Specialist support workers jobs

We're looking for Kind, proactive and resilient Specialist Support Workers to join our Mental Health service in Croydon.

£34,186.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

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

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

What you'll do:
* 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
* Create support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customer to progress in their recovery
* Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking
* Provide support and access to relevant services to enable customers to continue their recovery and empower customers to self-manage their medication regimes through individual re-enablement programmes and informed decision making
* Undertake support work in partnership with external stakeholders to compliment their interventions
* Developing productive relationships with partner organisations to improve service outcomes
* Demonstrate strong commitment to the functioning of the staff team and to support colleagues in providing a high level of service and safety to customers
* Involving customers in the design, development and delivery of the service
* Adhering to lone working protocols and maintaining high levels of awareness in relation to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues

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
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
* Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
* Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
* Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
* Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour

What you'll bring:
Essential:
* NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some or equivalent sector work experience

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

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

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

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

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

Please see our website for the full Job Description

About the organisation

For nearly 50 years, nia has provided high quality, women-led services across North and East London. nia has three main aims: to provide services for women, children and young people who have experienced male violence, working to end men’s violence against women and girls, and to inform and influence policy and public awareness.

nia’s values, and our commitment to upholding them, set us apart. We put women first – always and without hesitation: we believe women, we are run by women, for women. We leave no woman behind: we challenge inequality and discrimination and believe that uniting women of all backgrounds is essential to ending the sex-based oppression of women.

We are seeking to recruit to the following post:

• Job Title: Support Worker – Specialist Refuges
• Job Ref: nia 208
• Hours: 35hrs/week working across Camden, Haringey and Islington
• Salary: £29,000 – £32,000 dependent on experience and qualification
• Location: working across Camden, Haringey and Islington
• Closing date: 10am, 20th April 2026
• Interview date: 1st May 2026

This post is currently funded until 31st March 2027 with a possibility of further extension.

About the role

We’re looking for a highly organised and self-motivated woman who is passionate about ending violence against women. You’ll have a ‘can-do’ approach and demonstrable commitment to nia’s feminist approach to supporting women and girls.

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

About the role:

Step into a role where your work has immediate and lasting impact. At LaunchPad, our 14-bed assessment hub in Newham, you’ll support people coming directly off the street who are navigating multiple disadvantage, including mental health, substance use and physical health needs. This is more than a place of safety, it’s a turning point. You’ll build trusted relationships, work intensively with a small caseload, and support people to stabilise, reconnect with services and take meaningful steps towards longer-term housing. You’ll carry out assessments, co-produce support plans and be alongside clients day to day as they work towards their goals.

Working alongside a passionate, committed team, you’ll play a key role in reducing street homelessness across Newham. No two days will look the same. You’ll work in partnership with services across the borough, advocate for your clients and help them navigate systems that can often feel out of reach. You’ll be part of a service designed for people facing some of the greatest barriers, where persistence, creativity and compassion really matter.

At Single Homeless Project (SHP), we’re serious about your growth. You’ll have access to specialist training, clear progression pathways and the support you need to build a long-term career making a real difference to homeless Londoners.

About you:

• You’ve supported adults navigating multiple disadvantage, including mental health, substance use and homelessness
• You know how to build trust, even with people who may be unsure about engaging with services
• You’re confident supporting people to move into and sustain longer-term housing, including PRS and supported accommodation
• You can assess risk, plan meaningful support and stay calm and responsive when things feel challenging or unpredictable
• You’re organised and comfortable working with systems and partner agencies to keep support coordinated and on track

About us:

We’re London’s leading homelessness charity – and we get things done.

In a city where hundreds are forced into homelessness every day, our work has never been more needed or more challenging. And we’re not shying away. We’re rolling up our sleeves to make change and helping over 10,000 Londoners every year. We prevent homelessness, provide safe places to live and give people the opportunity to rebuild their lives and transform their futures. And we never give up. 

