Social worker jobs in south croydon, surrey

ABOUT THE ROLE

Reports to: Head of Support and Care (Registered Manager)
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week, usually Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm (dependent on the needs of the service)
Salary: £33,166.64 per annum. Increasing to £34,548.80 in the second year
Place of work: L’Arche London community houses and office (all within a walking distance, based in West Norwood, London)
Contract type: Full-time, permanent

Closing date: Sunday, 28th September at 23:59

Are you a Team Leader who values people for who they are and what they do? Are you inspired to bring your skills, experience and values to support our vision of a more human society? Then, join us as a Service Coordinator and be part of our vision!

About the role

As a Team Leader you will:

• Manage one of the care services within the L’Arche London community, home to 8 adults with learning disabilities, and manage a team of care and support workers;
• Manage the service delivery within this service in line with L'Arche values, standards and the requirements of the Care Quality Commission [CQC];
• Play an active role in the coordinating team of L'Arche London, helping shape a vibrant community of people with and without learning disabilities;

Provision of Support to People with Learning Disabilities

• Ensure the provision of high quality person-centred support to maximise independence, personal choice, and autonomy of adults with learning disabilities in the service;
• Support adults with learning disabilities to manage various aspects of their life, including personal budgets, and health & well-being, enabling them to feel at home while encouraging individuality and belonging;
• As required, provide one-to-one support to people with learning disabilities at home or in the community and time on rota depending on the needs of the service.

Other roles you may have held: Care Manager, Care Team Leader, Care Service Manager, Care Leader, Care Coordinator, Senior Care Manager, Care Services Team Leader, Care Delivery Manager

Discover what makes L’Arche a rewarding place to work - explore our employee benefits here.

To apply, please submit your CV and answer the questions on our online application form.

The closing date for applications is: Sunday, 28th September at 23:59

We encourage you not to wait until the closing date to submit your application, as we may begin interviewing strong candidates before then.

We also reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive enough suitable applications.

REF-224 050

To be successful in this role, you will be a motivated, flexible individual, who is passionate about working with young people around their sexual health.

The postholder will conduct outreach, education, and training in several settings depending on the needs of different young people. These could be educational settings, youth settings, community events, sports settings, clubs and pubs. You will target vulnerable young people, such as looked-after children (LAC), those who are not in education, employment, or training (NEET), those who come from areas of high deprivation and high need, and those with other increased risk factors, as well as young people aged 13-15 who are not yet able to access online services.

As part of your frontline work, you will encourage young people to sign up for a C-card, and, if aged over 16, to register to Get it and order condoms and lube from the website. When appropriate, you will refer young people to appropriate local sexual health services for contraception, emergency contraception, pregnancy testing, STI screening and treatment.

You must be able to employ an appropriate and non-judgemental way of working with a variety of young people. You will welcome direction from the SWL Lead, as well as the broader team, but you will also be proactive in seeking new opportunities and mechanisms to deliver the scheme. With the support of your line manager, and with appropriate training, you will be responsible for safeguarding and child protection, ensuring young people under the age of 16 have been appropriately risk-assessed. You do not need to have existing sexual health knowledge to apply for this role, however, a desire and capacity to learn and to work in this field is essential.

exual and reproductive health training will be provided but the successful candidate must be comfortable talking about sexual health in 1:1 settings, as well as in small groups and to larger audiences.

You will also deliver high-quality sexual health education and training to young people and professionals alike via outreach and engagement activities. You will ensure that young people are supported in accessing their local contraceptive and sexual health services as needed.

Camberwell but with frequent travel around London and occasion travel outside of London

Ref CYPSW-251

Closing date Monday 22 September 25 at 9am

Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with proven experience working with children, young people, and vulnerable adults, delivering effective interventions that have resulted in positive outcomes?  Do you have the exceptional ability to build and maintain trusting relationships with young people and their parents/carers, particularly those who have had previous negative experiences with services?

If so, join St Giles as a Children & Young People Progression Support Worker (Southwark), where you will play a key role in supporting and motivating young people who are not yet ready to access paid work, many of whom may lack confidence, feel disengaged, or face personal barriers that prevent them from taking the next step. 

