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

Terms and Conditions
Job title: Link Worker (Prison)
Reports to: Service Manager (Prison)
Direct reports: N/A
Start date: TBC – subject to successful MOJ prison vetting
Salary: £27,183 per annum
Working hours: Full time – 35 hours per week
Contract: Permanent
Location: HMP Bronzefield, HMP Downview, and HMP Send

Job Purpose
The primary purpose of this role is to work with women in custody, including on remand, preparing 
them for, and connecting them with vital community support services on, release.

Key Responsibility Areas
1. Provide high-quality, trauma-responsive advocacy support both in prison and the community, 
to women on remand in HMP Bronzefield, HMP Downview, and HMP Send.
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.

For the full job description, please see the Recruitment Pack

About the Peer Support Transformation Project

The Peer Support Transformation Project is commissioned by South West London and St Georges Mental Health NHS Trust, and delivered in partnership with Sound Minds and Wandsworth Carers Centre.

The Trust review, allocate and coordinate patient referrals through Daily Integrated Allocation Meetings (DIAM). This is an internal operational and clinical triage process used by teams like the Integrated Recovery Hubs (IRH) and Single Point of Access (SPA) to signpost efficiently to care pathways to appropriate community services.

The aim of the Service is to support individuals through Peer Support for early intervention, help avoid crisis or deterioration, but also as a step down from more intensive clinical support to help reintegrate with the Community.

Given its framework of reference to the diversity of cultures and languages, Mushkil Aasaan is well-placed in the heart of the Community in being a Wellbeing Hub. This offers a spectrum of shared activities and opportunities that enhance the overall wellbeing and sense of belonging in navigating ‘Care for the Community by the Community’.

As such it is essential for this role to transcend Mushkil Aasaan’s ethos in enhancing the Peer Support Service in line with the wider aims of the Trust’s transformation programme in reducing health inequalities and reaching out to groups who experience barriers in accessing support. This Co-production aims to capitalise on the Community’s strengths in self-determination and people identifying their own goals, whilst creating an understanding of the dynamics and stigma that contribute to mental ill-health.

The Senior Peer Support Worker at Mushkil Aasaan will play a pivotal role in delivering tailored support to individuals facing emotional distress whilst focusing on their strengths and personal resources, aligning with their recovery goals and overall well-being. Our approach emphasises the use of own lived experiences with mental health challenges, whether personal or professional, to foster understanding and empathy.

The Senior Peer Support Worker will maintain a good oversight of the accountability to the Commissioning Trust with the processes and procedures already in place in collaboration with the Manager. The role would also co-ordinate a smooth-running delivery of the Service ensuring that the team of 2 Junior Peer Support Workers are well supervised and supported in their work with allocated clients. The role is responsible for the chairing of fortnightly client allocation meetings and immediately reporting any issues and safeguarding concerns.

Peer Support Project Co-ordination

· Line management of the Team, ensuring that referrals are responded to in a /timely manner, and that wait list databases are accurately maintained.

· To maintain positive and effective working relationships with colleagues and professionals at all times.

· Responsibility for chairing fortnightly Peer Support Team allocation meetings, ensuring a thoughtful and equitable approach to allocation.

· Work closely with Manager in ensuring that the team of two Peer Support Workers are well supported in their work with clients.  

· To offer reflective practice as part of supervision for the wellbeing and development of the Peer Support Workers whilst undertaking emotionally demanding work.

· Collaborating with the Manager in quarterly service reports by gathering and compiling data from the team.

· Report any service delivery issues to Management, working closely with them to design and implement improvements where necessary.

· Ensuring that any safeguarding concerns raised by any of the Peer Support team are promptly reported to Designated Safeguarding Lead.

· To appreciate the hectic atmosphere of a bustling Centre with multiple Services and Activities whilst maintaining the identity and privacy of a Peer Support Service.

Peer Support Sessions

· To support individuals experiencing emotional challenges drawing appropriately on lived experience to foster hope, mutuality and recovery-focused conversations.

· To provide a person-centred, strength-based approach that is responsive to and focusing on the individual whilst providing non-judgemental support, respecting diversity and lifestyle choices. 

· Supporting in identifying how to manage their daily lives and signposting to key resources to support their wellbeing.

· Provide help to navigate the health and wellbeing system and connect into community resources to reduce isolation and improve wellbeing. 

· To enable access to local services to promote community inclusion and connectedness, enabling sustainable recovery and support.

