Key worker jobs in East of england

One YMCA provides housing, health, wellbeing, children’s, youth and community services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Buckinghamshire. We are committed to helping people reach their full potential and strengthening communities through inclusive, high-quality programmes.

Are you an experienced youth worker ready to take the next step in your development?
Do you enjoy leading sessions, supporting colleagues, and shaping meaningful opportunities for young people?

We are seeking a Senior Youth Development Worker to support the development and delivery of One YMCA’s Universal Youth Work provision in Bedford.

The Role

Reporting to the Youth Work Coordinator, you will play a key role in delivering high-quality youth work for young people aged 9–18. You will lead engaging sessions, support and supervise sessional youth workers, and contribute to the growth and development of One YMCA’s youth work offer in line with the YMCA Youth Work Strategy.

This is a hands-on role combining direct youth work, team support, and partnership engagement. You will help ensure young people feel safe, included, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, deliver and evaluate inclusive youth work sessions for young people aged 9–18
• Lead sessions and act as a positive role model for young people
• Support and supervise sessional youth workers during delivery
• Build and maintain positive relationships with partners, schools and external agencies
• Maintain accurate records to monitor attendance, engagement and outcomes
• Contribute to the development and expansion of One YMCA’s youth work offer, including partnership and funding opportunities
• Promote safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion in all areas of work

About You

You are passionate about youth work and committed to making a positive difference in young people’s lives. You are confident leading sessions, supporting others, and working collaboratively as part of a team.

You will have:

• Experience delivering youth work (paid or voluntary)
• Confidence leading group sessions and supporting small teams
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• An understanding of inclusive and safeguarding-led practice
• A Level 3 Youth Work qualification, or willingness to work towards one (essential)

Hours and Contract

• Part-time role
• 18 hours per week, salaried on a monthly basis
• Working pattern is flexible but will include evenings and weekends, with most delivery taking place after school

Additional Information

• Interviews will be held on a rolling basis, so early application is encouraged
• Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available)
• This role may require a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, subject to a conditional offer

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: At One YMCA, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We actively promote equality of opportunity and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities, and experiences.

Accessibility & Adjustments: We are happy to make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process. Please let us know if you require any support to participate fully.

Substance Misuse 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: Substance Misuse Worker

Location: Catford, Lewisham (Approximately 11 minute walk from Bellingham Station - Thameslink and Southeastern rail services) - The service works across two properties which are located in close proximity to each other. This service has step free access.

Salary: £29,000 (Full Time Equivalent)

Shift Pattern: 22.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday 3 days a week which can be discussed directly with the hiring manager at interview 

About the role

We’re looking for a Substance Misuse Worker with experience in mental health and substance use to join our Catford team. Based in a 24 hour residential service, you’ll support adults with severe and enduring mental health needs through rehabilitation and recovery focused support, using your specialist knowledge to help residents and the team overcome personal challenges.

You will deliver evidence-based interventions based on holistic assessments to support personalised recovery, integration, and promotion of independent living skills. You will be a specialist in comorbidity, supporting the team to achieve positive outcomes for our residents. Some of your duties will include:

• Undertake joint holistic assessments, risk assessments, care plans, and interventions to support harm reduction and minimisation.
• Set up realistic and flexible strengths-based support plans, working closely with colleagues and support teams to support and advise on interventions and approaches to meet individual needs.
• Help reduce episodes of crisis and assist residents/participants to access services which can offer alternatives to crisis support.
• Work closely with support staff and clinical teams to support and advise them on interventions and approaches to meet resident/participant comorbid, complex mental health and substance misuse needs.
• Support multi-disciplinary teams and the wider community teams with support, advice, signposting, and move on care planning. 

