Key worker jobs in East of england

Are you committed to supporting rough sleepers in finding their way back to stability? As a Reconnection Worker, you will play a vital role in helping individuals temporarily placed in the South-East London sub-region reconnect with their local area and access the services they need to resettle successfully. 

We're growing our amazing team and looking to recruit another fabulous person staff who wants to work alongside people as they reconnect with their pathway out of homelessness.

The Organisation

The 999 Club is a dynamic local charity in Deptford working to end homelessness, one person at a time. If you share our desire to encourage and support people to take personal responsibility for making positive changes in their lives and you want to be part of a service providing opportunities, developing talents and helping to build confidence and self-esteem then come and work with us.

The Reconnection Team

Working alongside the Sub Regional Rough Sleeping Team as part of an evolving pilot scheme the Reconnection Team work with people who are rough sleeping or placed in temporary ‘off the street’ accommodation by Outreach Workers across six London boroughs. Providing information, advocacy and practical, person-centred support they empower clients to take the necessary steps toward resettlement, enabling them to reconnect with their local area and access the services they need to resettle successfully.

The Role

The role involves working both independently and collaboratively as part of a team, ensuring the effective delivery of services tailored to each individual’s circumstances. Based at the 999 Club but travelling throughout Southeast London, you’ll work with a dynamic team dedicated to ending homelessness and making a tangible difference in people’s lives

This role is part of a pilot scheme being run by the Southeast London Sub-Regional Rough Sleeping Coordinator and provides the opportunity to work in different settings alongside teams from several other organisations from the third sector as well as voluntary and statutory services.

Who We’re Looking For

We’re looking for people who like people, who care about doing a good job and want to be part of a dynamic team, providing the best service possible. We want team members with common sense, who are assertive, compassionate, have a sense of humour, a no- nonsense, positive attitude and are looking to make a difference in their community.

Why You Should Apply

This is a really exciting opportunity to join the team as we evolve service delivery, creating clear pathways for people who have different journeys to travel out of homelessness.  If you’re passionate about empowering individuals and have the skills to navigate complex situations with compassion and professionalism, we want to hear from you.

In return we can offer the opportunity to work with a fantastic, inclusive, empowering and respectful team, making a difference to people’s lives.

The post is for an initial period of 12 months working full time, 37.5 hours, Monday to Friday. Start and finish times are flexible, 08:00h-18:00h with core hours between 10:00h-16:00h.

Closing Date 18th May 2026

Interview Date Tuesday 02nd June 2026 - interviews will be in person, on site.

We are opening a new detox centre and are looking for Support Workers to provide safe, compassionate, and practical support to individuals undergoing detoxification in a structured, trauma-informed environment.

Key responsibilities:

• Provide day-to-day support to clients during detox, ensuring safety, dignity, and wellbeing
• Recognise and respond to signs of withdrawal, deterioration, or crisis, escalating concerns appropriately in line with protocol
• Act as a keyworker for allocated clients, offering consistent support and engagement
• Carry out regular welfare checks and monitor clients’ physical and emotional presentation
• Support safeguarding practices and report concerns in line with policy
• Assist with drug and alcohol testing in line with training and procedures
• Support safe medication administration in line with policy and competency assessment, and report any side effects or concerns.
• Follow health & safety, infection control, and lone working procedures at all times.
• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary professionals (e.g. nurses, clinicians, therapists) to ensure safe and effective care.
• Liaise with community services and professionals (e.g. housing, probation, recovery services) to support move-on following detox
• Maintain accurate electronic records and contribute to handovers and team communication
• Support with practical tasks as required, including maintaining clean and safe communal environments

Essential criteria:

• Experience in a support, care, or people-focused role
• Strong verbal and communication skills
• Understanding of safeguarding and willingness to follow safeguarding procedures
• Ability to recognise risk and respond appropriately, including escalation of safeguarding or medical concerns.
• Ability to build professional and supportive relationships with vulnerable individuals
• Willingness to complete mandatory training (e.g. safeguarding, first aid, de-escalation, substance misuse).
• Basic computer literacy and confidence using electronic systems
• Calm, reliable, and compassionate approach, including in challenging situations
• Willingness and ability to work across different shift patterns, including some weekends, as required by the service

