35 Referral centre advocate jobs in City of London, Greater London

Location: Waltham Forest
Salary: £32500
Hours:37.5
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: Oct 2nd 5pm
Reports To: Operations Manager

We are a small, person-centred homelessness charity committed to supporting people experiencing homelessness, housing insecurity, and social exclusion. We work alongside individuals to help them overcome barriers, improve wellbeing, access accommodation, and achieve greater independence.

We are seeking an enthusiastic, compassionate, and motivated Homeless Caseworker to join our growing team. Forest Churches Emergency Night Shelter employs and works with all faiths and none, candidates would be expected to be comfortable with the Christian ethos underpinning the charities work.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a meaningful difference in people's lives while helping shape and develop a responsive and innovative service.

Job Description

Job Title

Homeless Caseworker

Responsible To

Operations Manager

Job Purpose

To provide high-quality assessments, advice, and ongoing support to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.

The post holder will act as a first point of contact for service users, undertaking assessments, identifying support needs, developing support plans, managing a caseload, and working collaboratively with partner organisations to achieve positive client outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

Assessment and Engagement

● Conduct comprehensive assessments with new clients accessing the service.

● Identify housing, welfare, health, safeguarding, immigration, employment, and support needs.

● Complete risk assessments and safeguarding referrals where necessary.

● Develop person-centred support plans.

● Support clients to access appropriate services and resources.

● Provide information, advice, and guidance tailored to individual circumstances.

Case Management

● Manage an allocated caseload.

● Maintain accurate and timely case records.

● Record all interventions and outcomes on the case management system.

● Ensure compliance with GDPR and confidentiality requirements.

● Review client progress and update support plans regularly.

Housing and Homelessness Support

● Support individuals to access accommodation pathways.

● Assist with housing applications and referrals.

● Liaise with local authorities and housing providers.

● Advocate on behalf of clients where appropriate.

Outreach Responsibilities

● Participate in community outreach activity.

● Engage rough sleepers and vulnerable individuals.

● Support clients who are reluctant or unable to access office-based services.

● Facilitate access to emergency accommodation and support services.

Partnership Working

● Build positive relationships with local agencies and stakeholders.

● Attend multi-agency meetings where appropriate.

● Make referrals and coordinate support plans with external partners.

Safeguarding and Risk Management

● Promote the safety and wellbeing of all service users.

● Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.

● Maintain professional boundaries.

● Follow all safeguarding policies and procedures.

● Participate in safeguarding training and reflective practice.

Team Responsibilities

● Attend team meetings and supervision sessions.

● Contribute to service development and continuous improvement.

● Support volunteers and placement students where appropriate.

● Undertake training relevant to the role.

General Responsibilities

● Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion.

● Maintain confidentiality and professionalism.

● Adhere to organisational policies and procedures.

● Act as an ambassador for the charity.

● Undertake any other reasonable duties appropriate to the role.

Essential Qualifications

● GCSE (or equivalent) in English and Mathematics.

● Relevant training or willingness to undertake training in homelessness, safeguarding, housing, mental health, or related areas.

Essential Experience

● Experience supporting vulnerable adults and/or young people.

● Experience carrying out assessments and support planning.

● Experience working within homelessness, housing, support services, social care, or community settings.

● Experience maintaining accurate records and case notes.

Essential Knowledge

● Understanding of homelessness and housing-related challenges.

● Knowledge of safeguarding adults and young people.

● Understanding of GDPR and confidentiality requirements.

● Knowledge of trauma-informed approaches.

● Understanding of professional boundaries.

● Awareness of equality and diversity principles.

Essential Skills

Communication

● Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

● Ability to build rapport with a wide range of individuals.

● Ability to communicate effectively with partner organisations.

Assessment

● Ability to undertake comprehensive client assessments.

● Ability to identify support needs and develop action plans.

● Ability to manage risk appropriately.

Organisation

● Strong organisational skills.

● Ability to manage competing priorities.

● Ability to maintain accurate case records.

IT Skills

● Competent in Microsoft Office.

● Ability to use databases and case management systems.

● Confidence using digital systems and maintaining electronic records.

Personal Qualities

● Compassionate and non-judgemental.

● Reliable and professional.

● Resilient and adaptable.

● Motivated to improve outcomes for vulnerable people.

● Able to work independently and as part of a team.

● Committed to learning and development.

Desirable Criteria

● Experience working with people with complex needs.

● Experience working within homelessness services.

● Experience of working with clients with multiple disadvantages

● Knowledge of housing legislation and homelessness pathways.

● Experience conducting outreach work.

● Relevant qualification in housing, Substance Misuse Mental Health, social care, counselling, or related field.

