Specialist support worker jobs in bracknell, bracknell forest
Who are you
You are qualified chef or catering professional who is excited by the prospect of developing training, business partnerships and product development in conjunction with the staff and volunteers at our community garden, kitchen and nursery in Richmond.
About your values and strengths
You will be someone who:
- Grasps new ideas and opportunities and runs with them
- Has the energy and skills to share their knowledge with others
- Is a powerful advocate for learning and development, particularly for people with learning disabilities
- Will be able to mobilise the skills and resources of staff, volunteers and users of the service to deliver work and the work of the kitchen and its development
- Will see the value of, and maximise the opportunities available to through the work of the community garden, its produce and the resources to be developed from it.
- Is confident in approaching other organisations and individuals to drive business and operational development
What we want you to do
Out "Kitchen at the Stud" project is a new initiative funded in partnership with the Royal Borough of Richmond. The Kitchen is a fully refurbished resource at the heart of our Horticultural Service based in grounds of Hampton Court Palace.
The Community Garden is an extensive horticultural resource and the kitchen project is an integrated part of our developing programme of learning and skills development. The Kitchen Lead will work with the garden team in building the kitchen into both a publicly accessible amenity, a training resource, seasonal cafe available on open days and for targeted group dining in addition to exploring the potential for product lines for public sale.
What you can expect from us
Balance is a specialist provider of community based support and services across SW London to people with learning disabilities and enduring mental health support needs. We are:
- A charity that works hard to put its people, those who it supports and those who provide its services at the heart of what we do.
- A charity that takes its mission and values seriously in developing its services, operational approach and commercial relationships
- An organisation supports and encourages its staff to participate as partners in our development as a business, our outcomes and the delivery of our values.
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Entrepreneurial, outward facing, collaborative and embrace the testing of new ideas and initiative.
Additional Benefits of working for us
- A commitment to training and professional development to support internal progression in and beyond the charity.
- Inclusion in and a 3% employers contribution to the charity's pension scheme.
- Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days a year plus bank holidays and an additional day off for your birthday.
- Access to a range of discount schemes including Blue Light Card
- Access to the charity's employee assistance programme.
- Access to travel card loan, and bike to work scheme.
The development of services that support the independence of vulnerable people with learning disabilities and/or enduring mental health needs and the
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our Mental Health Social Care Service in Ealing.
£29,555.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.
Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Our benefits include:
Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
For a full job description, please visit our website.
Oaklands & St Kilda's is made up of two newly refurbished six-bedroom homes, located close to each other in Ealing, West London. We work with up to 12 young people at a time, providing a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment. Many of the young people joining us are moving on from hospital, stepping down from more intensive placements, or transitioning from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult services.
We deliver 24-hour trauma-informed and psychologically informed support. As a Specialist Support Worker, you will take a lead role in supporting young people with more complex mental health presentations - using advanced judgement to identify changes in presentation, contribute to risk planning, and confidently engage with clinical professionals to ensure the right interventions are in place.
If you have strong experience in mental health support, are confident working with complexity, and are passionate about empowering young people to move forward positively in life, we would love to hear from you. This is an excellent opportunity for someone ready to step into a more advanced, professionally influential role within a trauma-informed, recovery-focused environment.
The Specialist Support Worker role involves early shifts (7:30 - 15:30/8:00 - 16:00) and late shifts (14:00 - 22:00) throughout the week, including some weekends each month.
What you'll bring:
Essential:
Significant experience supporting young people or adults with complex mental health needs, ideally in hospital discharge, step-down or supported accommodation settings.
Strong understanding of risk assessment, safety planning and safeguarding, with confidence to escalate concerns appropriately.
Proven ability to work autonomously, make sound decisions and remain calm in high-pressure or crisis situations.
Confident in supporting young people to develop daily living skills, independence and community integration.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including accurate recording and information sharing with professionals.
Desirable:
Level 3+ qualification in Health & Social Care, Psychology, Mental Health, or related field, or equivalent professional training.
Experience contributing to multi-disciplinary meetings such as ward rounds, discharge planning or CPA reviews.
Experience mentoring or supporting the development of less experienced staff.
Experience embedding trauma-informed or psychologically informed practices (PIE, DBT-informed work, recovery approaches).
Lived experience applied professionally and appropriately in a support setting is welcomed.
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
About Shooting Star Children’s Hospices
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Events Manager to join our Care Team at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices.
Shooting Star Children’s Hospices provides specialist care and support to families who have a baby, child or young person with a life-limiting condition, or whose child has died. Rated ‘Outstanding’ by the Care Quality Commission, we support families across Surrey, north-west London and south-west London from diagnosis to end of life and throughout bereavement with a range of nursing, practical, emotional and medical care.
Our Care Events Team provide an extensive programme of groups and events for the 800 life-limited children, their families and bereaved families. There are themed family events, social groups for siblings of different ages, pamper days for mums, counselling groups, bereavement café, memorial days and many festive events such as ice-skating at Hampton Court. Taking place at our hospices and in the communities we serve, there are 5-6 events each week, offering important opportunities for families to make memories together.
