Substance misuse outreach worker jobs

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Community Connector (Mental Health Resilience Worker)
Post no: 654
Working base: Dunstable CMHT (Community Mental Health Team) LU5 – Occasional cover at Leighton Buzzard
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £24,720 per annum
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday

Thank you for your interest in this exciting role as a Community Connector.

About the Service

We work under the supervision of the NHS Community Mental Health Teams (CMHT) across Central Bedfordshire, Luton and Bedford, employed and managed by Mind BLMK, who receive funding for this transformational offer. We are privileged to be able to work holistically with people who are under the CMHT, struggling with a range of mental health issues.

Our service users are people with a range of mild/moderate/severe mental health diagnosis of anxiety, depression, paranoid schizophrenia, bipolar, EUPD, BPD, substance misuse including alcohol and people with suicide ideation. Often people present with high risks and once we take them onto our caseload we support them in managing their symptoms to reduce risk and to enable them to access wellbeing tools and services, leading to improved mental wellbeing and a better quality of life.

About the Role

Community Connectors work as part of an integrated, blended mental health offer to support people, for approximately a 6 - 12 week duration, with emotional, social and practical needs to access a range of local, non-medical and non-clinical services, to improve confidence, social inclusion and independence.

This role will involve working as part of a multi-disciplinary team with statutory, third sector and NHS colleagues to support clients who are suffering from moderate to severe mental health difficulties. You will need to have experience working with those suffering with mental health illness as well as being able to demonstrate in depth knowledge of the services, support networks and local resources that may assist in improved outcomes for those dealing with complex and enduring mental health issues. The ability to be adaptable, work independently and the resilience to work in some challenging environments are key attributes for this role.

A typical day in the life as a Community Connector:

• 9.15 – 11.30: Attend MDT – discuss a number of patients and treatment. This is a weekly meeting at each CMHT for reviews of those under the CMHT and includes people who are currently on the mental health wards and individuals under a section.
  Discuss any high risk cases and next steps.
  Discuss those who are ready for discharge.
• 11.30 – 12:15: Add notes to database - that have been taken during the meeting – reporting on the discussion and outcome for patients (this includes identifying next steps for professionals and tasks which the admin team need to follow up on).
•  12.15 – 13.15: First Initial assessment with a new service user – introductions and getting to know them.
  Discuss goals and what recovery means to them.
  Carry out a dialog+ (diagnostic tool).
  Clarify areas for signposting and discuss wellbeing practical support.
• 13.15 – 13.45: Lunch break
• 3.45 – 14.30: Signposting for service user
  Update data base with notes from the initial assessment and upload any documents sent to services for the new service user.
•  14.30 – 15.30: Meeting with service user in local cafe. Review of goals and progress. Review any signposted services – has the service user attended? How are they feeling? What has worked/not worked and what could be improved? Set goals to be worked towards by next session – these could be simple practice of self-affirmation/ attending a yoga class/meditation or continuing work with P2R etc. OR more practical self-care – showering/ going for a walk etc.
• 15.30 – 17.00: Catch up on admin tasks; respond to new referrals; call service users to book in appointments or to offer any well-being check-ins.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Health Plan with a wide variety of benefits
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm on Friday 6th February 2026
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues in a moment of crisis?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

If you can embody our values of Hope, Courage, Togetherness, and Responsiveness, and want to help others build resilience and manage their wellbeing, we’d love to hear from you.

Community Outreach Worker (ConnectU St Albans)
Reference: 322
Salary: £26,000 - £27,000 per annum, pro rata
Hours: Part-time, 15 hours a week over 3 days (Flexible) (Friday is mandatory)
Contract: 1 Year
Reports to: Community Support Service Team Leader
Working base: St. Albans

About the Service

The ConnectU St Albans programme is a partnership-led initiative designed to address key social, economic, and health needs primarily those in Park Street and London Colney, as well as Chiswell Green, Sopwell and Cottonmill. Provide primary and secondary contact details to ensure continuity and responsiveness. Through a coordinated and targeted approach across Health and Wellbeing, Employment, and Community Engagement, the programme will expand vital services into underserved areas, while strengthening existing support to vulnerable groups.

The purpose of the Hertfordshire Mind Network Community Outreach Worker ConnectU St Albans role is to:

• Expand employment, health and wellbeing, and community engagement services into priority areas: Sopwell & Cottonmill, Park Street & Chiswell Green, and London Colney.
• Strengthen existing service provision for financial advice, food security, and homelessness support.
• Build strong local partnerships, volunteer networks, and stakeholder relationships.
• Deliver measurable outcomes for residents, with a focus on those experiencing deprivation and marginalisation.
• To provide advice, information, onward referral and holistic support to clients with coexisting drug and alcohol difficulties, mental ill-health, these will be clients who are presenting to the Police, Anti-Social Behaviour, Tenancy Enforcement, Housing and Environmental Health Services within Hertfordshire.
• To ensure that the safety and wellbeing of the client is monitored and reviewed regularly.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• Embed a person centred and solution focused approach in all aspects of the role.
• To raise greater awareness of complex needs and the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) amongst local service providers. Supporting them to gain confidence in working positively and consistently with people who have multiple needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Encourage and support clients to participate in group activities, workshops, and community-based mental health programs.
• Provide employment-related support as part of mental health and wellbeing recovery services, including goal setting, job readiness, and workplace adjustment support.
• Assist clients in developing CVs that reflect their strengths, skills, and recovery goals, supporting confidence and readiness for employment.
• Engage individuals with early-stage mental health needs or employment barriers through accessible, community-based support delivered in partnership with local organisations near client’s homes.
• Encourage and support clients to access volunteering opportunities that build skills, confidence, and community connection.
• Work from the local food bank every Friday from 10:00am–12:00pm as a point of contact for individuals to access support and information, including referrals and signposting to appropriate services.
• Hold a caseload proportionate to working hours, delivering support through home visits and community-based interventions.
• Provide practical support by transporting clients to external appointments to reduce barriers to access and promote wellbeing.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) - compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Being able to drive and having access to your own vehicle (or equivalent) is essential for this role.