About St Giles Trust

An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this key role

Our successful candidate will deliver tailored, young person-centred support to those who are not yet ready for education, training, or employment (ETE).  You will hold a caseload of up to 15 young people at one time, supporting at least 60 over the course of a year, and work collaboratively with allocated Caseworkers to develop and deliver practical, strengths-based plans that build confidence, motivation, and personal development.

You will identify and help young people access appropriate opportunities, including volunteering, insight days, traineeships, and early work experience and help them overcome barriers that impact their ability to engage with ETE — supporting them to take small, achievable steps towards long-term goals. We will also count on you to build and maintain strong working relationships with local ETE providers, employers, and community partners to source meaningful opportunities, plus ensure you keep accurate and timely records of all work in line with all safeguarding legislation, best practice, and St Giles policies and procedures.

What we are looking for

• Experience independently addressing safeguarding issues with children, young people, and adults at risk of violence or exploitation

• Skilled in conducting thorough risk assessments and identifying the needs of children and young people at risk of significant harm

• Proven ability to work effectively as part of a multi-agency team, collaborating to achieve positive outcomes for young people and their families/carers

• Comprehensive understanding of the complex issues facing young people, such as exploitation, victimisation, offending, gang involvement, unemployment, and trauma

• Awareness of local ETE providers, referral routes, and barriers young people face accessing opportunities

• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, verbal and written

• A professional, collaborative and flexible approach to your work

Please note:  as an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will be subject to an Enhanced Child Workforce with Child Barred list DBS.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

We will be reviewing applications as they are received, and reserve the right to close this advert early if a suitable candidate is appointed. We therefore strongly encourage early applications to avoid any disappointment

Closing date: Monday 22 September 2025 at 9am

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Children and Families Lead Manager to play a pivotal role in our Domestic Abuse Services across London.

At Hestia, we know that children are not just witnesses to domestic abuse they are survivors in their own right. We are looking for an experienced and passionate leader to join us as Children & Families Manager, shaping and driving the support we provide to children and their families across our domestic abuse refuges in London.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

This is an opportunity to make a profound impact. You will lead on designing and delivering a transformative strategy for our children and families' services, ensuring that every child we support has the chance to feel safe, to recover, and to thrive. Working at both a strategic and operational level, you will bring together the voices of children, the expertise of our Children & Family Workers, and the knowledge of in house and external mental health specialists to deliver holistic, trauma informed support.

Your leadership will be central in strengthening outcomes for families, embedding best practice, and ensuring our services respond to complex safeguarding needs with confidence. You will also play a key role in supporting and developing our frontline teams, helping them to remain resilient and equipped to deliver life changing work. As deputy child safeguarding lead for the organisation, you will bring authority and assurance to our safeguarding culture, ensuring we meet the highest standards of care and protection

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

We are seeking a qualified social work professional with strong expertise in child safeguarding (Level 4). The ideal candidate will bring experience in child-focused practice, trauma and crisis response services, and proven leadership as a Safeguarding Lead. You will have a track record of effective multi-agency working, developing protocols and referral pathways, and delivering training to upskill teams. With in-depth knowledge of child and contextual safeguarding, childhood development and the impact of trauma, you will be skilled at working with children and families in a user-led, strengths-based way to achieve the best outcomes.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

Job Purpose:Lead and manage the day-to-day operations of the Family Centre provision to support families with children and young people aged 0-19 years (up to 25 years with disabilities and additional needs) that are identified as the most need of support or have emerging needs.

Main Responsibilities:

•  Management of the implementation of the Surrey County Council Families First specification for Family Centres and Family Resilience Support provision.
•  To monitor the Manager’s in-tray, triage referrals, ensure contact with families providing management oversight and comply with all elements of Early Help Module (EHM) Practice standards for Child Records – Family Centres and Family Support Programme guidance.
•  With the Family and Youth Manager to devise and review the service delivery plan including emerging needs groups and partnership working with HomeStart East Surrey and other agencies.
•  Use Tableau data and Outcome tools to plan service delivery.
•  Show evidence of the impact of the support that is provided and record this on Early Help Management System (EHM), Outcome Stars and other systems as appropriate.
• Work with the Head of Finance, Head of CYP and the Youth & Family Service Manager to manage the budgets of the Family Centre and consider other sources of revenue.
• Manage Senior / Family Support Workers, Admin and other associated staff within the Family Centre and Family Support provision providing regular line management supervision, annual appraisals, and case supervisions.