About you

We are looking for someone who has specialist knowledge on how to support individuals with comorbid and complex needs, with experience in interventions, and in a similar role. Qualifications are desirable if paired with practical experience which is relevant to this role. We look at individual characteristics with the ability to engage with various people who may not want to receive the support, able to build trusting professional relationships, and able to demonstrate resilience, solve challenges, and be proactive. If this sounds like you, take a look at the further criteria:

• Full knowledge on comorbidity and complex needs, able to share knowledge, skills, and experience with others
• Previous experience in a similar role, providing interventions and holistic assessments and support for people experiencing mental health challenges
• Ability to provide specialist support and knowledge in risk assessment and risk management, particularly in relation to harm minimisation, substance misuse and mental health
• A commitment to promoting recovery, harm reduction, and active involvement in care planning
• Ability to apply relapse prevention models to promote sustained recovery and harm reduction
• 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
• Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities.
• Join an organisation with a mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.

We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives and experiences of all of our employees. We have a team of staff ambassadors who volunteer to actively support us in fortifying our organisational value of Inclusivity. They embrace this unique opportunity to deliver awareness, events, and developments to our organisation to support us in ensuring our value of Inclusivity is embedded throughout the organisation. 

SIG actively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly lived experience; Naturally, we approach any emerging issues with empathy and sensitivity. 

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. 
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.

Please note that this will take you through to our Central Administration team, who will then communicate your enquiry with us and we will arrange to call you back. 

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

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Would you like to become a vital part of our collaborative and innovative team to make a lasting difference to families?

We are looking for a Social Worker or Senior Social Worker to join our team, based from either Milton Keynes or London.

We believe that every child deserves a loving and supportive home. We are committed to providing the highest quality services to help make that a reality, and we are proud of our three successive outstanding ratings with Ofsted.

Position: Social Worker or Senior Social Worker

Location: Based in either our Milton Keynes or our London team, with hybrid working arrangements in place for both home and office working, and travel covering Milton Keynes, North London and surrounding areas.

Contract: Permanent full time – 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.

Salary Ranges: Social Worker - Salary in the range of £34,053 - £41,620 per annum. Senior Social Worker - Salary in the range of £39,292 - £48,022 per annum.  If based from our London office, a location allowance of £3,299 per annum will be payable.

About the role:

Our Social Worker/Senior Social Worker’s role is a pivotal one within our Adoption service.  Some of your responsibilities will include:

· undertaking ‘home study’ assessments (PARs) and present these to the adoption panel

· support families throughout the matching process and once children are placed, up until the Adoption Order

· participating in recruitment activities and training for prospective adopters

About you:

As a Social Worker, you’ll bring a minimum of 2 years post qualification experience in childcare social work and as a Senior Social Worker, a minimum of 3 years post qualification experience. You’ll have an understanding of child development and the impact on behaviour of interrupted development. You’ll have excellent interpersonal and communication skills and demonstrate a commitment to equality, diversity, equity and inclusion within service delivery.

If this sounds like you then visit our website to apply today to join a dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful. We look forward to hearing from you!

If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please visit our website for contact details for our Adoption Team Manager.

Early applications are encouraged as we may review and appoint on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is secured.

Closing date: 9am, Tuesday 06 January 2026

Interviews will be held on: Tuesday 13 January 2026

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Adoption Social Worker, Adoption Senior Social Worker, Adoption Support Social Worker, Independent Social Worker, Fostering Social Worker, Independent Reviewing Officer, Supervising Social Worker, Children’s Social Worker, Child Protection or Safeguarding Hub Social Worker, Looked After Children’s Social Worker, etc. 

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.

Overview

Do you want to work for a caring organisation that believes in people?

Do you want to make a difference?

As a recovery worker with Change Grow Live you’ll work with people who use our services, helping them get to where they want to be.

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives, offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission of helping people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.

We are recruiting a Group Worker to work within our Barnet service. Our ideal candidate will have the skills and experience to assess and engage with people who use our service, ensuring that they access the right intervention at the right time, in a way that best meets their needs. 

Where: Barnet

Hours: Part Time. 22.5 hrs per week

Full Time Salary: £27,861.26 - £32,002.35 dependent on experience (based on full time hours, pro rata for part time)

Allowance: £2195.72 Outer London Weighting, pro rata 

Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours.