Closing date for receipt of applications is 30th January 2026
Interviews to be held on a rolling basis at our Watford well-being centre
N.B. Please quote reference number 322 when completing your application for this role.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. Our inclusive approach recognises the unique skills, knowledge, and perspectives that lived experience brings to our team.

No agencies please.

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 Complex Needs & Outreach Keyworker

Salary:  £25,000- £27,000 pro rata

Location: Kent Advance Women’s Centre including co-location at Folkstone Probation Office

Hours:  28 hours per week

Contract: Fixed Term Contract for 12 months

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 EL1 MOJ 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 a pilot project for Advance working with women with complex needs related to their involvement with the criminal justice system. As the Complex Needs & Outreach Worker you will provide intensive, trauma-informed support to women experiencing multiple and intersecting vulnerabilities, including homelessness, domestic and sexual violence, mental health challenges, substance misuse, and social exclusion. Working flexibly across outreach and community settings, you will focus on building trusting relationships with women who may be disengaged from or distrustful of services, ensuring their voices are heard and their needs are addressed holistically.

You will be based primarily at Folkestone Probation Office, with up to two days per week spent providing outreach support in the community. This position involves close collaboration with the Folkestone Women's Pod to identify women who require intensive support.

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

About You:

To be successful as the Complex Needs & Outreach Worker you will need the below experience and skills:

You will be highly empathetic, able to listen without judgement, and emotionally resilient when supporting women who have experienced significant trauma and adversity. The role requires tenacity and persistence, maintaining consistent engagement with clients who may have chaotic circumstances or face barriers to accessing support. You will advocate on behalf of clients, coordinate multi-agency responses, and support women to access safe accommodation, health services, safeguarding support, and pathways to recovery and independence.

This role demands a proactive, compassionate professional who can manage complex risk, work autonomously, and remain motivated and resilient while delivering person-centered, strengths-based support to some of the most vulnerable women in the community to enable them to lead safe and fulfilling lives.

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: Sunday 1st February 2026

· Interviews are taking place on: w/c 9th February 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.

We are seeking a  compassionate, dedicated individual to join the Homelessness Team in our values-led charity.Please note that for safeguarding reasons, we have an occupational requirement for this post-holder to be male.

Our Charity:  St Petrock’s is a strongly values-led local charity, with our primary focus being to meet the urgent needs of people experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness. It is essential for everyone on our team to be fully committed to our Mission and Values, which guide all that we do.

The Role:  We are looking for a motivated, compassionate and dedicated individual to join our homelessness team, which provides essential survival support and advice to people who are rough sleeping and/or vulnerably housed. We welcome applications from those with lived experience of homelessness.

The successful applicant will be committed to the mission and values of St Petrock’s. They will have significant experience of working with disadvantaged people who may exhibit challenging behaviour and will also understand the importance of confidentiality and discretion. They will be adaptable and flexible, capable of working both on their own initiative and enjoy the variety and challenge of working as part of a team within a busy charity.

The role is based at the St Petrock’s Centre and includes our food outreach. This involves significant amounts of walking each day across multiple terrains, requiring a good level of mobility and fitness.

For a full Job Description and Person Specification, please see details in the attached Job Pack (which can be viewed when you start your application).

To apply, please include your CV,  and full cover letter as per instructions in the Job Pack.  We will also ask you to complete a Disclosure Form via email in line with our safeguarding requirements.

There is no fixed closing date. We are looking to appoint as soon as possible.

Important Information:  Please note only male candidates will be considered for this post. Many of our clients are highly vulnerable and have experienced trauma, meaning they often make disclosures of a very personal and sensitive nature.  Given that around 80% of those we support are male, it is therefore essential that the team includes at least one male Project Worker in order to enable this support to be delivered safely, to avoid re-traumatisation and to ensure good safeguarding practice.  Therefore, in accordance with the Equality Act 2010, St Petrock’s will have an Occupational Requirement for this post to be filled by someone who is male.

