Key worker jobs in high wycombe, buckinghamshire

Job Purpose

This role sits within our Adult Services, across Hammersmith, Fulham, Ealing, Hounslow. You will be responsible for the operational delivery and service development, of a portfolio of services. Namely (but subject to change):

• Safe Space Community Drop In Service 
• Hounslow Helpline
• Nova Roots (Forensic Community Hub)

One large service you will be responsible for is our crisis alternative service – Safe Space - which is a tri-borough core and out of hours service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed and experiencing crisis. The service operates 365 days a year from 14:00-22:00 across all of our boroughs. You will be responsible for managing peripatetic teams: we currently have 3x in person Safe Spaces, a Helpline and a Forensic Community You’re your portfolio may expand as new services are acquired.

Our aim of the service is to keep individuals well in the community and prevent readmission into hospital. The service operates 365 days a year from 14:00-22:00pm across all of our boroughs.

Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone or virtual on a one-to-one basis to individuals experiencing mental health crisis or preventing crisis. 

The objectives of the service include: 

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health and social crisis in HFEH. 

• To proactively work with keeping people well in the community to reduce re-admitters into hospitals by working with WL NHS teams (e.g. discharge, LPS, CATT, MINT and SPA) 

• To provide a true alternative to A&E via a non-clinical drop-in service to support clients 

• To provide support to clients accessing the service- for instance: signposting, de-escalation and crisis recovery planning. 

• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing. 

• To remain a source of independent support for all clients. 

• To treat service users with respect, dignity and personalised support 

• To raise awareness of mental health services available with the goal to improve long term mental health and reduce social isolation 

• To increase self-management skills of those accessing the service 

• To reduce the use of police, ambulance and statutory mental health services whilst experiencing crisis via a drop-in service. 

• To reduce the use of statutory crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual. 

The Role

The role of the Crisis Alternative Service Manager will provide operational management, mobilisation and service development of all Crisis’ Services within Adult Services. The ideal candidate will have experience of mobilising and developing high quality, large services. In addition to managing and supporting staff working within challenging environments and experience of working with challenging behaviour and complex needs. The Service Manager will hold all operational risk.

Excellent organisation and decision-making skills are essential for this role, as it requires being able to manage time effectively to meet tight deadlines and work unsupervised during evenings and weekends. You will also be required to be rostered into the on-call rota.

The Crisis Alternative Service Manager will be required to work collaboratively with the Director of Adult Services and will be proficient at communicating effectively with staff at all levels, a wide range of key stakeholders and service users. They will ensure the service is well resourced from a staffing perspective and embed high-quality operational plans and processes. The Service Manager will also be expected to build and sustain working relationships with statutory services and represent HFEH Mind at external meetings.

They will be responsible for the delivery, progression and continual improvement of the service. They will have responsibility for ensuring Crisis Services operate in line with organisational H&S processes and procedures, HFEH Mind policies and CQC requirements

Key Responsibilities

· To oversee the management of the Crisis Alternative Drop-in Services and other services, in line with organisational values and service quality expectations.

· To ensure all risks are recognised and mitigated in line with the serious incident and safeguarding policies.

· To ensure safe working and risk management

· To ensure feedback is provided on risk mitigation through serious incident reports.

· To continually drive enhancements to operational effectiveness and maximise outcomes against targets (key performance indicators)

· To complete audits and high quality reports for senior internal and external stakeholders

· To ensure interpret performance and impact data for crisis services and be responsible for reporting against service targets

· To provide effective line management supervision to Team Managers, Senior Support workers and Support Workers where applicable.

· To collaborate with the Director of Adult Services and the Head of HR to deal with performance management/disciplinary issues confidently and effectively in accordance with organisational policies and procedures.

· To mobilise the crisis services in line with agreed project plans and ensure they are promoted and marketed well.

· To pro-actively develop relationships with external stakeholders in order to improve and develop crisis provision for people with mental health needs.

· To develop robust referral routes and pathways into the service with both statutory and non-statutory bodies.

· To ensure excellence in the recruitment, training and ongoing support of staff and volunteers where applicable.

· To support the Deputy Manager, Team Managers to ensure adequate and appropriate staffing at all times within the service.

· To ensure high levels of meaningful service user involvement in service provision, responding to the needs of service users locally.

· Work collaboratively with West London Mental Health Trust staff to support, develop and promote both the service.

· Establish excellent working relationships with core and out-of-hours services such as Emergency Services, Crisis Teams and GPs, around inward and outward referrals.

· Ensure quality and compliance (in line with CQC standards, NICE guidelines, MQM and other relevant standards)

·        Work within HFEH Mind’s policies and procedures including; Performance Management, Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Equal Opportunities, Service User Involvement, Health & Safety, GDPR and Professional Boundaries.

· To embed all operational policies across managed services in line with a consistent organisational approach.

· Ensure service users satisfaction surveys are undertaken.

· Ensure data and qualitative information is collected, collated and communicated to key partners and key stakeholders, as required and directed by the Director of Adult Services.

· Ensure that all managed services are effectively informed by service user feedback.

· Keep up to date with best practice and contribute to the continuous improvement of the service.

· Monitor the quality of the service and ensure appropriate data is collected (in line with GDPR) to monitor outputs and outcomes.

· Produce regular service summary reports.

· To be rostered on the on-call rota

· Undertake such duties not included in the job description as are reasonably requested by the Director of Adult Services

Person Specification

· A minimum of three years managing a crisis service or similar setting with high complexity and high incident rates

· Experience of managing and mitigating risks

· Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children

· Understanding of how to report and mitigate risks

· Understanding of suicide prevention

· Understanding of trauma informed care

· Understanding of mental health and safety planning

· An understanding of CQC requirements for mental health

· Managing services for vulnerable people in a service delivery organisation.

· Excellent people and project management skills and significant experience of supporting and managing staff.

· Experience of working in the voluntary sector and/or statutory services

· Experience of motivating, developing and training staff

· Successful track record in performance management of staff

· Experience of creating and implementing safety and risk policies and procedures.

· Compiling and interpreting performance data and reporting against service targets.

· Successful track record in planning and project management.

· Experience of report writing and presentation.

· Supporting people with mental health problems.

· Knowledge of and empathy for the issues facing people with mental health problems.

· Knowledge of the day-to-day application of relevant legislation e.g., Health and Safety.

· Understanding of the principles of ensuring safe service provision for people at risk and how these are put into practice.

