8 Outreach worker jobs in London

Youth Outreach and Community Worker (London - Waterloo)

Railway Children (UK Programme)

£32,000 per year plus 10% London weighting

Full-time – Permanent

WE STAND FOR CHILDREN, THEIR CHILDHOODS AND THEIR FUTURES - WILL YOU? 

Looking for a rewarding role where you can make a difference? Do you have the drive to create positive change in children’s lives and inspire others to do the same?

If the answer is yes, then read on to hear about this exciting opportunity.

We’re Railway Children, an international charity working to create long-lasting change for street-connected children and young people in the UK, India and Tanzania. Founded in 1996, we’ve dedicated over a quarter of a century to developing outstanding practice and services for vulnerable children and their families. As part of our current strategy to 2027, we have ambitious plans to ensure no child is left behind, wherever we work.

The role
We are looking to recruit a Youth Outreach and Community Worker in London as part of our UK Programme.

This role requires close working with partners, engaging and safeguarding young people in and around Waterloo Station, helping to identify and safeguard young people at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation, county lines, missing from home, homelessness or family breakdown. This role involves working regular unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.

You will be working closely alongside key partners such as British Transport Police, security staff, Train Operators, Youth Services and other local stakeholders.

You’ll play a key role in the development of our UK Safeguarding on Transport Programme and part of a dynamic team delivering Railway Children’s safeguarding programme in the UK.

About you
We are looking for someone who brings experience of successfully engaging and supporting young people as well as experience of working in an outreach or similar community setting, in a creative and engaging way with young people with a range of needs and vulnerabilities.

Alongside this you will be able to work effectively with community and statutory partners to safeguard young people.

You will have completed relevant training, have experience in safeguarding and in the issues relevant to vulnerable young and families. Therefore, you will be an experienced practitioner with an excellent understanding of safeguarding processes and procedures, who is able to work creatively, independently and within professional boundaries.

Your base would be at Waterloo station with regular travel to other stations and some home working. This role involves working regular unsociable hours including evenings and weekends.

A full job specification can be found in the job pack.

For further information about this post and working for Railway Children, including how to apply, please visit our website.

We welcome and encourage applications from candidates with a diverse range of backgrounds and lived experience.

Railway Children is committed to safeguarding anyone who comes into contact with us and implements a range of policies to ensure only those suitable to work with vulnerable groups are employed.

Closing Date: Wednesday 23rd September

Online Interviews: Wednesday 30th September/Thursday 1st October

In person interviews: Wednesday 7th October/Thursday 8th October

About Us

The Comedy School draws on the power of comedy to improve wellbeing across community, health, education and criminal justice settings. Since 1998, we have co-designed and delivered workshops, courses and training projects that build confidence, resilience and life skills for socially isolated and vulnerable people. We have worked with individuals with mental health conditions in collaboration with South London and Maudsley Recovery College for 15 years, and in 2023 expanded this work to veterans in partnership with London’s NHS Veterans Mental Health Services. Our Comedy for Veterans programme delivers evidence-based interventions that improve confidence, connections, wellbeing and sense of purpose.

Purpose of Role: The Veterans’ Worker will lead on outreach and peer support within the Comedy for Veterans Project, with a specific focus on engaging veterans from Black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and other communities underrepresented in traditional support pathways. The role aims to ensure inclusive participation, support mental wellbeing, and sustain long-term engagement with the project.

Key Responsibilities: 

• Lead outreach and engagement efforts to promote the Comedy for Veterans Project, focusing on building trust and participation among veterans from Black, ethnic minority, and underserved communities.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with veteran organisations, community groups, and stakeholders to enhance referrals, collaboration, and community presence.
• Provide peer support and mentoring to veterans enrolled in the project, encouraging sustained participation, confidence-building, and shared learning.
• Identify and address participation barriers, including logistical, emotional, or wellbeing challenges, and signpost to appropriate services when needed.
• Support the delivery of workshops and events, working closely with facilitators to ensure activities are inclusive, accessible, and responsive to participants’ needs.
• Collaborate with staff and partners to monitor progress, share relevant participant insights (within confidentiality boundaries), and contribute to a safe, trauma-informed environment.
• Document attendance, feedback, and outcomes for evaluation purposes, and report on engagement levels and project impact.