We’re here for Londoners wherever they are on their journey. We start with trust, building relationships that help people feel safe, supported, and ready to move forward. Every day, we put people first in everything we do, challenging injustice and barriers that keep people from the safety, stability and opportunity they deserve. We stand alongside people as they rebuild and shape a future that feels their own. 

Joining Single Homeless Project means joining a team that’s bold, compassionate and determined to do better for the people we support and for each other. You’ll work alongside colleagues with lived experience, in a space that’s trans-inclusive, disability-friendly, and actively striving to be anti-oppressive and equitable. 

We’re not perfect, but we’re real. We listen. We learn. And we push forward, together. Because this isn’t just a job. It’s a chance to lead with empathy, spark change, and help build a London where no one is left behind.

Important info:

Closing Date: Sunday 26th April at midnight

Interview Date: Tuesday 5th May Online via Microsoft Teams

Please note shortlisted candidates will be required to complete a short psychometric test before being confirmed for interview. 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed (by SHP) for the successful applicant. 

Please note applications are reviewed for AI use in application questions. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be accepted for this role. Applications requiring sponsorship will not be accepted or progressed. 

Job Title: Support worker

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Salary: £30,784.00 per annum 

Hours: Hours: 40 hours per week, including weekends

Contract: Permanent

PRHA is a great place to work – Our award-winning teams work together to improve the lives of our residents and make a real contribution to ending homelessness. As an IIP Gold standard employer, we value our staff and commit to develop their skills and support them in their important work.

We have an exciting opportunity for Support Workers within two of our specialist services. We are looking for self-starters with a passion for sparking change in people’s lives. You will have the necessary skillset to empower people and support residents to achieve their goals.

PRHA hostels guarantee a fast-paced, challenging and dynamic environment where no two days are ever the same. We are seeking motivated and energetic individuals to join our teams and help our residents to change their lives for the better.

We are looking for:

Competencies

• Knowledge, empathy, understanding and proven ability to work creatively and engage homeless people whose alcohol/ drug misuse/ mental health/ complex trauma has had significant effect on their physical and mental health, social and coping skills .
• Ability to assess needs, risks (within a framework of positive risk taking) and develop user led support plans.
• Awareness of and ability to identify and address health and care issues with partners, especially substance misuse, mental health, dementia etc.
• Ability to respond to challenging behaviour in a safe way.
• Ability to develop successful professional relationships, working collaboratively with external and internal partners , sharing expertise and learning from colleagues in health, social care,probation and voluntary sector etc
• Knowledge of and commitment to service user involvement, self empowerment, equalities, diversity andservice improvement
• Basic understanding of the principals of delivering support within a Psychologically Informed Environment (PIE) and commitment to working within this model
• Robust knowledge and practical application of adult safeguarding requirements.
• Knowledge and understanding of Healthand Safety in a hostel setting, including dealing with emergencies and working alone.
• A good listener and communicator at all levels, including people with communication difficulties
• A good standard of literacy, numeracy, computer skills and the ability to write accurate and succinct reports.
• Proven ability both to work within a team and use initiative to problem solve.
• Excellent time management skills
• Willingness and ability to support personal care where the service user is at risk
• Ability to implement policies and procedures,standing orders and financial regulations

What we offer

We offer our staff a generous benefits package, which includes:

• Pension Scheme – We offer a group stakeholder pension scheme with 3% employer's contribution, employee contribution is 5%
• Holidays - Employees receive up to 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays rising with long service
• Medical – we provide a “Cash Back" Scheme for a range of services such as dental, physio, chiropody, health& wellbeing
• Training Programmes – We provide comprehensive training to our employees to enable them to grow in their career and achieve their professional aspirations.
• Season Ticket Loans – We offer interest-free season ticket loans after successful probation
• Life Assurance - Upon death whilst in service, a Death in Service payment may be made according to the scheme rules. The payment covers 3 times of the employee’s annual salary.

