Specialist jobs in London, greater london

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 Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Employability Services in Haringey.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

We are seeking a dedicated and adaptable professional to manage a caseload of up to 20 clients, supporting individuals with mental health conditions into meaningful employment using the IPS model. The ideal candidate will work closely with clinical teams, contribute to multi-disciplinary care planning, and build strong relationships with employers to tailor job opportunities. Strong organisational and communication skills are essential for managing referrals, job retention support, and compliance with NHS and Hestia protocols. The role also requires accurate KPI tracking, benefit guidance, and flexibility to work across various settings. A commitment to professional development, collaboration, and client-centred outcomes is key.​

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.

Someone who is a self starter and comfortable with a lone working environment, you will have strong empathy skills and an eye for detail. You should have experience of supporting people in a job search and have made an impact on this. To succeed you would need to have worked in a target environment and used to meeting and exceeding targets.

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.

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

This is an exceptional opportunity for an experienced and driven policy professional to lead Asylum Aid's external policy and advocacy work at a pivotal moment for refugee protection in the UK. 

The UK asylum and immigration systems are under sustained pressure.  Successive waves of hostile legislation and increasingly difficult political environment have cause serious harm to people seeking international protection and made already complex systems even harder to navigate.  At this time there is an urgent need for effective, well-evidenced voices in Parliament, Whitehall and the courts that keeps human experiences at its centre. 

Our proactive and prioritised policy advocacy is evidence-led, based on the experiences of survivors, collective expertise and/or the HBF group’s research findings. Asylum Aid, as part of the Helen Bamber Foundation group, uses its legal expertise and evidence to secure ongoing policy and systems change by:  

·Providing evidence and recommendations to central government through reports, briefings, consultation responses, oral and written evidence to parliamentary select committees and parliamentary lobbying. 

·Ongoing direct engagement on improvements to policy and practice with civil servants in the Home Office, Ministry of Justice and other relevant departments.  

·Working collaboratively with others in the asylum, trafficking and children’s sectors to highlight issues in the asylum and trafficking systems, and push for recognition and respect for international asylum, trafficking and human rights obligations.  

·Undertaking strategic litigation to secure change that cannot be achieved through policy advocacy. 

As Policy  Specialist, you will be Asylum Aid's policy and advocacy lead - responsible for shaping our policy positions; driving our advocacy strategy; building and managing coalitions across the sector; and ensuring that the voices and experiences of our clients directly inform our external work. You will be managed by the HBF Group Director of Policy, Evidence and Communications, and work closely with AA’s Executive Director and legal team. As well as coordinating and undertaking joint policy work with HBF, you will ensure close working relationships with partner organisations and coalitions and be a visible and credible presence in the wider refugee and human rights sector.

HOW TO APPLY

The first stage is to complete on our online application form on our website by 9am on 26th August 2026.

The website form will ask you to:

• Upload a short covering letter. Please tell us why the position appeals to you, and how your relevant skills and experience, including any voluntary experience and lived experience, matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Please also state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role. This information can be shared in one of four different ways: 

1. Written A4 (No more than 2 sides of A4)
2. PowerPoint (No more than 3 slides)
3. Audio recording (No more than 5 mins) *
4. Video Recording (No more than 5 mins) *

* if you send in your cover letter in one these formats, please do not upload this to our website but email us.

• Upload your current CV
• Complete an online Equal Opportunities monitoring form – completion of this form will help us ensure that our recruitment procedures operate in such a way as to provide genuine equality of opportunity. The questions are entirely optional and this information will not be available to members of the selection panel.

TIMELINE

• Closing date: 26th August 2026
• Preliminary interviews (online): 2nd September 2026
• Final panel interviews (in person): 10th September 2026

At Asylum Aid we want to be transparent about what kind of qualities we are looking for and build trust from the very beginning of your journey with us. The first step is your interview, and we mean ‘your’ interview so we will provide you with your interview questions ahead of the interview. This will allow you time to prepare, and ensure you have your best examples in mind. We will also ask you some questions which you will not have prepared.

SELECTION PROCESS

We will invite candidates to an initial 30-minute online screening meeting week on 2nd September 2026 followed by shortlisted candidates attending in-person interview on 10th September 2026. We will also ask you to complete a short exercise on the day.

