Social care development jobs

Service Manager

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Job Title: Service Manager 

Location: Romford. Please note that unfortunately, this service does not have step free access.

Salary: £40,100

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:00. You may also be required to work weekends, evenings, and bank holidays as per service requirements. You will also take part in our out of hours on call rota for managers.

About the Role

We're looking for a compassionate and driven Service Manager to join our residential service based in Havering. This role supports residents in temporary housing who are facing challenges with substance use. As a Service Manager, you’ll lead a dedicated team, making sure we deliver high quality support, performance and improvements across our service whilst representing values of the organisation. You'll play a hands on role in supporting individuals facing addiction, homelessness, and complex needs guiding them towards stability, independence, and brighter futures.

The service focuses on providing a 24 hour, 25 bed accommodation service to residents who are deemed to be high risk. They support those who are experiencing homelessness. All admissions are jointly agreed, and placements reviewed at a weekly Complex Needs Panel chaired by the local authority. Residents are agreed on the basis that they are: 

The role includes:

• Overseeing support related to substance misuse, ensuring effective interventions and pathways for service users
• Line Management and Leadership, supporting your team providing advice, guidance and support throughout their employment lifecycle
• Support the Service Manager in leading the day to day operational delivery of the service
• Risk Management ownership, ensuring processes and policies are followed
• Property and Housing Management, ensuring the accommodation meets our requirements, and repairs and maintenance are regularly reported and completed
• Financial Management, including petty cash and budget management
• Contract management and Internal auditing, admin, and general other duties as required

About You

We are seeking a passionate, driven and motivated colleague to lead this service in a trauma informed and inclusive way. Someone who is knowledgeable in the needs of our residents, particularly substance misuse and can support the team in delivering excellence. You will be driven with passion for what we do, and be able to work flexibly to meet service needs, providing new ideas and opportunities to develop the service further to continue to achieve excellence!

• Understanding and/or practical knowledge of the social and societal marginalisation that can be attached to people with substance abuse issues, addiction, exploitation, homelessness and within the criminal justice system
• Previous leadership experience
• Experience of working with confidently and ability to provide advice, lead a team on all aspects of the service such as resident related enquiries which can include housing, substance abuse support, signposting
• Ability to motivate and empower a team to achieve service KPI's through direct leadership
• Willingness and ability to work flexibly to meet service needs
• IT Proficiency, including Microsoft Office, and the ability to navigate and learn new case management systems and other types of organisational software

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we Offer

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Employer Pension Contribution
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Access to discounted tickets for music events, shows, sports and more
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing at work
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• EDI Ambassador programme

About Social Interest Group (SIG)

SIG is a not-for-profit organisation providing thousands of people with good-quality support and care in residential, drop-in centres, community floating support settings, probation settings, and hospitals. We do so across London, Brighton, Bedfordshire, Luton, Kent and Liverpool. Our goal is to transform lives through empowering change. 

We believe good care and support improves lives with the vision to create healthier, safer, and more inclusive communities. Join us on our mission to empower independence through trauma-informed solutions and dynamic partnerships that keep people out of prison, out of hospital, and off the streets.
Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group. 

Additional Information

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Do you want to make a real difference in children and young people's lives? If so, then we would like you to join our dedicated team of social workers and help empower children to thrive. We believe in quality over quantity, ensuring manageable caseloads so you can truly focus on the people you support. Regular supervision, peer support, and emotional wellbeing resources are all part of how we care for our team. We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join our small friendly team, who are well linked in with the wider Barnardo's organisation across the UK.

Fostering Service, covering Wales. We offer flexible working options, and a strong support network, and ongoing professional development to ensure you feel valued and supported in your career. 

The suitably applicant will be enthusiastic, creative and passionate about supporting children and young people who are cared for by their foster families. You will be able to work therapeutically with people who have experienced trauma and loss in their lives. You will work in a way that acknowledges and validates their experiences and work with hope that their future may be different. You will also have opportunities to design and deliver training to a team of committed foster parents and peers. You will have strong assessment skills in order to complete Form F's and annual reviews.

Ready to take the next step in your social work career? If the answer yes, then we very much look forward to you joining the team.

