Play worker jobs

Senior Residential Care Worker

Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Salary: £33,273.24 to £43,797.00 (includes payment for 2 sleep-ins per week, dependent on experience and based on either our 39-hour or 45-hour contract options)

About Us

For over 110 years, The Caldecott Foundation has been helping children build a future. We provide homes, schools and therapeutic services for children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity and disrupted relationships.

We focus on creating safe, nurturing and playful environments where young people can develop life skills, grow in confidence, enjoy new opportunities and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

About the Role

As a Senior Residential Care Worker, you will play a key role in supporting the day-to-day running of the home. You’ll lead by example, guide the team, and help ensure high standards of care, safety and support for children and young people.

You will work closely with the Registered Manager and Deputy Registered Manager, contributing to assessments, care planning and the delivery of consistent, high-quality support across the home.

This role includes working a rota and participating in sleep-in duties.

What Kind of Person We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is confident, compassionate and committed to helping young people feel safe, understood and supported.

You’ll be able to:

• Lead and support colleagues as part of a collaborative team
• Build trusting, positive relationships with young people
• Stay calm, reflective and grounded in challenging situations
• Guide others in trauma-informed practice and child-centred care
• Communicate clearly and contribute to reports, records and assessments
• Meet the practical demands of the role, including working a rota and participating in sleep-ins
• Drive Foundation vehicles to transport young people to activities and appointments

Key Responsibilities

As a Senior Residential Care Worker, you will:

• Support the Registered Manager and Deputies with the day-to-day running of the home
• Lead and guide the staff team to maintain high standards of care and safeguarding
• Contribute to assessments, care planning and reviewing young people’s needs
• Provide consistent support to young people during times of stress or crisis
• Maintain a safe, nurturing and positive home environment
• Ensure young people are informed, involved and supported in planning their lives
• Communicate effectively with families, colleagues and external professionals

Essential Experience & Qualifications

You will need to have:

• A Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (or equivalent)
• Proven experience working in a children’s residential setting
• Experience leading or supporting groups of children or young people
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• An understanding of trauma and the impact it can have on behaviour
• A commitment to inclusive, child-centred practice
• A full driving licence

What We Can Give You

• 28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays), rising to 30 days after 3 years
• Career development, including funded qualifications up to master’s level
• Health cashback scheme (covering you and up to four children)
• Pension scheme with up to 5% employer contributions
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to retail, food and entertainment discounts
• Cycle-to-work scheme and will writing service

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves. The children and young people we support come from many different backgrounds, and we believe our workforce should reflect and celebrate that diversity. We welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds and lived experiences who share our commitment to helping children build brighter futures.

Sound Like a Match?

If you’re ready to lead by example, support young people through both challenge and achievement, and help create a safe and nurturing home environment, we’d love to hear from you.

Please click apply to be redirected to our website.

Please note: The Caldecott Foundation is committed to safeguarding children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check in line with safer recruitment guidelines.

Residential Care Worker

Location: Worksop, Nottinghamshire
Salary: £31,001.88 to £35,185.80 (includes payment for 2 sleep-ins per week, dependent on experience and based on either our 39-hour or 45-hour contract options)

About Us

For over 110 years, The Caldecott Foundation has been helping children build a future. We provide homes, schools and therapeutic services for children and young people who have experienced trauma, adversity and disrupted relationships.

We focus on creating safe, nurturing and playful environments where young people can develop life skills, grow in confidence, enjoy new opportunities and feel a genuine sense of belonging.

About the Role

As a Residential Care Worker, you will support the learning, emotional, social and behavioural needs of children and young people within both our residential homes and, at times, within our school environment.

You’ll play an important role in everyday life, helping young people feel safe, valued and supported while contributing to care plans, daily routines, and meaningful experiences.

This role includes working a rota and participating in sleep-in duties.

What Kind of Person We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who is compassionate, resilient and committed to helping young people thrive.

