Support worker jobs in Milton keynes
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Please ensure you submit a Cover Letter/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.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Monday to Friday - 9am - 5:30pm
Weekly hours: 37.5 hours a week
Our Vacancy
We’re looking for a compassionate and committed Mental Health Support Worker to join our Luton Outreach Service. In this role, you’ll provide high-quality support to individuals with a history of mental illness, helping them to live independently and achieve their personal goals. You’ll work collaboratively with residents and partner agencies to promote recovery, wellbeing, and inclusion, while ensuring compliance with Peabody’s policies and best practice standards. This is a rewarding role where you’ll make a real difference to people’s lives every day.
What you’ll do
As a Mental Health Support Worker, you’ll carry out needs and risk assessments, develop support plans, and provide tailored assistance to residents. You’ll help customers maximise their income, sustain their housing, and access training, education, and health services. You’ll maintain accurate records, liaise with colleagues and external agencies on safeguarding and welfare concerns, and actively promote the service within the community. You’ll also encourage self-management of health and wellbeing, participate in team meetings and training, and ensure all activities comply with health and safety and equality standards. Please note this role will require an Enhanced DBS check as well as participation in an on-call rota.
What you’ll need
- Experience supporting vulnerable adults, ideally within a mental health setting.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with residents, colleagues, and external partners.
- Access to a vehicle and a full, clean, UK Driving License.
- Good IT literacy, including confidence using Microsoft Office and data entry systems.
- Knowledge of safeguarding, equality and diversity, and health and safety in supported housing.
- A flexible, empathetic approach and resilience to manage a busy and challenging role.
Why Join Us?
When you join Peabody, you’re joining a team guided by our values, Be Kind, Do the Right Thing, Love New Ideas, Celebrate Diversity, Keep Our Promises, and Pull Together. We believe in creating a workplace where everyone feels supported, included, and empowered.
What We Offer
- 30 days’ annual holiday, plus bank holidays
- Two additional paid volunteering days each year
- Flexible benefits scheme, including family friendly benefits and access to a discount portal
- 4 x salary life assurance
- up to 10% pension contribution
If this sounds like we are right for you and you’d love to be part of Peabody, we’d like to hear from you. Please apply now by submitting an anonymised CV and a short statement explaining why you’re the perfect fit for this role.
Closing Date:21/01/2026
Interviews will be taking place Thursday 29th January
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications.
PLEASE NOTE: As an employer, Peabody does not provide sponsorship as a licenced UK employer.
Thank you!
We have an exciting opportunity to work for our organisation providing a high quality service as a Family Support Worker based within the Refuge to support those who experience Domestic Abuse (DA). Your role will be to support the families living in the refuge, empowering, keeping the safety of them and their children central to your interventions, helping them navigate life after leaving an abusive relationship. We are looking for an individual who is committed to working in a multi-agency setting, which is fast-paced and different everyday. You will be joining our caring, strong and hardworking team.
MK-ACT is an equal opportunities employer committed to quality, equality diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post is subject to safer recruitment procedures and regulations and an enhanced DBS check.
Family Support Worker – Refuge
Location: MK Act Office, Milton Keynes
Hours: 21 hours per week (3 days)
Salary: £14,698.32 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Reporting to: Refuge Deputy Manager
Based at Milton Keynes refuges
As a Family Support Worker, you will have a caseload of women who will have support plans that you will put in place and oversee as well as working with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of the refuge. You will have the ability to keep accurate records and data and be able to work to deadlines. You will have a solid understanding of DA and its effects on victims and children, be proactive and have a person-centred approach. The post holder will be expected to drive the company vehicles and will require a full clean driving licence held for a minimum of two years (insurance requirement for use of work vehicles). You will have experience of working in a multi-agency setting and undertaking face-to-face work with clients. It is desirable but not essential that you hold either IDVA/DAPA qualification. The ability to speak a foreign language, together with a strong understanding of the needs of minoritised communities is also desirable but not essential
This post is open to female applicants only under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality act 2010.
Closing date: 27 January
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Can you help us keep changing lives and breaking the cycle of reoffending for good? As Project Support Worker you will be working closely with our Proejct Manager to engage and support mentors and mentees in HMP Brinsford, Birmingham and the West Midlands. You will have previous Criminal Justice experience, will be a driver with access to a car and will use your experience to develope and encourage a positive and meaningful mentoring relationship for both the mentee and mentor. Your ultimate aim is to understand the key challenges facing each mentee and how these impact on each individuals ability in desisting from crime.