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification and Job Description. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

Introduction
Digital Care Hub CIC (DCH) is the leading digital support organisation for adult social care providers in England. We provide practical guidance, resources, and leadership to help care services adopt and implement digital technologies safely, efficiently, and in line with regulatory expectations. As digital transformation accelerates across health and care, Digital Care Hub plays a crucial role in shaping a future where technology enhances, rather than replaces, human-centred care. As part of our continued development, we are expanding our regional delivery model to ensure greater alignment, visibility, and consistency across our support offers. The Regional Strategic Manager will play a key leadership role in this model.

About the role
The Regional Strategic Manager will act as the main point of coordination and leadership for our work across all 9 regions, ensuring local support is high quality, consistent, and strategically aligned with national goals.

You will work closely with our Local Support Organisations (LSOs), local authorities, Integrated Care Systems (ICSs), system partners and care associations to build strong regional networks, ensure insight flows between local and national levels, and embed DCH and Better Security, Better Care (BSBC) priorities.

Reporting to the Programme Director, you will be part of the national delivery team but focused on regional strategy, delivery oversight, and stakeholder engagement.

Key responsibilities
• Provide strategic oversight of all regional delivery activity, ensuring alignment with the national programme objectives.
• Act as the main point of contact for LSOs in the region, supporting them to meet their grant requirements and develop high-impact local delivery plans.
• Coordinate and facilitate regional & cross-regional networks, communities of practice, and events.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key regional stakeholders including local authorities, ICSs, ADASS branches, and care associations.
• Lead regional reporting and insight gathering, ensuring local intelligence informs national strategy and vice versa.
• Support consistency and quality of LSO delivery across the region, sharing best practice and facilitating joint working.
• Represent DCH and BSBC at national and regional meetings, boards, and strategic forums.
• Feed into the development of regional strategies, funding bids, and improvement plans.
• Work closely with the national team to ensure strong integration of regional activity within wider programme delivery. 

About you
Skills and experience
• Proven experience in a strategic or delivery leadership role within health, care, or the public sector.
• Strong understanding of adult social care and/or digital transformation within the care system.
• Demonstrated ability to manage relationships with senior stakeholders and build collaborative networks.
• Experience supporting or overseeing delivery partners or commissioned services.
• Ability to work independently while contributing to a wider team.
• Confident in using data and local insight to drive planning and improvement.
• Excellent communication skills, including verbal presentation and written reporting.
• Highly organised and adaptable, comfortable working in a fast-paced and evolving context.
• Understanding of regional policy structures, local government, or ICS and ICB governance is desirable. 

At Family Friends, we believe that everyone deserves support when life gets tough. We’re looking for a Family Connector - someone warm, compassionate, and organised to walk alongside families facing challenging times.

This is a flexible, part-time role where you’ll be the first point of contact for families referred into our service. You’ll help them feel heard and supported, connect them to our brilliant volunteer befrienders, and make sure they find the right help at the right time.

You’ll work in the community - through clinics, home visits, group sessions and schools, building trust and offering practical, thoughtful support. You’ll also collaborate with local partners and help strengthen our volunteer-led approach.

If you’re someone who ‘gets it’, who can hold space for others and juggle the moving parts of community life, we’d love to hear from you.

Our client are a small, supportive organisation, committed to making a lasting and positive difference to the lives of unpaid carers across Buckinghamshire – they support unpaid carers of all ages, from all backgrounds and in all caring roles. This includes young carers, young adult carers, parents of children with a physical or learning disability, older carers, carers from diverse communities, LGBTQ+ carers and those looking after someone with a mental health condition. They also provide support for unpaid carers and the person they care for whilst in a hospital setting. At an exciting time of change, they are now looking to recruit a Head of Services, a newly created role for the organisation which will oversee all frontline services.

As Head of Services, you will work closely alongside the CEO, providing support and oversight for all delivery teams (adult/young/hospital carers teams), ensuring that services operate effectively and meet contractual requirements. You will ensure alignment with strategic priorities and commissioned outcomes and will use data and feedback to drive service improvement and innovation. You will ensure that all carer services operate cohesively, with smooth transitions between age groups and will consistently champion the voice of carers of all ages through partnership boards, networks and other forums.  You will also maintain oversight of all safeguarding cases across the organisation, acting as Designated Safeguarding Lead and providing advice and guidance to staff on safeguarding matters.