St Petrock’s is fully committed to safeguarding the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. We use “safer recruitment” practices throughout our recruitment processes, and all successful candidates will be subject to the highest level of DBS check that is legally permissible for their role. Any offer of employment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

ROLE PROFILE: Carers Wellbeing Worker 

Responsible to: Services Manager/Senior Wellbeing Worker 

Key Internal Stakeholders: Bridgend Carers Wellbeing Team 

Engagement teams 

Finance team 

Wider hub teams 

External Stakeholders: Commissioners 

Unpaid carers 

Partner organisations 

Responsible for: Volunteers

Location:Hybrid: Home, office and community based 

Salary: £24,285.69 pro rata 

Hours of work:  This role is permanent, of 16 hours per week. 

Monday – Friday, flexible between 8am – 7pm

Key Purpose / WHY? 

The Carers Wellbeing Worker will support unpaid carers across Bridgend to establish ‘What Matters’ to them and provide bespoke, person-centred information, advice and guidance to those accessing our services, including, one 2 one support, group work and activities, as well as signposting and referring to relevant agencies for additional support including working with the unpaid carer to complete a proportionate carers assessment to help them on their caring journey. 

Working with the senior Carers Wellbeing worker to develop and deliver of a targeted outreach support programme, building on existing partnership working and connecting carers to community resources, preventing the need for escalation to statutory services. 

Key Responsibilities / WHAT? 

• To be the key contact for all enquiries around the Bridged Carers Wellbeing Service, including monitoring referrals, Bridgend Carers Wellbeing inbox, telephone or online enquiries and referrals through WCCIS. 

• To identify, engage with and support individuals who may be in an informal unpaid caring role including carers from seldom heard groups. 

• To work with unpaid carers and assist them to articulate ‘what matters to them’, their desired outcomes and signpost / refer individuals to relevant support service to enable them to achieve those outcomes within their own communities. 

• Undertaking proportionate carers assessments and reviews – identifying areas of need or change and producing support plans, to achieve outcomes that support the carer to become self-reliant and build a network of support. 

• To deliver a regular programme of outreach and engagement events, taking Bridgend Carers Wellbeing services into the community and working in partnership with carers support services. Feeding back suggestions and ideas to the Senior Carers Wellbeing worker to support development of targeted outreach across Bridgend. 

• To work with key stakeholders including Bridgend Council, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Third Sector, and other external organisations across Bridgend, in a professional manner. 

• Accurate and timely recording and reporting on CRM to support with monitoring requirements.

• The post holder will be expected to be flexible, responsive to change and can organise their own workload daily and to support the demands imposed by the service. 

• Support the promotion and marketing of Bridgend Carers Wellbeing services and other carers support services.

• Promoting Carer Awareness through events such as Young Carers Action Day, Carer’s Rights Day and Carer’s Week. 

• To adhere to the requirements of Data Protection Legislation and Information Security and Confidentiality policies and procedures. 

Volunteer management, workforce planning and development 

• Lead by example to build a culture of trust, engagement, learning and continuous improvement to enable staff & volunteers to act as effective ambassadors for the organisation and its services. 

Service Development 

• Involving, engaging, and consulting with carers to contribute and evaluate current services and shape future services. 

• Making individual contributions in staff meetings, supervisions, observations, and reviews, to improve carers health and wellbeing.

• Work within TuVida’s policy framework including safeguarding, health and safety standards and equality and diversity.

Culture  

• Role model behaviour with volunteers and wider staff team consistent with the values of the organisation. 

General 

• To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the rights and welfare of carers and the people they care for. 

• To comply with the Code of Practice and Code of Conduct for employee. 

• To contribute to the organisation’s public profile and influence / foster good relations with statutory and voluntary bodies. 

We are an organisation led by our culture and values.Our expectation is that all employees will adhere to behaviours that demonstrate these values in everything they do and all decisions they make.No matter what role an employee holds in the organisation, we expect them to operate with compassion for our customers and for each other; to fiercely protect and promote the brand and the reputation of the organisation; and to work in a spirit of openness and trust…always challenging practice or behaviour that compromises the reputation or values in any way.

Vision 

Values 

A society where every person who is ill or disabled and every carer can live well and enjoy life 

Pioneering – we will continuously try new approaches and ideas, challenging the status quo. 

Uncompromising – we will do what we say we are going to do and when we are going to do it. 

Compassionate – we are committed to enabling people to have choice over their care and support. 

Person Specification 

Essential 

Desirable 

Qualifications 

• Level 3 Health and Social Care – or willing to work towards 

Experience 

• Experience of social care issues and knowledge relating to Adults and Children’s Services provision, including the private and third sector 

• An understanding of the needs of carers (young and adult carers), people with a disability, dementia, mental health, substance misuse and people experiencing illness 

• Experience of working with a wide range of groups and organisations. 

• Experience of multi-disciplinary working across health and social care partners 

• Previous experience of working with unpaid carers and their families 

• Previous experience of working with Information Advice and Guidance services 

Skills & abilities 

• Excellent verbal and written communications skills 

• Ability to manage and work within a limited budget. 

• Must be able to meet deadlines effectively. 

• Ability to gather and collect data and information, prepare reports. 

• Able to demonstrate the ability to think innovatively and to not accept the status quo. 

• Able to demonstrate an ability to assimilate and understand information to provide the correct advice and information quickly and accurately. 

• Excellent recording skills including the use of ICT within the workplace (i.e., Microsoft Office, Outlook) 

• Previous experience of using CRM e.g., Charitylog or upshot etc.