You will be a proven self starter who is used to working in a challenging environment with hard to engage and disaffected people. You will be able to work independently and have the ability to communicate with a range of stakeholders.
A full job description and person specification is attached to this post.
Registered Charity
6 - 10
Trailblazers’ mission is to reduce re-offending and inspire new futures for young men (18-35) leaving prison.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Training and Support Worker to deliver our Propel programme across Yorkshire, building partnerships and championing neuroinclusion.
As the Training and Support Worker, you'll engage with schools, colleges, community settings and employers, delivering training, supporting implementation, and empowering neurodivergent young people into sustainable employment. You'll play a key role in developing the programme through partner insight and keeping up with best practice in workplace neuroinclusion.
You will be required to travel regularly to deliver face-to-face training within schools, colleges, community settings and workplaces across Yorkshire.
What We're Looking For
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A passionate advocate for neurodivergent young people with experience in SEND, employability, or community engagement
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Strong facilitator who can deliver engaging, impactful training to diverse audiences
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Excellent communicator who builds genuine relationships across education, community and employer sectors
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Self-motivated with a 'make it happen' attitude and ability to work independently
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Team player who understands the importance of collaboration
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Driving licence and access to a vehicle (essential)
Why Join Us
In return, you get to work for an ambitious, values-driven charity making a real difference in the lives of neurodivergent young people. You'll have the flexibility of remote working, opportunities to shape the programme in Yorkshire, and the chance to be part of a supportive team where everyone's contributions matter.
For more information about The Mason Foundation and our work please visit our website.
The Mason Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and proud to be a Disability Confident Employer. We positively encourage applications from candidates regardless of sex, race or ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, or belief, marital or civil partnership status, parental or carer status, education, socioeconomic background, pregnancy or maternity, or any other characteristic protected under equality legislation.
We are especially keen to encourage and welcome applications from people currently under-represented within the organisation, these include but are not limited to those from the LGBT+ community, people with disabilities, and candidates who are Black or People of Colour. Those with disabilities meeting the minimum requirements for the post will be shortlisted and reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure they are not disadvantaged during the interview process.
All offers of employment are conditional upon you signing the contract of employment and:
Two satisfactory references
Proof of attainment of qualifications
Evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom; and
If applicable, satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Registered Charity
11 - 20
Our mission is to remove barriers, provide opportunities to build lasting friendships, celebrate inclusivity, and reduce inequalities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Location: MK ACT Office
Hours: 30 per week (Tue–Fri, 9:30–17:30, 30-minute lunch break)
Salary: £20,998 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Reporting to: Refuge Manager
Closing Date: 21 January
About Us
MK ACT is a long-established domestic abuse charity with over 50 years’ experience supporting individuals and families across Milton Keynes. We provide safety, refuge, advocacy and long-term support as survivors rebuild their lives.
We have a vacancy for a Children and Young People’s Support Worker to join our refuge team. This is an exciting opportunity to support our children living in refuge to overcome the trauma of abuse in a play setting. You will play a key role in ensuring safety, emotional wellbeing and development for children and young people aged 0 to 16, living in our accommodation. This role suits someone who is enthusiastic, adaptable and creative.
You will need to have experience of working with children and a level 3 qualification in Early years or Childcare.
Why Join Us?
• Make a meaningful difference for children affected by domestic abuse
• Supportive, specialist team environment
• Training and professional development opportunities
• 25 days’ annual leave (pro rata) + bank holidays
• Additional paid birthday leave
• Opportunity to grow with the charity as we expand
Key Responsibilities
Support for Children and Young People
· Plan and deliver interesting age-appropriate activities and holiday playschemes
· Work with the Family Support Workers to provide support for the residents and their children
· Deliver age appropriate support around children’s experiences of Domestic Abuse
· Work with other agencies to ensure safety of children living in the refuge
· Keep accurate records
· Be part of the refuge on call rota
About You
You will thrive in this role if you enjoy working with children, are energetic, child-centred and aware of safeguarding responsibilities
Essential
• Understanding of domestic abuse and its impact on children
• Experience supporting children or young people
• Strong communication and record-keeping skills
• Confidence working with families from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to work effectively within multi-agency frameworks
· Level 3 Early years of Childcare qualification
· Have a full UK Driving licence
Desirable
• Experience in refuge or safeguarding environments
• Experience delivering group activities or children’s programmes
• Knowledge of Protective Behaviours
How to Apply
As part of our fair recruitment approach, we do not accept CVs.
Please complete our official application form. Applications submitted without the form cannot be considered.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.