Desirable:

• Experience in mental health, substance use, recovery, or related services
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches
• Experience of key-working or supporting individuals with complex needs
• Knowledge of detox or recovery pathways
• Experience liaising with community or statutory services
• Experience working in a multidisciplinary team

We offer:

• Full training and ongoing development with scope for progression
• Supportive team environment
• Regular supervision and reflective practice
• Opportunity to be part of a new and developing detox service

This role requires working shifts, including evenings, weekends, and potentially nights.

Enhanced DBS required.

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Support Worker to join our friendly team and help support the continued work of our LifeSkills Plus team. You will provide intensive support to adults with complex needs who are further away from employment or training by using a strength-based approach, ensuring those accessing the programme receive appropriate practical and emotional support by visiting them at home or in the community.

The LifeSkills programme supports individuals and families to build their confidence, social networks, financial and employability skills. The LifeSkills Support Worker will work closely with the linked LifeSkills programme, entitled LifeSkills Open.

If you are looking for a career in social care and you understand the impact, you can have as a support worker in delivering excellent support we would like to hear from you! We are looking to recruit staff in the Hammersmith & Fulham area.

Job description

Hours: 

Days Full - time – (37.5 hours on a rota basis – Mon-Sun)

Nights Full - time (40 hours – 4 nights per week)

Pay:

Support Workers: £13.85 per hour/ £27,008 per annum (Overtime rate £15.52 per hour)

What does Support Work involve?

As a support worker you will help people with learning disabilities to live safe, fulfilling, and dignified lives in supported accommodation or their own home.  We work on a rota which includes working some weekends, early and late shifts. If you prefer to work nights, we also have some vacancies for waking nights. 

LDN London is currently looking to recruit several Support Workers in the Hammersmith & Fulham area.  The nearest tube station will be Acton Central station.  We need team members that can work flexibly because there will be a need to support people with learning disabilities through the day and night.

People want to be part of the community and to develop independence skills and so understanding the principles of doing with and not for is important.  

You need to be digitally confident in use of Apps and other systems which help people be more independent and tracking progress.

You will be working with people who need assistance with every aspect of daily living, supporting complex health conditions, assisting people with sensory loss and communication challenges as well as with people who are significantly more independent but vulnerable to coercion and control and who may reject support.

You will be part of a large team and working as partners with professionals and families and so your communication skills and level of professionalism must be at the highest level.

Being a team player who can take on additional responsibilities based on a key working model is also a requirement.

Training will be provided. Adherence to our values is core to our recruitment and will be tested through interviews and during probation.

We currently only have vacancies where manual handling is an intrinsic and regular part of the job.

Download our job details which gives further information about the job, the benefits of working for LDN London, our locations, and the skills and knowledge we look for in a support worker.

How to apply

Please take the time to read the job details before applying.

To apply please complete the online application form using the link provided below.

To be successful in this process you must uphold the values and standards we expect in the workplace, including being open and honest throughout and treating the people we support and our staff with dignity and respect. Any failure may lead to the withdrawal of any offer of employment or work.

Closing date:  5:00 pm on Thursday 30 April 2026 - Ref: 828

Note: all successful applicants will be DBS checked and must be able to provide employment or professional references covering the last three years.

Young Carers Male Sessional Worker  

Do you enjoy working with young people? Are you interested in supporting Young Carers by delivering engaging activities that promote wellbeing, reduce isolation and give them a break from their caring responsibilities? 

Then this job is for you! 

