Literacy project manager jobs in Liverpool

About Adolescent Health Study

The Adolescent Health Study (AHS) (Registered Charity Number 1213337) is an ambitious new UKRI-funded initiative to establish a prospective, longitudinal population study that will generate a globally leading open science data platform and research resource. AHS aims to recruit at least 100,000 young people aged eight to 18 years from across the UK and to follow their mental and physical health and wellbeing over at least 10 years. It plans to collect data through questions and measures; to obtain bio-samples for a wide range of genomic and other high-throughput assays; and to capture linked data relevant to health and wellbeing from participants’ health, education and other administrative records.

There will be a strong emphasis on engaging with and involving young people, schools, parents and other relevant stakeholders in the design and delivery of the study, as well as on including young people that represent as wide as possible a range of backgrounds, experiences and characteristics. AHS will focus on enabling a wide range of research, including studies of the critical biological and social developments that occur during the transition from childhood to adulthood and the determinants of both mental and physical health and wellbeing in adolescents and young adults.

Purpose of the post

The Engagement and Involvement Lead will engage with young people, families, schools and other interest-holders in the process of designing, delivering and ensuring the best outputs from the Adolescent Health Study, and is critical for the success of the project.  We are at the early stages of laying the foundations for this and in this new role we are seeking an experienced and passionate individual to co-ordinate and lead AHS’s cross-UK participant and public involvement and engagement activities.

This is a role that requires high levels of confidence, autonomy, enthusiasm and skill. The postholder will be responsible for delivering the project’s new Engagement and Involvement Strategy, including:  coordinating a Young Persons’ Advisory Group for AHS; developing and delivering AHS public engagement and involvement activities; outsourcing and supervising engagement and involvement activities that are better provided by external partners; scoping and advising on which routes for involvement and engagement activities are best suited to different tasks. 

Main responsibilities

 Planning & strategy delivery

•  Ensuring the study delivers the values and approaches set out in the AHS engagement and involvement strategy
•  Planning, delivering and reporting on an ongoing, regular and important programme of engagement events and activities
•  Reviewing/revising/adding to existing policies, processes and procedures to support effective working together with people and communities (such as reimbursement, compensation, making reasonable adjustments)
•  Developing and implementing appropriate evaluation, monitoring and reporting of Community Engagement & Involvement
• Keeping up to date with good practice & sector advances and sharing these with the AHS team.

Practical engagement and involvement

• Developing methods to enhance engagement and involvement, and helping to build positive relationships with young people and stakeholder groups, including charities, third sector & advocacy groups
• Overseeing day-to-day planning & delivery of a high-quality engagement and involvement programme.  To include, for example:
  • Managing and supporting Youth Advisors
  • Running a standing Young People’s Advisory Group (YPAG)
  • Organising & delivering other ad hoc engagement activities as necessary
• Securing external partners where necessary, and managing contracts and delivery of their work across the UK
• Ensuring that any external parties (e.g. organisations, freelancers, consultants) supporting AHS’s involvement and engagement work have clear roles, responsibilities & goals
• Working with the Head of Communications to develop and manage provision of relevant information to members of the public, teachers, young people & researchers
• Keep clear records of involvement and engagement activities, ensuring results are used to inform the study and the wider research community.

Team support

• Checking for and capitalising on possible opportunities for engagement and involvement to be embedded in the work of the wider team
• Ensuring appropriate induction, training, mentoring and support is organised for the research team and communities involved
• Sharing examples of emerging good practice and impact across the research team.
• Line managing an Engagement and Involvement Officer

Wider

• Contributing to shared learning and future sustainability as part of wider communities of practice
• Acting as a key point of contact for community members and partners involved in the research
• Representing and presenting the AHS study’s engagement and involvement work to the wider research community at a senior level, including in national engagement & involvement networks as necessary.

Knowledge, skills and experience

 Essential criteria

Engagement and involvement

•  Experience developing and delivering engagement and involvement activities with young people and other relevant interest-holders (such as parents, families, teachers and schools)
•  A proven track record or professional background in working with young people – such as in youth work, counselling, mentoring, education, or a related setting
• Understanding and experience of good practice in youth engagement and involvement,  including the principles and implementation of safeguarding, data protection, and inclusive practice
• Awareness of culturally sensitive approaches and methods to be inclusive of all relevant perspectives, including  marginalised and vulnerable groups
• Ability to design and deliver workshops, focus groups or meetings that encourage open dialogue and collaboration
• Demonstrated commitment to youth participation and the meaningful inclusion of young people’s perspectives.

Other essential criteria

• Undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant field
• Experience of successful project management and ability to deliver, working independently.
• Ability to manage a budget and report on financial activity accurately
• Ability to work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team, with experience of working alongside and influencing senior level professionals
• Research literacy, with a clear understanding of large UK-wide research initiatives and the various competing demands and pressures the study will face
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to communicate effectively and confidently with a range of stakeholders and to summarise and report key information clearly and accurately, both verbally and in writing
• Confident using online tools (e.g. MS Teams, Zoom), and collaborative platforms (e.g. SharePoint, Microsoft 365)

Desirable criteria

• Relevant qualification in engagement and involvement
• Post-graduate degree or equivalent experience
• Understanding of key concepts and challenges in young people’s health and wellbeing and the transition to adulthood
• Familiarity with health research and data governance frameworks
• Understanding and knowledge of key potential partners across the UK for delivering youth engagement in the sector.
• Experience using digital engagement and facilitation tools for online workshops (e.g. Miro, Mural, Mentimeter, Canva, PowerPoint)

Dimensions

• This has been designed as a full-time role, although part-time work could be considered for the right candidate.
• Flexible working across several geographical locations in the UK.  Travel may be required to AHS locations and partner organisations.
• AHS is a national organisation, and our activities take place across the UK.

