Think Ahead Jobs
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Waking Night Support Worker to join our Oaklands & St Kilda Service.
£27,352.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
About the Role:
Oaklands & St Kilda is a pair of 6-unit supported accommodation mental health rehab services working with young people between the ages of 18-25 who may have experienced a mental health related hospital admission to gain and develop skills for future independent living. The service will support individuals transitioning from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult services.
The service forms part of a pair of services supporting up to 12 individuals at any one time across the sites, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for young people across London on a spot purchase basis.
Support workers will manage a number of young people to help them to identify, plan and achieve their goals, develop relationships meaningful to them and achieve greater independence by providing a flexible and individually tailored support package.
This is a Waking Night role working to support young people throughout the night at the service. This role completed 10 hour shifts 4 days a week across all days of the week.
This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.
What you'll do:
Building supportive, trusting relationships with young people and creating a positive atmosphere#
Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and administrative responsibilities
Conducting key work sessions as required, that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
Co-producing ongoing assessment and management of risks in collaboration with young people with an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
Providing support with daily living activities, including practical assistance to support young people s to independent living e.g. budgeting, cooking, establishing a night time routine
Supporting young people to maintain a healthy environment and where appropriate assisting them to clean their accommodation and maintain good personal hygiene
For full details, please visit our website
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
Ability to advocate for young people in different professional and community spaces
Values working collaboratively with young people to ensure the service best meets their needs.
An understanding of peoples' contexts and how this might be impacting them their lives and mental health
Cultural awareness and respect for the many different ways a person might make sense of their experiences and distress.
We welcome applications from people with lived experience of some of the challenges that this service aims to support with for example, mental health difficulties.
Plans and encourages involvement in local activities.
Approachable and open behaviour
Recognises the value of both 1:1 working with young people and the importance of working working as part of a group or team
Confident in the completion of regular paperwork and is well organised
Flexible
Open to feedback and self development
Recognises the likelihood that the service will be a dynamic diverse environment and considers the impact of changes
Confident in the use of IT systems such as SharePoint and Microsoft Office
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours
What you'll bring:
Essential:
Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience supporting young people or people experiencing mental health challenges.
Desirable:
Experience working in complex mental health environments
About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us. Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
We're looking for two kind, compassionate and resilient Mental Health Support Workers to join our Mental Health service in Hackney.
£27,352.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel valued? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Felstead Street is a CQC registered care home, which has a heavy focus on supporting customers with enduring mental health care and elderly needs. We provide 24hr high support to 24 customers both female and male. Our building is a purpose-built home on two floors, offering customers individual bedrooms and the use of shared communal facilities and gardens. The service is commissioned by East London Foundation Trust with the care contribution from London Borough of Hackney.
As a Support Worker at Felstead Street you will play an integral role in supporting our customers to making their lives interesting and enabling to manage their social, physical and emotional well being. You will support our customers with a range of activities and health support throughout the day and to live in a safe living environment. You will be part of a team which is very supportive of one another.
The successful candidate must be able to work some weekends and bank holidays as allocated. This role involves working 5 days a week. Each shift is 8 hours, 8am-4pm or 2.30pm-10.30pm, as allocated on the rota. You must be able to work 9am-5pm for 2 weeks every several weeks as required by the rota.
If you enjoy making a difference and passionate about mental health, why not join us?
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
What you'll do:
- Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere in the home.
- Following lone working protocols and maintaining high levels of awareness to health and safety for self, colleagues and customers.
- Supporting customers to maintain a healthy and clean living environment, where appropriate, provide assistance to maintain their living areas are clean and safe from hazards.
- Providing support and assistance to customers during the day who may be experiencing difficulties with their own mental health and seeking appropriate support.
- Providing support with daily living activities including practical assistance to customers who may require this.
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Support customers actively in the community and engage with the local area.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Approachable and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 120 services, providing support to around 6000 customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:
* We focus on Excellence and innovation.
* We are Caring and Compassionate.
* We are Inclusive and Trusted.
* We work in Partnership and are One-Team.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Please see our website for full job description.
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Mental Health service in Richmond.
£27,352.00 per annum, working 37.5 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel valued? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
The position is in Richmond at 21 Kingston Lane and consists of one high support building with 12 Customers.
The service provides a 24/7 support service, with an emphasis on choice and control, enabling customers to achieve greater independence, improved quality of life and integration into the wider community.
We are looking some someone who is able to build supportive, trusting relationships with customers and create a positive atmosphere. You need to be able to provide a flexible, personalised and responsive support service that is tailored to each customer's abilities and aspirations. This will include a willingness to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.
The role will also require you to maintain appropriate records to a professional standard in accordance with Look Ahead's policies and procedures. If you have experience working with and motivating customers whilst being calm and resilient to challenging behaviour, then please apply for this role
The service is open 24 Hours. The role will include weekdays and weekends with 2 days off per week. This role will consist of day shifts only.
The shifts will be:
Early: 7:30am - 3:30pm, Middle: 9am - 5pm and Late: 2:30pm - 10:30pm
This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.