· To provide practical support to help people access the right services and support based on needs, preferences, and the options available.

· To actively signpost to Mushkil Aasaan’s Advocacy Service, Support Groups, and creative activities and events where appropriate.

· To maintain high levels of safeguarding awareness and to respond to risk and safeguarding issues as they arise whilst respecting the autonomy of the individual wherever possible. 

· To monitor the effectiveness of interventions offered through the routine use of outcome monitoring tools reviewed directly in person.

Administration and Data Processing

· Maintain accurate and high-quality client records using databases and electronic filing systems.

· Ensuring compliance by the whole Team in entering all relevant data to ensure timely monthly DataSet reporting and Quarterly Reporting on the required 23 standards.

· Report quarterly client data updates in a timely manner, supporting the Head of Operations in compiling quarterly reports to the Trust.

· Support clients to complete relevant surveys and feedback forms at specific points in their peer support programme.

· Respond to any queries from the Trust relating to clients on the caseload in a timely manner, maintaining the required level of detail, accuracy and professionalism.

· Undertake any other ad-hoc administration related to the project from time-to-time. For example, scanning documents or printing Peer Support Group resources.

General

· To attend appropriate internal and external training courses, supervision and staff development.

· To attend regular clinical and line management supervision and to attend professional meetings with the Trust as appropriate.

· To be sensitive to the complex boundary issues in user-led work, act appropriately and with high standards of confidentiality.

· To adhere to Mushkil Aasaan’s policies related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Health and Safety, and Safeguarding.

· To understand and respects the rights of individuals including choice, self-determination and cultural and religious needs.

· To adhere to data collection guidelines, complying with Data Protection policy.

· Any other duties that may be required in connection with this role and are deemed necessary and in the interest of the Charity. 

Skills and Attitudes

• Very strong ability to actively engage with a wide range of Mental Health needs and an understanding of the issues people face in their lives.

• Ability to work consistently with high levels of empathy, warmth and unconditional positive regard.

• Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing, with Service Users, their families, carers, community groups, partner agencies and stakeholders.

• Ability to identify risk and assess/manage risk when working with individuals.

• An understanding of the principles of confidentiality and how these apply when handling personal information.

• A working understanding of the principles of equality, inclusion & diversity and a commitment to providing an inclusive, culturally sensitive service.

 Person Specification

  Lived experience of mental health difficulties and the ability to use lived experience safely, purposefully and within appropriate boundaries in a professional role.

 Good understanding of the mental health system.

 Can demonstrate an awareness of the needs and perspectives of people

experiencing mental health problems and of different cultures.

 Can demonstrate an awareness of issues around confidentiality and boundaries.

 Well organised, with good time management skills and attention to detail.

 Ability to learn and be supported through supervision.

 Excellent verbal communication skills and a high standard of written English.

 Strong Office IT skills including MS Word and Excel or equivalent.

 Able to relate to a wide range of people.

 To be proactive, use own initiative, and have a positive and can-do attitude.

 Collaborative approach to working with others, as part of a small, busy and

passionate team.

 Flexible attitude to working hours.

 An understanding of the values and behaviour expected within this role

 Caring attitude towards people living with long term mental ill health and an understanding or how this role supports the needs of people with mental health issues.

 Clear understanding of and commitment to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion and how they relate to mental health.

 Willingness to have a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check

Community Fundraising Manager

Salary: Outer London Business Support Scale, Grade 5\6 (Spine Points 21.1 – 28), £32,064 - £36,579 per annum inclusive of London Weighting.

Location: Copthall House, 9 The Pavement, Grove Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM1 1DA

Working Pattern: Hybrid working with a minimum of 2 days per week in the office; travel across all OHC&AT sites and to external meetings required, including at weekends, for which time off in lieu will be given. Full time, 36 hrs per week, 8.45am – 4.30pm (M-Th) and 8.45am – 4.15pm on Friday. A term time only contract with a pro-rata salary could be considered for the right candidate.

Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust (OHC&AT) is a family of specialist education providers for pupils and students from nursery to further education. We operate across academies and college centres in London, Surrey, Sussex and Berkshire. Supporting our academies and college, OHC&AT also operates learning support services, such as nursing and therapy, and a central business support team which includes HR, finance and IT.