· Knowledge and understanding of the relevant statutory authorities including NHS and social care.

· Excellent communication skills and able to communicate effectively to a variety of audiences.

· Commitment to service user involvement and able to work with service user groups to develop this. 

· Is committed to working in an anti-oppressive way and striving to create equal opportunities for all people.

· Clear understanding of Equality, Equity, Diversity and inclusion organisational approach

· Commitment to working within the policies of HFEH Mind including confidentiality and safeguarding.

· Positive attitude, passionate about working for HFEH Mind and able to inspire people to higher levels of performance.

· Team player and able to form positive, professional relationships with staff at all levels.

· Able to work effectively with a range of external stakeholders to promote and develop the service.

· Strong organisational skills and able to take control of own workload and meet deadlines.

· Ability to work independently with minimum support.

· Confident in challenging poor performance assertively, constructively and successfully.

· High professional standards and the ability to communicate these clearly to others.

· IT literate to aid communication and analysis of data.

· Willing to undertake training and development.

· Ability to travel to multiple sites

Desirable:

· Mental health registration (nurse/doctor/therapist etc)

· Mental health qualification

· Has a full driving licence and use of own vehicle (desirable, not essential)

· Experience of working with databases such as Views, IAPTUS, Rio and Python

· Project management qualification

We are an equal opportunities employer; and are proud to employ a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified persons from all backgrounds.

Post is subject to an enhanced DBS check

Family Support Foster Carer

Overview

The family support foster carers (FSFCs) mentor their families and offer short breaks for children, offering stability and giving parents time to address their challenges with support. They provide feedback on their involvement with the families during review meetings.

The FSFCs could be experienced foster carers within the service who want to develop their skills and explore a new opportunity within fostering. Alternatively, they can be recruited specifically to this role in SUSD but must gain approval prior to commencing in the role. Is it imperative that the FSFCs have the skills and commitment to working with both parents and children as part of the SUSD programme. A role description for the FSFC is included in this pack.

Role and Responsibilities

The key aspects of the role are to

• provide weekly mentoring support for parents who are referred to SUSD. There is maximum caseload of 4 families at any one time.
• support the family to set and review goals, using our Person Centred Planning app.
• provide one planned short break each month for each referred child.
• offer crisis response support to families in the form of phone calls, visits or crisis short breaks.
• attend training provided by The Fostering Network & the Local Authority, enabling the FSFC to provide training and support to families.
• help with family activities, such as outings, family activities, summer schemes and residentials

The Family Support Foster Carer will be required to record details of the support provided, sharing with the supervising social worker as appropriate. During weeks that the FSFC has attend a review or support meeting for a family, they will not be required to complete another mentoring session with that family.

Working with parents and families

Families are referred to Step Up Step Down by their social worker. The scheme is voluntary, and families are empowered to decide whether they want the support. SUSD support has 4 primary aspects:

• mentoring for parents
• short breaks for children
• family activities
• community supports.

SUSD Mentoring Sessions are based upon areas of identified need. These are decided through the referral process and the initial planning meeting and are reviewed every three months throughout the duration of SUSD support. The key areas of support are: Routines, Budgeting, Healthy Living, Mental and Physical Wellbeing, Behaviour Management, Access to supports, Family Relationships, Dealing with Crisis Situations, Play and Stimulation.

The FSFC will also be required to give updates and share progress at review meetings. Information required will be:

• number of parent mentoring sessions since the previous SUSD review (including cancelations), and details of the work covered with the parent;
• number of short breaks since the previous review, and details of activities;
• any and all other support given to the family.

Support for the Family Support Foster Carer

Personal development and self-care is important, as we know that the best supporters are well supported themselves. There are several ways that SUSD will support the FSFCs.

• There will be regular supervision where they can discuss complex cases or raise any issues.
• FSFCs will be encouraged to attend training that will support them in the role, and to take an active role in identifying what this training should be.
• Quarterly carer support sessions are organised to enable the FSFCs & other SUSD team members to meet and learn from each other.
• FSFCs are also encouraged to form informal peer support networks.

Service: Children's Services

Salary: To receive a minimum allowance of £19,700, up to a maximum of £32,700 per annum

Please note, this is a self employed role and you will receive a weekly allowance. As a registered foster carer you will qualify for Qualifiying Care Relief and can earn up to £18,000 before paying tax.

Our amazing team at Alana House - PACT are looking for Key Workers to join our Womens Community project.  Full time or part time applicants are welcomed to apply.

Could you make a lasting difference to women facing multiple disadvantages? Our award winning trauma recovery service empowers and enables women to access the support they need.  Our service covers Reading, Berkshire, Oxford City and South Oxfordshire.

Position: Womens Community Project Key Worker

Location: Based in central Reading.  The role requires travel across Berkshire, Oxford City and South Oxfordshire, the post holder must hold a full UK drivers license with access to own transport

Contract: Permanent full time – 37 hours per week Monday to Friday.  Part time hours will also be considered

Salary: Starting salary in the range of £25,734 to £31,453 per annum, depending on skills and experience (pro rata if part time)

Having regard to the nature and context of the work, there is a genuine occupational requirement permitted under the Equality Act 2010 that this post is only available to female applicants.

About the role:

As a Key Worker at Alana House, you will hold a case load of women and be involved in one to one work support work and group based sessions.  Your Key Worker responsibilities will include:

· regularly meet with women to provide dedicated emotional and practical support

· complete initial assessments of risk and need, and provide one-to-one support across rehabilitative pathways

· create and review support plans in collaboration with the woman, and other agencies

· facilitate and deliver group-based support

About you:

As a Key Worker, you’ll bring an in depth knowledge of issues facing women with multiple disadvantages, including those with convictions and those at risk of offending.  You’ll also have significant experience of supporting women with issues such as homelessness, substance misuse, domestic abuse and mental health, preferably within a criminal justice setting.

If this sounds like you then visit our website to apply today to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful. Contact details for an informal discussion about the role can also be found on our website.

Early applications are encouraged as we may close this vacancy on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is found.

Closing date: Midday, Wednesday 14 May 2025

Interview dates: Wednesday 07 and Friday 23 May 2025

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Family Support Worker, Family Key Worker, Womens Support Worker, Womens Key Worker, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Key Worker, Recovery Worker, Assistant Support Worker, Assistant Key Worker, IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, ISVA Independent Sexual Violence Advocate, Probation Services Officer, 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.