Responsibilities

About the role: 

• Supporting service users from point of entry into the service and through their treatment/recovery journey 
• Tailor specific workshops around the needs of the SUs and monitor group uptake and interest to assist in programme development.
• Reducing drug and alcohol related harm to service users and the wider community 
• Promoting carer, service user and community involvement 
• Providing advocacy for access to partnership services 
• Working with service users to support social (re)integration, enabling them to lead meaningful and purposeful lives: promoting recovery, resilience, peer support and self-determination 

About you: 

• Have a strong understanding of substance misuse issues and experience of working within a similar field 
• Experience of working with groups/pods and managing group dynamics, such as conflict or challenging behaviour
• Must have previous substance misuse group work experience
• Be an excellent communicator, both verbal and written with good IT skills 
• Proactive and able to work on own initiative with excellent time management and prioritising skills 
• Have a good working knowledge of mental health interventions, services, and good practice 
• Be a supportive team player with strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work in partnership with a wide range of professionals, agencies, and internal/external stakeholders 
• Ability to manage change successfully in a way that prioritises the needs of service users 
• Understand the importance of information governance processes and commit to follow and apply all necessary safeguards 
• Seek out learning opportunities to improve and broaden your professional knowledge and skills and to contribute and oversee the learning and development of others 

What we will give to you: 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service 
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• Several benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• A friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme and receive vouchers if candidate is successful.

Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details in the Person Specification outlined in the job descriptions. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role.

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level

This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

Outer London Weighting (£2,195.72)

Interview Date

5/1/2026

Closing Date

2/1/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

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 recruiting a part-time Employment Support Worker (0.5 FTE) to join our supported employment team in the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. This is a permanent position with funding secured until March 2027.

What you’ll be doing

If you were working with us, you would hold a varied caseload of clients with lived experience of mental health, autism and/or a learning disability. You would support clients to identify their employment goals, build confidence, prepare for work, and navigate any barriers they may face.

Your work would be entirely person-centred. You would support clients in line with their preferences and aspirations, helping them identify roles that match their strengths. A key part of the role involves approaching employers, explaining the value of our service, and working with them to identify suitable opportunities for clients. You would continue to support both clients and employers to help individuals sustain their employment.

You would work closely with referring teams, maintaining regular communication and ensuring a coordinated and client-led approach. You would also work to agreed targets while maintaining a high-quality, supportive service that reflects the principles of SEQF and the British Association of supported employment.

What you’ll need

Experience in employment support is not essential. We are looking for someone who brings:

• A genuine desire to support people into meaningful employment.

• Commitment to person-centred work and enthusiasm to learn the SEQF approach.

• Confidence engaging with employers and promoting the benefits of our service.

• Good organisation skills and the ability to manage a caseload effectively.

• Beneficial (but not essential): experience working with people with learning disabilities or Autism.

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health, either personally or through a close contact.

What we offer

• £14,638 per year (0.5 FTE)

• 30 days annual leave plus public holidays, pro rata (FTE)

• Employer pension contribution of 6%

• Supportive environment within a small, dedicated team

• Meaningful, rewarding work supporting people into employment

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

What’s next

Before applying, please note that we actively review all applications and only progress candidates who provide meaningful answers to the screening questions.

If you are ready to support people in Kingston to achieve their employment goals and build positive relationships with employers, click Apply to submit your CV and complete the screening questions.

Start your application today and join us in making a meaningful impact.

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, neurodiversity and/or complex issues through training and employment. 

We are recruiting for Peer Support Worker in Kingston upon Thames.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, flexible person with lived experience of autism who is committed to supporting autistic people to work towards their individual goals. Lived experience refers to the first-hand involvement or direct experiences and choices of a given person, and the knowledge that they gain from it, as opposed to the knowledge a given person gains from second-hand source. 

Goals you may support clients to work on include: 

· Taking more control of their lives through gaining a greater understanding of their own wellbeing 

· Reducing feelings of isolation through building connections in the local community 

· Gaining confidence and an improved sense of wellbeing

You will use your own direct lived experience of autism, to work together with people to identify their wellbeing goals and find the right resources and support for their needs. You will have excellent interpersonal skills and be committed to using a strength based and client led approach. 

Experience of peer support is not essential; it is more important that you share our commitment to supporting people to achieve their personal and wellbeing goals. Peer support training will be provided. 

