Youth homelessness support worker jobs

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Waking Night Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities service in Langley.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

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.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
* Online wellbeing resources
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
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.
Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. In some services, this will include providing physical, domestic, emotional and social care. They will work with customers to promote social inclusion and alongside other members of the team to promote independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices.
This role involves working on a rota pattern of 40h each week, to support a client with special needs.

What you'll do:
- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- 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
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, as facilitated by the lead Support Worker
- Carry out security duties to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
- Monitor the CCTV throughout the shift
- Enable customers to make full use of community facilities by providing support as directed
- Carry out support duties to enable customers to integrate into the community including e.g. accompanying the customer to attend benefit agency appointments and meetings, go shopping, to enquire at colleges about possible courses, to visit various public amenities
- Report any observations relating to customers welfare
- Adhere to all the policies and procedures of Look Ahead Care, Support & Housing plus those specific to the project including any statutory requirements

About you:
- 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
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments

What you'll bring:

Essential:
- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector

Desirable:
- Experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and Autism

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 100 services, providing support to thousands of 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 and complex needs, young people and care leavers 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 2 kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Workers to join our Mental Health service in Tower Hamlets.

£29,500.18 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

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.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
* Cycle to work scheme
* Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
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.
Specialist Support Workers help to enable vulnerable customers living at the scheme to manage their tenancies, mental/ physical health and wellbeing and assist them to move to social housing within the community. It is a step-down service with a short licence tenancy up to 28 days.

The shift pattern for this role consist of: early shift 9am to 5pm and late shift 12pm to 8pm. Weekends and bank holidays 9am to 5pm

The contract for this role is expected to end: 31st March 2026

What you'll do:
* Undertake key-working responsibilities for a caseload assigned by the Manager
* Conducting regular flat checks and medication spot checks.
* Undertake initial and continuous assessment of needs and potential risks and agree levels of support and actions
* Create support plans / risk assessment plans for providing appropriate services based on the assessment and reflecting the services and resources available
* Support customers to access local activities and services to maintain and improve health and well-being, avoid hospital admission, support to access and maximise welfare benefits
* Support customers to undertake activity of daily living (ADL), including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation and maintain their home.
* Link customers immediately with Green House to secure appropriate accommodation. Maintain regular contact with Green House.
* Develop and maintain links with all key agencies and service providers in the local community in Hackney

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:
Relationship-building
- Empathy and respect for all individuals, with the ability to build relationships and understand people's motive and perspectives.
Motivation
- Committed to making a positive impact for individuals.
Adaptability
- Resilience and flexibility in changing circumstances, with the ability to work under pressure and deal with uncertain or unexpected outcomes
Communication
- The ability to collaborate with and influence a wide range of people in person and through written communication
Problem solving
- The ability to objectively analyse situations, using information and clear judgement to generate effective response

What you'll bring:

Essential:
? Worked in a customer care setting with transferrable skills.

Desirable:
? Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent.

? Past or present experience in providing support to people with mental health, Learning Disability, Substance misuse and Autism

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 100 services, providing support to thousands of 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 and complex needs, young people and care leavers 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

Community Outreach: Engage with members of the local community, supporting existing outreach projects and helping develop new initiatives.

Welcoming Guests: Create a warm, welcoming atmosphere for visitors to the church, fostering a sense of belonging.

Project Development: Contribute to the growth and development of ongoing projects, with a focus on enhancing the mission’s outreach and impact.

Current Projects: Tuesday Celtic Prayer; Toddler Group; Merton Winter Night Shelter (Site Coordinator); Messy Church; Summer Camp.

Collaboration: Work alongside church leaders and volunteers to deliver meaningful experiences for both visitors and members of the church community.

Keep adequate records of contacts and of work undertaken.

Appraise and review initiatives set up and activities undertaken, and change where necessary the action and focus of work after discussion with, and agreement, from the management group.

Any other duties and responsibilities, identified by the minister as are within your capabilities and level of responsibility, in order to meet the needs of the church.

