Play worker jobs

Family Support Worker 

Maternity Cover up to 12 months

£24,000 pa + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)

Essex and surrounding areas, including Romford, Ilford, Harlow, Loughton, Chelmsford

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

We are looking to appoint a Family Support Worker for a fixed term period of up to 12 months, on a full time basis (35 hours per week) to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Essex Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Essex Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a stressful and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

Location:

This role covers Essex and surrounding areas, including Romford, Ilford, Harlow, Loughton & Chelmsford.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator - you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

· We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

· Flexible working hours to balance home and working life

· Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand

· Company car for front line care posts

· 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)

· Time off in Lieu

· Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts

· Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes

· A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme

· Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year

· Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%

· The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping

Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

If you’d like to find out more about these benefits and working with us, please visit our website.

As part of our learning and development Anne Harris Skills Development Programme, we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be their best and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Teams are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, counselling skills, introduction to play.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

Please visit our website via the link and apply online.

Interview Date to be confirmed

Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interviews will take place at our Essex Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful. If you require any adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds. We are a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation.

Reports To: Head of Frontline Services

Hours: 12 hours per week (flexible but should include attendance at fortnightly Monday morning team meetings in Harrow). There may be opportunity to expand hours if desired.

Location: [Hybrid: Harrow team meetings /West London Community – which could span Hounslow, Hammersmith, Harrow, Barnet, Ealing, Brent/Online/Telephone] 

Our head office is currently in Croxley, Watford and team meetings may move to this location. You need to be able to travel to this location as part of the role.

Salary - £34,320 pro rata

The Violence Intervention Project (V.I.P) is a young Charity (founded in 2017), pioneering new approaches to working with young people (YP) involved in serious youth violence (SYV). Through a combination of practical and therapeutically informed practice, we support YP, their families and communities to live safer lives. Today, The V.I.P. supports more than 50 YP and families across the London Boroughs of RBKC, H&F, Ealing, Hounslow and Hillingdon. As an organisation with a therapeutic ethos at the heart of our practice, we prioritise the care and wellbeing of our employees. As a result, we have an incredible team and strong employee engagement backed by clinical supervision, a Board of Trustees and a Leadership Team who support and promote personal care and professional development. It’s because of our unique working culture that we’re able to meet the serious challenges and demands of our work.

At the V.I.P we aim to be a thought leader in our sector. To date we’ve established strong ties with the Anna Freud Centre along with funding from the Mayor of London’s Violence Reduction Unit. All our operations are framed within a public health approach and built on the fundamental belief that shame is a catalyst for violence; to which relationships are the antidote.

Our innovation, passion and principles have translated into a strong reputation and sustained expansion across West London. Our practice model, Urban Therapy, meets young people where they are — in cafes, parks, and community spaces. We also deliver early intervention programmes in schools and lead The Shame Initiative, our national training and consultancy offer for frontline practitioners.

All our posts are subject to an Enhanced DBS disclosure as well as a full employment history and two employment references. We are committed to equal opportunities in employment and service delivery and we welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Job Purpose: The Family Outreach worker plays a vital role in supporting the families of clients to enhance their stability, wellbeing, and access to essential services. In this role, the Family Outreach worker will provide personalised assistance to families, strengthen connections with external partners and community resources, and collaborate with the team to ensure comprehensive and cohesive support. Additionally, they will establish structured communication and availability protocols to manage expectations and promote sustainable assistance for families.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Develop and Implement Family Support Plans § Caseload Management: Maintain a focused caseload of 4–5 families at a time, ensuring each receives consistent, high-quality support § Care Plan Development: Co-design and implement personalised support plans with families, focused on clear, achievable goals, addressing unique needs such as housing support, access to services, and emotional and practical assistance. § Outcome Tracking: Regularly assess and monitor family progress, aiming for high satisfaction and meaningful, positive outcomes. § Ensure all work complies with safeguarding and confidentiality policies and promptly escalate any concerns regarding the welfare of children or vulnerable adults.

2. Build and Strengthen External Partnerships and Professional Networks § Networking and Outreach: Dedicate time each month to building relationships with key external partners, such as housing providers, domestic violence services, cultural support groups, and other community organisations. § Professional Network Integration: Actively collaborate with members of each family’s professional network (e.g. healthcare providers, educators, social services) to ensure aligned and effective support. § Partnership Development: Identify service gaps and cultivate partnerships with external agencies to broaden the range of resources available for families, especially during crises or complex situations. § Crisis and Complex Needs Support: Utilize professional connections to extend the support network available to families, enhancing their access to comprehensive care.

