Senior support worker learning disabilities jobs

Overview

Change Grow Live are a charity dedicated to the belief that we can make a difference to our Service Users lives, offering support and respect in a safe environment, treating each user as an individual and working with them to find the right treatment and care options.

Our core values are ‘Be open, be compassionate and be bold’ and our team members apply these daily to achieve our mission of helping people change the direction of their lives, grow as individuals, and live life to its full potential.

We are currently recruiting a Programmes Facilitator to work within HMP Channings Wood. Our ideal candidate will have the skills and experience to assess and engage with our service users, ensuring that they access the right intervention at the right time, in a way that best meets their needs. 

We are seeking a committed and dynamic person to support the delivery of substance misuse interventions within a custodial setting. In this role, you will work directly with individuals in prison who are affected by drug and alcohol use, helping them to understand their behaviours, build motivation for change, and engage in structured recovery‑focused programmes.

You will facilitate group sessions, complete assessments, and provide 1:1 support that promotes harm reduction, stabilisation, and long‑term recovery. Working closely with prison staff, healthcare teams, and partner agencies, you will ensure that every individual receives safe, effective, and person‑centred support.

This role is ideal for someone passionate about empowering people to overcome substance misuse challenges, able to build rapport in a fast‑paced environment, and motivated to help improve outcomes and reduce re‑offending.

Where: HMP Channings Wood 

Full Time Hours: 37.5 per week

Please note: Full-time hours at Change Grow Live are 37.5 hours per week. For part-time roles, the salary and payments will be pro rata based on contracted hours. 

Responsibilities

About the role:

• You will work with service users to initiate recovery from drug and/or alcohol dependence, to enable service users in the prison to build their own recovery capital and to support them to move into long term sustained recovery and social (re)integration.
• To develop and deliver group psychosocial interventions. This involves facilitating Foundations of Rehabilitation programme, in addition to pod working tailored to the needs of the caseload.
• To be creative and innovative so that the post best meets the needs of the service user, promoting access into treatment, and encouraging engagement with underrepresented communities.
• Assess suitability for groups related to risk and special needs, working closely with prison partners to schedule attendance.

About you:

• Sensitivity in working with complex and diverse needs.
• Demonstrate a strong recovery focus and have knowledge of a range of psychosocial interventions.
• Ability to manage change successfully in a way that prioritises the needs of service users.
• Understand the importance of information governance processes and commit to follow and apply all necessary safeguards.
• Seek out learning opportunities to improve and broaden your professional knowledge and skills and to contribute and oversee the learning and development of others.

What we will give to you: 

• 25 days holiday (+ bank holidays) rising by 1 day for each years’ service “Capped at 30 days”
• Paid ‘Wellness’ hour each week along with a ‘Wellness’ hub and Employee Assist Programme
• Contributory pension scheme
• Several benefits incl. discounts for shopping, cinema, holidays, etc.
• A friendly and supportive team
• Training, career development & progression opportunities

Please read attached Job Description for a more detailed out line of responsibilities and Person Specifications 

Please note: This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must already have the right to work in the UK at the time of application. For applicants with time-limited visas, unfortunately, we are unable to support new visa applications or extensions.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Salary Range (pro rata if part time)

CGL points 23 to 28 (£27,861.26 - £32,002.35)

Closing Date

7/7/2026

This post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check at an enhanced level.

We believe that having diverse people working as part of our team makes us the organisation that we are.

We actively encourage applications from people from all backgrounds to help us to provide the best possible experience for the people who use our services and to make Change Grow Live a great place to work. If you have any feedback on our recruitment processes (good or bad) we’d love to hear from you so that we can make sure they are fair and we attract and recruit the best, most diverse workforce possible.

The safety of vulnerable children, young people and adults is our absolute priority. We will support you in your role to make sure that you are equipped to support the safety of people who use our services and those around them, to the highest standard possible.

A little bit about the role 

Location: Hybrid, 2 days a week expected in our London Office. Those living outside the M25 can opt to not receive London Office Allowance and agree a more flexible office attendance pattern at offer stage.