We're looking for an organised, compassionate and resilient Deputy Manager to join our Learning Disabilities service in Hertfordshire.
£34,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

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.
Our benefits include:
* Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
* Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
* Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
* Fully paid induction programme and further training
* ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
* A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
* Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution
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.
A Deputy Contract Manager is to support the Area Service Manager who is responsible for the effective management of all contracts within their designated patch, including line managing the relevant front line staff.
Experience with working with Severe Learning Disability, Profound Autism, and behaviours of distress needed.

What you'll do:
* Support the Area Service Manager to 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
* Support the Area Service Manager, using sound financial and accounting principles, manage contract budgets to deliver on corporate and local contract financial targets
* Successfully lead and motivate the 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.
* Supporting Area Service Manager in maintaining quarterly staff succession plans
* Deliver effective, professional, and commercially focused briefings and supervision meetings with staff and ensure that information, reporting and communications flow up/down is effective

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 and inclusion
* 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

What you'll bring:

Essential:
* Educated to degree level or equivalent
* Holds relevant CMI/NVQ Level 4 or other business/management qualification
* Sound understanding of Positive Behaviour Support framework2 years of experience with profound autism or complex learning disability

Desirable:
* Any other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications
* Clinical background or relevant experience

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 100 services, providing support to thousands of 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 and complex needs, young people and care leavers 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 Descrption

We seek an Advice Coordinator and IAA supervisor IAA L2 (IAA L3 desirable), or solicitor with equivalent qualifications for an exciting position leading partnership projects with Shelter, London Youth Gateway, and the East London Foundation Trust Mental Health Services.  The post holder will manage and supervise a team of IAA level 1 and 2 immigration advisors providing specialist immigration advice and casework to migrants at risk in London. You will play a key role in coordinating service delivery, including advice drop-ins and outreach visits in mental health settings.

Praxis is a dynamic, award-winning human rights charity supporting migrants in crisis or at-risk, ensuring that their essential human needs are met and that they are able to overcome the barriers they face. We work to build community, challenge exclusion and discrimination, influence policy and improve services. We advocate and campaign for lasting changes to policy and practice to address the root causes of the issues faced by at-risk migrants.

We are a progressive organisation, committed to an inclusive workplace which reflects our values and the society we want to live in.

We recognise that how you feel about your work is impacted by what is happening in your life outside of work. As a result, we offer generous family leave policies, with equal parental leave, flexible and hybrid working, and enhanced annual leave through our Life Happens and Religious and Reflective Leave policies. We take care of our staff by thinking about their health and wellbeing and offer reflective practice, a Menstrual Champion and a range of policies to support people at work.

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from candidates with lived experience of the migration system or who have experienced homelessness.

Having a criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify you from this role. We believe in second chances and assess each application on individual merit. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply, regardless of background.

Our Attractive Benefits Package Includes 

· Culture of flexible and hybrid working (where appropriate)

· 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 with service (plus paid Bank Holidays)

· Equal parental leave (incl. 26 weeks on full pay, eligible after 1 year in post)

· Religious/reflective leave, life happens leave and menstrual leave

· Reflective practice for all frontline roles

· Employee Assistance Programme offers counselling and support 24/7

· Workplace Pension Scheme and Life Assurance (1x annual salary)

· Financial wellbeing support, including payroll savings, signposted advice and hardship loans

If you need us to make an adjustment or provide additional support as you apply for a role, please email our Recruitment team who will contact you to discuss how we can help.

For more information you can contact Daniel Ashwell 

To apply, send us your CV and cover letter demonstrating your capabilities in relation to each of the points of the job description marked ‘A’. Where relevant use your answers to illustrate how your competencies have helped you to achieve positive results. This will give you the best possible chance to be shortlisted. Applications will only be accepted with a cover letter.

Join our dynamic Communications team and be part of a rare opportunity to shape the narratives and visuals that amplify the life-changing initiatives of 1625 Independent People. If you're passionate about crafting powerful communications that make a difference, this is your chance to affect change and leave a lasting impression.

Please find full details of how to apply via our website in the advert below. The deadline for application submissions is 23:59 Thursday 08 May 2025.