You’ll be able to:

• Build trusting, supportive relationships with young people
• Stay calm and grounded in challenging situations
• Work collaboratively within a team and be open to learning
• Support children in education, care and social settings
• Meet the practical demands of the role, including working a rota and participating in sleep-ins
• Drive Foundation vehicles to transport young people to activities and appointments
• Work confidently within a trauma-informed environment

Key Responsibilities

As a Residential Care Worker, you will:

• Support the emotional, social, behavioural and educational needs of children and young people
• Help implement care plans, education plans and individual strategies
• Contribute to a safe, nurturing and supportive home environment
• Support young people in daily routines, activities, learning and social opportunities
• Maintain accurate records and communicate effectively with colleagues and professionals
• Promote young people’s safety, wellbeing and positive development
• Participate in mandatory training, supervision and sleep-in duties

Essential Experience & Qualifications

You will need to have:

• A good standard of education and the ability to produce clear written records
• A willingness to undertake the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare (if not already held)
• An interest in supporting children and young people to achieve positive outcomes
• A full driving licence

What We Can Give You

• 28 days’ holiday (including bank holidays), rising to 30 days after 3 years
• Career development, including funded qualifications up to master’s level
• Health cashback scheme (covering you and up to four children)
• Pension scheme with up to 5% employer contributions
• Wellbeing support through our Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to retail, food and entertainment discounts
• Cycle-to-work scheme and will writing service

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team where everyone feels valued, respected and able to be themselves. The children and young people we support come from many different backgrounds, and we believe our workforce should reflect and celebrate that diversity. We welcome applications from people of all ages, backgrounds and lived experiences who share our commitment to helping children build brighter futures.

Sound Like a Match?

If you’re ready to make a meaningful difference and help our young people feel safe, supported and hopeful for their futures, we’d love to hear from you.

Please click apply to be redirected to our website.

Please note: The Caldecott Foundation is committed to safeguarding children. All appointments are subject to satisfactory references and an Enhanced DBS check in line with safer recruitment guidelines.

Do you have some experience of advice work, preferably with a focus on housing issues, and a real desire to advance your specialist level knowledge? Then join Shelter Scotland as a Housing Rights Worker and you could soon be playing a vital role in helping to identify and resolve the homelessness and bad housing issues facing local communities.

About the role

In our Community Team, we identify, investigate and intervene in housing and homelessness issues. We are engaged in our local communities to understand the housing issues people are facing, and we apply our expertise to work toward solutions. Lived experience of the housing emergency is at the heart of everything we do.

Role specifics

You will have the ability to engage and work collaboratively with individuals, communities and with all stakeholders, including running group workshops and presentations. You have experience, knowledge of and/or proven ability in housing and homelessness advice and advocacy, with the ability to progress to specialist level knowledge. Essential to the role will be good time management, carrying out casework related interviews, maintaining detailed case records and offering advice and support to clients to inform their decisions.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team

There are three Community Teams - North, West and East. These teams of housing rights workers engage with and activate communities in delivering insight and evidence and targeted interventions, to address local issues and contribute towards the Shelter Scotland Housing Emergency campaign for structural change

About Shelter Scotland

Shelter Scotland is Scotland’s national housing and homelessness charity. Our vision is of a home for everyone in Scotland. For over 50 years, the way we drive change has remained the same. We advise and support people in housing need today and use the insight we gain to inform our campaigns to change tomorrow. We also raise professional standards for those working in Scotland’s housing and homelessness sector by offering a broad range of training courses.

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday thousands of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter Scotland. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter Scotland is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. 

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

Are you an experienced organiser ready to take on a leadership role in advancing workers’ rights across the region? The ITF is seeking a Regional Lead Organiser to drive major organising programmes and strengthen union capacity.

About the Role

As Regional Lead Organiser, you will take on a strategic leadership role, shaping and driving the organising agenda across the Asia Pacific region. You will support the Regional Secretary and global organising teams by coordinating complex projects, developing long-term organising strategies, and building affiliate capacity.

You will mentor and guide Regional Organisers, support cross-country cooperation, and help develop effective campaign structures within affiliates. You will work directly with unions, workers and stakeholders across the region, providing expert advice, delivering training and helping build sustainable organising programmes.

The role involves strategic planning, field-level engagement, research, curriculum development and communication with a broad range of partners. It is central to advancing the ITF’s organising mission.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading regional organising projects aligned with ITF strategies.
• Leading on membership expansion across the regions
• Mentoring and guiding Regional Organisers.
• Supporting affiliates in strategy development and campaign planning.
• Coordinating regional organising workplans.
• Engaging with companies and regulators to support campaign goals.
• Designing and delivering training for union leaders.
• Monitoring, evaluating and reporting on progress.
• Supporting cross-border organising activities.