What you'll do:
- Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
- Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and administrative responsibilities
- Conducting key work sessions as required, that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
- Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
- Providing support with daily living activities, including practical assistance to support customers to independent living e.g. budgeting, cooking, establishing a night time routine
- Supporting customers to maintain a healthy environment and where appropriate assisting them to clean their accommodation and maintain good personal hygiene
- Assisting in the recording and reporting of customer incidents
- Managing customer referrals, completing assessments and obtaining and maintaining all relevant paperwork
- Developing productive relationships with partner organisations to improve service outcomes
- Adhering to lone working protocols and maintaining high levels of awareness in relation to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Approachable and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
- Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
- Is essentially customer-focused
- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector
Desirable:
- Experience working in mental health
About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Please see our website for full job description.
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Waking Night Support Worker to join our Hounslow Young People Service.
£20,514.00 per annum, working 30 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Hounslow Young People is Supported Accommodation Service for young people and young parents aged 16-25 in Hounslow. The Service encompasses a mix of units across six sites supporting 57 vulnerable young people and 19 teen parents. The aim of the service is to empower Young People to move towards independent living, supporting their successful transition from childhood; laying the foundations for healthy, ambitious, and safe adult lives with minimal ongoing support. Support is delivered in partnership with a number of stakeholders and partners in the community such as mental health services; substance misuses agencies, housing teams, police and social services. We are recruiting Waking Night Support Workers to join our dynamic service and team. In the role of Waking Night Support Worker; individuals will ensure continues support is provided to young people at the standards of day staff with particular focus on safety of vulnerable young people.
About the Role:
Waking Night Support Worker will work in line with person centred risk assessments; support plans and liaise with Support Workers to provide comprehensive handover and partnership working. They will be observant of changes in behaviour and presentations ensuring appropriate actions are taken to document and report changes in support needs of young people. Waking Night Support Worker will be able to carry out all necessary health and safety actions including light cleaning tasks and environment management. Furthermore they will actively seek out ways to work with the team and stakeholders to improve the experience of young people in the service. The role requires individuals to work on a rota pattern including weekend and bank holiday working, as the service is open 365 days a year. Hours worked: 21:30 - 07:30.
This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.
What you'll do:
Ensure the welfare of customers providing emotional and practical support to customers who are in distress, in crisis or require medical assistance such as emergency first aid or the intervention of medical professionals.
Remain calm and professional when dealing with emergencies and incidents following the reporting procedures and completing the required paperwork.
Ability to work empathically and compassionately with customers who present with complex needs such as mental health, substance misuse, safeguarding and physical health support needs.
For full job description, please visit our website
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement.
Approachable and open behaviour.
Prefers working as part of a group or team.
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised.
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments.
Is confident with high levels of self-esteem.
Is respectful, articulate, and sensitive in style of communication.
Is essentially customer focused.
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can-do attitude.
Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours.
What you'll bring:
Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector
About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us. Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Team Leader to join our Islington Mental Health Accommodation Pathway Service.
£31,535.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
About the Role:
Islington Mental Health Accommodation Pathway provides support to people living with various mental health conditions and complex needs. The service consists of a 24-hour supported accommodation service, and 3 medium-low supported accommodation services across the borough of Islington. The service provides support with emotional, social, physical & domestic needs. You will be skilled in engaging both customers and stakeholders and have a good understanding of the needs and diversity of this client group. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to work in a therapeutic environment that at times can be challenging and provide quality, evidence-based care and risk management strategies. You will be highly motivated and committed to continuous professional development. You will be committed to supporting customers through their recovery journey and skilled in engaging them with their move-on pathway. You will work flexibly to respond to emerging needs and effectively address the needs of the customer group.
For full job details, please visit our website.
This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.
What you'll do:
Lead and motivate your team to ensure the championing of and maintenance of a positive local culture within your service
Deliver effective supervision and team meetings with staff and ensure that information, reporting and communication
Responsible for the personal development of staff, identifying high performers and feeding into the organisations succession plans
Ensure that Key Performance Indicators (KPI's) required as part of the Contract are met and recorded correctly
Collate and update electronic data bases and systems to record and monitor customer files and outcomes
Coordinate and assess new referrals
Budget management of petty cash and invoice payments
Develop key business relationships with all appropriate relevant customers/external partners to ensure service delivery excellence and maximise new business opportunities in own patch
Participate in and monitor the initial and continuous assessment of needs and ensure that support planning is carried out in line with assessed needs of the customer
Carry out other administrative tasks as relevant to the service and directed -by the Contract Manager/Heads of Operations
Deliver an out of hours on-call service for region, where required
Ensure that all safeguarding cases are managed in line with safeguarding protocols and are reported to Contract Manager/Head of Operations, as appropriate
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, networks in local business community
Approachable and open behaviour
Prefers working as part of a group or team
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised.
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments.
Is confident with high levels of self-esteem.
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication.
Is passionate and enthusiastic about his/her career and job experiences.
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude.
What you'll bring:
Essential:
Educated to degree level or equivalent
Experience building and develop strong professional partnerships with external providers aligned to their specialism
IT Literate
Desirable:
Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications are desirable
About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us. Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for a Housing & Income Officer to join our Landlord Services team based locally at our services in Bracknell, Windsor and Maidenhead.
£32,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel in control of your career? You’ll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren’t token gestures - we’ve thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Look Ahead manages a number of young people services in Bracknell and the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead.
Look Ahead is looking for a highly motivated and committed Housing & Income Officer for an initial 6-month placement to work alongside our support workers and deliver a good quality intensive housing management service to our customers.