We are striving to better represent the young people we support and therefore are particularly keen to increase applications from minoritized ethnic groups, Muslim and male candidates as they are currently under-represented in our organisation. We also encourage applications from people with relevant lived experience. 

If you need an adjustment to be made to any part of the recruitment process, please let us know as soon as possible. 

Who are we?

We are a leading youth homelessness charity based in the Southwest, working with over 1,500 young people. At 1625ip we are driven by Social Justice and Passion: we strive to do something that matters and take pride in seeing the results of our work in social outcomes and improving young people’s lives.

What you will be doing:

• By being empathetic and seeking to understanding the complex needs of homeless young people, young people leaving care, and the barriers they face, you will work with them and their support workers to tell their stories. 
• Utilising your creative skill’s, you will create branded collateral that supports a variety of campaigns and events.
• Through your enthusiasm, you will be able to work on own initiative but also alongside your team, ensuring all communications are suitable for specific audiences. 
• By being detail orientated you will be managing a variety of platforms including the website and all social media channels.
• You build strong relationships both internally and externally; you communicate excellently, and you influence others externally to support 1625 Independent People

You will be in Fundraising and Communications Team and your line manager will be our Communications and Community Fundraising Manager.

At 1625 we are led by our Competency Development Framework. This connects our values to our behaviours in everything we do and gives us the tools to develop. The framework ensures our recruitment is better informed, applications and interviews are behaviourally based, and job profiles are developed on the ‘how’ of a job. 

If you have transferrable skills and you are interested in this role, but you are worried about the application process, please get in touch with us. We encourage you to have an informal chat with the recruiting manager to discuss how your personal or professional experience and skills could be transferred to this role. Details of how you can do that are further down in this advert.

Contract details 

• Hours per week: 37.5 (this represents 1 FTE)
• Contract type: 1 year contract (Maternity Cover)
• Pay: £27,852 - £29,439 per annum 
• The location: Kingsley Hall, Old Market - there is also flexibility and support to manage working from home. We currently meet as a team 2 days a week at Kingsley Hall. 

A few benefits at 1625ip

In return for your dedication, we offer:

• A generous annual leave entitlement of 30 days per annum plus all Bank Holidays
• Employee Health Cash Plan with HSF
• A supportive and approachable team with an emphasis on colleague wellbeing 
• “1625 Independent People is an amazing organisation, and I feel very lucky to work here”, Colleague Wellbeing Survey 2024.
• “I couldn’t be happier with the opportunities and support I have received in my career progression that has led me to my dream job!” See what other colleagues have said about their career development with us, on the vacancy page of our website. 
• 1625ip is a Disability Confident Employer.
• Flexible working

Important dates

• Application deadline closes: 23:59 Thursday 08 May 2025.
• If you have not heard from us by the end of the day on Wednesday 14 May 2025, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. 
• Interviews are on Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 May 2025. 

Application information

Ready to see yourself in this rewarding role? We can’t wait to hear from you.

• To access the Job Pack and submit an application, please visit the vacancy page on our website.
• You will be asked to answer 3 questions at the end of the Word application form. These are required to ensure your application can be shortlisted. 
• Please note the online e-application form cannot be saved so we recommend you prepare your Word application form before you start filling in the e-form.
• Please get in touch with us if a hard copy of the application form would be preferred. We will organise a time for you to collect it from and return it to Kingsley Hall (our main office in Old Market). An online application will then be created for you. 

Equitable opportunities for everyone

We believe those with a criminal record should have an equal chance to become employees or volunteers and encourage applications. 

As an organisation who safeguard and promote the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk, any job offer will depend on a satisfactory DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check. Successful candidates will need to provide our organisation with sufficient documentation to prove ID. We comply fully with the DBS code of practice and undertake to treat all applications for positions fairly. For successful candidates with a criminal record, a risk assessment process will take place with the recruiting manager.

We also pride ourselves on being an equitable opportunities employer for everyone regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion and beliefs, sex and sexual orientation. We have committed to being a Disability Confident Employer, and have made the Menopause Workplace, Mental Health at Work, and Bristol Equality Charter pledges.

