Practitioner jobs in East of england

About the role 

The Survivor Movement and Participation Lead is a strategic leadership role at the heart of the Enhanced Mental Health Pathway (EMHP) Alliance Partnership, dedicated to amplifying survivor voices and driving systemic change.

You will lead the development of a high-quality survivor involvement programme across the Alliance, ensuring that the voices, experiences and expertise of survivors of sexual abuse, sexual assault and sexual violence shape service design, referral pathways, workforce development, communications and evaluation.

This role is grounded in trauma-informed, anti-racist and culturally grounded care frameworks, ensuring survivors are not only heard but actively shape strategies, influence policy and lead change.

Job description 

As the Survivor Movement and Participation Lead you will:

• Design, establish and coordinate an Experts with Lived Experience (ELE) Network, developing a survivor involvement framework that promotes safe, ethical, inclusive and meaningful participation, with appropriate emotional support, safeguarding, debriefing and payment arrangements in place.
• Design, facilitate and evaluate peer support groups and survivor-led spaces, creating opportunities for survivors to influence strategic decision-making, project governance and service evaluation at every stage.
• Train and mentor survivors in facilitation, peer support and leadership, building capacity for survivor-led design, delivery and evaluation of services.
• Lead the co-production and delivery of training with Experts with Lived Experience, covering areas such as trauma-informed practice, responding to disclosures and reducing re-traumatisation, working in partnership with NHS mental health providers, specialist sexual violence services and the voluntary sector.
• Develop tools to assess survivor influence and leadership across programmes and governance, facilitating reflective learning spaces and co-authoring learning briefs and policy insights to promote survivor-led approaches.

Supporting Statement Guidance

Your supporting statement should clearly demonstrate how your experience, knowledge, skills, and qualifications meet the requirements of the role. Please address the key criteria outlined in the Job Description and Person Specification, providing specific examples of achievements and responsibilities that evidence your suitability for the position.

Focus on relevant professional experience, transferable skills, and the impact of your work. Where possible, use concise examples to illustrate how you have successfully applied these skills in practice.

The supporting statement should be no more than 500 words and should complement, rather than repeat, the information contained in your CV or application form.

Closing date and interviews

This vacancy will close at 9am on Monday 14 September 2026. Interviews will take place shortly thereafter, and shortlisted candidates will be notified of the arrangements.

The selection process will consist of two interview stages. Interview panels will include representatives from partner organisations within the EMHP Alliance, reflecting the collaborative nature of the role. Candidates invited to interview will receive full details of each stage in advance.

About us 

Women and Girls Network (WGN) is a pan-London organisation that supports women and girls affected by all forms of gendered-based violence. Our overall aim is to promote, preserve and restore the mental health and well-being of women and girls who have experienced, or are at risk of, gendered-based violence, whilst working towards a society free of gendered-based violence.

We do this by:

• Providing women-only holistic and seamless therapeutic services, which meet women and girls’ needs and contribute to total and sustainable recovery from the experiences of violence.
• Evidencing the impact of gendered-based violence and presenting this information in appropriate forums to affect social change in attitudes towards, and responses to, gendered-based violence.
• Developing good practice in the sector by providing training and guidance on specialist service provision and the development of culturally appropriate service delivery.

WGN is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer and a member of The London VAWG Consortium, Halo Code, and Helplines Partnership.

Commitment to Equity and Inclusion

We are deeply committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity, resilience and strength of the women and girls we serve. We strongly encourage applications from Black and Global Majority women and applicants with Lived Experience, including those who may not meet every criterion.

WGN is an equal opportunities employer.

Exemption

This post is exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1, and is open to female applicants only, due to the nature of the role.

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Hours: 40 hours per week (shift work including weekends and bank holidays and occasional sleep-ins); work between 8 am and 10:30 pm 

Salary: £26,437 rising to £27,929 after completing mandatory training and probation

Additional Benefits:

• £50 per sleep-in
• Time-and-a-half pay for overtime (over 40 hours per week) and bank holidays
• Two weekends off per month
• 4 weeks full paid induction and further training provided 
• Excellent therapeutic support and career progression 

Location: Balham, SW12 or Ealing, W13 

If you’re looking for a fulfilling and rewarding career in Children’s Social Care where no two days are the same, this could be the perfect opportunity for you. All you need is a genuine passion for making a difference — we’ll provide full training and ongoing support to help you thrive, even if you don’t have prior care experience. 