We offer a guaranteed interview for refugees, stateless people and others with lived experience of forced migration, provided that they meet at least 50% of the essential criteria, where practical.

EXPERTS BY EXPERIENCE SUPPORT

We are also proud to be a member of the Experts by Experience Employment Network , which aims to increase representation of people with lived experience in the charitable sector.

If you are an expert by experience (a refugee or a migrant with direct, first-hand experience of issues and challenges of the UK asylum or immigration system), you can ask for an independent and confidential support for your job application from the Experts by Experience Employment Network and access other information and resources at their website.

As a Specialist Housing Officer, you'll provide housing management support to customers across Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire, helping them sustain their tenancies, access services and achieve positive outcomes. This is a community-based role with regular travel across the region, attendance at team meetings in Houghton Regis, and occasional travel to Westminster.

This is a permanent, part-time role working Monday, Wednesday and Thursday.

What you’ll do

· Manage a patch of specialist housing schemes, delivering an excellent housing management service.

· Build positive relationships with customers, support providers and local partners.

· Support customers to sustain tenancies and live independently.

· Resolve tenancy, estate and neighbourhood issues, aiming for first-time resolution.

· Carry out estate inspections and ensure schemes remain safe, clean and well maintained.

· Monitor cleaning, gardening and estate services, challenging poor performance where needed.

· Support customers with repairs reporting and maintenance issues.

· Work closely with Care & Support teams to deliver joined-up services.

· Manage voids, allocations, viewings and tenancy sign-ups.

· Complete tenancy visits, identify support needs and signpost to appropriate services.

· Maintain accurate records and case management information.

· Contribute to service targets, compliance requirements and continuous improvement.

What you’ll need

· Experience in housing management, tenancy management or support services

· Experience working with vulnerable people, including those with disabilities or mental health needs.

· Knowledge of housing management and tenancy-related issues.

· Strong communication and relationship-building skills.

· Ability to manage a varied workload and resolve issues effectively.

· Good IT and record-keeping skills.

· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

· Full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle.

· Experience supporting customers with mental health needs is desirable.

Employment Specialist - Medway and Gravesham

Location:  Medway

Salary:  Up to £28,000, depending on experience

Vacancy Type: Permanent

About The Role

Are you passionate about helping people unlock their potential through meaningful employment?

We’re looking for a motivated Employment Specialist to support people living with mental health conditions, long-term physical health conditions, or disabilities to move into work that suits their skills, strengths, and ambitions.

Working across Medway and Gravesham, you’ll deliver the Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model as part of the Connect to Work programme. This evidence-based approach focuses on helping people move into competitive employment quickly, with personalised support that continues once they start work. Full IPS training will be provided, so if you bring the right passion and people skills, we’ll equip you with the rest.

Due to the nature of the role, all applicants must hold a valid UK driving licence and have access to a vehicle.

 What you’ll be doing

You’ll manage a caseload of around 25 participants who are motivated to start or return to work, providing personalised support from first meeting through to sustaining employment.

Your role will include:

• Identifying participants’ skills, strengths, and career aspirations
• Creating Vocational Profiles and tailored Action Plans
• Supporting with CV writing, job searching, applications, and interview preparation
• Delivering one-to-one and group coaching to build confidence and employability skills
• Helping participants overcome barriers including benefits concerns, health disclosures, or workplace adjustments

You’ll also play an important role in connecting participants with opportunities in the local labour market.

• Build strong relationships with local employers across North and East Kent
• Identify opportunities in both the advertised and hidden job market
• Match participants to suitable vacancies and coordinate interviews
• Work with employers to promote inclusive recruitment and reasonable adjustments

This role is highly collaborative and community-focused. You’ll work closely with clinical teams, community organisations, training providers, and employers to ensure participants receive holistic support.

Once someone starts work, your support doesn’t stop. You’ll continue to provide in-work coaching and guidance, helping participants settle into their role, build confidence, and sustain long-term employment.

About you

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about people and motivated by helping others achieve their goals. You may come from a background in:

• Health or wellbeing services
• Employability or welfare-to-work programmes
• Adult skills, training, or education
• Recruitment or employer engagement

You’ll also bring strong relationship-building skills, the ability to motivate and coach individuals, and confidence working independently within the community.

