Positive behaviour support worker jobs in Alderley edge, cheshire

About Kinship

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

Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

About the role

The Research Officer supports Kinship in building a strong and coordinated evidence base about kinship families, and ensures our influencing work is grounded in real experience.

The role supports the design, delivery and communication of high-quality research, insights and evaluation that shapes policy, practice and service development. It also supports the coordination and operational delivery of research and practice activity, helping ensure projects, networks and events run effectively and that insights are shared across the organisation and the wider sector.

They will work closely with colleagues across the organisation, including Policy, Programmes, Peer Support and Communications. It will ensure that research and insight are gathered and used consistently and that the experiences of kinship carers, particularly those from underserved communities, are central to our work. This role could be hybrid or remote.

Key responsibilities include:

• Design and deliver qualitative and quantitative research that improves understanding of kinship families’ needs, experiences and outcomes.

• Lead data collection through surveys, interviews, focus groups and desk research.

• Carry out analysis using suitable methods to produce accurate and meaningful insight.

• Ensure research reflects the diversity of kinship carers, including carers from ethnic minority communities, mixed heritage families, informal kinship carers and carers experiencing additional barriers.

• Maintain strong ethical standards and follow GDPR requirements.

• Developing and supporting participatory research methods with carers, children and young people.

• Support evaluation of Kinship services including peer support, training and digital programmes.

• Develop tools and approaches that help gather feedback and evidence of outcomes.

• Analyse programme data to highlight trends, gaps and opportunities.

• Provide evidence that strengthens Kinship policy positions and external influencing activity.

• Contribute data and insight to briefings, consultation responses and reports.

• Support opportunities for kinship carers to participate in research in a respectful and inclusive way.

• Manage the Kinship Professionals’ Network and the Kinship Care Researchers’ Network, working with the Practice Lead to plan and schedule meetings, coordinate agendas, record and minute meetings and share insights across the organisation. 

• Support the planning and delivery of research and practice events, from consultations to knowledge exchange events.

Essential requirements include:

• Experience completing mixed methods research including design, fieldwork, analysis and reporting.

• Experience working in a research, evaluation or insight role in a charity, academic or public sector setting.

• Experience producing accessible research outputs for different audiences.

• Experience engaging with underrepresented communities and understanding barriers to participation.

• Experience of kinship care or social care research in the UK or comparable settings

• Excellent project management skills with an ability to manage multiple projects and tasks with accuracy and attention to detail.

• Strong analytical and data interpretation skills with experience of R or equivalent statistical languages.

What we offer you:

• Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
• ​30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
• Charity Worker Discounts.

Key dates:

• Application deadline: 11.59pm on Sunday 19 April 2026
• First interview: w/c 27 April 2026 (online)
• Second interview: w/c 4 May 2026 (if required)

How to apply:

Please apply for the role of Research Officer by sending a CV (max 2 pages) and cover letter (max 1 page). The deadline is 11.59pm on Sunday 19 April 2026. Any applications arriving after the closing date will not be considered for shortlisting unless there are exceptional reasons. Please ensure you have read the application timelines.

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

About Kinship

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

Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

About the role

The Senior Advice Worker – SEND will be the specialist and subject expert in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and kinship care. You’ll provide 1:1 advice directly to kinship carers on all issues that impact on their caring role.

You will often be supporting kinship carers in high crisis. It will be part of your job to calm a situation quickly and support people to communicate what they need so you can provide personalised in-depth advice.

You’ll provide advice by phone, video calls and email, but you’ll also need to be able to respond to text, WhatsApp and online chat and other channels as we develop the service.

You’ll specialise in providing advice and information to enable kinship carers to support children with SEND needs, including speech, language and communication difficulties, social, emotional and mental health challenges, specific learning difficulties, and autism.

This will include advice and casework to support kinship carers to navigate the education system, understand Education, Health and Care Plan processes and access support from schools, children’s services and CAMHS.