About the Role 

As a Trainee Practitioner- Children Residential Worker, you’ll support children and young people aged 12–17 who are building resilience after experiencing adversity. You’ll help them develop key life skills, build trust, and create a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive. You’ll also have the chance to take part in fun activities and positive experiences with them. 

All we ask for is a genuine passion for making a difference. No previous care experience is needed — we provide full training and support, including professional qualifications through St Christopher’s Academy Entry Pathway. 

St Christopher’s Academy 

At St Christopher’s, we offer more than a care job— we offer a real career pathway. You’ll have the chance to build your skills, grow your knowledge, and make a lasting difference to young people’s lives. 

When you join us, you’ll receive a tailored development plan designed around your goals. Whether you want to move into a different service, progress into a leadership role, or just explore further your current role, we’ll support you every step of the way. If you want to learn more aboutSt Christopher’s Academy, please clickhere 

Our development programme, St Christopher’s Academy, is built to help you reach your full potential — and the results speak for themselves: 
84% of our Team Leaders, Deputies, and Managers are promoted internally. 

Training 

Starting a career in Children’s Social Care comes with a lot to learn, which is why we provide a 4-week fully paid induction and training programme to make sure you feel supported and confident in your new role. 

Working Hours 

Our children and young people need support around the clock so our homes run 24/7 and we operate on fixed rotas with a variety of shift patterns. 

As a Trainee Practitioner, you’ll work day shifts between 8am and 10pm, with 8, 10 or 12-hour shifts available. You’ll usually work an average of 40 hours per week, including weekends and bank holidays. 

For example, if you work four 10-hour shifts, you’ll then have three days off. Overtime is available and paid at time and a half, including bank holidays. 

At our Ealing home, you’ll be required to complete an average of 2 sleep-ins per week, paid at £50 each. 

Location 

We have Children’s Homes based inBalham and Ealing. During your interview process, you’ll have the opportunity to let us know yourpreferred location, and we’ll do our best to match you with a home that suits your preference and availability. 

What you need to bring to this role 

• Ability to build genuine, trusting relationships with children and young people. 

• Resilience to manage challenging behaviour and complex situations. 

• Strong teamworking skills and willingness to support colleagues. 

• Empathy, while always maintaining professional boundaries. 

• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays, and occasional sleep-ins 

What you should expect from us 

• Competitive salary. 

• 4 weeks full induction and training program (paid). 

• Competitive pay and reward structure offering salary progression based on performance. 

• Tailored career development plan through our“St Christopher’s Academy”. 

• A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture. 

• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata. 

• Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy. 

• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme. 

• UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary. 

• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support. 

• Cycle to work scheme. 

• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK. 

• Discretionary funded training programs. 

• Employee awards based on performance and length of service. 

• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services. 

About Us 

Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future. 

St Christopher's is a leading charity for children and young people.We are proud of our history of providing fostering, children's homes and innovative leaving care services across the UK & Isle of Man. We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do. We provide positive life experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home. 

We are an equal-opportunity employer keen to develop an inclusive workforce where people feel they belong. We hope to attract applications from under- represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions, faith, sex, orientation, childcare responsibilities, and gender-diverse identities. 

Recruitment Process 

At St Christopher’s we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people in our care. 

1. Application:Complete our online form and include a mandatory supporting statement addressing the criteria stated in the Person Specification.Please note that applications without Personal Statement will not be accepted. CV will not be accepted. 

2. Interview:Shortlisted candidates attend a face-to-face interview at our Putney office. 

3. Second Stage:Successful candidates will visit the home they applied to. 

Please applyas soon as possible, as we review applications on arolling basis. 

Important notes: 

• This post has a minimum age restriction of 21 year for roles working directly with children and young people in our residential and supported accommodation Homes in line with the Equality Act ‘occupational requirement’. 