We are seeking to recruit a highly skilled Key Worker for our Key Worker Service in East Berkshire. The role will be diverse and service user centred and would suit someone with significant experience in supporting young people and young adults with Autism and Learning Disabilities and their families.

The day to day work will involve a flexible approach to coordination and direct support for the young person and their family, as well as providing responsive communication at times of increased need. This is an exciting role which allows for the Key Worker to support families to navigate the system whilst advocating for them and ensuring that their voice is heard.

There will be opportunities for collaboration and co-production and our vision is to provide young person and family centered support, whilst influencing system change to achieve better outcomes for more children,  young people and adults under the age of 25.

The service will be provided across the entire East Berkshire footprint covering: Slough, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Bracknell Forest.Although the team will be “virtual”, there will be frequent (weekly) travel within and across the East Berkshire area, therefore being a car driver with access to a car is essential, as well as being based near the local area. 

The Key Working Function has been developed as a response to the NHS England & NHS Improvement Long Term Plan (LTP) commitment that by 2023/24, children and young people with a learning disability, autism, or both, with the most complex needs will have a designated Key Worker, applying the recommendations made by Dame Christine Lenehan in ‘These are our Children'. The East Berkshire Key Worker Service has been established since 2023 and has developed and evolved over this time. 

We are looking for someone who:

• has significant experience of working with individuals with Learning Disabilities and/or who are Autistic and their families.
• has an understanding of mental health and how this may impact this service user group 
• Is tenacious and passionate about advocating for our families, whilst respectfully challenging professionals and working collaboratively with other agencies
• Able to complete frequent visits to service users and have the ability to be flexible to complete visits/meetings at short notice within working hours across the East Berkshire area

A Barnardo's Project Worker 3 job description and person specification is attached to the advert for this role. This is a generic role description in use throughout the organisation to cover all roles at the given salary band. The Additional Information Sheet outlines the specific responsibilities, skills and experience required and it is important that you read this carefully before you apply.

When completing your application form, please refer to the skills, knowledge and experience required as detailed in the Person Specification and also in the Additional Information Sheet. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

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

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

Job Purpose

• This role sits within our crisis alternative service, Safe Space, which is a core and out of hours service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed and experiencing crisis. Our aim of the service is to keep individuals well in the community and prevent readmission into hospital. The service operates 365 days a year from 14:00-22:00pm across all our boroughs.
• Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone or virtual on a one-to-one basis to individuals experiencing mental health crisis or preventing crisis.
• The objectives of the service include:
• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health and social crisis in HFEH.
• To proactively work with keeping people well in the community to reduce re-admitters into hospitals by working with WL NHS teams (e.g. discharge, LPS, CATT, MINT and SPA)
• To provide a true alternative to A&E via a non-clinical drop-in service to support clients
• To provide support to clients accessing the service- for instance: signposting, de-escalation and crisis recovery planning.
• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To treat service users with respect, dignity and personalised support
• To raise awareness of mental health services available with the goal to improve long term mental health and reduce social isolation
• To increase self-management skills of those accessing the service
• To reduce the use of police, ambulance and statutory mental health services whilst experiencing crisis via a drop-in service.
• To reduce the use of statutory crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.

The Role

The role of the senior support worker is to support the team manager with the smooth running of the allocated site and staff; supporting development and rest of the team including volunteer recruiting, induction (training and development) and supervision. Senior support worker will also lead in delivering interventions on a one-to-one. The role will also involve triaging and assessing all clients accessing the service, signposting and delivering collaborative self-management plans with clients to improve mental wellbeing. The role will include deputising for the team manager where applicable including debriefing and providing support to the team.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.
• Understanding of risk and risk management
• Understanding safeguarding adults and children processes and legal requirements
• Working closely with re-admitters and clients being discharged through the drop-in service on a weekly basis
• Responsible for keeping allocated site to a high standard and reporting any health and safety concerns
• To work autonomously in a fast-paced environment and under pressure
• To attend all mandatory training including safeguarding and GDPR.
• Good time keeping skills - Essential
• To attend and contribute at weekly team meetings
• This role will be considered a key worker role
• Understanding of safety planning and de-escalation
• Experience of working with challenging behaviour
• Working collaboratively with clients to understand their needs and developing flexible and realistic crisis support packages/person centred plans
• Promoting people’ rights and responsibilities
• Considering each person as an individual
• Listening to clients and encouraging positive steps towards self-management of crisis and recovery
• Providing advice, information, practical and emotional support to clients
• Proactively recognising the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitate appropriate action, whilst liaising with relevant agencies e.g. CATT, Emergency Duty Teams, CMHTS, etc
• Engaging with clients to show empathy, inspire hope and promote recovery
• Establishing supportive, empowering and respectful relationships with clients and carers/ family
• Maintaining accurate records, detailing interventions
• Ensuring that outcomes, outputs and impact are recorded
• Understanding CQC standards and NICE guidelines around mental health
• Providing administrative support to the team
• Overseeing and provide shadowing to new staff members and volunteers
• Attend reflective practice, peer debriefing and line management supervision
• Maintaining good working relationships with partner agencies
• Actively participate in training and development
• Provide guidance to support workers and volunteers
• To work with team managers and assist with reporting and monitoring
•  

Person Specification

• Minimum of 1 year working in mental health services and with clients experiencing mental health distress and crisis
• Experience of contributing to multi-disciplinary teams
• Experience of de-escalation
• Experience of managing challenging behaviour and dealing with clients with complex needs
• Evidence of continual professional development
• Understanding of the Recovery Model in mental health
• Understanding of the principles of trauma informed care
• Understanding of suicide prevention and safety planning
• Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children
• Understanding of how to report and mitigate risks
• Understanding of the relationship between mental health and social issues and how these issues may impact on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
• Understanding of relevant legislation and policies
• Understanding safeguarding adults and children processes and legal requirements
• Awareness of issues in mental health service provision
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload
• Ability to involve clients and carers in all aspects of work
• Empathy and non-judgemental approach
• Good communication skills
• Capacity to work within an agreed shift pattern
• Experience of delivering information and advice (housing, benefits, debt etc)
• Experience of non-clinical, therapeutic interventions like psychoeducation
• Good IT skills including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint, with proven ability to input and extract information and produce reports
• Understanding of different databases such as Views, Salesforce and NHS
• Car driver with sole ownership of a vehicle and ability to travel to multiple locations (e.g. NHS sites and community sites) would be essential.
• Ability to work out of hours and on weekends at multiple locations including NHS sites and community sites

Location: Home based

Contract: Fixed term until 31 March 2026 – Full time 35hrs per week

Salary: £27,250 gross per annum

Closing Date: 26th May 2025

Interview: Interviews to be held 5th June 2025

Are you looking for a new opportunity?

The Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC) is a vibrant and growing charity delivering life changing nautical adventure for young people through the Sea Cadets to give them the best possible head start in life. We also provide personal and professional development opportunities for seafarers with the Marine Society. Working with our staff, cadets, and volunteers, we have built a vision and five-year strategy to take us forward and further improve the astounding contribution already made through our work to the lives of thousands of young people and seafarers, while fully supporting our volunteers who are vital to our success.

We are currently looking for a Growth and Development Worker based in England to join our team. This is an externally funded post which will be focused on opening new provision and supporting existing provision in order to reduce waiting lists within specific funding areas. This is a very varied and rewarding role that requires someone who is self-motivated, organised, creative, tenacious, positive, IT competent and with a real interest in people. You need to be able to coach, empower and inspire our volunteers and cadets, both in person and remotely, to grow the Sea Cadets.

Responsibilities

• Delivering a variety of training sessions on, for example, recruitment of cadets and volunteers
• Developing new growth and recruitment tools and ideas
• Promoting flexible volunteering and the volunteer strategy
• Assisting with running our social media accounts
• Working with and empowering our volunteers to develop plans for growth
• Planning and setting up Juniors Sections in new and existing locations/units
• Delivering assemblies in schools
• Forming part of various working groups with colleagues to develop the tools, resources and processes needed to increase the positive impact of the Growth and Development team.
• Supporting the delivery of funded outreach projects

Requirements

• Previous experience of working with volunteers
• Experience delivering on multiple project plans simultaneously
• Ability to build and maintain excellent relationships with a variety of stakeholders remotely and face-to-face
• Experience delivering workshops and/or training
• Self-motivated and able to manage your time and workload effectively
• Flexible and enthusiastic
• Able to work as a team player with creative ideas and solutions who will empower our volunteers to make a difference to the lives of even more young people across the UK

For further information, please download the Recruitment Pack attached.

Benefits

• Flexible Working hours and a hybrid culture
• Cycle to work scheme and Season Ticket Loan
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Life assurance (4x salary) for those that join the pension
• Private medical insurance
• Pension (employer contribution up to 10%)
• Wellbeing portal and EAP with 121 counselling
• Employee development: We are investing in our employees' development and have an annual calendar of learning and development opportunities, designed to support employees to develop into their roles and stretch them to achieve their full potential.
• National staff conference: All employees come together once a year to reflect on the past year and celebrate success at our offsite staff conference. This is a great opportunity to listen to employees' views, and for employees to network, share information and socialise.

If you are interested in this Growth and Development vacancy, please apply now!

Additional Information

MSSC positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates from all backgrounds. Equity, diversity, and inclusion really matters to us, so we can best serve our beneficiaries from every community. We work to ensure a fair and consistent recruitment process and aim to be a charity where diversity of experience, identity and skills are valued and welcomed. MSSC is an equal opportunities employer.

We recognise our responsibilities to safeguard and protect the young people and vulnerable adults with whom we work. We do all we can to promote their health, safety and wellbeing, and we expect our staff to share this commitment and work in line with safeguarding policy, the MSSC’s values and ethos of inclusivity. We adhere to safer recruitment practices and therefore employment is subject to detailed pre-employment checks for successful candidates, including references and criminal disclosure checks and the completion of a disclosure questionnaire.

All successful applicants are required to attend safeguarding training and undergo a criminal record check.

Community Based/Home Working – West Midlands

Permanent, Full Time

Circa £30,000 plus competitive benefits

Do you want to make a difference?

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the leading welfare charity for the RAF. Every year we make a real difference to over 40,000 people who benefit from our services. Working at the Fund is more than sitting at your desk ad in this role you will have the opportunity to be part of our RAF Family.  Alongside helping our beneficiaries, we also get to hang out with Spitfires and Typhoons, take part in a Dambusters bike ride, attend events like Royal Ascot, the Chelsea Flower Show, and the Bomber Command Memorial Service. Every day you will make a difference and play your part in changing the lives of others and helping people in the RAF Family get through the toughest of times.

It doesn’t matter how long someone served or when. If they were part of the RAF, they and their family are part of our RAF Family. We will always be here to support them when they need it most.

Join the RAF Family and play your part in making a difference.

Do you want to play a part in what we do?

People are at the heart of what we do. Together we:

· Help reduce social isolation and loneliness among veterans. 

· We support ill or injured men and women to have a safe place to call home, a home that meets their specific needs.

· We fund youth services on stations to provide clubs and activities for the children of serving personnel who move every few years.

· We provide grants to help with the cost of living. But this is just a few of the ways we help.

We are seeking an individual to raise awareness of the Fund’s welfare offer amongst social welfare agencies across the West Midlands but also, crucially, to help address the issue of social isolation and feelings of loneliness experienced by some members of the RAF Family.

The post holder will be working with socially isolated individuals to identify meaningfully enriching opportunities to reduce feelings of loneliness, some of whom may have complex and challenging welfare needs, to develop actions plans and coordinate support to overcome any barriers preventing successful connection into these enriching opportunities, assisting them by identifying appropriate support from within the RAF Benevolent Fund and the wider statutory and military charity sector.

The successful candidate will have experience of working in a social welfare role supporting individuals, have strong people and relationship-building skills, as well as empathy with or understanding of the issues affecting the Armed Forces community.  Individuals with a social prescribing or working aged veteran support background are encouraged to apply.

This is a community-based position working from home covering the West Midlands, delivering both remote and face to face support, ideally you will be based in Staffordshire or Shropshire.  The candidate must have their own vehicle to use to travel around these regions.  Occasional travel to London will be required.  The successful candidate for this role will need to be Enhanced DBS checked and prove they have the right to work in the UK.

To apply, please click on this link and send your CV, together with a cover letter detailing why you believe you are suitable for this role, providing examples of how you meet the job profile when you apply through our recruitment portal.

The closing date for applications is Friday 23rd May 2025, 5.00pm.  Interviews will be held on 9th – 10th June 2025.