What We Offer

● Flexible and supportive working environment.

● Regular supervision and reflective practice.

● Ongoing training and professional development.

● Opportunity to influence and shape service delivery.

● Employee wellbeing support.

● Meaningful work that changes lives.

Recruitment Process

Stage 1

Application Form and Supporting Statement

Stage 2

Shortlisting

Stage 3
Interviews during week beginning October 5th

Candidates invited to interview may be asked to complete a short assessment based on homelessness support and casework practice.

Safer Recruitment Statement

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and young people. All successful applicants will be subject to:

● Enhanced DBS Check

● Satisfactory References

● Identity Verification

● Right to Work Checks

The charity is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Our Charity: 

We are a busy, ambitious charity operating at the heart of the Wandsworth community since 1995, helping thousands of people across the borough in unpaid Caring roles. We give information and advice, organise respite, offer complementary therapies, deliver training, provide peer support, arrange fun events and much more.In short, we are the Carer's friend and advocate, often helping Carers through difficult times. 

About the role: 

This role involves providing information, support and advice, particularly around welfare benefits, housing and learning disabilities, to Carers through one-to-one appointments, case work, and group facilitation. 

Key Responsibilities Include: 

• Providing advice and advocacy on welfare benefits and housing. Minimum of 3 days a week.

• Providing information, support and advocacy to Carers of people with Learning Disabilities. 

• Facilitation of the Learning Disability Carers Peer Support Group. 

• Recording and maintaining accurate case records, adhering to AQS standards.

• Managing your own case load. 

Essential Requirements Include: 

• Experience of, or ability to provide one-to-one support, information, advocacy and advice, including welfare benefits. 

• Experience of or ability to facilitate peer support groups in person and online. 

• Ability to deliver training and information sessions. 

• Strong listening and questioning skills. 

• Ability and commitment to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

• The ability to balance and prioritise a busy and varied workload. 

• Developed IT skills with experience using Microsoft packages. 

• Clear verbal and written communication skills in English. 

Please see the job description and person specification for a full list of responsibilities and requirements.

Benefits of working for Wandsworth Carers’ Centre: 

• Hybrid on completion of induction period with a minimum 60% office based

• Friendly team and working environment 

• Annual leave starts at 31 days increasing to 36 days plus bank holidays

• Contributory company pension, 

• Ongoing training and development opportunities

• Employee assistance program offreing 24/7 support

If you're committed to working in the voluntary sector and want to be part of a diverse team that makes a real difference to people’s lives, this role is for you! 

Wandsworth Carers’ Centre is an inclusive employer, committed to the continued development of a diverse workforce.

Terms and Conditions

Job title: Senior Advocate (Housing)

Reports to: Housing Lead

Direct reports: Housing Advocate

Start date: ASAP

Salary: £28,244.80 pro-rata (£35,306 FTE inclusive of £3,990 London weighting)

Working hours: Part Time – 28 hours per week across 4 days

Contract: Fixed-term until March 2029

Location: 1 day per week working from home, three days in the South West London Women’s Hubs or other appropriate venues.

Job Purpose

The Senior Housing Advocate will lead the delivery of housing support to women affected by the criminal justice system, homelessness and housing insecurity.

The role will provide housing advice and advocacy to women, while also supporting Housing Advocates with complex cases and day-to-day advice. The postholder will build relationships with housing, criminal justice and other services to help women access and keep safe and suitable accommodation.

The role will also help develop the Future Foundations housing programme, including housing surgeries, referral pathways and new ways of working. The Senior Housing Advocate will use learning from the service and women's experiences to help improve housing support and influence wider services.

Key Responsibility Areas

• Lead the delivery of high-quality housing support to women affected by the criminal justice system.
• Build and maintain relationships with housing, criminal justice and other services to improve access to safe and suitable accommodation for women.
• Provide advice, support and guidance to Housing Advocates and other colleagues, particularly around complex housing cases.
• Support the development and delivery of the Future Foundations housing programme, including housing surgeries, outreach and referral pathways.
• Use learning from the service and women's experiences to improve how housing support is delivered and help address wider barriers to housing.

Please download recruitment pack for the full job description

Terms and Conditions

Job title: Advocate (Housing)

Reports to: Housing Lead

Direct reports: N/A

Start date: ASAP

Salary: £31,173 per annum (inclusive of £3,990 Southeast weighting)

Working hours: Full time – 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Hybrid with some onsite work within the Lambeth Borough

We have two positions available for this vacancy

Job Purpose

This role will be based at our Lambeth Women’s Centre in South London, delivering specialist housing support to women impacted by the criminal justice system in both prison and community settings.