• It is illegal to applyfor any role that involves working with children and young people under the age of 18, if you know you are barred from working with children. 

• All shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit aSelf-Declaration and Disclosureform which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked. 

• It is a requirement that practitioners working in Children Homes are qualified with the Diploma 3 in residential childcare within 2 years of starting in the job role. (Children Home Regulations England 2015). St Christopher’s provide access and funding to undertake this qualification. Applicants who have Citizenship or Visa status restrictions that may preclude them from being able to meet the qualification requirement may be considered for other options such as fixed term contracts. Each applicant’s situation will be assessed as part of the recruitment process. 

About us 

Loughborough Community Centre (LCC) was established in Brixton in 1981, as a positive outcome from the Brixton Uprisings. We operate from the Max Roach Centre in Brixton. 

Our vital and multi award-winning project has been on the frontline before and during the pandemic supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children and their families. We are in a positive position to grow the team to increase our impact for the community.

What we do: 

Core offer...

• Rosebuds Preschool (2 - 4yrs)

• Afterschool and Holiday Play Project (0 - 13yrs) 

• Family Support 

Our mission:  
A safe place where children, young people and families can come together, to play, learn and thrive.  Join us and become part of a happy, motivated and friendly team who support the social, emotional and learning needs of our intergenerational community, through our embedded approach of Listening, Collaboration and the Creation (LCC) of meaningful activities.

About you

You will provide high-quality education, care, and family support, ensuring children experience a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment where they can thrive. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team, you will bring strong leadership, early years knowledge, and a commitment to creating enabling spaces that support children’s learning, development, wellbeing, and family engagement. 

You will be confident in meeting all legal, statutory, and setting requirements, with a strong understanding of your professional contribution to maintaining high standards across Rosebuds Preschool, and the wider family and play services delivered by LCC at the Max Roach Centre. 

Role Title: Early Year Professional (added area of responsibility) / Senior Practioner 

Hours: 35 hours per week, 7.5 hours per day Monday to Friday (Hours will include some afterschool wraparound, occasional evenings and weekends).

We value work life balance and are willing to consider term time only or all year round.  

Salary: £28,392 (FTE) depending on experience and up to an extra £3,640 per year incentive for added area of responsibility. Potential FTE £32,032. 

Location: Rosebuds Preschool at Max Roach Centre, in person

Contract: Permanent – 6 months probationary period

Benefits of working with us: 

• Highly Competitive Salary 

• Team Of People Who Actually Care 

• Concessional Preschool Place

• Employee Assistance Programme for Staff Mental Health Wellbeing and Support 

• Birthdays Off 

• Regular Socials and Team Building Opportunities. 

• Free Enhanced DBS Checks 

• Well-Established Career Path and Training Opportunities 

• Workplace Pension Scheme

• Induction and Supervision Programme

• Personal and Professional Development Plan 

• Fresh Fruit, Tea & Coffee available for all staff 

You will have experience of:

• Planning, delivering, and evaluating high-quality learning experiences in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework, supporting children’s individual development, curiosity, and wellbeing.

• Working collaboratively as part of an early years professional team to maintain and continuously improve the quality of practice, provision, and outcomes for children.

• Operating within a Key Person system, building secure, nurturing relationships with a designated group of children and supporting their individual needs, development, and family relationships.

Main duties include:

• Contribute to the responsibility for providing a high quality of education and learning, ensuring that staff are properly deployed, and to offer appropriate stimulation and support to the children attending the setting.

• Contribute to the responsibility towards drawing up long-term, medium-term and sessional curriculum plans which take into account the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), and to monitor the effectiveness of the setting’s curriculum; this may include working with external professionals.

• Advocate for early years curriculum based on outdoor learning through play. 

• Contribute to the responsibility of drawing up and implementing the daily programme of activities and events.

• Comply with current Ofsted inspection requirements for achieving a ‘Good’ or above rating.

• Contribute and support the key person system, ensuring parents/carers are aware of their child’s key worker and that key workers regularly and effectively engage with their key children’s parent/carer.