This is a hybrid role involving both working from home and working in the community.

Please click apply to send your CV and a cover letter. Please add a cover letter to the end of your CV when uploading. Applications without a cover form will not be considered. 

Candidates need to clearly outline how they meet the person specification points in their personal statement. 

Staff benefits include an employer contribution to a personal or workplace pension equivalent to 6% of gross salary. 25 days annual leave per annum pro rata plus statutory holiday. 

Working Well Trust is an equal opportunities and confident about disabilities employer (two ticks). We welcome applicants of all backgrounds, cultures, genders, ethnicities, disability statuses and sexual orientations. We are happy to discuss any workplace adjustments individuals may require in the recruitment process, on commencement, or once in post. Special requirements for the interview process can be submitted in the cover form. 

Closing date: Friday 9th January (9am). Please note, Interviews will be arranged throughout the application window. Therefore, it is important to get your application in as soon as possible. We may close this vacancy early.

The purpose of Aylesbury Women’s Aid

‘To exist for the benefit of all women and their children who have /or are experiencing physical, mental financial or sexual abuse in their relationships and to offer support, information, advice, access to temporary accommodation and aftercare’.

Job Summary

To support the aims and principles of Aylesbury Women’s Aid including empowering and supporting women and their children in making their own decisions and taking control of their own lives and to meet the practical and emotional needs of the women who live in the refuge through support, advocacy and advice.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. To help women settle into the refuge and create situations where women can be supported, share their experiences and explore the choices open to them. 

2. Taking key-worker responsibility for 3 women by:

· Following all interview and admittance procedures with each resident interview

· Developing a Support and Action Plan with each resident

· Developing a Risk Assessment Management Plan when necessary

· Continuing to support key clients by regularly reviewing Support and Risk Assessment Plans.

· Offering some general support on a day-to-day basis.

· To continually update in-house data base.

3. To support and respond to the needs of the residents by:

· Providing legal, housing and welfare rights advice

· Providing advocacy and liaison with other agencies such as housing departments, solicitors, courts, social services etc.

· Providing information about local agencies and community resources

· Supporting residents to register and make claims for benefits or other rights.

· Ensuring that residents pay their rent and service charges

4. To take referrals from local women and find refuge space for women who need to move from the area and make referrals when appropriate.

5. To work within child protection requirements and procedures to ensure that children safeguarded and their welfare promoted whilst also supporting and meeting the needs of women.

6. To provide support and assistance to women moving on to new accommodation including:

· Ensuring all relevant forms are completed and giving advice on grants and second hand-furnishings. 

· Providing transport when necessary.

· Assisting with initial household problems.

· Establishing any further needs and offering continued support.

7. To participate in creating an atmosphere in the refuge which will enable families to live together by encouraging women and children to respect each other and by attending and participating in regular house meetings.

8. To carry out extra agreed tasks to ensure the smooth running of the refuge which could include:

• Updating Routes to Support
• Attending and taking notes for house meetings
• Collecting, distributing and recording post
• Emergency First Aider for the refuge
• Ensuring that the First Aid Box is correctly and adequately stocked
• Facilitating Freedom Programme in the refuge
• Keeping bed space books up to date
• Recording incoming payments

9. To liaise with relevant local agencies and community groups to ensure productive and collaborative working and attend relevant meetings as required.

10.  To keep monitoring and statistical information to enable the evaluation of the effectiveness of the service and to produce reports as required.

11. To raise awareness of the issues of domestic abuse and its effect on children through

direct service provision and promote Aylesbury Women’s Aid where appropriate. 

12. To work flexibly between the hours of 8am – 8pm Monday to Friday and 9am – 1pm

weekends and Bank Holidays as agreed with your manager.

13.  To follow procedures and protocols with other services so that the safety of the woman and any children involved are kept central to any process and ensuring that other relevant agencies are kept informed about important changes in the client’s situation.

14. To participate in the On-Call Service rota.

15. To answer enquiries through the Single Point of Access service in accordance with the requirements for that service.

16. To maintain effective communication with co-workers and participate in relevant meetings, supervision and internal/external training.

