Volunteer mental health support worker jobs

Mind in Croydon is seeking a compassionate, proactive and community-focused Social Networking Caseworker to support adults experiencing severe and enduring mental health challenges to build confidence, strengthen social networks and engage in meaningful community activities.

This is a person-centred, recovery-focused role working with a caseload of up to 35 individuals. You will support people to identify their goals, access mainstream opportunities such as education, physical activity, cultural groups and volunteering, and gradually reduce reliance on statutory services where appropriate.

The role combines direct one-to-one support, partnership working with mental health professionals and community organisations, and the development of group activities at Fairfield House, Croydon. You will play a key role in enabling people to rebuild independence, confidence and community connections.

This post requires flexibility to meet the needs of the service, which may include occasional weekend work, as part of the rota. Time off in lieu (TOIL) will be provided where additional hours are worked, and there is no routine expectation of frequent out-of-hours working.

If you are motivated by social inclusion, empowerment and practical recovery support, we would welcome your application.

Hours 36 hours a week, full time, worked across a rota covering Saturdays

Reports to: Social Networking Manager

Based at: Mind in Croydon Fairfield House 10 Altyre Road, East Croydon, flexible working with regular presence across our premises and community sites across the London Borough of Croydon

Established in 1999 SeeSaw Grief Support is an award-winning charity supporting children and young people in Oxfordshire who are bereaved or about to be bereaved. The work supporting children, young people and their families is delivered by a team of clinical staff and volunteers, who work with families in their own homes. Because of this regular travel is involved, often at the end of the school day. We regularly provide support for between 400-500 children and young people each year. 

Our clinical team of 5 practitioners, and 12 volunteers, is supported by our Clinical Data and Volunteer Manager. Due to increasing demand for our service, we are expanding our team and looking for a 6th practitioner to join us, focusing on direct work with bereaved children and young people, and those facing the death of a close family member. We are looking for candidates who have gained experience of working with children and young people in a range of settings. You are a good communicator and skilled at making and sustaining supportive relationships with children and young people to effect change.Our practitioners have a caseload of individual children and their families, and liaise with professionals from schools, health, social care and children and young people’s mental health services, as well as with our team of Volunteer Support Workers. You will be able to work collaboratively and on your own initiative, ideally have a qualification in health care, social work, counselling, psychological services or education; knowledge of therapeutic interventions in grief work would be helpful but not essential as training will be given. 

Men, younger people, and individuals from minoritised communities are underrepresented in our workforce and we are particularly keen to encourage applications from these groups.

If you feel you have the qualities to join our small friendly team doing vital work for children and young people in Oxfordshire, please read the job description and person specification below.

Interviews will be held on 9th June

Do you have experience in leading operations and developing a quality service?

We are looking for a Service Manager to join our team team in Ealing. This is a well-resourced and dynamic service in which you will lead a team of 2 Coordinators and 9 Outreach & Resettlement workers.

In this role you will focus on combining outreach with clients on the streets and supporting them through placements in temporary accommodation until a suitable home is found. Several additional services are also embedded within the team including Street Legal, an Employment Specialist, and a Homeless Health Nurse – and the team has lots of well-established connections with specialist providers and community organisations locally, as well as having strong relationships with commissioners and local authority partners.

Based in Ealing, West London; the office has roadside parking available & is also well connected on the Piccadilly, Elizabeth and Central line at Boston Manor, Ealing Broadway & Hanwell station.

About you

To thrive in this role you will have a experience or a good working understanding of providing to support to junior managers.

In this role you will be providing management direction and leadership, some team guidance around professional conduct, and a clear drive around getting the basics right and implementing our new outreach model.

We are working hard to create a diverse and fully inclusive culture where everyone feels valued and we welcome applications from all under-represented groups, particularly Global Majority candidates who are underrepresented at this management level.

How to apply

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.

Visit our website to apply click the ‘Apply Now’ Button to start your online application form

Closing date: 10am on 15 May 2026

Interview and assessments on: TBC

Support Worker

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Mental Health Care Service in Newham. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£30,784.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Fixed term contract for one year from 6^th June 2026.

Want to feel valued? You'll feel at home here.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS

The Support Worker will be part of a team that operates Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

They will provide support to customers with complex mental health needs.