The successful applicant will be responsible for all aspects of housing management within the service. This will include rent arrears management, occupancy agreement management, ASB management, void management and some compliance and repair reporting responsibilities. This is not an exclusive list.
You will be based at our local offices in Bracknell, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead. You will have significant daily contact with our customers and staff.
The successful candidate needs to be able to meet challenging targets for arrears and voids, have excellent problem-solving skills and be prepared to “go the extra mile”.
The role is based on site at two of our young people's schemes- visiting customers in their homes and having a presence in the community. This role covers Bracknell Forest in Berkshire, the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead region.
This role is a Fixed Term Contract, lasting 6-9 months.
This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.
What you’ll do:
• Sign up new customers to the appropriate occupancy agreement and ensure housing benefit claims submitted and maintained correctly.
• Be responsible for monitoring and updating all relevant information on Look Ahead`s housing management database including inputting all new customers and ending occupancy agreements in a timely way.
• Proactively monitor rent accounts and take timely and effective action to deal with increasing rent and service charge arrears.
• Ensure all customers are supported to have the most appropriate payment method (rent payment cards, direct debit etc.) for their individual circumstances to ensure easy payment of their rent and/or arrears.
• Lead on making back-dated claims for housing benefit and appealing over-payment deductions.
• Ensure that all customers are kept informed of their rent account status regularly and that action plans are agreed with customers to address any arrears or other rent related issues promptly.
• Issuing arrears warning letters, monitor payment agreements and escalate arrears enforcement action.
• Serve accurate notices for possession, complete court paperwork and represent Look Ahead in court cases in the county court.
• Requesting rent adjustments and repayment of housing benefit over-payments
• Ensure that there are effective and on-going liaison processes in place with key agencies such as the housing benefit service, Department of Work and Pensions and local police.
• Develop and promote financial inclusion initiatives in the service such as advertising credit unions and local debt management advice services.
• Act as the lead role for void management in services – ensure void inspection forms are completed, void reporting systems are maintained and that there is effective liaison with the organisation’s void team and contractors. Ensure that void turnaround times are in line with Key Performance Indicators and post inspections are completed and reported.
• Support local staff to ensure occupancy levels at the service are as high as possible and escalate issues where necessary.
• Lead on ASB enforcement across the portfolio ensuring early intervention techniques are utilised. Ensure timely and appropriate actions is taken against perpetrators including issuing warnings and serving notices where appropriate.
• Maintaining systems and spreadsheets associated with all housing management functions and producing reports and data where requested.
• Act as the lead role for reporting repairs in the service both in communal areas (internal and external areas) as well as in customer rooms. Ensure all works are post inspected and reported. Liaise with contractors to ensure access is granted.
• Act as the lead officer in completing all required compliance tasks within the service including call point and fire alarm checks, fire door checks, fire evacuation drills, health and safety inspections, carrying out living standard checks. This list is not exhaustive.
• Make sure all compliance records are maintained to a good standard and that KPIs are being met. Liaise with the scheme manager regarding underperformance against compliance targets.
• Participate in team meetings, 1:1 meetings with the manager and undertake any training required for the post.
• Undertaking any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as assigned by the Team Leader/Manager
• Adhere to all the policies and procedures of Look Ahead Care & Support, those specific to the project including any statutory requirements.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
• Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement.
• Approachable and open behaviour. Can work independently and as part of a team.
• Prefers working as part of a group or team.
• Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
• Exercises decisions and discretion in a non-judgmental manner.
• Is assertive and will challenge others.
• Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised.
• Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments.
• Demonstrates significant confidence and high levels of self-esteem.
• Is respectful, articulate, and sensitive in style of communication.
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about his/her career and job experiences.
• Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can-do attitude.
• Committed and passionate about improving the life chances of vulnerable customers.
• Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour.
What you’ll bring:
Essential:
- Experience of monitoring rent accounts and managing rent arrears
- Experience of using computerised rent systems to monitor arrears and record information.
- Ability to track and manage void properties and ASB cases.
- Knowledge of managing ASB and lettings and be able to explain good practice in this area.
- Extensive knowledge of welfare benefits, especially housing benefit.
- Experience of liaising with housing benefit departments, the DWP and other external agencies.
- Confidence in interpreting rent accounts and using IT packages to run and create reports, identify priorities, and update records.
Desirable:
- 1-2 years’ experience in housing management.
About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Support Worker
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Pelham Road service in Kent.
£24,560.25 per annum, working 37.5 hours per week.
Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
The Pelham road Service will be 5 new self-contained flats, for customers with learning disabilities, Autism and Complex needs, and we are looking to build a staff team with an excellent value base to support the customer to build their new life and develop their skills as an independent person
This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.
What you'll do:
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of the customers and Look Ahead. As we have other support services locally, we may also require you to undertake support duties at other locations, subject to agreement at interview stage.
