Specialist Project Worker Jobs
About the organisation
nia has been delivering services to women, girls and children who have been subjected to sexual and domestic violence and abuse, including prostitution, since 1975. The organisation has three main aims: to provide services for women, girls and children who have experienced men’s violence; contributing to ending male violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.
About the post
The Emma Project, Daria House and Jan’s Place are specialist services providing refuge and support services to women who have been subjected to domestic and/or sexual violence and abuse, including women who have been sexually exploited, including through prostitution and who also use substances problematically.
You will work closely alongside the refuges Team Leader and Service Manager to implement and deliver a trauma informed approach to refuge services.
About you
We’re looking for a highly organised and self-motivated woman who is passionate about ending violence against women, girls and children. You’ll have a ‘can-do’ approach and demonstrable commitment to nia’s approach to Prioritising women, upholding and promoting feminist, trauma-informed and anti-racist practice.
CV’s will not be accepted.
Closing date: 10am, 15th May 2024
Interview date: 31st May 2024
The post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking to recruit a skilled and dedicated individual to join our team as a Specialist Multiple Disadvantage Worker at Lewisham Vulnerable Adults Accommodation Service.
In Conjunction with the Service Management, you will work dynamically to deliver a high-quality support service to people in the borough of Lewisham with a range of complex and enduring needs.
You will have experience of providing intense support to a small caseload of clients with multiple disadvantages. The successful candidate will have skills and experience of working in a psychologically informed way to achieve the best outcomes.
About the role:
As a Specialist Multiple Disadvantage worker, you will have experience of intensively and skilfully managing a small caseload of clients.
In the role of Specialist Multiple Disadvantage Worker, you will be expected to work in conjunction with the Team Manager to manage all referrals and assessments in a timely manner to ensure all assessments are conducted in a skilled and sensitive way to encourage potential clients to openly discuss their strengths as well as their deficits.
As a Specialist Multiple Disadvantage Worker, you will be responsible for the delivery, and evaluation, of a range of Life Skills, and Recovery workshops and activities to support our clients' skills acquisition. To give support and guidance to project workers in relation to best practice standards for supporting homeless people with multiple disadvantages and complex needs.
The Specialist Multiple Disadvantage Worker will have skills in effectively liaising and building good relationships, with external and internal stakeholders to keep a satisfactory level of appropriate referrals.
About you:
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An understanding of best practices in supporting people with complex needs and an ability to support and guidance colleagues.
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The ability to effectively and intensively case management a small case load of client with complex needs. Also, can create SMART support plans and effectively assess risk.
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Experience and commitment to working flexibly and creatively to response to changes in sectorial best practice, external environment, organisational requirements, etc.
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Experience of working with or supporting vulnerable people with support needs around any of the following issues; rough sleeping, mental ill-health, physical health, neuro diversity, problematic substance misuse, ex- offending.
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To have a non- judgmental approach to working with clients who have multiple disadvantages, to promote a strength –based approach and an understanding of and commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
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To have formidable team working skills and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with external and partners, and stakeholders.
- A willingness to work outside standard office hours as and when requires.
About us:
Single Homeless Project is a London-wide charity. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a place to call home and the chance to live a fulfilling life.
We help single Londoners by preventing homelessness, providing support and accommodation, promoting wellbeing, enhancing opportunity, and being a voice for change. From supporting people in crisis to helping people take the final steps towards independence and employment, we make a difference to 10,000 lives every year across all 32 boroughs.
We offer you more than a job; we offer you a chance to be part of a compassionate, driven team that's committed to making a real difference in people's lives. You'll have the opportunity to lead, co-create, and inspire change while enjoying a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.
Join us in creating a brighter, more hopeful future for individuals in need.
Important info:
Closing Date: Sunday 12th May at Midnight
Interview Date: Wednesday 21st or Thursday 22nd May
This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed for the successful applicant.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have great listening and communication skills and an interest in supporting vulnerable people in Islington?
