Social support work jobs

Salary: £25,630 - £30,490 per annum, depending on experience

Hours: 35 hours per week

Contract: Permanent

Location: Worcestershire with a caseload in one of our locality teams: Worcester and Malvern, Redditch and Wychavon or Kidderminster and Bromsgrove

Job reference number: 1587

Are you passionate about making a real difference in people’s lives? At Cranstoun, we are a social justice charity with a global ambition: to be a world-class leader in rebuilding lives. We are looking for multiple Keyworkers in the Cranstoun Worcestershire Drug and Alcohol Treatment Service who share our values and are ready to support individuals affected by alcohol and/or drug use on their journey to healthier, safer lives.

Cranstoun’s Key Workers are based in operational teams covering the six districts of Worcestershire and overseen by an Operations Manager and Senior Practitioner.

You will be responsible for delivering a good quality and safe service to the people you support including assessment and engagement support, case load management, needle syringe programme delivery, harm reduction and interventions. You will have good knowledge of harm reduction and, if you are someone who enjoys problem solving to help people to change their lives for the better, this role’s right for you.

The most important thing you’ll bring to this role is your desire and ability to make a positive difference to people’s lives.

Our staff teams are motivated and committed to delivering a quality service to residents of Worcestershire and we are looking for likeminded individuals to join us. You will have good Microsoft Office skills and be able to manage your own diary efficiently and proactively. You will have integrity, enthusiasm, and a passion to make a difference.

All post holders may be required to work some evenings, to meet our service delivery requirements. The core service operates Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm.

All posts are subject to an enhanced DBS Disclosure.

For more details and to apply, please visit our website via the apply button.

Closing date: 4 January 2026.

Interview date: w/c 12 January 2026.

Make a difference every day at Brent Carers Centre

At Brent Carers Centre, we believe unpaid carers deserve recognition, respect, and support — and so do our staff.

Join our team and be part of a warm, inclusive workforce where compassion meets action.

The role of advice, information and advice worker for the adults team contributes directly to improving the lives of unpaid carers across Brent, giving you the chance to see the impact of your work first-hand.

Whether you’re developing new skills, building lasting relationships, or championing carers’ voices, you’ll find your career here both meaningful and rewarding.

About Brent Carers Centre

· We’re a trusted local charity supporting thousands of unpaid carers across Brent.

• Our services range from advice and advocacy to support groups and activities.
• We work closely with health, social care, and community partners to ensure carers are recognised and supported.
• Our team is passionate, diverse, and committed to making Brent a better place for carers.

The Role

• Delivering high-quality support to carers, helping them navigate services and access the help they need.
• Build strong relationships with carers, professionals, and community organisations.
• Contribute to projects that raise awareness of carers’ needs and champion their rights.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues in a supportive, values-driven environment.

What We’re Looking For

• A passion for making a difference in people’s lives.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing needs.
• Previous experience giving benefits advice and information.
• Experience in health, social care, or community work (desirable but not essential).

What We Offer

•  Professional growth: Training, mentoring, and opportunities to develop your career.
•  Inclusive culture: A diverse team where everyone’s voice is valued.
•  Impact: The chance to see the difference your work makes every day.

How to Apply

If you’re ready to join a team where compassion meets action, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and help us champion carers in Brent. Please complete our application form, submit your c.v a long with a cover letter setting out how you meet the person specification.

Voyage is seeking a part‑time, income‑focused and results‑driven Head of Fundraising and Strategic Partnerships to help secure long‑term, diversified investment for our youth leadership programmes, with a particular emphasis on trusts and foundations, business development and strategic partnerships in the CSR youth, heritage and environmental space.

We are therefore seeking an experience professional who has a great production understanding of the role fund raising plays in shaping applications and grants. We therefore seek someone who can equally sit across trusts and foundations, business development and partnership building and help Voyage move from “opportunity‑led” to strategic, long‑term income growth.

We're looking for a kind, empathetic and resilient Support Worker to join our Young People Service in Tower Hamlets.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Campbell Rd Young Peoples service provides support and housing for 37 young people in Tower Hamlets that are either leaving care of affected by youth homelessness. The Support Worker role will be to manage a caseload of around 7-10 young people. You will be expected to deliver positive outcomes for all our young people and support them to reach independence, keep safe and maintain their tenancy's. Aside from support workers delivering support there is a strong element of housing management associated wit this role, for example managing rents, raising/monitoring repairs and health and safety.