To apply for this role, you will have significant experience of leading delivery teams supporting a variety of vulnerable people. You will have demonstrable experience of leading, motivating and developing teams to achieve shared goals and will have experience of safeguarding principles for both adults and children and experience in applying them. You will be a strategic thinker, able to translate organisational priorities in to clear operational plans and will be confident working in partnership with a range of professionals across health, education and social care. Overall, you will be a dedicated leader, passionate about making a difference to the lives of unpaid cares across Buckinghamshire.

In order to apply please initially submit your CV - should your experience be suitable, we will then arrange a time to fully brief you on the role. You'll then have all the information you need in order to formally apply. Please note that the client are reviewing applications on a rolling application so early application is advised.

At Prospectus we invest in your journey as a candidate and are committed to supporting you with your application. We welcome candidates from a diverse range of backgrounds. Please let us know if we can help you with the application process in any way. We are more than happy to make any reasonable adjustments to enable all interested candidates to apply. If you have any disability and would like assistance with completing an application then please contact Victoria Savva at Prospectus.

Please note, this role will be hybrid-working (circa 2 days a week) from the client’s Aylesbury-based office, although regular travel across Buckinghamshire and the surrounding areas will be required.

Tameside Neurodiversity Hub

Senior Navigator Role

Are you passionate about neurodivergent children and young people and their families having the right support, at the earliest point?  We are proud to be developing and delivering the Tameside Neurodiversity Hub and are seeking a highly skilled and experienced practitioner to be the senior navigator.

To be successful, you will need to have the following:

• Significant experience in supporting children with neurodiversity.
• The ability to ensure the 'voice' of the child and family is central, enabling lived experience to create change.
• Excellent team working skills. You will work as part of a service that covers the whole of Greater Manchester.
• The ability to collaborate with and confidently present information to a range of people including the delivery of workshops.
• Excellent communication skills, enabling communication with children, young people, families and professionals.
• Robust safeguarding knowledge and good recording skills.
• A car available for work with business insurance.

There are lots of opportunities to develop your skill set, knowledge and career progression going forward. 

This service is dynamic, no two days are the same, we work flexibly to meet the needs of the children and families so whilst there is a Monday to Friday working pattern you will be working some evenings and if required occasional weekends. In return you will manage your hours so may benefit from later starts or earlier finishes.

Barnardo's has a generic job description/person specification. When completing your application please provide examples in your application in the context of the advert and additional information sheet as to how you meet the requirements of the role.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Are you interested in working for a charity that makes a real difference to the lives of vulnerable adults? 

About the role

As an Outreach and Resettlement Worker, you will play a vital role in supporting rough sleepers and vulnerably housed individuals in Ealing. Working within the community, your focus will be on identifying those in need, supporting them into accommodation, and ensuring they have the tools and support to sustain their tenancies and rebuild their lives. You will be working with multi agencies and community services to achieve a person-centred support plan.

In this role you will;

• Conduct early morning and late evening street outreach shifts to identify and engage with rough sleepers. Flexible working arrangements may be considered to meet business requirements as and when needed.
• Deliver intensive casework to clients with complex needs including mental health, substance use, and immigration issues.
• Assess clients face-to-face in community settings to develop tailored support plans.
• Develop and implement resettlement plans to help clients exit homelessness urgently and sustainably.
• Provide short/medium-term tenancy support and refer clients to longer-term services to prevent tenancy breakdown.

About you

As the successful candidate, you will have;

• Experience working with vulnerable people with complex needs is desirable.
• A proactive, empathetic, and flexible approach to client support.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage a caseload effectively.
• A full UK or equivalent driving licence is essential for this role.

Staff may claim a 20% pay premium for hours worked between 8pm and 8am, Monday to Friday.

St Mungo's are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.

How to apply

To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website. 

When you're ready to apply click the ‘Apply Now’ Button to start your online application form.