A copy of the Fund’s Candidate Privacy Notice can be found on our website. As an equal opportunities employer, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. The Fund takes safeguarding seriously, and appropriate background checks will be completed. You can find out more about our commitment to safeguarding on our website. This role requires an Enhanced DBS check. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Fund.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is a Registered Charity (No. 1081009).

Community Based/Home Working – South & Central Scotland

Permanent, Full Time

Circa £30,000 plus competitive benefits

Do you want to make a difference?

The RAF Benevolent Fund is the leading welfare charity for the RAF. Every year we make a real difference to over 40,000 people who benefit from our services. Working at the Fund is more than sitting at your desk ad in this role you will have the opportunity to be part of our RAF Family.  Alongside helping our beneficiaries, we also get to hang out with Spitfires and Typhoons, take part in a Dambusters bike ride, attend events like Royal Ascot, the Chelsea Flower Show, and the Bomber Command Memorial Service. Every day you will make a difference and play your part in changing the lives of others and helping people in the RAF Family get through the toughest of times.

It doesn’t matter how long someone served or when. If they were part of the RAF, they and their family are part of our RAF Family. We will always be here to support them when they need it most.

Join the RAF Family and play your part in making a difference.

Do you want to play a part in what we do?

People are at the heart of what we do. Together we:

· Help reduce social isolation and loneliness among veterans. 

· We support ill or injured men and women to have a safe place to call home, a home that meets their specific needs.

· We fund youth services on stations to provide clubs and activities for the children of serving personnel who move every few years.

· We provide grants to help with the cost of living. But this is just a few of the ways we help.

We are seeking an individual to raise awareness of the Fund’s welfare offer amongst social welfare agencies across South and Central Scotland but also, crucially, to help address the issue of social isolation and feelings of loneliness experienced by some members of the RAF Family.

The post holder will be working with socially isolated individuals to identify meaningfully enriching opportunities to reduce feelings of loneliness, some of whom may have complex and challenging welfare needs, to develop actions plans and coordinate support to overcome any barriers preventing successful connection into these enriching opportunities, assisting them by identifying appropriate support from within the RAF Benevolent Fund and the wider statutory and military charity sector.

The successful candidate will have experience of working in a social welfare role supporting individuals, have strong people and relationship-building skills, as well as empathy with or understanding of the issues affecting the Armed Forces community.  Individuals with a social prescribing or working aged veteran support background are encouraged to apply.

This is a community-based position working from home but covering South and Central Scotland, delivering both remote and face to face support.  The candidate must have their own vehicle to use to travel around these regions.  Occasional travel to Edinburgh and London will be required.  The successful candidate for this role will need to be Enhanced DBS checked and prove they have the right to work in the UK.

To apply, please click on this link and send your CV, together with a cover letter detailing why you believe you are suitable for this role, providing examples of how you meet the job profile when you apply through our recruitment portal.

The closing date for applications is Friday 23rd May 2025, 5.00pm.  Interviews will be held on 24th - 26th June 2025.

A copy of the Fund’s Candidate Privacy Notice can be found on our website. As an equal opportunities employer, the Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is committed to the equal treatment of all current and prospective employees and does not condone discrimination on the basis of age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, gender identity, or marriage and civil partnership. The Fund takes safeguarding seriously, and appropriate background checks will be completed. You can find out more about our commitment to safeguarding on our website. This role requires an Enhanced DBS check. We aspire to have a diverse and inclusive workplace and strongly encourage suitably qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds to apply and join the Fund.

The Royal Air Force Benevolent Fund is a Registered Charity (No. 1081009).

Support Worker - Community Connector - Assessment and Engagement Team - 3 (Buckinghamshire)

Location: Buckinghamshire

Salary: £24,242 - £24,848 per annum

Job Type: Permanent, 37 hours per week

You have a good understanding of the harm caused by alcohol and drug use to adults, young people, children, families and society and a sympathetic approach to people who misuse them.

All you need is the perfect environment to put your skills to great use. Welcome to Aquarius as a Support Worker (Community Connector – Assessment and Engagement Team)

Aquarius is a charity that helps people and communities overcome the harm caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling. We are part of ‘One Recovery Buckinghamshire’ (ORB), a partnership between Inclusion (MPFT NHS Trust), Aquarius, and Build on Belief providing support for alcohol and drug issues across Buckinghamshire.

We are looking for three Support Workers (Community Connectors – Assessment and Engagement Team) to join our team. We have three positions available in Aylesbury.

Your challenge? To provide advice, support, advocacy and key work for recovery plans and undertake elements of assessment and case management as directed. And, all the while, we’ll expect you to operate in a way that recognises and values diversity and understands the functional model of substance use, the Recovery Agenda and the problems caused by alcohol and drug misuse.

Preferably with a NVQ 2/3 in Social Care, or willing to attain this, you are used to working to policy and procedural requirements that include child protection, vulnerable adults, confidentiality and health & safety. We’ll also be looking for good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate records and fulfil data requirements. A flexible approach is important too, as is a commitment to taking a client centred approach to providing services and working in a way that recognises and values diversity.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Waythrough, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or anyone from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic group.

This is a rolling recruitment process; shortlisted candidates will be interviewed as and when they apply.

Immigration and Asylum Caseworker

This charity has an exciting opportunity as an Immigration and Asylum Caseworker (IAA LEVEL 2/3) to make a real difference to asylum seekers and refugees in the Reading area.

Position: Immigration and Asylum Caseworker (IAA LEVEL 2/3)

Location: Reading

Hours: Full-time, Office based

Contract: 1-year contract – renewed subject to funding

Salary: £32,364 - £33,559 + 6% pension

Closing date: 5pm on Friday 23rd May 2025

Interview date: Thursday, 29th May 2025 in person

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (additional day per year of employment, max 5 days), cycle to work scheme, confidential counselling support and welfare days.

About the role:

We are looking to recruit an experienced one full-time Caseworker IAA level 2 or above to join our Casework Team and directly support our clients by advising and addressing issues including immigration, asylum and holistic matters. The successful candidate will also take the lead on our newly implemented fee charging service.

We are looking for an experienced and methodical caseworker who is able to prioritise cases competently and confidently follow the processes already in place. You will be working at our Reading or Newbury office and be available to do outreach work as and when required.