• Previous experience using WCCIS. 

• Experience of presenting information to groups of people 

Personal qualities 

• Self-aware and able to articulate your own values, strengths and limitations can identify own emotions and prejudices and how these affect decisions and behaviour. 

• Reliable and consistent 

• Able to acknowledge mistakes and use them as learning opportunities. 

• Able to manage stress and pressure and how this may impact on others around them

• Ongoing personal and / or professional development

Knowledge

• A knowledge of and a commitment to equal opportunities 

• Knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation for health and social care 

Other 

• Willing to be flexible with their hours of work and willing to work outside of normal office hours when required, including occasional weekend work when the service needs require. 

• Commitment to the values of TuVida 

• Current driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes. 

About you:

Your friends as know you as empathetic, compassionate, and non-judgemental.

You are great at inspiring and motivating people to take action and improve themselves.

You are very self-aware, reliable, attentive and punctual.

Perhaps you are already aware of the challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness and understand how to support them. You may have gained this knowledge as a volunteer, through a previous job, or from your personal lived experience.

If all this sounds like you then you could make a great addition to our fantastic support team here at Homeless Oxfordshire.

About the role

In this role we will trust you to work with other team members on a caseload of clients delivering personalised support to them. You will proactively engage with our clients and provide a hand so they can overcome barriers, move into independent living and sustain a tenancy. Our clients have a range of support needs that impact their experience of homelessness. This includes mental health problems, social isolation, challenging behaviour, finance and debt, alcohol and drug abuse. You will deliver structured support and do some risk management so we will trust you to keep proper records and complete some admin tasks. This includes, reviewing support and risk plans, involving key stakeholders where required, showing and signposting our clients to appropriate external support and services, following safeguarding procedures, do some cleaning and contribute to the delivery of a housing management service including collecting income. You’ll also resolve difficult and challenging situations in a sensitive manner balancing the needs of the clients and the safety of the service.

Main Responsibilities Of The Role:

· Ensure the effective delivery of high quality care, support and housing management according to Homeless Oxfordshire policies and procedures.

· To be a supportive and effective part of the team working as part of a rota including evenings and weekends.

· Maintain a safe, clean and welcoming environment.

· To support and encourage clients to care for themselves and develop independent living skills.

· To assess and manage risk for individuals and in the service, making use of emergency services as required.

· Report any safeguarding concerns without delay in line with procedures.

· To make and maintain Housing Benefit claims and support clients to pay their service charges regularly.

· To work in partnership with other agencies to ensure the delivery of holistic wrap around support.

· To support the running of the service and perform shift responsibilities and duties that maintain good health and safety and ensures the safeguarding of clients and others.

· Manage challenging situations in line with procedures and to ensure the safety of yourself and others.

· To participate in handovers at the beginning and end of shifts, ensuring that information is properly recorded and passed on where appropriate and relevant and in a timely fashion.

· Ensure that IT systems are updated as required and concise record keeping is completed promptly.

· Maintain positive relationships with clients, relatives, carers, professionals, commissioners, contractors and the local community.

· Ensure clients are aware of and support them to maximise their opportunity to be involved in Client Participation.

· To participate in the induction of and support new team members.

· To ensure that Homeless Oxfordshire’s Equal Opportunities Policies are complied with and promoted in carrying out duties of the post.

· To undertake any other duties that can be reasonably required to meet the operational needs of Homeless Oxfordshire.

About us:

We are an open door for people experiencing homelessness whose lives have been shaped by trauma and disadvantage; providing safety, stability and support when it is needed most. We deliver this support across Oxfordshire by providing a range of accommodation with access to high quality support, offering a safe and welcoming space for people to take control of their own lives. We are an accredited Oxford Living Wage employer, and benefits to the role include: annual leave starting at 26 days (excluding bank holidays), flexible working, enhanced benefits with qualifying service, retail discounts with our Homeless Oxfordshire Benefits Hub, and life assurance up to four times your salary and a £250 bonus if you successfully refer a someone as a new colleague through our Employee Referral Scheme as a thanks from us!

Open to: This role is a shift and rota'd role that includes bank holidays.

What’s Next: Have a look at the job description to find out more about the role and apply on our website. Please be aware that this role is subject to an enhanced DBS disclosure check and will be undertaken for the successful candidate. We also do not offer work sponsorship for this role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we identify a suitable candidate before the advertised closing date.

ABOUT THE CLINK CHARITY

The Clink Charity, founded in 2009, aims to prevent and reduce reoffending through training, rehabilitation, and support. We deliver hospitality and horticulture training behind the prison walls and in the community by creating an environment where our students are supported to gain the skills, confidence and qualifications they need to rebuild their lives.

Since that time, we have trained approximately 5,000 people in prison and delivered 2,600 City & Guilds qualifications in a variety of hospitality and food courses.
What makes The Clink so unique is our post-release support and mentoring programme that rehabilitates an offender back into society through assistance with health and mental health issues, housing, employment, family connections and friendships.

The charity operates an award-winning fine-dining restaurant open to the public inside HMP Brixton, training kitchens in the prison estate, horticulture projects at HMP Send and HMP Erlestoke, a commercial bakery in Brixton, and a bespoke delivery service, Catered by Clink.