What you'll do:
- Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers
- Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and administrative responsibilities
- Supporting key customers to set personalised goals in the form of a Support Plan
- Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
- Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
- Proactively manage risk and safety both in and outside of their physical living environment
- Providing support with daily living activities, including practical assistance where skills are not yet developed, to ensure that customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Approachable and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
- Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
- Is essentially customer-focused
- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude

What you'll bring:

Desirable
- Experience working with young people

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see full Job description on our website

Action in rural Sussex is seeking a customer-focused, friendly Project Support & Communications Officer to join our expanding community buildings team. 

Action in rural Sussex (AirS) supports rural communities across Sussex to be vibrant and diverse places in which to live and work. Community spaces play an important role in these local communities. They build community cohesion and resilience, support the health and wellbeing of residents, help overcome social isolation. contribute to the creation of vibrant local economies, and reduce carbon emissions by providing services and activities locally, and reducing their own carbon footprint.

Most community buildings are charitable, run mainly by volunteers who need a wide range of skills and knowledge to run a successful and sustainable community space. Our Community Buildings Service supports volunteers and hall managers by providing networking opportunities, training, newsletters, an online forum, and bespoke individual advice and support.

This is an exciting time for the service as we look to expand its reach and further develop our offer. The Project Support and Communications Officer will work closely with our Senior Community Buildings Adviser to support the delivery and development of the service across Sussex. You will be the first point of contact for enquirers, helping subscribers to the service to access our platforms. You will help to plan our training and events programme and provide administrative and logistical support. You will also manage communications and marketing for the service, including monthly newsletters, website updates, email communications and social media, and take the lead on updating and developing our CRM.

We welcome applications from individuals with strong organisational and IT skills, the ability to write lively, readable newsletters, web and social media content, experience of using CRMs to manage contacts and report to funders, and a strong focus on ensuring we provide an excellent service to community buildings.

If you share our vision of active, thriving rural communities, full of choice and opportunities for everyone, regardless of their circumstances., then we would love to hear from you. 

How to apply  

Applications must be via our application form which can be found on our website using the links provided. CVs will not be accepted. 

AmplifyChange has an exciting job opportunity for a Grants Officer to join our dynamic team of dedicated sexual and reproductive health and rights specialists.

The Grants Officer provides support to the Grants Support Team and Grants Operations Manager across a portfolio of grants, ensuring grants move efficiently and in a timely manner through the grant management cycle. The Grants Officer will be trained to become an advanced user of our online Grants Management System Fluxx and will guide and support users who are less conversant with the system. The Grants Officers also support international business travel logistics. 

Fluency in French is essential for this role due to AmplifyChange operating as a bilingual fund. The postholder will support our grantees, who are based across Africa, South Asia and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.

The role is a Bath-based position and will work closely with team members in the

UK and overseas, including our Grants Support Team, Finance and Grants Compliance Team. The Grant Officer reports to the Grants Operations Manager. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES    

1.  Using our online Grants Management System Fluxx, oversee a portfolio of grants through a grant implementation process from grant set up through to grant closure, ensuring compliance with internal procedures 

2.   Act as the operational focal person for grantees and provide support throughout the grant cycle on contractual,  operational and reporting matters, drawing on and coordinating expertise from the Grants Managers and Grants Compliance Team 

3.   Provide support in the preparation and implementation of new grant calls, and support the selection and Due Diligence process when necessary, responding to all applicants whether successful or unsuccessful 

4.  Regularly monitor the completion of pre-contracting conditions by grantees, and obtain appropriate sign-off internally 

5.  Coordinate, draft and issue Grant Agreements and Addendums using our online system 

6.  Provide regular and up-to-date information to operational management by tracking and monitoring grants, and sharing best practice and lessons learned across the portfolio of grants with other staff members and stakeholders 

7.  Track grantee reporting deadlines, supporting timely report submission by grantees 

8.   Monitor grantee disbursements in collaboration with the Finance and Grants Compliance teams

9.   Support team members, grantees and external consultants to be confident users of the grant management system 

10.  Contribute to the further development of our business processes and the grant management system, by sharing feedback and suggestions with relevant colleagues

11.   Respond to queries from grantees and third-party stakeholders via email

12.   Provide support to our online grantee community in the Circle platform, including technical assistance for online courses and webinars in English and French, moderating discussions, and engaging with platform content. 

