Senior Support Worker Jobs

About the role

This role is all about developing a welcoming and supportive support group community for kinship carers wherever they live. Building belonging, resilience and empowerment for support group leaders and kinship carers.

Funded by the Department for Education, our national Peer Support Service is creating a sustainable and life-changing legacy for kinship carers across England.

This is a game-changing service for kinship carers and builds on Kinship’s 10 years’ experience of developing peer support groups, and two years delivering a national service which has set up 145 new groups. 

As a Peer Support Officer, you’ll make sure we deliver an exceptional and consistent peer support service for kinship carers.  

You’ll set-up and develop new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as supporting existing groups to thrive, developing a resilient and powerful peer support community.

Purpose of the role

Taking responsibility for the North West of England, you will reach out and work directly in local communities to develop sustainable kinship peer support groups.

You’ll need to think strategically – mapping areas and utilising resources to be effective and efficient in managing your time and building local connections.

Using community engagement techniques like coffee mornings, community events and linking with our training and support service, you’ll build local connections and relationships.

As you develop a group and recruit support group leaders, you’ll provide standardised training and help the group to navigate forming and storming – providing reassurance and support to empower the group.

Once the group is stable, you’ll transition the support group leader/s over to the ‘Hub’ team to build confidence and knowledge to run their group independently.  You’ll also support online groups and special interest groups to transition to independence. 

You’ll ensure targets are met and that kinship carers receive a good experience.

Key responsibilities include:

• In person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local and regional communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.

• Set up and develop at least six new sustainable in person peer support groups annually, attending up to six sessions in person (if needed) before transition to self-sufficiency.

• Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.

• Deliver standardised training to support group leaders (group roles and responsibilities, safeguarding, setting up, running and promoting a group).

Essential requirements include:

• Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.

• Significant experience developing peer support communities.

• Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers. 

• Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services are evidenced through high quality data collection.

Key Dates:

• Deadline: 5pm, Monday 10 June 2024 

• Interviews: Tuesday 18 June 2024 (in-person, Greater Manchester)

How to apply:

We will ask you for your CV and to respond to the following four questions via the Applied platform. Please note that all answers will be viewed anonymously by reviewers and CVs will not be viewed until after this sift has happened. This is the first opportunity to demonstrate your experience and to stand out in the recruitment process. Reviewers will not see all your answers together and will be marking on the strength of the response to each question. Once this is complete, both will be reviewed together. You will have 250 words per answer.

Questions for application (along with CV):

1. Outline why you want to work at Kinship in this role, and how your values align to the Kinship ones? Please include a bit about your experience in this section related to the job description.
2. This role needs to develop sustainable peer support groups, whereby sustainable means that the group is able to run by itself and has a strong peer support group leader (who is a kinship carer). Tell us how you would approach this.
3. Give one example of a project, service or programme where you have delivered successful community outreach. How did you manage it, what were the targets and what did you achieve?
4. When developing peer support groups with people with lived experience, what are the things you need to consider?

Recruitment: Triage and Wellbeing Worker at Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering

Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering are recruiting for:

Triage and Wellbeing Worker  
Hours: 14 hours per week

Salary:  £22,250 pro rata (£8900 actual for 14 hours/week)

Closing date: Monday 10th June 2024
Proposed interview date: Monday 17th June 2024

We are looking for a Triage and Wellbeing Worker to be the first point of contact for Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering enquiries and provide triage and signposting to relevant internal and external services.

The Triage and Wellbeing Worker will be the first point of contact for Older People, Carers, Professionals & Visitors who approach Age UK RBH, either by telephone or visit to the Age UK office.

The post holder will identify the information, advice and support needs of older people and their carers who are referred or make contact with Age UK RBH and signpost or refer them, where necessary to the most appropriate service or organisation both internally & externally.

You will need to have experience of providing information and signposting by telephone as well as experience of working with older people or vulnerable groups and their carers (preferable).  The post holder requires excellent communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively both written and spoken as well as the ability to organise self, prioritise varied workloads, plan effectively.  We are looking for someone with a Good understanding of issues affecting older people and their carers.

The position requires good computer skills including fast, accurate data entry and internet research and accurate record keeping are also required. An appropriate DBS Disclosure will be carried out for this post.

