1,033 Social support work jobs

About the role

The role will work to assess the needs and eligibility of people referred to the Pan-London LGBT+ Domestic Abuse service, ensuring potential risk or safeguarding issues are identified. The Triage and Brief Intervention Worker will be responsible for completing triage assessments, one-off brief interventions with people who are assessed as low-medium need or referring into Galop’s advocacy services or partner agencies for advocacy and support.

The work will involve offering them a conversation to find out about their situation, completing triage assessment paperwork and either referring them into the relevant service that will meet their needs or providing short term support, signposting and safety planning.

Your triage work will enable people referred into our service to feel heard, supported and access the advocacy that they require. You will need excellent listening and communication skills, with the ability to obtain the information you need to assess a case while leaving clients feeling supported. Most importantly, you need the capacity and understanding of the broad spectrum of needs that victims and survivors of domestic abuse may present with and be able to provide non-judgemental support at all times.

The role is based in Galop’s central London building but hybrid working is available (with an expectation of two days a week in the office). National candidates will be considered on remote contracts, however please note that wherever candidates are based, this role requires some travel to and across London for cross-partnership working and mandatory training opportunities, as well as all-staff days and events.

For more information on this role please download the attached job description.

Location
Galop’s offices are located in London. Hybrid working is available, but the post holder will be expected to be based in the Galop offices 2 days per week if they are on a London contract,

Hours
Full-Time (35 hours a week)

Contract
Fixed term until 31 March 2027 (continuation after this point subject to additional funding)

Reports to
Senior IDVA

Salary
Starting salary £29,453.65 inclusive of London Weighting

Closing Date
11th October 23:59

Questions?
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the role further prior to application, please contact [email protected].

REF-231027

Recovery Worker

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Recovery Worker

Location: Bedfordshire. Unfortunately this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £26,200

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Sunday 08.00 - 16.00 or 14.00 - 22.00. You may be required to work outside these hours as per service and resident requirements, including bank holidays as required on the rota.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated, patient, and compassionate Recovery Worker to join our team in Bedford. The service provides an 11-bed short stay, trauma informed alternative to hospital admission and facilities, part of a wider integrated initiative for urgent and emergency care. You will support our residents who are at risk of admission but can be supported outside of mental health hospital settings, by providing tailored support to them to help them overcome their personal barriers, and achieve their goals, to live more fulfilled lives and independent living. 

With a focus on achieving outcomes in line with contractual requirements, while ensuring quality and consistency within a trauma informed, psychologically informed environment. You will deliver flexible, tailored, person centred support to help residents improve their quality of life, overcome challenges, and achieve personal goals. Using your communication skills, you will build trusting professional relationships, support residents to reintegrate into the community, and play a vital role in helping them rebuild their lives through personalised support plans, activities, and partnership working. 

Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.

Some Key Responsibilities Include:

• Create tailored support plans through one to one sessions, group sessions, and multi agency meetings
• Ensure the safety and wellbeing of residents at all times
• Focusing on empowering our residents to take control over their lives and meet their personal goals
• Planning activities to engage residents with other people, communities, and opportunities
• Be a valued and reliable member of the team, completing handovers for night colleagues for a seamless service
• Follow safeguarding procedures and report any concerns when needed.
• Support residents with taking their medication and keep accurate records. Build good working relationships with colleagues and outside agencies.

About You

We're looking for a compassionate, motivated, and proactive individual with a commitment to delivering high quality, person centred mental health support. You will be knowledgeable of mental health and have an understanding and experience in how to support those who struggle. You thrive in fast paced environments and adapt well to changing situations, maintaining a non judgmental and trauma informed approach. Your ability to build meaningful, effective relationships with people from diverse backgrounds, while respecting and promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, sets you apart.

• Experience working with people with multiple and complex needs, ideally in mental health and residential setting
• Ability to engage with people from different backgrounds, build rapport, and empower them to achieve their personal goals
• Ability to show empathy and compassion to our residents, and different challenges they face
• IT Proficiency, ability to learn new software programs, basic Microsoft experience
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
• Cultural awareness, Self awareness, and ability to identify personal growth areas and take feedback
• Ability to promote the service and provide outreach based provision, with an ability to liaise and work effectively in partnership with stakeholders
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Worcester Community Trust (WCT) is looking for a Director of Services to provide strategic and operational leadership for our community-based services. The postholder will be responsible for ensuring services are high quality, responsive to local need, financially sustainable and delivered in line with contractual, legal and organisational requirements.