Closing date: 10am on 2 December 2025

Interview and assessments on: TBC

What we offer

• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• A Diverse and Inclusive Workplace
• Great Pay and Other Benefits

Senior Social Worker

Reports to: Service Manager (Social Work)

Responsible for: Yorkshire and North East personal welfare team

Location: Office based in Pontefract with regular travel

Employment Type: Full-Time

Compensation: £40,787 per annum

Our client is a national charity whose mission is to improve the lives of individuals and communities facing disadvantage due to the impact of the coal mining industry.

They are currently recruiting for a Senior Social Worker to be based in their office in Pontefract to lead the service delivery within the Yorkshire and North East region, managing a team of office based and home-based Social Work Assistants providing advice and support to former Miners and their dependents.

Role Purpose

Responsibility for the professional leadership and management of service delivery within the regional personal welfare team. The role also involves promoting the service locally and developing partnerships with other agencies for the benefit of the client group.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage the personal welfare team for the Yorkshire and North East region to provide a high quality, professional, outcomes focused service for former Miners and their dependents.
• Ensure the effective management of casework across the team including case allocation and management.
• Manage a small caseload of clients, when necessary, with a variety of needs, by carrying out high quality assessments and providing a range of appropriate interventions in response to assessed needs of the clients e.g. welfare benefits advice, advocacy, emotional support and practical advice.
• Drive service performance and improvement, monitoring efficiency and effectiveness and taking action to address performance or practice issues should they arise.
• Support the team through supervision, appraisal, case reviews and observations.
• Act as safeguarding lead for the region, advising and supporting team members to take appropriate action, ensuring adherence to the organisations safeguarding policy.
• Manage the delivery of a range of interventions predominantly through a home visiting service, including welfare benefits advice, support with mobility, social isolation and financial issues etc.
• Keep updated with relevant legislation and good practice and share such information across the team and wider organisation.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with other professionals and partner agencies to ensure integrated, holistic and multidisciplinary approach.
• Represent the organisation at events and meetings as required and co-ordinate publicity and marketing of services in the region in co-operation with head office to promote and advertise the service.

Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Degree in social work or equivalent social work qualification and current professional registration.
• Experience of leading / managing a team in a social care setting with the ability to manage and effectively prioritise caseloads, work with integrity and professionalism and work under pressure.
• Experience of community based social care services with experience of delivery with older people and / or disability services.
• Experience of implementing systems and processes and facilitating change.
• Experience of contributing to the development and updating of policies and practice in line with legislative changes and good practice.
• Good working knowledge of welfare benefits system.
• Knowledge and understanding of the values and principles underpinning working with vulnerable adults and their Carers within the community setting.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and good practice, particularly in relation to older people, mental health and disability.
• A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle.
• Flexibility to travel across a wide geographic area with occasional overnight stays.

Desirable:

• Experience of social work practice teaching and/or practice teacher status or working towards.
• Knowledge and understanding of the issues facing former mineworkers and mining communities.

This role will require a satisfactory DBS check.

This is a National Role, Home Based/Hybrid. Travel will be required across England. 

Full time, permanent (part time/condensed hours would be considered). 

This newly created role will lead on exploring new markets, creating strategic connections and identifying opportunities – working to increase the reach of Phoenix Futures. You will champion innovation and demonstrate the measurable impact of our services on people’s lives.

Phoenix Futures and The Role

The Phoenix Futures Group has more than 50 years’ experience delivering pioneering psychosocial treatment services. We believe in being the best, which means constantly learning, innovating, and collaborating with partners who share our vision.

As Head of Strategy and Partnerships, you will be a visible leader across health and social care settings, building influential networks and unlocking new opportunities. This senior leadership role will work cross-functionally to expand our reach across the UK, ensuring our services reach more people who need them.

You will design and deliver strategic growth plans, working closely with operational experts to identify emerging needs, secure new funding streams, and adapt our solutions to new contexts. Your success will be measured by increased reach, new partnerships, and sustainable growth.