Contract:​ Full Time, fixed-term contract for 8 months from September 2026​

Salary: £26,227.50 (£29,732.78 with London Office Allowance) plus competitive pension

Please note that although the deadline is 9am on 13 July 2026,  we may close earlier based on the success of applications received.

You will be joining us at our busiest time and will have day to day logistical and admin responsibilities with focus on supporting applicants through the selection stages of our programme, Approach Social Work. You will work with the Selection team and share responsibilities between other Selection Coordinators to ensure the delivery of a highly effective and efficient recruitment process and to ensure the candidate experience is positive throughout. This role would particularly suit someone who has had some experience interacting with customers, for example in admin support, retail, hospitality, customer service, or similar. ​

Please note that ‘Administrator’ is the title we use for advertising. Internally, administrators are known as ‘Coordinators’ so this role’s full title is Selection Coordinator.

You will be joining the recruitment team for Approach Social Work, a three-year programme where participants qualify as a social worker, study for a master's degree and work directly with children and families.​

Our recruitment team is made up of:​

• Attraction team: who work to attract people to Approach from the areas we
• work nationally, and support applicants to progress and succeed in their applications​
• Selection team: who deliver the high-volume selection and assessment process​

As a Selection Coordinator, your work will be integral to our mission to create social change for children who do not have a safe or stable home. 

Please see the job pack for a full list of responsibilities.

A little bit about you 

We welcome applicants with some experience in customer service, administration, or logistics coordination. We're looking for someone who is detail-oriented and excels at managing multiple tasks and priorities. The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator who can support candidates through the selection process, troubleshoot technical issues, and ensure smooth operations at assessment centers.

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

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

Important information

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

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

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

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

For further information about this role, please contact , Hiba Dajani - Selection Officer (see job pack for contact details). ​

Volunteering Matters   

Who we are 
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change. 

Creating stronger communities through the power of volunteering 

Volunteering Matters is a nationwide charity that exists to create stronger communities through the power of volunteering. We work with local partners to develop impactful programmes that support individuals and communities across the UK.

Since 1962, we’ve used our influence to champion volunteering as a powerful tool to build a thriving, resilient society. Our projects are co-created with the people and communities we work alongside: an approach that encourages our participants to become future volunteers and leaders, not just beneficiaries. 

We understand the pressures of day-to-day life and create flexible, inclusive opportunities for people at all stages of life. And beyond delivering projects on the ground, we use our voice to shape policy and practice – ensuring volunteering stays recognised, supported and sustainable for generations to come. 

What we do 
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people. 

How we do this 

We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities. 

• We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part. 

• We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change. 

• We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities. 

• We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects. 

• We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better. 

  Our promise to volunteers 

We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do. 

It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong.  

Role Description 

Volunteering Matters Brighter Futures CEC works with pupils (aged 12-18) who are care experienced or on the edge of care across the City of Edinburgh.

The project has two parts, one is to work one to one with the young people referred to the project, supporting them to experience a volunteering placement with local charitable organisations that will build their confidence and allow them to grow and learn new things in a different environment out with school.  

The second part is our group work, the Youth Engagement Manager will be responsible for up to 7 small groups within schools across Edinburgh.The Youth Engagement Manager supports the young people engaged in the groups to develop and deliver a Youth Social Action project within their community.

We’re looking for a patient and engaging Youth Engagement Manager to join the Brighter Futures team in Edinburgh.   The right candidate would be someone who can work flexibly and demonstrate an understanding and total commitment to our organisational values and strategy.  
   
 Due to the nature of this role and the needs of the young people we support, including the requirement to provide appropriate support and engagement for young males with complex experiences, there is a genuine occupational requirement for the postholder to be male under Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010.
Key Duties & Responsibilities   

• To build relationships with the young people, acting in a non-judgemental way to support them through their Brighter Futures journey.  

• Consistently role modelling and displaying Volunteering Matters organisational values   

• Deliver and develop the Brighter Futures Schools programme across the City of Edinburgh, meeting ambitious targets and milestones, ensuring all young people engaged achieve positive outcomes  

Develop and deliver our Social Action group work project in different schools across Edinburgh. 