The role will provide leadership and oversight to relevant Contract Managers, Team Leads and service teams, ensuring effective performance management, contract delivery, budget control, risk management, partnership working and continuous improvement. The postholder will contribute to WCT-wide strategy and work closely with the CEO, fellow Senior Leadership Team members and the Board of Trustees.

About Worcester Community Trust

Worcester Community Trust (WCT) is a registered charity that runs six community centres across Worcester, providing facilities and services for people of all ages. We aim to be at the heart of thriving communities — connecting people, building confidence, and empowering positive change.

Our services aim to increase feelings of wellbeing, reduce loneliness and isolation, offer specialist support for survivors of domestic violence, support people into training, education and employment and work with people to deliver local services especially for young people, families and older people.

Vision: To work with residents to build communities where people feel connected, supported and empowered

Mission: Bringing Communities Together by enabling the provision of services and activities for all.

Our values:

• Collaborative – we acheive more together with local people and partners.
• Inclusive – we welcome diversity and value uniqueness.
• Ambitious – we drive progress through innovation and creativity.
• Delivering Excellence – we invest in our people and infrastructure to provide high-quality services.

Key Areas of Responsibility

Strategic Leadership and Service Development

• Contribute as a key member of the Senior Leadership Team to WCT’s organisational strategy, business planning and future development.
• Provide strategic leadership for the community-based services portfolio, ensuring services remain relevant, effective and aligned with WCT’s mission, values and strategic priorities.
• Use service data, community insight, evaluation and feedback to identify opportunities for improvement, innovation and growth.
• Work with the CEO and colleagues to identify funding and partnership opportunities that support the sustainability and development of services.

People Leadership and Management

• Lead, support and develop managers and team leads within the service area, setting clear expectations and ensuring effective supervision, performance management and communication.
• Promote a positive, accountable and inclusive culture that encourages teamwork, professional development, initiative and continuous improvement.
• Ensure staffing structures, deployment and resources are appropriate to contractual requirements, service demand and available budgets.
• Support recruitment, induction, development and, where required, formal peoplemanagement processes in line with WCT policy.

Contract, Performance and Quality Management

• Oversee the implementation and delivery of multiple contracts, grants and commissioned services across the community-based portfolio.
• Ensure clear systems are in place to monitor outputs, outcomes, quality, contractual milestones and service-user experience.
• Analyse quantitative and qualitative information and produce clear, accurate reports for funders, commissioners, the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and Board of Trustees.
• Ensure subcontracted or partner-delivered activity is appropriately monitored and managed where applicable.
• Address underperformance promptly and support managers to implement effective improvement plans.

Financial Management and Sustainability

• Lead the development and management of service budgets, including budgets of significant value, ensuring expenditure remains within agreed funding and organisational parameters.
• Monitor income, expenditure, forecasts and variances in partnership with the Head of Finance & Resources and relevant managers.
• Ensure resources are used efficiently and that services demonstrate value for money and financial sustainability.
• Contribute to funding applications, tenders, business cases and service-costing activity where required.

Risk, Governance and Compliance

• Identify, assess and manage risks relating to service delivery and ensure significant risks are escalated through WCT’s organisational risk-management arrangements.
• Ensure services comply with contractual requirements, WCT policies, data protection requirements, safeguarding arrangements and relevant legislation and guidance.
• Contribute to the development and review of organisational policies and procedures within the postholder’s areas of responsibility.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries, confidentiality and information-governance standards.

Partnerships and Representation

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with commissioners, funders, statutory agencies, VCSE organisations, local communities and other partners.
• Represent WCT professionally at strategic and operational partnership meetings, networks and forums.
• Promote collaboration across WCT services and with external partners to improve pathways, reduce duplication and strengthen outcomes for local people.
• Protect and enhance the reputation of WCT in all internal and external relationships.

Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Organisational Responsibilities

• Actively promote a culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and ensure
  concerns within the service area are managed and escalated in accordance with WCT
  procedures.
• Adhere to WCT’s safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR, equality, professional boundaries, social media and Code of Conduct requirements.
• Complete mandatory training and maintain the knowledge required for the responsibilities of the role.
• Promote equality of opportunity, dignity and respect for employees, volunteers, partners and service users.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the post, as reasonably required by the CEO.