Essential Criteria: 

• Proven experience in outreach, peer support, mentoring, or community engagement—ideally with veterans or marginalised groups.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust and rapport across diverse social, cultural, and ethnic backgrounds.
• Understanding of mental health and wellbeing, including challenges commonly faced by veterans, and the confidence to respond supportively.
• Knowledge of safeguarding procedures, confidentiality protocols, and maintaining professional boundaries when working with vulnerable adults.
• Ability to work independently and manage time, alongside a flexible approach to group dynamics, changing needs, and varying energy levels.
• Commitment to inclusion and accessibility, with sensitivity to the social, cultural, and structural barriers some veterans may face.

Desirable: 

• Background in social work, community organising, mental health support, or creative arts facilitation.
• Certification in Mental Health First Aid or equivalent.
• Understanding of trauma-informed approaches in community and learning settings.

Security Checks: Enhanced DBS clearance required and project specific security checks maybe required.

This post is funded by the Veterans’ Foundation

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Senior Outreach Recovery Worker to play a pivotal role in our community based day service in Notting Hill.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

As a Senior Recovery Outreach Worker, you will provide person-centred, recovery-focused support to a caseload of service users, helping them build independence, sustain their accommodation, and improve their overall quality of life. Using holistic assessments, SMART support plans, and recovery-based tools, you will identify strengths, manage risks, and support individuals to achieve their goals. You will deliver support within service users' homes and community settings, develop effective engagement strategies for those who are harder to reach, and promote access to healthcare, community, and faith-based services. Working closely with external agencies, you will help reduce hospital admissions, coordinate support plans, and ensure services are responsive to diverse cultural and language needs.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

In this role, you will need substantial experience supporting individuals with mental health needs, particularly African, Caribbean, and Arabic-speaking communities, and a strong understanding of the cultural factors that can influence engagement, recovery, and wellbeing. You will possess excellent knowledge of mental health conditions, including recognising signs of deterioration and taking appropriate action to safeguard service users. Experience of delivering community-based and outreach support to people with complex needs is essential, alongside the ability to motivate individuals to achieve their goals and aspirations. You will also have a sound understanding of health and safety requirements, including those relevant to lone working and supporting service users within community settings.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Senior Recovery Outreach Worker to play a pivotal role in our community based day service in Notting Hill.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

As a Senior Recovery Outreach Worker, you will support the effective operation and ongoing development of the service, promoting recovery, independence, and wellbeing through person-centred support that helps individuals sustain tenancies and reduce the risk of repeat hospital admissions. Working closely with the Team and Area Managers, you will monitor performance, support contractual compliance, and contribute to service improvement initiatives. You will provide leadership, mentoring, and supervision to staff, volunteers, and students, while assisting with recruitment, training, and workforce planning. The role also involves partnership working, health and safety oversight, budget and resource management, tenancy sustainment, and representing the organisation positively with stakeholders, funders, and service users.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

In this role, you will need demonstrable experience supporting individuals with mental health needs and dual diagnosis, supported by a strong understanding of community care, housing, welfare benefits, health and safety, equality, and relevant legislation. You will have knowledge of recovery-focused practice and be confident in assessing, implementing, reviewing, and monitoring person-centred support plans. The ability to work independently and collaboratively, while supporting the induction and development of new staff and volunteers, is essential. Strong literacy, numeracy, and administrative skills are required, including handling basic financial transactions. You will also understand safeguarding responsibilities, maintain professional standards, and be flexible in working evenings and weekends when required.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

We are looking for a compassionate and motivated Assertive Outreach Worker to join our Liaison and Diversion Service. Working alongside criminal justice, health and community partners, you will support vulnerable people with mental health needs, learning disabilities, substance misuse issues and other complex challenges to access the services they need. Through person-centred outreach and practical support, you will help individuals improve their wellbeing, reduce barriers to engagement and achieve positive outcomes at a crucial point in their lives.

