Family development worker jobs in Sutton, greater london

Independent Living Advisor (Self-Directed Support Service)
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: Action on Disability, Mo Mowlam House, Clem Attlee Court, London, SW6 7BF

The Organisation

Action on Disability (AoD), founded in 1979, is one of London’s leading Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisations. As we believe in the social model of disability, our values and principles embrace inclusive and accessible ways of working both internally and in all our activities, seek the participation and contribution of our members, and encourage and respect diversity.

The organisation is a medium sized charity with a Board of Trustees (at least 75% is disabled trustees), 20 staff and a strong ad hoc staff and volunteer base including many with direct experience of disability – all of whom are passionate about removing the barriers that disabled people face.

AoD provides five key services. These are: Youth, Employment, Welfare Benefits, Independent Living and Our Place.

AoD’s Independent Living Service

The Independent Living Service (Self-Directed Support Service) is a new service that will provide support to Direct Payment users within the borough of Hammersmith and Fulham. The service will enable disabled people to have genuine choice and control over the way in which they lead their lives.The post-holder will be working alongside disabled people to enable them to have more choice and control over their care and support needs.

Purpose of Post

To work with individuals, their family and friends (where appropriate) to provide them with information, advice and assistance to enable them to access and manage a Direct Payment

(DP) and recruit and manage a Personal Assistant (PA).

Main Duties and Responsibilities

Support to individuals employing their own Personal (care) Assistant (PA) or engage an agency to deliver care and support.

1. Provide information and advice on becoming an employer and the role of the Personal Assistant.
2. Ensure that the client understands their legal obligations and responsibilities of being an employer.
3. Work with clients to: set up a profile on the Find-a-pa website, advertise and recruit a Personal Assistant, create a personalised job description and specification identify the level of experience and training requirements needed for the role.
4. Advise and help to calculate the PA’s salary and on costs (full training provided).
5. Support the client through the interview process and where necessary sit in during interviews.
6. Support individuals to reference, check legal status and where necessary DBS their support worker.
7. Support individuals to set up an induction plan for their PA and enable them to identify training needs.
8. Support the client to complete payroll and insurance documentation.
9. Work with the client to draw up a Statement of Particular (contract) for the employed PA (templates provided).
10. Encourage DP employers to take a lead in all employment issues. Information on where to seek advice e.g. ACAS, Fish and Premier Care helpline will be given and clients will be encouraged to use them.
11. Ensure that the individual has a back-up plan for emergencies.
12. Encourage DP employers to be assertive and proactive with their Personal Assistants.
13. Work with agencies to set up support for clients who may not wish to employ a PA directly.

Ongoing support to individuals in receipt of Direct Payments

1. Providing advice on employment issues.
2. Support individuals to solve practical problems e.g. lateness of staff, change of needs.
3. Support individuals to recruit again if necessary.
4. Assist individuals to re-look at budgets, training and job descriptions as they change over time.
5. Assist individuals to ensure that they continue to manage their Direct Payment or budget.
6. Support individuals to make informed choices.
7. Meet with the DP Support Group on a regular basis.
8. Assist in the development of training and other resources to support employers to manage their DP and their PA relationships.
9. Develop links and professional relationships with Social Work teams to support a healthy level of referrals.

For all work:

• Work in a person-centred way.
• Comply with AoD’s agreed policies and procedures.
• Participate in the wider development of the service and contribute to service improvement as required.
• Be computer literate and administratively self-supporting.
• Undertake any other reasonable duties as identified by the Self-Directed Support Service Lead or line manager.

Special requirements

• Ability to travel within the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham.
• Some attendance at meetings and events outside of normal office hours will be required.