We are looking for people to join our teams in Islington as Support Workers (known internally as a Project Worker). Across our services we support people through semi-independent Housing, specialist mental health or complex needs accommodation and a variety of other accommodation options. We are committed to working with a Recovery Based Approach and supporting people to meet their individual needs. Why not join the team to support our clients on their recovery journey by:
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Working with clients to identify their personal aims and ambitions and work towards achieving them.
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Providing practical and personal support in an approachable, caring and person centred way.
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Work as part of a dedicated team to provide safe, high quality, positive and inclusive service to clients.
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Working as part of the dedicated team on a weekly shift rota including early and late shifts, weekends and bank holidays.
About you
Above all we are looking for enthusiastic people who have a genuine desire to support people to transform their lives.
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If you have good interpersonal and listening skills; patience and resilience we will provide you with the knowledge and training you need to work with clients in a holistic and person-centred way.
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If you have a good understanding of the complex issues faced by homeless people; personal experience of homelessness yourself and some experience of supporting vulnerable people through a process of change we encourage you to apply.
How to apply
To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website.
To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.
Closing date: 10am on Wednesday 1 May
Interview and assessments on: Monday 13 May
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you have the commitment and resilience needed, to work with some of the most vulnerable people in our communities? If the answer is yes, please read on.
About the role:
As the post-holder, you will be working in our Camden Women's Recovery Service hostel providing specialist interventions for a designated caseload and to the wider client group, via our in-house recovery programme.
Your role will be working intensively with the residents on their supports needs. The role of Complex Needs Project Worker is a specialist role, designed to work with people who may be more difficult to reach and establish working relationships with. As such, you will role model good practice for working with those who have experienced multiple disadvantage by adopting a trauma informed approach.
Within this setting, you will also work to establish a culture of co-production where residents are at the forefront of the work that is carried out, helping to promote autonomy and build individual confidence and interpersonal skills.
The rota for the post is earlies (8 am - 4 pm) and lates (2.30pm - 10.30pm).
About you:
- Previous experience of working with female rough sleepers or people with complex mental health, physical health or substance use support needs.
- An understanding of working with people using person-centred approaches and working collaboratively within a harm minimisation and recovery framework.
- A flexible, innovative and creative approach to working with a sometimes hard to engage and challenging client group, is also required.
About us:
Single Homeless Project is a London-wide charity. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a place to call home and the chance to live a fulfilling life.
We help single Londoners by preventing homelessness, providing support and accommodation, promoting wellbeing, enhancing opportunity, and being a voice for change. From supporting people in crisis to helping people take the final steps towards independence and employment, we make a difference to 10,000 lives every year across all 32 boroughs.
We offer you more than a job; we offer you a chance to be part of a compassionate, driven team that's committed to making a real difference in people's lives. You'll have the opportunity to lead, co-create, and inspire change while enjoying a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.
Join us in creating a brighter, more hopeful future for individuals in need.
Important info:
Closing Date: 12th May 2024 (Midnight)
Interviews to be held on: W/C 22nd May 2024
This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed for the successful applicant.
*For genuine occupational requirement reasons, we are seeking female applicants only for this post (exemption under the Equality Act 2010; Schedule 9 Part 1).
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Reporting to: Advocacy Service Manager
Responsible for: No staff
Location: Orchard House, 15A Purley Road, South Croydon, CR2 6EZ and other locations such as Bethlem Hospital, Monks Orchard Rd, Beckenham BR3 3BX.
Purpose of the role:
General Advocacy - to provide independent issue-based advocacy to informal inpatients and residents of Croydon. IMHA Advocacy - to provide statutory representation to inpatients or those living in the community when subject to compulsion under the 1983 Mental Health Act (2007) and to exercise, as instructed by clients, the powers given to IMHA’s under that legislation.
We are willing to consider a trainee who has registered and is working towards the
qualification.
Mind in Croydon is an equal opportunities employer. No job applicant or employee will be discriminated against on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
We encourage applications from those with Lived Experience.
To apply please send your CV and a Covering Letter to explaining:
- Why would you like to apply for this role?
- How your skills and experience relate to the competencies in the Person Specification of the job description?
- What value you can add to the service?
Closing date for applications is 10th May 2024
To apply please send your CV and a Covering Letter to explaining:
• Why would you like to apply for this role?