What you'll do:

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead .

• Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
• Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
• Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
• Create support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customer to progress in their recovery
• Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
• Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
• Prefers working as part of a group or team

What you'll bring:

Essential:

NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some or equivalent sector work experience

Desirable:

A good understanding of mental health issues and how it affects people and experience of supporting customers to manage this and lead independent lives.

About us:

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

SMART is hiring!

SMART is a warm and welcoming mental health charity that provides a holistic programme of support to the people we serve.

We have a vacancy for a full time Mental Health Community Navigator. The Navigators support people with serious mental illness, with a range of issues including: housing, benefits, finance and social isolation. Please refer to the attachments below for the full job description and person specification. 

We offer a friendly, collaborative, hybrid and integrated work environment in partnership with the NHS and other voluntary sector services, We have a strong focus on staff well-being including a 35 hour working week, 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, a wellbeing hour, regular clinical supervision, an Employee Asisstance Programme and an annual schedule of training and events designed to support personal and professional progression

Ideally you will have experience of working within mental health/vulnerable adult services, working within multi-disciplinary teams, knowledge of the issues people face with housing/benefits etc and liaising with other services and professionals on service users behalf.

Mental Health Navigators make a real difference to people's lives.

Application Deadline: 12th May at 23:30. PLEASE NOTE: We may interview before the closing date if we receive enough suitable applications

Feedback: Unfortunately, we are not able to give feedback to candidates not shortlisted. If you have not heard from us within a week of the closing date, please assume your application has not been shortlisted at this time.

Job Title: Support worker

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Salary: £30,784.00 per annum 

Hours: Hours: 40 hours per week, including weekends

Contract: Permanent

PRHA is a great place to work – Our award-winning teams work together to improve the lives of our residents and make a real contribution to ending homelessness. As an IIP Gold standard employer, we value our staff and commit to develop their skills and support them in their important work.

We have an exciting opportunity for Support Workers within two of our specialist services. We are looking for self-starters with a passion for sparking change in people’s lives. You will have the necessary skillset to empower people and support residents to achieve their goals.

PRHA hostels guarantee a fast-paced, challenging and dynamic environment where no two days are ever the same. We are seeking motivated and energetic individuals to join our teams and help our residents to change their lives for the better.

We are looking for:

Competencies

• Knowledge, empathy, understanding and proven ability to work creatively and engage homeless people whose alcohol/ drug misuse/ mental health/ complex trauma has had significant effect on their physical and mental health, social and coping skills .
• Ability to assess needs, risks (within a framework of positive risk taking) and develop user led support plans.
• Awareness of and ability to identify and address health and care issues with partners, especially substance misuse, mental health, dementia etc.
• Ability to respond to challenging behaviour in a safe way.
• Ability to develop successful professional relationships, working collaboratively with external and internal partners , sharing expertise and learning from colleagues in health, social care,probation and voluntary sector etc
• Knowledge of and commitment to service user involvement, self empowerment, equalities, diversity andservice improvement
• Basic understanding of the principals of delivering support within a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) and commitment to working within this model
• Robust knowledge and practical application of adult safeguarding requirements.
• Knowledge and understanding of Healthand Safety in a hostel setting, including dealing with emergencies and working alone.
• A good listener and communicator at all levels, including people with communication difficulties
• A good standard of literacy, numeracy, computer skills and the ability to write accurate and succinct reports.
• Proven ability both to work within a team and use initiative to problem solve.
• Excellent time management skills
• Willingness and ability to support personal care where the service user is at risk
• Ability to implement policies and procedures,standing orders and financial regulations

What we offer

We offer our staff a generous benefits package, which includes:

• Pension Scheme – We offer a group stakeholder pension scheme with 3% employer's contribution, employee contribution is 5%
• Holidays - Employees receive up to 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising with long service
• Medical – we provide a “Cash Back" Scheme for a range of services such as dental, physio, chiropody, health& wellbeing
• Training Programmes – We provide comprehensive training to our employees to enable them to grow in their career and achieve their professional aspirations.
• Season Ticket Loans – We offer interest-free season ticket loans after successful probation
• Life Assurance - Upon death whilst in service, a Death in Service payment may be made according to the scheme rules. The payment covers 3 times of the employee’s annual salary.