17. To cooperate with management, support and carry out all management policies and decisions, and contribute to a positive and mutually encouraging atmosphere in the workplace.

18. To ensure that all health and safety regulations, policies and procedures are complied with.

19. To give support during busy periods or staff shortages to other workers when necessary, including assisting other services in the organisation.

20. To support and implement all policies and procedures of Aylesbury Women’s Aid.

21. To take all possible steps to ensure the safety and confidentiality of the clients, staff and

Management of Aylesbury Women’s Aid, the safety of third parties visiting AWA premises and the confidentiality of information provided by all parties to the extent legally required.

22. To undertake any other duties from time to time. These may vary but will be in line with the responsibilities of the post and may include:

· Cleaning and preparing rooms for new residents

· Collecting and distributing donations of clothes, presents and household equipment etc.

The duties of the post may vary from time to time without altering its overall nature.

Overview

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives.   

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our teams apply these daily offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.    

We are looking for a passionate and experienced professional to lead the development of our Affected Others service, supporting children, young people (CYP), and families impacted by familial substance misuse. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and grow a service that makes a real difference in breaking cycles of harm and building resilience.

Where: Buckinghamshire (Countywide)

Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week

Full Time Salary Range: £32,002.35- £34,214.20*

*Please note: Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours. 

Responsibilities

About the Role
As the lead for this specialist area, you will:

• Drive the design and delivery of innovative interventions for children, young people and families affected by substance misuse.
• Develop group programmes, resources, and training to strengthen whole-family approaches.
• Build strong partnerships with key stakeholder such as adult substance misuse services, schools, children’s services, and health professionals to ensure seamless referral pathways.
• Develop and deliver training and consultation to external partners and stakeholders on the issues facing young people affected by substance misuse of others. 
• Champion safeguarding and best practice across the service.
• Hold a caseload of complex and high-risk cases involving children, young people, and families, delivering whole-family support, including parenting programmes and harm reduction strategies.
• Monitor and evaluate service impact, ensuring continuous improvement.

About You
We’re looking for someone who is:

• Experienced in working with families facing multiple risk factors, including parental substance misuse.
• Skilled in delivering 1:1 and group interventions and developing new programmes.
• Knowledgeable about safeguarding and child protection procedures.
• Qualified to Level 3 in Health & Social Care (or equivalent).
• A strong communicator and collaborator, able to influence and lead within multi-agency settings.
• You will need to work flexibly countywide across Buckinghamshire so must hold a full UK driving license and have access to a car.

What we Offer

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days” 
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme 
• Contributory pension scheme 
• A great selection of benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc. 
• Opportunity to lead and shape a vital service alongside a friendly and supportive team 
• Training, career development & progression opportunities 
• Refer a friend scheme.

Please ensure that when completing your application form and supporting statement, you reflect on the details outlined in the job description. This will help us understand how your skills and experiences align with the requirements of the role. 

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Direct applications only — we will not be engaging agencies for this vacancy.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 28 to 30 (£32,002.35 - £34,214.20)

ILW / OLW /Fringe

N/A - Outside London Weighting Area

Interview Date

23/1/2026

Closing Date

12/1/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

Are you passionate about supporting young asylum-seekers and refugees to make change happen? Do you understand campaigning and how to achieve change in the British political system? You could be our new Campaigning Youthworker! 

About Young Roots 

At Young Roots, we want to see a compassionate and welcoming society for young refugees and asylum seekers in the UK. We work alongside young people seeking safety in the UK, building trusted relationships, providing practical and emotional support and promoting young people’s rights and power.  

About the role 

The Campaigning Youth Worker (CPW) will work with young people who are seeking asylum or who are refugees in London to support them to seek change to laws and policies on the issues that matter to them. This role will be located in Croydon and King’s Cross, with regular attendance at our service delivery venues across London as required, including one evening activity per week. 

The role will involve building relationships with young people who attend Young Roots activities and through outreach, having ongoing conversations about the issues that young people say matter to them, working with young people to understand how change to laws and policies happens and supporting young people to take campaigning action to achieve that change.

Please see the job description and person specification for full details. 