3. Foster Team Collaboration and Communication § Team Meetings and Case Discussions: Participate in regular team discussions to align family support strategies and incorporate team insights into care plans. § Documentation and Information Sharing: Maintain detailed documentation on family interactions, progress, and needs to facilitate informed team coordination. § Collaborative Problem Solving: Leverage the collective expertise of the team to address complex family needs and ensure proactive, cohesive support.

4. Develop Clear Communication and Availability Protocols § Service Model Communication: Communicate service guidelines, availability expectations, and emergency protocols to families to promote mutual understanding and prevent miscommunication. § Feedback-Driven Adjustments: Regularly gather and assess feedback from families to adjust communication protocols and improve service effectiveness.

5. Ongoing Monitoring, Review, and Professional Development § Role and Service Review: Schedule regular check-ins with management to assess role effectiveness and identify areas for improvement. § Feedback Collection and Analysis: Collect feedback from families and professional network contacts to maintain high-quality service standards and align with organisational objectives. § Professional Growth: Engage in professional development opportunities to continually refine and align your approach with the organisation’s mission, vision, and evolving community needs. Key Requirements: § Experience in Family Support or Community Outreach: Proven background in social work, family support, or community engagement, with an ability to manage complex family cases. § Strong Communication and Network-Building Skills: Effective communicator able to engage with families, team members, external partners, and professional networks, ensuring cohesive, high-quality support. § Empathy and Professionalism: Commitment to providing respectful, empathetic support to families, balanced with clear professional boundaries. § Organisational Skills: Ability to manage multiple cases, maintain thorough documentation, and adhere to Urban Therapy protocols to ensure high-quality, consistent service.

Key skills and qualities: · Flexibility and adaptability · Trust building · Advocacy skills · Crisis Intervention skills · Resilience · Active Listening · Solution Focused · Ethical practitioner

Urban Therapy is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion, and encourages applications from individuals of all backgrounds and lived experiences.

This role may evolve as community needs develop; the Family Outreach Worker will contribute to shaping the service model over time.

As a Support Worker at Ace of Clubs drop-in day centre supporting people who are homeless and facing adversity, you will play a key role in supporting individuals who may be navigating chaotic lifestyles, trauma, and multiple disadvantages. You will provide practical and emotional support, help people access essential services, and work to empower them to move towards independence.

Your role will involve working directly with service users, managing case records, liaising with partner agencies, and contributing to the smooth running of our busy centre. Ultimately, you will support people to overcome barriers, develop essential skills, and build confidence in navigating life challenges and providing advocacy where needed.  In particular, you will be on duty as Support Worker during our busy, daily lunchtime service - responding to the needs of a variety of guests – on a busy day we can reach 150 – 200 guests visiting our service.

In addition, Ace of Clubs works with a wide range of volunteers and partners on a daily basis including food partners, health partners, corporate, individual and client volunteers.  Your role will also be required to support the team in the smooth functioning of these areas, for example liaising with partners on site, showing around volunteers or feeding back any issues during lunch service.

You will also be required to support the Centre Manager with the operations and building’s co-ordination, including carrying out weekly health and safety checks as required, i.e. fire alarm checks, legionella checks etc., meeting onsite contractors, counting and logging cash takings, responding and filtering the central email account and making food and supplies orders. You will be provided with comprehensive training in these areas.

Playskill is a Hertfordshire based charity supporting pre-school children with physical disabilities & delays and their families. Across two sites in Watford and Hemel Hempstead, our work helps to build family resilience in the pivotal early years of a child’s life. Our specialist early intervention work delivering multi-disciplinary therapeutic play sessions, parent training/modelling, family social respite events and family support provides holistic family centred work aiming to build foundational skills for life

The Family Support Lead will coordinate our Family Support service across all locations providing holistic support to families of children with a physical disability/delay living in Hertfordshire, always keeping close adherence to best Safeguarding practice and procedures.

The role involves working with the Head of Family Service and Operations and Head of Development to develop the Support Worker team to deliver high quality family support. This may mean supporting families in group settings, family centres or in the home and holding caseloads with a holistic view in how to best meet need. Working closely with local stakeholders (including but not limited to schools, family hubs, social care, health and other voluntary sector organisations), the wider Playskill team and families, this role will deliver family-centred practice, ensuring positive outcomes for families.

