Weekend support worker jobs in south ockendon, thurrock

We’re seeking an enthusiastic Administrator to join our team and help support our Environmental Education charity’s mission.

• Permanent contract – average 37.5 hours per week
• Salary: Circa £25,267 per annum
• Excellent benefits – including life assurance and a health cash plan, see the full list below.
• Your new place of work is in a beautiful location, be surrounded by nature on your break.

Love where you work!

Established in 1943, our network of Learning Locations provides day and residential outdoor education courses for all ages. We aim to create outstanding opportunities for everyone to learn about nature.

We value each of our team members and understand that every role is vital to deliver our mission, so, we provide great benefits* to reward and support you while you work with us.

What you’ll be doing

As a key member of our team, you'll play an important role in supporting the day-to-day operations of our learning location. Your responsibilities will include:

• Acting as the first point of contact for customer enquiries by phone and email, always delivering professional and friendly service
• Managing course bookings and maintaining accurate, up-to-date records in our booking systems
• Providing general administrative support to ensure the smooth running of the office and wider team
• Assisting with the promotion of our programmes to customers, stakeholders, and partners
• Working collaboratively with colleagues across the centre and supporting nearby locations when needed

Please refer to the vacancy pack for further details on the full responsibilities of the role. 

Where you’ll be based

Field Studies Council Epping Forest is situated in the heart of Epping Forest, an area of around 2,400 hectares of wood-pasture stretching from Manor Park in East London to just north of Epping in Essex.

Two thirds of the Forest have been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Our purpose built, fully accessible centre has six classrooms, and associated facilities, with direct access into our teaching sites which include woodland, grassland, heath, and river.

Who we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone with strong administrative skills, great attention to detail, and a confident, professional approach to customer service.

You’ll be organised, comfortable using office software and systems, and able to communicate clearly with both customers and colleagues. In addition to:

• A great work ethic where aptitude and attitude are key
• A natural pride in the work you produce
• A flexible and adaptive approach able to perform using your own initiative both independently and as a team player
• A professional manner in all that you do
• An empathy with the aims and objectives of Field Studies Council
• A committed and proactive approach to personal development; motivated to learn new skills and overcome new challenges

Sound like the role for you? Come and be part of the team! We look forward to your application.

* Your benefits whilst working with us will include:

• Financial - We offer competitive salaries, sick pay, pension schemes, life assurance 5 x your annual basic salary, 28 days annual holiday entitlement plus bank holidays and a further 2 extra loyalty days dependent on length of service.
• Health and Wellbeing - Eligible employees are automatically provided with a Health Cash Plan which you can use to help pay for routine health appointments as well as give you the ability to seek second opinions from top doctors! We also provide our team members with access to a 24hr Counselling Helpline Service.
• Discounts – When you join the team you are also enrolled into our reward programme which gives you discounts on your favourite brands and opportunities to earn cash back on everyday purchases!
• Additional benefits - We endeavour to offer flexible working options where roles permit and are committed to providing our employees with appropriate quality learning and development opportunities.

The closing date for receipt of your completed application is 15 June 2025.

We reserve the right to close the vacancy early if we’re in receipt of sufficient applications. Please apply early to avoid disappointment.

Interviews are scheduled to take place at Field Studies Council Epping Forest in the week commencing 16 June 2025

Shortlisted applicants will be contacted by email.

Job Description 

Service Officer 

About Us 

Spring Community Hub exists to ensure that no one in our Southwark community goes hungry. But we don’t just provide food:

We work alongside people to help them escape poverty, build confidence, and find community.

Our principal activity is the prevention of food poverty and food insecurity by offering culturally appropriate food, fresh fruits, and vegetables as well as dietary and religiously appropriate food which we have continued to run at our five-week sessions to local people for as long as they address the underlying cause.

We also provide a range of wraparound support, including advice services, particularly around employment and immigration through our Back2Work Team, Holiday Clubs for Children, Youth Groups, a Clothing Bank and our Spring Up Women’s group.