Key areas of responsibility include:  

• To provide competent IAA level 1 and level 2 Asylum and Immigration advice, specifically to, undocumented persons, asylum seekers and refugees in Berkshire area.
• Casework includes supporting service users with initial asylum applications, fresh claims and supporting with actions following refusal.
• Casework under the fee charging service would include running immigration applications including extensions/renewal of leave to remain.
• You will be able to manage your own caseload and oversee the current casework team providing supervision and guidance on processes.
• Adhere to casework procedures as outlined in the office manual and the IAA standards where applicable.
• Conduct all tasks permitted under the direction of your manager with competence.
• Lead on the continuing development of our new fee charging service.
• Interview clients sensitively and professionally to enable them to explain their problems.
• Keep updated with legislation, case law, policies and procedures relating to immigration, welfare benefits and housing advice issues.
• Participate in team & staff meetings and other relevant meetings and events.

About you:

The role would suit someone who is confident in communication, has some cultural awareness and can uphold the values of the charity. All candidates should have strong ethical standards, and team spirit and be passionate about working with asylum seekers and refugees. You will have practical IT skills, be able to work to strict deadlines and have good organisational and methodical skills.

Key skills required for this role:

• Qualified to IAA level 1& level2
• Ability to work from the office – Reading or Newbury
• Ability to handle own case work
• Experience of providing or managing provision of a client focused advice service
• Undergraduate degree in law or similar subject or at least two-year experience in a relevant role, paid or voluntary
• An understanding of how the UK’s Asylum and Immigration system works.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in the English language.
• Proficient in MS/other office applications
• Excellent time management and organisational skills.

About the organisation:

The employer is a charity in Berkshire that offers comprehensive assistance to refugees, including free legal advice through IAA (formerly OISC) accredited solicitors, integration support via a drop-in centre, social activities, and a refugee football team. They also engage in advocacy and campaigns for refugee rights. The organization encourages community involvement through fundraising, volunteering, and membership. They have made significant impacts, such as providing extensive casework support and distributing food parcels.

The employer aims to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

You may also have experience in areas such as: Refugee Support Worker, Community Caseworker Integration Caseworker,  Immigration Caseworker, Welfare Officer, Resettlement Officer, Migrant Support Worker, Support Worker, Key Worker, Outreach Worker, ETC

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Salary: Senior Supervising Social Worker

£41,208 per annum + £750 per annum Homeworking Allowance + £1,500 per annum Out of Hours Allowance

Supervising Social Worker 

£36,467 per annum + £750 per annum Homeworking Allowance + £1,500 per annum Out of Hours Allowance (Target Rate), yes please as hard to recruit in my area, are you happy to ask him or want me to?

Hours: 35 Hours per week 

Contract: Permanent or Fixed Term Contract 

Location: Homebased - We are interested in applicants located in Northamptonshire, Central Leicestershire, South Derbyshire the border with Leicestershire or Peterborough, as the postholder will be required to travel across these areas and other locations in the East Midlands area to conduct home visits to support carers and children. Travel is also required to attend staff meetings and team away days in Northamptonshire and other parts of the East Midlands.

As a ‘not for profit’ organisation, TACT puts the needs of our children and carers first and looks to appoint individuals who are as passionate about fostering as we are. We are a homeworking organisation, and we pride ourselves on our flexible working opportunities, available from day one, an extensive wellbeing programme and our benefits package, all curated to nurture a healthy work life balance for all our employees so they can give an excellent service to our carers and the young people and children we care for.

As a foster care charity, TACT invests all surplus income into services, staff, carers, and child development. This means that we have been able to invest in unique projects like TACT Connect, our unique and ground-breaking scheme for TACT care experienced young people and adults,  as well as our expanding TACT Education Service and our new Health Service. All our activities are built on our commitment to becoming a fully trauma-informed organisation, in line with our key values and ethos.

TACT achieved 16th place in the UK Best Companies Work For survey results in 2023, with 91% of employees acknowledging that the organisation is run on strong values and principles and 94% stating they feel proud to work for this organisation.

TACT East Midlands Team have a unique opportunity for either a Supervising Social Worker who is ready to progress their career to a Senior Supervising Social Worker or a current Fostering Senior Supervising Worker who understands trauma and therapeutic parenting approaches. This role is being advertised on either a permanent or fixed-term basis. The duration of the fixed-term contract will be discussed/confirmed at the interview. 

As a Fostering Senior/Supervising Social Worker with TACT East Midlands, you will be a part of our amazing team of professionals working with our organisational values at the heart of their everyday practice.  If you want to be valued as a professional, be appreciated at work and contribute to better outcomes for the children and young people connected with TACT, apply now. 

Overall Duties of the Senior Supervising Social Worker will include:

• An appropriate social work qualification
• Up-to-date registration with Social Work England
• A minimum of 1 to 2 years post qualifying experience in fostering or in other childcare settings for the Supervising Social Worker role or 2 years’ experience in fostering for the Senior Supervising Social Worker role.
• Experience in supporting and supervising 10-12 foster families to meet the complex needs of the looked-after young people
• A proven track record in working with and on behalf of children, respecting and maintaining their individuality, and promoting their positive development.
• Experience in group work and/or delivery of training.
• Up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation and regulations including the Children's Act and NMS Fostering Standards.
• Experience of working with/supporting looked after children and their foster carers.
• Ability to prioritise, plan and self-organise efficiently.
• Capable of using electronic records systems and IT effectively, including participating in virtual meetings and webinars

TACT offer an excellent employee benefits package including:

• 31 days paid holiday plus annual bank holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements (including compressed hours, flexibility around core hours, and volunteer days policy).
• Family friendly policies.
• Homeworking ‘bundle’ including annual allowance, IT equipment and a loan for home office set up.
• HelpHand Employee Assistance Programme (including CBT counselling, 24/7 remote GP appointments, physiotherapy, mental health support and second opinions on serious diagnoses).
• An hour a week of live, expert-led activities through the Annual Employee Wellbeing Programme.
• Menopause Policy and free Menopause Clinician Appointments.
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme (salary sacrifice).
• Fantastic learning and development opportunities for all roles.
• An Enhanced DBS clearance is required for this role and will be processed by TACT on your behalf.