• Adhere to WCT’s safeguarding, Health & Safety, GDPR, equality, professional boundaries, social media and Code of Conduct requirements.
• Complete mandatory training and maintain the knowledge required for the responsibilities of the role.
• Promote equality of opportunity, dignity and respect for employees, volunteers, partners and service users.
• Undertake other duties commensurate with the seniority and responsibilities of the post, as reasonably required by the CEO.

For full details including a Person Specification, please download the Recruitment Pack here

What you get…

• Be part of an amazing, welcoming passionate community.
• Put your skills to use to create positive social impact.
• A voice and input into shaping and influence services and decisions.

What we offer…

• Holiday – 25 days plus bank holidays (pro-rata for PT staff) plus an extra day of birthday leave and two additional self-care days
• Commitment to continued professional development
• Access to Westfield Health which provides a range of benefits towards health & wellbeing as well as support with essential healthcare (after completion of probationary period)
• Free Parking
• Life Assurance and a pension contribution of 3%
• Access to professional bereavement and probate support
• An annual celebration and investment review
• A blue light card scheme

Representing the City

WCT is committed to equality of opportunity, fairness and inclusion, and to being representative of the communities we serve. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives and experiences.

To apply please visit our website.

Closing Date: Sunday 4th October 2026

Are you looking for a new challenge? Do you enjoy working with families and children who have a range of complex needs? We have an exciting opportunity for a caring and compassionate individual to lead our Family Residential Centre as a Residential Support Worker, on a full-time permanent basis.

Location of the post: Market Harborough, Leicestershire.

Service Overview: Barnardo's, the UK's largest Children's Charity are currently on an exciting and innovative Journey alongside Leicestershire County Council to deliver a range of Children's homes for the most vulnerable children & young people in Leicestershire.

Welland House has 3 self-contained flats with the capacity to house up to 3 families at any one time. Families utilising this type of service may include parents with moderate to high learning needs, those presenting with issues around domestic violence, and or substance/alcohol misuse. Additionally, they may have experienced mental ill health and/or trauma. During their stay, the parents will be supported in their parenting by Barnardo's staff, whilst being assessed by Leicestershire County Council Children's Service.

The Welland House team is supportive in its approach, with our primary aim revolving around promoting best practices, through guidance, role modelling, key work sessions and practical advice on matters relating to concerns, risk, safety, routines, and boundaries. 

Some of the responsibilities of the role include but are not limited to:

• To build trust and develop nurturing relationships which promote the service user's independence, wellbeing, strengths, and capabilities.
• To work in partnership and build relationships with parents/carers and other professionals.
• To contribute to the upkeep of the home including cooking, cleaning etc.
• To document information accurately and ensure records are kept up to date.
• To ensure safeguarding policies and procedures are adhered to.
• To promote, monitor and maintain a safe environment at all times.

Essential requirements to evidence in your written application:

• Must hold the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare OR be willing to successfully achieve this within the required timeframe.
• Relevant experience working with families in a similar setting.
• Ability to demonstrate a good understanding of safeguarding and protection of children & young people. 
• Flexibility to commit to shift work, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Must hold a full driving license with access to own vehicle as travel across the locality is an essential part of the role.

Whilst Welland House will be your base location, you must be flexible to travel throughout the locality to support our other homes should the need arise. These are located in Hinckley, Coalville, Mountsorrel and Syston. 

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date.  We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible

Barnardo's Caern Disability Services consists of three unique Projects who deliver a variety of quality services for young people with learning disabilities and/or autism. We have done this for over 40 years.

Our Pentland Way Service is a residential service providing support for up to three older young people. Using a person-centred approach, we aspire to create an environment in which the young people are happy, nurtured and safe. We aim to enhance their lives by supporting them to develop independence in both the domestic environment and the community.

ABOUT YOU

Ideally you will have experience in working directly with children and young people in a residential setting. Experience in supporting children and young people with a learning disability and/or Autism is required. 

You will work directly with the children and young people on shift, as part of the staff team on rota.  In addition to this your main role will include

• Responsibility for the day to day running of the house
• Leading the staff on shift including rota management, leading practice and ensuring staff are working to high levels of performance in the best interests of the C&YP in our care.
• Supervision of staff including Residential Project Workers and As & When staff
• Supporting the Team Manager and Children's Service Manager with the ongoing development of the Service

The staff team across Caern Services must be fully accepting of our children and be prepared to offer them a professional relationship based on acceptance and informed by our understanding of their individual needs, wishes and experiences. We are passionate about the children and young people that we care for, showing understanding, empathy and consistency in our approach.