• Work alongside staff form residential units, parents and carers to help support building a relationship with the young people referred to our one-to-one work  

• Build relationships with different high schools across area through both our group work and one to one program.

• To maintain excellent relationships with charity and not-for-profit partners in Edinburgh - ensuring diverse, high quality volunteer roles are available that reflect the needs and interests of young people. 

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders including colleagues, volunteers, families, school staff, social work, NHS, Education partners, third sector organisations and others.  

• Support the young people to complete awards and qualifications linked to their volunteering. 

• To manage all elements of a young persons experience, from referral to completion of their journey   

• To manage the risk assessment, safeguarding, quality assurance and audit processes as appropriate   

• Ensure monitoring, impact and evaluation information is collected and that Brighter Futures meets it’s agreed targets, reporting format and schedule.  

• Assist the Senior Project Manager by preparing Impact Reports   

• Administration tasks including maintaining effective and accessible records, the use of Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom and other software such as Canva

• This job description is intended to include the broad range of responsibilities and requirements of the post. It is neither exhaustive nor exclusive but while some variations will be expected, these will be at an appropriate level for the role.  

Skills / Knowledge Required   

• Excellent knowledge & understanding of the life challenges and issues that young people face in Scottish society including an understanding of “The Promise” as well as understanding of trauma informed practice.  

• Experience delivering a youth work approach to young people who challenge. 

•  An understanding of how to assess the needs of an individual using a person-centred approach  

•  Excellent written and verbal communication skills including being able to have strategic conversations with partners and stakeholders one minute and talk to an anxious or unsure young people the next.  

• Excellent organisational skills including strong attention to detail, the ability to manage a busy workload, and prioritise effectively   

• Excellent IT skills including the use of Office 365, Microsoft Teams and other software packages including a CRM. 

• Ability to think on your feet, act quickly and respond to situations as well as demonstrate common sense and initiative.   

• The post holder should be non-judgemental, competent, conscientious and self-aware.   

• Ability to develop and sustain relationships with a wide range of people.  

Experience Required   

• Significant experience working directly with young people, specifically those who are care experienced or who face life challenges   

• Experience of youth work in a group setting 

• Experience in all aspects of effective Volunteer Management (recruitment, training, support)   

• Experience developing strong working relationships, with a range of internal and external stakeholders   

• Experience of project management, achieving goals, managing a busy workload and working to deadlines  

• Experience of measuring the impact of mentoring/volunteering, and understanding the results   

• Understanding of and full commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion   
   

Qualifications Required    

Relevant experience and values alignment is more important for this role than specific qualifications 

Location 

This role is based in Edinburgh, a large part of your hours will require you to work within the community and schools, for the other hours you will have the opportunity to work from home. The postholder will require good internet access to enable remote working, and a suitable home office space. I.T. equipment and infrastructure will be supplied. 

PVG  

This role requires membership of the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) scheme. We will support you to become a PVG member if you are not already. Having a conviction will not necessarily cause a bar to employment.  

Our Values & Way of Working 

In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.  

 Diversity & Inclusion   

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.   

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments 

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter.  

 Benefits   

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer: 

• Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work)  

• Unlimited Annual Leave  

• Employee Pension scheme  

• Life Assurance  

• Cycle to Work Scheme  

• Season Ticket Loan  

• Employee Assistance Programme  

• Enhanced sick and family leave.   

• Lifestyle Discount Scheme   

We are also open to discussing job share applications.   

 GDPR Statement   

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.    

Policy on AI-Generated Applications  

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI. 

To Apply   

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.   

We welcome applications from everyone, but please note that if we receive an extremely large number of responses, we may close this advert early to fully consider applications. We encourage you to apply promptly so you don’t miss the opportunity to join our community. 

Right to Work in the UK 
Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position. 

If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help.