About You

Reporting directly to the Director of Strategic Initiatives, you will:

• Be a growth-focused leader with a proven track record of opening new markets and driving expansion.
• Have experience in strategic implementation and scaling services across the UK.
• Demonstrate extensive experience in building networks and creating collaborative partnerships within health and social care.
• Understand psychosocial treatment models and how they can be adapted to diverse needs and settings.
• Be skilled at interpreting research and data to communicate impact and value in compelling ways.

A detailed job description (role profile) and person specification can be found attached.

Benefits

• A salary of £56,500 + 8.5% PRP
• Committed to providing a Real Living Wage for you, through accreditation with the Living Wage Foundation 
• 25 days’ annual leave plus Bank Holidays (increasing each year to a maximum of 30 days) 
• Benefits including season ticket loan, pension scheme and life assurance 
• Support through occupational sick pay, eye-care vouchers and regular wellbeing talks and activities 
• Continuous training and career development via PXL our dedicated learning management system  
• Access to a 24/7 Employee Assistance programme including telephone and online access 
• A rewarding role with the opportunity to help us support people on their journey to recovery and change their lives for the better. 
• We’ll ensure you get all the support you need to thrive and succeed in your role and find your place amongst our incredible and collaborative team. 

We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and believe it is important to include people with lived experience to ensure the needs of the people we support are represented. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where everyone is free to be themselves and we ensure equity of opportunity. 

The role

Are you passionate about making a difference in people's lives? Do you thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment? Are you ready to take on a role that impacts your community? We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and dedicated Independent Advocate to join our Banes Team.

As an Independent Advocate, you will provide crucial support to vulnerable adults facing significant health and social care challenges. Your role involves delivering persuasive verbal and written representations on behalf of clients, collaborating with public and voluntary organisations, and taking directed actions to address client issues. This role demands flexibility due to the role involving travel around Banes, excellent communication, and the ability to handle sensitive information confidently.

Hours of Work:37 hours, working between Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm

Location: Home based with travel in and around the Banes area.
(Applicants must live within the area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport)

Salary: starting salary £24,242.40 per annum

Contract type: Permanent

Independent Advocate Requirements:

• Strong communication and time management skills to successfully work remotely.
• Excellent IT skills, including the use of Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel, and the ability to learn software packages such as client management databases.
• Attention to detail to ensure accurate recording of records and reporting to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in advocacy, information and advice, or a similar role within health, social care, or the voluntary sector.
• Demonstrable experience working with vulnerable adults.
• Working knowledge of public and voluntary organisations.

Benefits:

• 25 days annual leave + Bank holiday (Rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service) with the option to buy or sell up to 5 days leave + your birthday off as an additional holiday day after 1 years’ service!
• Discretionary shutdown days at Christmas with up to 4 additional days leave.
• 1 Community Leave Day per annum.
• Cash Wellbeing Healthcare Plan which covers Optical/dental/alternative therapy and more!
• Auto enrolment Pension plan.
• Death in service cover.

Meet the Organisation: Who We Are and What We Do
 

At POhWER, we are committed to empowering individuals and enabling their voices to be heard. We provide advocacy and information services to support people in making effective decisions about their health and social care. Our team is dedicated to listening, exploring options, and taking action to meet our clients' best interests.

Think you are the perfect fit for this Independent Advocate role? Don't wait, click apply now!
 

Closing Date: 9AM, Wednesday 10th December 2025 (We reserve the right to close this vacancy early)
 

Interview Date: TBC

An Enhanced DBS check and National Offender Management Service vetting will be conducted for this position.
 

We're proud to support our colleagues from the armed forces signing the Armed Forces Covenant in August 2024.

Successful applicants will need to obtain business insurance for their own vehicle.

POhWER is an equal opportunities employer, holder of the Investors in People Silver award, and a member of the MINDFUL EMPLOYER scheme. We are a level 2 Disability confidence scheme employer, and disabled applicants who meet all the essential criteria will be guaranteed an interview.

POhWER is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We encourage applications from all backgrounds, cultures, and abilities, and particularly welcome candidates from groups currently underrepresented in our workforce. Our goal is to foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute. This includes, but is not limited to, people with disabilities, women, men, Black, Asian and other racially minoritised people, LGBTQ+ who are currently under-represented in our workforce/this team/department/job role.