You will currently hold or be working towards a SVQ3 (Children and Young People) and also be willing to work towards a recognised SSSC qualification/s relevant to this role (Residential Worker with Supervisory Responsibilities). 

This is a full-time position (37 hours). Working on a dayshift rota basis, you will typically work a rota of 5 out of 7 days, including weekends.  You will require to be flexible for the needs of the Young People and the Service.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date.  We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Are you passionate about making a difference to the lives of unpaid carers? 

Join the Carers’ Hub team and help create lasting, positive change for carers across Lambeth.

In this rewarding role, you will lead our Learning Disability & Neurodiversity Carers Service. You’ll have the freedom to be creative, working directly with carers to co-design and deliver a vibrant programme of 1-to-1 support, peer groups, and social activities.

What you’ll be doing:

• Shape & Deliver Support: Build a trusted programme of 1-to-1 advice, peer support, and social events for adults caring for someone with a learning disability and/or neurodiversity.

• Collaborate: Listen to carers' ideas and turn them into practical, impactful activities.

• Empower Communities: Motivate and inspire carers to connect, facilitating group discussions and building a welcoming environment.

What we are looking for:

• A Champion for Carers: A genuine passion for supporting unpaid carers and improving their wellbeing.

• A People Person: Confidence in facilitating group discussions and the ability to connect comfortably with a diverse range of people.

• Organised & Autonomous: Exceptional organisational skills, with the confidence to make decisions, solve problems, and use your initiative within a small, friendly team.

About Carers' Hub Lambeth

Unpaid carers often make huge sacrifices to look after loved ones, frequently at the expense of their own wellbeing. At Carers' Hub, we work to limit these financial, emotional, and educational challenges. We achieve this through four core workstreams:

• Raising awareness of the vital role carers play.

• Influencing local policy through community engagement.

• Improving carer wellbeing directly.

• Connecting carers to each other, support networks, and training.

Ready to apply? Please download our Job Pack for the full person specification and details on how to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!

Closing date: 9am Wednesday 7th October
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 14th October at 336 Brixton Road

CDR Psychosocial Group Facilitator

Portsmouth

1 x 22 Hours per week

1 x 37 Hours per week

(May include occasional weekend and evening work)

Permanent

Salary Scale: 22 - 26 (£26,986 – £30,561 per annum, pro rata for part time)

About Us

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association. The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.

The Impact You'll Make

You will be part of a team that is developing an innovative person-centered Recovery Service based in Portsmouth. The program is designed for clients who wish to address their drug/alcohol use whilst remaining in their local community, using a Behaviour Change model and trauma-informed interventions (such as Acceptance & Commitment therapy groups, Mindfulness & Self Compassion based practices, one-to-one sessions, Arts and Crafts, Education, Acupuncture, and Fitness Activities).

Responsibilities include group facilitation, providing one-to-one sessions, offering emotional support both online via Zoom and in person, attending and arranging multi-agency meetings, and working closely with internal services and external agencies. You will also help run a busy open-plan service (including answering phones), keep daily records of clients’ welfare within the team and database system, take clients to appointments or support them to arrange appointments, and organise off-site activities.

Who we're looking for

• An enthusiastic professional dedicated to supporting individuals addressing drug and alcohol use.
• A flexible team player willing to adapt to client needs, including working Monday to Friday with occasional evenings and weekends.
• A self-aware individual committed to equal opportunities, trauma-informed practices, and constructive teamwork.

Essential Qualities and Skills

• Strong working knowledge of the Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) model.
• Proven ability to confidently facilitate groups and deliver one-to-one support.
• Excellent listening, communication, and interpersonal skills to build healthy relationships with clients
• Ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative team.
• Strong organisational skills to keep timely client records and manage daily administrative tasks.
• Proficient in identifying and managing risk safely.
• High level of self-awareness and understanding of Equal Opportunities principles.

What we can offer you: 

SSJ recognises that our staff are our greatest assets. We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:

• 25 days pro-rata annual leave plus public holidays
• Flexible working options
• Buying additional annual leave
• Comprehensive induction and training
• Counselling, financial, personal support and health and well-being services via our Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie’s Computers
• Electric Car Scheme
• Blue Light Card

SSJ are an equal opportunities employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life

At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union. To learn more about their membership benefits or to sign up, you can visit their official website.

Application Closing Date: Friday 2nd October 2026

Interview: Interviews will be held in person at Community Day Rehab on Friday 9th October 2026.