Key Responsibility Areas

• To deliver an effective accommodation intervention for women impacted by the criminal justice system.
• To develop effective relationships with key stakeholders, such as housing departments, probation, prison, to ensure a collaborative approach to women’s accommodation needs.
• To provide expert advice and support to colleagues, including upskilling through information and training sessions.
• To work with colleagues to take a system change approach to tackling key issues, such as housing, for women affected by the criminal justice system.

Please download recruitment pack for the full job description

Housing IDVA - Maternity Cover 6 months 

(£31,537 per annum, 6 month contract - Possible Extension)

Her Centre is a hyper-local women’s charity, providing services to women and girls in Greenwich. We support women and children affected by domestic abuse, sexual abuse, and relationship trauma.

We provide Independent Domestic Violence Advocates (IDVAs) to support women and children by providing emotional support, support to flee abuse and a safety plan. Our services also include free legal support with a family lawyer, a welfare advice hub, training programmes for both women and organisations, and a range of empowerment courses such as ESOL classes, counselling, peer support groups and more to help women build skills, confidence, and independence.

We are seeking a dedicated Housing IDVA to provide maternity cover for 6 months - we offer a 4 day working week as standard full time to promote wellbeing for all of our staff

Role

To provide individual support to women experiencing domestic abuse who present to the Royal Borough Greenwich Housing Team with housing issues or who are at risk of homelessness due to domestic abuse. The Housing IDVA provides specialist support for women with complex housing needs through risk assessments, individual advice sessions, advocacy in court and with other statutory services, and by working directly with the Royal Borough of Greenwich Housing Inclusion Team and Tenancy Services. (The post holder will be colocated between the council offices and Her Centre main office.)

Responsibilities

 1. To provide advice and advocacy for women experiencing domestic abuse by offering crisis intervention, information and support for those who have directly presented to the Housing with housing needs or are at risk of homelessness due to domestic or sexual abuse or violence or any other recognised intimate violence against women and girls.

2. To devise emergency safety plans for survivors, liaising with social services, the Housing Inclusion and Support Team, and refuges to secure emergency housing if needed. To act as point of contact for Housing and work collaboratively with partners to ensure safety of survivors and their children

3. To provide targeted support where women have mental health, substance misuse, complex needs or face other challenges. Where needed, refer to appropriate support services if the survivor has support needs or requires a specialist service, e.g. male survivor to Respect or GALOP, frail older people to Adult Social Services.

4. To carry out risk assessments of women for referrals to MARAC where applicable

5. To develop effective links and partnerships with police and the courts and provide information, advice and support to survivors going through the legal process, explaining the effectiveness of criminal and civil sanctions available.

6. To attend MARAC to represent the needs of survivors, including joint work with the council and other housing bodies to resolve issues about re-housing, the woman’s safety, and legal actions.

7. To comply with safeguarding requirements relating to children and vulnerable adults and explain the safeguarding requirements to the survivor.

8. Maintain and update accurate written and computer records of all cases and share a summary of this information with managers, ensuring that data protection (GDPR) regulations are followed, (within the organisation as well as when communicating with partner organisations).

9. To maintain contact with the survivor at regular (timely) intervals to provide support and ensure her safety, including updates of the risk assessment and safety plan.

10. To respond within the bounds of confidentiality (GDPR), to requests from other agencies for consultations or facilitate direct contact between agencies and service users.

11. To participate in multi-agency workings parties and focus groups, when requested to do so by the Director or your manager.

12. To provide advice and training at a range of locations as requested for both professionals and the public, including being the main point of contact for Housing staff when upskilling or advice is required by the team

13. To keep up to date on research, policy development and other literature relevant to the project. Attend relevant conferences and seminars on behalf of the project.

14. To attend team meetings, relevant meetings with trustees and to be part of Her Centre outreach marketing plan

15. To attend training as identified with your manager and in liaison with the Housing Inclusion & Support Service.

16. To take on other tasks as appropriate as requested by managers or the Trustees

Benefits of working at Her Centre

- A lovely team!

- 4 day working week (full time)

- 1 personal "wellbeing hour" a week

- Work from home 1 day a month

- 2 team-building days out a year

- Training and progression opportunities

- 3% pension contribution

Please note: Due to the intensive and sensitive nature of the support involved, this post is open to women only, as permitted under Section 7(2)(e) of the Sex Discrimination Act.

Closing Date for applications is 20th September 2026 at 5pm, with interviews on the 23rd of September 2026.