Annual leave:Five weeks plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time workers) Holidays increase after two years’ service to a maximum of six weeks after six years’ service.(pro-rata for part time workers)

The holiday year runs from 1April to 31 March each year.

Benefits:

Free Gym Membership: The post holder will be entitled to free use of the YMCA East Surrey fitness centre in Redhill and half price YMCA childcare for dependents.

Free Parking : There is free parking available at all our delivery site. YMCA East Surrey also operates a Bike to Work Scheme.

Pension Scheme: There is a YMCA East Surrey pension scheme - details available on request.

Croydon Drop In (CDI) are seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic practitioner to work within our award-winning Voluntary Sector services. The post-holder will work within our safeguarding protocols to provide safe interventions for Neurodivergent children, young people and families using evidence-based methodologies. The post holder will safely work with people across different cultural backgrounds and ages and will be committed to equality, diversity and inclusion.

The post holder will use their skills to support children and young people who are referred in to or have self-referred in to the A for Autism Service. This service is a community based Pre and Post Autism Diagnostic Service. The successful candidate will receive Reflective Practice Supervision to support their professional development and ensure the safety of themselves and the people they work with, alongside Line Management Supervision.

Please read the Job Description and Person Specification before applying for the role.

Information about the Job Role

This full-time role will be best suited for applicants who are able to balance a busy work schedule being both office based and community based, working mainly with 16 – 25 year old children, young people and their families, and delivering workshops and one to one support in a range of community based settings, and at CDI sites. Applicants must be willing to travel around Croydon as the service is community based. Occasional travel outside of Croydon may also arise to best meet the needs of those accessing the service. This role will include session, activity and resources design and delivery.

Closing date for applications: 11pm Wednesday 24th September 2025

Interview date: Friday 3rd October 2025

 Please note - we reserve the right to close the vacancy earlier if we receive sufficient applications which we will review on a rolling basis, so please submit your application as soon as possible

If you are looking for a flexible part time role with a values-based organisation that has the people we support at the heart of everything we do, this is the role for you. 

At POhWER, we are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and push boundaries to make an impact. As one of our casual workers, you will be able to bring this to life. If you are ready to take on a role that impacts your community and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, you will be the perfect match for one of our Bank Advocate roles. 

We have a diverse range of employee, bank workers and volunteers from different backgrounds. Previous or current job roles and experiences working with vulnerable people is beneficial however we are more focused on recruiting based on values and the passion to make a difference. 

Hours of Work: Bank worker – hours will be varied: hours to be between 9am - 5pm Monday – Friday as required.

Location: Home based with travel around the South Coast. 

(Applicants should live in the South Coast; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport.)

Please note: You will be expected to be take a flexible approach and potentially could be expected to commute outside of your specified borough. This commute would be covered within our Milage rate within our policy. 

Due to the requirements of this role we are happy to also consider applications from outside of the posted location.

Salary: £12.60 per hour

Contract Type: Bank

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.

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! Apply Now with your CV and Cover letter!

Closing Date: 9AM, Friday 10th October 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.

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.