How to apply

Please read the full Job Description & Person Specification which can be found on our website. To apply, please send your CV and Supporting Statement outlining your interest in working for PRHA and explaining how you meet the criteria set out in the Job Description & Person Specification. Please send your CV and Supporting Statement by clicking the Apply Now button. Furthermore, applications with no attached personal statement explaining how you meet the job description will not be considered.

It is required for this post that the successful candidates will have to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure check.

About Working Well Trust

Working Well Trust is a mental health and employment charity in London. All of our projects share the aim of improving the lives of people with mental health support needs, learning disabilities and/or complex issues through training and employment.

We are now recruiting for a role providing focused, time-limited information, advice and guidance to individuals experiencing mental health challenges, supporting them to return to, remain in, or move towards employment, with a particular focus on engaging those facing multiple and intersecting barriers to work.

This is a full-time, permanent role working 35 hours per week.

What you’ll be doing

If you were working with us, you would be:

• Managing a varied caseload of clients, providing tailored information, advice and guidance to support their employment goals
• Working collaboratively with clients to identify their individual needs and the level of support required
• Developing clear, realistic Action Plans with clients, and reviewing these regularly to reflect progress and changing circumstances
• Supporting clients to address workplace challenges, helping them to return to work, remain in employment, or secure new roles
• Monitoring and tracking progress towards agreed employment outcomes, ensuring support remains focused and effective
• Enabling access to wider opportunities such as training, education, volunteering and other development pathways
• Making appropriate referrals to external services and partner organisations to ensure holistic support for clients

This role requires a proactive and person-centred approach, with a strong focus on achieving meaningful and sustainable employment outcomes.

What we offer

• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays (FTE) 
• Flexible, paid Wellbeing Hour every fortnight (FTE) 
• 35 hours working week
• 6% employer pension contribution 
• 1 day per week working from home subject to completion of Homeworking Checklist
• Supportive environment within a small, dedicated team
• Meaningful, rewarding work supporting people into employment
• Paid carers' leave available

Working Well Trust is an equal opportunities employer and Confident about Disabilities.

What’s next 

Before you apply, please note the following: 

• We actively recruit and carefully review all applications. Due to rapid service expansion, we have onboarded 20 external hires in the last six months. 

• To ensure we can best support the people and communities we serve, we progress applications only where candidates provide meaningful answers to the screening questions. 

• Career development is real here: in the past year, 10 colleagues have progressed internally into Senior roles, Project Lead, Team Lead, and Operations Manager positions. We value ambition and celebrate progression. 

If you are ready to help us build a service that supports people into meaningful work, click Apply to submit your CV and answer the screening questions. Telephone and final interviews will be confirmed. 

Start your application today and take the next step in a rewarding career. 

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis? 

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress? 

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you. 

Nightlight Helpline / Crisis Café Support Workers (x2) 
Reference: 339
Responsible to: Crisis House Coordinator
Salary: £24,366 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours (Part-time from 22.5hrs considered)
Based:  
Hatfield Crisis Café (x1)
Stevenage Crisis Café (x1)

About the Service 

Our Nightlight Service (Cafés, Helpline, 24/7 Crisis House and Daylight provision) is proud to provide urgent support, crisis intervention and emotional support to people experiencing a mental health crisis in Hertfordshire as an alternative to statutory pathways. 

We provide support to adults across Hertfordshire 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our helpline, crisis centres, crisis cafes and a weekend Crisis House. We aim to provide a safe space for people in crisis to talk and feel supported, be listened to without judgement, access relevant support with problem solving and facilitate access to external services when necessary.

As a member of our team you will work closely with service users in crisis by using a person-centred approach as to ensure that each individual is supported with dignity and respect. By honouring the individual experience of each service user, we are able to respect their autonomy as well as encourage and facilitate positive steps towards management of crisis and recovery. 

Service Objectives 

The objectives of Hertfordshire Mind Network’s (HMN) Nightlight Mental health Crisis House are: 

• To endeavour to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of people experiencing a mental health crisis across Hertfordshire. 
• To provide 24/7 support for individuals experiencing mental health crisis in a safe and non-judgemental environment. 
• To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire, by providing clear and effective pathways to other services provided by HMN and other third party and/or statutory providers. 
• To remain a source of independent support for all Service Users. 
• To provide an alternative pathway to people in distress and crisis, employing a person-centred approach in order to enable better outcomes for those in need as to reduce the demand on statutory Crisis and Emergency services. 