• How your skills and experience relate to the competencies in the Person Specification of the job description?
• What value you can add to the service?
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for two key individuals to join the team at Basis Yorkshire as a Sexual Exploitation Specialist (16+). You will be providing bespoke trauma informed 1-1 and group work for women who have experienced, or who are experiencing sexual exploitation.
Basis Yorkshire is an award-winning charity that was founded in 1995 and now operates across Yorkshire. This is a unique opportunity to join a challenging and vibrant organisation, working with women and young people who are involved in sex work or being sexually exploited. For more information about what Basis Yorkshire does and its values, please visit our website.
Our energy for and commitment to our work makes us a vibrant and resilient organisation with a strong and compassionate workforce. We are looking for someone who is passionate about making a difference to the lives of young people who have experienced or are experiencing child sexual exploitation, can embrace our core values of respect and trust and will support us in providing a unique service through their creative approach.
Basis is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We particularly encourage applications from Black, Asian backgrounds, those who experience racism and those from the LGBTQ+ community as they are currently under-represented within our staff team. Equally we encourage applications from experts by experience. All appointments will be are made on merit, based on the criteria identified in the job description. You will be based in Leeds and may need to work some unsocial hours. There is some free parking but parking near the office will also be reimbursed.
Basis is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk. This post will be subject to enhanced DBS check.
In addition to being part of a fun, dynamic and vibrant workforce, we offer a benefits package including flexible working, contributory pension (4%), childcare vouchers, funded external supervision and an Employee Assistance package, 35 hour full time week.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The vacancy
What we’re looking for:
- Are you able to work with limited supervision and demonstrate initiative?
- Are you able to develop networks and create a positive profile of the service?
- Do you have extensive knowledge of Welfare Benefits?
If so, this role is perfect for you!
Here at Peabody, we have an opportunity for a Specialist Housing Support Worker to join on a Permanent basis in and around Southend.
A bit about the role:
As an Specialist Housing Support Worker you will deliver high quality and effective support services based at a Complex Needs hostel. You will provide assertive Outreach support to encourage people who have been traditionally hard to engage with to access treatment, health and accommodation services and to support individuals in gaining information that enables them to make informed choices about their lives and to better manage their emotional and personal wellbeing. The service promotes the independence, wellbeing and inclusion of customers whilst complying with Peabody’s policies and procedures and the principles of good practice.
- You will provide support and advice in relation to housing and homelessness issues, benefit claims and advice, building skills to manage debts and budgeting, accessing community support groups, health and wellbeing services.
- You will promote the independence, wellbeing and inclusion of customers whilst complying with Peabody’s policies and procedures and the principles of good practice.
- You will engage with and encourage people who have been traditionally hard to engage into treatment, health and accommodation services and to support individuals in gaining adequate information that enables them to make informed choices about their lives and also to better manage their emotional and personal wellbeing.
The service operates Monday to Sunday and the possible shifts are: 7am - 3pm, 9am - 5pm, 1pm - 9pm and 2pm - 10pm. This role also involves street outreach and will include early shifts starting at 7am and late shifts finishing at 10pm.
This role will require an Enhanced DBS check, a UK driver’s licence and access to a vehicle.
A bit about us:
160 years after it was established, Peabody is one of the oldest not-for-profit housing associations in the UK. The Peabody Group is responsible for more than 107,000 homes, with around 220,000 residents across London and the Home Counties. We also have around 20,000 care and support customers.
Our purpose is to help people flourish, and we are getting closer to residents by taking a local approach. We are committed to delivering a responsive and easily accessible repairs service and investing in our existing homes so they are safe and well maintained. Our retrofit projects will make thousands of our homes more energy efficient.
We work with councils and communities to promote economic inclusion, tackle inequality and poverty, and prioritise wellbeing.
Here just a few of the benefits for working at Peabody:
- Up to 25 days’ annual holiday plus bank holidays
- Flexible benefits scheme, including options for Healthcare, Dental care, Critical illness cover, vouchers, technology scheme and access to a discount portal.