We are Hestia. We make a difference.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Young Adults Transition Peer Worker to play a pivotal role in our Haringey Volunteer Crisis Service in Haringey.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

In this role, they will build and maintain therapeutic, person-centred relationships with young adults (18–25) who are transitioning from CAMHS or accessing mental health services for the first time. They will support clients in developing recovery-focused goals, encouraging engagement in services, community life, and personal development, while also providing emotional and practical assistance during this transition. This includes accompanying clients to appointments, meetings, or community activities where additional support is needed. They will work collaboratively with carers, families, and professionals to ensure a holistic, integrated approach to care and sustained community inclusion. The role also involves facilitating access to local community resources and opportunities aligned with clients' interests and wellbeing goals, as well as identifying and helping to develop new partnerships and services that promote mental health and reduce inequalities. They will be responsible for maintaining accurate records of all interactions, support plans, assessments, and outcomes in line with data protection and service standards. Monitoring client wellbeing, addressing emerging risks, and escalating safeguarding or crisis concerns as necessary will also be key responsibilities. Additionally, they will participate in team meetings, supervision, and ongoing training to support professional development and continuous service improvement.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

The ideal candidate will have a GCSE-level education with an NVQ Level 3 or equivalent, and be willing to complete BEH Peer Worker Training and a Wellness at Work plan. A Health or Social Care qualification and ongoing training commitment are desirable. They will have lived experience of mental health challenges and secondary care use, along with supportive life experiences that inspire others. Experience in support roles, teamwork, and knowledge of recovery tools and principles is essential, as is an awareness of issues like stigma and discrimination. Desirable experience includes psychiatric hospital admission, mentoring, working in public or voluntary sectors, cross-organisational collaboration, and knowledge of local mental health services. Strong written, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills are required, along with basic IT proficiency; skills in Microsoft Office or additional languages are a plus. The candidate should be motivated, reliable, flexible, and resilient, with clear professional boundaries.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

If you are looking for a flexible part time role with a values-based organisation that has the people we support at the heart of everything we do, this is the role for you. 

At POhWER, we are passionate about making a difference in people’s lives and push boundaries to make an impact. As one of our casual workers, you will be able to bring this to life. If you are ready to take on a role that impacts your community and thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment, you will be the perfect match for one of our Bank Advocate roles. 

We have a diverse range of employee, bank workers and volunteers from different backgrounds. Previous or current job roles and experiences working with vulnerable people is beneficial however we are more focused on recruiting based on values and the passion to make a difference. 

Hours of Work: Bank worker – hours will be varied: hours to be between 9am - 5pm Monday – Friday as required.

Location: Home based with travel around the London area. 

(Applicants should live in the London area; have a full driver’s licence and access to their own transport.)

Please note: You will be expected to be take a flexible approach and potentially could be expected to commute outside of your specified borough. This commute would be covered within our Milage rate within our policy. 

Due to the requirements of this role we are happy to also consider applications from outside of the posted location.

Salary: £13.90 per hour

Contract Type: Bank

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.

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! Apply Now with your CV and Cover letter!

Closing Date: 9AM, Friday 10th October 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.

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.

At Hestia, we are guided by our core values and are dedicated to fostering an equitable, diverse, and inclusive organisation. Our mission is to empower individuals to rebuild their lives and achieve independence. Right now, we are looking for a Community Engagement Practitioner to play a pivotal role in our Enfield VCS in Enfield.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

In this role, the individual will work as part of a multidisciplinary NHS team—alongside clinicians, social workers, and community partners—to support adults with moderate to severe mental illness. They will hold a caseload of service users, acting as a key point of contact and contributing to care planning, progress monitoring, and discharge support, using the RiO clinical records system. Working collaboratively with service users, they will co-develop person-centred recovery plans that prioritise social goals and community integration. Building strong therapeutic relationships using trauma-informed and strength-based approaches, they will support individuals in achieving personal recovery goals. The role includes helping service users access local resources, attend appointments, and engage in wellbeing activities, peer support, and psychoeducational groups. The individual will promote recovery-focused, jargon-free communication, advocate for co-production and integrated care, and liaise with both statutory and voluntary sector organisations to support effective service navigation. They will attend clinical meetings and community events, representing both Hestia and the Community Mental Health Team, while maintaining accurate, timely documentation of all support activities and risk assessments. Safe and ethical practice is essential, including adherence to safeguarding protocols, health and safety procedures, and quality standards. Ongoing supervision, training, clinical oversight, and participation in annual appraisals will also form part of this role.

What do I need to bring with me?

You'll need to be able to demonstrate the core skills this role requires as well as match our values and mission. You don't have to tick all the boxes right away; the important thing is that you're willing to learn. We also value lived experience of the areas we support, so if you feel comfortable, please do mention this on your application.