Young Roots and recruitment 

Young Roots recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those who can face disadvantage in employment, such as people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals and people with disabilities. As an organisation that supports refugees, asylum seekers and migrants, we particularly welcome applications from people within these communities. We offer a guaranteed interview for those with lived experience of the asylum system and those with disabilities, where they meet the essential elements of the person specification.

If aspects of the application process create barriers to you applying and you’d like any adjustment to the process or you’d like an informal discussion or advice on your application, please get in touch. We would also like to alert you to the existence of organisations which supporting people from under-represented groups to access employment, who can advise you on applying for this role. For example, Scope, Young Women’s Trust and Experts by Experience. 

Young Roots is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. We take this duty very seriously. 

Our work is underpinned by policies and procedures which promote safe working practices. We have a framework of training and supervision which everyone is expected to comply with and systems for monitoring, quality assurance and gaining service user feedback. On joining you will be expected to be part of this approach to safeguard our service users. 

All posts are subject to a safer recruitment process which includes vetting checks such as enhanced criminal records and barring, scrutiny of employment history, references and other checks. 

To apply 

To apply, please submit your CV alongside a personal statement by the closing date outlining how you would be a great fit for the role. 

Your personal statement should be no more than 800 words, answering the following questions: 

1. What is your motivation for working with Young Roots? 

2. What is your motivation for applying for this role specifically? 

3. What skills and experience would you bring that will enable you to be successful in this role?Please ensure you refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and provide examples to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. Your skills and experience could be gained through work, community involvement, or personal and family experiences. 

Please submit your application via Charity Jobs. 

No agencies, please. 

Closing date: 10am on Monday 5 January 2026 

Interview date: 19 or 20 January (you will be able to indicate a preference if you are shortlisted). Successful applicants will then have a second interview round - a young person panel on the evening of Thursday 22 January at our Brent project. 

Location: Cambridge, England (Travel required to all Baca Services locations)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £24,754 - £28,454 per annum FTE plus Cambridge living allowance of £2301 per annum.

Working Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (including evening and weekend hours on a rota)

Are you passionate about making a real difference in the lives of young people seeking safety and a fresh start?

Join Baca, a dedicated organisation supporting unaccompanied asylum-seeking children aged 16–18. We’re looking for a compassionate, proactive, and resilient Support Worker to help young people rebuild their lives with dignity, hope, and purpose.

What You’ll Do

As a Support Worker, you’ll provide holistic, therapeutic support to young people transitioning to adulthood. Your role will include:

• Supporting physical and emotional wellbeing
• Encouraging engagement in education, employment, and training
• Promoting social inclusion and personal safety
• Teaching essential life skills like cooking, budgeting, and cleaning
• Building trusted relationships and being a positive role model
• Collaborating with social workers, volunteers, and external agencies
• Maintaining accurate records and contributing to support plans

We’re seeking someone who is:

• Empathetic and resilient, with a genuine passion for supporting young asylum seekers
• Organised and proactive, able to manage multiple priorities
• A strong communicator, both written and verbal
• A team player, who thrives in a diverse, multicultural environment
• Flexible, with the ability to work occasional evenings and weekends

Essential Requirements

• Alignment with Baca’s values and mission.
• Experience working with young people (1:1 and group settings)
• Understanding of safeguarding and child protection
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle
• Enhanced DBS check (required)

Desirable

• Experience working with unaccompanied asylum seekers or trafficked young people
• Knowledge of asylum processes and trafficking risks
• Experience working cross-culturally and with statutory agencies

Why Join Baca?

At Baca, you’ll be part of a passionate team committed to empowering young people to thrive. We offer:

• A supportive and inclusive work culture
• Ongoing training and development
• Opportunities to make a lasting impact

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young asylum seekers and have the skills and attributes we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

Please note we cannot provide sponsorship for this role. We are not on the Home Office list. Further information about the role, competencies and experience can be found on our website.

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: Complex Need Recovery Worker

Location: Based on site in Balham. Please note that this service has step free access.

Salary: £27,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours a week over a rolling rota which includes 7.5 - 12 hour day and night shifts, Monday to Sunday working between 08:00 -21:30. You may also be required to work flexibly around these hours as per resident and service requirements, including weekends and bank holidays.

