Entry level jobs for the Disability sector

If you seek a fresh and rewarding challenge, look no further than Open Country! Seeking to help disabled people to access and enjoy the countryside, we embrace a wide range of fundraising methods, so this role could be adapted to suit either full-time or part-time work. We are also able to cater for your particular skill set, though core duties would likely include: 

• Researching and writing grant applications to charitable trusts, grant-making bodies and other funders.
• Developing and delivering new and imaginative community fundraising activities.
• Encouraging appropriate corporate sponsorship and fundraising.
• Developing and delivering Open Country fundraising events and third-party events.

This is a hands-on, dynamic role requiring creativity, insight and panache, coupled with great communication and relationship-building skills.

You will work collaboratively with our Finance and Fundraising Manager at our Head Office in Harrogate, though an element of home working can be considered.

Appointment to this post is subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check. 

We are looking for a passionate Disabled person to join our organisation as a Trainee Caseworker. 

Hours: 21-28 hours per week (flexibility around working hours/pattern)

Trainee Salary Band: £24,720 - £28,840 (pro rata and per year)

Start Date: 1 May 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter

Location: Hybrid (Home and Vestry Hall, Mitcham)

Contract Type: Fixed term until 1 May 2027.

Over one year, we will train, develop and coach an individual to build skills to provide casework support relating to health, welfare benefits, grant applications, discretionary travel, housing, aids and adaptations and/or adult social care.

The role will support our accredited Information and Advice Service and Speaking Up Service. 

Previous experience is not essential but a passion to fight for justice and an interest in learning and developing your skills, knowledge and practice is. 

Purpose of the role:

The Energy Advice Coordinator will provide essential advice to people affected by spinal cord injury who are struggling with, or at risk of fuel poverty, helping them to improve their situation while recognising and responding to the unique challenges that spinal cord injury can bring. They will manage a caseload offering practical solutions, whilst developing referral pathways to connect them with relevant services to improve their energy efficiency and reduce their fuel costs.

The role will also lead the development of knowledge and skills across Back Ups’ staff and volunteer teams, developing easy to use resources and an understanding of when and how to escalate cases for more in-depth advice. They will work closely with sector charities and advice organisations to ensure a high quality of seamless support while creating a lasting legacy for people affected by spinal cord injury.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• To provide impartial advice to householders on the telephone, at events or online group events.
• Make use of internal and external referral systems to ensure clients’ needs are met;
•  Respond to enquiries from the public, local authority staff, private and voluntary sectors or installers and, where appropriate, redirecting them to members of staff or other agencies;
• Maintain quality of advice and information as required
• Work with the wider Back Up team to create resources to support people affected by spinal cord injury, both digitally and physically.
• Work with Back Up’s services team to embed and deliver group based online advice sessions in our support groups and course modules.
• Develop and lead a programme to ensure Back Up’s services staff and volunteers develop a baseline of knowledge that enables them to identify and provide basic information to people affected by spinal cord injury around energy efficiency.
• Conduct thorough assessments of clients' energy needs and identify potential solutions and further sources of support through telephone-based support.
• Provide tailored advice on energy-saving measures and support schemes to the caseload.
• Work collaboratively with local authorities, energy providers, and other relevant organisations to ensure comprehensive support for those in the caseload.
• Educate people affected by spinal cord injury on energy efficiency and ways to reduce their energy consumption.
• Maintain accurate records of all interactions and support provided, ensuring confidentiality and compliance with data protection regulations.
• Support the project manager with the development, delivery, and evaluation of the energy advice project.
• To maintain up to date, working knowledge of sustainable energy matters, affordable warmth, renewable energy, water heating and usage.
• At all times, ensure that advice service and activity are in line with the requirements of the project;
• Effectively utilise existing sources of data to identify suitable opportunities to meet customers’ needs.
• Stay up to date with relevant policies, schemes, and best practices related to fuel poverty and energy efficiency
• To develop and implement partnerships and referral routes that support people affected by spinal cord injury with relevant energy advice.
• Liaise with organisations to develop partnerships by utilising appropriate resources and support mechanisms;
• Represent Back Up at various partner meetings;
• Develop and maintain effective operational partnerships with key delivery agents and stakeholders.
• Monitor and report on the impact of interventions and support provided.

General

• Take responsibility for ensuring communications are in line with GDPR.
• Ensure that you work within Back Up’s policy framework.
• Carry out any other tasks that may be within the scope of the post to ensure the
• effective delivery and development of the service.