We are looking for someone who has an understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and the challenges to navigate education, welfare and health systems. They will need to understand the needs of families and be able to work collaboratively.

The role will be responsible for the integration of our Support Worker team and family support services, ensuring best practice and identifying training needs as they arise.

You must be well organised and able to demonstrate the ability to develop strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. As a self-starter, you will be able to use your own initiative, can problem solve and prioritise, with good planning and organisational skills. You will be expected to manage your weekly diary ensuring you are offering timely, quality support across our sites and within the community. You will be expected to have a positive, resilient attitude, be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines and be flexible and adaptable.

All employees will be expected to make a commitment to Playskill’s core values of Respect, Compassion, Collaboration, Whole Family and Support.

What we can offer you

• Wellbeing support

• Supportive colleagues

• Pension

Diversity statement: 

Playskill is an equal opportunities employer and has a high number of team with caring responsibilities and is keen to encourage applicants from a diverse number of backgrounds.

Safeguarding statement:

Playskill is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Playskill has a full safeguarding policy and expects all staff to undergo safeguarding training.   

Closing Date:  5pm, Wednesday 17th December 2025

Interview date: Tuesday 6th January 2026

Interview location: Hemel Hempstead

Reg Charity no 1198233 (formerly 1122745). Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.in

Join our winter night shelter team and play a vital role in helping guests secure safe, sustainable accommodation. You’ll use your knowledge of housing pathways and support services to guide people through their next steps, working in a person-centred way alongside a committed and caring staff and volunteer team.

Location: Loughborough, England (Travel required to all Baca Services locations)

Contract Type: Permanent

Salary: £24,754 - £28,454 per annum FTE

Working Hours: 37.5 hrs per week (including evening and weekend hours on a rota)

Start date: January 2026

About Us:

Baca is dedicated to providing support and care to 16 to 18 year old unaccompanied asylum seeking children who are newly arrived in the country, helping them rebuild their strength, dignity, and hope for the future. We work closely with social workers and representatives from other agencies to benefit the young people in our care.

Role Overview:

As a Support Worker, you will be a key worker for several young people in Baca's care, providing high-quality holistic and therapeutic support for their transition to adulthood. You will deliver services in line with Baca’s Theory of Change, ensuring the highest quality outcomes in physical and emotional wellbeing, education, employment, training, social engagement, and personal safety.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide high-quality support and care to young people, ensuring their holistic development.
• Work proactively to safeguard young people and resolve any issues that arise.
• Be a role model, offering care and compassion without discrimination.
• Support young people in developing essential life skills and preparing for independent living.
• Engage young people in education, vocational training, and hobbies.
• Foster positive relationships within the community and support social engagement.
• Plan and participate in day trips and annual residential weeks.
• Develop partnerships with social workers, solicitors, teachers, volunteers, and other partners.
• Maintain excellent communication and keep accurate records.

Requirements:

• Alignment with Baca’s values and mission.
• Ability to respond to change and work as part of a diverse team.
• Self-motivated, proactive, and able to take initiative.
• Knowledge of safeguarding practices and issues faced by unaccompanied young people.
• Relevant training or willingness to complete essential training within the first year.
• Experience working with young people, especially in cross-cultural settings.
• Excellent communication, organizational, and ICT skills.
• Driving licence and access to a car.
• Enhanced DBS check required.

Personal Attributes:

• Approachable, reliable, and a strong team worker.
• Supportive, responsible, and personable.
• Flexible and able to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Holidays and benefits:

• 33 days’ holiday a year (pro rata for part-time staff) including bank holidays.
• Pension scheme
• Health & Wellbeing programme
• Free parking
• Casual dress

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of young asylum seekers and have the skills and attributes we are looking for, we would love to hear from you.

Please note: You must have the right to work in the UK for this role as Baca is not on the Home Office list.

Our members are looking for an enthusiastic indovidual to join our Network Hope Activities team as staff cover for 9 months.

You will work under the direction of the Project Manager and alongside, tutors to deliver activities, support networks, health and wellbeing and training support to beneficiaries and to recruit, train and support a network of volunteers to facilitate the support groups. 

The role will involve collaboration with other local businesses and third sector organisations to deliver the activities. This Project’s aim is to support vulnerable disabled people (including those with learning disabilities, autism and those affected by mental health issues and their families) through consistent provision of health and wellbeing activities, pathways into employment training, sport and social activities, advice, signposting and peer support based both at our Resource Centre in W10 and out in the community.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES  
 
1. Supporting Tutors, volunteers, senior staff and beneficiaries 
 
Utilising EPM’s resources to lead in locally sourcing beneficiaries and volunteers from the local community. Liaise with the NHS and Social Services, partner providers and schools, colleges, community centres, voluntary organisations and referral agencies. 