Job Title:  Ipswich Project Manager: Social Action

Location: Ipswich. Homebased with travel across Suffolk 

Contract Type:  6 months Fixed Term 

Hours: 17.5 hours per week (0.5 FTE) 

Salary: £17,000 pa (£30,000 FTE  pro rata) 

DBS/PVG: DBS Basic 

Job Family: 3    

Volunteering Matters   

Who we are 
At Volunteering Matters, we believe people have the power to create change. Whether through volunteering by helping others and giving time, or through social action such as speaking up, campaigning, or leading change, everyone can make a difference. We bring people together to build stronger communities across England, Scotland and Wales, making sure everyone has the chance to get involved and create real change. 

Creating stronger communities through the power of volunteering 

Volunteering Matters is a nationwide charity that exists to create stronger communities through the power of volunteering. We work with local partners to develop impactful programmes that support individuals and communities across the UK. 

Since 1962, we’ve used our influence to champion volunteering as a powerful tool to build a thriving, resilient society. Our projects are co-created with the people and communities we work alongside: an approach that encourages our participants to become future volunteers and leaders, not just beneficiaries. 

 We understand the pressures of day-to-day life and create flexible, inclusive opportunities for people at all stages of life. And beyond delivering projects on the ground, we use our voice to shape policy and practice – ensuring volunteering stays recognised, supported and sustainable for generations to come. 

What we do 
We help people of all ages and backgrounds get involved in volunteering and social action. We focus on making sure that everyone, no matter their situation, has the chance to take part. We work with local people.

How we do this 

We support people to share their time and skills to help others and tackle big challenges in their communities. 

• We remove barriers to volunteering and social action, making it easier for people who don’t always get the chance to take part. 

• We listen to and amplify voices that aren’t always heard, helping volunteers and communities influence change. 

• We help volunteers beyond their first experience, offering training, support, and pathways to new opportunities. 

• We connect businesses with communities, creating meaningful employee volunteering projects. 

• We show the impact of volunteering and social action, proving how it changes lives for the better. 

Our promise to volunteers 

We are always looking for new ways for volunteers to make a difference. We bring people together across generations and backgrounds to learn from each other and create change. At the same time, we make sure that all our volunteers are trained, supported, and valued, so they feel confident in what they do. 

It’s a brilliant time to join us. We’re evolving, growing our impact, and shaping a future where everyone can take part and feel they belong.  

Job purpose:

The Ipswich Project Manager is the primary people and operational leader for delivery staff within the Ipswich Social Action team, part of the wider social action portfolio at Volunteering Matters. The role is responsible for ensuring the safe, compliant, and high-quality delivery of social action programmes in the Ipswich area that enable individuals and communities to speak up, influence change, and take collective action on issues that matter to them. 

This is a time limited role with a strong emphasis on establishing new project delivery and maintaining and developing existing delivery and practice within the team. This will involve building a clear understanding of new and existing delivery models, supporting the integration of staff and projects into the new programme delivery, and identifying risks, gaps, and opportunities to develop further prospective delivery going forward. A key part of the role will be identifying opportunities to integrate all local activity into the#iwill Movement Town of Social Action work, and maximising opportunities to develop social action across all age groups. The postholder will also work closely with local funders and delivery partners to ensure they are fully engaged and involved in local program planning and delivery.

The role does not hold direct budget responsibility or lead a single programme. Instead, it provides strong people management, operational oversight, task management, and compliance leadership, alongside generating insight and recommendations to shape the future development of social action across the Town of Social Action.  

Our Values & Way of Working 

In all that we are guided by our values: Empowering, Inclusive, Compassionate, Positive & Straightforward.  

Diversity & Inclusion   

Volunteering Matters welcomes all applicants and are keen to ensure our team reflects the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We encourage applications from disabled, LGBT and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, along with candidates with any protected characteristics and from disadvantaged groups.   

Disability Confident & Reasonable Adjustments 

We guarantee to interview anyone with a disability whose application meets the minimum criteria for the role. Please provide evidence in your application, which demonstrates that you meet the level of competence required in the Job Description under skill and experience. To be considered for a guaranteed interview or to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the process, please state this in your cover letter.  

 Benefits   

Our employee benefits reflect our culture which is built on an approach of full flexibility with accountability, and designed to let you make your most positive contribution; we offer: 

• Flexible Working by Default (re hours & place of work)  

• Unlimited Annual Leave  

• Employee Pension scheme  

• Life Assurance  

• Cycle to Work Scheme  

• Season Ticket Loan  

• Employee Assistance Programme  

• Enhanced sick and family leave.   