Mission 

The mission of SCH is that through a 'Community Hub’ and full activity programme, local people in or at risk of crisis will be supported along their journey to move on and achieve full social, economic and emotional independence to live healthy lives in a community which supports each other 

Vision 

Our vision at Spring Community Hub is to tackle food insecurity and hunger before people find themselves in crisis. We want to see equality in our communities and be a vehicle for positive and lasting change in our clients so that they never need a Food Bank again. 

Values 

These are our Principles, ideals, and characteristics that define the culture, standards and aspirations of the organisation. 

An organisation that is driven by people with integrity and commitment to the cause 

We believe in leadership, development, growth, and continual learning

Ensuring fairness, equity and equality 

Creating a place of respect, kindness and dignity for all 

A healthy environment where people have fun and can be creative

Salary £16,224 per annum

Permanent Contract. ( Subject to further funding ) 

Part-Time,  20 hours over 5 days 

Term Time 

Monday, 1 pm - 6 pm 

Wednesday 1 pm - 6 pm

Thursdays - 1 pm - 6 pm

Fridays 9 am - 2 pm 

Saturdays 9.30 am -2.30 pm 

(including 1 hr unpaid lunch) 

School Holidays

Monday -    9 am-2 pm 

Tuesday -    9 am - 2 pm 

Wednesday 9 am - 2 pm 

Thursdays   9 am - 2 pm

Saturdays    930 am -  230 pm 

(including 1 hr unpaid lunch) 

Working - from our Offices and  Centres and in the community/outreach locations

The post holder must be flexible to work evenings and weekends to meet client and community needs.

There will be work/training outside of office hours, including evenings and weekends, with appropriate time back in lieu.

Main Purposes of Job and Key Tasks

Do you have an empathic personality and want to work in a challenging but rewarding field? Spring Community Hub has an exciting opportunity to recruit a Service Officer 

The Service Officer will play a crucial role in supporting the mission of our charity by providing comprehensive assistance and advocacy services to individuals and families in need. This position will involve engaging with diverse communities and ensuring that all services are delivered with cultural sensitivity. 

The Service Officer will work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to deliver Food Bank services, Activity Camps, and Afterschool club, advice and advocacy support, clothing assistance, cooking programs, and Social Supermarket Operations, as well as support initiatives for the elderly, individuals experiencing poverty and isolation, and families with children.

The post holder must be an enthusiastic and motivated person to coordinate and manage our Food Banks, Community Café, and Social Supermarket, including the supervision of its volunteers/staff, as well as planning, organising, and implementing supermarket collection. 

The post holder will be required to be flexible to the changing needs of the organisation and as such, undertake tasks and responsibilities not specifically listed here but relevant to the smooth running of SCH, including general office and administrative tasks and aspects of service delivery, as directed by the Leadership Team/ CEO and trustees.

About the Role / Key Responsibilities 

Programme Planning, Delivery and Implementation

•  To design and deliver the  Activity Camps and After School Club  Programme calendar, curriculum, and events that are outcomes-focused, educational, and engaging, and enable young people to develop a range of skills appropriate to their needs.

• Working with Children, young people, and their families to build services that meet their needs, wants, and aspirations of the individual.

• Work in Collaboration with the Leadership Team  to oversee the work of the Spring Activity Camps Coordinators to design and develop a range of activities, workshops, and programmes to meet the needs of our children, young people, and their families 

• Collaborate with other staff members, volunteers, and external partners to deliver engaging, fun, and impactful activities

• Ensure all activities align with the organisation's mission and values and promote personal growth, inclusivity, and well-being.

• Oversee and coordinate the operations of Food Services 

•  Assist clients in accessing food bank services, ensuring they receive the necessary support with dignity and respect.

• Maintain inventory management for food items and coordinate food drives and partnerships with local suppliers.

• Developing and coordinating effective stock control systems, arranging timely transportation of collections and deliveries, and meeting legislative standards - i.e., Health & Safety/Environmental Health.

• Provide and oversee assessments of guests, customers, and service users on a one-on-one/group basis to ensure they receive adequate advice/signposting and support on benefits, housing, financial support, and other relevant issues impacting clients' well-being. Work in collaboration with the Advice and Advocacy team.