Here's what the team will be looking for

The ideal candidate will have an NVQ Level 4 in Care (or equivalent) or at least two years' experience working in a mental health setting. They will demonstrate a strong understanding of mental health issues, recovery principles, and co-production, along with experience collaborating with professionals, services, and community partners. The candidate should have knowledge of care planning, risk assessment, recovery tools, and relevant legislation such as the Mental Health Act. Excellent communication, relationship-building, and group facilitation skills are essential, as is the ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Proficiency in IT systems, including electronic case management tools, is required. The candidate must be resilient, adaptable, and able to maintain clear professional boundaries, with a strong commitment to person-centred, trauma-informed practice. Desirable qualities include lived experience of mental illness or use of secondary care services, peer support training, knowledge of local community resources, and skills in training, mentoring, report writing, presenting, or speaking additional languages.

Interview Steps

We keep our interview process simple, so you know exactly what to expect.

• Shortlisting call: We have a team of dedicated recruitment specialists who will speak to you about your experience, motivations and values. They will also tell you about all the great work we do!
• Face to face interview: Now you will have face to face interview with the hiring manager. Our interviews are value and competency based.

Don't be alarmed if there are other stages in the process, it's all part of the plan for some of our roles.

Our commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

Our services users come from all walks of life and so do we. We hire great people from a wide variety of backgrounds because it makes us stronger. We are committed to creating and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workforce and value the skills, abilities, talent and experiences, different people and communities bring to our organisation.

We are a disability confident employer

Hestia is proud to be a disability confident employer, dedicated to the employment and career development of individuals with disabilities. We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for all applicants with disabilities who meet the minimum criteria for the role they have applied for. We also provide reasonable adjustments during the selection and interview process, and throughout your employment with us.

Safeguarding Statement

Hestia is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults, children and young people who are potentially at risk, and we therefore expect all staff and volunteers to do the same. We require all staff to undertake internal and external safeguarding training throughout their employment with Hestia.

Important Information for Candidates

If your application is successful, please be aware that you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks before a formal offer of employment can be confirmed.

We reserve the right to close this job advert early should we receive a high volume of applications or if the position is filled before the closing date. We encourage interested candidates to apply as soon as possible to ensure their application is considered.

The Youth Endowment Fund 

Head of Change – Children’s Services  

Reports to: Assistant Director for Change – Children’s Services, Neighbourhoods & the Youth Sector

Salary: £67,900

Contract: 2 year fixed-term – potential to extend. Open to 0.8FTE for the right candidate

Location: Central London, Hybrid*  

Closing date:12pm on Wednesday 24th September 2025

About the Youth Endowment Fund

We’re here to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence. We do this by finding out what works and building a movement to put this knowledge into practice. 

Last year, 244 people in England and Wales tragically died after being assaulted with a knife. Of these, 32 were children. Every child captured in these numbers is an important member of our community and society has a duty to protect them. Even when violence doesn’t strike directly, we know that the fear of violence has a terrible effect on children’s lives.

The Youth Endowment Fund exists to try and permanently change things. To succeed, we must build an exceptional body of knowledge about violence affecting young people and how we reduce it. This knowledge has to be both rigorous and highly relevant to those making decisions about how to support vulnerable young people. We need to find out what works and what doesn’t through evidence synthesis, data analysis and qualitative research into children’s lives. We need to convert this into highly accessible content on what works, how delivery organisations need to change their practice and how the systems they operate in need to be reformed. We then need to work with the right people that can make change happen, across systems, policies and practice, to have a real impact on reducing violence affecting children’s lives.

Key Responsibilities 

We build demand and interest in evidence across the Children’s Services sector 

This will include: 

• Running events, speaking at conferences and curating webinars to bring evidence to life for practitioners 
• We have great relationships with the people who can make change happen.  

This will include:

• Developing great relationships with senior policy makers, sector leaders and experts, including representing YEF in external meetings and speaking at events.
• Managing a Strategic Advisory Board of leading experts across the children’s services sector and keep members onside and excited about our work.