• Lifestyle Discount Scheme   

We are also open to discussing job share applications.  

GDPR Statement   

If you apply for a role with us, we will retain your contact details including your name, address, email address and phone number to help us manage your application for up to six months.  We will not use your personal data for any other purpose or share it with any third party. You can contact us at any point to update your personal information or ask us to delete it from our records.     

Policy on AI-Generated Applications  

Applications are accepted on trust, and we expect all submissions to reflect the applicant’s own words, experiences, and motivations. While tools such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) may support the application process, applications should not be generated wholly by AI.  

 To Apply   

Please send an updated, complete CV and cover letter via the Charity Job Apply button above. In your application clearly state which role you are applying for. In the cover letter please demonstrate how you would fulfil the role requirements, what previous relevant achievements you have (both in life and at work), what skills & experience you can offer, and what you believe you can contribute to Volunteering Matters.   

We welcome applications from everyone, but please note that if we receive an extremely large number of responses, we may close this advert early to fully consider applications. We encourage you to apply promptly so you don’t miss the opportunity to join our community.   

Right to Work in the UK 
Please note that while we hold a license to sponsor employees on a skilled worker visa, the number of applications we can make each year is very limited. Unfortunately, this role does not meet the criteria for sponsorship, therefore, you must already have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this position. 

If you have any questions about current vacancies, the recruitment process, or need support, our team is here to help. You can contact us directly by emailing and a member of the team will get back to you as soon as possible. 

Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.  

• Salary: c. £56,000 
• Full or Part Time – Open to both options 
• Permanent
• Location: We honestly don’t mind. You’ll be expected to travel between our London (Farringdon) and central Bristol offices as well as other locations across the UK. Either of our office locations or remote home working is acceptable. Please clearly state your preferred location in your application. 
• Closing date: 19 July 2026 (11:59pm) 
• First stage interviews: w/c 10 August
• Second stage interviews: w/c 17 August 

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.

We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.

About the role

We’re looking for a Head of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) with experience of designing and embedding organisational DEIB strategies and leading culture change at a senior level to join our CEO Office.

This is a pivotal leadership role at a critical moment in our DEIB journey. You will lead the development of our next DEIB strategy, building on our ‘Brave, Not Perfect’ commitments and driving forward meaningful, measurable change across the organisation. Working closely with the CEO and Executive Team, you will shape the vision, influence decision-making and ensure DEIB is fully embedded across our culture, systems and ways of working.

You’ll act as both a strategic lead and an organisational change expert – engaging colleagues, supporting leaders, and ensuring our work reflects the diverse needs of the children and young people we support. This role does not have direct reports but carries significant influence across the organisation, requiring strong leadership, resilience, and the ability to bring others on the journey.

What will I be doing?

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.

The next step in Young Lives vs Cancer’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging journey 

• Building on the work in ‘Brave, not Perfect’ to develop the next iteration of DEIB strategy at Young Lives
• To engage the organisation in the development and context of this work, and to deliver a programme model for the delivery of the goals within the strategy, including monitoring and evaluation 

Build on strong foundations

• To evaluate and develop our programme of internal DEIB engagement ‘DEIB Confident’ to reflect the goals within the next phase of DEIB strategy
• To support and develop our existing staff led networks, and the creation of new ones
• To lead and develop our approach to Equity Impact Assessment
• To coach, advise and challenge senior leaders and allies within the organisation

Leadership

• To role model the culture we want to see at Young Lives vs Cancer, through your behaviour, ways of working and approach to leadership 
• As a Head of department, you will be a key senior leader and manager, providing visible and confident leadership for all of our workforce at Young Lives vs Cancer, and taking a holistic organisational view in all matters – holding our strategy and vision for young cancer patients at heart.

What do I need? 

Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:

• Experience of developing and implementing an EDI strategy at a senior level 
• Understanding and knowledge of EDI legislation, policies and best practices 
• Experience of managing change initiatives and a practical approach to culture change including through systems, policy and procedures 
• Experience of leading, inspiring and motivating staff 
• A good leader with ambition and conviction and the ability and desire to inspire staff at all levels. 
• Demonstrable influencing skills and ability to develop networks both internally and externally 
• Experience of facilitating activities across geographically dispersed operations
• A respected project and change expert with personal confidence
• Understanding of oppression and the barriers that marginalised people face, and strong commitment to deliver anti-oppressive practices
• Demonstrate that Young Lives vs Cancer’s values are at the heart of everything you do: Curious, Creative, Collaborative, Changemaking, and Courageous

What will I gain?

For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Wellbeing days: four days a year to do what works for you – from catching up on training to going for a walk
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for this role, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed. We recognise the benefits of AI, but if you're considering using it to submit your application, we encourage you to reflect on the value AI adds. AI tools often lack the personal touch and authenticity that set candidates apart. We want to hear your unique perspective, experiences, and skills, so we encourage you to tell us about your skills and experiences in your own voice.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

#ShowTheSalary #NonGraduatesWelcome

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Title: Blended Team Service Manager
Post no: 659
Working base: Dunstable CMHT (Community Mental Health Teams) LU5
Area covered: Bedfordshire
Contract type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday – Friday
Salary: £29,355.00 per annum

About the Service and the Role

This role is an exciting opportunity to work with the Operational Services Manager (Blended Teams) to manage the daily operations of our Blended Teams functions.

This includes managing a core team of workers in a diverse range of projects and services often in partnership with the NHS and other VCSE and community groups. The role will involve multi-agency working and ensuring the continuous development of our services to ensure that they meet the needs of the community and blended team outcomes.

Ideally, you will be required to have knowledge of managing remote teams who may be imbedded in NHS services and the ideal candidate would have the skills to support staff with the complex challenges that come with blended working as well as maintaining and building relationships with key stakeholders. You will also be required to hold your own caseload, supporting the teams with more complex service users and cover gaps in services.

Key Responsibilities and Service Delivery

• Operate a service and ensure outcomes which support individuals with mental health and wellbeing needs in line with Mind BLMK’s and blended team model and contract requirements.
• Work with the Operational Services Manager (Blended Teams) and senior managers to ensure the management of an effective workforce including recruitment and performance management challenges
• Ensure that services with complex partnerships and remote teams are effectively managed and maintained, through effective relationship building and multi-agency working.
• Ensure regular involvement of service users, volunteer and staff on local service delivery, organisational matters and wider mental health strategies.
• Assess suitability for community connection support as part of a blended team approach and support individuals to access the service by utilising in depth knowledge of local voluntary and community services and networks.
• To work with individuals to coproduce a plan to address their mental health and wellbeing goals. Enable people to achieve these goals through facilitating access and connecting with appropriate resources.
• Enable people to access community resources which may include accompanying them.
• Offer support, guidance and help where possible to people to gain confidence, overcome initial fears and seek solutions to any barriers inhibiting attendance.
• Take a holistic approach, based on the individuals’ priorities and wider determinants of health that impact on their health and wellbeing, such as debt, poor housing, being unemployed, loneliness and caring responsibilities.
• To work as part of an integrated team to ensure the best outcomes for each person accessing the service.
• Maintain an effective workforce for the service in line with Mind BLMK’s HR policies, procedures and guidance (recruitment, line management, workload planning, support and development of crisis workers, peer support workers and volunteers).
• Hold responsibility for health and safety, data collection and cash handling in line with Mind BLMK’s policies, procedures and guidance.

The successful candidate will have experience of managing diverse staff resources, multi-agency working, 2 years’ experience working with people with mental health and managing remote teams. Level 3 Social Care (or equivalent) and Management and Leadership qualifications are desirable.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Health Plan with a wide variety of benefits
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm on Thursday 23rd July 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Mental Health Service Manager, Community Services Manager, Service Coordinator, Mental Health Team Leader, Service Delivery Manager, Community Support Manager, Operations Manager, Wellbeing Centre Manager or Mental Health Project Manager.

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.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.