· Facilitate and support local support groups, 

· Plan, arrange and run a variety of activities and training programmes. 

· Recruit and support a network of volunteers to co-facilitate support groups and activities 

· Under the direction of The Project Manager conduct home visits to assess the needs of the families and inform them of support available through Network Hope. 

· Arrange the selection and delivery of healthy food and drinks and running the catering and gardening training groups. 

· Work with sports and fitness tutors to ensure all equipment used in sports/fitness sessions are secure and meet health and safety standards. 

· Coordinate and oversee respite and peer group support to the families. 

· Develop, monitor, update and review individual action plans for all beneficiaries. 

· Conduct evaluation reports (including case studies) and work with senior management to collate the information. 

· Assist senior management in leading  advisory group meetings and lead/facilitate local support group meetings. 

          Other duties as required

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 Refuge Worker to play a pivotal role in our Domestic Abuse Service in Ealing
Sounds great, what will I be doing?
We are looking for passionate individuals to provide intensive casework, support, and day-to-day guidance for women in our services. You'll play a vital role in delivering safety advice and information, including around domestic abuse and independent living, while co-producing personalised Support and Safety Plans that build on each woman's strengths and goals.
Your work will include liaising with statutory bodies such as Social Services to ensure safeguarding responsibilities are met, supporting housing needs and move-on accommodation, and facilitating empowering social activities and workshops that promote confidence, self-esteem, and assertiveness.
At the heart of this role is The Hestia Approach – a commitment to co-production and recovery. You'll work in true partnership with service users, helping them shape the support they receive, whether through peer networks, community groups, or local events.
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.
Here's what the team will be looking for
Applicants should have experience supporting individuals with diverse and complex needs, including mental health issues and substance misuse. This includes delivering high-quality floating or outreach support, developing support plans, conducting risk assessments, and liaising with external professionals. Knowledge of safeguarding, welfare benefits, housing legislation, and the ability to accurately record casework using computer systems is essential. The role also requires the ability to work independently in the community and travel throughout the borough.
Please note: This role is open to female applicants only, in accordance with Schedule 9 (1a) of the Equality Act 2010.
When will I be working?
You will be working between the hours on 9am - 5.18pm, Monday to Friday 
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, m
otivations 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 Recovery Worker to play a pivotal role in our Mental Health Drop-In Service in Brent.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The main purpose of the role is to provide excellent quality support and interventions to clients with mental health needs who require early intervention and prevention support. You will support clients throughout their time in service and empower them with the skills to cope independently. You will carry out support and interventions in line with organisational values and the ethos of recovery and co-production, as well as in line with policies and procedures.

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.

Here's what the team will be looking for:

The successful candidate will have demonstrable experience working with individuals affected by mental health and dual-diagnosis issues, with strong knowledge of a wide range of mental health conditions, effective communication approaches, and the ability to provide support with dignity and respect. They will understand relevant Mental Health legislation, the principles of recovery, and a variety of recovery approaches. The role requires the ability to work both independently and as part of a team, support the induction of new staff and volunteers, and work collaboratively with statutory services. The candidate will bring experience in planning and delivering added-value initiatives, alongside excellent communication, partnership-building, risk-assessment, and case-management skills. Strong organisational, IT, literacy, and numeracy abilities are essential, as is knowledge of local recovery tools, wellbeing services, and safeguarding practices.

When will I be working?

39 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays.

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

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

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

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Oaklands & St Kilda's is made up of two newly refurbished six-bedroom homes, located close to each other in Ealing, West London. We work with up to 12 young people at a time, providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. Many of the young people joining us are moving on from hospital, stepping down from more intensive placements, or transitioning from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult services.

Our team delivers 24-hour trauma-informed and psychologically informed support. You'll play a key role in helping each young person shape their own support and service experience. Everyone receives a bespoke welcome pack and is encouraged to personalise their living space, helping them feel at home from day one.

We place a strong emphasis on participation and co-production. Young people are encouraged to make decisions about their care, engage in partnership meetings, and take part in activities that build skills and confidence - whether that's cooking, budgeting, managing medication, or accessing education and work opportunities.