- 4 x Life Assurance
- Competitive salaries that are benchmarked regularly against current market rates
- Professional development by access to "paid for" apprenticeship programs and qualifications
- Two additional paid volunteering days each year
- Family friendly policies
- Up to 10% pension contribution matched 1:1
Are you ready to apply?
Closing Date: 25 April 2024
Interview Date - Week commencing 29th April.
Contract type Permanent
Weekly hours Shift Basis - Mon to Sun - Between 7am & 10pm.
PLEASE NOTE: As an employer, Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer.
To be considered for the position of Specialist Housing Support Worker, please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button and submit both your CV and a bit about why we should consider you for the role.
Peabody reserves the right to close this advert before the advertised closing date, depending on the number of applications received
Ruils is a user-led charity that supports disabled adults and people with long-term health and/or mental health conditions to live independently, be part of their community and live life to the full. We provide information, advice, practical support, befriending and accessible activities to our clients and families.
We are working with the SWL ICB and local GPs to deliver an exciting new service within Hampton North. The Community Health and Wellbeing Worker will speak to households about health and wellbeing, alongside offering support to connect people to services and activities in their local community. The role aims to empower people to take control of their lives.
It involves working with people who may be experiencing a number of issues, so you will need outstanding listening and communication skills, empathy and enthusiasm. You will need excellent organisational skills, be adept at seeking out information for relevant community services and have the tenacity to help people achieve sustainable improvements in their wellbeing.
Main duties include:
- Managing a caseload of households, providing monthly home visits and providing a continuous point of contact for all members of the household.
- Working with the client to assess their needs, create personalised action plans and locate support within the community.
- Supporting clients to prioritise and address practical, health, social and emotional issues in their lives which affect their wellbeing.
- Engaging with community organisations and specialist services that provide support to ease the pathway for your clients.
- Building and maintaining relationships with primary care networks, GPs, health care professionals and services across the borough.
What we can offer you:
- A vibrant and interesting work environment – every day is different.
- An experienced and supportive leadership team.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Flexible working.
- Kind and caring colleagues who work as a team.
- A cycle-to-work scheme.
- An employee assistance programme (EAP).
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme; we will guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. Please state in a cover letter if you wish us to consider you for this guaranteed interview scheme.
To apply, please email Viv Sage, HR Consultant, via the Apply button.
Closing date: 9th May 2024
Interview date: w/c 13th May 2024
Reading Specialist Lead - HMP The Verne
Location: Portland
Salary: £33,000
Hours: Full time (35 hours per week)
Job Type: Full time
Contract Type: Permanent
Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing illiteracy amongst people in prison?
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led literacy across a number of prisons. We now have the opportunity to provide a service at HMP The Verne (subject to contract award). Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our literacy programme at HMP The Verne, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.
Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.
This role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation
We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
Interviews are planned for the 15th May 2024 (online).
REF-213245
Reading Specialist Lead - HMP Foston Hall
Location: Derby
Salary: £19,800
Hours: 21 hours (3 days per week)
Department: Prison delivery
Job Type: Part time
Contract Type: Permanent
Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing illiteracy amongst people in prison?
Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led literacy across a number of prisons. We now have the opportunity to provide a service at HMP Foston Hall (subject to contract award). Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our literacy programme at HMP Foston Hall, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.
Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.
This role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.
We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.
Interviews are planned for the 28th May 2024.
REF-213423
Post: Support Worker
Hours: Full time. Average waking hours: 32 per week plus a maximum of 92 sleeps per calendar year OR 32 per week plus a maximum of 52 sleeps per calendar year
Continuous rolling rota over 365 days (Christmas and New Year shift cover are allocated separately.)
Salary: Starting at £23,255 – £28,567 (annual increments subject to successful appraisals) (dependent on which job role)
Place of Work: Bolton, Greater Manchester
Reports to: Project Manager
Our Vision:
Backup North West believe no young person should experience homelessness. For the young people that do, Backup aims to be an outstanding provider of high quality, holistic housing and support services.
Purpose:
· To provide high quality support and accommodation for homeless young people aged 16-25.
· To enable an introduction to independent living, while offering a safe environment to live and learn.
· To prevent homelessness and reduce risk.