About the Role

We are seeking a dedicated, patient, and compassionate Recovery Worker, with a specialism in complex needs to join our team, which supports residents who have a current or history of complex and mental health needs. In this role, you will deliver flexible, tailored, person centred support to residents to improve their quality of life and achieve their personal goals. You will utilise your communication skills to build trusting, professional rapport with our residents to help them overcome personal challenges. Our residents may have multiple and complex needs which includes with their mental health, substance use, and physical health. The service supports them to move onto lower supported or independent housing, and you will be at the forefront in their journey.

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
• Supporting residents with taking their correct medication
• Keeping support plans up to date using our online portal

About You

We're looking for someone who has a genuine passion for supporting people who may have complex needs which includes mental health challenges and substance dependency. You will be able to build professional and trusting rapport with others, and work towards achieving positive outcomes, using a flexible and adaptable approach that recognises each individual’s unique and varied support needs. You will be motivated to help people overcome personal barriers and make a real difference to their lives, finding fulfilment in a role driven by a genuine commitment to supporting others. You will be able to remain calm, flexible, and positive when responding to challenging situations, and be motivated to support people to build resilience and independence. Experience in mental health or support work is desirable but not essential, as full training will be provided.

• Experience working within a residential setting
• Experience working with people with multiple and complex needs, ideally in mental health
• Ability to show empathy and compassion to our residents, and different challenges they face
• Ability to motivate, and empower others to achieve their personal goals and overcome barriers
• Previous experience in creating co-produced support plans, key working, and care plans
• Understanding of the housing and social needs of people with multiple and complex needs and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges
• Willingness and ability to work flexibly to meet service needs
• IT proficiency - we use various systems so look for someone who can learn and navigate new systems including case management, Microsoft, ATS, HR systems, and other types of organisational software
• 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. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

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 recruiting an In Work Employment Support Specialist to join our In Work Service based in Tower Hamlets. This role focuses on supporting people to remain in employment and supporting employers to retain staff who are experiencing mental health challenges.

What you’ll be doing

If you were working with us, you would manage a caseload of clients who are currently in work and have mental health support needs. Your role would focus on helping people remain in their jobs, build confidence at work, and address challenges early before they escalate.

You would work directly with employees to understand their needs, strengths, and workplace challenges. Where appropriate, you would engage with employers to explore reasonable adjustments, communication strategies, and practical solutions that support retention. This requires confidence, professionalism, and a solution-focused approach when working with both individuals and organisations.

In cases where a return to the current role or employer is not possible, you would support clients to explore alternative outcomes. This may include securing alternative employment or working towards a settlement agreement in a supportive and informed way.

You would deliver support using a person-centred and strengths-based approach, while maintaining accurate records and working to agreed outcomes. You would also collaborate with referring teams and other professionals to ensure coordinated, client-led support.

The role is part-time, working 21 hours per week, including one late evening to ensure accessibility for people who cannot meet during working hours. You would be based in Tower Hamlets two days per week, attend meetings with employers across London, and have the option to work from home one days per week.

What you’ll need

Experience of in-work or retention support is not required. However, we are looking for someone who has:

• Experience in employment support or a related role.

• A strong interest in mental health and its impact in the workplace.

• Confidence engaging with employers and discussing sensitive workplace issues.

• Excellent communication and organisation skills, with the ability to manage a caseload effectively.

• A genuine desire to help people stay in work and support employers to retain staff.

We welcome applications from people with lived experience of mental health, either personally or through a close contact. Full training will be provided.

What we offer beyond your salary

• 30 days annual leave plus paid public holidays (FTE)

• Employer pension contribution of 6%

• Flexible hybrid working arrangements

• Wellbeing Hour every fortnight (FTE) for activities that support your wellbeing

• Training and ongoing professional support

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. We only progress candidates who provide meaningful answers to the screening questions.

• Due to rapid service expansion, we have onboarded 20 external hires in the last six months.

• 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 maintain 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.