Job Title: Young Carers Male Sessional Worker 
Location: London, Wandsworth – Wandsworth Carers’ Centre (office-based and community/outreach) 
Contract Type: Sessional / Zero Hours Contract 
Salary: £15 per hour 
DBS Check: Enhanced required 

We are seeking a male flexible, reliable, and enthusiastic Sessional Worker to support the delivery of services for Young Carers aged 5-16. Due to an increase in trips and off-site activities, and to ensure we provide appropriate support for all young people- particularly our male Young Carers - we are particularly seeking a male sessional worker to join the team. The role involves two key parts. The first is helping to deliver engaging, age-appropriate activities that promote wellbeing, reduce isolation, and give Young Carers a break from their responsibilities. The second is supporting with outreach to local schools, colleges, community settings and professionals to identify and engage Young Carers. 

About The Role: 

You will work across two key age groups- 5-11 and 12–16 - delivering and supervising activities, supporting events and trips, and providing behavioural management where needed. You will deliver awareness training sessions, run stalls and aim to identify and engage Young Carers in the community. You will also help ensure young Carers feel heard, included, and supported as they navigate the challenges of their caring roles. We are particularly looking for a male sessional worker who is available for our upcoming residential trip to the Young Carers Festival on the 26th – 28th June and a day trip to Southend-On-Sea on the 6th June.  This is a sessional role, therefore hours are not guaranteed but will be offered based on project need.

Key Requirements Include: 

• Experience working with children, young people, or vulnerable groups 

• Ability to communicate sensitively and effectively with young people and their families 

• Reliable, punctual, and flexible 

• A strong understanding of professional boundaries and confidentiality 

• Willingness to work evenings and weekends 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusive practice 

About Wandsworth Carers’ Centre: 

We are a busy, ambitious charity operating at the heart of the Wandsworth community since 1995, helping thousands of people across the borough in unpaid Caring roles. We give information and advice, organise respite, offer complementary therapies, deliver training, provide peer support, arrange fun events and much more.  In short, we are the Carer's friend and advocate, often helping Carers through difficult times. 

Wandsworth Carers’ Centre is an inclusive employer. We are committed to building a diverse organisation that represents the communities we serve and ensuring inclusion in everything we do.

Benefits of working for Wandsworth Carers’ Centre:   

Friendly team and working environment, contributory company pension, ongoing training and development opportunities and an employee assistance program.  

Closing date: 15th May 2026

Please note we will be interviewing candidates as suitable applications come in and therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy before the stated closing date. We encourage applications as soon as possible. 

Support engaging weekend sessions that help children and young people with learning disabilities learn, grow and thrive.

Kids Can Achieve (KCA), part of LDN London, is expanding its SEND provision with a new Weekend Club in Ealing. We are looking for enthusiastic, caring and reliable Sessional Play Workers to support weekend sessions for children and young people aged 5–17 with learning disabilities, autism and complex needs.

This is a rewarding and hands-on role where you will directly support children and young people to enjoy activities, build confidence, develop independence and have fun in a safe and inclusive environment.

 Hours

• Flexible sessional role (weekends only)
• Saturday & Sunday sessions (typically between 9:30am – 3:30pm)
• Work can be offered based on your availability
• Opportunity to work additional sessions during school holidays

 Ideal for School Staff

This role is particularly suited to:

· School staff

Looking to:

• Work in a creative, activity-based environment
• Take on flexible weekend work alongside your current role

This opportunity is open to staff currently working within St Ann’s School or local schools.

About the Role

As a Sessional Play Worker, you will:

• Support children and young people in fun, engaging and inclusive activities
• Deliver activities such as sensory play, arts, sports, cooking, games and community outings
• Work on a 1:1 or group basis depending on needs
• Support communication, independence and social development
• Implement support plans and Positive Behaviour Support (PBS) strategies
• Complete observations and daily records using digital systems
• Follow risk assessments and ensure a safe environment

You will embody our core values of Kindness, Choice and Ambition in everything you do.

�� About You

We are looking for someone who:

• Has experience working with children or young people (SEND experience desirable)
• Is positive, patient and enjoys working in a hands-on environment
• Understands or is willing to learn about autism, learning disabilities and complex needs
• Can support children who may display distressed behaviours
• Communicates well
• Is reliable, flexible and able to work as part of a team
• Is committed safe practice

 Why Join KCA?

