medical Alert Assistance Dog Department and the Charity overall.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of preparation, organisational and co-ordination skills
• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
• Experience of running puppy classes and carrying out public access training and recall sessions
• High level of self – motivation and planning
• Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life threatening conditions
• Happy to travel alone within the UK to visit any clients as necessary.
• Happy to be on call at all times for partnerships as and when required.
• Happy to stay away from home and stay in local hotel when the client’s location is too far from your home to travel back.
• Happy and able to have Medical Alert Assistance Dogs in training to reside in their home.
• Good team worker, but equally able to work alone.
• Positive, empathetic and calm attitude
• Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation
• Flexible

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Previous Assistance Dog Instructing or Dog Training with puppy socialisers experience
• Knowledge of AD(UK) and ADI regulations
• Law in relation to dogs. 
• Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age. 
• Dog and human psychology. 
• Proven evidence and experience of dog handling and training skills
• Previous experience of teaching and instructing
• Sound dog training and dog behaviour knowledge
• IT literacy and report writing skills
• Experience of using Microsoft based programs such as Outlook, Word,
• Excel, Internet Explorer and Power Point, teams, zoom and Microsoft
• Share point for data etc
• Full UK driving licence
• Pass a DBS (CRB) check due to regular contact with children

Preferable

•  Knowledge of debilitating medical conditions and understanding of how they can impact people, both physically and psychologically, particularly when they are unstable and fluctuating.
•  Previous knowledge of odour/scent training.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• High level of preparation, organisational and co-ordination skills
• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills
• High level of self – motivation and planning
• Approachable, calm and empathetic to children and adults with debilitating and life threatening conditions
• Happy to travel alone within the UK to visit any clients as necessary.
• Happy to be on call at all times for partnerships as and when required – to include outside standard working hours.
• Able and willing to stay away from home and stay in local hotel when the client’s location is too far from the Centre to travel back.
• If able, possibility of having Medical Alert Assistance Dogs in training to reside in their home through the 6 – 8 week training phase.
• Good team worker, but equally able to work alone.
• Positive, empathetic and calm attitude
• Able to embrace a constantly evolving organisation
• You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as able to motivate yourself. 
• You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations.
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DIVERITY, EQUALITY & INCLUSION

We are a welcoming, diverse and inclusive charity. Medical Detection Dogs thrives when everyone feels comfortable bringing their best self to work. We celebrate difference, whilst striving to create an environment where colleagues feel respected and valued for their unique potential. We are committed to our values on equity, diversity, and inclusion.

Values & Behaviours

Working at Medical Detection Dogs will be a richly rewarding experience.

Our Values & Behaviours encapsulate who we are, what we stand for and what it will feel like to be part of our team:

• We are respectful.
• We stay positive.
• We strive for excellence.
• We communicate and listen.
• We are ambassadors.
• We are one team.

And of course, we advocate for Medical Detection Dogs whenever we get the chance, and we pride ourselves on our role as ambassadors for the charity.

Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence
• Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK.
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Work some evenings and weekends
• Be willing to travel to the Centre based near Milton Keynes