Your role will include:
* Supporting the customer to undertake a full timetable of preferred activities including sport and leisure activities, attending community groups, visiting local amenities, and introducing them to new activities to expand their horizons and networks;
* Developing the customer's independent living skills and involving them in all aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning and decorating;
* Enabling the customer to keep up with the important people in their life and to meet new people with shared interests;
* Supporting the customer to communicate their wants and needs, and communicating with them in a person-centred way;
* Supporting the customer to manage their anxieties and frustrations, using Positive Behaviour Support and Autism-specific approaches;
* Collating a range of behavioural data and essential paperwork to be analysed within our local management structure;
* Driving the customer to activities using the customer's vehicle, in rotation with the wider team;
* Communicating with family members and a range of other key stakeholders including social work, psychology and commissioning teams;
* Acting in accordance with the policies and procedures of Look Ahead Care & Support plus those specific to the service including any statutory requirements;
* Consistently reviewing the customer's life goals and their progress towards achieving them, in partnership with them and those important to them;
* Supporting the customer with personal care;
* Reporting any observations relating to customer welfare;
* Maintaining records as required at the project;
* Participating in team meetings/reviews, support planning, risk management and the general development of the service;
* Undertaking any other duties as requested by management
About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
- Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
- Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
- Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with care and support needs including Learning disabilities.
- Driving licence and a willingness to drive as part of support duties
Desirable:
- Has some experience in Trauma Informed care
- Has some experience in working with people with Mental health
About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Waking Night Support Worker to join our Hounslow Young People Service.
£27,352.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Hounslow Young People is Supported Accommodation Service for young people and young parents aged 16-25 in Hounslow. The Service encompasses a mix of units across six sites supporting 57 vulnerable young people and 19 teen parents. The aim of the service is to empower Young People to move towards independent living, supporting their successful transition from childhood; laying the foundations for healthy, ambitious, and safe adult lives with minimal ongoing support. Support is delivered in partnership with a number of stakeholders and partners in the community such as mental health services; substance misuses agencies, housing teams, police and social services.
About the Role:
Waking Night Support Worker will work in line with person centred risk assessments; support plans and liaise with Support Workers to provide comprehensive handover and partnership working. They will be observant of changes in behaviour and presentations ensuring appropriate actions are taken to document and report changes in support needs of young people. Waking Night Support Worker will be able to carry out all necessary health and safety actions including light cleaning tasks and environment management. Furthermore they will actively seek out ways to work with the team and stakeholders to improve the experience of young people in the service. The role requires individuals to work on a rota pattern including some weekend and bank holiday working, as the service is open 365 days a year. Hours worked:21:30 - 07:30
This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.
What you'll do:
Ensure the welfare of customers providing emotional and practical support to customers who are in distress, in crisis or require medical assistance such as emergency first aid or the intervention of medical professionals.
Remain calm and professional when dealing with emergencies and incidents following the reporting procedures and completing the required paperwork.
Ability to work empathetically and compassionately with customers who present with complex needs such as mental health, substance misuse, safeguarding and physical health support needs.
Ensure the safety and welfare of customers by implementing and monitoring the visitors' procedure, preventing unauthorised access to the service.
Conduct health and safety checks and patrols around the building and exterior reporting repairs and any Health and Safety issues.
To undertake patrols and security checks of the building and exterior, monitoring CCTV, addressing any antisocial behaviour and completing the relevant reports.
Please visit our website for further details.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement.
Approachable and open behaviour.
Prefers working as part of a group or team.
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised.
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments.
Is confident with high levels of self-esteem.
Is respectful, articulate, and sensitive in style of communication.
Is essentially customer focused.
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can-do attitude.
Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours.
What you'll bring:
Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector
About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us. Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
We're looking for an experienced, compassionate and resilient Service Manager to join our Vine Court Road service in Sevenoaks, Kent.
£40,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Service Managers are responsible for the effective management of all contracts within their designated patch, including line managing the relevant front-line staff. Leadership and competence development in direct reports is a key responsibility of the role. Post-holders may also carry client group specialism responsibilities, linking in with other Managers and Head of Operations to ensure focused integration of specialisms across the whole organisation. The ideal candidate will have management experience and be based in commuting distance to Sevenoaks, Kent. There is an expectation to be in service for this role.
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
What you'll do:
Drive business planning activities within your contract, ensuring relevant and challenging objective setting and ongoing performance tracking, developing turn around action plans as may be necessary
This role will also hold an accountability for staff tracker updates/management for the patch and income management for wider contracts. HR investigations for other contracts also form part of the wider role
Using sound financial and accounting principles, manage contract budgets to deliver on corporate and local contract financial targets
Successfully lead and motivate your team to ensure the championing of and maintenance of a positive local culture within your service
Work to continuously improve staff competence, ensure ownership of all staff issues and speedy and effective conflict resolution
Responsible for reporting all staff changes to HR and Payroll departments, as appropriate e.g. starters, leavers, additional hours etc.
Responsible for maintaining quarterly staff succession plans
Deliver effective, professional and commercially focused briefings and supervision meetings with staff and ensure that information, reporting & communications flow up/down is effective
Responsible for managing and allocating customers to support staff (casework management)
For a full list of job requirements, please visit Look Ahead's website
About you:
Ability to lead and motivate staff to deliver excellent services
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
Has a practical and logical mind
Excellent organisation skills
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour
Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
Able to work as part of a group or team as well as being self motivated
What you'll bring:
Educated to degree level or equivalent
Experience of managing contracts and resources and delivering to budget and performance targets
Experience of delivering to housing management performance targets
Experience of effectively managing and developing staff to ensure delivery of services performance targets within contract
Experience of successfully managing external partnerships to ensure successful delivery of services
Holds relevant CMI/NVQ Level 4 or other Business/Management Qualification
Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications
About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Waking Night Support Worker to join our Mental Health service in Slough.