✔ Be part of a new and exciting Short Breaks provision in Ealing
✔ Make a meaningful difference to children and young people
✔ Work in a supportive and values-driven team
✔ Flexible working to fit around your current role
✔ Opportunities for additional hours and progression

�� Apply Now

If you are passionate about supporting children and young people with learning disabilities and want to be part of a positive and inclusive team, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply:
Please send your CV to the address provided on our website. (Follow the attached link below).

If shortlisted, you will be required to complete a full online application form.

Closing Date: 5:00pm on Wednesday 29 April 2026 – Ref 831

LDN London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. Background checks and an enhanced DBS will be required. You must be 18 or over to apply.

One of two Outreach and Project Workers pivotal to the delivery of an exciting new Women at Risk (WaR) project which will support women at risk of rough sleeping, homelessness and exploitation. Working across key areas of Enfield and Haringey you will, through a combination of nighttime outreach and daytime service provision, be critical to supporting a coordinated response across multiple agencies already engaged in this work.

You will undertake at least twice weekly nighttime outreach, support additional services and existing outreach provision and develop a daytime offer that meets the needs of women engaged through outreach and identified as at high risk of harm and homelessness.   

You will have responsibility for a caseload of women identified through outreach, referral and presentation at ours and other services. You will provide advocacy, casework support and connection and referral into other agencies which can help them address their needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a passionate, high performing team and support the development of a new service which is meeting identified gaps in local provision.

About the role:

165 King’s Cross Road is at the frontline of Camden’s response to rough sleeping. As a 16-bed short stay service, it’s more than accommodation – it’s a critical turning point. As a Resettlement Worker, you will make sure that time spent here leads somewhere meaningful.

You’ll work with people who are navigating multiple disadvantage – including mental and physical health challenges, substance use, and contact with the criminal justice system. Your role is to turn crisis into momentum. Through high-quality assessments, personalised move-on planning and creative problem-solving, you’ll support clients to secure safe, appropriate accommodation and take their next steps towards independence.

Resettlement is not just about finding a room. It’s about widening options, challenging barriers and advocating for people who may struggle to access housing on their own. You’ll build strong relationships with housing providers, the private rented sector and pathway services, navigating local connection rules and housing systems with confidence and persistence.

Your impact will be tangible. Every sustainable move-on frees up a bed for someone in crisis. Every successful tenancy reduces the risk of a return to rough sleeping. This is a role for someone who is organised, proactive and driven by outcomes - someone who believes that short stay should truly mean short stay.

If you’re ready to be part of decisive, coordinated action to end rough sleeping in Camden, we’d love to hear from you.

About you:

• You have experience supporting people facing homelessness and multiple disadvantage, with a strong understanding of the Recovery Model and strengths-based practice.
• You understand housing pathways and/or the private rented sector and can confidently navigate move-on options.
• You are skilled at completing high-quality risk and needs assessments and translating them into clear, SMART resettlement plans.
• You build strong partnerships with statutory and non-statutory services, advocating effectively on behalf of clients.
• You’re organised, confident with recording systems and numeracy tasks (e.g. budgeting, rent accounts, benefit calculations), and able to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced service.

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 and inviting suitable candidates to interview online via Microsoft Teams as applications are received. Therefore, please submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close the advert as soon as a suitable candidate is identified. 

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 with insufficient right to work or requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. 

About the Role

Headway East London is looking for a compassionate and motivated Community Support Worker to support adults living with brain injury across our 13 London borough catchment area. You will support members in their own homes and local communities. This is a varied, people-focused role where you will work one to one in the community, helping individuals live with greater independence, confidence and choice.

You will provide support plans to offer support to manage activities at home, maximise opportunities and choices, support wellbeing and provide advocacy. Find out more about our Community Support Work service here: Community Support Work – Headway East London.

We have 3 available positions, two permanent contracts and a one fixed term contract for 12 months (maternity cover). 