Please see our Policies section on the website, for further information.   

Emmaus Greenwich is a unique charity that offers a home, work and individual support to people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. We don’t just give people a bed for the night; we offer a home, work opportunities and a sense of belonging.

At the heart of Emmaus Greenwich is our companions. Companion is the name given to those who live in an Emmaus community and contributes to the social enterprise, where they support themselves and one another. Living in a stable environment with the opportunity of work and individually tailored support helps our companions to regain lost self-esteem and the confidence needed to get back on their feet.

Some of the things that we are looking for in our Community Manager:

• The ability to focus on impact and deliver results.
• Experience of planning, developing, and managing support services for clients with support needs.
• Knowledge and understanding of Strength-based practice and Trauma informed care.
• Knowledge and understanding of In-form client management system.
• Experience of managing the performance, learning and development of staff.
• Knowledge and understanding of homelessness issues.
• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive working, ensuring equality and valuing diversity.
• A belief in the potential of each individual and an understanding of the importance of the Community in helping an individual achieve their potential

Some of the things you would be responsible for as a Community Manager:

• Responsible for the admission welcome including assess new referrals, interviewing potential Companions, welfare and care of Companions, their integration into the Emmaus Community and the wider community at large, developing a sense of extended family.
• Lead and implement a culture which provides confidentiality, promotes professional boundaries, protects data, and safeguards Companions, Volunteers and staff.
• To manage support relating to Companion’s needs regarding their daily living requirements, physical and mental health, safety and personal development.
• To assist and encourage Companions to move into independent accommodation where appropriate
• Ensure that effective Safeguarding systems are in place and maintained, acting as the organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Person, with delegated responsibility for policy development, implementation, and reporting.
• Working in partnership with the Retail Manager, facilitate, encourage, and support companion engagement and training within the social enterprises to ensure they are viable businesses.
• Assist the Multi Site Property and Facilities Manager in the upkeep and maintenance of the Community, to ensure that it provides a pleasant and comfortable home for the Companions, whilst adhering to health and safety requirements.

So, if you hold optimism for change, advocate for social justice and have in-depth understanding of challenges faced by people with experience of homelessness and migration and have a positive “can do” attitude we would love to hear from you. You will be joining a friendly and enthusiastic team who are passionate about what they do. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience of trauma informed practice, asset-based approaches, quality assurance frameworks or from a background of supporting vulnerable adults into work; experience of working in partnership with a range of agencies to coordinate activities and initiatives and achieve positive outcomes. 

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Team Leader to join our Learning Disability service in Gravesham.

£32,166.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

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.

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
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
• Online wellbeing resources
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

The Team Leader is responsible for the operational management of our specialist customer focused support services across the service. Working in partnership with stakeholders, external agencies and our Commissioning Team, you lead your Team to offer high quality support to customers who experience severe mental health diagnosis to maintain their tenancies and empower people to live their best lives and move to independence. Responsible for Safeguarding our Customers, you will promote sector best practice and legislative compliance to keep our customers safe within their environment.

The role provides direct line management, leadership, coaching and support to Support Workers, Specialist Support Workers and Night Support Workers, ensuring compliance with current legislation, contractual requirements financial regulations and Look Ahead Policy and Procedures.

This role deputises for the Deputy Contract Manager when required.

This shift pattern for this role is Monday - Friday, 9.00 - 17.00

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.

For a full job description, please visit our website.

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 100 services, providing support to thousands of 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 and complex needs, young people and care leavers 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.

About Us

Our vision is for every child and young person to be safe, loved and happy, to achieve their potential and have a bright future.

St Christopher's is a leading charity for children and young people. We are proud of our history of providing fostering, children's homes and innovative leaving care services across the UK & Isle of Man.  We have a passionate commitment to our young people, placing them at the centre of everything we do.  We provide positive life experiences for young people who are unable to sustain a placement in their parental or foster home.

We are an equal-opportunity employer keen to develop an inclusive workforce where people feel they belong.We hope to attract applications from under- represented groups, including people from different cultures, nationalities, socioeconomic backgrounds, ages, disabilities, religions, faith, sex, orientation, childcare responsibilities, and gender-diverse identities.