• Contribute to the responsibility for the implementation of systems for observation and record keeping so that children’s progress and achievements are effectively and regularly assessed and to monitor the effectiveness of assessment procedures.

• Understand and appreciate the importance of monitoring and evaluation in a preschool based setting. 

• To carry out visits and inductions for new children and to ensure a smooth settlement. 

Deadline for applications is Friday 7th August 2026. Interviews will take place througout August 2026.

GamCare is seeking experienced temporary Helpline Advisers and Online Practitioners to support our award-winning National Gambling Helpline and digital services. If you have experience of working on a helpline or in digital spaces to support vulnerable people and can quickly build trust, we'd like to hear from you.

As part of our team, you'll provide vital support, information and guidance to people affected by gambling harms through telephone and digital channels. We're looking for confident, compassionate professionals who can work independently, manage risk effectively, and deliver high-quality support in a fast paced environment.

We are recruiting for:

Helpline Advisers who can:

• Deliver support via telephone, WhatsApp and other contact channels
• Assess needs, manage risk and help people access appropriate support

Online Practitioners who can:

• Deliver support through live chat, forums and other digital platforms
• Deliver short term support over the phone utilising motivational interviewing and other techniques

We're looking for people with:

• Experience of supporting vulnerable individuals with complex needs, addiction, mental health, safeguarding, crisis support, advice or related services
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to build rapport quickly
• Experience of working in health, social care, community, advice or support settings
• Strong IT skills and confidence working remotely

Working at GamCare

Founded in 1997, GamCare is one of the leading providers of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms. We operate the National Gambling Helpline, provide treatment for anyone who is harmed by gambling, create awareness about safer gambling and treatment, and encourage an effective approach to safer gambling within the gambling industry.

Why join GamCare?

• Be part of the team behind the National Gambling Helpline
• Fully remote working
• Comprehensive training and ongoing support
• Meaningful work that makes a genuine difference every day

For further details and to apply please click the apply button. 

Please state whether you are applying for the Helpline Adviser role, Online Practitioner role, or would like to be considered for both. 

Appointments are subject to a DBS check. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

Closing date for applications: Sunday 16th August 2026 (23:59)

Interviews will take place on 20th and 21st August 2026.

GamCare is committed to offering the best support to people affected by gambling harms, as such we welcome applications from candidates with lived experience.

GamCare is an equal opportunities employer and doesn’t discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, sexuality, gender identification, or physical ability. We are only able to facilitate visa sponsorship in very limited circumstances, so candidates outside of the UK or who don’t have the right to work in the UK need not apply.

Outreach & Training Practitioner

Salary: £29,479 plus excellent benefits
Location: Leeds/Bradford – Home based with travel across the Yorkshire & Humber region
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time

This is an exciting opportunity to join GamCare Yorkshire's Community Outreach & Training service, supporting a public health approach to preventing gambling-related harm and encouraging early intervention. As an Outreach & Training Practitioner, you'll deliver community outreach, awareness sessions, workshops, drop-ins and workforce training to improve understanding of gambling harms, reduce stigma and strengthen local pathways to support.

Working with local partners, professionals and community organisations, you'll deliver prevention-focused activity informed by local insight and lived experience, including Brief Interventions and appropriate signposting to the National Gambling Helpline and treatment services where needed. As an independent charity and the leading provider of support for anyone affected by gambling harms, the work you do will help GamCare reach communities across Yorkshire & Humber and make a real difference to people's lives

About you 

We're looking for a motivated and compassionate individual with experience delivering community-based outreach, engagement or prevention activity, and a good understanding of gambling-related harm within a public health, prevention or early intervention context. You'll be confident holding supportive conversations that encourage awareness and behaviour change, with strong interpersonal and communication skills and the ability to engage professionals and diverse or seldom-heard communities. Experience delivering training, workshops and awareness sessions in a non-judgemental, stigma-reducing way is important, as is strong organisational skills, confidence using IT systems, and a commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality and professional boundaries. This post requires an Enhanced DBS check.