As a Support Worker, you'll provide direct, day-to-day support to young people, helping them develop essential life skills, manage their mental health, and build independence. You'll assist with practical tasks such as meal preparation, budgeting, attending appointments, and maintaining a healthy routine. You will encourage participation in social, vocational and community activities, and help young people feel comfortable and confident in their environment.

The Support Worker role involves early shifts (7:30 - 15:30/8:00 - 16:00) and late shifts (14:00 - 22:00) throughout the week, including some weekends each month.

What you'll bring:

Essential:

Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent, or experience supporting young people or individuals experiencing mental health challenges.

Desirable:

Experience working in complex mental health environments, supported accommodation, or similar settings.

Understanding of trauma-informed and psychologically informed approaches.

Experience supporting people to develop independent living skills.

About us:

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

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

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

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Sports Youth Worker

Do you love sports and are you passionate about the role physical activity can play in changing young people’s lives? We have an exhilarating opportunity that will make your heart race! We’re on the hunt for a dynamic Youth Worker to join a vibrant Sports team in the bustling heart of Burnt Oak, North London.

Position: Sessional Worker Sport
Location: Burnt Oak, North London
Salary: £13.85 per hour £15.42 premium per hour on Saturday evenings only
Hours: Up to 26 hours per week evenings and weekends

About the role:
As a Sports Youth Worker you will deliver and supervise face to face sports and activity sessions for young people, supporting session planning and general programming. You’ll lead a wide mix of activities, run taster sessions, organise competitions and challenges that develop skills, confidence and fitness, and provide coaching and support for young people and volunteer activity coaches.

The centre offers a diverse range of facilities including a Fitness Suite, a multi purpose Sports Hall, a Boxing and MMA room and a MUGA astroturf space for games and outdoor activities. Depending on your skills, you’ll work across these areas to help young people get active, stay motivated and reach their potential.

About you:
We are seeking sports and activity coaches from a range of backgrounds such as PE teachers, football or basketball coaches, personal trainers, multi sports coaches, youth workers with activity experience, or anyone with a strong general sports background who loves working with young people. The skills and experience required include:

• Experience of working with groups of young people aged 8 to 19 or up to 25 with a disability
• A genuine passion for sports, fitness and engaging young people in positive activities
• Commitment to safeguarding children

Desirable but not essential:

• Experience delivering general sports or physical activity based sessions
• NGB coaching awards in any sport
• Experience in organising games, tournaments or informal activity programmes
• Any additional experience in areas such as boxing, fitness instruction, martial arts, dance, multi sports or outdoor activities

About the organisation:
Our client is an independent charity and purpose built youth centre for Burnt Oak’s young people aged 8 to 19 and up to 25 for those with additional needs. They offer somewhere to go, something to do and someone to talk to, six days a week including school holidays. Their vision is to ensure every young person is supported and empowered to reach their potential.

They welcome applications from individuals with varied and non traditional backgrounds. Safeguarding is paramount and an enhanced DBS will be required.

They also welcome experience gained in roles such as Child and Youth Programme Assistant, Youth Development Worker, Sports Coach, Sports Teacher, PE Teacher, Activity Coordinator, Personal Trainer, Gym Instructor, Football Coach, Multi Sports Coach and similar. #INDNFP

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

Are you looking for a new opportunity for 2026?

Can you build positive relationships with young people in group settings - helping them explore new experiences, grow in confidence, and discover their own strengths and ambitions?

Are you enthusiastic about developing excellent and inclusive services with young people to enhance their, wellbeing, access to food and opportunities?

If so, we want you to join our team!

The Barnardo's Co-op Partnership is an exciting, innovative project where we are aiming to support over 1 million young people to have positive futures.

Sedgemoor for our Future is a service that has been co-designed by young people, for young people and is based on a ‘social kitchen'. The service facilitates regular spaces and opportunities where young people can come together to:

• Learn to cook healthy, nutritious food
• Eat together
• Have fun and play games
• Talk about and explore topics that are important to them
• Develop confidence, teamwork and new skills

The service runs two weekly group sessions:

Tuesdays in Highbridge 4.30pm – 6pm

Wednesdays in Bridgwater 4.30-6pm

Please note applicants need to be able to facilitate these sessions on these days.

 

There is also the opportunity to facilitate confidence and team building workshops for young people aged 10-25 years across different groups and spaces in Sedgemoor.