If you want a role where your work genuinely changes lives, makes a real difference every day and aligns with strong charitable values, we would love to hear from you.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

1. Conduct support sessions to a regular caseload of members in the community as a lone worker with remote office assistance.
2. You will work to maximise and maintain their autonomy and independence in their home environment or within the local community.
3. You will work collaboratively with the member to plan, organise and implement daily activities by developing daily and weekly structure and wellbeing plans.
4. You will be responsible for being the first responder, with remote manager support, in the event of any incidents, safeguarding issues or behaviour that challenges during support sessions.
5. Accompany and support members to appointments with health and statutory care providers and provide accurate notes for future reference.
6. Accompany and support members to access social, leisure, educational and vocational activities in the community.
7. Maintain a maximum income for members through completing benefit and grant entitlement and assist with financial budgeting.
8. Provide appropriate and relevant advice, information and advocacy to members and their families. Where appropriate liaise with other professionals and statutory and non-statutory organisations to make referrals or signpost to appropriate support services.
9. Maintain accurate and factual monitoring notes on our online database and report any incidents.
10. Conduct and monitor specific therapy / support / rehabilitation and risk management plans in accordance with case managers, therapists and other cprofessionals as required.

Key Relationships - Internal and External

Internal: Staff within the Service Department, Members (service users) and
their families and carers

External: External partners

Other

Apply the Headway East London values and behaviours to every aspect of the role at all times.

Protect and enhance the interests and reputation of Headway East London internally and externally.

Commit to the organisational principles of: coproduction equity, diversity and inclusion sustainability.

Headway East London is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we are committed to ensuring that all staff are motivated, skilled and rewarded by their work. We welcome applicants regardless of race, religion or belief, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age and other protected status as required by law. We promote and protect human rights; they are the foundation of what we do. We want to be an inclusive place where a diverse mix of talented people want to come and contribute their unique strengths and perspectives. We are focused on equality and believe that all the fascinating characteristics that make us different, make us more able to deliver our life-changing work with passion and creativity.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Peer Support Worker join our Mental Health Social Care Service in Croydon. .

£31,554.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

To support your application, please email a covering letter to , quoting the job title in the subject line.

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
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training

Look Ahead are preparing to deliver two new community services in Croydon supporting people with their mental health in the community. This includes a Mental Health Crisis Prevention & Outreach Service, and a Housing & Social Support Navigation service. This role involves shift work including evenings, weekends and bank holidays, but does not involve working at night after 10:30pm..

What you'll do:

• Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
• Appropriately using the lens of their lived experience to provide boundaried and effective support to people facing similar challenges.
• 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

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

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

Essential:

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

Desirable:

• Lived experience in an area relevant to our customer group (Housing, Mental Health, Complex Needs)

About us:

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

• We focus on Excellence and innovation.
• We are Caring and Compassionate.
• We are Inclusive and Trusted.
• We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Reconnect Worker (London)

Apply for this role if you want to make a real, immediate impact by helping young people and families rebuild relationships, reduce conflict and prevent homelessness before it begins.

Location: Sherborne House, London

Salary: £31,443 per annum

Closing Date: 05 May, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Join us as a Reconnect Worker and help prevent youth homelessness by supporting young people and families experiencing conflict or crisis. You’ll deliver focused mediation and personalised family support across London—working with young people aged 11–25 in schools, emergency placements, and Depaul services to strengthen relationships, improve communication and reduce the risk of homelessness. Your work will be grounded in detailed assessments, collaborative support planning and strengths‑based interventions that help families rebuild stability and stay connected.

In this flexible, fast‑paced role, you’ll manage a small caseload, work independently across multiple locations and build strong partnerships with schools, local authorities, Nightstop hosts and colleagues across Depaul. You’ll maintain clear, accurate records, contribute to safeguarding processes and advocate for young people when needed. Your creativity, impartiality and ability to engage families in challenging moments will be key as you help define and strengthen Depaul’s national approach to family mediation and homelessness prevention.

Please note that this role is offered as a full-time (37.5 hours per week) permanent basis.

In this role, you will:

• Provide focused family support and mediation to young people aged 11–25 and their families experiencing conflict or breakdown.

• Manage a small caseload, completing risk assessments, needs assessments and structured support plans that drive measurable outcomes.