• Advocate on behalf of clients to secure access to necessary resources and services.Stay updated on the relevant policies and available community resources.

• Oversee the operation of the clothing bank, ensuring that items are organised, available, and of good quality for clients..

• Develop and oversee cooking workshops that celebrate cultural diversity and promote healthy eating practices.

• Collaborate with local chefs or volunteers to create a welcoming environment for participants.

• Oversee in the day-to-day operations of the social supermarket, ensuring a welcoming atmosphere for customers.

• Engage with elderly clients and those experiencing isolation to provide companionship, support, and resources related to their specific circumstances.

• Work on outreach programs targeting vulnerable populations to provide suitable assistance.

• Educate the team on nutritional options and food

• Lead or assist in after-school clubs and programs that promote educational engagement, social skills, and personal development for children.

• Support families to identify their needs and connect them with appropriate services and resources.

• Represent Spring Community Hubs Service and project at relevant forums and meetings across the Borough and at a London/National level

• Ensure that all processes and procedures in the SCH manual are being followed

• Ensure that the foodbank meets health and safety/environmental health standards in all its locations

• Bring to the attention of the Service Manager any concerns about the running of the project or its future sustainability

• Oversee the food Services in conjunction with the Service Manager

• Organise and run food collections in conjunction with Hub support

• Liaise with clients and referral agencies and resolve any issues that may arise in conjunction.

• Keeping up to date with legislation and policy related to the Service and making any necessary modifications to accommodate changes.

• Overseeing stock orders and working in collaboration with the Hub support and  Finance department.

• Comply with SCH policies and procedures regarding the operation of services and policies 

Strategy, Stakeholder Management, Leadership, and Management 

• Representing the organisation on a  strategic level at external meetings and events with Community partners, Local Authorities, Funders, and other key stakeholders 

• Liaise with clients and referral agencies and resolve any issues that may arise in conjunction.

• Foster relationships with local organisations, community leaders, and stakeholders, and participate in community outreach initiatives to raise awareness about available services and encourage community involvement.

• Maintaining relationships with suppliers, community groups,  Schools, Libraries, supermarkets, and other stakeholders.

• Supervise the work of the Activity Camp Coordinators, Bank Staff, Volunteers, and Facilitators during Camp and Activity Sessions 

• As one of the Deputy Safeguarding Leads, manage any concerns about a child, young person or family's welfare effectively and share concerns with the Leadership Team and other DSLs. 

• Actively contribute to and participate in AGMs, Away Days,  Team Meetings, Development Sessions, and other  Internal Meetings

• Support in the rolling recruitment of Coordinators, Bank Staff, and Volunteers to meet the needs of the service.

• Work with the Leadership Team to ensure up-to-date Employment, Training, and other HR  records for all Staff and Volunteers within the Team, and work in collaboration with the Business Support Team

• Work with the Leadership Team to ensure the service and Resources are used effectively within designated budgets, including the reimbursement of expenses.

Camps and Event Management:

• Coordinate and oversee the planning, logistics, and execution of SCH Holiday Camps, Afterschool Camps and Events.

•  Ensure adherence to Health and Safety Guidelines, Risk Assessments, and appropriate Safeguarding measures.

• Manage Camp staff, volunteers, and external contractors during activities and events, creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere. 

• Liaise with schools, organisations,  local authorities, and volunteers to explore ways of sustaining and improving the provision.

• Promote and market the project through outreach to schools and other community groups in Southwark/Havering and surrounding areas, and organise bookings.

Volunteer Management:

• Work in collaboration with the Leadership Team and  Business Support Team to recruit and train Volunteers.

• Oversee and manage the volunteers in the team who support activities and events, providing necessary guidance and supervision.

• Work with the Leadership team to foster a positive and inclusive volunteer culture, recognising and appreciating their contributions.

•  Work with the leadership Team to monitor and evaluate volunteer performance and provide constructive feedback, reports, and support as needed.