£25,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
This role will suit a support worker looking to working throughout the night. You will report to the team leader and engage with/ support customers during anti-social hours.
This is a great opportunity for a Waking Night Support Worker, wanting to gain exceptional experience within the mental health field, based on the solid working relationship with (SCMHT). We have since implemented training directly from SCMHT to support staff with understanding Mental Health diagnosis and Managing Crisis with our customers in-house.
You will be based at Hope House. We have two sites: Hope House and Doddsfield Rd. Hope House/ Place is a 10 bed supported housing service, providing support for 16 customers overall. The support hours for Hope House are 24 hours, 7 days a week, with one waking night.
Doddsfield Rd has 6 independent living flats with floating support.
This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.
What you'll do:
- Undertake key-working responsibilities for a caseload assigned by the Team Leader/ Manager.
- Undertake initial and continuous assessment of needs and potential risks and agree levels of support and actions.
- Create support/action plans for providing appropriate services based on the assessment and reflecting the services and resources available.
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation.
- Develop and maintain links with all key agencies and service providers in the local community.
- Empower customers to ensure they receive the service and benefits they are entitled to
- Undertake all administrative work and keep accurate and comprehensive tenant/customer records to professional standards.
- Encourage and enable tenants to pay their rent and to ensure that rent accounts are managed effectively in conjunction with the Housing Management team.
- Ensure that referrals are chased proactively so that properties which can be used to house those in need are filled as efficiently as possible.
- Adhere to Look Ahead's Policies and Procedures.
- Engage in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills.
- Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as may be reasonably assigned.
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement.
- Approachable and open behaviour.
- Prefers working as part of a group or team.
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement.
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised and flexible.
- Open to feedback and self-development.
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments.
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem.
- Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication.
- Is essentially customer-focused.
- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can-do attitude.
- Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours.
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector
Desirable:
- Experience working in mental health.
About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
We're looking for three kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Mental Health service in Ealing.
£27,352.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.
Want to feel valued? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
Oaklands & St Kilda is a pair of 6 unit supported accommodation mental health rehab services working with young people between the ages of 18-25 who may have experienced a mental health related hospital admission to gain and develop skills for future independent living. The service will support individuals transitioning from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult services.
The service forms part of a pair of services supporting up to 12 individuals at any one time across the sites, providing a welcoming and supportive environment for young people across London on a spot purchase basis.
Support workers will manage a number of young people to help them to identify, plan and achieve their goals, develop relationships meaningful to them and achieve greater independence by providing a flexible and individually tailored support package.
This role consists of consists of day time working patterns including early shifts from 8am and late shifts from 2pm. Shifts are 8 hours long and 5 days a week.
This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.
What you'll do:
- Building supportive, trusting relationships with young people and creating a positive atmosphere
- Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and administrative responsibilities
- Conducting key work sessions as required, that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
- Co-producing ongoing assessment and management of risks in collaboration with young people with an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
- Providing support with daily living activities, including practical assistance to support young peoples to independent living e.g. budgeting, cooking, establishing a night time routine
- Supporting young people to maintain a healthy environment and where appropriate assisting them to clean their accommodation and maintain good personal hygiene
- Assisting in the recording and reporting of customer incidents
- Managing referrals, completing assessments and obtaining and maintaining all relevant paperwork
- Developing productive relationships with partner organisations to improve service outcomes
- Adhering to lone working protocols and maintaining high levels of awareness in relation to the health and safety of yourself and colleagues
- Involving young people in the design, development and delivery of the service
- Encouraging and enabling tenants to pay their rent and avoid personal debt
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead
About you:
Ability to advocate for young people in different professional and community spaces
- Values working collaboratively with young people to ensure the service best meets their needs.
- An understanding of peoples' contexts and how this might be impacting them their lives and mental health
- Cultural awareness and respect for the many different ways a person might make sense of their experiences and distress.
- We welcome applications from people with lived experience of some of the challenges that this service aims to support with for example, mental health difficulties.
- Plans and encourages involvement in local activities.
- Approachable and open behaviour
- Recognises the value of both 1:1 working with young people and the importance of working working as part of a group or team
What you'll bring:
Essential:
- Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience supporting young people or people experiencing mental health challenges.
Desirable:
- Experience working in complex mental health environments
About us:
Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
Please see our website for full job description.
The Task Ahead: Finance Manager
As The Difference moves from its early start-up phase into the delivery of our 2025-30 strategy, our programmes and sector-influencing work are expanding to reach more schools and to deepen our impact. Alongside this growth, our team - and the operational function which supports them - is also growing.
As Finance Manager, you will be a key member of the Finance & Operations team. You will hold end-to-end responsibility for the finance function, from reconciliations to budgeting. You will decide where and how our existing processes could be improved, as well as developing new systems that will underpin our work as a larger and more established charity. You will be supported by the Director of People, Finance & Operations, as well as our external auditors.
The Difference is still a small and growing charity. This means that our work is fast-paced, our roles are broad, and there is a culture of being reactive and flexible, as the needs of the organisation evolve. If this sounds exciting rather than daunting, then this could be the role and team for you!
Areas of Responsibility
The Difference is looking for a Finance Manager to lead our finance function in the following ways:
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Oversee our internal bookkeeping, payment, and accounting processes, and improve these systems ongoingly.