How to apply

Please read the full Job Description & Person Specification which can be found on our website. To apply, please send your CV and Supporting Statement outlining your interest in working for PRHA and explaining how you meet the criteria set out in the Job Description & Person Specification. Please send your CV and Supporting Statement by clicking the Apply Now button. Furthermore, applications with no attached personal statement explaining how you meet the job description will not be considered.

It is required for this post that the successful candidates will have to complete an enhanced DBS disclosure check.

One of two Outreach and Project Workers pivotal to the delivery of an exciting new Women at Risk (WaR) project which will support women at risk of rough sleeping, homelessness and exploitation. Working across key areas of Enfield and Haringey you will, through a combination of nighttime outreach and daytime service provision, be critical to supporting a coordinated response across multiple agencies already engaged in this work.

You will undertake at least twice weekly nighttime outreach, support additional services and existing outreach provision and develop a daytime offer that meets the needs of women engaged through outreach and identified as at high risk of harm and homelessness.   

You will have responsibility for a caseload of women identified through outreach, referral and presentation at ours and other services. You will provide advocacy, casework support and connection and referral into other agencies which can help them address their needs.

This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a passionate, high performing team and support the development of a new service which is meeting identified gaps in local provision.

Furnishing Futures is a charity that creates beautiful healing homes for women and children who have escaped domestic abuse, and been given empty social housing, using unwanted furniture from the interiors industry. We are looking for a Senior Specialist Support Worker, to provide maternity cover for 12 months managing our specialist support service and providing focussed support to beneficiaries.

Our specialist support team works alongside our home designers to provide advice and support on a range of issues to help alleviate social isolation for survivors, as well as facilitating women’s groups and managing relationships with referral partners.

We are looking for someone with experience supporting vulnerable people with complex needs from a wide variety of backgrounds, and an understanding of the impact of deprivation, discrimination and domestic abuse on individuals, families and communities. Based in Leyton you will be managing a small team and helping the charity develop its service across London. 

Are you looking for a new challenge and a genuinely rewarding role?

We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Floating Support Worker to join our Stopover Supported Housing team in Brighton & Hove.

Stopover provides the only female-specific supported housing for young women in Brighton & Hove and West Sussex. The service offers a pathway from high to low levels of support, giving young women aged 16–25 a safe and stable environment in which to rebuild their lives and move toward independence.

You will work primarily within our low-level floating support project, supporting young women who have often experienced trauma, abuse, mental health challenges, and housing instability. Your role will be to build consistent, trusting professional relationships and support residents in developing confidence, life skills and resilience.

Why Join Impact Initiatives?

Support for You
We understand the emotional demands of this work, and we prioritise the wellbeing of our staff. All team members receive:

· Regular wellbeing and reflective pathway sessions with an external psychologist

· Supervision and restorative circles facilitated by external professionals

· A supportive, experienced team environment where your voice is heard

A Healthy Work-Life Balance
Our structured rota is designed to support wellbeing and predictability:

· Work 3 days on, get 1 day off

· Work 4 days on, get 2 days off

· Alternate weekends off guaranteed

· Paid sleep-in shifts included

Room to Grow
There are clear progression opportunities within the team. Many Support Workers go on to become Senior Support Workers and develop specialisms in housing, safeguarding, or youth leadership.

A Role with Real Impact
This is a varied and enriching position. No two days are the same, and the effect of your work is often visible in short timeframes. You’ll be part of a team that makes a tangible difference in the lives of young women, every single day.