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential:

Values and commitment 

• Strong alignment with the values and mission of AmplifyChange including a commitment to rights-based, inclusive approaches to sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR).
• Sensitivity to working with diverse communities and an understanding of social, cultural, and political contexts affecting SRHR.

Qualifications and Experience 

• Educated to A-level or equivalent 
• Excellent familiarity with Microsoft Office 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Excellent attention to detail 
• Good numeracy 

Skills , competencies and personal qualities 

• Fluency in English and French (additional languages an advantage)
• Ability to build effective working relationships with team members of diverse backgrounds and expertise, both in person and virtual 
• Ability to use own initiative, with a proactive and problem-solving attitude
•  Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise tasks, work under pressure and meet deadlines 

Desirable: 

• Educated to degree level or equivalent 
• Experience in project coordination or administration 
• Experience with grant making and understanding of the grant management cycle including set up, contracting, implementation, monitoring and evaluation
• Experience using Grant Management Software such as Fluxx 
• Knowledge of, or experience working in, Africa, South Asia and/or MENA region 
• Knowledge of appropriate language skills would be an asset (eg Swahili, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Portuguese) 

WORKING ARRANGEMENTS 

This is a UK based, full time (37.5 hours/week) permanent position, reporting to the Grants and Operations Manager. AmplifyChange is based in Bath, and we operate a hybrid working model which would include coming to the office at least once a week. Unfortunately, we are unable to support visa sponsorship for this role and can only accept applications from those with proof of the right to work in the UK. Requests for flexible working arrangements will be considered. International and national travel will be required. 

SALARY AND PACKAGE 

Basic salary range:        £28,000 – £32,000 per year

Holiday:                           25 days per annum on full time basis

Pension:                          8% employer contribution

Life insurance:               Life insurance scheme

Benefits:                         Employee Insurance Program, Health cash plan

AmplifyChange is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults. All our employees are expected to share this commitment and abide by our Code of Ethics at all times. 

We are looking for a dynamic and experienced programme manager who will oversee The Advice Workforce Development Fund (AWDF). AWDF is a collaborative programme dedicated to strengthening and sustaining the social welfare advice sector in London. The role will coordinate and run steering and advisory groups, and ‘task and finish’ groups, working with cross-sector stakeholders to enable the implementation of recent recommendations generated by research commissioned by the programme, and help with monitoring and evaluating the project and funded projects under this programme. The successful candidate will have strong project management skills, a commitment to social justice, and a track record of delivering impactful support to external partners.

The workforce development programme was created after working closely with a group of funders and advice sector representatives who are now steering group members. The programme has reached an exciting stage, as it transitions from a foundation-laying and research phase into more of a focus on influencing and implementation of the learning generated to date, while also maintaining and strengthening new and existing relationships. This role, with support from the Head of Sector Support and Grants and the CEO, will oversee the continued development and delivery of this exciting partnership into the longer-term. This role will also work closely with the Propel initiative under London Funders to ensure effective coordination of work is done at all levels.  

The Junction is an out of hours service, open 365 evenings a year 4pm-11pm, to support and assist individuals experiencing a mental health concern. The aim is to alleviate the need for people in the Swindon locality to access A&E acute mental health services and primary care GP services unnecessarily by managing the presenting symptoms/mental health crisis along with the triggers and context for that crisis.

Main duties of the job

• Innovation and Empowerment: Channel your passion into providing evidence-based interventions, elevating the mental health and emotional well-being of the people we serve.

• Effective Partnerships: Ensure effective and appropriate communication with all individuals, staff, community agencies and partner organisations

• Expertise and Risk Management:Effectively manage risk and supporting positive risk taking.Conduct investigations in line with relevant policies

• KPIs and Data Excellence: To effectively record and evidence outcomes.