Housing is one of the biggest factors affecting people's health and wellbeing. We are looking for two Community Wellbeing Coordinators to join our Community Connect Social Prescribing Service, with a specific focus on housing advocacy and support.This is an exciting opportunity to work at the intersection of health, housing and community support, helping residents navigate complex systems, understand their options and access the support they need. 

You will support residents whose wellbeing is affected by issues such as: 

• Housing insecurity 
• Risk of homelessness 
• Overcrowding 
• Disrepair 
• Temporary accommodation 
• Digital exclusion 
• Difficulties understanding housing processes and evidence requirements 

The role is about practical support, advocacy and navigation. You will work alongside residents to understand their circumstances, explore options, gather evidence, complete applications where appropriate and connect them with relevant services. 

We're looking for someone who: 

• Has experience supporting people in health, social care, housing, advice, voluntary sector or community settings. 
• Can build trusting relationships with residents facing difficult circumstances. 
• Understands how housing and other wider determinants impact health and wellbeing. 
• Is confident working with multiple agencies and coordinating support. 
• Can manage expectations sensitively whilst maintaining hope and motivation. 
• Has strong organisational and case management skills. 
• Understands safeguarding and person-centred practice 

If you're passionate about reducing inequalities, empowering residents and finding practical solutions to complex challenges, we'd love to hear from you. 

Please note, a member of the housing team will be on the interview panel therefore CV’s & supporting statements will be shared with them.

Interviews are likely to be held Friday 23rd October 2026.

Why Work for Us:

• Hybrid working 

• Additional Birthday Day off 

• Flexitime and TOIL 

• Pension employer contribution 6%

• Two volunteering days (pro rata)

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata)

• Access to the Blue Light Card 

• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities

• A positive, inclusive team culture where your ideas are valued

• Enhanced maternity/paternity pay

• Employee Assistance Programme

About the role

RAID has 4 main advice areas: Information Navigation, Benefits Advice, Energy Advice and Money Advice. The Cost of Living Crisis has disproportionally impacted Disabled people, who are more likely to face higher living costs, barriers to employment and reduced financial resilience, making it harder to cope with rising household expenses. Many of the people we see are in challenging situations; struggling with debt, experiencing food and fuel poverty, facing homeless and dealing with loneliness and isolation. The work can be emotionally challenging.

The Money Advisor will provide high-quality, accessible and person-centred money advice to Disabled people and people with long-term health conditions, supporting them to understand their financial situation, maximise their income, manage financial pressures and exercise their rights.

The Money Advisor will be required to undertake training to again gain accreditation from the Money and Pensions Service (MaPS), as part of their Quality Framework for Individuals, and will be expected to retain this qualification through continual professional development. Free training will be provided through the Wiser Adviser platform.

The Money Advisor will provide practical advice and support on a range of financial issues, budgeting, debt, household costs and financial inclusion. You will work closely with our Welfare Benefits team and undertake casework yourself as required to resolve issues.  The role will recognise the barriers created by social, economic and environmental factors and work alongside people to identify solutions that increase financial security, choice and independence.

The postholder will work within RAID's rights-based and Social Model of Disability approach, ensuring that Disabled people are listened to, treated with dignity and supported to make informed decisions about their lives.

About You

You are a knowledgeable, approachable and compassionate adviser who is passionate about helping Disabled people improve their financial security and exercise their rights.

You will have experience of providing money, welfare benefits or related advice and be confident supporting people to navigate what can sometimes be complex financial and benefits systems. You will be able to explain information clearly and in an accessible way, helping people understand their options and make informed decisions.

You will take a person-centred and rights-based approach, recognising that Disabled people can experience significant financial barriers, including additional costs associated with disability, inaccessible services, discrimination and barriers to employment and income. You will understand the importance of listening to people and working alongside them rather than making assumptions about what they need.

You will be comfortable supporting people with a range of circumstances and levels of support needs. You will be patient, non-judgemental and able to build trust with people who may have had difficult experiences when accessing services.

You will be organised and able to manage your own caseload, prioritise effectively and maintain accurate records. You will also enjoy working collaboratively with colleagues and external organisations to find practical solutions and achieve positive outcomes for the people we support.

You do not need to be an accredited money advisor to apply but you must successfully complete the required training and be able to demonstrate an interest and aptitude for money advice.

Come and join our team!

We are looking for an exceptional individual(s) to join our busy team at LimeCulture, the UK’s leading sexual violence training and consultancy organisation. 

LimeCulture has extensive experience of supporting sexual violence service providers and commissioners to deliver safe, effective, and survivor-centred services. We work collaboratively with organisations to strengthen coordination, address gaps in provision, and embed trauma-informed practices. Our support includes independent service reviews and evaluations, delivery of specialist training, and consultancy support to drive meaningful, sustainable improvements.