At the Crisis Cafes we promote and enable people to access support in a way that suits them, whether that’s through talking to someone or simply by providing a safe space to have time alone or engage with trained staff. 

About the Role 

You will be a key member of staff delivering the Nightlight Mental Health Crisis Service. Taking part in a rota covering 7 days per week, ensuring the delivery of high quality crisis support  and instilling Hertfordshire Mind Network’s values throughout the Crisis Cafe and Helpline services. Working closely with other staff such as: The Service Manager, Team Leaders, Co-Ordinators, Contract and Bank Support Workers and Volunteers in order to ensure services are of the highest quality and to support the continued growth and development of the service.

We offer: 

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays) 
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period. 
• Ongoing training relevant to your role. 
• An Employee Assistance Programme. 
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments. 

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

Closing date for receipt of applications is 29th May 2026  
Interviews to be held on a rolling basis in our Watford office or Microsoft Teams.
N.B. Please quote reference number 339 when completing your application for this role. 

Interested?

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

Equal Opportunities

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

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

No agencies please.

PURPOSE OF POST: 

To provide structured housing related support to tenants of Mind in Gwent Supported Housing, and floating tenancy support to people experiencing mental health difficulties. 

To act as keyworker providing practical and emotional support, advice, information and advocacy towards the goal of achieving greater independence in the community. 

To liaise with a range of statutory and voluntary professionals and organisations to maximise resources for the client. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Deliver person-centred housing related intervention to clients which promotes their mental wellbeing and independence whilst supporting to progress toward a life without the need for support. To work with clients in a manner which promotes autonomy to assess their own needs and develop and create individual personal support and plans to achieve their identified goals.

To network effectively with voluntary and statutory agencies to promote the needs of the clients.

Working with clients so that they have the knowledge, understanding and skills to access services and support with the aim to improve their mental wellbeing and resilience. 

Provide support to clients in accessing benefits and housing-related assistance, when applicable, to enhance their income and housing opportunities. Stay informed about current Social Security policies and housing legislation, ensuring clients are referred to specialist advisors when necessary. 

Focus on client involvement ensuring that clients have their views heard and that the needs and wishes, individually and collectively, are respected in the services and support provided. 

Work as part of the Housing and Tenancy Support Team and the wider Mind in Gwent Team to develop and deliver activities that achieve positive outcomes for Mind in Gwent tenants or clients receiving tenancy support. 

Ensure all work is recorded and monitored to achieve outcomes and contribute to performance management on an individual, team and organisational basis.

Ensure that anti-racism, equality and diversity are central to your work addressing disadvantage, inequalities, stigma and discrimination, making sure that you act to reach people from marginalised or disadvantaged groups and that the services you provide match their needs. 

Work in accordance with best practice, legal requirements, the policies of Mind in Gwent, and the policies prescribed by the funders and to contribute in the development of such policies. 

Support service development through researching models including, but not restricted to, good practice, sharing good practice guidelines, developing and leading on partnerships and initiating new services. 

To contribute to the work of other projects and teams of Mind in Gwent as when required or directed to provide cover or to develop new skills or take on new opportunities. 

A full job description can be found in the attachments. 

Interviews will be held on Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th May

We are seeking an experienced HR Manager to work with staff and volunteers at our established Christian recovery charity in Berkshire. You will provide direction, support and oversight on all aspects of HR management, including: recruitment; staff supervisions and appraisals; compliance with employment regulations; training; performance and talent management; grievance, disciplinary, and capability procedures; salary structure and employee benefits; and organisational personnel planning.

We do not currently have HR software, so reviewing our requirements in this area would be one of your responsibilities.

​As a small charity (c. 43 salaried staff and casual workers, plus volunteers), the role will require balancing practical tasks with management responsibilities. For the majority of the working week, you'll be based in the office (a lovely rural setting near Twyford, Reading) and, being situated within the rehabilitation centre, you will have daily contact with those men whom you are helping. They inspire and motivate us just as much as we seek to encourage and support them. (Some remote working might also be possible.)