Additionally, Clink Events is our social enterprise catering business with food produced by the women in HMP Downview and also in an additional kitchen at Herne Hill and then served by alumni on front of house at some of the best venues in London including: the Guildhall, the Science Museum, Cutty Sark, Kew Gardens and the Camden Roundhouse. In 2024, across 218 events, The Clink fed 36,000 people.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Support and Employment Worker will provide a high quality and responsive mentoring and advocacy service which creatively addresses the needs and risks of our students and graduates to enable them to avoid further offending and to obtain and maintain employment upon release.

Our students and graduates will come from multiple prison sites across the London and the South East region, so careful diary management, logistical planning and travel are key components of the role.

This is a flexible role, mostly based at HMP Brixton, but will also include travelling between

HMP Downview and HMP Send multiple prisons and our Clink Training Café site in Herne Hill, with some working from home and managing a community caseload of graduates who have been released.

The Support and Employment Worker will develop action plans with each student in prison to support them in obtaining employment upon release and also in developing independent living skills to work towards their long-term goals and aspirations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

As a Support and Employment Worker at The Clink, you are responsible for:

•Mentoring, supporting and being the point of contact for students and graduates as they transition from our hospitality and horticulture training programmes in prison and in the community for up to 12 months.

•Working with and supporting people in prison and students prior to and after release from prison, or from graduation in our community café, to empower them in finding and maintaining accommodation, employment and a drug-free, offence-free lifestyle.

•Building relationships with Clink Chef Trainers, HMPPS Resettlement and Employment Teams, HMPPS Officers and Governing Teams in the prison and all parties invested in the training, support and employment of our learners.

•Working with students and graduates to identify their needs and risks, and to identify short and long-term goals.

•Motivating and engaging students and graduates and to provide practical and emotional support.

•Liaising with employers to secure opportunities for our students and for continuity of employment for graduates upon release.

•Supporting people dealing with drug and alcohol problems and to make referrals to other services as required.

•Undertaking risk assessments for each student, to recognise changes in risk level and take appropriate action.

•Maintaining case records and report on students' progress to external agencies and for our own Clink records on Clink Connect, our CRM system.

•Working in partnership with the team to enhance overall delivery of the service.

•Maintaining a professional approach that enhances the reputation of the charity.

DESIRABLE SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Experience of prisons and/or the criminal justice system. This can be lived experience.
• Experience of working with a variety of client groups both in custody and in the community, including men, women and 16-25-year-olds.
• Experience of working with young people in gangs and/or at risk of exploitation and county lines.
• Experience of working with neurodivergent people and those with disabilities and additional needs.
• Experience and skill in using a trauma informed approach with vulnerable people who present a risk of harm, including knowledge of mental health issues, drug and alcohol use and offending behaviour.
• Experience in setting up a strong employer network and using this to support our graduates into employment post-release.
• Experience referring to other services and using a multi-agency approach.
• A level of numeracy sufficient to carry out tasks such as budgeting with clients, calculating benefit entitlements and understanding rent arrears.
• An understanding of safeguarding issues and PREVENT Duty and the ability to assess risk in consultation with line manager.
• Some knowledge of the benefits system and ability to deal with housing agencies and landlords
• Driver with clean licence.
• IT literate - will need to maintain records about our students on our in-house CRM system and complete assessments for HMPPS.
• Able to adopt a supportive, confident and motivating approach to the client group.
• Willing to engage in training and development of your own knowledge and skills.
• Able to pass a prison security clearance.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Confident and resilient personality, with the strength of character to work in complex prison settings and with highly vulnerable people.
• Perseverence and tenacity — a desire to see our students be successful and to advocate strongly on their behalf which often requires a relentless optimism.
• Highly organised and efficient person - able to juggle multiple responsibilities, manage your own time and schedule, and be a consistent source of support for our beneficiaries.
• A strong networker - your key responsibility will be to manage stakeholders in the prison, in probation, in other third sector support groups, and with employers to advocate for our students to have the chance of quality employment outcomes.
• An assertive communicator - you will need to be patient, kind and compassionate and to communicate with our students with sensitivity and clear expectations.

REPORTING LINES MANAGEMENT EXPECTATIONS

You will report directly to the Support Lead for London and the SE, the Executive Leadership Team, but also work closely with the Operations team in the prisons and related Clink project leads in the community.

GENERAL CLINK CHARITY INFORMATION

All staff are expected to:

• Comply with all current legislation
• Comply with all prison operational policies
• Comply with The Clink Staff Handbook
•  Undertake such other duties within the scope of the post as may be requested by your Manager

Special Requirements:

• Must be able to pass prison security vetting process to be able to draw keys.
• Must have a valid driving licence .

Benefits:

• 28 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Company pension scheme
• Free meals on duty when based in a restaurant or visiting for business

HOW TO APPLY

If you would like to apply for this post, please send your CV and a supporting statement (maximum 2 sides of A4) to Lizann Barnwell.

In your supporting statement you should ensure that you try to address the desirable criteria set out in the person specification for the role. Make sure you give evidence which shows how you meet the criteria, not just telling us that you did it.

Interviews will be arranged on a rolling basis for this role, so early applications are encouraged. The deadline for applications is Friday 6 Feb at 0900.