Working at GamCare

Founded in 1997, GamCare is one of the leading providers of information, advice and support for anyone affected by gambling harms. We operate the National Gambling Helpline, provide treatment for anyone who is harmed by gambling, create awareness about safer gambling and treatment, and encourage an effective approach to safer gambling within the gambling industry.

Staff Benefits we can offer you:

• 33 days basic annual leave entitlement per annum (pro-rated for part-time colleagues) including bank holidays which increases with service.
• A generous Pension Scheme - we contribute 6% and you contribute 2%.
• Discretionary company sick pay after 6 months’ service.
• Employee Assistance Programme – 24-hour support
• Premium access to the CALM app for you and up to 5 dependents

Closing date for applications: Sunday 16th August 2026 (23:59)

Interviews will take place:

• Pre-assessment screening calls: between 17th and 19th August 2026
• Interviews: in person, week commencing 25th August 2026

GamCare is committed to offering the best support to people affected by gambling harms, as such we welcome applications from candidates with lived experience.

GamCare is an equal opportunities employer and doesn’t discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, sexuality, gender identification, or physical ability. We are only able to facilitate visa sponsorship in very limited circumstances, so candidates outside of the UK or who don’t have the right to work in the UK need not apply.

Referrals Practitioner - The Nehemiah Project

On-site in Streatham, Croydon & Clapham with external travel in and out of London | £32,000 | Permanent | 35 hours per week

The first conversation can change everything.

As a Referrals Practitioner, you'll often be the first person someone meets from Nehemiah.
You'll speak with men taking the first step towards rebuilding their lives beyond drug and alcohol addiction, helping them understand our programme, carrying out thoughtful assessments and ensuring every applicant experiences a welcoming, fair and professional introduction to Nehemiah.
Working closely with applicants, referral partners and colleagues, you'll help more men access recovery while making sure every admission strengthens our recovery community.

Every conversation matters because first impressions last.
"I am very grateful to be part of Nehemiah. I feel supported but still in charge of my life and choices."
— Nehemiah resident

Why Nehemiah?
We're a close-knit charity where relationships matter.
As the first point of contact for many applicants, you'll play a unique role in shaping how people experience Nehemiah before they even arrive. You'll work alongside supportive colleagues, build trusted relationships with referral partners and have the opportunity to influence how our admissions process continues to develop.
As a smaller organisation, your ideas will be heard, your contribution will be recognised and your work will have a direct impact on who joins our recovery community.

How you'll make a difference
You'll help people by:

• Creating a welcoming and compassionate first experience of Nehemiah.
• Carrying out fair, thoughtful assessments that balance opportunity with responsibility.
• Building trusted relationships with referral partners across prisons, probation, treatmentservicesand local authorities.
• Coordinating positive admissions that help people start recovery with confidence.
• Protecting our recovery community through sound judgement and effective safeguarding.
• Improving access to recovery by helping shape an efficient and supportive referral service.

Key Responsibilities

• Complete referral assessments and make recommendations for admission.
• Support applicants throughout the referral and admissions process.
• Build positive relationships with referral partners and external agencies.
• Coordinate admissions and prison gate collections where required.
• Maintainaccuratereferral records and occupancy information.
• Promote safeguarding and contribute to safe admission decisions.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues to continually improve the referral service.

You'll thrive here if you...

• Believe people can rebuild their lives beyond addiction.
• Build trust quickly through warmth,professionalismand respect.
• Enjoy balancing compassion with good judgement.
• Communicate confidently with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Like building relationships and solving problems.
• Want to play a key role in helping people begin their recovery journey.

Experience in addiction recovery, homelessness, criminal justice, mental health or supported housing is welcomed, but we're equally interested in people whose values and approach align with ours.

What we offer

• £32,000 salary (35 hours per week).
• Regular supervision and reflective practice.
• Ongoing learning and professional development.
• Health Cash Plan and annual training budget.
• A supportive team where your contribution matters.
• The opportunity to help shape someone's recovery journey from the very first conversation.

How to apply
Visit tnp.livevacancies.co.uk to:

• Submit your CV.
• Answer five short application questions.
• Download the Job Description and Person Specification.