We deliver our children’s services system recommendations. 

This will include:

• Helping to identify the right recommendations at a system level (such as changes in policy, regulation, inspection, funding, or guidance) that make it more likely highly vulnerable children get access to the right support at the right time. 
• Work out the best way to make our system recommendations happen (due for publication in December 2026) and then do it – persuading the key people to make changes that make a difference.
• Tracking progress carefully, being thoughtful and creative about when and how to change the plan.

We work out the most effective ways to connect people with the evidence, then make those things happen. 

This will include:

• Helping children’s services leaders change how they plan or provide services to better protect children from violence, based on the YEF Children’s Services Practice Guidance – due for publication in May 2026. 
• Creating a plan to get people to follow our guidance, using what we know about how they think and behave. 
• Creating practical tools and resources that help leaders put evidence into action 
• Continuously testing and improving our approach to get better results. 

As a senior member of staff in the organisation you also: 

• Build a culture where it is natural to perform well and support colleagues brilliantly.
• Contribute to setting the strategy, delivering results, and building and modelling the culture that we need to succeed.

About You

You are this sort of person: 

• You know how to make change happen. You combine analytical sharpness with emotional intelligence and real-world experience. You understand why people resist change – and how to move them through it. You’re curious about human behaviour and what drives decision-making. 

• You bring deep experience of the children’s services system. You’ve worked at a senior level in or with children’s services – potentially commissioning support for young people at risk of or involved in violence. You understand how Directors of Children’s Services and other senior leaders think and know how to navigate and influence within the system. 

• You communicate complex ideas clearly. Whether speaking or writing, you break down complicated concepts in ways that make sense to different audiences – without oversimplifying. You bring clarity where others bring jargon. 

• You get things done. You’re organised, delivery-focused, and produce high-quality work, even under pressure. You work independently and to a high standard. 

• You build trust and connect with people. From government ministers to social workers, CEOs to 15-year-olds – you know how to listen, build rapport, and make people feel heard. You’ve led meetings, made strong introductions, and bring people with you. 

• You think big and adapt fast. You’re a strategic thinker who can see the big picture without losing sight of the detail. You’re logical, creative, and open to challenge – always testing and refining your ideas.  

• You understand young people. You get what life can be like for vulnerable young people and you understand the systems and organisations around them. Ideally, you’ve seen this first-hand, whether professionally or personally. 

• You’re committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Not just in theory – but in how you work, who you listen to, and what you prioritise. 

You must have this sort of experience. 

• Delivering concrete change in practice or systems that improved children’s lives. You have significant experience in leading behaviour, practice or policy changes within a children’s services setting. You can show how these have been effective in delivering tangible change.  
• Leadership experience in the children’s services system. You’ve worked at a senior level in or with children’s services - especially local authority children's services, commissioning and/or children's social care policy, and you understand how to navigate and influence within these complex systems.

• Firsthand knowledge of the system that supports highly vulnerable children, particularly those at risk of or involved in violence. You understand the barriers these children face and what it takes to get them the right support.

While it’s not a criterion, we’re especially interested to hear from applicants who have lived experience of youth violence.   

It’s also important to us that the people we hire do not discriminate. We believe in being inclusive and giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, religion or belief, race, sexual orientation, transgender status or social economic background.   

Hybrid Working Details 

The office is based in Central London. Those living in and around London are expected to be in the office for a minimum of 2 days per week. If you live outside of London and work remotely, you’ll be expected to work from the London office 2 days per month.     

As part of our commitment to flexible working we will consider a range of options for the successful applicant. All options can be discussed at the interview stage. 

To Apply

To apply, please send a CV, your answers to the three questions below and complete the monitoring form by clicking on "Apply for this" button by 12pm on Wednesday 24th September 2025.

