Specialist vocational advisor jobs

World Jewish Relief created the Specialist Training and Employment Programme (STEP) for refugees in 2016 and today we are the largest provider of specialist employment support to people who have experienced forced migration in the UK. STEP aims to improve integration for refugees and people who have experienced forced migration support though a targeted employment programme that addresses the complex barriers they face in preparing for, and ultimately finding, work in the UK. We support all people who have experienced forced migration regardless of their proximity to the labour market, to develop the skills and access the opportunities they need to secure sustainable and meaningful employment.

We run STEP online and in person programmes across the UK.  Our work now includes specific programming for women refugees, Afghan nationals, Ukrainians and those who have come through the asylum system.

We have expanded our work to deliver (in partnership with the British Council) an English Language and Employment Support Programme for up to 4,000 Ukrainians and Hong Kong BNO status/visa holder (50% of each community. The programmes provide advice and signposting to relevant services to mitigate against any potential obstacle to participation – this includes access to tech and statutory childcare.

The Specialist Training and Employment Programme (STEP) supports individuals who have experienced forced migration to rebuild their lives and access meaningful employment. We know that to succeed, participants need more than just training and job search support. They need to feel connected, informed, and welcomed into the communities they live in.

Community Leads play a key role in helping promote the programme to the Hong Kong BN(O) community. We have one Community Lead based in the North West and are looking for a second in London and the South East. Working remotely and across regions, the Community Leads work in partnership to deliver community engagement and outreach activities, help participants understand and access local services, and ensure that support is culturally appropriate and inclusive.

The Community Leads also help build partnerships with local groups, promote volunteering, and run events that support social connection and reduce isolation. They will contribute to our social value commitments and play a crucial part in shaping how the STEP programme responds to local needs and participant feedback.

About you

We are looking for candidates who have:

• Proven experience in community engagement, outreach or partnership work
• Understanding of the issues and challenges faced by people who have experienced forced displacement accessing employment and of the challenges faced by people who are resettling in a new country and community
• Experience of delivering and supporting events, webinars or community activities
• Experience producing accessible, culturally sensitive written materials or communications
• Experience working with or within community organisations or VCSEs
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills. 
• Strong organisational and time management skills
• Confident writing skills (newsletters, social content or short reports)
• Proficiency in Cantonese to support webinar delivery and community engagement

Candidates must be UK based and have the right to work in the UK for the duration of the contract

The Benefits:

• 23 days holiday plus bank holidays and Jewish holidays
• Pension scheme – we contribute 5% to the World Jewish Relief pension scheme.
• Life Insurance – up to 3 times salary.
• Health cash plan– cash back to cover the costs of dental treatment, optical care, specialist consultations and a range of complementary therapies.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• On Friday the office closes at 3pm
• We encourage flexible working/working from home and offer a range of flexible working options.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion:

World Jewish Relief values equity, diversity and inclusion in our workplace and we encourage applications from candidates of all ethnicities, socio-economic backgrounds, genders, sex, sexual orientations, ages, disability, faiths (or non), marital status (or non), that meet the criteria set out for this role.

We are striving to build a team reflective of the communities we work with. People with experience of forced migration are experts by experience and are particularly encouraged to apply for this position. If you have first-hand experience of forced migration, please let us know in your application. Additionally, we encourage you to apply even if you do not meet all the requirements that are listed within the person specification.

We respect that people’s identity is not defined by their past experiences and do not expect candidates to describe their lived experience during the interview process unless they wish to do so.

You don’t need to be Jewish to work for us, but you must be committed to our faith-based values of Justice, Kindness, Repairing the World and Welcoming the Stranger. We are inspired by these values to work beyond our community, recognising the dignity and potential of all people.

How to apply

Please upload your CV and a cover letter explaining how you meet the specified criteria in the person specification. Please refer to the person specification which shows which criteria will be assessed in your CV and cover letter. 

Interviews will be held remotely during the week of 15th December 2025.

Expected start date will be 5th January 2026.

High Trees Community Development Trust is seeking an experienced and passionate Head of Children, Young People & Families (CYPF) to join our senior management team and lead one of our core service areas.

This is an exciting opportunity to oversee a wide-ranging CYPF service that directly supports over 400 children and young people each year, and many more through partnerships. You will lead the newly redeveloped Tulse Hill Adventure Playground, ensuring it thrives as a hub for children, young people and families, alongside a portfolio of impactful programmes including school-based mentoring, young leaders’ programmes, family stay-and-play, and peer-led social action.

Supported by our Adventure Playground Manager and a team of youth and play workers, this is an incredibly exciting time for the service – the newly built structures, alongside a small animal area and a growing area, are ready to build an ambitious service around that meets the needs and interests of local children and families.

High Trees is also the lead partner in Building Young Brixton (BYB) – a consortium of 10 youth organisations working with 2,000 young people across Lambeth – which you will coordinate, alongside contributing to the Lambeth Peer Action Collective.

Our Head of CYPF plays a key leadership role that combines strategic oversight with hands-on involvement. You will bring significant experience in youth or community work, with the skills to manage multifaceted services, lead teams, and build strong partnerships with local organisations, schools and statutory bodies. By working closely with our team and partners, you will help ensure that children and young people in Lambeth have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.

Our incredible interim Head of Service will be happy to arrange an informal chat with interested candidates to discuss the day to day responsibilities of the role.

About High Trees

Based in Tulse Hill, High Trees has been rooted in the local community for over 27 years. We delivery community action, employment, education, youth services and community research, working in partnership with local people and local organisations, to build stronger communities and create meaningful change. We are recognised for our collaborative, long-term approach and our ability to adapt and respond to the issues that matter most to local people.

About the role

As Head of Children, Young People and Families, you will:

• Lead and inspire our Children, Young People and Families team to deliver high-impact, community-led work.
• Oversee a portfolio of projects and contracts, ensuring they are delivered to time, budget, and quality.
• Build and strengthen partnerships across the sector to support children, young people and families in Lambeth.
• Act as Designated Safeguarding Lead for CYPF services and partnerships.
• Contribute as a member of High Trees’ senior management team, helping shape organisational strategy and drive our ambitions across all service areas.

About you

We are looking for someone who brings:

• Significant experience in working with Children, Young People and Families.
• A proven track record of leading teams and managing complex projects.
• Excellent communication and partnership-building skills across diverse stakeholders.
• A strategic but practical approach with the ability to balance day-to-day delivery with long-term vision.
• A passion for place-based working, collaboration, and advocating for the needs of children and young people.

Why join us?

This is a rare opportunity to take a senior leadership role in a values-led organisation at a time of growth and ambition. You will play a pivotal role in shaping CYPF services and ensuring that children and young people in Lambeth have the opportunities and support they need to thrive.