As subject expert, you’ll provide expert input to the development of written information and resources and the development and delivery of specialist training for kinship carers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Respond to enquiries through a range of incoming channels. This includes taking calls on our advice line, as well as responding to enquiries submitted through our website, via internal referral or other channels.
• Provide high quality advice and information to kinship carers on their rights, entitlements and responsibilities in relation to welfare benefits, local authority allowances, support from children’s services, relevant legal orders, sources of educational, parenting and legal support and other issues that may be required.
• Assess vulnerability and risk to prioritise and respond to kinship carers’ issues in a timely manner.
• Research individual cases and identify possible courses of action.
• Address all safeguarding concerns in line with policy.
• Facilitate access to our advice service for people with diverse needs, e.g. by using appropriate translation services or assistive technology.
• Adapt communication style to respond appropriately to differing needs.
• Provide advice in a format that is manageable and understandable for the individual kinship carer.
• Apply agreed Kinship models of practice as appropriate, e.g. taking a trauma-informed approach.
• Provide specialist advice and casework on SEND-related issues. This may involve:
  • providing additional advice or support to enable a client to take action
  • undertaking follow-up action on behalf of the client to move the case on, e.g. negotiating with third parties
  • taking on complex casework to pursue significant outcomes for the client or strategic impact for all kinship carers

• Proactively update colleagues across Kinship on relevant updates in the SEND landscape, providing guidance to teams.

• Work closely with training colleagues to develop, create and occasionally lead training sessions to support kinship carers to navigate the SEND system.

Essential requirements include:

• Minimum of 2 years’ recent experience of delivering in-depth advice work on complex social welfare legal issues (e.g. benefits, housing, education or social care) to members of the public.

• Experience of giving both telephone and written advice.

• Either significant knowledge of and expertise in the SEND system and SEND-related issues, with the ability to develop expertise in kinship care advice; or, Significant knowledge of and expertise in kinship care advice, with substantial knowledge of SEND-related advice issues and the ability to become an expert in SEND advice for kinship carers.

• A demonstrable knowledge of relevant sources of advice and information. 

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

• Proven understanding of the importance of confidentiality and a non-judgmental approach.

• Experience and confidence in development of resources

• Experience of effective management and supervision of staff, projects and/or services.

• Experience using Case Management Systems and/or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms.

What we offer you:

• Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
• ​30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
• Charity Worker Discounts.

Key dates:

• Application deadline: Monday 20 April 2026, 12pm
• First interview: w/c 4 May 2026 (online)
• Second interview: w/c 11 May 2026 (if required)

How to apply:

Please apply for the role of Senior Advice Worker - SEND by sending a CV and answering the questions below. The deadline is 12pm on Monday 20 April 2026. Any applications arriving after the closing date will not be considered for shortlisting unless there are exceptional reasons. Please ensure you have read the application timelines.

Please provide a cover letter answering the following 4 questions (up to 250 words per answer):

1. Give an overview of how your experience, qualifications and training equip you for the role of Senior Advice Worker - SEND.
2. Explain why you want to work for Kinship.
3. What are the key skills and personal attributes that you would bring to the role?
4. What do you see as the most significant advice issues confronting kinship families navigating the SEND system?

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

About Kinship

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

Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

Purpose of the role: 

• To facilitate introductory training workshops for kinship carers across England, as part of the national training team, through an annual programme of Kinship roadshows and in-person and online workshops.
• To contribute to the continual development and improvement of the Kinship training programme by developing new content and refining existing materials in line with insight, data, and feedback from kinship carers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Co-facilitate professional, high-quality training to kinship carers in England.

• Experience managing challenging or sensitive situations during training while maintaining clear boundaries, using Kinship's safeguarding framework where necessary.

• Ensure training is accessible, inclusive, and adapted to meet the diverse needs of participants.

• Meet training KPIs, including participants reporting they feel better supported (90%) and have increased understanding of the subject (80%).

• Contribute to the continuous development of training resources using insights, data, and feedback from kinship carers.

• Maintain a consistent and engaging approach across all training experiences.

• Use Salesforce effectively as the case management system to support training delivery, learning, and evaluation.

• Demonstrate confident and frictionless use of Zoom, including breakout rooms and interactive tools, to deliver engaging online training sessions.

• Actively support and contribute to a high-performing, inclusive, and supportive team environment.