 The above list is not exclusive or exhaustive, and the post holder will be required to undertake such duties as may reasonably be expected within the scope of this role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

Essential:

• Minimum of 1 years' experience in a similar role, ideally within Energy Advice or similar area.
• City & Guilds Energy Awareness 6281-01 or the ability to achieve this.
• Willingness to undertake mandatory training and development opportunities as required.
• A keen interest in energy issues and concerns currently facing energy consumers.
• An enthusiastic attitude, patience and empathy to support people with the issues they are facing and the ability to assess individual situations and provide practical and effective solutions.
• To be non-judgemental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own.
• The ability to prioritise your own work and meet deadlines.
• Demonstrable experience of providing Information advice and support, preferably withing the energy advice sector.
• Experience of working with both groups and individuals to provide support.
• Experience of delivering/facilitating training workshops.
• Experience of managing own projects and working to targets and deadlines.
• A good understanding of evaluation and confidence in gathering feedback data to measure impact.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to explain complex information in a clear and accessible manner.
• IT/digital skills including ability to use Microsoft packages and a willingness to learn new packages as required.
• Able to build excellent relationships with a range of stakeholders
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to record information effectively.
• Flexible and can respond professionally to changing briefs, deadlines and priorities.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as required.

Desirable:

• Personal or professional knowledge of disability, particularly spinal cord injury.
• Demonstrable experience of providing Information advice and support within the energy advice sector.

Full or Part Time opportunities available.

£25,000 - £25,642 per annum (Once 6-month probation is passed)

Additional payments for night shifts (£12 per night - £55 for sleep-in)

• Have you worked in an adult social care or nursing setting?
• Experience of being a team leader or have at least 1 year of care experience?
• Do you want to progress to a Senior Support Worker?

Then our client is the company for you! A charity based in Sale, just south of Manchester City Centre, they have over 70 years’ experience supporting people with learning and physical disabilities.

They pride themselves on supporting their residents and service users to live their best lives to the fullest. Offering, high quality health and personal care for long-term residents of all ages. They have five 'luxury' style homes in Sale, with modern interiors and state-of-the-art lifting equipment and mobility aids, along with a day service in Altrincham.

Come and join the fun working environment here at Stockdales. You will be offering day to day, person centred care, which includes, activities and day trips planned weekly with residents and service users which includes – swimming, trips to the seaside, museums, sensory walks, and activity breaks across the country.

What you will receive whilst working for our client:

• A competitive salary
• Enhanced pay for bank holidays and on call
• Excellent internal and external training offered
• Comprehensive induction and ongoing training
• Mileage paid for travel during work hours
• 28 days holiday per year pro rata inclusive of bank holidays
• Increased holiday entitlement with service
• Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Access to Wage Stream
• Medicash – includes access to 24hr GP, money off shopping and going out, wellbeing aids
• Life Insurance Scheme
• Monthly staff prize draw

What they want in return:

• Ideally a minimum of 1 year experience working in care with the ability to lead shifts
• Caring, self-motivated staff members who have passion and want to help people with learning disabilities and complex health care needs
• Have basic IT skills-Microsoft word and email. Ability to read and write and have basic numeracy skills is essential to this role
• Be Prepared to undertake a professional qualification relevant to the role, such as a level 2/3 RQF/NVQ
• Commitment to training and to progress to a shift leader
• Committed, reliable and willing to work as part of a team
• Flexibility- willing to work weekends and bank holidays
• Satisfactory DBS check, 2 references

You will go home at the end of your shift satisfied and feeling like you have made a big difference to the people you support.

If this job is for you, they want to hear from you.

We are looking to appoint support workers to provide an inclusive, welcoming and supportive environment for our autistic members.

Working under the supervision of Programme Delivery Managers and Supervisors, key responsibilities include: 

• Programme support and activity delivery of activities for members at our clubs during term time and school holiday activities.

• Supporting members with their engagement and development in activities, both educationally and socially. 

• We are especially interested in recruiting those who have experience with facilitating sporting activities with children and young adults.

This role is ideal for someone looking for flexible work.

When shifts are available, they will be on Mondays, Thursdays and/or Friday late afternoons and evenings, so you would need to be available at these times during term time. 

Salary Band: £ 13.85 per hour 

Contract Type: Casual worker contract

Working Pattern: Must be available to work some or all the following times during term time: Mondays 4.15pm - 7.15 pm, 7pm – 9.30pm; Thursdays 4pm–7pm; Fridays 4pm–7pm and 6.45pm–10pm. 

Location: Mondays West Wickham, Thursday and Fridays Orpington. 

About you 
You are creative and adaptable with strong problem-solving skills. You are self-motivated, able to take initiative and have good interpersonal skills.You will have experience of working with young people, particularly those who are vulnerable, or have special needs. 

You are also someone who shares our way of working: 

Committed – We are committed to CASPA’s mission and our work. 

Learning – We share knowledge, learn from others to grow our skills, and support others to grow. 

Proactive – We take action, problem solve and “muck in” where needed. 

Organised – We plan and manage our time, tasks and responsibilities. 

Optimistic – We think positively, encourage fun, and promote autistic Pride. 

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. 

We are keen to attract those with lived experience of autism. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including ethnicity, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age and disability.