Successful candidates will be contacted by Monday 5th October 2026 and invited to interview.  Please ensure you keep the interview date available should you be invited.

Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier.

Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

Night Worker

North London

£34,731 - £37,706 pro rata

Do you want to make a difference while benefiting from a schedule that offers unique flexibility?

 As a Night Worker, you'll offer assistance, conversation, and continuity of care throughout the night, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for residents.

Key Responsibilities:

• Engage with residents, offering support and a listening ear.
• Maintain safety protocols, respond to emergencies, and conduct hourly building checks and monitoring issues like noise levels.
• Complete administrative tasks, incident reports and handover notes. 
• Work independently, following established procedures.
• You will attend team meetings and training, so you can continue to develop skills and knowledge to ensure confidence in your role.

As this is a part-time role - a typical rota pattern would be 2 x night shifts per week.

About you

These roles will suit people with good communication skills with the ability to respond and interact effectively, if you have the ability to empathise with others and have the willingness to learn how to support people to transform their lives, we encourage you to apply. You should be able to demonstrate:

• An understanding of the issues that affect people experiencing mental illness and dual diagnosis. 
• Some experience of dealing directly with the public, clients or customers in a busy service environment.
• Ability to lone work and to stay alert, calm, and use own initiative in emergencies.
• Familiarity with administrative procedures and record-keeping.

Closing date: 10 am on 25th September 2026

Interview and assessments on: w/c 5th October 2026

Our client is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. They strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must have right to work in the UK for the duration of employment. 

Successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their right to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006. 

Are you passionate about mental health and making a real difference in people’s lives? Join our dedicated team as a Crisis Café Support Worker.

You’ll provide compassionate, person-centred support to individuals experiencing mental health crises. You’ll play a key role in de-escalating crises, fostering recovery, and empowering clients to develop self-management strategies.

You’ll also facilitate group activities, collaborate with colleagues and partner agencies, and help create a welcoming, supportive environment for service users.

The role requires evening and weekend work.

What You’ll Bring:

 •  Experience working with individuals in mental health crises or with complex needs.

 •  Excellent listening, communication, and motivational skills.

 •  Resilience and a calm approach to challenging situations.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a tangible difference in mental health provision and join a supportive team.

Apply Now to be part of a service that saves lives and transforms wellbeing.

We offer:

· 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year, increasing by 1 day per full year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days) [pro rata]

· Contributory pension

· Bonus 1 day of annual leave per year over the festive period (pro rata)

· Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) which includes free counselling sessions

· Training and personal development opportunities

· Paid time off for medical appointments

· Staff away days and socials

The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure & Barring (DBS) check.

Richmond Borough Mind is committed to diversity and inclusion. We are actively interviewing for this role. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Harris Hill is delighted to be partnering with a well-established children’s charity in London in their search for a Deputy Play Manager.

Full-time | £36,000 per annum

The charity has been supporting children, young people and families for over 25 years through a range of play, family support and youth programmes. Their Ofsted-registered after-school and holiday play schemes provide children aged 4–11 with safe, engaging and nurturing environments to explore, grow and thrive.

As Deputy Play Manager, you’ll play a key leadership role within the play service, helping to design, deliver and evaluate a high-quality programme of activities. You’ll support the Play Manager in day-to-day operations (including managing enquiries/collection of fees), team management and ensuring compliance with all safeguarding, health and safety, and Ofsted standards.

This is a hands-on role combining leadership, planning, and active delivery — you’ll work directly with children and families to create safe, inclusive, and stimulating play environments.

About You

Essential skills and experience:

• Level 3 qualification (or above) in Playwork, Early Years, or a related field.
• Minimum of three years’ experience working directly with children aged 4–11.
• Strong understanding of EYFS and Ofsted requirements.
• Experience planning and delivering engaging, age-appropriate play activities.
• Confident leading active, outdoor or adventure-based play.
• Sound understanding of safeguarding and child protection.
• Excellent communication and team leadership skills.
• Strong organisational and IT skills.

Desirable:

• Experience supporting children with additional needs or from diverse backgrounds.
• Experience supervising others or managing volunteers.
• Knowledge of current issues affecting children and families.
• Relevant training such as paediatric first aid or food hygiene.

Play is at the heart of what they do — the organisation believes that every child deserves the opportunity to enjoy a happy, fulfilling childhood through both free and guided play experiences.

If you’re passionate about play, child development and helping young people thrive, we’d love to hear from you.

