Parent carer peer support worker jobs
Youth Project Worker
Transform the lives of young people with learning disabilities and autism who are avoiding school . Use creativity, advocacy and relationship-building to help them articulate their needs, re-enter education and rebuild social connections.
You'll work with 35 young people with learning disabilities and autism in Coventry each year , helping them to:
- Articulate their needs and wishes through creative one-to-one advocacy and support
- Re-enter education in a way that works for them as complex individuals
- Re-build social skills and connections to protect their wellbeing and enrich their lives
These young people may be learning-disabled or autistic, in special or mainstream education, or not in education, employment or training (NEET). They include school avoiders, those on reduced timetables, and young people with unmet mental health needs. Without support, their outcomes are often bleak - but you can change that.
What You'll Do
You'll meet young people where they feel most comfortable - at times that suit them, using WhatsApp, Zoom, or face-to-face. Together, you'll:
- Create multimedia person-centred 'back to learning and community' plans using video, voice recording, photographs, artwork or graphics
- Build their confidence through weekly one-to-one sessions, with gradual group engagement on their terms
- Advocate for their views and support them to develop self-advocacy skills
- Connect them with meaningful opportunities across the city
- Work collaboratively with parents, schools, and other professionals
- Complete risk assessments, travel plans and project monitoring
A fun and creative touch is essential - you'll co-design all activities with young people, focusing on what matters to them.
About You
We're looking for someone who:
- Has experience in youth work, particularly one-to-one or small group personal and social development
- Has worked with teenagers experiencing mental health difficulties, special educational needs and disabilities
- Is creative and confident with multiple media platforms and social media
- Can help young people think broadly and creatively about their choices
- Works collaboratively with families, colleagues, and external professionals
- Has a deep listening ability - picking up on young people's signals, cues and feelings
- Is nurturing, non-judgmental and sees past first impressions
- Has tenacity and resilience with the ability to walk in young people's shoes
- Believes disabled young people should lead fulfilling lives as equal citizens
You'll need to be brilliant with young people, adaptable, and bring a flair for doing things differently. You'll have responsibility and autonomy, with the support of a strong team behind you.
Desirable: Qualifications in youth work, psychology or child and youth care; knowledge of person-centred and trauma-informed approaches.
About Grapevine
Grapevine is an award-winning charity bringing people who are marginalised into the centre of their communities. We're nationally acclaimed for our person-centred, strengths-based approach built on 30 years of curiosity and innovation.
Why work for us?
- Flexible working arrangements
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 8% non-contributory pension (we pay the full amount!)
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Supportive culture focused on uncovering your potential
- Real impact - your work directly changes lives
- Continuous learning through reflective practice and peer learning
- Freedom with support - shape your projects but never feel alone
We're committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming people from all backgrounds. We actively work to create a workplace where everyone feels respected, valued and able to be themselves.
The Impact
Since 2021, Next Steps has been achieving outstanding outcomes:
- 74% of young people felt more confident about school and the future
- 100% were able to do things that matter to them in a way they like
- 62% showed improved scores across every baseline area
- 34% increased school attendance within 4 months
Now it's your turn to be part of this success story.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Strengthening people, sparking community and shifting power in Coventry and beyond
Thank you!
Key Tasks & Responsibilities
1 Provide information, advice and support to parents/carers of disabled children individually and in group sessions
2 Signpost parents/carers to appropriate services for their whole family provided by the statutory sector, voluntary sector and Umbrella
3 Supporting parents/carers to access and engage with services as appropriate
4 To hold a small caseload of families who need early intervention support, providing those families with more intensive support including regular telephone calls, home visits, signposting and attending meetings and appointments with them.
5 To work closely with Umbrella teams, ensuring a smooth handover
6 Develop and maintain strong and effective working relationships with staff working with disabled children and their families employed by other local agencies
7 Develop a high level of knowledge of local services
8 Facilitate a comprehensive range of well supported parent support groups across the area, taking account of geographical and community issues
9 Supporting and directing volunteers to provide peer support and help with group activities
10 Collating and reporting on relevant statistical and other performance information
11 Working with parents/carers to continually improve the service.
General Responsibilities
1 Manage and organise your own time and activities to ensure tasks are prioritised, and agreed deadlines are met
2 Assist with the marketing and promotion of the service
3 Work closely with Parent /Carer Forums and Information, Advice Support Services.
4 Take an active part in continuing to develop own knowledge and skills relevant to the job, attending training as required
5 Keep clear and comprehensive case notes
6 Maintain confidentiality
7 Support parents/carers and young people to express their views
8 Work with parents to identify and develop new ways of providing effective support to parents, including the use of ICT and social media
9 To contribute to Umbrella service reports and bulletins.
Other Requirements
In accordance with relevant legislation, to take all reasonable care of your health, safety, and welfare and that of other people and premises affected by your work
In discharging the duties and responsibilities set out in the job description to ensure compliance with Equal Opportunities policies and principles.