Pupils and students within the OHC&AT family have a wide range of learning abilities and additional needs. These include autistic spectrum disorder; speech, language and communication difficulties; social, emotional and mental health needs; profound and multiple learning disabilities; and physical disabilities including multi-sensory impairment and complex health conditions.

If you are a passionate fundraiser who loves building relationships, creating community connections, and making a real difference, then this role is for you.

We are looking for a motivated and ambitious Community Fundraising Manager to join our growing fundraising team.

This exciting new role will lead community and regional corporate fundraising activity, developing partnerships with local businesses, community groups and supporters to generate income that transforms opportunities for our pupils and students. You'll help bring inspiring projects to life, including initiatives such as Tom's Farm at Nightingale Community Academy, while delivering engaging fundraising campaigns, events and partnerships.

Key Responsibilities:

· Securing community and corporate fundraising income

· Building relationships with businesses, donors and community groups

· Developing fundraising campaigns and events

· Creating compelling cases for support and funding proposals

· Supporting social media and fundraising communications

· Managing donor stewardship and reporting impact

· Working closely with colleagues across our schools, colleges and central teams

Key Requirements:

· Proven experience in community and/or corporate fundraising, including securing donations and partnerships.

· Good numerical skills and experience managing budgets.

· Brilliant relationship builder both internally with team members and externally with funders.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to create and present compelling cases for support.

· Ability to manage multiple projects and work independently as part of a small team.

· Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes.

· Ability and willingness to travel regularly between OHC&AT sites and external locations.

Working at OHC&AT means joining a values-driven organisation where every partnership, event and donation helps create life-changing opportunities for our pupils and students.

OHC&AT is an exciting, forward-thinking organisation, and we offer many benefits to attract and keep our staff, contributing towards maintaining and improving wellbeing, and encouraging our required behaviours, achievements, values, and skills. Below is just a selection of the benefits available to our employees:

Rewards & Benefits:

· Pathways for progression within the trust, ensuring you can grow and thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment

• Pension Scheme - you will be enrolled in either the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) or the Teachers' Pension Scheme (TPS), both offering life cover and financial protection for your family

• Salary Sacrifice Schemes (Cycle Scheme, Employee Car Lease Scheme and Home Electronics Scheme)
• Employee Wellbeing - We support employee wellbeing with access to counselling, mental health support, generous leave, flexible working, and enhanced parental leave including Employee Assistance Programme, MyGym Discounts, Corporate Eyecare Scheme and Free Virtual GP Appointments
• Employee Discounts (Blue Light Card, Costco Membership, Discounts for Teachers, and more)
• Other (Season Ticket Loan and Employee Referral Scheme)

Find out what makes OHC&AT a truly rewarding place to work – visit our ‘Work for Us’ page to learn more about opportunities across the Trust and the difference our staff make every day.

Working together to transform lives is what we do and across the whole organisation we have a range of experts and practitioners who advocate for children and young people with SEND to ensure they receive the best possible opportunities to achieve their full potential.

As a large specialist education provider we employ over 1500 people across our schools, college and central support team. There is a wide range of job roles available, ranging from teaching and therapy to business support roles and significant career progression opportunities.

It is an exciting time to be part of OHC&AT and we are keen to recruit talented people who can play a key role in realising our mission and who want to make a difference. In return, we offer training and development, competitive pay and benefits in a positive and inclusive working environment.

We are committed to promoting and advancing equality of opportunity by attracting and retaining the most diverse range of students, staff and partners.

If you wish to discuss this opportunity before or after submitting an application form, please get in touch with Sarh-Jane Lummes directly.

Your application form will be scored according to each of the requirements laid out in the person specification for this role. Please demonstrate in your statement how your experience, skills and knowledge match the criteria that are required for the role.

How to Apply:

You will be redirected to our E-teach portal to create an account and apply online.

Please note that CV applications cannot be considered.

Closing Date: Midnight on 15/09/2026

Interviews will take place on: Date TBC, but will be in late September

To help us manage applications effectively, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient suitable applications are received.

Safeguarding Statement:

Orchard Hill College & Academy Trust are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. 

Appointments made will be subject to an Enhanced Disclosure via the Disclosure and Barring Service. 

This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and the amendments to the Exceptions Order 1975, 2013 and 2020.

In line with the statutory guidance in Keeping Children Safe in Education, the Trust will request and review references and carry out online searches on shortlisted candidates prior to interview as part of our safer recruitment process. Any concerns raised will be followed up with the applicant before a recruitment decision is made.