• Coordinate and oversee  all Food Service / Project volunteers, and oversee the volunteer timetable to ensure the best use of volunteers

• Coordinate the volunteer team at the warehouse and oversee groups of corporate volunteers, school groups, and other youth groups visiting to help.

• Ensure that volunteers are trained to undertake responsibilities within the warehouse and to meet the relevant legal requirements. This could include basic food hygiene,  first aid, evacuation procedures, manual handling and lifting, health and safety, and fire procedures 

Administration and Reporting:

• Maintain accurate records of activities, participant attendance, incidents, Impact Reporting,  Monitoring and Evaluations,  including referral processes, and ensure the requirements of Data Protection, Quality Assurance, Funding, and Compliance are met. 

• Prepare regular reports for all the Projects highlighting progress, challenges, and recommendations for improvement.

• Work within agreed budgets for activities, Camps, and Pastoral Care Services, ensuring efficient resource allocation.

• Ensure that local data is entered into the database

• Maintain accurate records of client interactions, services provided, and outcomes achieved for reporting and evaluation purposes.

• Provide regular updates to the Leadership Team on service delivery and community needs.

• Produce monthly project reports and keep the CRM/ Database updated 

Person Specification

• Experience in working with children and young people, in particular individuals who are experiencing significant Poverty and Inequality and may also have multiple and complex needs. 

• The ability to communicate effectively with a wide variety of people and establish and maintain good working relationships with Partners and external stakeholders

• Proven Line Management and Supervisory experience 

• Willingness to undertake further training as required by Spring Community Hub

• Commitment to the concept of continuous improvement of procedures and practices

• Ability to remain calm in challenging situations and reinforce boundaries

• Ability to support people in managing difficult feelings, and communicate their needs effectively

• Knowledge of best practice for lone working, data protection, and safeguarding adults

• Ability to recognise and work within the boundaries of the role, including confidentiality, and the working protocols between agencies

• Strong sense of self, and ability to set and maintain boundaries and lead by example 

• Ability to communicate effectively in person on a one-to-one basis and with groups, as well as over the telephone and in writing

• Excellent listening skills

• Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and others.

• Understanding of the needs of disadvantaged, disaffected, and vulnerable people, and the ability to work with them in a positive way

Qualifications and Skills:

• Qualifications/Experience in a relevant field (e.g., social work, Counselling, psychology, Information Advice and Guidance, Education, or related disciplines). A master's degree is desirable.

• Proven experience in Programme Planning and Event Management, preferably within a Charity, Community, Education, or similar setting.

• Strong organisational, Project Management and Prioritising abilities, with impeccable attention to detail.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact effectively with participants, volunteers, and external partners.

• A compassionate and empathetic approach, with a genuine interest in the well-being of others.

• Knowledge of safeguarding policies and procedures, including child protection and vulnerable adult support.

•  Proficiency in using relevant software for record-keeping and report generation.

•  Empathy and compassion for individuals facing hardship

•  Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.

•  Proficiency in Google Workspace and databases, and experience with client management and other IT  / Project Management systems.

• Cultural competence and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds and experiences.

- A degree in social work, community development, or a related field is preferred.

- Experience working in a charity or community service environment, particularly with vulnerable populations.

- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse groups.

- Understanding of issues related to poverty, housing, and social welfare systems.

- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team

Commitment to Equal Opportunities 

All Staff, Contractors, Freelancers, and Volunteers have a legal and moral responsibility to ensure that Spring Community Hub is free from discrimination, harassment, and bullying

We are an equal opportunities employer and we welcome applications regardless of sex, gender, and race, age, belief in any religion and none, gender identity, ethnic origin, class, sexuality, nationality, appearance, unrelated criminal activities, disability, responsibility for dependents, part-time or shift workers, being HIV positive or living with AIDS, lived experience of Significant Poverty or Inequality and any other matter which causes a person to be treated with injustice.

We believe diversity is a strength, and we aim to make sure that SCH reflects the communities we serve. 

SCH is consciously working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can bring out their skills and talents and make their best contribution to our mission to support our guests along their journey to move on and achieve full social, economic, and emotional independence to live healthy lives in a community that supports each other.