Engagment 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: Engagement Worker

Location: Havering, based within the service. Unfortunately this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £27,000

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Sunday, 09:00 - 17:00 or 13:00 - 21:00 on a rota basis. Shift patterns and weekly hours may vary dependent on service and resident requirements

About the Role

We're looking for an Engagement Worker to join our residential service based in Havering which is a 25 bed, 24 hour service delivering support to adults who have multiple and complex needs within a supported accommodation setting. You will support with various aspects within the service, with a focus on providing social contact and company to help enhance quality of life, personal safety, health and security, sustainment of tenancy and improving financial independence. You will support our residents to gain the relevant skills and knowledge to gain greater independence, supporting them back into the community. 

You will be at the forefront of delivering a trauma-informed, person-centred service, supporting individuals through rehabilitation, reablement, and resettlement. This includes assisting with engagement activities, developing support plans, and providing access to appropriate interventions to help residents move towards independence.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Supporting residents to access the resources, tools, and networks they need to achieve their goals.
• Develop, participate in, and encourage residents to participate in the running and development of various projects and activities.
• Promoting independence through life skills training, practical support, and empowerment.
• Recognising and responding to mental and physical health needs and safeguarding concerns.
• Supporting the creation of a safe, welcoming and psychologically informed living environment.
• Carrying out housing management tasks including reporting repairs, maintaining communal areas, and health and safety checks.

About You

We’re looking for someone with a genuine passion and felt purpose to help people, challenge stigma, and make a real difference to people’s lives!
We are looking for a team player, driven to provide high quality care and support to others, an effective communicator who is able to build rapport with others from various backgrounds. You will be compassionate, supportive, and empowering to others, whilst able to form effective, positive and motivational relationships.

• Awareness of external opportunities which are available such as with education, employment and benefits
• Experience working with people with multiple and complex needs
• Ability to show empathy and compassion to our residents, and different challenges they face
• Ability  to motivate, and empower others to achieve their personal goals and overcome barriers
• IT ability to use our online CRM systems and Microsoft programs daily
• Understanding of the different needs people with multiple and complex needs have and be aware of the social marginalisation that can be attached to people who face personal challenges

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. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

About the role:

Step into a role where your drive, resilience and belief in young people can truly change lives. As a Young Person’s Worker across our accommodation services in Islington and Waltham Forest, you will be right alongside young people at risk of homelessness, helping them move from uncertainty towards stability and independence. This is hands on, purposeful work where every day matters, and where your determination can unlock real opportunity for those who need it most.

In this role, you will manage a caseload of young people, building trusted relationships and empowering them to lead their journey forward. You will create and review personalised support and safety plans, support moves into independent accommodation, and help young people take confident steps into education, training or employment. Working within a trauma informed and strengths based approach, you will champion each young person’s goals while developing practical life skills such as budgeting, self care and cooking. You will also support access to essential services including mental health support, housing advice and employment pathways, motivating and coaching young people to take ownership of their futures.

At Single Homeless Project (SHP), you will be part of a tenacious, values driven team that does not shy away from challenge and believes in doing things differently to achieve lasting change. We will support your ambition with ongoing training, development and the chance to grow your career while making a genuine impact. If you are ready to bring your energy, compassion and persistence to a role that truly matters, we would love to hear from you.

About you:

• You bring experience working with young people in the community and in accommodation services.
• Your toolkit includes practical skills in motivation and coaching young people
• Your approach is creative, analytical, trauma-informed and rooted in a strengths and recovery model.
• You can creatively inspire opportunities for our young people to thrive and to develop to their highest potential.
• A non-judgmental approach to working with complex needs young people and to promote a strengths-based approach and an understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion.
• Strong team-working and interpersonal skills, maintaining a collaborative approach to supporting young people achieve the outcomes and goals we support them to set for themselves.

About Us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important Info:

Please note we will be reviewing applications as they are received and progressing those suitable to interview at our Head Office in Kings Cross on an adhoc basis. Therefore please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the advert once suitable candidates are identified. 

Please note there will be a second round of interviews in service for progressed candidates.

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant.

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications requiring sponsorship or with insufficient right to work will not be accepted or progressed.