We do not send individual acknowledgment of applications due to the high volume we receive, and we will only contact candidates who are shortlisted for an interview. If you do not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, your application has not been successful on this occasion.

If you would like an informal chat about this role, we can offer a call with a member of The Clink Team. Even if you feel you do not meet some of the criteria listed above, we would still welcome applications from passionate candidates who are keen to make a difference.

Appointment process

Applicants who have demonstrated that they meet the desirable criteria set out in the person specification will be contacted and interviews arranged on a rolling basis.

Interview

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be invited to a selection process. A panel of two or more, including the recruiting manager conducts all interviews. If there are any special arrangements associated with the selection process e.g. tests or presentations, you will be informed accordingly.

Interview outcome

If you are invited to attend an interview, you will be informed either verbally or in writing of the outcome. The successful candidate will have the decision confirmed in writing as an offer of employment. Unsuccessful candidates will be offered the opportunity for feedback.

References

If you are successful in your application, you are asked to provide us with the details of two referees. We only contact referees with your permission after an offer of employment has been made.

All offers of employment are conditional upon the receipt of references that are satisfactory to The Clink Charity, verification of right to work in the UK and where applicable, verification of qualifications and Disclosure and Barring Service (where required).

Personal information

The personal information that you have supplied will only be used for recruitment and selection purposes. You should refer to the Privacy Notice on our website, which sets out how The Clink Charity will deal with the personal and sensitive data you have provided in your application form and supporting information.

EDI

We welcome all applicants and are keen to enhance our team to reflect the diversity of the UK and the communities we serve. We would like to encourage applications from disabled people, those from LGBTQIA+ and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds and those experiencing other forms of marginalisation, as they are underrepresented at this level. In addition, as this role works directly with people in prison and those at risk of offending, those with lived experience are encouraged to apply.

Accessible recruitment

The Clink Charity is committed to making our recruitment process and workplace accessible to all. If you are an applicant with a disability and/or have any specific needs or adjustments that you would like us to consider, at application, interview, or appointment stage, please make us aware in your application.

ROLE PROFILE: Grants Wellbeing Worker 
This is a fixed-term position until October 2026, with the possibility of 
extension to March 2029, subject to continued funding.
Responsible to: Carers Accreditation & Grants Manager
Key Internal Stakeholders: Carers Hub Team Leads & Managers
Vale Unpaid Carers Hub
Training team
Finance team
Wider hub teams
External Stakeholders: Commissioners
Unpaid carers
Schools
Partner organisations
Responsible for: Volunteers
Location: Hybrid: Home and community based
Salary: £24,285.69 (pay review in April pending)
Hours of work: Full time: 37.5 hours per week
Monday – Friday, flexible between 8am – 7pm 
Key Purpose / WHY?
To co-ordinate and develop TuVida’s grant programmes including.
• Carers Support fund – Financial Wellbeing Service Cardiff & Vale of Glamorgan
• Short Breaks Scheme – Bridgend
• Carers Trust Grants 
delivering targeted financial education, support, and direct grants for unpaid carers in financial hardship or in need 
of a short break. The service aims to address both immediate financial need and support long-term financial 
resilience for carers.
Key Responsibilities / WHAT?
Service Delivery
• Act as the main point of contact for all financial wellbeing and grants-related enquiries.
• Conduct research to provide up-to-date information and practical guidance to help unpaid carers maximise 
their income.
• Deliver benefits checks using Money Helper tools and support carers in navigating the welfare system.
• Provide tailored financial guidance, signposting to appropriate services, and assisting carers with benefits 
and grant applications.
• Plan, prepare, and chair regular grant panel meetings, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
• Communicate grant decisions to carers and arrange timely award payments.
• Actively identify, engage, and support unpaid carers, including those from seldom heard or marginalised 
communities.
• Support carers in articulating their financial goals and refer them to relevant services such as the Vale 
Unpaid Carers Hub, Cardiff Independent Living Service or Bridgend Carers Wellbeing Service.
Monitoring and Administration
• Maintain accurate and timely records on TuVida’s CRM system, supporting monitoring and reporting 
requirements.
• Oversee the grant budget in collaboration with the finance team, ensuring monthly reconciliation and robust 
tracking of expenditure.
• Contribute to contractual reporting and outcomes tracking.
Awareness and Engagement
• Promote the service across social media, online platforms, and through outreach work, with a focus on 
increasing access and income maximisation for unpaid carers.
• Represent the service at events such as Young Carers Action Day, Carers Rights Day, and Carers Week, 
promoting carer awareness and increasing engagement.
Service Development
• Engage with stakeholders, carers, and community partners to review and shape the development of the 
service.
• Actively contribute to team meetings, supervisions, and service reviews, sharing insight to improve 
outcomes for carers.
• Operate within TuVida’s policies, including safeguarding, health and safety, equality, and diversity.
Culture 
• Role model behaviour with volunteers and wider staff team consistent with the values of the organisation.
• Champion the rights and wellbeing of carers and those they support.
General
• To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the rights and welfare of carers and the people they care 
for.
• To comply with the Code of Practice and Code of Conduct for employee.
• To contribute to the organisation’s public profile and influence / foster good relations with statutory and 
voluntary bodies.
We are an organisation led by our culture and values. Our expectation is that all employees will adhere to 
behaviours that demonstrate these values in everything they do and all decisions they make. No matter what role 
an employee holds in the organisation, we expect them to operate with compassion for our customers and for each 
other; to fiercely protect and promote the brand and the reputation of the organisation; and to work in a spirit of 
openness and trust…always challenging practice or behaviour that compromises the reputation or values in any way. 
Vision Values
A society where every 
person who is ill or 
disabled and every 
carer can live well and 
enjoy life
Pioneering – we will continuously try new approaches and ideas, challenging the 
status quo.
Uncompromising – we will do what we say we are going to do and when we are going 
to do it.
Compassionate – we are committed to enabling people to have choice over their care 
and support.
Person Specification
Essential Desirable
Qualifications • A good standard of general 
education, with a commitment to 
continual professional 
development
Experience • Experience of partnership working 
with multiple organisations which may 
include education, local authority, 
health boards and the third sector.
• Experience of social care issues and 
knowledge relating to Adults and 
Children’s Services provision, 
including the private and third sector.
• An understanding of the needs of 
carers (young and adult carers), 
people with a disability, dementia, 
mental health, substance misuse and 
people experiencing illness.
• Experience of working with 
professionals, including private and 
third sector.
• Previous experience of working with 
unpaid carers and their families
• Previous experience of working with 
Information Advice and Guidance 
services
Skills & abilities • Excellent verbal and written 
communications skills.
• Ability to manage and work within a 
limited budget.
• Must be able to meet deadlines 
effectively.
• Ability to gather and collect data and 
information, prepare reports.
• Able to demonstrate the ability to 
think innovatively and to not accept 
the status quo.
• Able to demonstrate an ability to 
assimilate and understand 
information to provide the correct 
advice and information quickly and 
accurately.
• Excellent recording skills including 
the use of ICT within the workplace
(i.e., Microsoft Office, Outlook)
• Good working knowledge of 
Microsoft Excel
• Excellent networking skills.
• Previous experience of using CRM 
e.g., Charitylog or upshot etc.
• Research skills.
• Ability to communicate in Welsh.
Personal qualities • Self-aware and able to articulate your 
own values, strengths and limitations
can identify own emotions and 
prejudices and how these affect 
decisions and behaviour.
• Reliable and consistent.
• Able to acknowledge mistakes and 
use them as learning opportunities.
• Able to manage stress and pressure 
and how this may impact on others 
around them.
• Ongoing personal and / or 
professional development.
Knowledge • A knowledge of and a commitment to 
equal opportunities.
• Knowledge and understanding of 
relevant legislation for health and 
social care.
Other • Willing to be flexible with their hours 
of work and willing to work outside of 
normal office hours when required, 
including occasional weekend work 
when the service needs require.
• Commitment to the values of TuVida.
• Current driving licence and access to 
a vehicle for work purposes