Our recruitment process includes a Teams screening interview, an in-person interview and, for final shortlisted candidates, a practical assessment followed by a conversation with our CEO and a member of our Leadership Team or Board.

REF-230137

DreamArts fuses arts and therapeutic practice to support wellbeing. Our acclaimed EXPERIMENT Juniors programme engages 6-12 year olds to explore and unleash their talents, try things out, express themselves and grow their skills.

Participants take control and create their own original work, from musicals to collaborating with companies such as Les Enfants Terribles. 

EXPERIMENT takes place on a Saturday in South Westminster and on Sundays in Church Street plus some special projects during school holidays. The majority of participants are eligible for free school meals and live in some of London’s most deprived areas.  

We are looking for a Wellbeing Practitioner for our Sunday group who is able to inspire and support young people, in particular those who may struggle in group settings. You must be passionate about engaging participants from marginalised communities and committed to support wellbeing through the arts. You will help young people participate in creative sessions that provide opportunities to explore their challenges, build a sense of belonging with peers and strengthen their emotional wellbeing.

Working alongside creative facilitators, the Wellbeing Practitioner will focus on identifying and removing barriers to participation, identifying appropriate support that responds to emerging needs and creates a sense of community.

In our last staff satisfaction survey 100% of team members felt inspired at DreamArts to do their best at their job, and 100% said that their voice and skills matter at DreamArts. 

We believe young people benefit from seeing a diverse range of positive adult role models. As there are currently no male practitioners within our Sunday EXPERIMENT team, we particularly welcome applications from men, who are currently under-represented within this role. Selection will be based on skills, experience and suitability for the post.

Deadline is 12pm on Monday 31st August. Applicants should refer to the Charity Job link to our website where you will find the application form and job description.

In-person interviews will take place on Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th September.

Start date – Saturday 3rd October induction and training day (10am-3pm).

Next Term Dates

Term 1: Sunday 11th October – Sunday 6th December (excluding 1st November)

Term 2:  Sunday 10th January – 21st March

Plus opportunities to be part of school holiday projects.

EXPERIMENT is an ongoing programme and the Wellbeing Practitioner will continue in the role subject to funding.

About The Connection at St Martin’s

We believe that no one should have to sleep rough on London’s streets, and that everyone should get the support they need to find a place to call home. We get to know every person we work with, understanding what they need to recover, helping them build on their strengths, and supporting them to find their own way home. Help us make London a city where no one sleeps rough on our streets.

London’s diversity is its biggest asset and we strive to ensure our workforce reflects London’s diversity at all levels. We welcome applications from everyone regardless of age, gender, gender identity, gender expression, ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith or disability.

We particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience of homelessness who we believe are an essential asset in our sector.

We are committed to being an inclusive employer and welcome the opportunity to consider flexible working arrangements.

About the Role

Daylight Women’s Day Centre is an exciting new service providing a place of safety and support for women who are long term rough sleepers in London. We want to reach women who have experienced abuse, mental illness, addiction, poor physical health, unclear immigration status and homelessness.  Our support will improve their health and wellbeing and enable them to move away from the streets.

Daylight has been designed based on findings from the CHAIN rough sleeping data for London and the Women’s Rough Sleeping Census. This evidence highlights the importance of single gender services for women who hide from mainstream provision dominated by men.  Daylight will reflect the Connection Theory of Change, building relationships of trust with people who have no confidence in most health and social care services.   Therefore Trauma Informed Care lies at the heart of everything we do.

As part of our creative and committed team, you’ll play a key role in:

• Building trusting relationships with women facing multiple exclusion and who are rough sleeping in London.
• Understanding the needs of the women accessing Daylight, providing harm minimisation support, access to healthcare and treatment.
• Helping women to move into accommodation and away from the streets
• Developing strong working relationships with a wide range of partners, ensuring The Connection’s Daylight service is a highly respected part of the response to women’s rough sleeping in London
• Implementing this pioneering new service and sharing our learning with others

You will have experience in delivering psychologically, gender and culturally informed services to women who are experiencing street homelessness. You will be committed to embedding co-production in our service design and engaging volunteers in service delivery.