As the UK’s leading provider of training for Independent Sexual Violence Advisers (ISVAs), we deliver accredited development and continued professional development (CPD) programmes that build confidence, competence, and capability across this specialist workforce.

We are seeking a National ISVA Coordinator(s). The postholder(s) will provide an initial point of contact, undertake initial risk and needs assessment, provide trauma-informed information and support, and coordinate onward referral and handover to appropriate local ISVA and specialist services.

A key focus of the role will be providing initial support to adult and child survivors affected by group-based child sexual abuse and exploitation (GBCSAE), as well as other forms of sexual violence. The role will involve working effectively with police and other agencies, helping individuals navigate complex review, criminal justice and support pathways, while promoting choice, control and informed decision-making.

The role is a national coordination function and is not intended to replace ongoing local ISVA casework where appropriate local provision is available.

Terms and Conditions

Job title: Advocate South London Women’s Hubs

Reports to: Programme Manager – South London Women’s Hubs

Direct reports: N/A 

Start date: TBC – subject to successful MOJ vetting

Salary: £31,173 per annum (inclusive of £3,990 Southeast weighting) 

Working hours: Full time – 35 hours per week 

Contract: Fixed Term until 31 March 2027 (with the possibility of extension, subject to funding)

Location: Across South London 
 

Job Purpose

To deliver high-quality, trauma-informed, independent advocacy for women in communities and in prisons, which focuses on early intervention, and holistic provision as part of a ‘whole system’ multi-agency response that looks to address the root causes of women’s offending. 

The primary purpose of this role is to provide in-depth, ongoing support to a caseload of women across the South London boroughs. 
 

Key Responsibility Areas

1. Provide high-quality, trauma-responsive advocacy and emotional and practical support to women in contact with, or at risk of being in contact with the criminal justice system

2. Development and maintenance of professional relations in prison and the community 

3. Ensure clear, timely and effective communication and record keeping 

4. Proactively seek to develop your personal and professional practice, and contribute to wider organisational development

5. Contribute to building a feminist leadership culture and positive working environment for Women in Prison 

Please download recruitment pack for the full job description

Are you passionate about empowering young people to break down barriers, gain independence, and achieve their career goals?

Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea (VCKC) is looking for a dedicated Stepping Stones: XP Officer to join our team. In this delivery-focused role, you will provide person-centered, strengths-based support to young people aged 16–25 who identify as having Special Educational Needs or Disabilities (SEND).

You will manage a small, targeted caseload, guiding participants through their journey from building initial confidence to securing inclusive volunteering placements, work experience, and paid employment.

Key Responsibilities

• 1-to-1 Caseload Support: Co-design realistic action plans, identify reasonable adjustments, and deliver tailored employment and volunteering readiness support.

• Brokerage & Employer Engagement: Build strong relationships with local employers and volunteer-involving organisations to source safe, accessible placements.

• Practical Guidance: Assist participants with CV writing, application forms, and work-readiness skills tailored to their unique needs.

• Placement Monitoring: Provide light-touch, SEND-informed support to both participants and hosts to ensure placements are successful and sustainable.

• Network & Resource Mobilisation: Connect clients with external support services, training opportunities, and grants for work clothing or tools.

What We Are Looking For

• Relevant Experience: Proven track record of supporting young people (aged 16–25) or adults facing barriers to work, particularly those with SEND.

• Strengths-Based Approach: Ability to deliver empowering, direct 1-to-1 support that builds confidence and self-advocacy.

• Relationship Building: Experience working alongside employers and community organisations to champion inclusive practice.

• Organisational Skills: High-level administrative abilities to manage time, maintain accurate client data, and handle record-keeping effectively within a part-time role.

• Values-Driven: Strong commitment to safeguarding, equality, inclusion, and the values of VCKC.

(Note: Appointment is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced DBS check).

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your CV and a cover letter detailing how your experience meets the criteria outlined in the person specification.

We are looking for an exceptional, highly motivated and dedicated individual to join our team as a full-time Youth Worker (Youth Voice), supporting our mission to enable young people who are homeless, facing homelessness or unsafe to achieve independence and positive futures.

The successful candidate will work within the Youth Work Team to deliver our frontline drop-in service and support our weekly and monthly activities to all young people experiencing homelessness.

You’ll specialise in youth participation, ensuring that a diverse range of young people’s voices are heard. You’ll also facilitate and lead on supporting our Youth Advisory Board and work alongside them to cultivate inclusive activities which increase youth participation across all our services. We have an ambitious plan to improve and accelerate our youth voice strategy and this role will be at the heart of this delivery.