We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of Significant Poverty and Inequality and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds.

Responsible for staff/equipment 

Spring Activity Camp Coordinators/Bank Staff/Facilitators and Sessional Volunteers/Partnerships/Phone/Laptop 

Reporting to…

• Spring Activity Camp/Pastoral Manager

Why Join us / Benefits 

• A warm, welcoming, and passionate working environment.

• People-focused with a friendly and supportive workplace culture

• We are a London Living Wage Employer

• An active commitment to equality and diversity

• We offer continuing opportunities for learning, and personal and Professional development together with regular supervision, training, and support for all our staff and Volunteers.

• Generous annual leave entitlement: 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

• Company pension scheme.

• Frequent Team Away Days and Celebrations, as part of a friendly and collaborative team

How to Apply 

Complete the application form. You will be asked to submit a CV if suitable. 

Please also include the names of 2 referees, one of whom should be your current or most recent employer (references will not be taken up until after interview for the successful candidate)

Closing Date: Interviews to be held virtually on a rolling basis 

Application process:

1. Complete our Application form 

2. Submit your CV with a Supporting Statement.

3. Initial Telephone interview - shortlisted candidates will be invited for a Telephone interview

4. If you are shortlisted from the Telephone Interview, you will be invited to a formal interview which will consist of the following: 

• A  Presentation topic will be shared with you in advance

• 60-minute Panel Interview with members of the SLT / Board of Trustees 

• Questions will be shared with you before the interview so that you can prepare. 

• Role-specific Practical Task 

Accessibility

We want our recruitment process to be as accessible as possible. If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please contact our Compliance and Development Manager to discuss how we can help.

Overview

High energy costs are a nightmare for millions of UK households, while huge profits are made at our expense. Poor housing and heating systems are a key part of the problem, along with dependence on polluting, climate-changing fossil fuels. FPA is a campaigning organisation that sets out to attack the root causes of fuel poverty along with the specific injustices facing people and communities. We want to see the UK’s energy system decarbonised as rapidly as possible, with a just transition for communities and workers.that includes affordability. 

Working closely with pensioners groups, trades unions, disabled campaigners, tenants’ organisations and others on the frontline of fuel poverty, we’re using protest and direct action to fight for real, sustainable solutions to the cold homes crisis. We are looking for a committed senior organiser, who shares our passion and values, to bring energy and imagination to developing our base and supporting our members to build their power.

About the role

Fuel Poverty Action (FPA) was started in 2011 by climate activists who wanted to ensure that the green energy transition doesn’t happen at the expense of those with less social and economic power. Rather, they saw the break with fossil fuels as an opportunity to end the scourge of fuel poverty in the UK - a chance to rethink priorities and design inequality out of the energy system.

Immediately, they were drawn into community-based struggles for energy justice, against false, profit-driven solutions and maladministration of ‘green’ measures with no accountability to tenants and residents.

Over the years others joined the fight, growing FPA to a small membership-led organisation comprising people at the sharp end of fuel poverty - people of all ages and backgrounds, mainly located in London. Since 2022, funding has enabled us to employ a small, dispersed team who are accountable to directors and a membership that is now UK-wide. 

We are now looking for an experienced, senior organiser to help FPA grow and evolve our membership network further. We want to reach more people and support members to be active within FPA so that we can build our political impact and remain meaningfully member-led. 

We are seeking a flexible person with significant leadership experience who will be confident working as part of a small team, capable of outward facing work and internal management. You will have experience of organising in collective campaigns,  including digitally, and a background in grassroots or community-based action, with a strong commitment to inclusive and anti-oppressive practice.

As the Organising Lead, you will join our Campaigns Lead and Operations Lead as the third pillar of our self-managing Coordination Team. While line-managing other colleagues and enabling the contributions of members who are unpaid, you will yourself be a member of FPA, and answerable to the group. 