To help embed inclusion for all, from day one, we offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements and employee networks to support people from different backgrounds.

Playskill is a Hertfordshire based charity supporting pre-school children with physical disabilities & delays and their families. Across two sites in Watford and Hemel Hempstead, our work helps to build family resilience in the pivotal early years of a child’s life. Our specialist early intervention work delivering multi-disciplinary therapeutic play sessions, parent training/modelling, family social respite events and family support provides holistic family centred work aiming to build foundational skills for life

The Family Support Lead will coordinate our Family Support service across all locations providing holistic support to families of children with a physical disability/delay living in Hertfordshire, always keeping close adherence to best Safeguarding practice and procedures.

The role involves working with the Head of Family Service and Operations and Head of Development to develop the Support Worker team to deliver high quality family support. This may mean supporting families in group settings, family centres or in the home and holding caseloads with a holistic view in how to best meet need. Working closely with local stakeholders (including but not limited to schools, family hubs, social care, health and other voluntary sector organisations), the wider Playskill team and families, this role will deliver family-centred practice, ensuring positive outcomes for families.

We are looking for someone who has an understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and the challenges to navigate education, welfare and health systems. They will need to understand the needs of families and be able to work collaboratively.

The role will be responsible for the integration of our Support Worker team and family support services, ensuring best practice and identifying training needs as they arise.

You must be well organised and able to demonstrate the ability to develop strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. As a self-starter, you will be able to use your own initiative, can problem solve and prioritise, with good planning and organisational skills. You will be expected to manage your weekly diary ensuring you are offering timely, quality support across our sites and within the community. You will be expected to have a positive, resilient attitude, be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines and be flexible and adaptable.

All employees will be expected to make a commitment to Playskill’s core values of Respect, Compassion, Collaboration, Whole Family and Support.

What we can offer you

• Wellbeing support

• Supportive colleagues

• Pension

Diversity statement: 

Playskill is an equal opportunities employer and has a high number of team with caring responsibilities and is keen to encourage applicants from a diverse number of backgrounds.

Safeguarding statement:

Playskill is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of all children and young people. We expect all staff to share this commitment. Playskill has a full safeguarding policy and expects all staff to undergo safeguarding training.   

Closing Date:  5pm, Wednesday 17th December 2025

Interview date: Tuesday 6th January 2026

Interview location: Hemel Hempstead

Reg Charity no 1198233 (formerly 1122745). Funded by The National Lottery Community Fund.in

About Carers Bucks

At Carers Bucks we are committed to making a lasting and positive difference in the lives of unpaid carers across Buckinghamshire - from children as young as five, to adults supporting loved ones, through physical or mental illness, frailty, disability or addiction. We understand that caring can impact a person’s health, wellbeing and future opportunities and we are here to change that. 

Our vision is that every unpaid carer in Buckinghamshire feels recognised, respected and supported in their role – so they can access the right support, at the right time, in a way that works for them – regardless of age, circumstance and cultural or socio-economic background.

Our team is at the heart of everything we do. We foster a positive, supportive working culture where wellbeing matters, and professional development is encouraged and celebrated. 

Our values reflect our core principles and culture. They guide how we engage with service users and how we work as a team. We are:

Kind                We understand the challenges carers face. With real compassion and empathy we are able to build confidence and resilience in both carers and colleagues. 

Inclusive        We adapt our services to meet the diverse needs of all carers, making sure they feel seen, supported and empowered in their role. 

Collaborative   We work together – with carers, partners and one another – to listen, learn and improve outcomes. 

Innovative      We are curious to find better ways to support carers. We are open to new ideas and committed to improving what we do. 

Reliable          We are informed, trustworthy and confidential. We do what we say we will - every time. 

As a trusted local charity with over 20 years’ experience, we are continually evolving to meet carer’s needs and improve access to support.  

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and highly organised Team Leader for our Young Carers and Young Adult Carers team. You will play a key role in shaping and guiding the service, managing a dedicated team and overseeing day to day delivery while working with the Head of Services to deliver our strategy. Essential to the role is ensuring the service is inclusive, responsive and shaped by the voices of the young people we support. This is a hands-on, people-focused role, combining team management, safeguarding oversight, caseload guidance and partnership working. 
 