To apply: Please check our website for further details and a full application pack

Completed application forms and Equal Opportunities Forms should be returned to Gabby O’Neill using the email: admin or alternatively post to Gabby O’Neill, Recruitment, Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering, 4th Floor, 103 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4PU.

Accountable to the Centre Manager, and as part of the Key Worker Team, you will be responsible for the primary support of an identified group of service users. Meeting regularly with service users you will ensure their physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing and progress through the Teen Challenge programme, as identified by a mutually agreed personal development /support plan, and with a person centred approach. You will also take an active role within the TC teaching curriculum developed to equip service users with life skills and insights required for successful living.

End date for applications: 28/06/24

As Teen Challenge UK is a Christian organisation, this post carries an Occupational Requirement in line with Equality Act 2010. Please note that one reference must be from your church minister or leader to endorse your live and active Christian faith and commitment. Successful applicants for this post will require membership of the PVG scheme and registration with the SSSC.

Age UK are offering an exciting new 18 month fixed-term opportunity in our impactful charity.

Are you a diversity, equity and inclusion subject matter expert, with a track record and passion for delivering successful learning and development initiatives?

In this newly created role, you will lead on the design and delivery of diversity, equity and inclusion training, workshops and resources for Age UK, including its subsidiaries Age International and Age Co. This will include specific content on age inclusion, anti-racism and disability inclusion including neurodiversity.

You'll have strong knowledge and experience of best practice in talent management and development, excellent communication and facilitation skills, experience using classroom-based teaching and e-learning methods and strong analytical skills to measure impact and outcomes.

Please see JD for all responsibilities.

We operate a hybrid-working model, a blend of home and office working. This role will include regular days working from our London office. Your travel costs to the London office are not covered.

Age UK Grade 5L

Must haves:

Knowledge:

In-depth subject matter expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion, particularly anti-racism and disability inclusion.
In-depth knowledge and understanding of relevant legal, data, governance and compliance obligations.

Experience:

Developing and embedding diversity, equity and inclusion policies and practices into an organisation and delivering measurable change.
Identifying individual, group and organisational learning and development needs and designing a learning curriculum.
Developing and delivering diversity, equity and inclusion training, workshops and resources for a range of audiences using different delivery methods and platforms including e-learning and online teaching.
Monitoring the effectiveness of learning and development initiatives, using findings to inform and improve ongoing delivery and performance.

Skills:

Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation verbally and in writing.
Analytical, with the ability to collect and interpret data to inform decision making and measure impact.
Strong project management skills, with the ability to prioritise and manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Comfortable constructively challenging others to drive positive change.

What we offer in return

• Competitive salary, 26 days annual leave pro-rata + bank holidays + annual leave purchase scheme
• Excellent pension scheme, life assurance, health cashback plan and EAP
• Car Benefit Scheme, Cycle to Work Scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• Techscheme - buy any tech from Apple or Currys, up to £1000, and spread the cost over 12 months, interest free
• Blue Light Card Scheme
• You Did It Awards - recognition awards from £100-250.

Additional Information

All CVs will be anonymised by our recruitment system when you apply for a role at Age UK. Please note that our system is unable to anonymise cover letters, and we would therefore ask that to support the work we are doing on making our recruitment selection process fairer and more unbiased, that you remove any personal information from your cover letter/supporting statement, including your name before uploading this. All equalities monitoring information is also anonymised and not shared with the hiring panel. Your name and address will only be known to us once you are invited for an interview.

Age UK is an Equal Opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates, regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital/civil partnership status, or pregnancy and maternity. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria under the Disability Confident Scheme. Please note that on occasion, due to high numbers of applications, Age UK reserves the right to limit the overall number of interviews offered, and therefore, it may not always be practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people that meet the minimum criteria for the job.

Age UK is committed to safeguarding adults at risk, and children, from abuse and neglect. We expect everyone who works with us to share this commitment.

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert at any time.

Age UK politely requests no contact from recruitment agencies or media sales. We do not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues? Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

Can you demonstrate our values of Hope, Together, Courage and Responsive and want to be part of our mission to create opportunities for individuals to make choices, find their own solutions, build resilience and manage their whole life and wellbeing?

If the answer to all of these is yes, we want to hear from you.

