Volunteer mental health support worker jobs

We are looking for a Drop-in Support Worker to join the team at MASH as Maternity cover and provide support to women.

Using a gender and trauma-informed approach, the Drop-in Support Worker will manage our city centre Drop-in Centre and support the women who attend. This will involve managing volunteers, providing support and advice to women, and delivering a range of activities.

We believe in choice and empowerment, focusing on the material impact and reality of women’s lives, and how we can work with women to create the change that works for them. We hold a strong belief in women’s assets, talents, skills and abilities. Through our services we partner with women as they access and navigate services to aid recovery and realise their goals.

MASH is the only organisation in Greater Manchester which exists specifically to support women who sex work. Through our range of services we build trusted relationships with women to keep them safer, healthier and more equipped to take control of their lives.

To work with other members of the MASH team to achieve the following outcomes:
• To improve women’s health
• To improve women’s wellbeing
• To increase women’s safety
• To enable women to identify and achieve their goals
• Women who sex work are heard, understood and experience less stigma
• Other agencies and policymakers understand the needs of women

Are you committed to helping end homelessness and ensuring people with mental health conditions live life to the full? If you are creative, willing to be hands on and enjoy working with a wide range of tasks we want to hear from you.

Barons Court Project is seeking a Project Worker to join our friendly team at our Day Centre in Hammersmith and Fulham. This role is hands on but gives great variety. We split our work into three areas, Body, Mind and Spirit. Body - The practical services including showers, laundry, meals, clothing and more ensure we care for our guest's physical being. Mind - our one to one work including assisting guests with benefits forms, housing applications, CV Writing etc. Spirit - Activities around well-being including art, women's group, sports and physical activity, trips out and more. 

You will work with a team of staff and volunteers to deliver these services which are designed to ensure we care for the whole person. 

If you want to make a difference then this is the role for you, we want to hear from you.  

Established in 1999 SeeSaw Grief Support is an award-winning charity supporting children and young people in Oxfordshire who are bereaved or about to be bereaved. The work supporting children, young people and their families is delivered by a team of clinical staff and volunteers, who work with families in their own homes. Because of this regular travel is involved, often at the end of the school day. We regularly provide support for between 400-500 children and young people each year. 

Our clinical team of 5 practitioners, and 12 volunteers, is supported by our Clinical Data and Volunteer Manager. Due to increasing demand for our service, we are expanding our team and looking for a 6th practitioner to join us, focusing on direct work with bereaved children and young people, and those facing the death of a close family member. We are looking for candidates who have gained experience of working with children and young people in a range of settings. You are a good communicator and skilled at making and sustaining supportive relationships with children and young people to effect change.Our practitioners have a caseload of individual children and their families, and liaise with professionals from schools, health, social care and children and young people’s mental health services, as well as with our team of Volunteer Support Workers. You will be able to work collaboratively and on your own initiative, ideally have a qualification in health care, social work, counselling, psychological services or education; knowledge of therapeutic interventions in grief work would be helpful but not essential as training will be given. 

Men, younger people, and individuals from minoritised communities are underrepresented in our workforce and we are particularly keen to encourage applications from these groups.

If you feel you have the qualities to join our small friendly team doing vital work for children and young people in Oxfordshire, please read the job description and person specification below.

Interviews will be held on 9th June

About the Role

Location: Cornwall (Agile / Field‑based)
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: £24,544.91
Contract: Permanent
DBS: Enhanced with Adults

Who We Are

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe recovery is possible. We exist to improve the quality of life for people severely affected by mental illness by providing person‑centred, strengths‑based support that helps people live fulfilling, connected lives.

We work closely with individuals, families, and partner organisations to support recovery, independence, and wellbeing within local communities.

About the Role

We’re looking for a Lifestyle Support Worker to join our Cornwall Community team and support people with long‑term mental health challenges to live healthier, happier, and more connected lives.

In this role, you’ll work alongside other Lifestyle Support Workers, therapists, and multi‑disciplinary teams to engage people in meaningful activities that promote wellbeing, confidence, and independence. This could include:

• Supporting individuals one‑to‑one to build confidence accessing community spaces such as gyms, groups, or public venues
• Facilitating group activities such as healthy eating, wellbeing, or lifestyle sessions including activities in the community.
• Encouraging engagement in volunteering, recovery activities, and local community opportunities
• Supporting people to develop routines, life skills, and social connections

This is a field‑based role across Cornwall, with some administrative work based in NHS buildings and opportunities for agile working.