Salary: £36,380 - £40,682 (Scale Points 19-25)
Closing Date: Sunday 23rd August
Interview Date: Friday 4th September

Our Benefits

• 30 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Generous training budget, plus an annual personal training budget
• Enhanced Sick Pay Policy
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Day off for moving house
• Hybrid working (depending on role requirements)
• Pension – 5% Employer, 3% Employee
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Season Ticket Loan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Reward Gateway (access to discount vouchers and cashback at the UK’s favourite retailers)

We are a London Living Wage employer

Are you an experienced practitioner with a passion for empowering young people and making a difference?

At NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service), we are dedicated to making a lasting impact on the lives of children, young people, and adults at risk. We believe no child or young person should ever be alone or voiceless in the care system, in family court, or when decisions are being made about their future.

We are seeking an experienced and compassionate Senior Practitioner to join Project Unity England, working 28 hours per week. This is an exciting opportunity to deliver intensive, trauma-informed support to care-experienced young mothers who are pregnant or have recently given birth, helping families stay together and supporting young mothers to build positive futures.

About Project Unity England

Project Unity England is an innovative national initiative focused on improving outcomes for care-experienced young mothers and their children through collaborative, multi-agency working. The project aims to keep families together, strengthen service delivery, promote innovation and ensure that local needs are addressed effectively across England.

At the heart of Project Unity is a collaborative approach that brings together local authorities, health partners and community organisations to provide coordinated, community-focused support. By working closely with partner agencies, Project Unity helps ensure young mothers receive the right support at the right time, enabling them to make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcomes for themselves and their children.

About the role

As a Senior Practitioner, you will manage a complex caseload, providing independent, rights-based advocacy and one-to-one support to care-experienced young mothers. Working autonomously while supported by the Project Coordinator, you will empower young mothers to understand their rights, navigate statutory processes and make informed decisions that help keep families safely together.

You will build trust, complete assessments, develop support plans and advocate on their behalf within multi-agency settings. You will work alongside social workers, midwives, health visitors and other professionals to ensure each young mother's voice is heard and represented.

Alongside direct casework, you will contribute to peer support groups, workshops and community-based activities that reduce isolation, build confidence and strengthen parenting skills. You will also play an important role in safeguarding, quality assurance and service development by maintaining high-quality records, producing case studies and identifying opportunities to improve local services.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a tangible difference to the lives of care-experienced young mothers while working within an innovative, rights-based national programme.

About you

We are looking for someone who is passionate about supporting vulnerable young people and families. You will be confident working independently while building strong partnerships with professionals across health, social care and the voluntary sector.

You will have experience supporting families or parents with complex social care involvement and a sound understanding of safeguarding, risk assessment and relevant legislation. You will be an effective advocate with excellent communication skills, able to build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.

You will be organised, resilient and confident managing a demanding caseload, with strong analytical skills and the ability to make sound professional judgements in complex situations.

Above all, you will demonstrate NYAS's values of Collaboration, Accountability, Respect and Empowerment, sharing our commitment to ensuring children, young people and adults at risk have their voices heard.

How to Apply

Please apply via the the NYAS website. In your application, evidence using specific examples how your skills and experience meet the criteria in the person specification within the attached job description, including:

• Experience with vulnerable young people or families in a social care, advocacy or support setting
• Knowledge of legislation and policy relating to advocacy, safeguarding and children’s social care
• Excellent communication, organisational and report-writing skills, with sound professional judgement

Employee Benefits

We offer the following employee benefits:

• 26 days, increasing to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
• Occupational sick pay (subject to completion of qualifying period)
• Enhanced pay for family friendly leave
• Free parking at some of our offices
• Employee assistance programme
• Group stakeholder pension scheme
• Access to BHSF health cash plan
• Cycle to work scheme
• Support and supervision from your line manager
• Learning and Development opportunities

Safeguarding and Compliance

NYAS operates robust safeguarding procedures, and internal candidates will be subject to references in line with our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. In accordance with UK immigration law, proof of eligibility to work in the United Kingdom will be required as part of the recruitment process. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications.