Positive Pathways Coach (IAG Worker)

Salary: £32,000 | Contract: Permanent, Full-time | Location: St Helens

Are you passionate about empowering individuals to build skills and confidence for independent living? YMCA St Helens is seeking a Positive Pathways Coach (IAG Worker) to design and deliver a high-quality programme of training, activities, and events for residents and beneficiaries. You’ll work closely with stakeholders and internal teams to create opportunities that transform lives.

Key Responsibilities
✅ Design and deliver engaging training, workshops, and events covering:
              • Health and wellbeing literacy
              • Financial literacy
              • Cultural understanding
              • Tenancy maintenance
              • Domestic skills (cooking, cleaning)
              • English language and other development opportunities
✅ Provide 1:1 support to help residents develop skills for independent living
✅ Build strong partnerships with community organisations and facilitators
✅ Organise venues, resources, and manage programme budgets
✅ Maintain accurate records and contribute to reports for stakeholders
✅ Continuously improve the programme based on participant feedback

About You
Essential:
☑️ Experience in delivering high-quality information, advice, and guidance
☑️ Proven ability to design and deliver workshops and training programmes
☑️ Strong understanding of challenges faced by people experiencing homelessness
☑️ Experience working with diverse stakeholders and multi-disciplinary teams
☑️ Excellent communication and organisational skills
☑️ Cultural competence and commitment to equality and inclusion
☑️ Ability to work flexibly and independently

Desirable:
☑️ Experience delivering IAG to people experiencing homelessness
☑️ Knowledge of UK welfare benefits and housing rights
☑️ Training and development qualification (e.g., NVQ in Learning & Development, PTTLS, CTTLS)
☑️ Experience supporting refugees or those with humanitarian protection status
☑️ Lived experience of homelessness

Why Join Us?
✅ Make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals
✅ Lead innovative programmes that empower people to thrive
✅ Be part of a supportive, values-driven team

�� Closing Date: 12 noon, 6th February 2026
�� Interviews: Week commencing 16th February 2026
 

A rare chance to join an incredibly supportive and inclusive employer that values hard work, flexiblity and employee well-being, and recognised by the GM Good Employment Charter! We are a small but vastly experienced team of family support/volunteer Coordinators, delivering highly respected volunteer-led home visiting support to families in the early years. 