We’re Looking for Someone Who Can:

• Build trauma-informed, empowering relationships with young women aged 16–25
• Support residents to access education, employment or training
• Assist with personal and emotional matters such as health, relationships, and wellbeing
• Co-facilitate life skills sessions and support group activities
• Work within safeguarding, risk management, and confidentiality frameworks
• Work flexible hours on a rota that includes evenings, weekends and sleep-ins

Who You Are:

• You have experience supporting young people or vulnerable individuals
• You understand trauma-informed care and are committed to inclusive, non-judgemental practice
• You’re emotionally resilient, calm under pressure, and a strong team player
• You’re confident using IT systems and can maintain accurate, professional case records
• You’re reliable, flexible, and passionate about improving young lives

To Apply:

Please visit our jobs page to apply on the Impact Initiatives website

Additional Information:

• This post is open to women only, in accordance with Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010, due to the nature of the work delivering trauma-informed support to young women. We welcome applications from all women, including trans women.
• Impact Initiatives is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups such as people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people from Black and minoritised communities.
• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
• We regret that we are unable to sponsor applicants who do not already have the right to work in the UK.
• All interviews will be held in person – we are unable to accommodate virtual interviews.

Closing date: Friday 1 May 2026
Interview dates: During week commencing Monday 11 May 2026

Are you looking for a new challenge and a genuinely rewarding role?

We are seeking a dedicated and empathetic Resident Support Worker to join our Stopover Supported Housing team in Brighton & Hove.

Stopover provides the only female-specific supported housing for young women in Brighton & Hove and West Sussex. The service offers a pathway from high to low levels of support, giving young women aged 16–25 a safe and stable environment in which to rebuild their lives and move toward independence.

You will work primarily within our intensive-level support project, supporting young women who have often experienced trauma, abuse, mental health challenges, and housing instability. Your role will be to build consistent, trusting professional relationships and support residents in developing confidence, life skills and resilience.

Why Join Impact Initiatives?

Support for You
We understand the emotional demands of this work, and we prioritise the wellbeing of our staff. All team members receive:

· Regular wellbeing and reflective pathway sessions with an external psychologist

· Supervision and restorative circles facilitated by external professionals

· A supportive, experienced team environment where your voice is heard

A Healthy Work-Life Balance
Our structured rota is designed to support wellbeing and predictability:

· Work 3 days on, get 1 day off

· Work 4 days on, get 2 days off

· Alternate weekends off guaranteed

· Paid sleep-in shifts included

Room to Grow
There are clear progression opportunities within the team. Many Support Workers go on to become Senior Support Workers and develop specialisms in housing, safeguarding, or youth leadership.

A Role with Real Impact
This is a varied and enriching position. No two days are the same, and the effect of your work is often visible in short timeframes. You’ll be part of a team that makes a tangible difference in the lives of young women, every single day.

We’re Looking for Someone Who Can:

• Build trauma-informed, empowering relationships with young women aged 16–25
• Support residents to access education, employment or training
• Assist with personal and emotional matters such as health, relationships, and wellbeing
• Co-facilitate life skills sessions and support group activities
• Work within safeguarding, risk management, and confidentiality frameworks
• Work flexible hours on a rota that includes evenings, weekends and sleep-ins

Who You Are:

• You have experience supporting young people or vulnerable individuals
• You understand trauma-informed care and are committed to inclusive, non-judgemental practice
• You’re emotionally resilient, calm under pressure, and a strong team player
• You’re confident using IT systems and can maintain accurate, professional case records
• You’re reliable, flexible, and passionate about improving young lives

Additional Information:

• This post is open to women only, in accordance with Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010, due to the nature of the work delivering trauma-informed support to young women. We welcome applications from all women, including trans women.
• Impact Initiatives is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups such as people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ people, and people from Black and minoritised communities.
• This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
• We regret that we are unable to sponsor applicants who do not already have the right to work in the UK.
• All interviews will be held in person – we are unable to accommodate virtual interviews.

Closing date: Friday, 1 May 2026
Interview dates: During week commencing Monday, 11 May 2026

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to. 

Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

About the role

The Senior Advice Worker – SEND will be the specialist and subject expert in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and kinship care. You’ll provide 1:1 advice directly to kinship carers on all issues that impact on their caring role.