Job title: Mental Health Outreach Worker
Reference Number: 212
Reports to: Senior Mental Health Outreach Worker
Contract length: One Year
No. of hours: 22.5 hours per week (Flexible on days)
Main base/s: Flexible to one of our 8 Mind Hertfordshire Network Wellbeing Centres
Salary scale: £24,000 - £25,000 per annum incl. Outer London Weighting (OLW)
In addition, this role will have a yearly staff retention bonus of up to £1263.
This payment is allocated at the discretion of HMN.

About the Service

This is a pilot working as a Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) with housing teams and Drug and Alcohol Services across District and Borough councils. These teams will be working with individuals who are presenting as homeless and have a number of Complex Needs.

Purpose of Post

Providing advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing. These will be clients who are presenting to District and Borough councils as homeless and need intervention and support with their mental health and remain a source of independent support for all clients. Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly and that a person centred recovery orientated and trauma informed approach is embedded approach in all aspects of the roles.

Service Objectives

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill health.
• To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental ill health in, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To reduce the use of police, ASB, tenancy enforcement, housing needs and environmental health services by clients whose primary need is related to mental ill health.
• To reduce the use of crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.
• To provide an assertive outreach approach for clients who are in crisis and/ or those that may have complex or multiple needs.
• To work collaboratively within an MDT consisting of CGL, District and Borough councils, housing teams and other professionals.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 28 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) - compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is Wednesday 19th June at 5pm.
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.

Interested? 

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. 

Equal Opportunities 
We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

We are delighted to have been accredited as a Living Wage Employer.

No agencies please.

Join us as CEO of The Wallich and lead a community of people determined to prevent and end homelessness in Wales, for good.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 8th July

Location: Cardiff Hub / Hybrid

About The Wallich.

The Wallich is a leading homelessness charity in Wales, dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness. Established in 1978, it supports over 10,000 people annually through innovative projects. With a skilled team of over 460 employees and 40 relief workers, The Wallich is committed to making a significant impact in the community.

About the role.

The CEO will lead The Wallich, ensuring strong governance, clear strategic direction, and dynamic leadership. Key responsibilities include influencing partners, supporting Trustees, and maintaining the charity's inclusive and positive culture. The CEO will work closely with stakeholders, including vulnerable individuals, to drive The Wallich's mission of ending homelessness.

Who we are looking for.

The ideal candidate is a visionary leader with strong motivation and a deep understanding of homelessness issues. They should possess excellent communication skills, a collaborative approach, and the ability to form strategic partnerships. Experience in the non-profit or social impact sector is preferred, and a commitment to The Wallich's values and mission is essential.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the job description and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 8th July.

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic support professional to join our unique Support Team.

You should have a genuine interest in helping people to maintain their quality of life and independence, regardless of the potential barriers they face. You must be patient, kind and sympathetic to the difficulties that an individual faces. You will facilitate their independence as much as possible and encourage their wellbeing at the same time.

As part of the role you will;

• Develop and carry out support plans
• Identify and access relevant opportunities for client wellbeing, including leisure and mental health services
• Develop and maintain independent living skills
• Advocate for clients
• Support clients to integrate with the local community

The post will report directly to the Chief Executive Officer, provide support for Trust Board (and associated subcommittees), and will work across the entire Trust to develop and deliver the highest standards of governance and compliance. It will also support and contribute to the work of the Executive Leadership Team of the Trust, which is responsible for the day-to-day leadership and management of the organisation

Key responsibilities for the role include:

• Ensuring good governance through policy development, coordination and support of the Board of Trustees , local governing bodies and other subcommittees, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Committee and meeting support, including servicing Trust Board and a range of other subcommittees.
• Oversight of the recruitment and induction of trustees and governors.
• Support to the CEO and other senior leaders with complaints, investigations and other formal hearings. 
• Support the CEO in their role as Data Protection Officer for the trust, taking administrative responsibility for key duties as required.

The successful candidate will:

• Have worked in the not-for-profit or education sector and have an understanding of the critical role that good governance can play in making an organisation impactful and effective.
• Have an analytical approach to policy.
• Have excellent communication and collaboration skills.

What we offer:

This is a new and exciting role for the Trust, as we move towards a new academic year with a new Chief Executive Officer, a new Executive Leadership Team structure, and the development of a new strategy. There is significant scope for impact and shaping our strategy in this area. We believe you would enjoy working with us and very much look forward to receiving your application.