St Christopher’s Academy

At St Christopher`s we can provide more than just a care job. We can offer you a career where you can develop your skills and knowledge while making a difference to young people’s lives.

When you join St Christopher’s, we will set you up in your career with a tailored development plan. Whether you want to move across to a different service, become a Manager or just explore further your current role, we will support you to map out your career trajectory and help you achieve your professional ambitions. If you want to learn more about St Christopher’s Academy, please click here

We are proud that 84% of all our Team Leaders, Deputies and Managers are internal promotions.

About the role

As an Experienced Practitioner, you will provide direct support and care for our young people who have complex emotional and mental health difficulties (such as trauma and loss) and can struggle to regulate their emotions.

Working within a therapeutic framework, you will develop a direct programme of work aimed at developing authentic relationships with our children and young people (aged 12 – 17 years old), you will also have responsibility for making sure our residents are safe, providing support, liaison with other professionals and completion of support documents to record information.

If applying for the Waking Night role, you will have the additional support of an on-call manager should there be any emergencies. Further to this, you will be involved in monthly team meetings and receive monthly supervision.

Applicants should have

• Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare or equivalent (i.e. Level 3 Diploma Children and Young People Workforce with the children's social care pathway) or be willing to achieve the Level 3 Diploma in Residential Childcare within 2 years as per Children’s Homes Regulations 2015 (England).
• Minimum of 1 years’ experience working and supporting children and Young People to achieve their full potential.
• Genuine commitment to working with and supporting children and Young People to achieve their full potential; with the ability to build and promote trusted relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
• An understanding of the issues facing children and Young People and a basic understanding of safeguarding Regulations and Procedures.
• The ability to cope effectively with challenging behaviour.
• Good communication and team working skills.
• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays.
• Commitment to undertake any mandatory training (outside of working hours) and continuous learning to ensure a high level of service.
• Creativity, enthusiasm and energy to inspire and encourage young people to achieve their goals.

What you should expect from us

• Salary: £28,912 per annum. Overtime / bank holidays paid time-and-a-half and 2 weekends off per month.
• A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
• Industry leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and social pedagogy.
• Contributory pension scheme, enhanced maternity and company sick scheme.
• UK Life Assurance (Death in service) to the value of 3 times your annual salary.
• BUPA employee assistance programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Bluelight card; discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
• Discretionary funded training programs.
• Employee awards based on performance and length of service.
• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.

Recruitment Process

At St Christopher’s we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people in our care. During the recruitment process you will be expected to complete an online application form to ensure we capture essential information to meet legislation, best practice and vetting requirements.

Applicants will ideally already be on the DBS Update Service; if this is not the case St Christopher's will carry out a DBS (police) check prior to starting.

First Stage Interview – Tuesdays & Thursdays throughout April & May 2025

Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview at our Head Office

Second Stage

Successful candidates will then attend the second stage interview at the home they have applied for.

We advise you to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Please note:

• This post has a minimum age restriction of 21 year for roles working directly with children and young people in our residential and supported accommodation Homes in line with the Equality Act ‘occupational requirement’.
• It is illegal to apply for any role that involves working with children and young people under the age of 18, if you know you are barred from working with children.
• all shortlisted candidates invited to interview will be asked to submit a Self-Declaration and Disclosure form which will need to be returned prior to an interview being booked.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Senior Payroll & HR Admin Partner to join our Human Resources team at our Head Office in Islington.

£32,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

(£32,000 on starting increasing to £33,093 once successfully passed probation)

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS (take this out if BSW advert)
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

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:

Payroll

Be responsible for the day to day delivery and coordination of the administration of the Payroll function, ensuring a timely and accurate payroll service is delivered to Look Ahead's employees, workers and Board members, to agreed deadlines
Produce and review any monthly exception reports to identify and rectify any payroll errors arising
Work with the HR Admin and Payroll Manager, Director of People and Director of Finance to ensure that payroll data processing reviews are rigorously and independently checked, validated and signed off
Act as liaison with internal and external auditors and other 3rd parties (as appropriate) on all matters with regard to Payroll processes, controls and systems
Act as liaison with MHR, HR department and Business Systems team on all areas of the payroll.