Person Specification

To be considered for this role, candidates must have:

• Good standard of education.
• Experience of recruiting volunteers or staff.
• Knowledge of employment law.
• Understanding of social care and Direct Payments legislation.
• Experience/knowledge of supporting individuals to recruit and manage employees.
• Experience of working with clients with support needs.
• Experience of using a person-centred approach.
• Ability to think creatively and to come up with solutions.
• Ability to gather and assess information efficiently.
• Numeracy skills and knowledge of budgeting.
• Ability to use Word and Excel packages to a high standard.
• Ability to work under pressure, and to tight deadlines.
• A flexible approach and able to work on own initiative
• Good communication skills including interpersonal, written, presentational and spoken.
• Ability to guide in a sensitive way
• Ability to assess and match skills and personalities to individual needs and preferences.
• Commitment to the Social Model of Disability and to promote choice, independence, rights and inclusion.
• Understanding of and commitment to the aims of the organisation.
• Excellent practical understanding of the need for confidentiality.
• An understanding of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice

Desirable qualities

• Experience of working with disabled people
• Lived experience of disability

Closing Date: Friday 10th July 2026
N.B. we reserve the right to close this vacancy early and/or begin interviewing before the closing date if a suitable candidate is identified.
Early applications are therefore encouraged.

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.

The successful candidate will be required to undertake an enhanced DBS check.

We welcome applicants from all walks of life.

As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively encourage applications from Disabled people and people with long term health and mental conditions. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme in that we will guarantee an interview to all Disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. Please state in a cover letter if you wish us to consider you for this guaranteed interview scheme.

AoD is a Living Wage Foundation registered employer and all of our employees, casual workers and contractors are paid above the London Living Wage.

No agencies please.

Inspire mission and discipleship of children and young people  

We are looking for a dynamic team player who is passionate about creating opportunities for children and young people to explore the Bible, respond to Jesus and grow in faith, and who can inspire and equip others to do the same.    

Location: Home-based– predominantly covering the areas of Newcastle, Byker, Felton and Cramlington.  This Scripture Union role will be working alongside St Thomas Church, Newcastle and working ecumenically alongside other churches to grow mission in the local area. 

Important things to note before you apply.     

1. We are committed to building a culturally diverse workforce. As part of this commitment, we welcome applications from people, regardless of their background. 
2. We take Safeguarding seriously. This role will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure & Barring Service and has an occupational requirement to be filled by a committed Christian, active in church life. Equality Act 2010, Part 1, Schedule 9 applies.    
3. Please note that we do not provide visa sponsorship arrangements so applicants will need to have the right to live and be employed in a permanent job in the UK.   

Who we’re looking for    

You are someone who loves variety in your work and the fact that no two days are the same. You thrive on building relationships adopting a facilitating approach, coaching, mentoring, equipping, training, and motivating others.  You value a blend of face-to-face and online interactions.    

You’re a connector with experience in teamwork with diverse groups of people. Your creative mindset, combined with excellent organisational skills, enables you to spot and create opportunities for impact. You love Jesus and are filled with energy and passion for sharing the gospel. You excel with people. You are a confident communicator with experience in training and empowering others.  You have the qualities to be an excellent coach and mentor.   

If this describes you and you would like to join an organisation with a passion for Christ, sharing the gospel, making disciples and the emerging generation, provides a competitive salary, a generous pension scheme, and other valuable benefits, then read on.     

About Scripture Union     

You might have heard of us before if you're one of the 1.5 million+ who have attended one of our Christian holidays or missions over the years, or maybe you're one of the 40,000+ subscribers to have used our brilliant devotionals or been stirred by our exceptional bible resources. We've been at this for a fair few years... over 150 to be precise. Over this time, we’ve remained passionate about helping children and young people develop a vibrant faith in Jesus. As our name describes, the radical power of God's word has always been central to our approach.       

We still do all the great stuff with resources and holidays, but in the last few years, we have sharpened our vision with a renewed focus to help the ‘95%’ of young people (primary and secondary school age) across the UK who don’t go to church, and had opportunity to hear and respond to the good news of Jesus. We do this through equipping and resourcing the local church, training up volunteers and paid workers from local churches (we call them ‘Faith Guides’) and collaborating with local and national partners across the UK to connect with children and young people and support them on a journey of exploring faith in a way that is relevant and meaningful.     

In the last few years we’ve developed a brand new approach to how we do this, it’s simple and incredibly effective, we call it Revealing Jesus, and its making a massive difference. We have staff organised into four regional teams, and alongside our local and national partners, we’re playing our part in a network of organisations that seeks to reach children and young people in every context, across every town and city across England and Wales. The journey ahead is significant, and we invite you to be a part of it!