Key Application Dates:

• Vacancy closes on Sunday 23 June
• First Stage (online MS Teams) Interview on Thursday 4 July
• Second Stage (in person) Interview on Thursday 11 July
• Start in August or September

Our commitment:

The Girls’ Learning Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. In order to meet this responsibility, we follow a rigorous selection process to discourage and screen out unsuitable applicants.

As well as verification of identity, we ask all employees to undertake an enhanced DBS disclosure. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE) guidance, we may also conduct an online search about any shortlisted candidates as part of our due diligence to identify any matters that might relate directly to our legal duty to meet safeguarding duties in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and aim to employ a culturally diverse workforce, which reflects the nature of our communities.

Sponsorship:

We are not able to offer sponsorship to non-settled individuals for a Skilled Worker Visa.

Job Description:

1. Provide high-quality, trauma-responsive advocacy support both in prison and the community, to women on remand in HMP Bronzefield, HMP Downview and HMP Send

2. Development and maintenance of professional relations in prison and the community

3. Ensure clear, timely and effective communication and record keeping

4. Proactively seek to develop your personal and professional practice, and contribute to wider organisational development

5. Contribute to building a feminist leadership culture and positive working environment for Women in Prison

Advice & Information Worker (Havering)

WORKING HOURS: 21 hours per week

SALARY: £24,868 pro rata; (£14,920 for 21 hours actual)

CLOSING DATE: Monday 10th June by 12pm

PROPOSED INTERVIEW DATE: Monday 17th June

Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering offers an Advice & Information service to support older people living in the boroughs of Redbridge, Barking & Dagenham and Redbridge which is free, independent and confidential to older people, their relatives, carers and friends. We offer support with benefits maximisation to make sure people receive everything they are entitled to, housing issues, social care needs, health and disabilities, advice on energy efficiency and fuel poverty, to assistance with form filling and leisure.

We are recruiting an Advice Worker to cover the London Borough of Havering. This role requires the worker to work independently and manage their own caseload but be part of the wider team and be aware of the other services provided by Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering. The post involves both office based, home visit and outreach work at a variety of locations across Havering. Good IT skills are required and familiarity with Charity Log would be useful as well as knowledge of relevant quality assurance systems.

To apply: Please check our website for further details and a full application pack

Completed application forms and Equal Opportunities Forms should be returned to admin using the email: admin or alternatively post to Gabby O’Neill Recruitment, Age UK Redbridge, Barking and Havering, 4th Floor, 103 Cranbrook Road, Ilford, Essex, IG1 4PU.

Purpose of the Role:

Bow Foodbank is proud  to have developed a highly trusted relationship with our guests and the community. We are often the first point of call for people when they are starting to struggle financially. We want to use our trusted place in the community to support our guests with more than just food, helping to connect them into a wide range of services and community groups - aiming to help guests to build their resilience and move them away from the causes of poverty. This will be done by inviting specialist partners to offer their services at our centre, as well as training and overseeing our volunteers in signposting guests to services that will help them build their resilience. We want to do this in a way that builds dignity so will aim to follow up with them the impact of any referrals and how they have improved guest wellbeing. Our aim is to limit the length of time guests depend on any foodbank and increase the community’s access to support services and community groups.

This role will train and oversee the work of our volunteers in signposting guests to high quality services. They will be responsible for holding guest voice strategy and will feed into the senior leadership team the opinions of our guests so we can continually improve the service we offer them.

This role will build partnerships with organisations to create support pathways. We want to maximise use of our building by creating a support ‘marketplace’ inviting partners into the foodbank and increasing guest access to the broadest range of services.

Location: Homebased - London

Job Type: Full time, 37.5 hours with occasional weekend/evening work

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £46,225

Benefits: Cycle to Work Scheme, Life Assurance, Season Ticket Loan, EAP Scheme

The Partnership and Engagement Manager is a pivotal member of our team, responsible for driving the strategic development of our corporate partnership function. This role is dedicated to leading and evolving Pact’s strategy to engage, retain, and grow corporate partnerships, ultimately boosting restricted, semi-restricted, and unrestricted income streams.

Job Description

Key Responsibilities

New Business:

• Develop and Manage Pipeline: Build and oversee a robust pipeline of new business opportunities, navigating through the entire funding cycle.

• Identify and Cultivate Potential Support: Conduct research, prospecting, and cultivation to identify and attract potential corporate supporters.