Who we are

Swindon and Gloucestershire Mindprovide advice and support to empower anyone in our local communities experiencing a mental health problem. We campaign to improve services, raise awareness, and promote understanding.

Our Vision:We will not give up until everyone experiencing a mental health problem gets both support and respect. Swindon and Gloucestershire Mind creates services where people are recognised, valued and supported.

You are joining a committed and skilled team and you will be working alongside people who are passionate about mental health care and support.

Our Values:

• SelflessnessWe will act in the best interests of the people we support.
• IntegrityWe will be principled in our work.
• ObjectivityWe will act and take decisions impartially and fairly, without discrimination or bias.
• AccountabilityWe will take responsibility for what we do and how we do it.
• OpennessWe will work and take decisions in an open and transparent manner.
• HonestyWe will be truthful and reliable.
• LeadershipWe will model Swindon & Gloucestershire Minds values and lead by example in demonstrating organisational behaviours.

Swindon & Gloucestershire Mind is committed to promoting equality, diversity and we ensure that we are an inclusive organisation, where diversity is valued, respected, and built upon. We are committed to compliance with relevant equality legislation, the Equality Act 2010, Codes of Practice, and relevant best practice guidance.

As our Digital Communications Officer, you will help us bring our work to life across our digital channels. You will be responsible for growing our engagement and sharing our impact around the world. You will lead day-to-day delivery of our website and social media channels, create compelling multimedia content, and use insight and analytics to continuously improve performance.

Deputy Service Manager

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Deputy Service Manager

Location: Based within the Non-residential service in Wembley, working within communities, homes, and other residentials. This service does have step free access however we are unable to guarantee this at some of the other locations where the role is based such as homes and community based locations.

Salary: £31,700

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday on a rota working 09:00 - 17:00, hours may be extended 08:00 - 18:00. You may also be required to work outside these hours as per service/participant requirements. You will also take part in our out of hours on call rota for managers.

About the Role

This is a great opportunity for a Deputy Service Manager to join our team based in Wembley. You will support the Service Manager to ensure high quality service delivery, being a key contact for staff, helping them feel supported, skilled, and empowered within their roles. In this role you will be based within a service which is at the heart of delivering person-centred support to vulnerable adults who have been, or are at risk of homelessness. 

Key Responsibilities include:

• 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
• 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 help lead our service in a trauma informed and inclusive way. Someone who is knowledgeable in the needs of our residents, particularly around homelessness and complex needs, able to support the team in delivering their daily duties. 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 of homelessness and complex needs of people from different backgrounds
• Ability to provide high quality support and line management to staff.
• Ability to support the Service Manager and help manage staff with daily tasks, caseloads and overall day to day running of the service.
• Ability to motivate and empower a team to achieve KPI's
• Ability to provide advice, guidance, and support to the team on all aspects of service delivery including resident related queries
• Willingness and ability to work flexibly to meet service needs
• IT proficiency - we use various systems so look for someone who can learn and navigate new systems including case management, Microsoft, ATS, HR systems, and other types of organisational software
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

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.

St Wilfrid’s Centre is one of the most significant expressions of social action in the Catholic Diocese of Hallam — a place of welcome, dignity and hope for adults who are vulnerable, isolated or at risk of homelessness. For over 30 years, the Centre has offered daily support, practical help, community and opportunities for rebuilding confidence and connection.

We are now seeking a values-led Director to lead the Centre into its next chapter of renewal. This is a rare and exciting opportunity to shape a respected diocesan service as it evolves towards a clearer strategic purpose, stronger partnerships, greater sustainability and an impact-led culture.

About the role

The Director will:

• Provide visible, compassionate and strategic leadership.
• Lead service development and cultural change, embedding trauma-informed and inclusive practice.
• Strengthen governance, safeguarding, operational excellence and staff wellbeing.
• Build strong relationships with Sheffield City Council, health partners, universities, VCSEF - voluntary, community, social enterprise and faith organisations and local parishes.
• Oversee the Centre’s transformation into a renewed model (community hub or hybrid model shaped by local needs).
• Support long-term financial sustainability through partnership-building and fundraising.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Strong senior leadership experience in social care, homelessness, health, community or related sectors.
• A track record of managing teams, leading change and improving outcomes for vulnerable adults.
• Understanding of safeguarding, risk and quality service delivery.
• Strategic insight, emotional intelligence and resilience.
• A commitment to — and sympathy with — Catholic social teaching, coupled with a strong belief in inclusive services for all.