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Coordination and Planning

• Coordinate the day-to-day delivery of the Young Carer Service in line with agreed workplans and available resources.
• Support the Head of Services in implementing strategic priorities and translating them into clear team actions.
• Plan and organise delivery schedules, ensuring one to one work, groups, clubs and school sessions are appropriately staffed and resourced.
• Manage delegated budgets and approve individual expenses in line with organisational procedures.
• Contribute to service planning and improvement by sharing insights from young carers, families and frontline delivery.

2. Service Delivery and Quality

• Oversee the daily flow of referrals, assessments and casework, ensuring timely allocation and consistent quality standards. Provide guidance to the team with their individual caseloads. 
• Coordinate and monitor the delivery of group sessions, clubs and school-based activities to ensure they are safe, engaging and age-appropriate.
• Ensure there is adequate staff and volunteer cover to enable the schedule of sessions and activities.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate information for families, schools and professionals, including content for the website and promotional materials.
• Support effective volunteer participation in groups, events and activities, working with the Volunteer Manager to ensure volunteers are appropriately trained, supervised and valued.

3. People and Team Development

• Provide day-to-day supervision, guidance and coaching to staff, ensuring they are supported, motivated and clear about priorities.
• Support the Head of Services with team meetings, supervision and annual appraisals.
• Ensure all team members are trained and equipped to the required standard, identifying learning needs and coordinating relevant development opportunities.
• Foster a positive, inclusive and supportive working environment, addressing interpersonal issues promptly and constructively. 

4. Safeguarding and Inclusion

• Act as Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL), receiving, responding to and recording safeguarding concerns and escalating to the DSL (Head of Services) in a timely manner.
• Ensure robust safeguarding practices are embedded across all delivery settings, including schools and community venues.
• Champion equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring activities are accessible, inclusive and representative of Buckinghamshire’s diverse communities.

5. Partnerships and Representation

• Maintain day-to-day relationships with schools, youth organisations, community groups and VCSE partners to coordinate delivery and share information.
• Represent Carers Bucks at local forums, events and school-based meetings as agreed with the Head of Services.
• Promote awareness of young carers and young adult carers and the support available through Carers Bucks, sharing information and good practice with partner organisations.
• Provide feedback from schools, young and young adult carers and community partners to inform service improvement and planning.

6. Performance, Data and Reporting

• Record and monitor service data accurately, ensuring compliance with GDPR and organisational procedures.
• Track team performance against agreed objectives and highlight areas requiring support or improvement.
• Analyse data and feedback to identify trends and contribute to quarterly and annual reports.
• Provide case studies and operational insights to evidence impact and support funding and reporting requirements.

About you

Qualifications and Experience

• Experience of supervising or leading a team.
• Background in youth work, education, social care or the voluntary sector.
• Experience of working directly with young people and/or unpaid carers.
• Experience of partnership working with schools, community organisations or health and social care professionals.
• Experience of handling safeguarding concerns and maintaining appropriate records.
• Experience of report writing, record keeping and using client databases or CRM systems.

Knowledge and Understanding

• Strong understanding of young people’s development.
• Robust knowledge of safeguarding principles for both children and adults.
• Understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion, and how to embed these in practice.
• Awareness of the issues affecting young carers and their support needs.
• Awareness of local services and support available for young people and families in Buckinghamshire.
• Understanding of how compassion, collaboration and reliability build trust and improve outcomes for carers. 

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, adaptable across audiences.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage a varied workload.
• Ability to support, motivate and develop a small team through encouragement and shared learning.
• Confident in analysing information and using data to support service improvement. 
• Competent IT user with experience of standard office packages and electronic record systems.

Personal Attributes

• Empathic, approachable and emotionally intelligent, with genuine respect for others.
• Inclusive and open-minded, valuing different perspectives and experiences.
• Self-motivated and proactive, with a positive and flexible approach.
• Calm under pressure, able to use initiative and make sound judgements.
• Team-oriented and collaborative, sharing information and celebrating success with others.
• Commitment to the values and ethos of Carers Bucks.
• Full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work across Buckinghamshire.