Essential knowledge, abilities, skills and experience includes:

• Substantial experience delivering engaging online and in-person training and workshops for diverse audiences.

• Proven experience in professional facilitation using a range of techniques to engage participants.

• Demonstrable expertise using Zoom (including breakout rooms and tools) and PowerPoint to deliver high-quality training.

• Experience managing challenging or sensitive situations during training while maintaining clear boundaries.

• Proven ability to deliver training that achieves measurable impact and learning outcomes.

• Demonstrated use of a non-judgemental approach reflected in both language and behaviour.

• Excellent written, verbal, and visual communication skills with high attention to detail.

• Ability to collaborate effectively and work innovatively to achieve positive outcomes for kinship carers.

What we’ll offer you 

Kinship offers 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time). We have an excellent wellbeing offer including the Employee Assistance Programme and clinical supervision. We will invest in your professional development with training and career development opportunities.

Key dates:

• Application deadline:      9am on Wednesday 15 April 2026
• First interview: w/c 20 April 2026 (online, 20-minute training presentation)
• Second interview:          w/c 27 April 2026 (online, panel interview)

Kinship reserves the right to close applications early on receipt of sufficient applications. Apply early!

How to apply

Please apply via CharityJob by attaching your CV and a covering letter, and responding to the following four questions (max 250 words per answe): 

1. With reference to the job description, describe how your experience and values are a good fit for this role at Kinship?
2. Tell us about your experience delivering training workshops to diverse audiences.
3. Co-facilitation is an important aspect of delivering engaging and effective workshops, both online and in person. Can you describe your understanding of co-facilitation and outline the key components that make it successful? 
4. Describe three things which are key to delivering an engaging and high-quality online training session.

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

We are seeking a dynamic Head of Housing Support to lead our national Housing Support Services, ensuring clients receive exceptional, trauma‑informed care in safe, compliant and high‑quality homes. This is a pivotal role that influences service delivery, operational performance, and the long‑term vision for Life’s housing provision.

As Head of Housing Support, you will:

Lead & Inspire

• Provide strategic leadership for Housing Support Services across the UK.
• Manage and motivate Support Services Managers and Tenancy Sustainment Officers to deliver outstanding client‑focused support.
• Embed a culture of collaboration, high performance and trauma‑informed practice.

Drive Operational Excellence

• Oversee the implementation of the Housing Strategy, ensuring the safety, compliance and quality of all homes.
• Work closely with the Estates Team to maintain high housing standards and meet regulatory obligations.
• Oversee tenancy management, rent setting, arrears management and income recovery.

Shape the Future

• Influence policy, develop best‑practice procedures and contribute to organisational strategy.
• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, housing developers and external stakeholders.
• Represent Life at networking events and act as an ambassador for the charity.

Lead with Purpose

• Champion safeguarding, ensuring training, oversight and adherence to all safeguarding policies.
• Produce reports and KPIs for the Board, Senior Leadership Team and Operational Leadership Team.
• Support the financial sustainability of the Housing department, including budget management and cost‑saving initiatives.

About You

We’re looking for someone who is:

• A values‑driven leader committed to Life’s mission and vision.
• Experienced at senior management level within supported housing (multi‑million‑pound scale desirable).
• Skilled at leading high‑performing teams and developing individuals.
• A confident communicator with excellent relationship‑building and presentation skills.
• Knowledgeable in tenancy support, housing compliance, safeguarding and quality service delivery.
• Highly organised, strategic, creative and able to work under pressure.
• Passionate about trauma‑informed practice and delivering outstanding client outcomes.

Relevant housing or management qualifications (such as CIH Level 4) are desirable but not essential with strong experience.

About Life:

Life is a national pregnancy support charity that helps over 60,000 people a year. Through our services, we help people – whoever they are – to meet pregnancy or pregnancy loss with courage and dignity so they can flourish.

Our services include

• Supported housing and community support
• Counselling and skilled listening
• Free pregnancy tests and baby supplies

Our values

All our work is underpinned by the following universal human values:

• Humanity – All people are special and equal
• Solidarity – We’re with you and for you
• Community – We’re better together
• Charity – Doing good for one another
• Common good – Building a better world

Information about the role:

For further information, please see the attached job description.