• Work across schools, Nightstop placements and Depaul services to stabilise situations and reduce the risk of homelessness.

• Build strong partnerships with local authorities, schools and external agencies to strengthen referral pathways and holistic support.

• Maintain clear, accurate case records and follow all safeguarding, EDI, health and safety and lone‑working procedures.

• Advocate for young people and families when safeguarding concerns arise, ensuring safety and appropriate escalation.

• Work independently across multiple London locations, prioritising tasks and managing time effectively.

• Contribute to Depaul’s national prevention approach through peer learning, reflective practice and continuous service development.

About You (What we are looking for from you – Person Specification)

When completing your application form please address all the points set out below.

Essential

• Significant experience working with young people and families in crisis; reflective, creative and solution focused in your approach and committed to working in an assets based way.

• To hold or complete a Level 4 Interpersonal Mediation Practitioner’s Certificate (IMPC). Training will be provided if candidate doesn’t hold the qualification but training will have to be completed before the end of the probation period.

• Experience of working independently and managing own caseload; self-motivated and able to prioritize tasks and carry out efficient organisation and administration.

• Experience of carrying out risk and needs assessments and support planning for clients.

• Ability to develop strong, collaborative and productive relationships with colleagues and key external agencies, promoting the value of our work and its impact on families.

• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain impartiality

• Willingness and ability to travel independently and work from a number of different locations across the London region.

• Commitment to working in a manner, which promotes diversity and equality ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one, suffers from discrimination.

Desirable

In order to attract the higher salary banding you will need:

• Demonstrable experience providing effective mediation services to families experiencing conflict

• Hold an accredited Interpersonal Mediation Certificate

• An in-depth understanding of issues relating to youth homelessness

• Independently manage and maintain a full caseload of families (15-20 families per FTE, or as identified by the service manager).

• Evidence through case recording, support planning and outcome monitoring that families are being supported effectively to make progress against the relevant national outcomes and that mediation is being used confidently and effectively to support this, when appropriate.

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development

• Flexible working options where suitable

• 26 days annual leave, rising with service

• Family‑friendly leave policies

• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%

• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access

• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more

• Cash health plan for you and your family

• Death‑in‑service benefit

• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.

We're looking for Kind, proactive and resilient Specialist Support Workers to join our Mental Health service in Croydon.

£34,186.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

What you'll do:
* 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
* Provide support and access to relevant services to enable customers to continue their recovery and empower customers to self-manage their medication regimes through individual re-enablement programmes and informed decision making
* Undertake support work in partnership with external stakeholders to compliment their interventions
* Developing productive relationships with partner organisations to improve service outcomes
* Demonstrate strong commitment to the functioning of the staff team and to support colleagues in providing a high level of service and safety to customers
* Involving customers in the design, development and delivery of the service
* Adhering to lone working protocols and maintaining high levels of awareness in relation to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues

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
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
* Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
* Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
* Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
* Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some or equivalent sector work experience

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

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.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see our website for the full Job Description

The Charity and Our Vision.  

For over 15 years, Scotty's Little Soldiers has been supporting children and young people who have been bereaved of a parent who served in the British Armed Forces.  We are about to embark on an exciting journey which will see the charity evolve to support anyone affected by a military-connected bereavement and ultimately empower a community of more than 25,000 bereaved individuals and their families by 2035. 

Founded in 2010 by Nikki Scott following the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, the charity currently offers a unique blend of emotional, practical, and educational support to over 750 young people.  

We are proud of our vibrant, non-traditional culture, which puts the needs of bereaved children and young people at the heart of everything we do. We embrace innovative approaches, are committed to creating smiles and believe in the power of community, resilience, and connection.   

Role Mission. 

To be an integral part of the delivery of Scotty’s new navigating entitlements casework (START) Programme, a single point of contact service designed to support anyone affected by military-connected bereavement. 

This is a hands-on, and vital role within a brand new team. You’ll be the first step in ensuring that everyone in the bereaved military community receives compassionate, personalised, and well-coordinated support. 