HR Admin

Acting as the first point of contact for all HR Admin related queries, via phone and email; responding promptly, whilst managing expectations effectively
Ensure letters for contractual changes for staff are sent out in a timely and accurate way and all relevant systems updated
Respond to straightforward policy and process queries, providing appropriate advice and guidance in line with Look Ahead policy, ensure that urgent items are prioritised and that any issues are highlighted and resolved as quickly as possible; escalate to the Admin Manager or an HR Business Partner as appropriate

For the full list please see 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:

Can work to tight deadlines and deliver accurate work on time
Strong customer service approach - wants to get things right first time and ensures timely and effective communication with customers
Good attention to detail with minimal errors
Ability to prioritise and manage multiple tasks
Proactive and enthusiastic in approach to work and improving processes
Is confident in successfully resolving issues or conflict
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can-do attitude

For the full list, please see our website.

What you'll bring:

Essential:

Excellent attention to detail and high levels of accuracy
Previous payroll experience
Experience using iTrent or similar payroll/HR system for payroll purposes
Experience of monthly payroll processes
Intermediate or above Level IT competency, particularly in Microsoft Word and Excel
Experience of dealing with staff payroll and/or HR queries in a timely manner

Desirable:

Social Housing experience

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 100 services, providing support to thousands of 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 and complex needs, young people and care leavers 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.

We're looking for an imaginative, resourceful, and resilient Developments Officer to join our Business Development team, located at our Head Office in Islington.

£30,000.00 - £40,000.00 per annum depending on experience, working 35 hours per week.

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.

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
• ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
• Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
• Cycle to work scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
• Online wellbeing resources
• A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
• Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

Look Ahead supports thousands of people across London and the South East with a diverse range of needs, helping them to make individual choices, achieve goals and take control of their own lives by providing tailor-made support, care and accommodation services. To support this we are seeking a highly motivated individual to work within Business Development Directorate. The principal objectives of the role will be to:

Focus on the development of a new offer for Look Ahead's homelessness directorate

Play a vital role as Look Ahead seeks to deliver ambitious growth targets and new services of the highest quality by supporting with proposal development and, where needed, tendering.

The postholder will be expected to work closely with other members of the wider Business Development Directorate, operational colleagues and central service teams to support delivery of annual growth targets circa £4-5M (reviewed annually).

This is a hybrid role with a minimum of two days in the office or services.

This role is also available on a 6-month trial secondment for internal applicants.

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.

For a full job description, please visit our website

What you'll bring:

Essential:

• Eligible to live and work in the UK
• Excellent writing skills including the ability to critically research and analyse relevant information and to be able to write compelling and persuasive reports
• Business development experience including completing tender documentation
• Able to write clearly and persuasively and articulate innovative ideas
• Proficient knowledge of Microsoft Office, word, excel, PowerPoint
• Numerate
• Able to work flexibly, including assisting other staff in the Business Development Team with their work when priorities dictate.

Desirable:

• Specific knowledge of learning disabilities mental health, and complex needs would be a distinct advantage
• Experience of new models of care in the homelessness 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 100 services, providing support to thousands of 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 and complex needs, young people and care leavers 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.

We're looking for 2 kind, compassionate, and resilient Deputy Service Managers to join our Mental Health service in Southwark.

£35,700.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

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.

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

ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes

Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield

Cycle to work scheme

Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support

Online wellbeing resources

A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)

Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

The Deputy Contract Manager is responsible for the operational management of our specialist customer focused support services across the service. Working in partnership with stakeholders, external agencies and our Commissioning Team, you lead your Team to offer high quality support to customers who experience severe mental health diagnosis to maintain their tenancies and empower people to live their best lives and move to independence. Responsible for Safeguarding our Customers, you will promote sector best practice and legislative compliance to keep our customers safe within their environment.

The role provides direct line management, leadership, coaching and support to Support Workers, Specialist Support Workers and Night Support Workers, ensuring compliance with current legislation, contractual requirements financial regulations and Look Ahead Policy and Procedures.