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Lead on budgeting and forecasting across the organisation, supporting teams to predict income and expenditure and make sound financial decisions.
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Lead on the production of management accounting information, including internal monthly management accounts, quarterly reports for Trustees, and financial reports for investors.
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Lead on The Difference’s audit process, with external auditors.
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Work with the Development & Impact Manager to update fundraising pipelines, and ensure the availability of high quality income projections for Trustees.
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Support accurate budgeting and reporting for grant funding, including tracking spend of restricted funds.
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Support business planning by working with teams to model potential future work - e.g. costs of expansion of an existing programme; modelling potential new programmes.
Person Specification
Essential – We are looking for the following skills, aptitude and experience; though you may be stronger in some areas than others:
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Values – Your experience evidences shared values with The Difference (see below) and a personal commitment to our mission to improve life outcomes for vulnerable people.
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Finance experience, operational and strategic – Experience across all areas of finance, from accurate invoicing, payments and record-keeping, through to setting and managing budgets, financial modelling and forecasting, and working with external accountants or auditors.
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Finance process development – Experience of developing finance systems; the ability to recognise how processes could be continuously improved, and enact this improvement.
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Leadership of self and others – Confident in identifying skills or information gaps within your team, and drawing on the expertise of others to address these gaps. Able to show how you've continually grown your own skills and those of your team members so that together you can efficiently cover workload and plan ahead.
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Proactive problem-solving – Ability to thrive in a fast-paced start-up environment and to problem-solve: from rolling sleeves up and diving into detail to working collaboratively to build capacity.
Desired – You are more likely to be successful in your application if you have one or more of the following additional experiences:
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Accounting qualification and experience - Some form of accounting qualification and post-qualification experience.
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Early-stage charity/social enterprise experience – You may have specific experience growing charities or businesses for social good at the early or start-up phase.
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Experience of charity finances – You may have worked for or supported other charities, and have experience of working with philanthropic grants, charity accounting, and governance.
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Insight into schools – You may have experience working in the education sector, whether that’s through working for a business or charities that partnered with schools, or through working in a school yourself.
Why Work for The Difference?
Schooling isn’t working for the children who need it most. Every week in England 109 children – equivalent to three full classrooms – are permanently excluded. This is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the pandemic, school suspensions have risen significantly, as has persistent absenteeism. 1 in 5 children are missing more than 10% of their time in school. Children who are excluded or persistently absent are much more likely to already be experiencing vulnerability or disadvantage. They are more likely to live in poverty, have additional learning needs, suffer mental health challenges, or experience a lack of safety outside school. Certain ethnicities are also disproportionately affected, notably Gypsy Roma Traveller and black Caribbean children.
Exclusion and high rates of absence can have a dramatic effect on life chances. These young people are more likely to drop out of education or employment, become vulnerable to long-term mental ill health, or be at risk of criminal exploitation. The Difference believes that children and young people deserve better and that the education system has to change.
Our Organisation
The Difference is a young education charity, founded to change the story on lost learning. By 2030, we want rates of exclusion and absence to be falling nationally and for schools to be better equipped to support all children, including those who may be vulnerable. The Difference was born out of a year of research into school exclusions with think-tank IPPR. This research identified a lack of inclusion expertise in schools and proposed a new leadership development programme to fill this gap. In 2018, Difference founder Kiran hired the team who took this idea from concept to reality, beginning work with our first schools.
The Difference is now a 22-strong team delivering multiple school leadership programmes, alongside a growing research and policy arm. The team is supported by our Youth Advisory Board, made up of young people who have experienced exclusion and who provide their expertise and insights on how school inclusion work should be done. This work is needed more than ever. Effects of COVID-19, coupled with the spiralling cost of living, have substantially increased levels of vulnerability. Schools serving excluded pupils face under-funding. The Difference has had excellent early impact but there is work ahead to capture this, share learning with schools and policy-makers, and grow our capacity to lower exclusions across England.
Our Values
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High Expectations - We are ambitious for excellence from young people, colleagues and ourselves. We don’t believe in writing off someone’s potential because of their identity or experience of crisis.
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Strong Relationships - We prioritise genuine relationships over transactional interactions, and know that this requires deliberate relational practice. We see colleagues and partners as people first and their roles second; and know this greater trust allows us to take more risks, gain more feedback and have greater impact.
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Internalised Locus of Control - We work hard to reframe difficult situations to discover what we have within our power in terms of solutions. We take it upon ourselves to walk towards challenges and can take a high level of ownership and agency in our work/
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Pragmatism - We believe leadership means recognising current limitations and striving for improvements within and beyond them. We develop consensus and chart new ways forward, challenging false and extreme positions like “zero exclusions” or “no excuses”.
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Scientific approach - We take a diagnostic approach to unpicking causes of problems. We are loud and proud of our failures, recognising failing fast and often is key to finding the best solutions. We test solutions and are willing to use data and feedback to make adjustments and choose new directions.
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Not Squeamish about Structural Inequality - We believe patterns of inequality can and should be disrupted. We strive to be clear-eyed about these inequalities, and both the individual practice and system-changes required to address them. We push ourselves to overcome awkwardness in talking about this; and begin by acknowledging our own biases and blind spots.