If you’re looking for a rewarding role where you can make a real difference in people’s lives through employment, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

We are The Forward Trust, the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community.

We are committed to our cause and the work we carry out as a charity. Equally the wellbeing and the employees who work for us are also important. Joining us an employee, we will offer you the following benefits - 

• Flexible working
• Training and development opportunities
• Simply Health Cashback Scheme (optional)
• Season Ticket Loan Scheme 
• Cycle to work scheme
• Crisis Loan Scheme
• Electric Car Scheme
• 3 x Wellbeing Days (pro rata'd for part time employees)
• Access to Blue Light Card
• 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays 
• Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter 
• Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary) 
• Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria)

Please note that we may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Forward Trust, please click apply to be redirected to our website to complete your application.

Do you enjoy bringing order, creativity and calm coordination to busy event environments? Or do you know someone who could be a great fit? We'd love for you to share this opportunity with your networks.

Compassion UK is looking for an Events Operations Specialist to support the planning, systems, logistics, and resources that enable our events and advocacy activities to run with excellence.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys coordinating people, projects, and practical logistics while ensuring volunteers, advocates, and event teams have everything they need to represent Compassion well. You'll also play a key role in supporting the ongoing development of Compassion Connect Hub, our volunteer management platform.

If you're organised, proactive, collaborative and enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, this could be a fantastic opportunity to use your skills to support a ministry that is releasing children from poverty in Jesus' name.

• Office-based in Fleet, Hampshire (GU51 2UT)
• Fixed-term contract | Full-time | 35 hours per week
• £30,040 per annum

Key dates

• Apply by 24 August 2026
• Shortlisting ongoing, with candidates shortlisted by 31 August 2026
• Interviews expected to take place on 7 September 2026

Click through to find out more about the role and download the full job description on our careers page.

We're looking for a compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our Mental Health Service located in Southwark. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£31,993.56 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 8% and life assurance cover up to 3x Pensionable Salary (T&Cs apply)
• 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
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
• Free DBS

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.

The successful applicant will have experience working closely with a range of services to support individuals to address and/or recover from their dependence on drugs and or alcohol. Or have expertise in supporting customers with complex mental health needs, including dual diagnosis, forensic histories, and personality disorders. 

What you'll do:

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.

• Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
• Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
• Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals

About you:

• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
• Exudes a warm friendly presence 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

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant area (e.g. substance misuse, addiction, psychology, Health and Social Care).
• Experience building and developing strong professional partnerships with external providers. Good written and oral communication skills

Desirable:

• Knowledgeable in "Recovery" with an excellent understanding of addiction,
• Capable of completing comprehensive assessments, managing a high caseload of complex cases, creating care plans and risk assessments

About us:

• 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.

Specialist Debt Adviser

Location: London (Hybrid Working Available)
Salary: £38,000 per annum
Contract: Permanent (subject to funding)
Hours: 35 hours per week

We are delighted to be working with a growing financial inclusion charity to recruit a Specialist Debt Adviser.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly respected organisation dedicated to supporting individuals experiencing financial hardship. The charity provides high-quality debt and money advice services, helping people manage debt, maximise income, protect essential services and improve their financial wellbeing.

As a Specialist Debt Adviser, you will manage a complex caseload, providing comprehensive debt advice and casework to clients facing a range of financial challenges. You will negotiate with creditors, support clients to access appropriate debt solutions and work closely with colleagues to ensure the highest standards of advice and service delivery.

You will also play an important role in supporting junior team members, contributing to service development and helping to maintain quality standards across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of clients requiring specialist debt advice and casework.
• Conduct appointments and develop tailored action plans to help clients address their financial circumstances.
• Negotiate with creditors and implement appropriate debt solutions.
• Maintain accurate case records and ensure compliance with regulatory and quality standards.
• Support clients with related issues through effective signposting and referrals.
• Assist with quality assurance activities and contribute to service improvement initiatives.
• Provide guidance and support to trainee and junior advisers where required.
• Contribute to monitoring, reporting and evaluation activities.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A minimum of two years' experience providing accredited debt advice.
• A recognised Level 3 Debt Advice qualification (or equivalent).
• Strong knowledge of debt solutions, including Debt Relief Orders, Breathing Space, Debt Management Plans and bankruptcy.
• Experience managing complex cases independently from assessment through to resolution.
• Excellent communication, advocacy and client relationship skills.
• Strong administrative, IT and case management skills.
• The ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a small team.
• A commitment to supporting vulnerable and financially excluded communities.

Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Additional day off for your birthday.
• Pension contribution.
• Home office equipment allowance.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Ongoing training and professional development opportunities.

This role would suit an experienced Debt Adviser looking to further develop their expertise within a supportive organisation and take the next step towards a senior or supervisory position.

For more information, please apply today.

Service Charge Specialist | Hybrid | Westminster Bridge Road

Ready to put your service charge expertise to work where it really matters? At Peabody, you'll help ensure residents receive accurate, transparent service charges while delivering a great customer experience.

You'll manage service charge budgets and reconciliations, investigate queries, analyse costs, and work closely with teams across the business to make sure charges reflect the services delivered.

We're looking for:

• Experience managing service charges, budgets and reconciliations
• Knowledge of service charge accounting and relevant legislation
• Strong customer service and communication skills
• CIH or IRPM qualification (desirable)

Why Peabody? With up to 30 days' holiday, up to 10% pension contribution, 4x life assurance, volunteering days and flexible benefits, you'll join a values-driven organisation making a real difference to people's lives.

The Grantmaking Operations team sits within FGHR’s Operations department and is primarily focused on
ensuring that resources are reaching frontline activist organisations. The team seeks to hire a Grants
Specialist who will report to the Director of Grantmaking Operations and manage FGHR’s most complex
grantmaking programmes.
The successful candidate will join a high-performing, enthusiastic grants management team, a deeply
committed global staff, and an organisation constantly learning and adapting to global contexts.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES OF THE POSITION:
Grantmaking
• Manage due diligence and enhanced grantmaking protocols for a complex and high-volume
portfolio of grants spanning low and high-risk operating environments.
 Inform the development and implementation of grantmaking plans, ensuring they are
robust and responsive to changing contexts and needs.
o Research compliance and financial regulation for various country contexts as needed and
flag potential areas of risk appropriately and in collaboration with GMO Leadership
o Identify and flag operational challenges that may have an impact on programmatic
grantmaking ambitions, potential donor commitments or grantmaking advisory bodies.
 Coordinate with Programme and Grantmaking Operations to ensure grants and grantee
relationships are managed according to their risk level and operating context.
 Together with Program, Fundraising and Finance teams, coordinate grant
recommendation processes, and timeline for grantmaking portfolios.
▪ Prepare and organise applicant materials and prospective grantee documents for
all grants.
▪ Manage incoming grant proposals and reporting, conduct due diligence in line
with grantmaking policies and best practices.
▪ Communicate with grantees in Arabic and French, serving as a primary contact at
FGHR, to support troubleshooting and accompanying them through partnership.
▪ Monitor and safeguard grantmaking, safety and security contexts within regional
and/or initiative programmes.
▪ Translate grant and Programme materials in alignment with Programme
strategies, portfolio priorities, and compliance requirements,
▪ Lead regular grantmaking check-ins and strategic meetings as needed.
▪ Analyse data and develop grantmaking insights and sessions to inform and shape
grantmaking workflows.
▪ Monitor and track grantmaking budgets and manage budget stakeholders.
▪ Actively contribute to fundraising stages by integrating data-driven insights and
compelling narratives in proposals and evaluation reports.
Database and Systems Administration
• Manage FGHR’s grants management system.
 Maintain accurate grant and grantee records – updating grant, organisation, and contact
records daily, updating budget trackers periodically and ensuring OFAC compliance.
 Generate reports and dashboards for colleagues across departments, as needed.
 Code all grantmaking requests and budgeting information.
 Support enhancements to the grants management system, including the testing and
implementation of back-end developments, to improve user experience, workflow
efficiency, and data integrity.
 Collaborate with Grantmaking Operations colleagues to test new releases and system
updates, identify areas for improvement, and support the resolution of bugs and
technical issues.
 Contribute to the design and creation of the EOI and proposal forms in the grants
management system.
 Support the successful launch of newly implemented workflows and forms by testing
functionality, identifying issues, and assisting with troubleshooting and resolution.
 Support the design and implementation of grantee portals to improve grantee
interactions and reporting.
 Apply systems thinking and user-centred design principles to support operational
innovation and process improvement.
Project Coordination
• Lead on GMO internal projects; brainstorming and implementing workflow solutions to team
endeavours, ensuring cohesive and aligned project reporting and closing.
• Provide support to GMO Leadership
 Support engagement with all project stakeholders, gathering, and integrating feedback to
improve project management processes.
 Proactively identify risks associated with projects, recommending effective solutions to
ensure successful implementation.
 Inform the scheduling and coordination of project activities, including meetings and
deadlines.
 Document project outcomes and adaptations ensuring learning is embedded in
grantmaking operations.