Invest in our mission, as we invest in you: Our Benefits:   

• 23 days holiday (pro rata) + bank holidays + 5 volunteering days 

• Up to 12% pension contribution 

• Life insurance 

• Free Bible Reading Guides 

• Enhanced family leave 

• A supportive, faith-filled environment where your work has eternal impact   

About our team    

Like many jobs, you will work with lots of different teams in different contexts. With this role, you will have the benefit of being part of a regionally focused team that is part of our wider movement.    

The successful candidate will be a part of our North Regional team of 9 other workers who between us work across the North region.

Job description: Revealing Jesus Pioneer Scripture Union    

You will work ecumenically in and around Newcastle multiplying your impact through equipping, empowering and mobilising others in outreach work. You’ll add energy, expertise, direction, and skill to the mix. You’ll recruit, motivate, train, equip, coach and support Faith Guides; you’ll work in partnership with this group as well as leading by example, you will model excellent mission delivery to children and young people aligned with SU’s mission.     

Who We're Looking For: Our Ideal Candidate    

We're seeking someone who is not just good at what they do, but also deeply passionate about our mission. Here's what we envision in the right person:    

• A thoughtful individual who can see the big picture and make smart decisions that genuinely impact our ministry.     

• A Champion for Children and Young People: You'll bring a wealth of understanding about working with young people, be a passionate advocate for their faith journey, be excellent at delivering ministry, and be someone who can clearly articulate your vision.     

• Inspirational: You'll have a natural ability to connect with people, listen deeply, ask great questions, influence discussions, gently challenge the status quo, and spark new, creative ideas within our networks.     

• Self-Motivated Organised and Effective: You're someone who thrives on managing their own work, setting priorities effectively, and skilfully juggling multiple projects.  

• A Team Player: You will work effectively as part of the North Team and also teams across Regional Mission and the movement as a whole.     

• Forward-Thinking: You're able to imagine and pursue ambitious, long-term goals with determination.     

• Spiritually Open and Grounded: You'll be comfortable and accepting of various Christian traditions, worship styles, and expressions of faith. Crucially, you'll have a growing love and understanding of the Bible.     

• Deeply Committed to Faith: You'll have a strong personal commitment to God and live as an active Christian disciple.     

As with all our team members, you will also:    

• Be a committed Christian who resonates with SU's mission and values, actively participating in a local church community.     

• Strive for a strong understanding of the Bible, applying its teachings to your daily life and inspiring others to do the same.     

Skills You'll Need:    

• You'll be confident and capable in using digital tools including email and Microsoft Office 365 applications (Word, Excel etc.). 
• Presentation/training skills     
• It is also essential that you live in the Newcastle area, have a good understanding of the local area and hold a current driving license.  

Interview Date: 16th July 2026

Interview Location: St Thomas' Church, Newcastle

RCJ Advice is an independent charity, based originally out of the Royal Courts of Justice in central London, providing a number of local and national services.

In collaboration with national Citizens Advice, we run a national service which provides advice and support to staff and volunteers from local Citizens Advice charities across England & Wales on immigration legal matters, enabling them to better support their clients. By supporting the local charities, we can help build their confidence and knowledge to deal with queries themselves in the future.

We deliver this service through a national telephone helpline, and this role will provide advice and guidance focused on Level 1 and 2 queries.

At RCJ Advice, the Immigration team consists of two paralegals and one solicitor. Both paralegals work on the helpline most days. Whilst the service is primarily there to deal with enquiries through a helpline, there will be an opportunity to support casework. You will also have the opportunity to build good working relationships with staff and volunteers across our other services.

You will come with a level of understanding of immigration law/rules, and will have been giving immigration advice for at least six months, whether solely or as part of giving general advice. You will have excellent communication skills and be able to conduct research and communicate complex information in a way that people will understand.

This is a hybrid role, working in our office within the Royal Courts of Justice in London at least 2 days per week with the option of homeworking up to 3 days per week.