Child Protection Jobs

Policy and Public Affairs Manager (England) 

Job Description and Person Specification 

Reporting to: Head of Policy and Public Affairs

Line Management: 1 Policy and Public Affairs Officer England 

Location of work: London. Must be commutable for meetings at Westminster.The role may involve some infrequent travel throughout England and Scotland. 

Contract type: Ideally full-time, 35 hours per week, although 4 days a week/flexible hours will be considered. The role will require occasional evening and weekend work.

Contract Length: Permanent

Salary: £42,000 

BACKGROUND 

The latest research suggesting that the number of children and young people at risk of hunger has rocketed to 2.7 million* means that one in five children don't have enough to eat.  When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control. They fall behind in their studies.  

Magic Breakfast provide a nutritious and filling breakfast to over 200,000 children and young people every school day. We work with schools in areas of high disadvantage, helping staff target the children most in need without barrier or stigma.  Magic Breakfast are ambitious to grow our impact to remove hunger as a barrier to learning for all children and young people in the UK. 

The new UK government’s Children’s Wellbeing Bill outlined in the King’s Speech, includes a requirement for free school breakfast clubs in every English primary school. This is a fantastic start towards ending child morning hunger. Magic Breakfast’s influence will be instrumental to ensuring school breakfasts are introduced in a way that is hunger-focused and barrier free. In 2021, the Scottish Government, pledged a not yet enacted promise to provide breakfast to primary children. 

Thousands of secondary school children are at risk of losing their free school breakfasts from September next year. For many of these students, this is their only opportunity to have a nutritious meal before facing a demanding school day, including taking exams. 

Solutions across all UK nations are currently either not yet actioned or are severely underserving the current need. Being part of the work of Magic Breakfast is your chance, together with parents, teachers and people across the UK, to demonstrate the power of school breakfasts and to shape the way forward to end morning hunger for good. 

*Food Foundation Insecurity Tracker Jan 2024

JOB PURPOSE 

Magic Breakfast’s mission is to end child morning hunger in the UK now and for good. The role of the Policy and Public Affairs Manager is to support us to deliver on this mission through influencing governments to address child morning hunger and the underlying systemic causes, in order to give every child the opportunity to reach their full potential. 

The Policy and Public Affairs Manager will play a pivotal role in shaping policy initiatives and influencing decision makers across Westminster and Whitehall. Specifically, you will help ensure the new Early Adopters Programme – the government’s pilot breakfast scheme in England – is hunger-focused and puts children and young people at its centre. This in turn, will inform the national rollout of primary school breakfast provision across England from September 2026 – a policy which you will also work to influence. In tandem, you will be responsible for informing and shaping how breakfast is included and positioned in the Children’s Wellbeing Bill.

More widely, you will keep abreast of political developments relevant to Magic Breakfast, identifying opportunities to respond, influence and shape the debate. You will be able to put complex policy ideas across in simple and effective terms both in person and through reports and briefings.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Develop and lead Magic Breakfast’s influencing strategy to shape and inform school breakfasts within the Children’s Wellbeing Bill 

• Engage thoroughly in the legislative process to shape how breakfast is positioned, to ensure the law protects and supports children and young people at risk of hunger 

• Influence and shape the scope of the Early Adopter’s Programme to inform long-term school breakfast policy across England 

• Work with ministers, politicians, civil servants and advisors to help shape the national rollout of school breakfasts across England 

• Identify and produce high-quality evidence-based responses to new policy developments, sector reports and consultations from Government, advisory bodies, other political parties and membership organisations 

• Proactively monitor and track policy developments, and ensure internal understanding and alignment on issues and opportunities 

• Lead the dissemination of Magic Breakfast policy briefings and research reports to key political stakeholders 

• Organise and lead key influencing events to influence and inform decision-makers

• Deliver on our policy objectives through building relationships with key stakeholders in national government, key national organisations and coalitions, including garnering intel and ensuring that our opportunities to influence policy making are maximised 

• Ensure organisational buy-in, coordination and collaboration to support our advocacy strategy 

• Develop and deliver political stakeholder engagement plans; track progress against plans and deliverables; with regular reporting on targets and outcomes, timely evaluation and shared learnings across internal teams 

• Work closely with the Policy and Public Affairs Manager Scotland, to share expertise and intelligence 