What You’ll Bring

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has experience supporting people with mental health needs in a community or support setting
• Is passionate about recovery, empowerment, and person‑centred support
• Can build positive, respectful, and professional relationships with service users
• Has experience in facilitating group work in the community.
• Is confident working both independently and as part of a multi‑disciplinary team
• Has strong communication, organisational, and basic IT skills
• Holds a full driving licence with access to a vehicle (essential for covering Cornwall)
• Believes in equality, inclusion, and strengths‑based approaches

Formal clinical qualifications are not essential — we value empathy, professionalism, and a genuine commitment to supporting others.

What We Offer

At Rethink Mental Illness, we’re proud to support our staff. You’ll receive:

• A comprehensive induction programme
• Regular supervision and reflective practice
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• The opportunity to contribute to service development
• A supportive, values‑driven culture where your voice matters

Ready to Apply?

If you believe in recovery, want to make a real difference, and are passionate about supporting people to live well in their communities, we’d love to hear from you.

Rethink Mental Illness welcomes applications from all backgrounds and is committed to creating an inclusive workplace.

Why Work With Rethink Mental Illness?

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe that when you feel supported, you can make the biggest difference. That’s why we offer a wide range of benefits:

• Inclusive Culture: Staff networks that champion diversity and inclusion
• Wellbeing Support: Access to our Wellbeing Hub, Employee Assistance Programme, and Unmind mental health app
• Recognition & Rewards: Discounts, cashback offers, and recognition through our PULSE platform
• Flexible Working & Generous Leave: 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and your birthday off, with options to buy or sell leave
• Learning & Development: Structured onboarding and ongoing training
• Financial & Family Support: Pension scheme, enhanced family leave, and travel benefits
• Referral Bonus: Earn up to £300 for introducing someone to our team

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Diversity is important to us, and we value difference, inclusiveness, and belonging. By welcoming a wide range of perspectives and experiences, we strengthen our ability to support the diverse communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities and are proud to be a Disability Confident Employer and a signatory to the Race at Work Charter.

Becoming a Truly Anti‑Racist Organisation

We have an ambition to become a truly anti‑racist employer, campaigning organisation, and service provider. Through our Anti‑Racist Statement and Race Equality Action Plan, we are committed to accountability, learning, and meaningful progress.

Support Worker

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Mental Health Care Service in Newham. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£30,784.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Fixed term contract for one year from 6^th June 2026.

Want to feel valued? You'll feel at home here.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS

The Support Worker will be part of a team that operates Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

They will provide support to customers with complex mental health needs.

What you'll do:

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 .

• Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
• Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
• Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
• Create support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customer to progress in their recovery
• Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking

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

What you'll bring:

Essential:

NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some or equivalent sector work experience

Desirable:

A good understanding of mental health issues and how it affects people and experience of supporting customers to manage this and lead independent lives.

About 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.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

Job Title: Support worker

Location: London Borough of Tower Hamlets

Salary: £30,784.00 per annum 

Hours: Hours: 40 hours per week, including weekends

Contract: Permanent

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

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

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

We are looking for:

Competencies

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

What we offer

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

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

How to apply

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

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

SMART is hiring!

SMART is a warm and welcoming mental health charity that provides a holistic programme of support to the people we serve.

We have a vacancy for a full time Mental Health Community Navigator. The Navigators support people with serious mental illness, with a range of issues including: housing, benefits, finance and social isolation. Please refer to the attachments below for the full job description and person specification. 

We offer a friendly, collaborative, hybrid and integrated work environment in partnership with the NHS and other voluntary sector services, We have a strong focus on staff well-being including a 35 hour working week, 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, a wellbeing hour, regular clinical supervision, an Employee Asisstance Programme and an annual schedule of training and events designed to support personal and professional progression

Ideally you will have experience of working within mental health/vulnerable adult services, working within multi-disciplinary teams, knowledge of the issues people face with housing/benefits etc and liaising with other services and professionals on service users behalf.

Mental Health Navigators make a real difference to people's lives.

Application Deadline: 12th May at 23:30. PLEASE NOTE: We may interview before the closing date if we receive enough suitable applications

Feedback: Unfortunately, we are not able to give feedback to candidates not shortlisted. If you have not heard from us within a week of the closing date, please assume your application has not been shortlisted at this time.

We’re looking for a hands-on General Manager to lead an exciting new social enterprise in Lambeth — combining a busy bike repair workshop with a welcoming community café.

This is a unique opportunity to run and grow a business that not only serves the local community but also supports people with mental health challenges and other barriers to employment to gain skills, confidence and move into work.