We use the digital platform Action Network to run campaigns and communicate with FPA supporters. Our ideal candidate would have the skills to incorporate ladders, tags and custom fields into our digital campaigns to maximise online to offline impact and convert list growth into membership. They would also actively maintain relationships with existing members who are not always confident with online communication tools. 

There is a lot of scope to bring new ideas and perspectives to shape our work.

What you might find yourself doing:

Strategy development: Leading on creation of a new membership growth and retention strategy in collaboration with existing members

Growing our base: Boosting in-person recruitment and using Action Network to build a digital pipeline into membership

Communications: Ensuring members are connected and informed through one-to-one calls, emails, members’ section of the website, WhatsApp groups and other platforms. 

Member development: Building one-to-one relationships with members, understanding their interests, linking them to opportunities and providing feedback and follow-up

Member activation: Supporting members to participate in our own and allies’ events, actions and mobilisations, digitally and on the ground

Speaker invitations: Representing FPA at events and in media as well as supporting members to do so

Capacity building and training: Providing tools, advice and training to members and supporters, including to FPA’s local groups in Glasgow, Manchester and London

Administration: Managing onboarding systems and securely maintaining records

Organisational management: As part of the self-managing Coordination Team

Line management: Providing light touch management for one or more colleagues

Online meetings: Including prospective member induction interviews and regular members’ meetings which you organise and facilitate

About You

Essential requirements. You’ll thrive in this role if you:

• are highly organised, comfortable self-managing and detail-oprientated in routine admin tasks

• have demonstrable skills in organisational and people management that are relevant for a remote team

• are instinctively collaborative and able to communicate warmly, openly and honestly with colleagues

• are self-motivated, flexible and positive about remote team working, ready to take responsibility for pacing yourself and maintaining your well-being at busy times

• have excellent communication skills, including verbal, written, editing, IT skills, and listening 

• are agile in your use of digital platforms to communicate with different audiences

• have a strong affinity with FPA’s aims, objectives and organisational values of solidarity, empathy and respect

• have a proven understanding of anti-oppression work and commitment to tackling all institutional forms of oppression, bigotry and exclusion 

• have excellent relationship-building skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and sensitively, and work effectively with diverse individuals, including those directly impacted by injustice and oppression 

• are confident and creative in your approach to running online and in-person meetings

• have several years of experience in organising or campaigning on issues of poverty and/or the climate, housing or energy 

It is also desirable (but not necessary) for you to have:

• experience of using Action Network or similar platforms to build an activist pipeline

• the skills to craft compelling calls to action and design digital content optimised for engagement

• experience of providing training tools, skills and hand-holding to those at the sharp end of the polycrisis

• links and ongoing relationships with networks and movements with similar aims or values to Fuel Poverty Action

• experience of horizontal organisations and ways to promote staff wellbeing and sustainable remote working 

Compensation Policy 

We’ll compensate team members on the following basis:

• All salaried team members are contracted on the same terms and conditions

• We have a 30 hour week maximum for all team members - most commonly worked as 4 x 7.5 hour days

• Team members are paid an equitable and sustainable compensation rate which is the pro rate equivalent to a full-time (5 day) salary of £40-45,000, regardless of role or level of experience

• Our compensation rates have been set following Platform’s best practice Social Justice Waging System:

Annual salary (30 hours per week):

• Band 1 - No dependents or children and inherited wealth: £32,000 

• Band 2 - One or more children or dependents and inherited wealth OR No inherited wealth but no children or dependents: £34,000

• Band 3 - One or more more children or dependents and no inherited wealth: £36,000 

Further details

• 3% employer-matched pension

• Genuinely flexible working

• 25 days holiday per year, plus bank holidays

• A progressive parental leave policy

•  £15 / month working-from-home broadband stipend 

We have no central office or workspace budget, so it is imperative that you are comfortable working from home

Some costs-paid travel and monthly evening and occasional weekend working will be required

We particularly welcome applications from marginalised groups, especially people of colour and other ethnic minorities, people who identify as LGBTQIA, disabled people and those who identify as working class or have done so in the past 

The appointment will be for one year with a hope of extension, funding permitting, and a four month probationary period