• Be flexible in work focus and responsibilities when required e.g. support with Scottish election/campaign work and advocacy in Wales 

• Work closely with Campaigns colleagues to inform and shape campaign activities and respond proactively to live developments through the life of the campaign 

• Proactively recommend and establish systems, tools and procedures to ensure effective delivery of objectives across the Policy and Public Affairs team 

• Provide management and coaching for the Public Affairs Officer, agreeing a career development plan in line with required expertise

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

• Experience of policy development and influencing

• Sound understanding of the legislative process (experience in this process is highly desirable) 

• Good working knowledge of the UK political system (national and regional) and previous experience in a UK public affairs/advocacy/or policy role.

• Ability to prepare high quality, evidence-based internal and external briefing material, and messaging under time pressure 

• Experience of line management 

• Ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders 

• Demonstrated experience in developing integrated, public affairs campaigns 

• Strong interpersonal skills and experience building effective working relationships with a range of stakeholders including civil servants and sector peers 

• Demonstrated experience of developing influencing plans and working with sector peers and in coalition to achieve change 

• A collaborative team player, able to proactively engage colleagues to share knowledge and expertise

• Outstanding time management and organisational skills with the ability to prioritise within your work, managing multiple tasks simultaneously and working to tight deadlines 

• Understanding of the education, child poverty and/or health sectors – desirable 

• Excellent attention to detail

General

• Passion and commitment to Magic Breakfast’s mission 

• Contribute to team meetings, sharing best practice and supporting team members where necessary. 

• Help to maintain a positive working environment; keeping the vision of Magic Breakfast at the heart of everything we d

• Work collaboratively across the organisation more widely to build good working relations across the organisation and provide ad-hoc support to other teams and members of staff. 

• Adhere to all Magic Breakfast policies and procedures.

• Ensure that all activity is compliant with current legislation, GDPR and child safeguarding requirements. 

• Participate in occasional work-related events at external venues and perform support related activities as required be willing to undertake occasional work outside of regular office hours and UK travel.

• Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role. 

• Uphold a culture that encourages curiosity, continuous improvement, optimism, and a steadfast commitment to social impact. 

Brockley Park, London

The vacancy

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (shifts include early, late, night, weekends, and bank holidays).

Are you ready to make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable young people?

Join us as a Housing Support Worker, where you'll support 18-25-year-olds facing homelessness, helping them overcome challenges and build independent, fulfilling futures.

What You’ll Be Doing

In our supported housing schemes in Lewisham, you’ll work closely with young people, offering guidance, encouragement, and practical support tailored to their needs. Your role will include:

• Building trusting relationships with young people experiencing challenges like mental health issues, family breakdowns, or gang involvement.
• Supporting each individual through weekly progress meetings, helping them set and achieve their personal goals.
• Assisting young people in navigating the housing register and securing their next home when they’re ready to move on.
• Working flexibly as part of a rota, including early mornings, late evenings, night shifts, weekends, and bank holidays.

What You’ll Bring

• Literacy Skills: Confident in reading and writing for accurate record-keeping and communication.
• IT Proficiency: Skilled in using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• Understanding of Support Needs: Knowledge of housing support requirements for individuals with mental health issues, delivered through a flexible, outcome-focused, and person-centred approach.
• Thorough Welfare Benefits Knowledge: Up-to-date expertise on welfare benefits to effectively support young people.
• Exceptional Communication Skills: Capable of communicating clearly and compassionately at all levels, always mindful of the situation.
• Values That Shine Through: Kindness, empathy, positivity, energy, and enthusiasm.
• Calm and Assertive: Able to remain composed in challenging situations and handle conflicts with diplomacy and care.

Why Join Us?

We understand the challenges of this role, but seeing young people thrive and move toward independence is incredibly rewarding. You'll be part of a passionate, supportive team that shares your commitment to making a difference.  An Enhanced DBS check is required for this role.

Here just a few of the benefits for working at Peabody:

• 25 days’ annual holiday, plus bank holidays
• two additional paid volunteering days each year 
• flexible benefits scheme, including family friendly benefits and access to a discount portal 
• 4 x salary life assurance
• up to 10% pension contribution
• the opportunity to broaden your skills and enhance your professional development by undertaking an accredited qualification, supported by us.