You’ll oversee the day-to-day running of the bike shop and café, balancing commercial performance with meaningful social impact. This is a varied, fast-paced role where you’ll need to be proactive, organised and happy to get stuck in.

Abbevilles Bikes is part of First Step Trust, a charity with over 30 years’ experience supporting people into employment.

Key responsibilities:

• Leading daily operations across the bike shop and café
• Managing a small team and supporting volunteers
• Driving sales and working towards financial sustainability
• Delivering excellent customer service and building local relationships
• Supporting on-site training and development activity

What we’re looking for:

• Experience managing a service, project or small business
• A hands-on approach and confidence taking ownership
• Strong organisational and people management skills
• A commercial mindset with a passion for social impact

You don’t need to be a bike expert — just a willingness to learn.

What we offer:

• The chance to build and grow a new social enterprise
• A supportive and friendly working environment

Are you ready to help shape our service from the ground up? Join us in developing REST (Recover, Eat, Support, Talk) – a new daytime drop-in hub focused on recovery, support and conversations held over a good cuppa!

We are looking for two compassionate and reliable Senior Wellbeing Support Workers to support the delivery of our new REST Hub Service in Bury St Edmunds and Ipswich providing holistic support for individuals accessing the service who may be experiencing mental distress.

You will lead the day-to-day running of the service and provide operational oversight, manage volunteers, and support staff to ensure safe, consistent and high-quality support.

At Suffolk Mind, our mission is to make Suffolk the best place in the world for talking about and taking care of mental health. 

​

Key information:​

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Work pattern: 9am – 5pm, Monday – Friday
• Salary: £27,202.00 - £30,856.00 per year
• Location: Central Bury St Edmunds or Ipswhich 
• Contract type: Fixed term until 31st March 2027 (subject to service contract renewal)​
• Number of availbale posts: 1 post based in Ipswich and 1 post based in Bury St Edmunds 

Why work for Suffolk Mind?

We are committed to supporting the health and wellbeing of our staff and have tailored our benefits package* to support this; we offer:

• 25 days holiday per year plus bank holidays as standard– increasing to 30 days with length of service (pro rata for part time employees)
• Your birthday day off
• An option to buy or sell annual leave
• Health and dental care insurance plan
• Occupational sick pay scheme
• Pension scheme
• Blue Light Card – offering discounts on 100’s of retailers both in store and online
• Monetary reward for length of service
• Refer a friend scheme

​

Plus, internal wellbeing courses, opportunities for training, flexible and hybrid working options, excellent support and job satisfaction.

Is the job for you?

Below is a brief summary of the key requirements for this role, but for more information please make sure you visit the vacancies page on our website and download the full job description and person specification.
 

• Essential
   
  • At least 1-2 years’ experience of working with adults in a mental health environment
  • Ability to work in high-pressure, emotionally demanding environments with people suffering mental distress
  • Enhanced & Adult’s Barred DBS check (arranged by Suffolk Mind)

    ​

• Desirable
   
  • Qualification in mental health e.g. DipSW, RMN, NVQ3, Cert 3, Human Givens diploma, Counselling or equivalent
  • Good listening and people skills, especially supporting staff in complex situations
  • Experience in managing volunteers and small teams
  • Experience in working with a similar REST or equivalent service

If you are looking to use your skills towards a career where your need for meaning and purpose are met, then come and join our team.

To apply, please complete a Suffolk Mind Application form by visiting our website, select ‘get involved’ from the top menu then ‘vacancies’ in the drop down list.

Closing date for applications:   midnight Sunday 24th May 2026

We reserve the right to close this job advert once a suitable a candidate has been found, therefore successful candidates may be contacted to interview at any time throughout the advertising process and would encourage you to apply as soon as possible.​

Interviews date: week commencing 1st June 2026

Interview questions may be sent in advance of interview.

We aim to let all applicants know the status of their application within 4 weeks from closing.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer sponsorship on this role.

​

Please complete our Equality and Diversity Survey here.

If you require any reasonable adjustments such as access or information in an alternative format, please inform us soon as you are able so that we can make the appropriate adjustments.

​

NO AGENCIES PLEASE

Suffolk Mind is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children, young people, and adults at risk who have contact with our services and personnel. We expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background and DBS checks will be required for relevant posts as part of our Safer Recruitment procedures.

*T&Cs apply

​

Additional keywords: Wellbeing, Senior, Support Worker, day drop in, mental health, charity recover, recovery, eat, support, talk, hub

We see first-hand the power of family to shape lives, for better or worse, so we speak up for the

importance of family in national and local policymaking, amplify family voices and represent the changing needs of families in the UK today.