Catalyst Support, in partnership with Surrey and Borders Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, provides the Liaison and Diversion Service across Surrey. The service aims to identify and support vulnerable people of all ages at the earliest opportunity when they come into contact with the criminal justice system. This includes individuals experiencing mental health difficulties, learning disabilities, substance misuse issues and other vulnerabilities.

As an Assertive Outreach Worker, you will provide person-centred, community-based support to individuals following assessment by the Liaison and Diversion team. You will work closely with health, social care and criminal justice partners to help people access appropriate services, improve their health and wellbeing, and address the challenges that may place them at risk of further involvement in the criminal justice system.

The role involves engaging individuals within their local communities, supporting them to achieve their goals, reducing barriers to accessing support, and promoting positive outcomes. Through collaborative working and practical interventions, you will contribute to improved decision-making within criminal justice partnerships while helping vulnerable individuals access the support they need to move forward positively

Location: Farnham Road Hospital, Guildford
Salary: £29,220
Hours: 35 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent

Key responsibilities:

• To work with Liaison and Diversion colleagues in locality criminal justice settings to engage with individuals following assessment
• To actively engage with clients in their local community to support the client achieve their goals following assessment
• To conduct continuous risk assessments and develop and update risk management plans with partners
• To adhere to all the policies and practices of the Liaison and Diversion service
• To provide advice, information and appropriate harm reduction advice based on an individual’s needs
• To support the client to engage with key local services to improve their health and wellbeing e.g. primary care, housing, benefits etc.
• To jointly work with the client’s other support workers to ensure client meets any criminal justice requirements
• To transport clients to appointments as required and support clients at assessments and ongoing appointments, where appropriate and if needed
• To develop joint working arrangements with key local services, attend joint assessments if required and attend partnerships meetings
• To support individuals to find employment, undertake training, access support services, and cultivate positive social networks
• To keep up-to-date records, data and outcomes in line with the service contract

 About Catalyst Support

Through Community, Specialist and Outreach services, we support recovery, mental health, and wellbeing—together, every step of the way.

About you

• You have experience supporting adults with complex needs, including mental health, substance misuse, learning disabilities, homelessness or housing challenges.
• You are passionate about helping vulnerable people achieve positive outcomes and improve their wellbeing.
• You can build trusting relationships and engage people in their communities using a person-centred approach.
• You have experience of risk assessment, risk management and safeguarding.
• You understand harm reduction approaches and can provide practical, tailored support.
• You work effectively with a range of services and professionals, including health, housing, employment and criminal justice partners.
• You are confident working independently while also contributing to a multidisciplinary team.
• You have strong communication skills and can maintain accurate, confidential records.
• You are organised, resilient and able to manage a varied workload.
• You are able to work flexibly and travel across Surrey as required.
• You share our values of kindness, integrity and commitment to supporting wellness.
• You are committed to ongoing learning and professional development.
• Ideally, you hold a qualification in counselling, psychology, social work, probation, mental health, learning disabilities, or Health and Social Care.

Benefits

• 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays (increasing with service)
• Pension scheme and access to Simply Health (including optical, dental, counselling sessions)
• Birthday leave, employee discounts, and flexible working where possible
• Supportive probation, sick pay after probation, and wellbeing/EAP resources

Safeguarding & Checks

This role is subject to a basic DBS check.

A past history of drug/alcohol issues or criminality will not necessarily exclude you from this role; we encourage applications from people with lived experience where appropriate.

All applicants must have a valid right to work in the UK

Catalyst Support is an equal opportunities employer. We celebrate difference and are committed to fairness, accessibility, and inclusion throughout recruitment and employment.

We welcome requests for reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process.