For more information, please submit your CV to

 Please note, CVs are being reviewed on a rolling basis, and only successful applicants will be contacted with more information.

 As leading charity recruitment specialists and a certified B Corp™, Harris Hill is committed to high and ever-improving standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality and other protected characteristics.

Peer Mentor

Homeless Drug and Alcohol Team

Portsmouth

Part Time (18.5 hours)

Fixed Term Contract until 31^st March 2027

Salary Scale 20-21 (£25,947 – £26,305 per annum, pro rata)

 

About Us

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dynamic Charity and Housing Association.  The Society of St James (SSJ) has been working in Hampshire for over 50 years, delivering high impact, person-centred, accommodation services to adults and young people experiencing homelessness, problematic substance use and mental health problems. We believe that every person is of worth and we are prepared to take risks to house and support the most at risk and socially excluded members of society.

The Impact You’ll Make

The Homeless Drug and Alcohol Team is a funded initiative built to break down barriers for individuals experiencing homelessness or living in temporary housing while managing drug and/or alcohol use. We fill critical gaps in standard provision, making treatment accessible to those who need it most.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Peer Mentor to make a direct impact. Working alongside case managers across community settings and accommodation services, you will deliver trauma- and psychologically informed interventions to clients who find mainstream support hard to reach. Your lived experience will be invaluable—demonstrating the true capacity for change, inspiring service users, and empowering them to move forward on their own journey.

We will provide comprehensive training in trauma-informed care and local service networks, giving you a unique chance to sharpen your skills in client-centered practice.

Working Pattern: Our team operates 7 days a week, including some evenings and Bank Holidays, ensuring flexible, consistent support for those we serve.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking someone with lived experience of homelessness, substance use, or mental health challenges, alongside a background in this sector. You understand that recovery is a deeply personal journey, and you excel at tailoring support to meet each individual's unique path. Passionate and creative, you bring fresh ideas to service development and will collaborate closely with our team to help grow and elevate our support.

What we can offer you

We value and recognise our staff, offering some generous benefits, as well as the satisfaction of helping people at risk:

• A competitive annual leave entitlement of 25 days rising to 30 days, plus public holidays
• Flexible working options
• Buying additional annual leave
• Comprehensive induction and training
• Counselling, financial, personal support and health and wellbeing services via our Employee Assistance Programme
• Company cycle to work scheme
• Discounted laptops and computers with Jamie’s Computers
• Electric Car Scheme
• Blue Light Card

SSJ are an equal opportunity employer and we encourage applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life.

At SSJ, we recognise the benefits of a supported workplace. SSJ is affiliated with Unite the Union. To learn more about their membership benefits or to sign up, you can visit their official website.

Please note that CV's alone will not be considered during shortlisting.

Application closing date: Thursday 24^th September 2026

Interview date: Wednesday 30^th September 2026

Due to the high number of expected applicants, we do reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier.

Should you not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful on this occasion. 

 

 

 

Smart Works is a dynamic, high profile and fast-growing UK charity that dresses and coaches unemployed women for success at their job interview. We empower each woman by giving her the clothes and the confidence she needs to succeed.

After visiting Smart Works, 68% of clients secure a job, gaining financial independence and transforming their lives.

The Smart Works service is delivered in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Newcastle, Reading, Bristol and Leeds. Over the past ten years, Smart Works has helped over 50,000 women, and last year alone we reached 10,600 women. It is our mission that any woman who needs our service should be able to find her way to a Smart Works centre.

In 2025 we launched our new 5-year strategy- we are aiming to build a future where every woman, at any stage of her career, can access trusted, personalised support to secure employment. We aspire to be local in feel, national in reach, shaped by the voices of women, valuing every story and every success.

About the Role

The South London Centre Manager will have overall responsibility for the day-to-day management, smooth running and development of the South London centre and Smart Works service in Croydon.

They will oversee the delivery of a high-quality Smart Works service, to include managing centre operations, leading and supporting the volunteer community, and building strong relationships with local partners and stakeholders, to ensure that Smart Works is well-embedded in the South London community.

The Centre Manager will be a highly organised and proactive individual who enjoys making things happen. They will be equally comfortable managing the practical running of a busy public-facing centre, supporting clients and volunteers, representing Smart Works externally and identifying opportunities to grow the service.

They will be a natural relationship builder who is able to create a vibrant, friendly and inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.