Ready to take the first step in changing young lives?

Apply today and start making an impact.

Click 'Apply Now' to submit your CV along with a brief statement about why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Don’t forget, your personal statement on the application form is your chance to stand out!  Use it to showcase your skills, experience, and passion, and tell us why you’re the ideal candidate for this position.

Closing date: 13 January 2025

Interviews are due to take place week commencing the 20 and 27 January 2024.

You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy.  Peabody are not able to offer Visa sponsorship.

Contract type Permanent

Weekly hours 37.5 hours per week, shifts 7.5 hours per day. between 8AM to 10PM including weekends and bank holidays

Winston's Wish is seeking a Part-time Bereavement Counsellor to cover maternity leave for a period of approximately 9 months from February 2025. The role is remote, with occasional travel to team meetings at locations around the UK (no more than 4 per year).

Role Purpose

• To provide psychosocial assessments and therapeutic interventions to children and young people and/or their significant adults (as appropriate) who are experiencing acute and/or complex levels of psychological distress as a result of a bereavement.
• To work with children and young people and/or their significant adults (as appropriate) using a range of counselling methods, approaches and techniques, functioning at level 3 of the NICE psychological framework.
• To provide crisis interventions when appropriate.
• To be responsible for implementing a range of therapeutic interventions for individuals, families and groups, drawing upon different models, including one-to-one work, family work, group work and activities.
• To provide psychosocial education to children and young people and/or their significant adults (as appropriate) about grief, bereavement, coping skills and trauma as needed.
• Service provided digitally with opportunities for in-person work as deemed necessary by the service.

Main Responsibilities 

Communication and Relationships 

• Communicate effectively within the organisation and externally including liaising appropriately with social care, health care and mental health professionals such as schools, social services, CAMHS and GPs. 
• Communicate complex and sensitive information to stakeholders. 
• Manage individuals and groups, including those who may be distressed by the information given to them. 
• Establish excellent internal working relationships with peers and colleagues. 
• Model the values and culture of the organisation in interactions and relationships at work. 

Knowledge, training and experience 

• Assess and engage in interventions with children and young people and/or their significant adult (as appropriate) in accordance with best practice. 
• Complete comprehensive assessments which include assessments of risk and determining appropriate level of response/intervention. 
• To be accountable for ensuring own practice meets minimum national standards and is compliant with professional Code of Conduct. 
• Maintain knowledge about current, evidence-based practice. 
• To maintain a personal profile of professional development in accordance with professional requirements/governing bodies. 
• Demonstrate knowledge of all relevant policies and procedures. 
• To practice in accordance with relevant legislation involving Safeguarding Children and Young People, Safeguarding Adults and the Mental Capacity Act and to be able to provide advice and guidance to other professionals. 
• Provide supervision to volunteers in group or individually as needed. 

Analytical and judgment skills 

• To work within given frameworks for good and best practice. 
• To participate appropriately in meetings to plan and/or evaluate strategies of care. 
• Responsible for the provision of accurate and timely data to support team and organisational needs.  

Planning and organisational skills 

• Provide effective day-to-day management of own/team caseload and to collaborate with other team colleagues and/or volunteers in the coordination and allocation of new referrals to the team as required. 
• Manage own time and workload.
• Provide cover for other clinical team members, including if appropriate the Associate Director of Clinical Services, during annual leave or sickness. 
• Maintain personal identifiable and sensitive data according to information governance guidance and policy.  
• Adhere to Information Governance policy and processes.
• Ensure incidents or near misses are reported. 
• Ensure accurate written and electronic patient records are maintained, in line with confidentiality, data protection and other statutory regulations and requirements.
• To have a high degree of self-awareness and use this to maintain own and others emotional well being. 
• Be able to frequently manage individuals and groups in distress or in conflict with the information presented. 
• Resilience to frequently encounter highly emotional circumstances.