In order to achieve the objectives of Umbrella, the post holder will need to work flexibly, including out of hours
This is not a full and complete statement of duties and responsibilities, which may be amended in the light of changing needs of parents and carers, after consultation with the post holder
Registered Charity
51 - 100
Enable disabled children and young people to realise their full potential in an integrated society.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Do you want to make a real difference in children and young people's lives? If so, then we would like you to join our dedicated team of social workers and help empower children to thrive. We believe in quality over quantity, ensuring manageable caseloads so you can truly focus on the people you support. Regular supervision, peer support, and emotional wellbeing resources are all part of how we care for our team. We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our small friendly team, who are well linked in with the wider Barnardo's organisation across the UK.
Fostering Service, covering Wales. We offer flexible working options, and a strong support network, and ongoing professional development to ensure you feel valued and supported in your career.
The suitably applicant will be enthusiastic, creative and passionate about supporting children and young people who are cared for by their foster families. You will be able to work therapeutically with people who have experienced trauma and loss in their lives. You will work in a way that acknowledges and validates their experiences and work with hope that their future may be different. You will also have opportunities to design and deliver training to a team of committed foster parents and peers. You will have strong assessment skills in order to complete Form F's and annual reviews.
Ready to take the next step in your social work career? If the answer yes, then we very much look forward to you joining the team.
When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. 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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking an experienced and passionate Head of Children, Young People & Families (CYPF) to join our senior management team and lead one of our core service areas.
This is an exciting opportunity to oversee a wide-ranging CYPF service that directly supports over 400 children and young people each year, and many more through partnerships. You will lead the newly redeveloped Tulse Hill Adventure Playground, ensuring it thrives as a hub for children, young people and families, alongside a portfolio of impactful programmes including school-based mentoring, young leaders’ programmes, family stay-and-play, and peer-led social action.
Supported by our Adventure Playground Manager and a team of youth and play workers, this is an incredibly exciting time for the service – the newly built structures, alongside a small animal area and a growing area, are ready to build an ambitious service around that meets the needs and interests of local children and families.
High Trees is also the lead partner in Building Young Brixton (BYB) – a consortium of 10 youth organisations working with 2,000 young people across Lambeth – which you will coordinate, alongside contributing to the Lambeth Peer Action Collective.
Our Head of CYPF plays a key leadership role that combines strategic oversight with hands-on involvement. You will bring significant experience in youth or community work, with the skills to manage multifaceted services, lead teams, and build strong partnerships with local organisations, schools and statutory bodies. By working closely with our team and partners, you will help ensure that children and young people in Lambeth have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
Our incredible interim Head of Service will be happy to arrange an informal chat with interested candidates to discuss the day to day responsibilities of the role.
About High Trees
Based in Tulse Hill, High Trees has been rooted in the local community for over 27 years. We delivery community action, employment, education, youth services and community research, working in partnership with local people and local organisations, to build stronger communities and create meaningful change. We are recognised for our collaborative, long-term approach and our ability to adapt and respond to the issues that matter most to local people.
About the role
As Head of Children, Young People and Families, you will:
- Lead and inspire our Children, Young People and Families team to deliver high-impact, community-led work.
- Oversee a portfolio of projects and contracts, ensuring they are delivered to time, budget, and quality.
- Build and strengthen partnerships across the sector to support children, young people and families in Lambeth.
- Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for CYPF services and partnerships.
- Contribute as a member of High Trees’ senior management team, helping shape organisational strategy and drive our ambitions across all service areas.
About you
We are looking for someone who brings:
- Significant experience in working with Children, Young People and Families.
- A proven track record of leading teams and managing complex projects.
- Excellent communication and partnership-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
- A strategic but practical approach with the ability to balance day-to-day delivery with long-term vision.
- A passion for place-based working, collaboration, and advocating for the needs of children and young people.
Why join us?
This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a values-led organisation at a time of growth and ambition. You will play a pivotal role in shaping CYPF services and ensuring that children and young people in Lambeth have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.