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Asset-based - We work hard to avoid deficit thinking and aim to start with what’s strong, not what’s wrong. We are careful not to frame our colleagues and stakeholders - particularly young people and families – as victims but instead to recognise their agency.
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Wise selves - To both enjoy work and do their best, we want to make decisions and work with others in our “wise” - or regulated - selves. We also want to bring our compassionate self to those we work with, externally and internally, to support one another through challenging times.
How To Apply
To apply, please complete all sections of the application form by midnight on Sunday 19th May.
First round interviews will be held during the week beginning 27th May, over video call. Please indicate if you would not be available to attend an interview during this week.
If successful in this stage, second round interviews (including a task to be completed the same day) will take place on the week beginning 3rd June, at our office in Bethnal Green.
We are committed to building a diverse team and strongly encourage applications from under-represented groups in the charity sector such as people from black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, people with experience in the care system, non-graduates and first-in-family graduates.
As part of our commitment to fairer recruitment, all applications will be assessed with names and any protected characteristics redacted.
Recommended Reading
If you’d like to understand more about The Difference and what we are trying to achieve, we would recommend the following:
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The research which underpins our organisation.
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Our latest Impact Report, sharing our work in 2023
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Role description, April 2024
Reports to: Director of Communications and Marketing
Direct reports: None
Role Summary
This exciting role will enable Alcohol Change UK to reach millions of people across the UK with key messages about alcohol and alcohol harm, delivered through print, online, and broadcast media engagement tactics. With a high level of existing press interest in our work and campaigns (including our flagship Dry January® campaign), this is an exciting moment as we look to develop our proactive media engagement and share reframed stories about alcohol which resonate with a huge audience. Your work will drive significant awareness of our organisation, and ultimately enable millions of people to transform their relationship with alcohol.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Media engagement
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Manage the organisation’s media inbox and phone line, handling enquiries from journalists and providing responses in a timely manner
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Provide regular out of hours media cover on a rota basis (scaling depending on busier campaign periods, shared fairly with others and TOIL provided for hours worked)
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Develop public media statements and quotes across the whole spectrum of Alcohol Change UK’s work, issuing to press both reactively and proactively
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Provide ongoing development of our key lines library, regularly reviewing responses we have on file for a range of topics
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Support Alcohol Change UK spokespeople (Chief Executive, Directors and others) prepare for interviews: developing tailored briefings ahead of opportunities, providing a sounding board to rehearse key lines when required and giving feedback on appearances to support ongoing development
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Manage our media database and reporting tools, providing regular condensed reports for the Director of Communications and Marketing/CEO/Board and develop insights-gathering to better inform our media engagement strategy
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With the Director of Communications and Marketing, play a key role in media crisis management, escalating issues as appropriate, suggesting solutions and developing organisational responses to sensitive situations
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Support the deployment of Alcohol Change UK voices, working closely with the Engagement Team to identify Community Champions, Ambassadors and others who are happy to be supported to share their experiences of alcohol and alcohol harm with the media
Developing a new proactive media strategy
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Plan and deliver a new strategy for generating proactive media coverage, where Alcohol Change UK’s research, campaigns, parliamentary and wider activity connect with larger audiences in a strategic way
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Working closely with teams across the organisation, craft compelling media plans and press releases to generate coverage of our work
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Bring fresh energy to opportunity spotting, securing opinion pieces, expert comment, letters to editors and other ‘newsjacking’ content – particularly on ‘culture change’ topics such as sober shaming and stigma
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Manage relationships with key journalists in our sector, exploring opportunities for partnerships and exclusives
Campaign media activity
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Particularly for our flagship Dry January® campaign, and with the support of the Director of Communications and Marketing, develop media support briefs for external media agencies, when required
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Develop fresh strategies and media angles for annual campaigns (Dry January®, Sober Spring, Alcohol Awareness Week) to keep activity engaging for public and returning audiences
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Think creatively to craft media strategies which are tailored to reach segmented audience groups, aligning with targets for individual campaigns to reach under-served communities
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Provide detailed campaign media evaluations, insights and learning reports
Other
You will also be expected to:
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Work closely with colleagues across the charity to support their work and to act as ‘one team’
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Contribute actively and positively to charity-wide strategies
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Continually develop your knowledge of alcohol harm and solutions to it
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Act as a positive ambassador for Alcohol Change UK at all times
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Know, embrace and actively uphold the values of Alcohol Change UK at all times
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Work flexible hours as necessary to meet the needs of the charity, time off in lieu (TOIL) will be earnt for any work required outside of normal working hours
We are Alcohol Change UK. We work for a society that is free from the harm caused by alcohol.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Inter Mediate is one of the world’s leading independent conflict resolution organisations. Operating out of London, it works in conflict zones around the world to support peace negotiations and advise on strategies to stop and prevent wars. This is an exciting opportunity to join its small, expert projects team as a Project Development Officer, supporting Inter Mediate’s Project Directors to advance peace negotiations with a special focus on conflicts in the Middle East and Africa.
Role summary
The Project Development Officer (PDO) will work within the Inter Mediate Projects Team under the guidance of the Projects Directors and coordination with the Deputy CEO, Operations Team and CEO, to:
- Support and implement Inter Mediate’s existing projects portfolio supporting peace talks and other high-level peace initiatives.
- Build and manage relationships with senior stakeholders in conflict and peace processes, mainly in Africa and the Middle East
- Identify and develop entry points for new projects.