Full-time, 35 hours per week 

Closing 3rd August 2026 at 9am

Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with a proven record of working with young people at risk of exploitation or harm?  Do you have a strong understanding of safeguarding and risk management and experience delivering structured casework and outcome-focused interventions?

If so, St Giles is looking for a Future Focused Team Specialist Caseworker to deliver end-to-end casework to young Londoners, supporting them to achieve sustained, future-focused outcomes in education, training and employment while addressing safeguarding, wellbeing and risk.

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 hold a caseload of young people and deliver structured, end-to-end interventions from assessment through to case closure.  You will be expected to complete robust initial assessments to identify strengths, risks, needs and aspirations and to develop and deliver clear, outcome-focused action plans with defined goals, milestones and review points.

We will also count on you to support young people to engage in education, training and employment pathways, while addressing safeguarding, exploitation risk and wellbeing as part of all interventions. Maintaining consistent, trusted relationships that promote engagement, stability and behaviour change and leading regular case reviews are both key aspects of the role, as is working collaboratively with ETE specialists, partners and wider professionals without transferring ownership of the case.

What we are looking for

• The ability to build effective relationships and maintain engagement
• Knowledge of education, training and employment pathways
• Strong organisational skills and ability to manage a caseload effectively
• The ability to deliver structured, consistent casework and to maintain accurate and timely case recording
• Excellent interpersonal, relationship-building and communication skills, verbal and written
• A flexible, collaborative and professional approach to your work.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, access to clinical supervision, season ticket loan 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, or 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.

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

An enhanced Children’s Barred List DBS check is required for this role.

PERSON SPECIFICATION In your application form, please provide a written statement (maximum 1,000 words) showing how you meet the criteria outlined in the Person specification. 

Closing date: 3rd August 2026 at 9 a.m. 

Do you want to help shape public debate, influence policy and communicate the value of homecare to Parliament and the wider public?

We are looking for a driven, curious, and politically aware External Affairs and Policy Specialist to help us communicate our policy work externally and strengthen the voice of homecare providers. You will turn policy insight, member experience and evidence into clear, persuasive communications for Parliament, the media, stakeholders and members

As a small, influential membership body, we offer breadth, visibility and responsibility. This role will suit someone who enjoys working hands-on in a small team, where priorities can move quickly and individual contribution is highly visible. We invest in our people, encourage professional development and give you real responsibility and exposure from day one. Your work will help shape national conversations and support a sector that matters.

What you will do

Parliamentary engagement

· Support day to day parliamentary monitoring and identify opportunities to influence debates, questions and policy development

· Draft high-quality briefings, parliamentary questions, and stakeholder communications

- Build and maintain relationships with MPs, Peers, and parliamentary staff

· Support delivery of our parliamentary engagement activity, including events and party conferences

Member communication

· Draft clear, timely and engaging communications for members, including briefings, updates and campaigns

· Work directly with members, including through focus groups, to capture insight, case studies and evidence

· Ensure member voice sits at the centre of our external messaging

· Translate complex policy and political developments into clear, practical and accessible information for members and external audiences 

Wider external affairs

·Monitor media coverage and support proactive and reactive media activity

· Contribute to social media and wider communications output

· Support campaigns, publications, events and stakeholder engagement

· Support team coordination, reporting and continuous improvement

About you

You are bright, motivated and organised, with a strong interest in politics, policy and communications. You enjoy writing, relationship-building and working at pace. You can understand complex issues, ask good questions and turn evidence into clear, compelling messages for different audiences.