If you are:

• Confident and creative in engaging and working alongside young people aged between 10-25 years.
• Skilled in designing and facilitating inclusive groupwork sessions and workshops for young people.
• Able to provide emotional and practical support to young people, in line with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Able to work flexibly to meet the needs of young people, including the evenings that sessions run (see info above).
• Able to work in partnership with Co-op, Children's Services and the community, whilst keeping young people at the centre

Then please apply for the youth support worker role!

For an information chat about the role, please call or text Jess Hanson, Children's Service Manager,(contact details can be found 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. 

Housing Support Worker

We are seeking committed and compassionate Housing Support Workers to help people build stability, independence and brighter futures.

Position: Housing Support Worker
Salary: £24,335 rising incrementally to Point 6, £24,968
Location: Three sites across the organisation – Southend
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week – Hours will be within a 8 week rolling rota Monday – Sunday with shifts starting at 8am and the latest finishing at 9pm,
Contract: Permanent
Posts available: 4
Closing date: 12th December 2025

About the Role

You’ll play a key part in supporting individuals affected by homelessness to achieve stability and independence. Working as part of a supportive team, you’ll help residents settle into a safe home environment, navigate challenges, and build the skills they need for long term success.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing practical advice, information and support across areas such as tenancy sustainment, benefits, wellbeing, daily living skills and community engagement
• Supporting people to improve mental health, manage physical health needs and access medical, dental or specialist services
• Building positive, respectful relationships with residents based on trust and understanding
• Managing a caseload, completing assessments, support plans and reviews
• Ensuring properties are safe, welcoming and well maintained, following all health and safety procedures
• Helping residents retain accommodation, avoid eviction and prepare for move on
• Encouraging people experiencing substance misuse issues to engage with appropriate support
• Assisting with group activities that promote wellbeing and life skills
• Maintaining accurate, up to date case files and records
• Supporting colleagues with evening and weekend cover as part of a rota
• Promoting inclusive, anti-oppressive practice in all areas of work
• Working collaboratively with partner agencies and supporting press and fundraising activity when required
• Ensuring timely Housing Benefit claims and service charge collection

About You

You’ll bring empathy, resilience and a genuine commitment to supporting people who have experienced homelessness. You’ll be someone who stays calm under pressure and can balance practical problem solving with person centred support.

Essential skills and attributes:

• Patience, politeness and strong self control
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings, weekends and bank holidays as part of a rota

Desirable experience and skills:

• NVQ Level 2 or equivalent in Health and Social Care, Housing, IAG or a related area
• Understanding of the issues affecting people experiencing homelessness
• Experience delivering face to face or remote support to the public
• Ability to manage challenging situations confidently
• Comfortable using email, internet and database systems
• Able to work independently and as part of a wider team

About the Charity

You’ll be joining a dedicated team committed to helping people build safer, healthier and more independent lives. The organisation provides high quality supported housing and works collaboratively with partners to deliver services that genuinely change outcomes for people affected by homelessness.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Support Worker, Housing Officer, Homelessness Support Worker, Tenancy Support Worker, Wellbeing Support Worker, Outreach Support Worker, Recovery Worker, Resettlement Worker. #INDSCP

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

Make a lasting impact for care workers across the UK.

Are you a creative multitasker who loves bringing ideas to life — from concept to delivery?
The Care Workers’ Charity is looking for a Marketing & Logistics Officer to help us deliver inspiring campaigns, impactful communications, and seamless events that celebrate and support the nation’s care workforce.

You’ll play a vital role in managing logistics for national events, creating engaging marketing content, and helping our small but mighty team reach more care workers and supporters than ever before.

What you’ll do:
✨ Support the planning and delivery of campaigns, conferences, and fundraising events — from idea to execution.
✨ Design and coordinate marketing materials, from leaflets and videos to digital content.
✨ Manage event logistics including travel, accommodation, collateral, and supplier coordination.
✨ Create social media posts, newsletters, and website content that engage and inspire.
✨ Use AI-powered tools (like Canva and ChatGPT) to boost creativity and efficiency.
✨ Keep our event and campaign calendars running smoothly with your organisational flair.

What we offer:
�� Remote-first working, with travel for events and meetings across England.
�� £27,000–£29,000 per year (depending on experience).
�� 25 days’ annual leave + bank holiday's, flexible working patterns, and wellbeing support.
❤️ A friendly, inclusive team making a real difference in social care.

If you’re organised, creative, and passionate about social impact, this is your chance to shine in a role where every day helps make care workers visible, valued, and supported.

Apply now and help power our mission at The Care Workers’ Charity!