This is a permanent position, full-time or part-time considered. As this is a strategic post within an actively Christian setting, applications should be from committed Christians. Schedule 9, Part 1:3(a) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

To apply, please submit your CV and covering letter, outlining how you meet the requirements of the job description and person specification provided.

We are pleased to invite applications for the following opportunity:

Volunteer Coordinator

Hours:  37.5 hours per week

Salary: £38,000 per annum

A rare opportunity to join a unique service user charity working with individuals who have, or have had substance use issues, Build on Belief is looking for a Volunteer Coordinator to work with our team across our London services.

We are particularly interested in recruiting someone who has lived experience of a substance use disorder, either direct or associative.

PLEASE NOTE: This role includes weekend working.

Closing date: Sunday, 10th May 2026

JOB DESCRIPTION: Volunteer Coordinator

TITLE: Volunteer Coordinator

SALARY: £38,000 per annum

HOURS: 37.5 hours per week

BASED AT: BoB Head Office (69 Warwick Road, Earls Court, London, SW5 9HB). The role will involve regular visits to our London services both during the week and at the weekend. There is the option for one day of hybrid working per week.

REPORTS TO: Head of Services

JOB PURPOSE: To cultivate, sustain and manage a volunteer pipeline to help with the effective delivery of our face-to-face services in London; enhance the development and wellbeing of our volunteer team(s), and support the volunteers in the facilitation of activities for our beneficiaries, supporting those who wish to do so to become ready for potential employment within the charity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. Volunteer management & development

· Support service managers to recruit, induct and train a cohort of volunteers from the local treatment and recovery community, as well as other local community members, ensuring they are trained and supported to undertake their roles safely and with confidence.

· Develop a range of volunteering pathways, with a focus on supporting those who identify as being in recovery as well as those still in structured treatment, creating opportunities that enhance social connectivity, build personal and professional skills, and provide meaningful activity.

· Work with service managers to ensure volunteers receive regular and appropriate supervision, and their wellbeing is monitored and supported.

· Work with service managers to ensure individuals are encouraged and supported to deliver a range of creative and socially based activities within our services, based upon their interests and life skills.

· Work with service managers to ensure volunteer inductions are conducted according to the policies of the charity and that accurate records of their volunteering are kept on our case management system.

· Deliver the five core training workshops in person at the services to the volunteer team(s) and work with the CEO to ensure the training is relevant, accurate and up to date.

· Support and encourage those volunteers who wish to do so to progress through the volunteer programme, attend the relevant training, and undertake the role of team leader, with a focus on potential employment within the charity and elsewhere.

· Work with the Senior Leadership Team to develop and enhance the volunteer offer across all of our London services.

· Support individuals with interview preparation and CV writing, with a focus on both job opportunities within the charity, peer support roles within the wider treatment systems, and other relevant opportunities as they arise.

2. Programme delivery & coordination

· Collaborate with local community organisations and partners to establish and deliver a programme of cultural, physical, and wellbeing activities that support social connection, encourage participation in safe social networks and help to improve mental and physical health.

· Plan, coordinate and evaluate activities with the wider staff team to ensure high-quality, trauma-informed opportunities for volunteers that support sustained recovery where appropriate.

· Work closely with local service managers to ensure referrals to other service providers where necessary to support the wellbeing of volunteers.

· Work with service managers to identify opportunities in the wider community that would support the development, wellbeing and social integration of volunteers where appropriate.

· Work with the senior leadership team to regularly review and revise the development of the volunteer programme to ensure its effective delivery.

· Work with the senior leadership team to ensure the programme delivers measurable outcomes that improve the life chances of the individuals accessing the programme.

3. Outreach & community inclusion

· Coordinate outreach sessions in the community with service managers and the volunteer team to increase the visibility of our services and develop wider partnership working and stakeholder management where appropriate.

· Identify external training sources that may be of benefit to the members of the volunteer team, and support individuals to access such training where appropriate.

· Work with our stakeholders and local drug and alcohol treatment providers to ensure that volunteering opportunities within the charity are available to anyone who wishes to apply, and individuals are supported to do so.