When applying for this role, please ensure that your cover letter can answer, within a maximum of 1000 words, the following questions:   

Improving practice or systems 
1. Can you describe a time when you successfully supported children’s services leaders to improve practice or systems? Please include the scale and context of your experience. (maximum 500 words) 

 Developing strategy 
2. Please provide an example of a strategy you developed from scratch and implemented independently. What did you do, what was the impact, what did you learn? (maximum 500 words) 

 Personal and professional experiences in violence prevention 
3. What personal and professional experiences have shaped your understanding of the children’s services sector’s role in preventing violence? (maximum 500 words) 

Interview Process 

This will be a 2-stage interview process. The first stage interview will take place on 9 and 10 October 2025

The second stage interviews are currently scheduled for the week commencing 13 October 2025. 

PLEASE NOTE: We do not sponsor work permits and you will be required to provide proof of your eligibility to work in the UK. 

Benefits Include 

• £1,000 professional development budget annually 

• 28 days holiday plus Bank Holidays

• Employee Assistance Programme – 24hr phone line for free confidential support • Volunteering days - 4 half days per year

• Death in service - 4 times annual salary

• Flexible hours. Core office hours 10am – 4pm

• Financial support including travel and hardship loans

• Employer contributed pension of 5% 

Personal Data   

Your personal data will be shared for the purposes of the recruitment exercise. This includes our HR team, interviewers (who may include other partners in the project and independent advisors), relevant team managers and our IT service provider if access to the data is necessary for performance of their roles. We do not share your data with other third parties, unless your application for employment is successful and we make you an offer of employment. We will then share your data with former employers to obtain references for you. We do not transfer your data outside the European Economic Area.   

SHAK (South Hampstead and Kilburn Community Partnership) is a resident led charity based on the Alexandra and Ainsworth estate in the Kilburn Ward of Camden, London, dedicated to supporting residents and young people living in an area of high deprivation. 

Our Mission is to work with local young people and adults to improve well-being, inclusion and life chances by nurturing talents, passions, skills and confidence. 

Our Vision is of a place where everyone can live, learn and grow together. 

We do this by identifying and meeting local needs with a range of opportunities in areas of lifelong learning, youth activities, community involvement, employment support, advice and guidance, volunteering, events etc. 

If successful you will be based at “The ARC Youth Club”, an estate based youth led centre with integrated music studio, kitchen, games and "chill-out" space. The ARC engages approximately 250 young people per year and plays a vital role in their welfare and development outside of school. In holidays we offer a full program of activities and free meals for young people who may otherwise miss out. 

You will deliver a range of activities e.g. cooking, arts & crafts, sports, trips, music, events etc. You will also offer support and guidance for local young people and enable them to develop life long skills while designing and running their own projects, forums etc. In school holidays you will be required to work an expected 28 hrs a week as we offer a full program of activities and free meals for young people 

At SHAK we are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from those from black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds. 

Duties Include: 

Promoting and delivering activities for young people aged 9-19 yrs  (up to 25yrs for young people with SEND), 3 nights a week during term time, hours 3-8pm (Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday), and 4 days a week during school holidays, hours 11.30am-7pm (Tuesday-Friday). There also may be times when you are required to work outside of these hours 

Engaging with a range of young people from diverse backgrounds and with multiple needs 

Ensuring safeguarding standards are maintained and other policies and procedures are upheld 

Facilitate and support intergenerational projects  

Working in partnership with other organisations to meet local needs 

Acting as an effective part of youth team and wider SHAK team supporting community activities as needed 

Admin and reporting duties as required 

Skills & Experience 

• Minimum Level 3 youth work qualification or equivalent and significant, relevant experience of youth service delivery. 

• Experience of engaging girls in youth programmes successfully 

• Knowledge of youth policies, safeguarding procedures and legislation 

• Good communication, people skills and ability to work effectively as part of a team. 

• Ability to relate, support and engage with wide range of young people 

• Proficient with computers, social media and other modern technologies 

Personal Attributes 

• Highly motivated and driven by positive values and commitment to motivating others  

• Flexible and adaptable against a background of change 

• Resourceful- ability to work on own initiative and solve problems 

• Good punctuality, organisational and presentation skills 

• Creativity, resilience & commitment 

All recruitment is done in line with safe recruitment practices’ 

If successful an enhanced DBS check will be required. 

This post is covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010). 