You should be experienced in designing, planning and facilitating a range of activities and group work with and for young people and be able to work dynamically in a fast-paced day centre environment. We are looking for candidates who are passionate about youth engagement and skilled in bringing out the ideas, voices and opinions of young people to shape service delivery. We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a background in running participatory youth projects, co-production, youth engagement sessions and/or community engagement.

The ideal candidate is a team player who enjoys working collaboratively across our organisation. This role also includes working closely with our Campaigns, Impact and Policy team to ensure young people’s voices are at the heart of our external campaigning work.

Finally, you will also be committed to the safeguarding of young people and delivering an inclusive and trauma-informed service.

This role will be based at our day centre in Camden, with some travel to other New Horizon projects within London.

Closing date for applications: Monday 21st September

Interviews: Thursday 1st October

Please note interview dates are fixed and will not be changed. Please ensure you are available on these days when applying for this role.

We are looking for a Housing and Destitution Caseworker to join our small, impactful team and provide or co-ordinate advice on welfare and housing issues to migrants. 

ABOUT US

Hackney Migrant Centre (HMC) is a community-based charity providing free legal advice, casework support and holistic support services to refugees, asylum seekers and vulnerable migrants.

Approximately 50% of the people we support are homeless, and many are experiencing destitution due to precarious immigration status, the No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) restriction or whilst living undocumented in the UK. HMC’s work is informed by our vision of a UK where no one is forced into destitution, exploitation, or vulnerability because of their immigration status.

HMC is currently a small team of 7 employees, including a CEO, Community Manager, Immigration Team Manager, Immigration Caseworker and Access to Justice Coordinator, and an Administrative Support Officer alongside a larger team of up to 60 volunteers.

ABOUT OUR SERVICES

We are based in our office in Stoke Newington, where we provide immigration advice & representation and our housing advice and casework support services. We also offer regular community sessions in a local venue on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of every month. We call these sessions our ‘Wednesday Service’. The Wednesday Service has historically been the heart and soul of HMC, and it continues to play a key role in our service delivery, accessibility and community presence.

Our Wednesday Service is a multi-functioning hub, offering a warm, welcoming and accessible space for:

• Legal advice appointments with HMC advisors and external specialist partners

• Casework appointments with staff and specialist volunteers

• Holistic advocacy appointments delivered by our volunteers

Our team supports an average of 350 people across all our service areas.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Housing and Destitution Caseworker will provide or co-ordinate advice on welfare and housing issues to migrants. This will include people visiting the Wednesday Service or referred by the Immigration Team. The post holder will assist with follow-up casework, and recruit and develop a small volunteer Housing and Destitution Support Team to support with these tasks. The post-holder will work to build partnerships with external specialist advisers, to expand our diagnostic advice provision and support with successful referrals for onward legal challenges.

Main duties

• Provide casework and advocacy support to homeless and destitute migrants regarding housing, and welfare entitlements including asylum support, Children Act and Care Act duties, mainstream benefits and homeless duties.

• Develop and coordinate partnerships with external specialist housing advisors to deliver housing advice and take on cases where able.

• Recruit and induct volunteers to a small Housing and Destitution Support Team and supervise their work.

• Keep up to date with legislation and practical guidance required to support destitute migrants, including attending relevant training sessions.

• Provide training to HMC’s volunteers on housing and destitution issues.

• Make referrals to public law/community care and housing legal representatives for complex casework and legal challenges such as judicial review.

• Identify where visitors need to access mental health or specialist support and escalate safeguarding concerns in line with HMC’s safeguarding procedures.

• Maintain records on all casework, regularly review progress during the casework journey, and ensure that cases are closed when support has ended.

Partnerships

• Develop links and partnerships with other organisations to enable effective joint working.

• Collect information, statistics and case studies on destitute migrants and the issues they face for the purposes of improving service quality and to meet the requirements of funders.

• Contribute case studies and statistical data to relevant policy/strategic legal work carried out by HMC and other partner organisations.

• Attend forums of organisations working in the sector to share best practice and evidence from HMC’s frontline work.

Additional responsibilities

• Administrative tasks relevant to the post

• Help to cover the work of the team during absences

• Contribute to HMC’s housing and destitution guides and signposting materials

• Support with the wider work of the organisation as needed, including assisting with the set-up and pack-down of the Wednesday Service and associated events.