The role would be based in the South London centre, and there will be occasional evening and weekend work for which staff are awarded TOIL. There will also be an expectation that this role may need to visit other Smart Works London centres or travel for outreach events and activities throughout the city.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and a cover letter which answers the following questions by 29th September at 5pm. Your application should be addressed to Fiona Hollow, Head of London Service Delivery

• Why do you want to work for Smart Works? (Max 250 words)
• How will you create a positive atmosphere and environment for clients, volunteers and staff members in our South London centre? (Max 250 words)
• Tell us about a time you have worked effectively in a team to solve a problem. (Max 250 words)

1st round interviews will take place on Monday 5th October and will be virtual. If you are unable to attend a virtual interview for any reason, please let us know to discuss another arrangement.2nd round interviews will take place on Friday 9th October and will be in person in Croydon.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or alterations for the application and recruitmentprocesses, please reach out to us.

Smart Works is committed to best practice employment practices, including reducing the burden for those seeking work. Smart Works will therefore reimburse reasonable costs of travel to interviews if required.

Board Member

Flexible, with mix of online and in person meetings in Gloucester

£5,000 per annum and relevant training

Time commitment for the role will be up to two days per month, which will vary. This includes preparation for, and attendance at, the following annual meetings:

• Eight Committee meetings (mix of face-to-face and MS Teams)

• Four Board meetings (MS Teams)

• Up to four Strategic Planning and Board Development days (face-to-face, including one overnight stay)

Supporting around 12,500 customers in more than 5,000 homes across Gloucester, everything we do is focused on helping people and communities thrive. We work together to provide safe, secure homes and deliver services that make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Do our values and purpose resonate with you? Could you bring a fresh perspective to our boardroom? We’re looking for two new non-Executive Directors to join us as Board Members and help shape our future and build on our successes.

We’re looking for people with different experiences and viewpoints. One role will be a GCH customer, or someone with recent lived experience of social housing. The other is for someone with strong local knowledge and a real connection to Gloucester. In both roles, you’ll use your insight and experience to support, challenge and influence our decision making.

We’re particularly interested in hearing from people with skills or experience in cyber security, digital and data, property maintenance or asset management.

You may be reading this and thinking you're not a 'typical' Board Member. That's exactly why we'd like to hear from you. You don't need previous Board experience or a corporate background. What matters most is your ability to think strategically, ask the right questions and share your perspective. We'll provide a full induction, training and ongoing support.

We're committed to having a Board that reflects the diverse communities we serve. Different backgrounds, experiences and viewpoints help us make better decisions for our customers and our organisation.

An interest in housing and the challenges facing the sector would be helpful, but it's not essential. What's most important is a commitment to putting customers at the heart of decision-making and sharing our values of Pride, Quality, Integrity and Innovation.

Why GCH?

We're not a typical housing association. We have deep roots in Gloucester and a strong ambition to make a lasting positive impact on our communities. We're committed to building a healthy, inclusive organisation that treats people with respect and creates opportunities for everyone.

We have an ambitious five-year strategy and continue to evolve in response to changing customer needs, new regulations and a rapidly changing environment. Strong governance is vital to our success, helping us achieve our vision of creating homes and communities where people can thrive.

Your Application

Thank you for your interest in joining our Board.

Whether you’re a customer, have recent lived experience of social housing, or bring strong local knowledge and professional skills, we’re excited to hear from you. Whatever your background, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to an organisation at the heart of Gloucester’s communities.

The following will give you more information about GCH, our work and our ambitions, helping you decide whether this could be the right opportunity for you and supporting you with your application.

We’d like to learn more about you, including your skills, experience and knowledge, what motivates you to apply and how your values align with ours.

To help us do this, please complete our online application form and where possible, send us a short supporting video. We’d love to hear in your own words why you’re interested in joining the Board and what you’d bring to the role. 

We recognise providing a video might not be possible or comfortable for everyone. If you’re unable to submit one, please contact the recruitment team to discuss an alternative way of sharing this information.

We’re committed to building a Board that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We know there’s more to do, and we’re actively working to ensure a wider range of voices, experiences and perspectives are represented. If you require this pack in an alternative format or need any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

We’ll review applications as they’re received, so we encourage you to apply as early as possible.

Interviews

• Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an informal Microsoft Teams call with a small panel of colleagues and customers during the week before final interviews

• Final interviews will take place in person on Monday 2 November, at our Gloucester Hub

If you’re not available on these dates, please let us know in your application.