“St Wilfrid’s Centre is a treasured part of our family and a vital support for the most vulnerable in our community. We seek a Director who will lead with integrity, vision and compassion; someone who will strengthen the Centre’s mission and help secure its future for generations to come.”
— Bishop Ralph Heskett, Bishop of Hallam and Chair of Trustees

Make a Real Difference to Local Families

Home-Start Barnet, Brent and Harrow is a dynamic local charity supporting families with young children through challenging times. Our volunteers and staff offer emotional and practical support to help parents build confidence, strengthen relationships and give their children the best start in life.

We’re looking for a Family Engagement Coordinator to join our School Readiness project in Grahame Park, Barnet. You’ll be part of a friendly team at Home-Start Barnet, working closely with colleagues and partners at Barnet Mencap to support families who are just starting their journey with the education system.

In this role, you’ll help us reach families who may be facing extra challenges or need more personalised support. You’ll spend time building strong, trusting relationships with local primary schools and become a familiar, welcoming presence within their school communities. Your work will help ensure that parents feel informed, supported and ready to help their children thrive as they start school.

The common thread throughout the project is the engagement of families and the parent volunteers, who widen the supportive “community” around the families, and connect the school to the home, and the partners to each other. Approximately 70% of this role will be based in local schools in Grahame Park.

As our Family Engagement Coordinator, you will:

• Build strong relationships with primary schools in Grahame Park, in Barnet.
• Promote Home-Start’s services through school and community events.
• Support communication between schools, families and partner agencies.
• Share updates through newsletters, WhatsApp, email and community channels.
• Signpost families to local services and activities that support wellbeing.
• Receive referrals and assess family needs.
• Deliver school-readiness workshops and parenting groups.
• Liaise with schools, health and community services

About You

We’re looking for someone compassionate, proactive and highly organised, with a genuine passion for supporting families.

You will have:

• Experience working or volunteering in schools, nurseries, family support or similar settings.
• Parenting experience or experience caring for young children.
• Understanding of early years development and primary school systems.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities.
• The ability to engage with families facing complex challenges.
• Experience of delivering workshops or groups.
• Understanding of neurodiversity and SEND support.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• A role where you can directly improve the lives of children and families
• Term-time only working arrangements can be considered

Note: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 due to the nature of our work.

We're looking for a kind, empathetic and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our Mental Health Service in Tower Hamlets.

£29,209.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

Tabard Court is a mental health supported accommodation for individual with significant offending histories and complex mental health needs.
You will work within a multi-disciplinary team, providing support to customers with a range of mental health needs - emotional, social, physical or domestic -, who have had contact with the Criminal Justice System.

This is a 3 months Fixed term contract with possibility for extension

The working pattern for this role is as follows:
Week 1: M0 T8 W8 T8 F8 S0 S0
Week 2: M8 T8 W8 T8 F0 S8 S8
Week 3: M0 T8 W8 T8 F8 S0 S0
Week 4: M8 T8 W8 T8 F0 S8 S8

What you'll do:
1. Keyworking, Support Planning & Recovery
* Hold a keyworking caseload (typically 4-6 customers), meeting each customer regularly for structured keywork sessions focused on mental health, risk, daily living skills and recovery goals.
* Complete and regularly review support plans, risk management plans and crisis plans with customers and the wider team, ensuring they are meaningful, co-produced and linked to clear, achievable outcomes.
* Use a psychologically- and trauma-informed approach to explore behaviour, triggers and patterns, and support customers to understand their own risks and responsibility.
* Ensure customer paperwork (e.g. support plans, risk assessments, reviews and keywork notes) is completed to a high standard and within required timescales, recorded on relevant systems and shared appropriately with the team.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

About you:
Experience & Knowledge
* NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent
* Experience of working with people with significant mental health needs, ideally in forensic or criminal justice settings (secure services, probation, prison, step-down or similar).
* Understanding of recovery-oriented practice and trauma-informed approaches in mental health.
* Awareness of risk assessment and risk management processes in forensic mental health (e.g. working with index offences, relapse indicators, safeguarding, conditions of discharge or licence).
* Experience of keyworking or case management, including multi-agency liaison and report writing.
* Comfortable working in a structured environment with policies, procedures and clear documentation standards, while remaining flexible and responsive to individual need.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

.Please see our website for full Job Description

Guide a skilled team providing one-to-one Navigator support to kinship carers. You will set the standard for high-quality practice and ensure kinship families feel supported, understood and connected.