• Implement sensitively HMC’s policies and procedures, especially with regards to confidentiality

• and diversity, equity and inclusion

• Work collaboratively with other HMC staff, volunteers and professional advisors

• Participate actively in staff meetings, and other meetings as may reasonably be required

• Attend HMC Trustees’ meetings as required

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for this position, please submit a Covering Letter (no more than 1 page) and CV, demonstrating how you meet the requirements in the person specification (below) via the Charity Job website.

Two professional references will be requested if successful at interview. The successful candidate will be required to undergo an appropriate level of DBS check.

We know that women and people from marginalised or under-represented groups- including people of colour- tend to apply only for roles where they meet 100% of the criteria. We encourage you to apply if you have an interest in the role even if you do not meet all the criteria below, particularly if you have lived experience of migration.

Please note that we can only accept applications from candidates who have the right to work in the UK. If you do not have the right to work in the UK but you are interested in supporting HMC, please see our website for opportunities to volunteer with us.

The application deadline is 23.30 on Saturday 19th September, and we expect to hold interviews in the week beginning 5th October 2026.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

E = Essential, D = Desirable

Experience

E – Experience providing advice and casework support to destitute migrants and/or experience of providing housing advice and casework support to people facing homelessness.

E – Experience of providing support, supervision and training to volunteers

E- Experience communicating clearly and professionally with a range of audiences, including the public and statutory services.

E – Track record of working in a team in a highly pressurised, front-facing environment.

D – Experience of maintaining effective working relationships with a wide range of agencies

D – Experience of recording and reporting outcomes to funders

Knowledge / Skills

E - Knowledge of the rights of migrants seeking housing, and community care support in the UK and the UK’s housing and homelessness services and support provision.

E – Understanding of the UK asylum support provisions.

E – Knowledge of refugee, migrant and homelessness organisations and other relevant organisations to support referrals and signposting.

E - Excellent IT skills, including Outlook, Microsoft Office, Sharepoint, CRM databases (HMC uses Lamplight).

D - Working knowledge of UK immigration legislation affecting refugees and migrants and the impact of the hostile environment on migrants.

D – Experience of recognising and responding to safety and safeguarding concerns, and supporting members of the public in a trauma-informed way.

Personal

E - Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills.

E - Ability to work with vulnerable migrants with sensitivity and cultural awareness.

E - Demonstrable commitment to the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion and of advancing the rights of migrants in the UK.

E - Commitment to ongoing learning and development and keeping up to date with legislative developments which will have an impact on migrants.

E - Ability on occasion to work outside of normal office hours (e.g. evening meetings).

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

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

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

Services Manager – Complex Needs & Community
Reference number: 381
Responsible to: Director of Complex Needs and Community
Working hours: 37.5 Hours per week
Contract: Maternity cover 1 year, subject to extension
Rate of pay: £38,000 - £39,000 per annum
Working base: The Herts Mind Network Wellbeing Centre closest to home
Area covered: The role requires travel across Hertfordshire to our Wellbeing centres, community partnerships and external organisations

About Us

For over 50 years, we have supported the people of Hertfordshire with their mental health. We offer a range of Community Support services which provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic outreach support to people who are experiencing mental ill-health or who need help with their mental wellbeing. Our high quality services are flexible and we help people to resolve real-life difficulties and to improve their own independence, quality of life and wellbeing. Each year, we help 15,000 people experiencing mental ill health.

We are a local Mind, affiliated to national Mind, the leading mental health charity in England and Wales. This means that we are an independent charity responsible for raising our own funds through contracts, grants and fundraising.

About our Complex Needs & Community Services

The successful candidate will manage and develop the Complex Needs and Community Teams at Hertfordshire Mind Network. The Services Manager will be responsible for leading a variety of services currently including the Flourish (asylum seekers and refugees) contract and the Bounce Back (hospital services) contracts. As the services grow and develop, other services/projects may sit under this post.

About the role

The role requires travel across Hertfordshire to our Wellbeing centres, community partnerships and external organisations and is responsible for a team of staff and volunteers who work within Complex Needs and Community teams across Hertfordshire county.

As a Services Manager you will be an integral part of the Senior Management Team (SMT) and work in partnership with Complex Needs Team Leaders and the other Service Managers across the Charity. Reporting into the Director for Complex Needs and Community you will be directly responsible for the efficient and effective delivery of two or more of our Services and a key member of the Herts Mind Network Safeguarding team.