Closing Date: Wednesday, 14th May 2025

Interview Date: Thursday, 22nd May 2025

Safeguarding is everyone’s business and TACT believes that only the people with the right skills and values should work in social work.  As part of TACT’s commitment to safeguarding, we properly examine the skills, experience, qualifications, and values of potential staff in relation to our work with vulnerable young children.  We use rigorous and consistent recruitment approaches to help safeguard TACT’s young people.  All our staff are expected to work in line with TACT’s safeguarding policies.

We reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than advertised if the volume of applications is excessive, you are therefore advised to apply at your earliest convenience.

TACT does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies, nor the fees associated with them.

Job Title: Fostering Form F Assessing Social Worker

Salary: £37,088 per annum + £750 Homeworking Allowance per annum

Hours: 35 Hours Per Week

Contract: Fixed Term Contract - 12 Months

Location: Homebased in Yorkshire region but must be willing to undertake assessments across the Yorkshire, North East and North West region. 

As a ‘not for profit’ organisation, TACT puts the needs of our children and carers first and look to appoint individuals who are as passionate about fostering as we are. We are a homeworking organisation, and we pride ourselves on our flexible working opportunities, available from day one, an extensive wellbeing programme and our benefits package, all curated to nurture a healthy work life balance for all our employees so they can give an excellent service to our carers and the young people and children we care for.

As a foster care charity, TACT invests all surplus income into services, staff, carers, and child development. This means that we have been able to invest unique projects like TACT Connect, our unique and ground-breaking scheme for TACT care experienced young people and adults,  as well as our expanding Education and Health services. All our activities are built on our commitment to becoming a fully trauma informed organisation, in line with our key values and ethos.

In 2024 TACT became one of the top 5 charities to work for in the UK, placing 5th in the UK Best Companies Work For survey results , and a top 25 mid-sized company to work with across the whole of the UK.   97% of our people feel proud to work with TACT and think that TACT cares about their wellbeing, while 92% of our people would say they “ love working for TACT”.

If you want to be valued as a professional, be appreciated at work and contribute to better outcomes for the children and young people connected with TACT, apply now.

Whilst being homebased, the Fostering Form F Assessing Social Worker will be required to travel to undertake assessments across the Yorkshire, North East and North West region. There is also a requirement to be able to travel to Team meetings, wellbeing days, TACT away days and other in person events across the UK as and when required. 

Core Fostering Form F Assessing Social Worker Tasks include: 

• Preparing applicants for the fostering role
• Promoting and supporting the development of trauma informed foster care / therapeutic parenting
• Assessment of prospective foster families
• Contributing to the continuous improvement of fostering assessments and applicant preparation

The main role requirements for this role include:

• BA or Master’s in Social Work or Dip SW, CSS or CQSW qualification
• Social Work England Registration
• Post qualifying experience including relevant family placement work or post qualifying experience in other child-care settings which must include statutory childcare work
• Experience of assessing foster families and preparing them for the fostering tasks
• A proven track record in working with and on behalf of children and foster families, using a trauma-informed therapeutic approach
• A passion for ensuring children receive the highest quality care from their foster family
• Knowledge of relevant child-care and fostering regulations, legislation, and best practice
• Good IT skills including Office 365

TACT offer an excellent employee benefits package including:

• 31 days paid holiday plus 8 annual bank holidays.
• Flexible working arrangements (including compressed hours, flexibility around core hours, volunteer days policy).
• Family friendly policies.
• Homeworking ‘bundle’ including annual allowance, IT equipment and a loan for home office set up.
• Help@Hand Employee Assistance Programme (including CBT counselling, 24/7 remote GP appointments, physiotherapy, mental health support and second opinions on serious diagnosis).
• An hour a week of live, expert led activities through the Annual Employee wellbeing Programme.
• Menopause Policy and free Menopause Clinician Appointments.
• Stakeholder Pension Scheme (salary sacrifice).
• Fantastic learning and development opportunities for all roles.

An Enhanced DBS clearance is required for this role and will be processed by TACT on your behalf.

Please see the Job Information Pack, Job Description and TACT website for more detailed information.

Closing Date: Monday, 8th May 2025
Interview Date: Monday, 19th May 2025 (via Microsoft Teams)

Safeguarding is everyone’s business and TACT believes that only the people with the right skills and values should work in social work.  As part of TACT’s commitment to safeguarding, we properly examine the skills, experience, qualifications, and values of potential staff in relation to our work with vulnerable young children.  We use rigorous and consistent recruitment approaches to help safeguard TACT’s young people.  All our staff are expected to work in line with TACT’s safeguarding policies.

We reserve the right to close a vacancy earlier than advertised if the volume of applications is excessive, you are therefore advised to apply at your earliest convenience.

TACT does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies, nor the fees associated with them.

About Kinship

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

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

About the role

We currently have 80 staff members using Salesforce daily. This role provides technical expertise to the CRM users and wider charity, while also carrying out vital audits, project support and administrative duties.

The role of Junior Salesforce Administrator works together with the rest of the team, managed by the Database Manager, to ensure users and projects are supported efficiently and that our Salesforce instance is effectively maintained and maximised.

Key Responsibilities

• Responding to support tickets from internal stakeholders, performing analysis, information gathering, troubleshooting, and escalating while communicating through our support tickets system. 
• Monitoring on-going processes and correcting/escalating any issues that occur. 
• Managing data and keeping records accurate, up to date and consistent. Performing audits to identify irregularities across the system.
• Building Salesforce reports and dashboards for internal stakeholders.
• Create, edit, and maintain Salesforce list views, objects, fields, record types, page layouts, and users. 
• Deliver and support with training and development of all users including their initial induction, as well as follow up training sessions and clinics.
• Assist with testing new enhancements and add-ons from Salesforce releases and custom internal enhancements.
• Create technical and functional documentation. 
• Creating and connecting Form Assembly forms.
• Additional ad hoc tasks relating to the data management requirements of the platform.
• Comply with any monitoring, evaluation and reporting requirements as part of Kinship’s internal processes, as well as any donor or local authority funding requirements for the services being delivered, including producing quarterly performance reports for local authorities, and other funders and stakeholders as required.
• Proactively use data and insight to develop our programmes and sharing with colleagues to contribute to changing the system for kinship carers.

Essential criteria

• Experience of Salesforce Administration and the Nonprofit Success Pack
• Salesforce administration certificate ADM201 
• A strong commitment to ensuring outcomes and impacts of services are evidenced through high quality data collection.
• The ability to work discreetly and effectively with confidential information; ensuring GDPR principles are observed throughout. 
• Able to use own initiative and manage competing priorities. 
• Excellent written and verbal communications and able to communicate technical information in a clear and simple way.
• Able to liaise with stakeholders at all levels.