You will often be supporting kinship carers in high crisis. It will be part of your job to calm a situation quickly and support people to communicate what they need so you can provide personalised in-depth advice.

You’ll provide advice by phone, video calls and email, but you’ll also need to be able to respond to text, WhatsApp and online chat and other channels as we develop the service.

You’ll specialise in providing advice and information to enable kinship carers to support children with SEND needs, including speech, language and communication difficulties, social, emotional and mental health challenges, specific learning difficulties, and autism.

This will include advice and casework to support kinship carers to navigate the education system, understand Education, Health and Care Plan processes and access support from schools, children’s services and CAMHS.

As subject expert, you’ll provide expert input to the development of written information and resources and the development and delivery of specialist training for kinship carers.

Key responsibilities include:

• Respond to enquiries through a range of incoming channels. This includes taking calls on our advice line, as well as responding to enquiries submitted through our website, via internal referral or other channels.
• Provide high quality advice and information to kinship carers on their rights, entitlements and responsibilities in relation to welfare benefits, local authority allowances, support from children’s services, relevant legal orders, sources of educational, parenting and legal support and other issues that may be required.
• Assess vulnerability and risk to prioritise and respond to kinship carers’ issues in a timely manner.
• Research individual cases and identify possible courses of action.
• Address all safeguarding concerns in line with policy.
• Facilitate access to our advice service for people with diverse needs, e.g. by using appropriate translation services or assistive technology.
• Adapt communication style to respond appropriately to differing needs.
• Provide advice in a format that is manageable and understandable for the individual kinship carer.
• Apply agreed Kinship models of practice as appropriate, e.g. taking a trauma-informed approach.
• Provide specialist advice and casework on SEND-related issues. This may involve:
  • providing additional advice or support to enable a client to take action
  • undertaking follow-up action on behalf of the client to move the case on, e.g. negotiating with third parties
  • taking on complex casework to pursue significant outcomes for the client or strategic impact for all kinship carers

• Proactively update colleagues across Kinship on relevant updates in the SEND landscape, providing guidance to teams.

• Work closely with training colleagues to develop, create and occasionally lead training sessions to support kinship carers to navigate the SEND system.

Essential requirements include:

• Minimum of 2 years’ recent experience of delivering in-depth advice work on complex social welfare legal issues (e.g. benefits, housing, education or social care) to members of the public.

• Experience of giving both telephone and written advice.

• Either significant knowledge of and expertise in the SEND system and SEND-related issues, with the ability to develop expertise in kinship care advice; or, Significant knowledge of and expertise in kinship care advice, with substantial knowledge of SEND-related advice issues and the ability to become an expert in SEND advice for kinship carers.

• A demonstrable knowledge of relevant sources of advice and information. 

• Knowledge and evidence of good understanding of safeguarding issues and good practice.

• Proven understanding of the importance of confidentiality and a non-judgmental approach.

• Experience and confidence in development of resources

• Experience of effective management and supervision of staff, projects and/or services.

• Experience using Case Management Systems and/or Customer Relationship Management (CRM) platforms.

What we offer you:

• Flexible working - we understand how important it is to balance family and work life.
• ​30 days annual leave, plus bank holidays (1 April to 31 March) pro rata (3 to be taken at Christmas shutdown)
• Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential advice line and counselling)
• Charity Worker Discounts.

Key dates:

• Application deadline: Monday 20 April 2026, 12pm
• First interview: w/c 4 May 2026 (online)
• Second interview: w/c 11 May 2026 (if required)

How to apply:

Please apply for the role of Senior Advice Worker - SEND by sending a CV and answering the questions below. The deadline is 12pm on Monday 20 April 2026. Any applications arriving after the closing date will not be considered for shortlisting unless there are exceptional reasons. Please ensure you have read the application timelines.