Meetings

Successful candidates will formally join our Board in January 2027. Before then, we’d like new Board Members to attend as observers at our Board Performance Meeting - Wednesday 18 November 2026 and Strategic Planning & Development Day - Wednesday 9 December 2026.

We look forward to learning more about you and discussing this opportunity further

Care Assistant (Nights) 

Calcot, Reading 

£15.26 per hour

Contract Type: Full Time (42 hours per week)

Working Pattern: Nights

Hours: 12 hour shifts, 8 pm to 8 am working on rolling rota of 3 consecutive days on and 3 consecutive days off

You must hold either The Care Certificate or a minimum of Level 2 NVQ in Health and Social Care.

Friends of the Elderly (FotE) is a not-for-profit charity dedicated to providing excellent care with a family feel, we have been supporting older people for over 120 years. The charity provides care home and day care services for older people, as well as grants for older people in financial difficulty.

About Friends Place, Calcot

Recently opened in July 2025, Friends Place, Calcot is more than just a care home - it is a vibrant, welcoming community designed to provide exceptional residential, dementia, and respite care.

Run by Friends of the Elderly, where we pride ourselves on delivering personalised, compassionate care in a state-of-the-art facility.

Located in the heart of Calcot, Reading, our home features:

· A cinema for residents to enjoy movie nights and entertainment.

· A stylish salon offering professional pampering.

· A peaceful tea room for reflection or a chat with friends.

· A vibrant bar for socialising and relaxation.

The modern facilities are designed to create a warm and homely environment where residents feel safe, valued, and supported.

We are recruiting for a Care Assistant to join the team.

Joining us as a Care Assistant, you will help our residents with various tasks including:

· Personal care.

· Companionship.

· Meal preparation.

· Mobility.

· Keeping care records up to date.

We would like our Care Assistant to join us with at least 6 months experience in a care home environment. Empathetic and respectful, self-motivated and flexible, you will be a team player who is always willing to go the extra mile, enabling our residents to lead fulfilled lives.

We would like you to have a real passion for care. Someone who sees this as an opportunity to build solid relationships with our residents, to allow them to live well in later life by putting them at the heart of all that you do.

This isn’t just a job; it’s about making a difference to older people’s lives every day.

Why Join Friends of the Elderly?

· Heritage of Care: Work with a trusted organisation backed by over a century of expertise.

· Non-Profit Mission: Be part of a charity that prioritises people, not profit. While we take a commercial approach to our work, we are not for profit and we are committed to our charitable values.

· State-of-the-Art Facilities: Lead a cutting-edge care home designed for comfort and community.

· Professional Development: Access training and career development opportunities.

Make Your Mark

This is a unique opportunity to shape the culture and success of a brand-new care home, leaving a lasting impact on residents’ lives and the community.

In return for your hard work and dedication, you can look forward to a wealth of benefits:

· Group Pension Plan, with a 6% contribution from us.

· Generous annual leave.

· Wellbeing support through various initiatives, including an employeeassistanceprogramme.

· Learning, development, and progression opportunities.

· Monthly prize draw, with 3 prizes to be won.

· Retail discount schemes to make your salary go further.

· Access to loans at affordable rates, saving directly from salary and advance pay already earned.

· Health cash plans for you and your family.

· Cycle to work scheme.

· Long service awards that increase with length of service.

· Refer a friend to work for us and receive a £200 bonus.

· Uniforms are provided

· Free DBS checks.

Safeguarding:

Keeping everyone safe is one of the charity’score values andis central to everything we do at Friends of the Elderly. All staff follow our Safeguarding Policy & Procedures and, if they see or suspect abuse, we expect staff to report it straight away.

Criminal record checks:

As this role involves a regulated activity, successful applicants will undertake an enhanced DBS check, with barred lists check, and any offer of employment will be dependent on a satisfactory outcome.

Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar a person from working for us, this will depend on the circumstances and background of any record.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:

Friends of the Elderly strives to treat all staff equally and be a diverse and inclusive workplace, where everyone can be themselves and everyone accepts each other’s differences. A charity where everyone is equal butdefinitely notthe same.

Our ambition is to ensure equality and celebrate diversity, all working together to create an inclusive workplace, which attracts andretainsthe best people. People that care and can make a difference.

We currently do not providesponsorshipbut we welcome applications from those who have a right work in the UK.

Don’tdelay in sending your application as we may need to close the vacancy early if we manage to appoint before the advertising closing date. We interview applicants as they apply.