Works with:
Externally:
Local Authorities, Landlords / property owners, Benefits Agency, Housing Benefit, Maintenance Departments, Police, partner and potential partner voluntary agencies offering complimentary services, young people aged 16-25 years.
Internally:
Project Manager, Senior Managers, Business Support Team, other BACKUP schemes and teams and colleagues.
Key Responsibilities
Building resilience within young people
Provide a comprehensive support and service that meets the highly quality standards set by BACKUP.
Support Work
Provide Staff Support
Participate in promotional activities, fundraising and other outings and activities with residents
Rent and Income Management
Provide Financial Support
Provide Premises Management
Maintain Information systems
Flexibility
Policies & Legislation
No CV's please
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About the organisation
nia has been delivering services to women, girls and children who have been subjected to sexual and domestic violence and abuse, including prostitution, since 1975. The organisation has three main aims: to provide services for women, girls and children who have experienced men’s violence; contributing to ending male violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.
About the post
The CASA Project is a specialist service providing advocacy and support to women and their children who have been subjected to domestic and/or sexual violence and abuse, and who have moved on from refuge into self-contained accommodation.
About you
We’re looking for a highly organised and self-motivated woman who is passionate about ending violence against women, girls and children. You’ll have a ‘can-do’ approach and demonstrable commitment to nia’s approach to Prioritising women, upholding and promoting feminist, trauma-informed and anti-racist practice
CV’s will not be accepted.
Closing date: 10am 26th April 2024
Interview date: 7th May 2024
The post is subject to an enhanced vetting and barring check and open to women only. Genuine Occupational Requirement (GOR), Schedule 9 (Work; Exceptions), Part 1 (Occupational Requirements), of the Equality Act (2010) applies.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job title: Female Peer Support Worker
Responsible to: Lived Experience & Community Development Manager
Salary: Starting salary is Starting salary is £25,634.83 per year (Full time equivalent), (SC3-SP14-16)
Hours: 37.5 per week
Contract type: Fixed term one year – Potential for extension with project
Location: East London
Benefits: See supporting documents for information on benefits.
We are seeking a Female Peer Support Worker to provide support and recovery guidance to individuals experiencing common and severe mental health problems and someone to use their own life experience of mental distress or as a carer and recovery as a template.
{Please note that this role is only available to female candidates under the Genuine Occupational Requirement under s9 Equalities Act 2010}
Please see the Job Description and Person Specification attached for more information.
DBS clearance at Enhanced (without Barring) is required for this role.
About Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest:
We are a multi-disciplinary provider of specialist mental health services and a part of the Mind Federation.
We promote both recovery from ill health for people with recurrent and enduring mental health difficulties and early intervention for those at risk of developing mental health issues, or who struggle with common mental health conditions.
We currently support around 5,000 people a year through a variety of services focusing on psychological, social, economic and workplace wellbeing, and support minoritised communities.
Our values are:
Working with Mind CHWF means you’ll be part of a dedicated, passionate, and professional workforce who cares about the work they do and make a real difference to the lives of the people in the City of London, Hackney, and Waltham Forest.
Our values are:
Connected: Creating a compassionate and supportive community.
Fair: We strive for equity- no-one's needs should go unmet.
Brave: We walk with people, offering help by doing what works - proven or new
We are committed to actively becoming anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind CHWF. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation that recognises different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services.
We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.
Those with lived experience of Mental Health are encouraged to apply.
Value-based Recruitment:
We know that for various reasons, not everybody who can successfully perform in a role, performs their best under traditional interview/selection procedures. We are therefore seeking ways to breakdown further barriers in our recruitment & selection process.
Shorted-listed candidates will be provided with some questions to help them prepare for the interview.
How to apply:
The closing date is by Monday 13th May 2024 at 9am, however, please do not delay applying as this advert may close before the stated deadline if we find a suitable applicant for the role.
We are a disability confident employer. All applicants with a disability, who meet the minimum essential short-listing criteria are guaranteed an interview. If this applies to you, please let us know in your application.
Your privacy and the security of your data is our top priority. Please take a moment to read through our applicant’s privacy notice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Thank you for considering the Specialist Advocacy Worker position with us. This is your chance to join a dynamic team dedicated to empowering adults, parents, and families facing learning disabilities and/or autism or learning difficulties (LDAD). At The Elfrida Society, we're committed to championing their rights and ensuring they have the support they need to thrive.