Desirable criteria

• Lived experience of kinship care.
• Experience of widely customised Salesforce systems.
• Excellent level of IT literacy and proficiency with Excel including Vlookups.
• Familiar with Salesforce configuration concepts such as Profiles, Sharing Rules, Flows, Validation Rules etc.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, coupled with outstanding attention to detail. 
• You’re a solution focussed team player with a positive, can-do mindset.

What we’ll offer you 

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

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

This is a fantastic time to join a supportive and well-established team within an organisation with rapid growth ambitions. This role will be what you make it and we’re looking for someone to seize this opportunity!

How to apply

Please apply via Charity Job with your CV and a cover letter of no more than 2 pages. Please include your notice period and earliest availability to start in your cover letter. The interview process will be single-stage and online, consisting of a set of competency questions and a technical challenge task.          

• Application deadline:  Friday 9 May, 9am
• First interview:  Online – w/c 12 May

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

About the role

As one of two Regional Programmes Manager, you’ll inspire and lead a team of Senior Programmes Officers and Kinship Family Workers to effectively deliver high quality support services for kinship families across Greater London, the South of England and the Midlands.

You’ll do this by working in close collaboration with local authority teams who have commissioned our services and other funders where appropriate.

You’ll have accountability and ownership for ensuring we deliver impactful services for kinship carers and that we meet targets for our commissioned services. Working collaboratively with our other managers in other services, you’ll ensure we’re delivering high impact programmes.

You’ll ensure your team have real clarity and direction on their role and responsibilities - encouraging curiosity, learning and solutions-focused thinking. As a leader in the organisation, you are a key model for the team.

Your team will deliver the following programmes:

• Kinship Connected – in-person one-to-one support and support groups in the community
• Kinship Reach – remote one-to-one support and virtual support groups
• Kinship Ready – online workshops to prepare new and prospective special guardians for their role, as well as wraparound one-to-one support (in one local authority)

You will also manage a new role of Grants Officer - London, funded by the Aviva Foundation.

As one of our deputy safeguarding leads, you’ll be part of our key safeguarding structure.  This means you’ll take ownership to make sure our people feel confident and well supported to demonstrate best practice and making sure safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Key responsibilities include:

• Oversee the day-to-day running of programmes, supporting mostly home-based Senior Programmes Workers and Kinship Family Workers to ensure high quality, consistent and impactful programme delivery.

• Meet performance targets as directed.

• Create and keep developing processes and systems which support consistency across all programmes, ensuring good quality documentation and manualisation on Notion.so

• Develop quality assurance frameworks with other service managers and directors.

• Support your team to establish and deliver in-person and virtual peer support groups regionally and generate engagement with kinship carers.

• Line management and supervision of Senior Programmes Workers and Kinship Family Workers as required.

• Actively encourage personal development and support staff to deliver key targets and outcomes and ensure high levels of wellbeing.

• Work with the Director of Services and Digital, Head of Programmes and the Business Development team to develop proposals and present to local authorities to secure commissions.

• Manage the delivery of commissioned contracts through collaborative relationships with local authorities, ensuring targets are met.

• Manage the programmes and services within budget, in accordance with Kinship’s financial procedures and ensure the reporting of progress in line with funder requirements.

• Work actively and positively with other managers within Kinship to ensure sharing of best practice, problem solving, relevant connections and consistency of delivery across England and Wales.

• Act as a deputy safeguarding lead at Kinship

Essential requirements include:

• Substantial experience in managing a regional service or programme with high quality outputs (national experience desirable but not essential).
• Substantial experience of managing, developing and evaluating effective and innovative services for families experiencing crisis and experience in reaching ‘hidden communities’ and a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Experience of leading and managing continuous improvement in changing contexts.
• Experience of governance and managing risk on high profile service delivery.
• Experience of ensuring that services are designed and led with user needs at the heart, ensuring that the voices of our kinship carers inform ongoing design and development of our programmes.
• High quality digital and data literacy and using technology to help us to be better in our processes. You’ll have to own Salesforce and be a massive champion for the team. You will be accountable for ensuring they use it well.
• Substantial experience of leading high-performing service teams including managing wellbeing, development and performance.

How to apply

In place of a cover letter, you will be asked to answer the following five questions, alongside providing your CV. Please keep your answers to a maximum of 250 words.

1. Tell us why you’re interested in working for Kinship in this role and what experience you bring that would make you successful? This is an opportunity to tell us about you, your experience and your values.
2. Please give an example where you have managed a successful regional programme or service (this could also be national). Please include scale, key performance indicators and outcome. What made it a success?
3. What makes you a great team manager? Give one example of how you have supported teams and individuals to flourish and one example when you have had to step in to address behaviour or performance issues. (This is an opportunity to share your enthusiasm for supporting others to develop and deliver to a high standard. You can share evidence of how your approach has worked and how you’ve tackled challenges and difficult conversations along the way).
4. Quality assurance and consistency is key to making sure our programmes deliver impact for our kinship carers. This includes ensuring your team are following processes, using our case management system effectively and have the tolls to do their role. Please describe how you would approach this at Kinship using a previous example.
5. In this role you will be a deputy safeguarding lead at Kinship. This is a key role, the lives of kinship carers are incredibly complex.  Give one example of a safeguarding situation that required your response in a previous role. Explain what your rationale and thought process was. How did you hold appropriate boundaries and progress actions to effectively safeguard vulnerable children and adults?

Key Dates

• Application deadline: Wednesday 30 April, 9am
• First interview: Online – Tuesday 6 May
• Second interview: In person (Vauxhall, London) – Tuesday 13 May (travel expenses covered if required)

About Kinship

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

We are made by and for our community of kinship carers. Like family, relationships run deep. And we hear their experiences; for too long they have been isolated without the help they need.

We support, advise and inform kinship carers. Connecting them so they feel empowered. Because a child needs the love and warmth of a thriving family.

We develop research, campaigns and policy solutions. Creating positive change across society. Because for kinship families, love alone is not enough.

Through our work we harness frustrations to fuel passion for change. And tough experiences to inspire ideas that transform lives.

And as we see momentum building, we keep using evidence to demonstrate the value of kinship care. Helping kinship carers navigate challenging circumstances. Believing in a child’s potential.

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