About You

You are an experienced organiser with a deep understanding of union power, worker mobilisation and long-term movement-building. You bring credibility as a practitioner and strong leadership qualities.

You can design organising strategies, analyse power structures and guide unions towards impactful and sustainable approaches. You are skilled at managing multiple projects and adapting to unpredictable situations.

You communicate confidently with workers, union leaders, companies and government bodies, and you have a strong ability to bring people together around shared goals.

• Extensive organising experience and mentoring capability.
• Strong leadership skills
• Strong understanding of union structures and power-building strategies.
• Experience in multicultural environments.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Training and facilitation experience.
• Strong project management skills.
• Willingness to travel within the region.
• Experience coordinating multi-country organising initiatives.

Why Join Us?

This role allows you to make a significant contribution to strengthening the labour movement across the Asia Pacific region.

You will work within a supportive, mission-driven organisation that promotes innovation, collaboration and learning.

Your leadership will help build long-term organising capacity and advance worker rights throughout the region.

We are Hestia. We make a difference.
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 Supported Housing Worker to play a pivotal role in our Criminal Justice Service in Bromley.
Sounds great, what will I be doing?
The role involves providing comprehensive support to service users in accommodation-based services, particularly those with complex needs such as substance misuse, homelessness, and offending histories. Key responsibilities include building positive, professional relationships with service users, supporting them to manage their tenancies, and working towards sustainable independence. Staff are expected to assess individual needs using organisational tools, guide users in developing tailored support plans, and assist them in achieving personal goals, including moving on to more independent living arrangements.
In this position, the emphasis is on empowering service users to improve various aspects of their lives. This includes encouraging them to take responsibility for their health, finances, and behaviour, and supporting their access to necessary services such as healthcare, substance misus
e treatment, and mental health support. The role also involves motivating service users to engage in activities that promote wellbeing and helping them access opportunities in education, training, volunteering, and employment, thereby improving their financial security and life prospects.
The position requires a collaborative and proactive approach, working closely with other professionals, agencies, and colleagues to provide coordinated support. Staff are expected to contribute to service development, maintain accurate and confidential records, and demonstrate a commitment to professional standards and continuous improvement. Flexibility, resilience, and a positive attitude toward change are essential, as is the ability to represent the organisation effectively in interactions with external stakeholders and to contribute to the promotion of its values and service standards.
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.
Joining Hestia means more than just a job; it's an opportunity to be part of something bigger. We offer a supportive, inclusive and resolution driven work environment where your contributions are recognised and valued. As a member of our team, you will have the chance to grow both personally and professionally while making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Here's what the team will be looking for
The ideal candidate will be committed to developing positive, supportive relationships with service users who have complex needs such as homelessness, substance misuse, and a history of offending. They will be adept at using strengths-based and person-centred approaches to help individuals maintain independence and work toward personal goals, especially around securing and sustaining accommodation. A strong understanding of assessment tools and key-working practices is essential, as is the ability to help service users identify their strengths, manage daily responsibilities, and plan for positive move-on, particularly into private sector housing.
The role demands someone who can empower service users to take control of their wellbeing, including addressing substance misuse, managing finances, and engaging in mental and physical health services. The candidate should also be able to support service users in accessing opportunities that enhance their financial and personal development, such as employment, training, and volunteering. Effective liaison with other professionals and agencies is critical to delivering coordinated support, and the ability to advocate for service users during case conferences and care planning is a key aspect of the role.
The person must be a proactive and collaborative team player who upholds high professional standards and contributes to service improvement. They should demonstrate resilience, a willingness to adapt positively to change, and a commitment to promoting the organisation's aims. Strong administrative skills, confidentiality, and timely record-keeping are crucial. Additionally, the ability to build external relationships and represent the service effectively with key stakeholders and commissioners is essential to support the broader aims of the organisation.       
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.

Family Support Worker 

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

To cover Southampton, including Dorset, Hampshire and parts of Wiltshire and Isle of Wight

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, on a full time basis (35 hours per week), to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our Southampton Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the Southampton 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 demanding 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.

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 are a Best Companies Two-Star rated organisation, an outstanding place to work! 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

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, introduction to play, drawing and talking training.

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 and apply online.

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

Interviews will take place at our Southampton 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.