The Elfrida Society has a century-long legacy of supporting individuals with learning disabilities, evolving to meet the changing needs of our community. We pride ourselves on being inclusive, diverse, and accountable. With a strong team of 24 staff members, including 14 individuals with learning disabilities, and a team of dedicated volunteers, we're making a real difference in the lives of those we serve.
Our vision is a world where social justice and equality prevail for people with learning disabilities. We strive to achieve this by providing services, support, and activities that promote independence, happiness, and inclusion.
As a Specialist Advocacy Worker, you'll play a pivotal role in supporting parents with LDAD through their journey of parenting. From navigating complex legal proceedings to accessing essential services, you'll be their trusted ally, ensuring their voices are heard and their rights upheld.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide independent advocacy support to parents with LDAD on various issues.
- Help parents understand the child protection process and make informed decisions.
- Advocate for parents' rights, ensuring fair treatment and access to services.
- Work in partnership with parents to navigate care proceedings and other challenges.
- Monitor and report on advocacy provision's impact and effectiveness.
- Build positive relationships with external partners and represent the service at meetings.
At The Elfrida Society, you'll be part of a team that's truly making a difference. We offer a supportive work environment, opportunities for growth and development, and a chance to be part of meaningful change. If you're passionate about social justice, equality, and empowering individuals with LDAD, we want to hear from you.
Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to join our team and make a difference.
Our mission is to enable individuals with learning disabilities to lead fulfilling & empowered lives, filled with opportunities for growth and joy!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Margins Project, Union Chapel’s Frontline charity, work with people who are homeless or who are at risk of homelessness and helps address pertinent social justice issues these communities face.
The charity runs three integrated programmes:
• a community drop-in programme providing access to nutritious hot meals, and limited access to showers & laundry services.
• advice and engagement programme providing one-to-one as well as group advice service on benefits and housing, and onward referrals to pertinent services.
• support employment programme offers a paid catering training to 10 people who have had experience of homelessness, substance misuse, mental ill-health, and or imprisonment.
Our range of services are designed to help guests (service users) at varying stages, from having no roof over their head to getting back into employment.
This role offers an opportunity for an experienced adviser to help shape and evolve Margins services. Experiences on the ground at the drop-in programme inform the charity’s strategic direction. The role will involve expanding our partner network to link into pertinent statutory and other charitable organisations that provide services that will help our guests with their housing, substance misuse, recidivism, and mental health challenges.
We work closely with people on an individual case work basis to get guests off the streets, into hostels or temporary accommodation where possible, and work with private and social landlords on a range of issues. We support and represent the people we work with on the phone and in person, including at the council, the doctors, the job centre, and benefits tribunals.
Our drop-ins run on Mondays and Wednesdays 11:00am to 1:00pm where attendance is currently from 65 to 75 guests. The advice and engagement worker works more intensively with smaller numbers of up to 20. The demand for more follow up work and advocacy support has been increasing over the last two years and this in-house advice worker is critical for this demand.
Working collaboratively with the Drop-in Community worker (currently vacant), the head chef, and a small group of dedicated volunteers, you will be responsible for the support of a caseload of guests, some with complex needs, and will undertake key work responsibilities including registering the guests, identifying their housing, benefit and personal needs and conducting all necessary follow ups including occasional advocacy support, where deemed necessary.
Job Title: ADVICE AND ENGAGEMENT WORKER
Responsible to: Head of Margins
Location: Margins Offices at Union Chapel, Islington, London
Salary: £32,500 - £35,000
Terms: Full time 37.5 hours per week with 1 hour unpaid for lunch.
Three-month probation, two months’ notice.
23 days annual leave + bank holidays. Workplace pension scheme (NEST)
Start date: May 2024
Purpose of Job:
• To advise and assist guests (service users) with benefit claims and related issues, e.g., Housing Benefit, DLA, PIP, Income Support, ESA, Universal Credit, and other benefits. In particular, assisting them to claim Housing Benefit and UC to reduce risk of rent arrears.