Please note, driving licence and own vehicle are required.

Salary: £45,655 per annum

Hours: 35 hours per week, 5 days per week

Location: Home Based with Extensive Travel across Midlands and South East

Benefits

At Life we are passionate about providing our employees with a supportive and engaging environment. As well as ongoing development and training, we offer our:

• Generous holiday allowance, starting at 25 days per year, plus 8 Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time hours)
• Birthday Leave (applicable after 1 years service)
• Extra annual leave for long term service
• Company Pension Scheme
• Signed member of the Menopause Workplace Pledge

Safeguarding and Equality

Life is committed to protecting all staff, volunteers and service users from harm of any kind. Life expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment through our code of conduct.

We are committed to ensuring diversity and equality within our organisation by encouraging applications from all backgrounds.

All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks. Life takes its obligation to protect the rights of children and vulnerable people very seriously; therefore, the successful candidate for this post will be also subject to extensive background checking, including an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS) which is paid for by the Charity.

This is a rare opportunity to lead the development and delivery of our digital learning and natural history publishing at our national environmental education charity.

You will oversee a talented team and collaborate with authors, designers, and creators in the natural history community to deliver innovative training and resources that set the standard for environmental learning.

• Permanent full-time contract
• Starting salary circa £36,973 per annum + excellent benefits
• Flexible base location with remote / home working welcomed
• Make a visible, lasting contribution to environmental education across the UK

Love where you work!

At the Field Studies Council, our mission is to create outstanding opportunities that inspire everyone to engage with and care for the environment.

Your team will be responsible for creating high-quality training courses, publications, and resources that inspire learners of all ages. You’ll work together to extend our charity’s impact across the UK.

We value the contribution each team member makes and provide excellent benefits to reward and support you in your role.

What you’ll be doing

In this key leadership role, you will guide the Digital Learning & Publishing unit, ensuring our courses and publications are impactful, financially sustainable and aligned with our charitable mission. Your work will include:

• Overseeing the production and management of biodiversity training courses and natural history publications
• Leading a team to deliver both in person and digital learning experiences
• Managing budgets, business planning, and the operational performance of the unit
• Working with Marketing to grow ecommerce revenue and promote the portfolio
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with partners, authors, tutors, designers, and the wider natural history community
• Identifying new opportunities, markets, and partnerships to expand our reach
• Leading editorial workflows, rights management, licensing, and version control
• Commissioning new titles and resources that support environmental understanding
• Ensuring compliance with GDPR, safeguarding, and copyright requirements

Where you’ll be based

The base location for this position is negotiable, with remote working / home working welcomed. If you prefer working in an office environment, you can work from one of our Field Studies Centres across the UK. Hybrid working options can also be considered.

This role includes travel to Field Studies Council locations and other venues throughout the UK and will involve some overnight stays.

You’ll thrive in this role if you are:

• An experienced senior manager with a strategic mindset
• Skilled at leading teams, freelancers, and creative contributors
• Confident working with authors, artists, designers, and content creators
• Experienced in delivering training materials at regional or national scale
• Commercially aware, with strong budget management experience
• A clear and engaging communicator with excellent written and verbal skills
• Highly organised, detail focused, and able to deliver at pace
• Comfortable using digital tools, databases, and online learning platforms
• Motivated by our mission and values

If you are looking for a role where your leadership can make a genuine difference to environmental learning, we would be delighted to receive your application.

* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• 28 days annual leave + bank holidays
• 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service
• Life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary 
• Health and Wellbeing Support App for you and eligible family members to access remote GP appointments, mental health consultations, physiotherapy sessions and financial & legal support
• 24-hour Counselling Helpline Service
• Cycle to work and EV schemes
• Discounts and cashback opportunities 
• Flexible working options where roles permit
• Quality learning and development opportunities

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 27th April 2026.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council online in the week commencing 11th May 2026.

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults, and we expect all team members to share this commitment. Any offer of employment will only be confirmed following the successful completion of rigorous pre-employment checks, including appropriate Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks / PVG Scheme check with Disclosure Scotland.