Registered Charity
21 - 50
Connecting with people and communities to strengthen skills and build stronger voices.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Are you passionate about supporting families and making a lasting impact in your community? The Family Linx Service is looking for a dedicated and enthusiastic Family Support Practitioner (Project Worker 2) to join our team at Priory Family Centre in Barnsley.
Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund, the Family Linx Service has been co-produced with parents, carers, and autistic children and young people. Now in its seventh year, the service provides vital support to families with autistic children aged up to 12—both before and after diagnosis.
At Priory Family Centre, we work in partnership with families to build on their strengths, helping them achieve their goals through whole-family support, confidence-building, and developing coping strategies and resilience. Join us and make a real difference in the lives of families with autistic children.
Role Details
- Hours: 22.2 hours per week over 3 days (days negotiable)
- Location: Priory Family Centre, Barnsley
This is an exciting opportunity to:
- Work collaboratively with families and professionals
- Contribute to the ongoing development of a well-established service
- Deliver both group and one-to-one support tailored to family needs
- Recruit, support and develop a network of lived experience Peer
- Supporters and Volunteers, including supporting the delivery of a Peer
- Support Group.
- Deliver training to organisations and communities to support the
- aims of the service
We're seeking someone who is:
- Committed, enthusiastic, and motivated
- Creative, adaptable, and empathetic in their approach
- Experienced in group facilitation and one-to-one family support
- Knowledgeable about autism and experienced in working with autistic children and their families
- Experienced and knowledgeable in safeguarding and applying safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
- Experienced in supervising others (this can include volunteers)
Please note: A full driving licence, access to a vehicle, and business insurance are essential for this role.
Cygnet Programme and Teen Life trained facilitators are desirable but not essential, as training will be provided.
Although this contract has a permanent status, please be aware that this post is subject to funding currently to 31 January 2027 and therefore should this funding not be extended further, you may be subject to a redundancy consultation or a TUPE arrangement. This contract is due to expire on 31 January 2027.
When applying, please refer to the Person Specification, Job Description, and any Additional Information provided. Tailor your application to demonstrate how your skills and experience align with the role and the service's aims.
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.
Thank you!
Are you looking for a new challenge? We have an exciting opportunity for a Team Manager to join our Kickstart Futures Service based in Sutton.
The Service provides floating key work support sessions to Care Leavers who predominantly entered the UK either as Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children or as Survivors of Human Trafficking, with an aim to improve their independence skills, community integration, self-confidence and mental health.
Location of the post:
You will be based in our Crystal Palace office (SE19 3BG) with the requirement to regularly visit our 7supported living accommodation sites located across Sutton and Croydon. Between visits, you have the option to work flexibly from our office and from home.
Hours:
29.6 hours across 4 days. Hours of work can be flexible to suit you, between the hours of 9am – 7pm. Occasional cover may be required on weekends to meet the needs of the service.
Some of the key responsibilities include but are not limited to:
- To manage all areas of service provision including all aspects of key performance indicators outlined by commissioners across contracts in different Local Authorities.
- To manage a multidisciplinary team of professionals by providing supervision, practice development sessions, team meetings, ongoing practice advice and monitoring and evaluation of all aspects of our recording policy.
- To provide professional support to staff team members as well as other Team Managers within the Positive Futures theme. This includes support and advice around safeguarding matters, analytical thinking and constant risk assessment.
- To complete regular monitoring reports in line with the contract specifications for each Local Authority where we deliver services.
- To attend regular monitoring meetings where you will present feedback of the service provision including details of cases, safeguarding concerns, practice advice and finance compliance.
- Working with the Children's Service Manager to grow and develop the services in line with Barnardo's corporate strategy of Positive Futures and based on the needs of Children and Young People.
- Actively promoting Children and Young People's participation in the service as well as seeking their feedback in order to incorporate a constantly evolving service delivery.
Essential Requirements to evidence in your application:
- At least 2 years' experience in managing a service/team aimed at supporting children/young people.
- An in depth understanding of leaving care, how to support young people transition to independence and the issues they may face.
- Demonstrable record of good working practice with children & young people.
- Ability to build strong relationships with other social care professionals and housing associations.
- Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
- Strong IT skills and the ability to accurately record information.
- Excellent interpersonal and teamwork skills.
- Willingness to travel across London to attend regular meetings with commissioners.
Interested but would like some more information on the role? Then please contact Rajinder Nagra (Assistant Director) Contact details can be found on our website via the job link.
When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document (if applicable). 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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.