Hours: Part time – 22.5 per week

Contract: Fixed term until November 2026 (maternity cover)

Salary: £31,600 per annum pro rata for part time

Location: Newcastle

Closing date: Tuesday 16th December 2025 at 11:30pm

Are you compassionate, proactive and collaborative with experience, knowledge of and/or proven ability in housing and homelessness advice and advocacy? If you’re looking for an exciting new career opportunity join Shelter as a Housing Rights Worker and you could soon be playing your part in standing up to the housing emergency.

About the role

Your focus will be to deliver high quality housing advice and advocacy in line with the hub’s local community projects, working alongside people who are experiencing homelessness and bad housing to identify issues facing local communities.  You will plan and deliver casework to individuals and communities to resolve their housing situation and engage with community groups, local organisations and individuals to understand local housing issues and raise awareness of people’s housing rights.

You will also work in local community settings and with community groups to deliver advice and rights awareness workshops and make sure that people with lived experience of homelessness have opportunities to share their story, give their opinions and participate in the design and delivery of Shelter services. Offering day to day support to volunteers, providing learning, shadowing and mentoring and being a consistent role model for our values are also key aspects of the role.

About you

You are able to listen to, engage and work with individuals and communities and with all stakeholders, including people with lived experience of homelessness. You will have knowledge of and/or proven ability in housing and homelessness advice and advocacy and are able to progress to specialist level knowledge, training will be provided. You will have the ability to carry out casework related interviews, maintain detailed case records, advise and support clients to make informed decisions, as well as a collaborative, flexible and professional approach to your work.

Benefits

We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

About the Team

Shelter North East has been supporting people in the region for over 25 years and provides advice over 12 local authorities. We are made up of an advice team, legal team as well as support services which include Housing First and DIY skills service, as well as an administration team. National staff based in the hub include a Community Fundraiser and Community Organiser, Lived Experience Officer and Business Development Manager.

We aim to bring about systemic change through our work with clients, training for our partners and volunteers and using evidence to bring about housing procedural and policy changes for people in the North East.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet every day millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

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

How to apply

Please click ‘Apply for Job’ on the advert. You are required to submit a CV and a supporting statement with responses to the following points in the ‘About you’ section of the job description of no more than 350 words each. Please provide specific examples following the STAR format and ensure you demonstrate how you address the behaviour We prioritise diversity and have an inclusive and open mindset throughout your responses:

• Knowledge and experience of housing and homelessness advice and advocacy and the ability to progress to specialist level knowledge

•Ability to listen to, engage and work with individuals and communities

•Experience of delivering and/or ability to deliver group workshops and presentations

Any applications submitted without a supporting statement will not be 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 Peer Support Worker to play a pivotal role in our Havering Crisis Alternatives Service.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

The main purpose of this role is to provide high-quality support and interventions to clients with mental health needs who require early intervention and prevention. The postholder will support clients throughout their time in the service, empowering them with the skills to cope independently, while working in line with organisational values, the ethos of recovery, and principles of co-production. Responsibilities include managing a caseload of clients, delivering group activities and programmes, and clearly communicating the aims, objectives, pathways, and service model to enable clients to fully participate in and co-produce their support. The role also involves helping service users engage effectively with community professionals, developing peer support networks and community-based approaches, monitoring the health, wellbeing, and safety of service users, and contributing to the core work of the service. Accurate and timely administration, referrals, assessments, and service reviews are required, alongside participation in supervision, appraisals, training, and team development activities. Flexibility, initiative, and a collaborative approach are essential to ensure effective service delivery and support for both clients and colleagues.

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 ideal candidate will have lived experience of mental health care pathways, including emergency department attendance, acute admissions, and community mental health services, alongside a solid understanding of the issues affecting individuals with a range of mental health conditions. They will be able to communicate effectively and provide support with dignity and respect, forming and sustaining trusting relationships with service users, carers, peer support workers, and professionals. Strong listening and verbal communication skills are essential to engage appropriately with service users in crisis, colleagues, and external agencies, both in person and over the phone. Knowledge of recovery tools, local mental health and wellbeing support, and the ability to assess needs, risks, and aspirations to provide appropriate signposting are required. The candidate will demonstrate strong prioritisation, time management, and the ability to work dynamically under pressure. Proficiency in IT, including MS Word, Outlook, and internet functions, as well as good literacy and numeracy skills to produce clear written correspondence, is expected. They will have a sound understanding of safeguarding issues and the ability to address them appropriately, work effectively both independently and as part of a team, and support the induction of new peer staff and volunteers. Strong communication, partnership building, and interpersonal skills are essential.