You will bring:

·Strong written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to translate complex policy issues for different audiences

·Experience in public affairs, policy communications, media, communications or campaigning, or a closely related field

·An understanding of UK parliamentary processes, political engagement and the wider policy environment

· Confidence gathering insight from stakeholders, members or service users, including through meetings, interviews or focus groups

·Confidence using social media to inform, engage and influence

·Strong planning skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities

·An interest in social care, health or public services, or a desire to build expertise in this area

Please note that we are shortlisting applications as they come in before the closing day, so early applications are encouraged. As part of shortlisting, we may arrange a short initial conversation with candidates to discuss the role, salary expectations, availablity and fit.

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 an Employment Specialist to play a pivotal role in our Employment Service in Harrow and Hounslow.

Sounds great, what will I be doing?

An Employment Specialist helps people with mental health conditions, disabilities, or other barriers to find, keep, or return to work. They manage a caseload of clients, provide one-to-one support such as career guidance, CV writing, job searching, interview preparation, and workplace coaching, while also building relationships with employers to create job opportunities and arrange workplace adjustments when needed. They track client progress, maintain accurate records, and work closely with healthcare and community services to help clients achieve sustainable employment outcomes.

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.

The essential skills for this Employment Specialist role are the ability to build trusting relationships with clients, strong communication and interpersonal skills, knowledge of supporting people with mental health conditions or other barriers to employment, and the ability to motivate and coach people towards work goals. The role also requires good organisation and time management, experience managing a caseload, confidence engaging with employers and partner organisations, accurate record-keeping and administration skills, and proficiency with Microsoft Office and databases. Being empathetic, person-centred, self-motivated, and committed to equality and diversity are also important personal qualities.

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.

Hillside Clubhouse is recruiting an IPS Employment Specialist to join our dynamic Islington team, supporting people with mental health conditions to gain and retain employment.  The IPS Employment Specialists within the Islington IPS Service work within the nationally recognised IPS (Individual Placement and Support) model within NHS secondary and primary care mental health teams, based in the heart of Islington.

Who We Are: 

Hillside Clubhouse is a co-produced mental health employment support charity working across Islington. We support people with mental health conditions into training, volunteering, and employment opportunities. People can access our services via our Clubhouse, where they can share their skills and expertise with others and support the running of the charity.  Alternatively, they can receive support out in the community from one of our Employment Specialists based within NHS mental health teams.

The Role: 

We are recruiting for one IPS Employment Specialist role within our Islington IPS Service. This position will be based within the North London NHS Foundation Trust mental health services in the borough of Islington.

As an IPS Employment Specialist, you’ll play an important role in supporting people with lived mental health experience on their recovery journey by supporting them back into paid employment. This is an opportunity to offer ongoing support, to motivate and provide people with hope, while developing the tools and skills required to recover – ultimately transforming their lives.

A variety of skills are needed in this post including but not limited to: a strong ability to develop empathy and rapport with clients; a determined approach to seeking out job opportunities; a person centric-approach to working with people; strong communications skills to motivate clients; strong administrative capabilities and an attention to detail engage with prospective employers via business development and face-to-face meetings, as well as to be able to challenge some perceptions around mental health. 

The postholder will be directly employed by Hillside Clubhouse but work under an Honorary Contract from the North London NHS Foundation Trust.  They will be managed directly by the IPS Operations Manager but work as team member within the clinical team. The role is dynamic and involves being integrated in a clinical team, working within the community, and we operate a flexible working policy where working from home is also permitted up to two days per week.

Overall Aim: 

To enable people with mental health issues to gain and sustain competitive employment by working within the evidence-based Individual Placement and Support (IPS) model.

Duties: 

Please see the Job Description and Person Specification attached for a full description.

Application Instructions:
We are a Disability Confident employer and actively encourage applications from people with lived experience of mental health conditions.

Hillside Clubhouse is committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and strongly encourage applications from those who experience discrimination and / or prejudice based on their race, ethnicity or immigration status, women, new parents, people with disabilities and LGBTQI+ people.

All job offers are dependent on satisfactory references and a DBS check. The successful candidate will also be required to attend mandatory Safeguarding Adults, Children & Young People training.