· Work with our stakeholders and local drug and alcohol treatment providers to ensure our volunteers are supported to access peer mentoring and volunteer opportunities within the wider treatment system where appropriate and required.

· Work with local volunteer centres and relevant local organisations, such as universities, to ensure volunteering opportunities within Build on Belief are advertised and available to any members of the wider community to wish to undertake them.

4. Project & financial administration

· Manage project goals and expenditure in line with set budgets, working with colleagues to ensure accurate monitoring, and reporting.

· Support service managers and support workers to ensure volunteer records are up to date and in line with policy and procedures.

· Ensure volunteering data is accurately recorded on our case management system and work with members of the senior leadership team to ensure relevant data is available for our partners, the Board of Trustees and other stakeholders when required.

· Work with service managers to ensure data is collected from our volunteer teams and service users for impact evaluations and case studies as required.

5. General

· Organize annual volunteer events as agreed with the Senior Leadership Team.

· To work with the Operations and Training Managers, Innovation and Development Manager and the Head of Services supporting the development of the weekend services and the management of volunteers.

· To contribute content for social media channels, the organisation’s website, and newsletter.

· To abide by all the policies and procedures of Build on Belief as given to you at the start of your contract with the organisation.

· To work with the Build on Belief staff team and the service providers where appropriate, to create a series of borough-wide volunteer pools to develop and improve the delivery of recovery orientated services in those locations.

NOTE WELL: This job specification covers the basic aspects of the post only and is subject to change upon the instruction of the Chief Executive Officer and if necessary, the Board of Trustees.

This post is subject to a Disclosure & Barring Service check at an enhanced level and the right to work in the UK.

PERSON SPECIFICATION CRITERIA

The successful candidate will be able to demonstrate the following (E - Essential, D - Desirable):

· Experience of working or volunteering with service users and/or volunteers in either drug and alcohol services, the wider recovery field, associated areas such as homelessness or mental health and supporting those with complex needs (E)

· Experience of recruiting, supporting, or managing volunteers in a charity or community setting (E)

· Experience of planning, coordinating and delivering group activities or community events (E)

· Knowledge of barriers faced by people struggling with substance use and social isolation (E)

· Ability to build supportive relationships with volunteers and service users, particularly those with lived experience (E)

· Understanding of safeguarding, confidentiality and trauma-informed practice (E)

· Experience of partnership working with statutory or voluntary organisations (D)

· Experience of managing budgets or project resources, including monitoring expenditure and tracking outcomes (D)

· Experience of delivering presentations or training (D)

· Experience of working collaboratively within a wider staff team. (E)

Knowledge and Skills

· Proven people skills (i.e.: motivate, engage, supervise a team of volunteers and service users to deliver on the key aspects of the role.)

· Knowledge of the range of services and activities available and necessary to improve the quality of life for people who have substance use issues, and practical ways to develop recovery capital.

· Demonstrable skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a range of partners within both the statutory and voluntary sectors.

· Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with a focus on record keeping, monitoring, case supervision, and report writing.

· Good IT skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office and internal systems.

Personal qualities:

· The ability to maintain safe professional boundaries with professionals, colleagues, and volunteers/service users at all times.

· Demonstrable ability to work under pressure, adapt to changing environments and to balance competing demands.

· Employ a flexible, empathetic, and non-judgmental attitude towards those with substance use issues.

· Empathy with staff and volunteers who themselves may well be in treatment/recovery (lived experience of addiction or dependency is not essential but would be clearly valued.)

PLEASE NOTE: We especially encourage applications from individuals with direct or associative experience of a substance use disorder.

Build on Belief, April 2026.

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities -

To develop and deliver family support and play sessions to children, young people and their mothers in refuge and the community. To lead on domestic violence awareness raising sessions with children/young people and professionals.

Experience Required -

Working within a children and family setting with women and children affected by domestic violence 

Assessing and working to meet children’s needs in a holistic way 

Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies 

Delivering play activities for children 

Delivering training and awareness sessions

Working within safeguarding guidelines and legislation to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website. 

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May.

You will provide appropriate emotional and practical 1-to-1 support to (those who identify as) women and non-binary people involved in sex work and those who are sexually exploited, who often experience stigma and face barriers to accessing services. This role will specifically focus on those who are experiencing DV, support will include addressing housing needs. You will be enabling people to access support and navigate services, You will be working in partnership with other agencies and making appropriate referrals for people to access other services to support their wider needs. You will contribute to wider team responsibilities including outreach, drop in and duty.