This is an exciting opportunity for a Support Worker to join our friendly team and help support the continued work of our LifeSkills Plus team. You will provide intensive support to adults with complex needs who are further away from employment or training by using a strength-based approach, ensuring those accessing the programme receive appropriate practical and emotional support by visiting them at home or in the community.

The LifeSkills programme supports individuals and families to build their confidence, social networks, financial and employability skills. The LifeSkills Support Worker will work closely with the linked LifeSkills programme, entitled LifeSkills Open.

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

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

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

Nightlight Helpline / Crisis Café Support Workers (x2) 
Reference: 339
Responsible to: Crisis House Coordinator
Salary: £24,366 per annum (pro rata for part time)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: Full time 37.5 hours (Part-time from 22.5hrs considered)
Based:  
Hatfield Crisis Café (x1)
Stevenage Crisis Café (x1)

About the Service 

Our Nightlight Service (Cafés, Helpline, 24/7 Crisis House and Daylight provision) is proud to provide urgent support, crisis intervention and emotional support to people experiencing a mental health crisis in Hertfordshire as an alternative to statutory pathways. 

We provide support to adults across Hertfordshire 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our helpline, crisis centres, crisis cafes and a weekend Crisis House. We aim to provide a safe space for people in crisis to talk and feel supported, be listened to without judgement, access relevant support with problem solving and facilitate access to external services when necessary.

As a member of our team you will work closely with service users in crisis by using a person-centred approach as to ensure that each individual is supported with dignity and respect. By honouring the individual experience of each service user, we are able to respect their autonomy as well as encourage and facilitate positive steps towards management of crisis and recovery. 

Service Objectives 

The objectives of Hertfordshire Mind Network’s (HMN) Nightlight Mental health Crisis House are: 

• To endeavour to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of people experiencing a mental health crisis across Hertfordshire. 
• To provide 24/7 support for individuals experiencing mental health crisis in a safe and non-judgemental environment. 
• To increase early access to help for people experiencing mental health crisis in Hertfordshire, by providing clear and effective pathways to other services provided by HMN and other third party and/or statutory providers. 
• To remain a source of independent support for all Service Users. 
• To provide an alternative pathway to people in distress and crisis, employing a person-centred approach in order to enable better outcomes for those in need as to reduce the demand on statutory Crisis and Emergency services. 

At the Crisis Cafes we promote and enable people to access support in a way that suits them, whether that’s through talking to someone or simply by providing a safe space to have time alone or engage with trained staff. 

About the Role 

You will be a key member of staff delivering the Nightlight Mental Health Crisis Service. Taking part in a rota covering 7 days per week, ensuring the delivery of high quality crisis support  and instilling Hertfordshire Mind Network’s values throughout the Crisis Cafe and Helpline services. Working closely with other staff such as: The Service Manager, Team Leaders, Co-Ordinators, Contract and Bank Support Workers and Volunteers in order to ensure services are of the highest quality and to support the continued growth and development of the service.

We offer: 

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

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

Closing date for receipt of applications is 29th May 2026  
Interviews to be held on a rolling basis in our Watford office or Microsoft Teams.
N.B. Please quote reference number 339 when completing your application for this role. 

Interested?

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

Equal Opportunities

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

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

No agencies please.

PURPOSE OF POST: 

To provide structured housing related support to tenants of Mind in Gwent Supported Housing, and floating tenancy support to people experiencing mental health difficulties. 

To act as keyworker providing practical and emotional support, advice, information and advocacy towards the goal of achieving greater independence in the community. 

To liaise with a range of statutory and voluntary professionals and organisations to maximise resources for the client. 

PRINCIPAL RESPONSIBILITIES: 

Deliver person-centred housing related intervention to clients which promotes their mental wellbeing and independence whilst supporting to progress toward a life without the need for support. To work with clients in a manner which promotes autonomy to assess their own needs and develop and create individual personal support and plans to achieve their identified goals.

To network effectively with voluntary and statutory agencies to promote the needs of the clients.

Working with clients so that they have the knowledge, understanding and skills to access services and support with the aim to improve their mental wellbeing and resilience. 

Provide support to clients in accessing benefits and housing-related assistance, when applicable, to enhance their income and housing opportunities. Stay informed about current Social Security policies and housing legislation, ensuring clients are referred to specialist advisors when necessary. 

Focus on client involvement ensuring that clients have their views heard and that the needs and wishes, individually and collectively, are respected in the services and support provided. 