Please provide a cover letter answering the following 4 questions (up to 250 words per answer):

1. Give an overview of how your experience, qualifications and training equip you for the role of Senior Advice Worker - SEND.
2. Explain why you want to work for Kinship.
3. What are the key skills and personal attributes that you would bring to the role?
4. What do you see as the most significant advice issues confronting kinship families navigating the SEND system?

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

About Us 

Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid have for over 45 years supported women and children with services around domestic violence and abuse. Could you be a part of our team as we continue our mission to end domestic violence and abuse? 

The region’s leading charity in tackling violence against women and girls, BSWA offers a helpline, webchat, drop in and and community support as well as emergency accommodation in six refuges across the area.

Projects supports women in the criminal justice system, in healthcare settings, and throughout the community, offering support to women and children experiencing domestic violence. Alongside this, we also have staff offering training and consultancy to businesses and health and social care professionals alike, raising awareness on gender based violence issues.

We seek like-minded women to join our enthusiastic team of workers, all of us passionate about the vital and valuable work we do to support women and children who have experienced domestic abuse, and tackling the wider issues of violence against women and girls. 

Key Responsibilities -

To deliver tailored, holistic support to women affected by violence and abuse and living in the community, including practical and emotional support to increase women’s and children’s safety and meet identified needs.

Specific community language posts are also available for this role. Please indicate in the supporting evidence if you would be interested in the language post

Experience Required - 

Providing practical and emotional support to women and children affected by domestic violence 

Offering advice and information and advocating for service users on a range of issues including homelessness, benefits, legal, social welfare issues etc 

Developing and maintaining effective working relationships with external agencies 

Working within safeguarding guidelines to protect and promote the well-being of children and vulnerable adults 

Benefits

• 31 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays) 

• Up to 6% matched pension contribution 

• Free access to Employee Assistance Programme 

• Life Assurance scheme while in employment (a lump sum of 4 times salary) 

• Cycle to Work scheme 

• Health Cash Plan scheme available to all employees from day one 

• Successful candidates may have the opportunity to work under hybrid working arrangements, subject to the role and to the terms of our Hybrid Working Policy 

BSWA is a Disability Confident Employer. We want everyone to have equal chance at being considered for our jobs. Should you be unable to submit your application online and would prefer an alternative method, or you are experiencing another barrier to completing your application, please contact us via our website.

These posts are covered by a Genuine Occupational Requirement (Schedule 9; Equality Act 2010) and women only need apply.

The closing date for receipt of completed applications is at 12 noon on Wednesday 6th May. Interviews will take place weeks commencing 18th May.

JOB TITLE: Kinship Community & Family Support Worker

RESPONSIBLE TO: Kinship Services Manager

HOURS OF WORK Part-time 28hours (evening and weekend work will be required)

LOCATION: Hybrid – in person community delivery, with requirements to attend office base in Edinburgh/East Lothian, and home working possible

SALARY / GRADE: Fixed term 24 months (with potential for extension, funding allowing)

Grade 4 / £28,615 per annum fte – pro-rata

KEY WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

•Kinship Services Manager

•Adoption UK Scotland and Kinship service colleagues

•The Adoption and Kinship Community in Scotland

•Local Authorities and external commissioners

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

·To support the community work of Adoption UK Scotland and their kinship services, to provide professionals, parents/carers, children, and young people access to information, resources, and services for kinship communities and to engage with families in their local communities.

·To offer a front-line service, primarily to kinship families based in the East Lothian Community, by supporting delivery and administration for activities and events, including regular support groups delivery, youth and family events. Support of events in other areas in Scotland based on resources and availability.

·To hold and manage kinship care family cases, providing direct family support within service guidelines and delivery model.

·Support planning, organisation of, and attendance at, in person and online events through funded projects and services to bring together kinship families and individuals, enable peer support, build a sense of community and promote an active and supportive Community Network.

·To respond to enquiries received via the Information and Support Service and relevant email inboxes with relevant information and/or signposting.