You will ensure that your teams meet all statutory requirements and that all support is delivered in compliance with CQC expectations and Look Ahead's policy and procedures. You will take responsibly alongside the Service manager for maintaining compliance with the regulations and ensure that the appropriate notifications are made where necessary.

This role deputises for the Contract Manager and/or Area Service Manager and may when required.

The shift pattern for this role is 5 x 8 hour shifts per week, depending on service needs.

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.

For a full job description please visit our website

What you'll bring:

Experience of managing accommodation-based services and resources and delivering to budget and performance targets

Experience of supervising staff teams supporting vulnerable adults

GCSEs in English and Maths (grade A-C).

Health and Social Care qualification

Knowledge of Safeguarding and Mental Capacity processes.

Up to date knowledge of current social care legislation

Experience of leading and managing a team

Possess excellent leadership skills with a positive, can-do attitude

Experience managing the support of customers with high complex needs

Experience of CQC standards and how they apply to services

Ability to demonstrate positive personal authority and maintain proactive working relationships

Ability to create and maintain excellent working relationships with stakeholders

Demonstrable verbal and written communication skills
Experience of using Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word

Desirable:

Other relevant professional memberships and/or specialist qualifications

Holds relevant CMI/NVQ Level 4 or other business/management qualification

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 100 services, providing support to thousands of 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 and complex needs, young people and care leavers 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.

We're looking for a strategic, analytical, and leadership-oriented Director of Governance and Assurance to join our Head Office located in Islington.

£85,000.00 per annum, working 35 hours per week.

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.

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.

For a full job description, please visit our website.

As the Director of Governance and Assurance, you will provide sector-leading company secretariat, governance, and assurance, ensuring the governance structure efficiently manages regulated activities and commercial group entities. The post-holder will also advise and support the Chief Executive, Chair, and SLT on all aspects of regulation, corporate governance, and effective business conduct for the organisation, ensuring the highest standards of probity and according to statutory and legislative requirements.

The Director of Governance and Assurance will oversee risk management and assurance functions, ensuring effective systems for internal controls and regulatory compliance, including internal audit management. They will provide administrative support for Board and Committee meetings, including agenda planning, minute taking, and record keeping.

This role is a key contact with the Regulator of Social Housing and other external government or regulatory organisations including CQC and Ofsted.

The Director of Governance and Assurance must embody a strategic and principled leadership style, ensuring the highest standards of governance, risk management and regulatory compliance. This individual will demonstrate exceptional integrity, attention to detail, and the ability to navigate complex legal and regulatory landscapes with confidence. With strong analytical and communication skills, they will provide expert guidance to the Board and Senior Leadership Team while fostering a culture of transparency and accountability. Adept at balancing strategic oversight with operational efficiency, they will drive continuous improvement in governance practices, ensuring that Look Ahead remains resilient, compliant, and well-positioned to fulfil its mission in the housing and social care sector.

What you'll bring:

Skills

Leadership: Strong leadership and management skills to oversee governance and assurance functions.

Organisational skills: Extremely organised with a planned approach to ensure leading the activity in this remit.

Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse and interpret legal and regulatory requirements.

Communication: Excellent communication skills to provide clear advice and support to Board and Committee members.

Attention to Detail: High level of accuracy in record-keeping and compliance monitoring.

Qualifications

Educational Background: Typically, a bachelor's degree in business administration, law, finance, or a related field. A master's degree or MBA can be advantageous.

Professional Certifications: Relevant certifications such as Certified Governance, Risk and Compliance (CGRC), Certified in Risk and Information Systems Control (CRISC), or Certification in Risk Management Assurance (CRMA) can enhance your credentials

Qualified Company Secretary

Experience

Leadership Experience: Significant experience in a senior leadership role, preferably within governance, risk management, or compliance.

Industry Experience: Significant experience in the Housing sector

Track Record: Proven track record of successfully implementing governance and assurance frameworks and driving improvements in organisational performance

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 100 services, providing support to thousands of 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 and complex needs, young people and care leavers 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.