The recruitment process will be an assessment centre approach, including a task, role play and individual interview. We envision the whole process lasting no more than 90 minutes.

Are you looking for a rewarding role working for an intersectional feminist organisation? If so, we have an incredible opportunity for you to join our team as a Specialist Refuge Worker at Solace Women's Aid.

We exist to end the harm caused by gender-based violence. Our aim is to prevent violence and abuse, as well as provide services that meet the individual needs of survivors, particularly women and children. Our work is holistic and empowering, working alongside survivors to achieve independent lives free from abuse.

Our core values reflect our history and were developed in consultation with staff and service users. Feminism and intersectionality are key to our work, and we are committed to the principles of being survivor-led, trauma-informed, empowering, diverse, anti-racist and anti-discriminatory.

About the Service

Frances House is a specialist refuge accommodating eight women affected by Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) and multiple disadvantages. The house is staffed 24/7 and all work with residents is trauma-informed.

Specialist Refuge Workers work in shifts: 8am – 4pm and 1pm to 9pm (rotating on alternative weeks) and including some weekend shifts.

About the Role

As Specialist Refuge Worker, you will help create a safe, welcoming environment for women and families escaping abuse. You’ll handle phone enquiries, prepare rooms for new arrivals, support with deliveries, and help maintain clean, safe communal areas.

You’ll introduce new residents to Solace services, explain key policies, and ensure they are aware of internal and external support options. Working alongside each resident, you will develop support plans, assist with benefits and housing applications, accompany them to appointments when needed, and help them work towards safe, independent move‑on accommodation.

About You

The postholder will have experience of working intensively with service users in an accommodation setting and be adept at risk and needs assessment and support planning.

You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of the intersection between domestic abuse and multiple disadvantages, a developed understanding of how this can make it difficult for women to engage with support, and an ability to reflect on your own practice.

The ideal candidate will be compassionate, practical, and resilient, with a genuine commitment to supporting survivors of domestic abuse. You’re confident working in a busy, varied environment and can balance hands‑on tasks with administrative responsibilities.

You communicate clearly, build trusting relationships, and work well with residents, colleagues, and external agencies. You are organised, reliable, and able to maintain accurate records and follow safeguarding, health and safety, and organisational procedures.

You’re also comfortable supporting service users with practical needs such as benefits, housing, and appointments, and you approach challenges with patience, empathy, and a problem‑solving mindset. You have the ability to manage occasional physical tasks, such as helping prepare rooms or assisting with deliveries.

Additional Information

The postholder will be based at Frances House refuge, working full-time, providing on-site support to survivors. Given the nature of this role and our refuge services, we are unable to offer hybrid working for this position.

What we can offer you

We provide a comprehensive benefits package to all our employees, including:

• Flexible working
• Focus on learning and development (internal career progression and training)
• Generous holiday entitlement
• Employer pension contribution
• Family-friendly leave and enhanced maternity pay
• Access to Inclusion Networks
• Daily clinical debriefing
• Employee Assistance Programme providing free 24/7 support and advice
• Employee Benefits Platform offering staff discounts, benefits, and savings
• Flow & Restore yoga classes
• Meditation sessions
• Cycle to Work Scheme

How to apply

Please submit your CV and Supporting Statement through the recruitment portal. When applying for this role, kindly highlight in your Supporting Statement how your values, knowledge, transferable skills, and experience align with each point within the following sections of the Job Profile Document:

• Values, Behaviours & Competencies
• Knowledge, Experience and Skills

Solace Women's Aid values diversity, promotes equity, and challenges discrimination. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates of diverse cultures, abilities, perspectives, and lived experiences. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay, and benefits. Our Inclusion Networks support staff with protected characteristics and offer inclusive spaces to connect.

We are a Disability Confident Employer and committed to an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. We anticipate and provide reasonable adjustments as needed and support employees who acquire a disability or long-term health condition, enabling them to stay in work. If you require any support to apply for this role, please do contact us.

This service is run by women for women and is therefore restricted to female applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1. Section 7(2)(e) of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 applies. The post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

As part of safer recruitment practices, we carry out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) and right to work in the UK checks.

No agencies.