• Diverse and Sustainable Pipeline: Perform horizon scanning to ensure our pipeline remains diverse and sustainable.

• Tailored Partnership Proposals: Create customised and persuasive partnership proposals and pitches.

• Expand Existing Partnerships: Leverage the potential of our current partners to develop new relationships.

• Cultivation Strategies: Implement and monitor effective corporate cultivation strategies, including prison-based events.

Account Management:

• Strengthen Relationships: Enhance our relationships and commitment with both existing and new partners.

• High-Quality Account Management: Provide top-tier account management to support continued commitment and growth, managing 10-14 current partners.

• Corporate Engagement Activities: Organise and execute corporate engagement activities, particularly prison-based, and collaborate with service colleagues to develop initiatives that meet the needs of those affected by imprisonment.

• Inspiring Reports and Updates: Produce compelling written reports and updates as part of partnership plans.

• By taking on this role, you will play a crucial part in driving the growth and sustainability of our corporate partnerships, ultimately contributing to the impactful work we do.

Organisation:

Pact is a highly respected independent charity, working across England and Wales to develop and deliver a range of innovative services. We provide practical and emotional support to prisoner’s children and families, to prisoners and those who have resettled back into the community. Our work is founded on core values, the first of which is a belief in the innate dignity of every human being, and our work focusses on human relationships, family and community. We are committed to achieving high standards of quality in all that we do.

What we offer:

Pact offers a range of benefits including a free advice, information and counselling service, contributory pension, corporate eye care scheme, cycle to work scheme and generous holiday entitlement. You will have the opportunity to attend training events to further develop yourself as a professional training and interventions worker. You will undergo a thorough induction process and be supported by a friendly and enthusiastic team.

How to apply:

If you feel that you meet the requirements of this exciting new role please complete an application form by clicking the `apply now` button.

* We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Other information:

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applications including those with a criminal conviction (appointment to post is subject to a risk assessment).

This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, verification of identity and proven right to work in the UK, satisfactory references from previous employers covering a 3-year period, declaration of any unspent criminal convictions (and where appropriate a satisfactory risk assessment), Prison Vetting and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note that being bankrupt or having County Court Judgements may affect your ability to be successfully vetted to work in a prison.

About us

Pact (the Prison Advice & Care Trust) is a pioneering national charity that provides caring and life changing services to men and women in prison, to people with convictions on release and in the community, and to their children and families.

Pact’s vision is of a society in which justice is understood as a process of restoration and healing, in which prisons are used sparingly and as places of learning and rehabilitation, and in which the innate dignity and worth of every human being is valued. We work for the common good of Society, taking a public health-based approach. We work at the intersection of criminal justice, child and family welfare, mental health, wellbeing provision and health & social care.

Our volunteers and staff can be found in courts, prisons, probation services, and in communities across England & Wales. We are a diverse, inclusive, modern, and collaborative charity. We build effective partnerships and sustainable solutions based on our well-established understanding of the systems in which we work, and on our historic values and ethos developed through our 120+ years of service delivery.

Salary

You may also have experience in the following: Account Manager, Fundraiser, Partnership Executive, Marketing Executive, Fundraising, Partnership, Relationship Manager, Sales, Business Development, Funding, Account Officer, Corporate Partnerships, etc.

REF-214 270

Exeter-based cancer charity, Force, is well known and much loved for its incredible work supporting people who have had a cancer diagnosis and their families with a range of support.  Their longstanding CEO is now retiring and the search has begun to find that special person to lead the charity into the future.  We are delighted and honoured to be supporting the Board with this important appointment.

The current CEO has worked hard to ensure that the nurturing and caring aspect of the charity’s work is reflected across the organisation.  You can see this in the way that everyone is treated – clients, families, staff, volunteers, supporters and trustees.  We are looking for someone who understands and upholds these values but equally has the resilience and clarity of thought to navigate through the complex landscape of cancer services and support.  You will have held a senior leadership role within the voluntary sector for at least two years and understand the legal framework within which charities operate.  Previous experience of working with a voluntary Board of trustee/directors will be hugely helpful and, naturally, you will be financially astute. 

Of course, you will be an inspiring and confident communicator, able to engage with and present to a range of audiences as well as working with local media.

Please download the information pack for further information about the role, the charity and how to apply.