- Monitor and analyse political developments across areas relevant to Inter Mediate’s work.
- Research lessons from past peace efforts relevant to Inter Mediate’s current work.
- Support the Operations Team and Project Directors to prepare project proposals and budgets, narrative and financial reporting, and collect evidence of project impact.
Specific responsibilities:
- Contribute to strategies to deliver Inter Mediate projects and institutional priorities.
- Support the Project Directors to cultivate and maintain relationships with key interlocutors and relevant experts in the field.
- Undertake travel, including to conflict settings.
- Draft high quality policy memos, speeches and concept notes for senior audiences.
- Provide logistical support for project delivery, including managing travel of project teams, interlocutors and consultants.
- Monitor media, think tanks and other analysis centres on conflict dynamics, and produce briefings and analytic papers for the CEO ahead of travel or engagement with key interlocutors.
- Oversee production of research papers on peacemaking lessons, based on demand from interlocutors.
- Scope for potential new projects and develop new project feasibility studies.
- Support the Project Directors and Operations Team in donor management and project accountability, including contributing to preparation of project proposals and budgets, and reporting in line with donor requirements.
- Compile project progress reports for senior management/trustees’ meetings.
- Represent IM in external contexts where necessary.
- Undertake other tasks in support of IM’s work overall as required.
Experience, qualifications and skills:
Successful candidates would need to demonstrate:
- A masters degree in politics, conflict resolution and peacebuilding, international affairs, public policy or an equivalent subject. Relevant work experience may be accepted in lieu.
- Three years of work experience in conflict resolution or peace process support for a governmental, non-governmental or inter-governmental organisation, or an equivalent field such as diplomacy, humanitarian access, political risk advisory services, conflict journalism or conflict analysis. Experience relevant to West Africa and Middle East preferred.
- Excellent written English, and evidence of ability to produce high-quality written work to deadline.
- A strong understanding of political and conflict dynamics – particularly Africa and the Middle East - and the ability to produce well-structured and concise analysis
- Ability to operate successfully in high pressure, sensitive political environments and support high-level individuals
- Experience of work and travel in conflict-affected areas, and willingness to travel independently, with support from the Project Directors.
- Evidence of strong cross-cultural interpersonal skills.
- Flexibility and adaptability to support the smooth running of a small team, and willingness to take an “all hands on deck” approach when required.
- Fluency in French (required), Arabic (preferred) or other languages
Inter Mediate particularly welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Working at Inter Mediate
A normal working week consists of 35 hours. Our office operates between 8am and 6.30pm with core hours from 9.00am to 5.00pm. Inter Mediate operates a hybrid working model, with at least 2 set days per week in the office in London.
Benefits include: 25 days holiday, pension contribution and private health insurance (following successful completion of the 6-month probationary period).
To Apply by 1st Jun 2024 :
Send a one page cover letter explaining why you would be a good candidate for this position, a CV and and a writing sample (no longer than three pages).
IM is unable to currently sponsor working visas. All applicants must have the right of employment within the UK. Inter Mediate welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds.
Only full applications will be considered. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are excited to seek a new Chief Executive Officer to provide leadership, vision, development and direction to our impactful and dynamic work. Youth Realities has substantial growth potential, and would benefit from an influential leader to shape and deliver a new strategy to increase our impact, income and partnerships.
This is an inspiring position that requires deep alignment with our vision and values. As an organisation almost exclusively supporting young women and girls, the trustees are encouraging applications from candidates that identify as women.
Contract: Permanent, subject to a five-month probationary period
Hours: full-time, 28-35 hours per week. Youth Realities hosts a fortnightly 4-day working week policy.
Location: Hybrid working, with in-person requirements from Youth Realities’ office in Colindale (NW9 5XW) and attending events where required in London.
Salary: £46,800 - this is based on current resource and trustees are open to salary increases as funding becomes available.
Start date: August 2024.
Key attributes and experience for the role includes:
- Experience working within the VAWG, youth and/or domestic abuse sector, or an excellent understanding of VAWG/ domestic abuse/ teenage relationship abuse
- Track record of successful leadership in a senior role
- Strategic, creative and operational thinking
- Ability to form and sustain trusted relationships with partners, funders and stakeholders
- A dynamic and positive attitude when responding to challenging and changing circumstances
- Willing and able to be a core team member, contributing where required to wider operational attainment.
Founded in 2016 and formally established in 2017, Youth Realities is a specialist youth and survivor-led charity supporting young people, primarily young women and girls aged 11-25, impacted by teenage relationship abuse.
Our vision is a world where young people live free from relationship abuse and violence.
Our mission is to end relationship abuse and violence by working with young people to provide specialist spaces for prevention, intervention and healing.
Submit an up-to-date CV and cover letter, addressing the criteria outlined in the Person Specification. We want to know why you, why us and why now.
Deadline to apply: 13th May 2024
Interview dates: Thursday 23rd, Friday 24th, Thursday 30th and Friday 31st May 2024. Interviews will consist of 3 components, an interview with core staff and trustees, a site visit and a panel with young people. Therefore, applicants will be required to attend between 2:00pm - 5:30pm.
Outcome date: w/c 3rd June 2024
Start date: by w/c August 5th 2024, earlier start dates are encouraged and late start dates can be discussed.