About the role
The Care Events Manager is responsible for the delivery and oversight of the annual programme of events. The Care Event Manager leads the Care Events Team, including an Events Assistant, Events Management Intern, Counsellor and care events volunteers, and working with family support workers, children’s therapists and counsellors to deliver an incredible programme of creative and inclusive experiences. The Care Events Manager works alongside the Lead Therapist and Lead Counsellor to ensure that family support at Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is everything the children and families need it to be.
At a weekly meeting, the team are made aware of children and family members who are struggling and think together about where they might benefit from the opportunity to spend time with others who share similar experiences or receive group therapy. Utilising professional events management skills, each event is planned meticulously to be a safe and inviting space. Providing this opportunity for families is integral to their mental wellbeing.
About you
This role requires an individual with professional events management experience, with a proven track record of executing high-profile and bespoke events. The individual should have skills in marketing, events administration and able to create events for families from diverse backgrounds. Excellent project management skills are required to keep the fast-paced programme on track, alongside diligence in health and safety. Leadership and management expertise enable the team to thrive, so that we can provide outstanding support to families. The Care Events Manager should be a compassionate and caring individual, sensitive to the needs of families at Shooting Star, with the emotional resilience to work with families who are experiencing grief and trauma. This is a unique opportunity for an events manager to utilise their skillset to make a huge difference to the families that we support.
Once or twice a month the Care Events Manager is expected to work on a Saturday or Sunday (time is given back during the week). The Care Events Manager will be working predominantly from either of our hospice sites (Guildford and Hampton) so they’re able to interact with the wider team. There may be one day a week when the Care Events Manager is able to work from home, however this isn’t every week.
Please see the attached job description for more information about this opportunity.
What we offer
In return you will receive a competitive salary along with a range of benefits, which include:
Pension scheme
• NHS Pension Scheme (for eligible employees) or our stakeholder pension scheme, with up to 7% employer contributions
Annual leave
• 27 days plus Bank Holidays rising with length of service
• 2 weeks paid sabbatical leave after 5, 10 and 15 years’ service
Contractual benefits
• Generous sick pay scheme
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity leave pay
• Flexible working arrangements
• Death in service benefits
• Reimbursed professional membership fees
• Eye care
• Employee referral scheme
• Blue Light discount card
Health and wellbeing
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Occupational Health
• Mindfulness sessions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Mental Health First Aiders
• Nutritionally balanced meals at Christopher’s (free for employees) and free fruit at our Hampton site
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Also, we are committed to equal opportunities and consider all applicants to be in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a DBS check.
In addition, an enhanced disclosure will be required for this role. Our recruitment checks, induction and ongoing support and supervision reflect our commitment to safeguarding the families we support and consider all applicants in line with the Rehabilitation of Offender Act 1974.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
Shooting Star Children’s Hospice is committed to inclusion and diversity in everything we do. We know that getting things right is critical for us to live our organisation’s values: Professionalism, Respect, Integrity, Diversity and Excellence.
We are always trying to improve our way of working to be more inclusive and equal. Our vision is for Shooting Star Children’s Hospice to be a place where people of all backgrounds, groups and communities feel welcomed to work and volunteer.
To apply please complete our online application and send a statement outlining how your skills and experience meets the criteria set out in the person specification.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Refuge Worker
Location: This is an onsite role, located within the London Borough of Hounslow, there may be a requirement to occasionally work in the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Salary: £28,857.12 (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location)
Contract type: Full Time, Fixed Term Contract (until March 2026)
Hours: 37.5 hours
Are you passionate about supporting women and children escaping domestic abuse? We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Refuge Worker to join our team, providing vital support in a safe and secure environment for those in crisis. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals when they need it most.
As a Refuge Worker, you will be responsible for delivering practical and emotional support to residents, ensuring their safety and wellbeing while they rebuild their lives. Key duties include conducting risk assessments, safety planning, supporting access to benefits and housing, liaising with external agencies, and maintaining accurate case records. The ideal candidate will be empathetic, resilient, and highly organised, with experience of working in a support or advocacy role, ideally within the domestic abuse or safeguarding sector.
This is a rewarding role where your work has a direct impact every day. In return, we offer a supportive team environment, opportunities for training and development, and the chance to be part of a cause that truly matters.
As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.
Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Closing Date: 09:00am 17 November 2025
Iterview Dates: 27 and 28 November 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Refuge Worker
Location: This is an onsite role, located within the London Borough of Hounslow, there may be a requirement to occasionally work in the London Borough of Hillingdon.
Salary: £28,857.12 (Inclusive of London Weighting, which may not be applicable depending on your home location)
Contract type: Full Time, Permanent
Hours: 37.5 hours
Are you passionate about supporting women and children escaping domestic abuse? We are looking for a compassionate and dedicated Refuge Worker to join our team, providing vital support in a safe and secure environment for those in crisis. This is an opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals when they need it most.
As a Refuge Worker, you will be responsible for delivering practical and emotional support to residents, ensuring their safety and wellbeing while they rebuild their lives. Key duties include conducting risk assessments, safety planning, supporting access to benefits and housing, liaising with external agencies, and maintaining accurate case records. The ideal candidate will be empathetic, resilient, and highly organised, with experience of working in a support or advocacy role, ideally within the domestic abuse or safeguarding sector.