Assistant Support and Outreach Worker (Roma Speaking)

Location: London
Department: Frontline London
Contract type: 1 Year Fixed Term Contract
Hours: 35
Salary: £23,933 per annum

Big Issue Changing Lives CIC is looking for an Support and Outreach Assistant to support the direct the direct delivery of services to individuals participating in Big Issue enterprises, including selling the Big Issue magazine.  The core of the role is facilitating access for members of our Roma Communities to the Hand Up Service and other local services, resources and networks required to address the barriers they are facing to moving forwards out of poverty. Where local services and resources are not available you will also support the Outreach Team with the delivery of information, guidance and some direct interventions, such as training sessions, directly.

This is self-starter role in which you’ll be responsible for connecting with potential service users within the Roma community, introducing the service to them, sharing information from our Hand Up plus services and supporting them to engage with the core Hand Up service. You’ll be working within a small team of Outreach workers and will work to maintain a set of Service Standards which help maintain the quality of the service nationally.

The role is highly flexible and no two days are the same. You’ll bring your own experience and knowledge to the role, as well as your ability to speak Romanian. We will support you to build on that through an ongoing training and development programme which aims to ensure all Hand Up Service Team members have up to date, relevant, knowledge in key areas including housing, benefits, debt, immigration and more. In the course of a day, you’ll usually be working with service users across multiple of these issues and supporting engagement with a wide range of external agencies such as health services, local authorities, charities and more, to get access to services for those you are supporting. 

Your main roles and responsibilities will be:

• Undertake phone and in person outreach to introduce the Hand Up service to Roma Big Issues vendors 
• Delivery of direct intervention to Roma vendors using guidance and resources provided 
• Join meetings with Roma Vendors and Outreach Workers to support with action planning and provision of support and guidance 
• Support with translation and interpretation within your local team to enable accessibility of the service for Roma vendors 
• Support the local Hand Up Service to build current knowledge of local and national agencies that can support Roma vendors 
• Support the organisation and delivery with Roma Vendors of 1-2-1 and group training sessions and drop-ins
• Ensure that your work meets service standards and targets and complete surveys with vendors as required
• Involving Roma service users in the service design and delivery as local and national opportunities arise 
• Adhere to all required policies and procedures including with regards to safeguarding, lone and safe working, case work management and expenses and finances
• Undertake any other duties as required by your manager (within reasonable expectations)

You need to be:

• Passionate about and committed to supporting those living in poverty 
• Confident communicator face to face and on the phone in both Romanian and English, with ability to convey information clearly
• Able to build rapport with diverse individuals from the Roma community
• Knowledge and understanding of the challenges and inequalities that individuals from the Roma community may face in the UK
• Excellent time management and very organised, with the ability to complete tasks by agreed deadlines 
• Good data entry skills
• Able to represent the organisation to other professionals and partner agencies 
• Able to work with individuals in both one to one and group formats 
• Able to follow guidelines and work within policies, seeking support from line manager as needed
• Willing to work in flexible locations including our community office, as well as visiting vendors at pitches and attending community meetings. This role is not suitable for home- based working.

Please use your cover letter to demonstrate how you meet each of the following requirements. We recommend addressing each requirement specifically within your application.  Voluntary experience and lived experience are welcome as evidence of your relevant experience, knowledge and skills, as well as any work experience. 

Salary and Benefits offered

• Salary of £23,933 per annum
• Incremental holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time staff) plus paid leave to care for a sick child or grandchild and a sick or elderly relation
• Company Sick Pay
• Enhanced contribution to our workplace pension
• Enhanced maternity pay
• Training and development opportunities including an open learning library and management training schemes
• Health benefits include life cover, a health cash plan scheme which provides access to counselling and a range of therapies
• Please note that we reserve the right to review and amend our staff benefits and they do not form part of any  contract of employment

Workplace details

This role could be based at our Big Issue office in London, but you will be mostly be working out and about within the community.

Closing date - 16 June 2024. Please note that we may interview before the role is closed so please apply asap. 

Big Issue Group is striving towards Equal Opportunities. We particularly welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our sector, such as women in senior roles, and people with disabilities and from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.

Since 1991, The Big Issue has fought poverty by creating opportunities and supporting people to take control of their lives. Over time our organisation has grown and now The Big Issue Group consists of The Big Issue Company Ltd and Big Issue Invest Ltd (our social investment arm). In addition, we also have our sister charity The Big Issue Foundation.

REF-214308