About NYAS

NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service) is an established rights-based charity ensuring that children, young people, and adults across England and Wales are respected, represented and supported in expressing their views. We work with care-experienced people who are often reliant on statutory services, and our combination of social care and legal services places us in a unique position to ensure their voices are heard.

We are an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident Employer, guaranteeing an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria. We welcome applications from all individuals regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or belief, or any other protected characteristic.

Youth Impact Advert

Community Hidden Harm Awareness Team (CHHAT) Practitioner (Essex)

Permanent with funding until 31st March 2027

Band 6 £29,855 35 hours

About the role: We are looking for an experienced young people's practitioner. You will be confident in your work with young people and join our dynamic, ambitious team.

CHHAT provides a programme of targeted support services to identified, young people/young carers. The CHHAT practitioner will provide support to, and improve the physical, mental and emotional wellbeing of young carers. You will address a number of target areas including emotional or physical abuse, domestic violence, neglect, social exclusion and isolation, truancy and/or underachievement at school, as a consequence of a parent or other significant family member using illicit drugs, alcohol, prescription medications or parental/carer mental health issues. Our engagement with young carers covers early to high intervention needs. We also support cases of historical parental substance use, where the young carer may, or may not still be residing with their parent, but continues to be affected by the experience.

In order to be successful with this role, you will need to be able to demonstrate that you have extensive experience of: -

Delivering direct interventions with vulnerable young people (8-18) on both a one to one and group work capacity.

Co-producing care and safety plans with young people that are young people led, focusing on both a relational & strength-based approach.

Extensive partnership working in a multi-agency environment to ensure that the needs and wishes of the young person are heard and acted upon.

You will work as part of a team and need to be able to work in a flexible way which includes flexing their day and work location as need indicates, including being based in the locality office in Chelmsford and working in the home environment to increase convenience and accessibility, as well as extensive travel throughout Essex to reach and meet Young People.

You will need to demonstrate that you have:

-A relevant professional qualification working with vulnerable children and families is desired e.g., Diploma/degree in social work, counselling qualification, professional youth worker or related NVQ or degree. Or Substantial relevant experience of working with vulnerable young people facing significant challenges within this sector.

-Substantial experience of working with vulnerable young people and families that are hard to reach and from diverse backgrounds on both a one-to-one basis and through group work interventions.

-Experience of supporting adolescents who are dealing with complex and sensitive issues through offering advice and advocacy.

-Experience of partnership and multi-agency working.

-Experience of working on one's own and within a team.

-Experience of using IT based case management systems

Benefits include but not limited to:

-36 days' annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays, increasing with length of service

-Enhanced maternity/paternity leave

-We match up to 8% pension

-Free counselling service

-Opportunities to develop and widen your skills

-2 days of paid volunteering time per annum to support another part of the organisation

About us:The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 140 years. We deliver essential local services that provide safe, trusted support to children and young people during times of significant need.

Our Youth Impact domain creates impact for children and young people. With highly skilled and experienced staff working across England and Wales, we provide direct support to children, young people, parents and carers, as well as conduct research and influence Government to make changes. We also provide training for professionals. Our value driven team change the lives of children in this country for the better — and with your help and expertise, tomorrow we can support even more.

Closing date: Midnight on Tuesday 25th August 2026Interviews: Friday 4th September 2026

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protection of the children and young people we work with. As such, our safer recruitment process includes a Basic or Enhanced DBS check, 5 years of references, and additional vetting checks relevant to the role. We have a comprehensive range of policies and procedures in place to promote safeguarding and safer working practices across all areas of our organisation.In support of our commitment to diversity and inclusion, shortlisting is carried out on an anonymised basis. Personal details are hidden from the shortlisting panel, and candidates are referenced by a candidate number only. As part of this process, we ask that your CV is anonymised before submission - this means removing personal information such as your name, contact details, age, and any other identifying details.

AI tools can support your application but only when used appropriately. You're welcome to use them to improve clarity, structure, and research. However, overuse or misuse (e.g. inventing experience or using AI during assessments) may lead to rejection at any stage. We want to hear the real you - authenticity matters.