We are looking for someone to provide direct support to families and also recruit, train and support a team of local parent/carer volunteers who will provide weekly home visiting and community support to families.

You will work  with other professionals from universal and specialist services to provide a coordinated response to families’ needs. You will assess need and risk prior to carefully matching volunteers with families or offering direct support, working as part of multi agency support, ensuring information sharing and safeguarding is at the forefront of your work. This will include instigating Early Help assessments, preparing for and attending Child in Need and Child Protection meetings.

You will have an understanding of recruiting, carefully selecting and managing volunteers to ensure they feel supported and fully trained to offer effective support to families in order to get the best outcomes for the family and in particular the children. 

You will be experienced in working with families in their own home - skilled in recognising and responding to safeguarding concerns, be apt in completing strengths-based assessments and conversations and have a deep understanding of the issues families can face and the link with childhood development and difficulties they may experience later in life.

Interviews will be held the w/c 9th February

Come and join us

We’re looking for passionate individuals with personal experience of homelessness, bad housing, which may include other related disadvantages such as substance misuse and mental ill-health; to come and join us and make a difference to the way we do things. If you believe that people should have a say in their own support and that they should be at the front of making meaningful change then this could be the traineeship for you.

About the role

This is a great opportunity to work with a lead provider of homelessness and housing advice and support and gain invaluable experience while being part of an exciting employability programme centred on lived experience. The traineeship lasts up to 12 months, and you will receive personalised training and support to help remove some of the barriers that may have prevented you from getting meaningful employment.

This role will work alongside our community services support teams, based in Weymouth. The main purpose of this will be to learn support skills and how to use your lived experience to actively engage with people recovering from homelessness. To do this you will work alongside members of the support team. You will be supported and guided by the services team leader and senior support worker. A key part of the role will be to support people as they move further into independent living, encouraging them to into learning, social activities and personal development.

You'll support local campaigns and strengthen connections between the lived experience involvement group and the Hub, making sure lived experiences are valued and included.

Role specifics
We are looking for people who are passionate about the opportunity to use their own life experiences to help make positive change for others.

You’ll also need a commitment to equality and a zero-tolerance approach to discrimination and exclusion.

Good communication skills and the ability to make people feel heard will also be essential.

Basic computer skills, e.g. word processing, the internet and email would be useful, but support can be provided.

Above all, we need people with a real desire to develop personally and learn new skills.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society.

Benefits 
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.

About the team
The team in Dorset is well-established and has been providing housing advice and support services within Dorset for over 20 years. With office bases in Bournemouth and Weymouth, we have contracts to deliver Housing First support in the Dorset Council area and offer Legal Aid Advice, including a court desk service at Bournemouth and Weymouth County Courts.

We are active in our communities and strive to understand what housing issues people are experiencing, providing advice and advocacy to individuals and groups to empower them to resolve their situation.

We work across Dorset with partner agencies including Julian House, Lantern, Dorset Council and drug and alcohol services to support individuals to access housing and support and prevent repeat homelessness.

How to Apply
Email and phone number details can be found on the Shelter advert found by clicking 'Redirect to Recruiter' on this page.

To apply you need to submit a copy of your CV and a completed application form (attached), this can be submitted either online, by email or you can submit a paper copy to the Shelter Weymouth, Lynch Lane Offices, Weymouth DT4 9DW.  Please don’t worry if your CV has gaps or limited work experience, this is not a problem.

When completing your application form please make sure you give an example for each of the criteria listed in ‘About You’ section. If you need support to create a CV, please contact Katie by phone or send her an email.

We will be holding support sessions at our hub in Dorset and online to give people practical support and advice on how to complete an application, or to pick up a paper application. These sessions will also give you the chance to find out more about the role as well as other opportunities at Shelter Dorset. These will take place on the following date:

Friday 23rd January, 13:30 – 15:30 at Shelter, Lynch Lane Offices & Wellbeing Centre, Lynch Lane, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9DN

Monday 26th January, 13:30 – 15:30 Via Microsoft Teams: Join the meeting now , Meeting ID: 340 436 596 662 97, Passcode: hJ64fX2N

We operate Fair Chance Recruitment practices and will not ask for any information about convictions during the application process. This role is subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. We are open to and inclusive of applicants with criminal convictions for this role; having a criminal conviction will not prevent us from considering you.

Following the interview stage, we will ask our preferred applicant to disclose any past unspent convictions. The information disclosed will be considered by a panel and a decision will be taken about making an offer.

This role is ring-fenced for those with lived experience of multiple disadvantage.

About Shelter

Home is a human right. It’s our foundation and where we thrive. Yet everyday millions of people are being devastated by the housing emergency.

We exist to defend the right to a safe home. Because home is everything.

We need ambitious, passionate people to join us. This is your chance to play a part in the fundamental change we are striving to achieve.

Our enemy is the social injustice at the core of the escalating housing emergency. To win this fight, we must be representative of the people we are here to help and those who support our movement. In all our people decisions, we take pride in being inclusive, equitable and transparent. We are committed to combating racism both within and outside Shelter. We welcome you on our journey to becoming truly anti-racist.

Safeguarding statement
Safeguarding is everyone's business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies. 

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.