Work as part of the Housing and Tenancy Support Team and the wider Mind in Gwent Team to develop and deliver activities that achieve positive outcomes for Mind in Gwent tenants or clients receiving tenancy support. 

Ensure all work is recorded and monitored to achieve outcomes and contribute to performance management on an individual, team and organisational basis.

Ensure that anti-racism, equality and diversity are central to your work addressing disadvantage, inequalities, stigma and discrimination, making sure that you act to reach people from marginalised or disadvantaged groups and that the services you provide match their needs. 

Work in accordance with best practice, legal requirements, the policies of Mind in Gwent, and the policies prescribed by the funders and to contribute in the development of such policies. 

Support service development through researching models including, but not restricted to, good practice, sharing good practice guidelines, developing and leading on partnerships and initiating new services. 

To contribute to the work of other projects and teams of Mind in Gwent as when required or directed to provide cover or to develop new skills or take on new opportunities. 

A full job description can be found in the attachments. 

Interviews will be held on Monday 11th and Tuesday 12th May

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Waking Night Support Worker to join our Homelessness and Complex Needs Service located in Tower Hamlets. No personal care or experience required, just the right values.

£27,706.00 per annum, working 36 hours per week.

Want to feel valued? You'll feel at home here.

Our benefits include:

• Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
• Free DBS
• Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
• Fully paid induction programme and further training

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.

East London Apartments provides 24 hour accommodation based support for up to 31 individuals with complex histories, multiple traumas, complex personality disorder(s) and a varied, disrupted housing history with experience of homelessness as well as individuals who have been diagnosed with severe and enduring mental health conditions who are under the Care Programme Approach (CPA).

What you'll do:

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 .

• 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'

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

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with some previous relevant sector work experience

Desirable:

About 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 looking for an experienced youth worker to join our team and lead our Short Breaks project, which provides activities and support specifically for children and young people who have autism and have low to moderate support needs. Camp Mohawk is a woodland activity centre that provides support to children, young people and families from across the South of England.

The children and young people (approximately 100 individuals) supported by the project are aged 8 to approximately 25 years and are largely independent in terms of their self care but have a variety of social, sensory and sometimes medical needs that mean it is very difficult for them to participate in mainstream activities. Our Short Breaks service offers after school activities (in 3 age groups) on Tuesdays and Thursdays in term time, as well as full days of activities once per week in school holidays. These activities give the young people essential social opportunities during which they are supported with things they find challenging, encouraged to express their natural personalities and explore and develop their interests. During these sessions they can receive support to develop their social skills if that is what they need, and can take part in fun activities with their peers. The groups generally cater for between 10 and 20 young people per session.

To be a good fit for this role, you will need to be an exceptional and dedicated childcare / youth worker who has proven experience of supporting and safeguarding children and young people, particularly those who have autism. You should have experience of planning inclusive activities, managing budgets and supervising teams of staff. The role is very much a ‘hands on’ role working directly with the project beneficiaries for the majority of the post hours - you must be able to commit to working the majority of Tuesday (16.00 - 19.30) and Thursday (18.30 - 22.00) evenings in term time, and at least one full day (09.00 - 17.30) per week during school holidays, with the exception of the Christmas holidays when the centre is closed. You will work 10 hours per month on project associated admin which can be undertaken remotely and largely at times that suit you. You must have a full UK driving license and access to a reliable vehicle that is insured for business use. Camp Mohawk is not easily accessible by public transport, whilst some Short Breaks activities take place at off site locations in Reading, Wokingham, Maidenhead, Bracknell, Slough and surrounding areas.

The current post holder also works in the role of Duty Manager for other school holiday days / term time weekend days. This aspect of the role, which will be an optional add on to the Short Breaks Coordinator role with negotiable hours, would be undertaken on a rotational basis with our 4 other Duty Managers. The role involves overseeing the daily delivery of general Family Sessions which support families who have children of all ages and who have a wide range of special needs and disabilities. In this role you will guide and supervise a team of support staff and volunteers through set up of the facilities at the start of the day, oversee the smooth and effective delivery of the service and support families during their visits, work effectively within our Safeguarding Lead Team, and supervise the cleaning and close down of facilities once the session has completed.

For full job description and person specification please see the attached application pack. Informal enquiries prior to application to discuss the role requirements, and applicant requirements in terms of hours and salary, are welcomed.

The successful applicant will be required to undergo all checks and training in accordance with our Safe Recruitment policy including enhanced DBS check, satisfactory references and Right to Work check.