Why join us?
We have recently published our one-year strategy, guiding us through the next phase of our development -  ensuring our services are embedded with partners in the community and strengthening the way we work both with our adult team and with volunteers.

By becoming part of our team, you will:

• Play a key role in shaping our future: You will help shape and guide the Young Carer and Young Adult Carer Service, working with the Head of Services, and based on the needs of young people.
• Make a lasting impact: Your work will directly support unpaid Young Carers and Young Adult Carers, helping to reduce isolation, promote wellbeing and improve access to support.
• Be part of a supportive, passionate team: You will collaborate with dedicated colleagues who are committed to making a difference and supporting one another.
• Access opportunities for growth: We will support your professional development with training, learning opportunities, and the chance to shape a growing area of work.
• Enjoy flexibility and balance: We offer flexible working arrangements.

If you are seeking a role where your contributions are recognised, your work drives real impact and you can help shape something meaningful, we would love to connect with you.

Employee Benefits Include:

·       25 days annual leave + Bank Holidays (increases with length of service)

·       3x Christmas Closure Days

·       Up to 5 days paid Carers Leave

·       Regular training and development opportunities

Equal Opportunities

We want our services to be representative of the community we serve. We are proud of the diversity within Buckinghamshire and particularly welcome applications from underrepresented groups.

How to apply
Please submit a CV and covering letter via our online portal.  Successful candidates may be invited to a first interview before the closing date.
 

We are committed to being an inclusive employer. If you require any adjustments to the interview process or would like to discuss your access needs in advance, please let us know by emailing us (email address available on our online portal) - we will do our best to accommodate you.

Are you passionate about neurodivergent children and young people and their families having the right support, at the earliest point?  We are proud to be developing and delivering the Tameside Neurodiversity Hub and are seeking a skilled and experienced practitioner to be the navigator. This part time opportunity will be over 3 days.

To be successful, you will need to have the following:

• Experience in supporting children with neurodiversity.
• The ability to ensure the 'voice' of the child and family is central, enabling lived experience to create change.
• Excellent team working skills. You will work as part of a service that covers the whole of Greater Manchester.
• The ability to collaborate with and confidently present information to a range of people including the delivery of workshops.
• Excellent communication skills, enabling communication with children, young people, families and professionals.
• Robust safeguarding knowledge and good recording skills.
• A car available for work with business insurance.

There are lots of opportunities to develop your skill set, knowledge and career progression going forward. 

This service is dynamic, no two days are the same, we work flexibly to meet the needs of the children and families so whilst there is a Monday to Friday working pattern you will be working some evenings and if required occasional weekends. In return you will manage your hours so may benefit from later starts or earlier finishes.

Barnardo's has a generic job description/person specification. When completing your application please provide examples in your application in the context of the advert and additional information sheet as to how you meet the requirements of the role.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Are you passionate about neurodivergent children and young people and their families having the right support, at the earliest point?  We are proud to be developing and delivering the Tameside Neurodiversity Hub and are seeking a skilled and experienced practitioner to be the navigator.

To be successful, you will need to have the following:

• Experience in supporting children with neurodiversity.
• The ability to ensure the 'voice' of the child and family is central, enabling lived experience to create change.
• Excellent team working skills. You will work as part of a service that covers the whole of Greater Manchester.
• The ability to collaborate with and confidently present information to a range of people including the delivery of workshops.
• Excellent communication skills, enabling communication with children, young people, families and professionals.
• Robust safeguarding knowledge and good recording skills.
• A car available for work with business insurance.

There are lots of opportunities to develop your skill set, knowledge and career progression going forward. 

This service is dynamic, no two days are the same, we work flexibly to meet the needs of the children and families so whilst there is a Monday to Friday working pattern you will be working some evenings and if required occasional weekends. In return you will manage your hours so may benefit from later starts or earlier finishes.

Barnardo's has a generic job description/person specification. When completing your application please provide examples in your application in the context of the advert and additional information sheet as to how you meet the requirements of the role.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.