The key responsibilities of this role are:  

Service Design & Delivery  

Working closely with the Head of START, contribute to the planning and rollout of the START Programme  

In many cases be the first port of call for Scotty’s families, and be a welcoming and inclusive contact for all those families

Implement the new service model, workflows, triage process and beneficiary journey 

Ensure the service you deliver is trauma-informed, inclusive, and responsive to beneficiary feedback 

Manage your own caseload with support from Head of START programme 

Team Leadership & Development  

Once your experience has grown, provide peer support to any further caseworkers joining the team in 2027 and beyond (depending on demand) 

Ensure an ongoing focus on your own learning and development, always creating space for reflective practice  

Ensure that you live the culture that reflects The Scotty’s Way and encourages your own personal growth

 Be an active part of the wider Families team contributing to Daily Huddles and team plans and objectives 

Collaboration & Partnership  

Build and maintain, alongside the Head of START strong referral pathways with external organisations (military & non-military charities, NHS, social care) 

Build your expertise on navigating entitlements for the bereaved community to ensure that Scotty’s families receive the best possible support. 

Work collaboratively with other Programme teams to ensure consistency, shared learning & efficient internal referrals 

Monitoring & Evaluation  

Ensure that you are reporting consistently on beneficiary engagement, support outcomes, and follow-up actions 

Work with your direct support to use evidence and insights gathered to adapt and improve the service over time 

Ensure CRM records are complete, accurate, so they can be used to inform delivery decisions  

Contribution to Charity-Wide Goals  

Feed into cross-functional projects including Outreach, Fundraising, and Strategy 

Act as a representative of Scotty’s at sector events or external meetings where appropriate 

Support content development by sharing anonymised stories, insights, and themes  

The 30-day goals for this role are: 

Built a deep understanding of Scotty’s mission, our audience, the services we provide, and strategic direction. 

Worked closely with the Head of START and other programme Heads to understand the history of Scotty’s helping families navigate entitlements, including reviewing current and recent cases.  

Become familiar with the key stakeholders, partners and organisations (including statutory, charitable and others) for casework in the START Programme.  

The 60-day goals for this role are: 

Built confidence and knowledge around the START programme aims and objectives, and the needs of Scotty families.  

Supported the Head of START to implement the new casework programme and beneficiary journeys.   

Built understanding of the processes that are in place to monitor the outcomes and impact of the new START Programme. 

Contributed to the design of a light CRM for initial use in START casework.   

Supported the development of and started to build understanding of the necessary processes and procedures for casework including safeguarding, triage, wait time limits etc.   

Started the training plan for new START caseworkers.  

The 90-day goals for this role are: 

Supported the launch of the new START Programme alongside Scotty’s team members.   

Welcomed the first families to Casework following the processes and framework that the Head of START has implemented.   

Worked with the Head of START to set a clear plan for the remainder of 2026 and beyond for the START programme, establishing it as a quality Scotty’s service for families.  

Starting to provide outcomes and data that enable the programme’s outcomes to be evidenced. 

About You: 

Must-Have 

Experience in service delivery, casework, and personalised support services 

Ability to work independently and manage a busy, varied caseload 

A compassionate and person-centred approach to casework 

Excellent organisational and communication skills 

A clear understanding of safeguarding vulnerable adults 

Nice-to-Have  

Familiarity with military family life or bereavement support 

Background in information, advice and guidance within the charity or statutory sector 

An understanding of the importance of service co-design with users or lived experience groups 

Additional Information

The role will require some evening or weekend work

Enhanced DBS check required

Travel will be required to events and team training days

The Scotty’s Way

At Scotty’s, our personal performance is only 50% of what success looks like. Our culture is equally important. When you join our team, you sign up to The Scotty’s Way, rooted in our four core values:

Families Come First

Everyone a Supporter, Every Supporter a VIP

Love What You Do

Remember, Every Day

Our values are further supported by our four non-negotiable behaviours of Show Respect, Speak Up, Take Ownership and Actively Collaborate. We are looking for an individual who embodies these values and behaviours.