Application Process

This post is subject to receipt of satisfactory references, an enhanced DBS check and right to work in the UK (visa sponsorship is not available).

Please apply via CharityJob, making sure to answer the screening questions in full.

The closing date for this position is midnight on Sunday 31st May. 

 Interviews are currently expected to be held Wednesday 1st/Thursday 2nd July.

Equal Opportunities Policy Statement

AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. AHS is an equal opportunities employer, and as such aims to treat all employees, consultants and applicants fairly. It is our policy to provide employment equality to all, irrespective of age, disability, gender identity or expression, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.

Beyond these protected characteristics, we acknowledge the importance of socio-economic background, childcare and caring responsibilities, educational background, neurodiversity, and any other factors that shape an individual’s identity and opportunities. We strive to create an environment where all colleagues feel valued, supported, and able to contribute fully.

Values

It is an exciting time for the Adolescent Health Study (AHS) as we establish our senior leadership team and begin to plan the pilot studies. As the senior executive team evolves, the AHS values will be grounded in inclusivity, integrity, accountability, and collaboration. 

Supported Lodgings Coordinator (7 Months FTC)

Apply to shape a brand‑new Supported Lodgings service where your skills directly create safe homes, stronger futures and lasting independence for young people at risk of homelessness.

Location: Wigan

Salary: £28,836 per annum

Closing date: 27 May, 2026

Employment Type: Fixed Term Contract

Hours per week: 37.5

About the Role

Supported Lodgings Coordinator (Wigan) - 7 Months FTC

Help shape a new Supported Lodgings service and make a real difference to young people aged 16–21. In this fast‑paced role, you’ll assess need and risk, coordinate placements with trained community hosts, and provide practical, strengths‑based support that helps young people build stability, skills and confidence on their journey to independent living.

You’ll also recruit, train and support hosts, work closely with partners across housing, care and safeguarding, and actively promote the service in the local community. If you have experience supporting young people at risk of homelessness, strong safeguarding skills and the energy to build trusted relationships, this is a chance to turn commitment into action and deliver lasting change.

Please note that this job opportunity is offered as a full-time (37.5 hours a week), fixed term contract role (7-Months FTC).

Key Deliverables

Young People

• To be the first point of contact for young people and referral partners wanting to access the Supported Lodgings service.
• You will lead on the assessment of needs and risk, predominantly focused on suitable risk management plans for the safeguarding, matching and placement of young people in the homes of hosts
• Arrange all aspects of a young person’s stay with a host, ensuring they feel welcomed and supported, taking into account the support needs of individuals.
• You will have responsibility for ensuring the health and safety of the environment for young people and hosts through regular checks and reporting.
• You will provide regular support and planning sessions for young people
• To work with young people, hosts and other agencies, to prepare them for independent living and access longer term, appropriate accommodation using support plans.
• You will be part of a team responsible for a 24 hour on call service

Host Recruitment and Support

• You will recruit, vet and train hosts both formally and informally ensuring that host recruitment policies and procedures are implemented.
• You will support and provide regular supervision to hosts.
• You will be proactive in maintaining host’ skills and motivation, including training and celebration events, and provide opportunities for them to shape service delivery.
• You will be responsible for carrying out regular checks on host accommodation and assisting them to make necessary changes.
• You will ensure that all hosts are made to feel safe, secure and valued.

External Relationships

• You will proactively work in partnership with multiple agencies including statutory teams, to support the well being and ongoing housing needs of young people, working in accordance with safeguarding, data protection and information sharing protocols.
• You will lead on the active promotion and selling of the Supported Lodgings service to all potential hosts and referral partners, across the voluntary/statutory sectors and within the wider local community.

Others

• You will be an active member of the Prevention Team, working collaboratively and effectively with your line manager.
• You will be responsible for maintaining up to date records on all young people and hosts, supporting service management with all aspects of report requirements.
• The post will require some flexible working including evenings and weekends.
• You will ensure the safety and wellbeing of young people and hosts in the service at all times, including using safeguarding and emergency alert procedures as applicable
• Ensure financial and payment systems are completed in line with Depaul’s financial policy and procedures
• Work in line with Depaul’s policies and procedures, including EDI, Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Lone Working, adopting our Endeavour approach to working with young people.
• You will undertake further duties as commensurate to the role and identified by your line manager.

What we are looking for from you – Person Specification

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

• Experience and an understanding of working with people experiencing homelessness, or people in crisis
• Experience of supporting young people with their support needs, working closely with other key professionals.
• Experience of writing, implementing and evaluating risk assessments
• Experience of supervising or supporting hosts or staff
• Experience of working under pressure with the ability to respond to conflicting demands and challenging situations.
• Ability to find creative and positive solutions to problems, using own initiative
• An understanding and commitment to working in an assets based way
• Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills and the ability to maintain concise and accurate records
• Able to demonstrate clear understanding of safeguarding requirements and procedures and follow them through to conclusion
• Commitment to working in a manner, which promotes diversity, equality and inclusion.
• Personal and professional integrity
• High level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain them

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.