When will I be working?

You will be required to work between 5:00pm – 10:00pm on weekdays and 2:00pm – 10:00pm on weekends. Hours are scheduled on a rolling rota, which includes 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.

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.

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

A little bit about the role 

Location: Hybrid, 2 days a week expected in our London Office.

Salary: £65,431.97 (including London Office Allowance) plus competitive pension

Please note that this role will be closing on Monday 5 January 2026 at 9am.

The Principal Practice Tutor will play a leading role in and delivering Frontline’s Approach Social Work programme, a fast-track master’s in social work.  This is an exciting role for someone who wishes to combine management and leadership responsibilities whilst keeping a close connection to the work of their team by working directly with participants on the programme.  

The role of Principal Practice Tutor is to provide programme leadership and team management ensuring a high-quality teaching experience as well as ensuring excellent participant placement experience by supporting Consultant Social Workers. 

The role comprises of six core areas of responsibility: 

• Programme leadership and team management
• Resolve escalated participant issues
• Practice learning of participants 
• Support of Consultant Social Workers 
• Delivery (teaching) and Quality Assurance (marking) of the programme’s curriculum
• Supporting and operationalising wider organisational objectives 

You will work alongside the Head of Delivery, Principal Curriculum Leads and Principal Partnership Leads to ensure a high quality, effective learning experience for our participants. You are responsible for successfully incorporating best practice in pedagogy, through the provision of training, guidance and quality assurance activities across teams. 

We are actively seeking applicants from Global Majority backgrounds.

A little bit about you 

We are looking for a master’s-qualified, SWE-registered social worker with substantial children and families experience and a passion for developing others. You’ll be an engaging leader with strong practice insight, confident decision-making skills and a commitment to inclusive, anti-racist social work education.

We have a fast-moving culture within the team and organisation, so we’re looking for someone who is who is well organised, details-focused and can use their initiative to do what works. You will have excellent communication skills, be able to build relationships with people and be willing to learn. There are lots of opportunities for growth and development in this role – and for the right candidate to make the role their own. 

If you feel you have the skills to make a real impact and contribute to creating lasting social change for children and families, we would love to hear from you. 

Important information

We have increased the diversity of Frontline’s workforce in the last 12 months, but we need to do more to have greater racialised minority representation in our senior roles. We know the value racialised minority voices bring and therefore, we are strongly encouraging applicants from these backgrounds to apply. We are also a disability confident employer and welcome applicants with disabilities.

We recognise that artificial intelligence (AI) such as ‘ChatGPT’ etc can be useful for applicants e.g. to shorten an initial draft, so we do not attempt to have an absolute ban on AI in applications. However we would caution applicants not to rely too much on AI in drafting answers to application questions. We want to hear your authentic voice arising out of your experience, and we will be looking for answers that use examples and experiences that are specific to you. You are more likely to be able to produce that kind of content yourself than an AI will.

We reserve the right to close this role ahead of the deadline once we reach a suitable number of applications, so please apply as soon as you can!

This role is ineligible for sponsorship and so all applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

We have an exciting opportunity for 2 x Children and Young People Domestic Abuse Practitioners to join New Era working in Staffordshire. The position is 37.5 hours a week on a Permanent Contract with the Safe Accommodation Team.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

These roles are based in Staffordshire (we have an office in Stafford or Stoke). You will work directly with children and young people across the area; with hybrid working an option after the 6 month probationary period.

As a CYP DA Practitioner you will be:

• Working directly and indirectly with children and young people
• Delivering services mostly through education establishments
• Working within a wider DA service for the whole family approach

You will need:

• Good communication skills
• An ability to engage, build rapport and motivate young people
• Good understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on young people

Please see attached Job Description and Person Specification for further details.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Recovery Worker - Peer Support Lead - HMP Wormwood Scrubs

Location: Shepherd's Bush

Salary: £28,207 per annum

About The Role

Are you passionate about empowering others, championing lived experience, and shaping meaningful change?

Join our dynamic Substance Misuse Service at HMP Wormwood Scrubs and play a key role in transforming recovery pathways for men in custody.

Working within the New Models of Care (NMOC) framework, our team delivers trauma-informed, recovery-oriented interventions that support individuals from their first days in custody through to release and resettlement. We work hand-in-hand with healthcare partners to ensure every service user receives holistic, person-centred support.