Kinship is undertaking a major feasibility Randomised Controlled Trial (RCT) of Kinship Connected. This is aligned with recommendations set out in the Kinship Care Practice Guide published by Foundations (2024) and builds on evidence from the Kinship Navigator intervention of support for kinship carers in the USA. 

This feasibility RCT is a complex, multi-partner programme involving: 

• An active funding partner 
• An independent evaluation team 
• 5 participating local authorities (to be confirmed) 
• Internal delivery teams and cross organisational services 
• Kinship carers and lived experience subject experts

This role leads and supports the staff team delivering one-to-one navigator-style support to kinship carers as part of the Kinship Connected feasibility randomised controlled trial. You will ensure the team provides consistent, high quality, relational support that reflects Kinship’s values and trauma-informed practice. 

You will work closely with the Mobilisation and Delivery Project Manager and will share responsibility for ensuring high quality performance across the feasibility trial. You will both work closely with the core project team and partners. 

The Programmes Manager leads practice quality, staff development, safeguarding and relational delivery. The Mobilisation and Delivery Project Manager leads operational quality, systems, processes, data and compliance. Together you make sure the trial is delivered ethically, consistently and to a very high standard.

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead the day-to-day practice and relational delivery of the Kinship Connected (Navigator) support model.

• Support Kinship Family Workers to deliver high quality, trauma-informed and strengths-based support to kinship carers.

• Ensure clear case management, boundaries, risk management and reflective practice.

• Embed the delivery approach set out in the Intervention Protocol and Kinship Navigator Service Manual.

• Ensure equity, accessibility and inclusion in all aspects of delivery, with particular focus on minoritised ethnic kinship families. 

• Maintain delivery tracking and operational dashboards.

• Provide high quality line management, reflective supervision and pastoral support to Kinship Family Workers

Essential knowledge and experience includes:

• Strong experience leading frontline delivery teams providing emotional, relational or social care support.

• Proven track record ensuring high quality casework, assessments, boundaries and risk management.

• Experience delivering strengths-based, trauma-informed and evidence-informed approaches.

• Substantial experience in line managing practitioners, delivering reflective supervision and supporting wellbeing.

• Experience leading high performing dispersed teams with confidence, consistency and compassion.

• Experience managing change and supporting staff through shifting delivery requirements.

• Strong background in safeguarding decision making, case discussions and organisational safeguarding culture. 

What we’ll offer you 

Kinship offers 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time). We have an excellent wellbeing offer including the Employee Assistance Programme and clinical supervision. We will invest in your professional development with training and career development opportunities.

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.

Key dates:

Application deadline:  11.59pm, Sunday 4 January 2026

First interview: Friday 9 January 2026 (online)

Second interview:Wednesday 14 January 2026 (in-person, London)

How to apply

Respond on CharityJobs to these 5 questions, along with your CV:

1. What is it about Kinship’s mission and values that motivates you to lead the delivery of relational support for kinship carers, and how would these values shape your approach as a Programmes Manager?

2. Describe a time you led or supported a team delivering emotional or relational support. How did you ensure consistent, high-quality practice?

3. Give an example of how you have developed or supported practitioners through reflective supervision, coaching or managing difficult practice situations. What approach did you take and why?

4. Describe a situation where you had to make or support a safeguarding decision. How did you balance risk, judgement and support for staff?

5. Tell us about a time you worked with a local authority, commissioner or another external partner to resolve a challenge or improve delivery. What did you do?

We are looking to fill this role quickly and reserve the right to close a recruitment campaign earlier than the advertised where we have received sufficient applications so please apply early!