Job Role: Support Worker – Criminal Justice

Salary: £20,960 per year (full time equivalent £26,200)

Hours: 30 hours per week

Contract type: Permanent

Location: Taunton - with travel across Somerset

Additional information:

• Valid driver's license and access to a car for business purposes
• Participation in an out-of-hours on-call rota
• This role is based at our Taunton office, with regular travel required within a 30-mile radius across Somerset

About Julian House:

Julian House is a charity dedicated to making a difference to the lives of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged people in society. We run several projects and every year we help thousands of people out of homelessness, into employment, away from domestic abuse, and more.

If you’d like a real sense of job satisfaction, great career prospects and a competitive benefits package, you could be who we’re looking for!

About the Role:

As a Support Worker within our Criminal Justice Service, you’ll be a steady, positive presence for people leaving prison who’ve recently experienced homelessness. Many clients are navigating trauma, mental ill‑health, substance use, domestic abuse and ongoing involvement with the justice system.

You’ll be responsible for managing referrals, completing needs/risk assessments, and providing tailored support that empowers clients to maintain their accommodation and make positive life changes. You’ll work closely with key partners such as the National Probation Service, Police, and other support agencies to create effective, multi-agency support plans.

Day to day, you’ll help with benefit claims and budgeting, coach the skills for safe, stable tenancies and ensure accommodation meets high health & safety standards. You’ll also keep clear, timely records and contribute to reporting for partners and funders, playing a vital role in the wider success of the service.

Ready to make a real difference every day? Apply now.

What you’ll be doing:

• Build positive and effective working relationships and agreements with external agencies which will include working closely with criminal justice services
• Complete needs and risk assessments for clients leading to the delivery of support plans which meet individual client needs
• Give clients advice and information to provide an enabling service so that they can access appropriate services and accommodation
• Ensure all new clients moving into the service understand their rights, responsibilities and the conditions of their licence agreement

Please note: Job descriptions are not exhaustive, and the successful candidate may occasionally be asked to take on other duties that align with the key responsibilities outlined.

What we’re looking for:

• A valid UK driving licence and access to own vehicle – business insurance will be required for roles involving travel for work
• Experience working with vulnerable adults and/or people with complex needs and challenging behaviours

There are many great reasons to join our team!

• Access to our Rewards Platform, which includes an Employee Assistance Programme and Health Cash Plan
• 27 days annual leave, including an extra day off for your birthday, plus bank holidays - increasing up to 30 days after 4 years of continuous employment (pro rata for part-time staff)
• 30% staff discount at Julian House charity shop
• A generous and competitive pension scheme
• A supportive culture where staff feedback is highly valued and regular supervisions with line managers are conducted
• Great opportunities for career development and free monthly training sessions from experienced facilitators
• For all the fantastic and valuable work, you’ll be doing, you’ll be eligible for the Blue Light Card which offers amazing discounts on thousands of brands
• Reflective Practice sessions from objective, external facilitators

Our Ethos

As an Equal Opportunities employer, we have an Equality and Diversity Action plan in place showing our commitment in ensuring continuous improvement in creating an inclusive culture. We also have a committed group of Inclusion & Diversity champions who meet monthly to ensure progress is being made. We invite applications from people from all backgrounds and cultures, especially minority groups that are underrepresented in the workplace. We also welcome applications from those with lived experience. We embrace flexibility and are proud to be a Disability Confident and Mindful employer, as well as an Armed Forces Covenant Supporter.

If you have any special access requirements or other support needs throughout the application process (including the interview), please contact us so that we can let you know how we can support you.

DBS Checks

We welcome applications from people with lived experience. All applicants working with our clients will be expected to undertake an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. A criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent you from becoming an employee; the decision will depend on the type of offence and its relevance to the role.

If you would like to discuss any convictions you may have, please contact the person named in the advert. All information will be dealt with according to our Data Protection Policy.

Please note: We reserve the right to close our vacancies once the perfect candidate has been found. We recommend submitting your application as soon as possible so that you don’t miss out!