·To be part of the wider kinship service team within Adoption UK Scotland, working across teams and services.

·Work collaboratively with colleagues across all services areas of Adoption UK

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

·Working alongside service leads within the kinship teams, and with the wider community team members to plan and deliver specific events and activities for East Lothian Council Kinship community members, and kinship families in wider areas where resources and availability allows.

·Provide administrative coordination for community groups, including collating event materials, gathering feedback and evaluations for reporting purposes, supporting delivery of events, maintaining records using existing required systems, and responding to enquiries via our Information and Support line and relevant email inboxes.

·To facilitate referral meetings with new kinship carers accessing the East Lothian Kinship Support Service, including initial assessment of need to identify suitable support and signposting requirements

·To hold responsibility for administrative requirements relating to referrals and cases within the East Lothian Kinship Support Service, including setting up new cases and recording service delivery interactions, using existing Adoption UK systems and processes

·To work with colleagues in the Foundations for Families kinship support service to support delivery where time and resources allow, and coordinate activities between services where appropriate.

·To report to line manager and directors in Adoption UK Scotland relating to service delivery, including contributing to monitoring and reporting on activities.

·To work alongside Adoption UK colleagues to develop and improve resources and services for kinship carers

Knowledge and experience

• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of the kinship legislation system, issues and challenges faced by kinship individuals. (Essential)
• Experience of engagement and direct work with families (Essential)
• Experience of facilitation of in person and online groups (or commitment to learn) and commitment to digital safeguarding (Essential)

Qualifications and Education

• Relevant degree or qualification (e.g. community work, social sciences) or equivalent experience (Essential)

Skills and abilities

• Report writing and record keeping (Essential)
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal (Essential)
• Ability to build and maintain relationships (Essential)
• The ability to use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) (Essential)

Accountability

• Liaise with colleagues to share updates and information
• Report to supervisor and relevant managers and external commissioners on activities

Behaviours

• Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values and mission in all interactions with external stakeholders.
• Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.
• Follows all policies and procedures relating to risk assessments, safeguarding and youth service delivery
• Contributes to an open and honest culture
• Encourages challenge and creativity, transparency and consistency.
• Leads by example.
• Offers outstanding service to members.
• Promotes cross functional team working, sharing skills and knowledge
• Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.
• Valuing the opinion of other. Treating colleagues and other stakeholders with respect.
• Takes pride in own development, committed to achieving high standards and agreed objectives

Are you looking for a dynamic and rewarding role working for an organisation with the feminist agenda at the core of its ethos? Then Advance Charity could be the career choice for you!

We are looking for a Loss & Bereavement Specialist Worker

Salary: £27,000- £32,000 pro rata

Location: Advance Headoffice Hammersmith & Women’s centres across London, with co- location at HMP Bronzefield

Hours: 21 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term – March 2027

This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, and satisfactory enhanced DBS check. This role is also subject to Police Vetting.

About us

Advance is an award-winning and innovative women-only organisation, established in 1998, providing emotional and practical support to women and girls survivors of domestic abuse and supporting women with short-term sentences to reduce offending. We believe in empowering women and girls to lead safe, non-violent, equal lives so that they can flourish and contribute to the community.

We are a community-based organisation who lead in best practice approaches to supporting women in their local community. We achieve this by being available to meet and support women in local settings and at our women’s centres, and by working in close partnership with other agencies.

Our values are to listen and support, to empower and respect, collaboration, innovation, and accountability.

About the role:

This is an ideal post for someone with experience and interest in bereavement work, looking to join a forward thinking, new service. This is also a great chance to be working alongside the Healthcare & Education Department within HMP Bronzefield and be part of a prison services team in Advance.

Using a trauma informed approached, the Loss & Bereavement Specialist will conduct a person-centred assessment to understand the extent of the client’s emotional needs and the impact of loss due to imprisonment or contact with the criminal justice system whilst also identifying practical and specialist needs. They will work with women to develop a support plan, ensuring they are equipped with information and knowledge about how to navigate possible changes in circumstances related to her children’s care and offer crisis intervention and support during acute phases of loss/bereavement.