Responsibilities of the post

• Support the COO with effective running of the complex needs and community services.
• Build strong relationships and liaise with commissioners and partner organisations.
• Manage the Flourish contract
• Manage the Bounce Back services which includes A&E link workers, Daylight service, Bounce Back Emergency Department services and Bounce Back inpatient services.
• Work closely with all key delivery partners across the system to ensure the service is responsive, inclusive and easy to access.
• Support the development of services by promoting and being responsive to changing needs.
• Ensure the embedded influence & participation of lived experience and service users and to actively seek the views and feedback from clients in order to shape and improve delivery.
• Oversee the recruitment and management of client facing staff.
• Embed HMN Safeguarding policies and be a strong safeguarding level 3 champion and manage/support referrals.
• Ensure all policies and procedures are current, understood by staff and that they are working within these policies and procedures.
• Monitor outcomes and evaluate the service, ensure all KPIs are met.
• Process referrals and manage and prioritise all administration tasks associated with the service, including Payroll and expenses submissions.
• Be part of the Senior Management on call rota (out of hours), attend SMT meetings as required and support the work of the wider SMT.
• Maintain and enhance service delivery standards and effectiveness.
• Apply for funding bids where required and support the COO in writing bids for new projects
• Contribute to the service development by working alongside the Directors to evaluate service delivery and produce progress and monitoring reports.
• Support the management of other contracts when required by the COO

Benefits

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays).
• Birthday leave day.
• Cash plan health cover (after 6 months employment).
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.

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

Closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 13th October at 5pm
Interviews to be held week commencing October 19th.
N.B. Please quote reference number 381 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

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

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

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

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

No agencies please.

At Release, we believe that expert advice can change lives — especially for people who are pushed to the margins by poverty, stigma, criminalisation and complex legal problems. We are looking for a debt adviser who wants to do more than provide technical advice: someone who shares our commitment to social justice, dignity and practical support, and who wants to be part of a specialist legal team working alongside people at the point they need help most.

This is not a traditional debt adviser role. It is an opportunity to help shape a newly established debt unit within our legal team, creating a holistic service that responds to the full reality of people’s lives rather than treating debt in isolation. You will work alongside legal advisers and solicitors delivering free welfare benefits, debt and housing advice through our outreach services, with referrals coming directly from colleagues supporting clients with overlapping legal and financial problems. You will also provide training and support to colleagues and host centre staff, helping build confidence and understanding around debt, its impact, and how to identify when someone may need specialist advice. Many of the people we work with are facing crisis, exclusion and multiple barriers to support. In this role, you will help ensure they are met with compassion, specialist advice and joined-up support that gives them a clearer route forward.

The new Debt Adviser wil join Release’s multidisciplinary legal services team. The postholder will provide high-quality, non-judgmental debt advice to people experiencing financial hardship alongside issues such as substance use, homelessness, poor mental health, benefit problems and social exclusion. Ideally, you’ll be qualified to Level 3 Certificate in Money and Debt Advice, the Certificate in Money Advice Practice (CertMAP), or the CMA Award in Generalist Debt Advice. Should you not have these or equivalent certifications, the appointee would be required and supported to achieve a certification within an agreed timeframe.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver specialist debt advice through direct referrals for our legal team who support clients in trusted community and treatment settings.

• Complete financial assessments, income and expenditure work, debt screening, priority-debt triage and casework using clear, accessible and trauma-informed approaches.
• Advise on appropriate debt options, including Breathing Space, Debt Relief Orders, negotiated write-offs, informal and formal repayment arrangements, and referrals where another provider is better placed to help.
• Work closely with legal advisers, drug and alcohol services, keyworkers, peer advocates, volunteers and partner organisations to support warm referrals and coordinated care.
• Record casework accurately on AdvicePro and contribute to monitoring, evaluation, quality assurance, client feedback and learning from the debt advice project.

Essential Requirements:

• At least 12 months’ experience delivering debt advice in a community, advice, legal or outreach setting.
• Strong understanding of UK debt solutions, priority debts, social security, housing-related debt and the impact of financial hardship on people in vulnerable circumstances.
• Ability to provide clear, fair and not misleading advice, based on a full assessment of the client’s financial and personal circumstances.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to write accurate case notes, letters and reports in plain English

• Holidays: 29 days + public holidays
• Location: Hybrid - Spitalfields, London / Remote (minimum 3 days in the office)
• Closing Date: Thursday 17 September 2026 at 5.00pm
• Interviews: Week commencing 28 September 2026
• Start Date: As soon as possible

An enhanced DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.

We particularly welcome applications from people from Black and racialised communities, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people, people from working-class backgrounds, and people with lived experience of the issues we work on. We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve, and we know that lived experience and diverse perspectives strengthen our legal practice and our work for systemic change.

Release is committed to equal opportunities.

Important Notice: For this job, Release will only consider applications from those who already have the right to live and work in the UK.  See the Home Office Immigration & Nationality Directorate for information on the UK Government's immigration policy.