This is a rewarding role where your work has a direct impact every day. In return, we offer a supportive team environment, opportunities for training and development, and the chance to be part of a cause that truly matters.
As part of this role, you will be required to participate in an out-of-hours on call rota.
Please note that this post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.
Closing Date: 09:00am 19 November 2025
Iterview Dates: 2 and 3 December 2025
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Case Coordinator will work closely with the Head of Direct Work to ensure the delivery of high-quality Independent Social Work Reports (ISWRs) across the direct work strand of SWWB. The Case Coordinator will supervise volunteer social workers, carry out social work assessments themselves, and support quality assurance processes to maintain excellence in social work practice.
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic safeguarding specialist to be our Diocesan Safeguarding Officer (DSO) to lead safeguarding across the Diocese. Effectively as Head of Safeguarding, this is a senior leadership role with independent authority of the Diocesan Bishop, responsible for the professional oversight of safeguarding children, young people, and vulnerable adults.
The Head of Safeguarding provides expert guidance, manages safeguarding concerns and allegations, and ensures the implementation of national safeguarding standards. You will lead a dedicated team, collaborate with senior clergy and external agencies, and ensure that safeguarding is embedded in every aspect of diocesan life.
Some of the key responsibilities of the role include:
Culture, leadership, and Capacity
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Lead the development and implementation of the diocesan safeguarding strategy.
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Work closely with the Bishop of Guildford, Cathedral Dean, Diocesan Secretary, and senior clergy to promote a culture of safeguarding excellence.
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Support the Independent Chair of the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisory Panel (DSAP), ensuring effective governance and oversight.
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Oversee diocesan responses to audits, quality assurance, and Safeguarding Practice Reviews.
Prevention
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Implement the Church of England’s Safeguarding Code of Practice across the Diocese.
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Provide expert safeguarding advice to clergy, parishes, and the Cathedral.
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Ensure safer recruitment practices are followed across all diocesan bodies.
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Develop and oversee the diocesan safeguarding training plan in line with the Church of England’s Learning and Development Framework.
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Ensure training is high-quality, legally compliant, and regularly reviewed.
Recognise, Assess and Manage Risk
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Lead and coordinate all safeguarding casework within the Diocese, ensuring that work is completed as required by Church of England Managing Safeguarding Allegations Code of Practice, and statutory guidance and legal responsibilities.
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Participate in Case Management Groups, supporting the chair to ensure proper case management and ensure lessons learned are shared with DSAP.
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Collaborate with senior leaders to report Serious Safeguarding Incidents to the Charity Commission.
Victims & Survivors
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Coordinate responses to disclosures of abuse, ensuring timely and compassionate support.
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Implement the House of Bishops’ policy on responding well to victims and survivors.
Learning, Supervision and Support
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Work collaboratively with the National Safeguarding Team and other Church of England Safeguarding Officers, attending national safeguarding events and activities as required.
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Engage in continual professional development, including ensuring that the requirements of the National Safeguarding Learning and Development Framework for Diocesan Safeguarding Officers are met.
General
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Lead and develop the safeguarding team, fostering a culture of collaboration and reflective practice.
We are looking someone who has:
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Proven leadership and strategic planning skills.
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A professional qualification or equivalent experience (e.g., in social care or criminal justice), with current professional registration where applicable.
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In-depth knowledge of safeguarding legislation, policy, and best practice.
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Experience of leading/facilitating/influencing organisational culture change to develop good safeguarding practice and healthy safeguarding cultures.
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Experience in managing complex safeguarding casework and risk assessments.
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Experience working with victims, survivors, and perpetrators of abuse.
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Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to influence and challenge constructively.
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Familiarity with Church of England safeguarding frameworks and governance structures.
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Commitment to the values and mission of the Church of England.
Please refer to the attached Job Description for full details of the Head of Safeguarding
Benefits of the role include:
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Competitive salary within the Charity Sector
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A 10% non-contributory pension
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Life assurance provision of 3x annual salary
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25 days annual leave per year, plus bank holidays
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An employee assistance programme
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Learning and development opportunities
Ready to Apply?
Submit your CV along with a detailed supporting statement (cover letter), outlining how you meet the essential and desirable criteria in the person specification. The supporting statement is an essential part of the application process and thus a failure to provide this information will mean that the application will not be considered.
This role is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) in accordance with our Safer Recruitment Guidelines.
The Diocese take our responsibility for the safeguarding of children and adults seriously. Our recruitment processes reflect this commitment.
We take your privacy seriously. To understand how your personal data will be processed during the recruitment process, please read our Candidate Privacy Notice before applying
We believe that diversity is a strength. We actively welcome and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and identities, particularly those who identify as female, younger, of a UK Minority Ethnic/Global Majority Heritage, or disabled, as it is essential that we reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.
Please note that if you are shortlisted and are unable to attend on the interview date, it may not be possible to offer you an alternative date.
Our vision is of a diverse, growing, intergenerational church at the heart of each community, working alongside our chaplaincies and schools.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.