What You’ll Do

As our Peer Supporter Lead, you’ll be the driving force behind peer-led, lived-experience initiatives across the prison. Your role will include:

• Recruiting, training, and supervising peer supporters and mentors
• Empowering peer supporters to deliver interventions and wellbeing initiatives across all prison wings
• Promoting engagement in recovery pathways and strengthening service-user involvement
• Building effective links between the substance misuse service, healthcare teams, prison staff, and service users
• Supporting the continued development of the Peer Supporter programme in partnership with healthcare providers

What We’re Looking For

• A passionate, motivated individual with experience supporting vulnerable people
• Someone confident in leading, developing or mentoring others
• Strong partnership-building skills and a belief in the power of lived experience
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings/weekends as part of a rota
• Willingness to work across sites, including some deployment at HMP Brixton

This is a unique opportunity to shape a culture of hope, connection, and shared recovery. By developing the Peer Supporter programme, you will directly influence how service users support one another, build resilience, and take ownership of their wellbeing while in custody.

Please note the role includes an Interim allowance of £3000 reviewed every 6-months, basic salary based on 35 hours would be £25,207.00. This interim scheme will be reviewed on 31st March 2026.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits -

• Flexible working
• Training and development opportunities
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
• Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter
• Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary)
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

To Apply

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

Visits Centre Assistant

Location: HMP Leyhill
Job Type: Part time, 7 hours per week (weekend working)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £23,810 per annum FTE (£4,444.50 per annum pro rata)
Benefits: Cycle to Work Scheme, Life Assurance, Season Ticket Loan, EAP Scheme

As Visits Centre Assistant you will provide support to families visiting loved ones in the Visitor Centre, visitor centre services include play and children’s services, and a catering service. You will work as one of the PACT Family team, you will be based primarily in the prison's visitor centre and visits hall providing support, advice and guidance to families visiting prisoners, facilitating prison visits and family days and supporting the play service.

A Visits Centre Assistant provides support to families visiting loved ones in the Visitor Centre. Visitor centre services include play and children’s services, and a catering service.

About You:

To be successful in this role you will have experience and understanding of working with families in a challenging environment, ideally involving offenders and/or their families. You will also have excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a demanding work load. You will have the ability to contribute to planning and development of Pact’s family work and also have knowledge of safeguarding/child protection practice. Furthermore, you will have excellent interpersonal communication skills and ability to work in build partnerships with a range of agencies.

What Pact Offer:

Pact offer a wide range of employee benefits including free confidential advice and counselling service, cycle to work scheme, life assurance, eye care vouchers, generous annual leave plus more. You will have the opportunity to attend internal training events to further develop yourself as an effective support work and you will undergo a thorough induction process and be supported by a friendly and enthusiastic team.

How to apply:

If you feel you meet the requirements of this post, please complete an application form by clicking the 'apply now' button.

* We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

Other information:

Pact is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applications including those with a criminal conviction (appointment to post is subject to a risk assessment).

This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, verification of identity and proven right to work in the UK, satisfactory references from previous employers covering a 3-year period, declaration of any unspent criminal convictions (and where appropriate a satisfactory risk assessment), Prison Vetting and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note that being bankrupt or having County Court Judgements may affect your ability to be successfully vetted to work in a prison.

About us

Pact (the Prison Advice & Care Trust) is a pioneering national charity that provides caring and life changing services to men and women in prison, to people with convictions on release and in the community, and to their children and families.

Pact’s vision is of a society in which justice is understood as a process of restoration and healing, in which prisons are used sparingly and as places of learning and rehabilitation, and in which the innate dignity and worth of every human being is valued. We work for the common good of Society, taking a public health-based approach. We work at the intersection of criminal justice, child and family welfare, mental health, wellbeing provision and health & social care.

Our volunteers and staff can be found in courts, prisons, probation services, and in communities across England & Wales. We are a diverse, inclusive, modern, and collaborative charity. We build effective partnerships and sustainable solutions based on our well-established understanding of the systems in which we work, and on our historic values and ethos developed through our 120 years of service delivery.

You may also have experience in the following: Customer Service, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Not For Profit, Catering, Family Services, Food Hygiene, Catering Assistant, Play Support Assistant (Justice Services), Visitor Centre Support Worker, Family Support Worker, Family Engagement Worker, Family Liaison Worker, Safeguarding Support Worker, Offender Family Support Worker etc.

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