The Baobab Centre is a non-residential therapeutic community supporting unaccompanied minors who have experienced human rights abuses and are seeking asylum, refugee status and settlement in the United Kingdom.

As an ‘advocate’ caseworkers support young people to express their views and wishes, to stand up for their rights, make choices and access opportunities.

As a Casework Advocate you will understand the impact of specific human rights abuses on the development of children and young people in exile and their individual experiences of loss, trauma and grief on their mental health and well-being. 

As a Casework Advocate you will be out and about with young people - accompanying to appointments and encouraging their involvement and access to their community and support networks. You must be prepared to challenge certain decisions and practices where required for the welfare of the young person. The role can involve supporting young people to initiate legal challenges when necessary and advocating on young person’s behalf where required.

• 35 hours (flexible working, such as a 9 day fortnight, could be considered)
• Hybrid - London (1 day a week in London, with regular travel to our Bristol office)
• Closing date: 28th September 2025
• Interview date: w/c 6th October 2025 

Change lives in a life-changing career

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

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. And that impact can be felt by entire family. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer.

We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make their voices heard and their unique needs understood, so they can get the right care and support at the right time

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional, creative and strategic fundraising leader to shape and deliver a new public fundraising and supporter engagement strategy, driving significant income growth across individual giving, legacies, community, events and trading.

As Associate Director, Public Fundraising, you will be a motivating leader for the talented Supporter Engagement team.  You will work with your leadership group to build on our successful approach to mass fundraising, aligning with our new organisational strategy to drive long-term transformational growth.

We are seeking someone with a passion for audience-led fundraising, who will lead and empower the team of 46 to explore new opportunities, grow income and build sustainable relationships.  Ultimately this will mean that our public fundraising programme will enable the charity to deliver its ambitious vision for the future, ensuring that every young person with cancer gets the support they need.

This is a pivotal role across the wider Income Generation directorate, supporting the Director and colleagues to deliver the overall Income Generation strategy, demonstrating YLvC values, and helping to develop our high performing team. 

This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application a basic criminal record check will be completed.

What will I be doing?

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

• With your team, translate corporate and departmental strategy into actionable team plans with a focus on supporter experience and long term growth, embedding best practice and leading cross-functional programmes to drive strategic delivery.
• Develop a budget and KPIs that support the team and overall Supporter Engagement plan with a process for regular monitoring, reporting, and evaluation to ensure impact and alignment. 
• Champion external insight gathering, ensuring your team stays ahead of trends and identifies emerging risks 
• Inspire confidence and engagement across Supporter Engagement through consistent, evidence-led leadership that values the supporter and embodies Young Lives vs Cancer’s values.
• Foster a high-performing, healthy team culture, ensuring your team reflects the professionalism and quality expected of a leading organisation.
• Champion the impact of Supporters, Supporter Engagement and Income Generation across the organisation inspiring trust and engagement from stakeholders.
• Build and nurture your external network and strategic external partnerships that actively shape planning and decision-making across your specialism and the wider organisation.
• Proactively identify opportunities to represent and advocate for Young Lives vs Cancer, collaborating across the children’s cancer care and voluntary sectors to influence and innovate. 

What do I need? 

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

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

• Proven senior leadership experience in public fundraising e.g. individual giving, legacies, community, events and trading.
• Track record of developing and delivering strategic plans aligned to organisational goals.
• Experience leading high-performing, geographically dispersed teams and managing cross-functional programmes.
• Track record of enabling teams to innovate and deliver new opportunities and approaches to maximise income growth
• Strong background in budget management, KPI development, and performance evaluation.
• Understanding of supporter engagement strategies, donor journeys, and long-term growth models.
• Awareness of current and emerging trends in fundraising, digital engagement, and supporter experience.
• Understanding of organisational development, team dynamics, and performance culture.
• Ability to network across the not for profit sector in order to strengthen perspective internally and for the sector. 

What will I gain?

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

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Wellbeing, Thinking & Growth Days: four days a year to to step back from the day-to-day and focus on your own learning and development
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

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

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

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

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

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

Accessibility

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

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