The Loss & Bereavement Specialist Worker will liaise with the Prison Healthcare team, OMU, visits team and the Family Support Officer to facilitate interactions between women and their children/family members, particularly considering support is in place after visits and that the women’s emotional needs are met in custody and community via our Women’s centres.

The Specialist Worker will create a link between prison and the community, helping women to navigate support services and to positively re-integrate into their community upon release. The role will combine a casework- based approach, along with a signposting and advice service for the women. They will be based in the community and will provide a drop-in service in HMP Bronzefield to support women who are close to release.

A car may be desirable for this role, though not essential.

About You:

To be successful as the Loss & Bereavement Specialist Worker you will need the below experience and skills:

Experience of working with bereaved individuals and providing grief counselling including knowledge of various therapeutic modalities relevant to grief counselling

Comprehensive understanding of the grieving process and experience of working with bereaved and loss as well as knowledge of traumatic and complex grief/loss.

An understanding of violence against women and girls and its links to women in the criminal justice system.

Proven ability and experience as a caseworker delivering trauma responsive interventions which support resettlement and rehabilitation of vulnerable people in the criminal justice system whether in the community or in prisons

Knowledge and understanding of the requirements of managing a caseload including maintaining and updating records, remaining focused on action plan goals, and keeping to deadlines

How to apply:

Please submit your up-to-date CV with a supporting statement. Please note that only applications made via the job advert on the Advance careers page, and those that include a cover letter will be considered.

Closing date for applications: 21st April 2026
Interviews are taking place w/c 4th May 2026

*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.

What we can offer you - Employee Benefits:

• An exceptional 30 days of paid holiday per year (pro rata for part time), PLUS public holidays on top (that's nearly 40 days paid holiday per year!)

• Additional days off to celebrate International Women’s Day, and for religious observance and moving home

• Perkbox - an employee discount platform where you can receive free rewards as well as take advantage of savings on clothes, groceries, travel, leisure and more

• Pension scheme

• Enhanced maternity/adoption provision

• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme

• Employee eye-care scheme

• Clinical supervision for front line staff and first line management roles

• Refer a Friend Scheme - £250 for each referral who passes probation

• Organisation wide away days

• Thorough induction and training

• Career development pathways

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Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have special needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.

Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. 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.

Safeguarding

Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.

Specialist Behavioural Support Worker (Male Only)

£29,112.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.
Shifts are a mix of 07:00-15:00 or 14:00-22:00 including weekends

Want to feel like you're part of one team? 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.

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.

What you'll do:

You will be supporting a 32 year old man who lives in a self-contained bungalow in a supported living service in Newham.
Building supportive, trusting relationships with customer and creating a positive atmosphere
Be mindful of service users Sensory needs
Carrying out holistic assessments of customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
Creatively engage service user in tasks and activities and offer choices and opportunities to develop daily living skills
Create support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customer to progress in their recovery
Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking
Provide support to enable customers to continue their recovery and empower customers to self-manage their medication regimes
Involving customer in the design, development and delivery of the service
Taking a positive risk approach to users support.
Provide structured support and guidance to other front line staff in their area of expertise
To lead groups and activities - offering a range of appropriate therapeutic and recovery focused interactions and activities
Adhering to all other Look Ahead's policies and procedures. Engaging in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills
Supporting in challenging situations through Positive Behaviour Support strategies

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

About you:
Compassionate and able to help service user support needs
Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
Assertive and able to help user manage emotions
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
UK License needed
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour
Understands the Positive Behaviour Support framework
Can be creative around activities, both in the house and in the local community

What you'll bring:

Essential:

Experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and Mental Health
NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some or equivalent sector work experience
UK Drivers License

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.