Closing date: 15th May 2026. Due to resource and time constraints, we are unfortunately unable to provide feedback for every application received and will only contact candidates shortlisted for an interview. 

Thank you for your interest in joining our team, we are an equal opportunities employer, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all employees are treated with respect and given equal opportunities for employment and advancement.

We do not discriminate based on race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability or any other protected characteristic.

We encourage all qualified individuals to apply for employment within our charity, and we provide a fair and inclusive recruitment process for all candidates.

Young People Support Worker

If you are the successful candidate, you will be joining a very tight-knit & supportive team that works tirelessly to ensure some of the most vulnerable individuals in the borough are well-cared for.

Location - Lambeth - Lambeth YP Assessment Time Out

Salary: £29,336 per annum

Closing Date: 05 May, 2026

Employment Type: Permanent

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

You’ll play a vital part in delivering our mission: tackling homelessness, widening opportunity and championing fairness. Whatever your specialism, you’ll help create a safe, inclusive and empowering environment where people can thrive and move forward with confidence.

As a Young People Support Worker (London), you will provide practical, emotional, and goal-focused support to young people, helping them develop the skills, confidence, and resilience needed to move towards independent living.

You will manage a caseload of young people with a range of support needs, building trusted relationships and delivering structured, person-centred support plans. The role involves supporting young people through key transitions, including leaving care, sustaining accommodation, and accessing education, training, or employment.

Your work will be underpinned by the Depaul Endeavour Model, an assets-based and psychologically informed approach, ensuring young people are supported to build on their strengths and achieve positive outcomes.

In this role, you will:

• Provide safe, supportive accommodation and champion the wellbeing of every client.

• Deliver personalised support plans that empower individuals to achieve independence.

• Build positive, respectful relationships with colleagues, partners and the people we support.

• Encourage participation in education, training, employment, and volunteering opportunities.

• Contribute to a positive team culture and maintain a safe, welcoming environment.

• Commit to continuous learning and uphold Depaul’s values of respect, inclusion, and action.

About You

You believe in people — their strengths, their rights and their potential. You bring empathy, energy and a solution‑focused mindset to your work. You communicate clearly, stay organised and adapt well in a fast‑moving environment. You’re committed to inclusion, fairness and continuous learning, and you turn values into meaningful action, whatever your role.

What You’ll Receive

• Tailored training and development

• Flexible working options where suitable

• 26 days annual leave, rising with service

• Family‑friendly leave policies

• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7%

• Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 GP access

• Discounts across retail, travel, food, fitness and more

• Cash health plan for you and your family

• Death‑in‑service benefit

• Access to legal and practical support

Safer Recruitment

Depaul UK is committed to fair and inclusive recruitment, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. If a role requires it under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975, we will carry out the appropriate Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) check. We only look at information that is relevant to the role, and a criminal record will never be treated as an automatic barrier to employment. All DBS information is handled sensitively, confidentially and in line with the DBS Code of Practice, and we encourage applicants to discuss any concerns with us openly.

About Depaul UK

In the 1980s, high unemployment and steep inflation was contributing to a shocking rise in youth homelessness across London. Thousands of young people were sleeping rough every night, with many areas notoriously dubbed “cardboard cities” due to the visible rise in street homelessness. Appalled by the scenes playing out across the capital, a group of people came together to tackle the challenge head on. Led by Cardinal Basil Hume and Mark McGreevy OBE, in 1989 Depaul UK was born.

What began as a single housing project in North London soon expanded across London, Greater Manchester and the North East of England. Today, Depaul UK provides accommodation, prevention and support services to thousands of marginalised young people across the UK each year.

As our name suggests, the work of Depaul UK has been inspired by St. Vincent de Paul – a man who devoted his life to helping vast numbers of people throughout the 17th century. St. Vincent de Paul’s belief in the intrinsic worth of all people and his commitment to taking bold action remain central to our values today. Depaul UK now forms part of a family of Depaul charities around the world. We each focus on the specific challenges in our own countries, but we’re united by our shared values and mission to end homelessness.