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

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

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

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

Job title: Community Outreach Worker (Bounce Back) x2
Reference Number: 378
Reports to: Senior Community Outreach Worker (Bounce Back) or Senior Lead (Bounce Back)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum
Based: Stevenage Wellbeing Centre and Lister Hospital

About the Project and the Role

Herts Mind Network (HMN) has a partnership with Hertfordshire Partnership Foundation Trust (HPFT) to deliver a one to one outreach service for people who are in hospitals across Hertfordshire.

There is an emergency department arm of the project based at Lister Hospital working in A&E departments, with the Mental Health Liaison Team, and hospital wards facilitating hospital discharge for people with a mental health.

The Bounce Back Worker will be based at Lister Hospital and HMN Centres, promoting joint working between Lister A&E, the Mental Health Urgent Care Centre and the Mental Health Liaison Team, creating a seamless pathway into community support for clients recovering from mental ill health.

The aims of the Bounce Back service are; to provide up to 16 sessions of emotional and practical support, advice and information to patients. We will visit patients on the ward and continue the sessions in the local community and in patients homes once discharged. We will facilitate a smooth and timely hospital discharge.

The recovery approach includes empathy, warmth, acceptance, authenticity, compassion and humanity.

Key Responsibilities

• To receive referrals from the staff at Lister Hospital.
• Provide practical and emotional support to encourage patients to develop their independence within their local community.
• Facilitate a smooth discharge from hospital back to the community.
• Have a solid understanding on the dual effect of mental health and drugs and alcohol.
• Monitor outcomes and evaluate the service.
• Ensure that the safety and wellbeing of patients using the service is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• Embed a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.
• Provide an assertive outreach approach for clients who are in crisis and/or those that may have complex or multiple needs.

We offer:

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

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

Closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 2nd October at 5pm.
Interviews will be held on Thursday 8th October at our Stevenage Wellbeing Centre.
N.B. Please quote reference number 378 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

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

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

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

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

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

Mental Health and Homelessness Outreach Worker (Single Homeless Support Pathway) x2
Reference: 368
Salary: £26,000 – £27,000 per annum, depending on skills and experience inclusive of Outer London Weighting (OLW)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week (Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm)
Contract: Fixed term 1 Year
Working base(s):
1 person to be based in St Albans Wellbeing Centre
1 person to be based in Watford Wellbeing Centre

About the Service

The Complex Needs Housing Service works as a multi-disciplinary team with housing teams and Drug and Alcohol Services across District and Borough councils. These teams will be working with individuals who are presenting as homeless and have a number of Complex Needs. The service has been running since 2022 with a dual-district model, however, is now expanding to offer a single district outreach service.

We have roles available in the service in the following areas:

• St. Albans – supporting individuals who are homeless, in temporary accommodation or hostels in the district with their mental health
• South & West Hertfordshire – supporting women who have fled domestic abuse and currently residing in refuge/safe accommodation in the area with their mental health N.B. Only female applicants will be considered for this role.

The objectives of the Single Homeless Support Pathway are:

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental ill health.
• To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental ill health in, by providing a clear and effective pathway to services provided by Herts Mind Network and other third sector and statutory providers.
• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To reduce the use of police, ASB, tenancy enforcement, housing needs and environmental health services by clients whose primary need is related to mental ill health.
• To reduce the use of crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.
• To provide an assertive outreach approach for clients who are in crisis and/ or those that may have complex or multiple needs.
• To work collaboratively within a multi-disciplinary team consisting of District and Borough council’s housing teams, drug and alcohol services and other professionals.

About the Role

The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Community Outreach Worker role is to:

• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients who are experiencing mental ill health or need support with their mental wellbeing. These will be clients who are presenting to District and Borough councils as homeless and need intervention and support with their mental health and housing.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person-centred recovery orientated and trauma informed approach in all aspects of the roles.

We offer:

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

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

Closing date for receipt of applications is Monday 28th September at 5pm.
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis.
Please note we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible.
N.B. Please quote reference number 368 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

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

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation.

In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.