• To develop significant contact and liaison with comparable housing and benefits advice organisations.
• To encourage guests engage with Margins activities, and where practicable, with the wider Union Chapel activities.
• To develop, facilitate and deliver group advice workshops/training programmes and open discussions forums to engage guests who historically do not engage with Union Chapel.
• To Refer Margins guests to relevant internal and external services.
• In liaison with the head of Margins and the chef to refer potential candidates to Margins’ Supported Employment Programme.
The Advice and Engagement Worker will have an active role in identifying and engaging guests as well as referring potential candidates to the Supported Employment Programme, a programme anticipated to expand beyond its current services in Margins catering.
Responsible For:
• Working with caseload of guests
• With the support of drop-in services community worker (currently vacant) to ensure the smooth running of the drop-in services
• Identifying opportunities to improve services both at a project and organisational level.
• Assist the Head of Margins in ensuring that the Margins Project remains GDPR compliant.
• Represent the organisation effectively internally and externally.
• Working in partnership with statutory and other charities to deliver co-ordinated support to guests.
• Identify relevant training opportunities in capacity building.
• Initial liaison with and acting as the first referral contact for the Supported Employment Programme
Key Duties:
• To encourage and assist guests achieve the maximum income from benefits to which they are entitled to, and to refer to relevant support services such as mental health, social services, community support.
• To advise guests on basic budgeting and where applicable to refer to Tenancy Support Officers or outside agencies for more complex help.
• To liaise closely with local authorities, social, and private landlords to try to achieve the best outcome for our guests.
• To identify if the guest is accessioning the right benefit that will support their long-term wellbeing.
• To support newly arrived refugees with their housing and benefit advice needs.
• To actively assist guests with formal appeals against Local Authority, DWP and HMRC decisions regarding benefit entitlement. Representing at Appeal Tribunals.
• To signpost guests to resources that can assist them in finding work.
• When needed, signposting guests to specialist providers in mental health or drug and alcohol support services.
• To Support guests on paying their rent, including providing advice on benefits and debt management.
• To Address breaches of occupancy agreements and develop strategies that would prevent and avoid eviction.
• To assist guests with backdated claims for Benefit by supporting their applications through to completion.
• To ensure all guests’ files are up-to-date and that data is captured on our management system.
• To provide written reports and statistics as and when requested.
• To attend supervision, training, and meetings as and when required.
• To provide advocacy support to guests as and when required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential:
• Good knowledge of the benefits system, including Universal Credit.
• Experience of working with homeless and marginalised people and understanding of the issues that face them.
• Experience of working or collaborating with people with mental health issues.
• Experience of working with refugees and their needs.
• Ability to manage challenging behaviours.
• Embrace a strength-based approach.
• A clear understanding of professional boundaries.
• A knowledge of the best practice in Safeguarding Adult procedures.
• Excellent written and oral communication skill.
• Ability to work proactively as part of a team.
• Ability to plan, manage and action follow-ups on time and manage and contain workload.
• Proficient in IT skills and competence in Microsoft Office applications.
• Committed to personal and professional development through ongoing training.
Desirable:
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience of providing advice to vulnerable groups
• Experience of delivering provision for the benefit of vulnerable backgrounds
Equal Opportunities:
• Ensure consistent and effective implementation of Union Chapel Equal Opportunities & Diversity policy and procedures.
• Positively promote an environment which respects and values the diversity of staff, volunteers, and Guests.
This is a guide to the nature of the work required of the Advice and Engagement Worker. It is therefore not comprehensive or restrictive and may be reviewed with the postholder and the line manager from time to time. The post holder may undertake any other reasonable duties within the capabilities and scope of the post as specified by their line manager. In such circumstances appropriate training will be provided.
How to apply
Please apply with your CV and a support statement, both no more than two pages, outlining your skills and experiences to meet the criteria of the role, why you want to work for Union Chapel Project and your availability to start with “Advice and Engagement Worker” in the subject line. Please also complete our Equal Opportunities Form.
Closing date: Tuesday 30 April 2024, 8am
Interviews will take place w/c 13 May 2024
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.