All Staff

• Contribute to the vision and mission of Winston's Wish; whilst embedding the values into your daily work activities.
• Promote equality of opportunity and diversity in accordance with Winston’s Wish policy.
• Contribute to the overall success of the charity’s fundraising needs by providing case studies, attending events and adding value to the experience of our supporters as required. 
• Contribute to the brand and reach of the charity by working alongside our Marketing & Communications Team when relevant press opportunities arise or when required for social media and online content (including the use of photography).
• Work to objectives, targets and work plans agreed with your line manager.
• Undertake specific projects and other ad hoc duties agreed with your line manager, fulfilling any deadlines, reviews and reporting procedures required.
• Take an active part in the Quarterly review process and participate in training agreed with your line manager.
• Recognise and champion the lived experience of children and young people with bereavement within your work. 
• Ensure the health and safety of all colleagues, volunteers and visitors in accordance with Winston’s Wish policy.

Person Specification

Educational/Professional Qualification   

Essential 

• MA/MSc or Postgraduate Degree in Counselling or Psychotherapy 
• Registration with a professional body (e.g. HCPC, UKCP, BACP) 
• Evidence of Continuing Professional Development 
• Knowledge of best practice in delivering psychological interventions 

Desirable

• Certificate/diploma in supervision 
• Dual qualification (social work and counselling) 
• BACP accreditation and/or eligible for BACP accreditation 

Skills and Abilities 

Essential 

• A good understanding and knowledge of relevant psychological theories, therapeutic interventions, and models of grief work for children, young people and adults. 
• Able to make clear psychosocial assessments inclusive of risks, safeguarding, and mental health needs for children, young people and adults.  
• Evidence of working in a psychological framework with children, young people and adult who have experienced common mental health problems (e.g. anxiety and depression). 
• Ability to provide support, supervision, and line-management to volunteers or staff as required.  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.  
• Excellent interpersonal skills.  
• Evidence of and ability to work as part of the interdisciplinary team as well as on own initiative.  
• Ability to manage own workload and own cases in accordance with best practice and clinical needs.  
• Computer Literacy e.g. Word, Excel, Power Point, Electronic Notes systems. 
• Planning and organisational skills. 

Experience 

Essential 

• Substantial post qualification experience in counselling or psychotherapy. 
• Experience of working therapeutically with children and young people (pre and post bereavement). 

Desirable

• Minimum of 300 hours of supervised clinical practice. 
• Experience of providing clinical supervision. 

Knowledge and Understanding 

 Essential 

• Knowledge and understanding of bereavement, grief and its complications. 
• Knowledge of safeguarding legislation and impact on practice. 
• Understanding of the organisation as a charity. 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of current relevant legislation and government strategies. 

Other  

 Essential  

• Commitment to equal opportunities.  

Recruitment Timetable

Application deadline: Wednesday 15th January 2025

Interview date: 24th and 25th January 2025

Interview location: MS Teams

Winston’s Wish reserves the right to close the vacancy early if we receive a high number of applications for the role before the closing date.

37.5 hours per week / Permanent / working onsite on a seven-day rolling rota, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays on a four-on-four off shift pattern 

Our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, increasing life skills and self-confidence, and improving emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Horsham Y Centre supports 50 young people aged 16-25 to alleviate the risk of or impact of homelessness. Situated in the middle of Horsham, the service has strong links with and contributes to the local community. The service is staffed 24 hours a day with a support team, night team and management based onsite. It aims to support residents into independent accommodation through life skills support.

We are looking for a Housing Night Worker to join our Horsham Y team. Main areas of responsibilities are:

Safety and security

• Provide a friendly and professional front-of-house welcome to residents, visitors and staff, and ensure the building is safe, secure quiet and welcoming 
• Maximise the wellbeing of residents and visitors by ensuring adherence to health and safety protocols and house rules, all within the terms of tenancy agreements
• Assess and monitor the risks presented by residents to ensure they can keep themselves safe and, where possible, continue their development
• Record all incidents and accidents and share appropriately with the wider team, your manager and, if necessary, the central safeguarding team 

Engagement with residents

• Welcome residents home and provide informal and responsive support so they can articulate their aspirations and ambitions and acquire the skills they need to live independent and fulfilling lives
• Ensure resident’s views, aspirations, concerns, and ideas are sought so they can play an active role in influencing the services they receive
• Proactively promote the services on offer and ensure residents are encouraged to engage with those services
• Contribute to, or support, evening groupwork activities so that residents can access tailored solutions that meet their needs, wishes and aspirations

Administration and housekeeping

• Undertake tasks as directed, including but not limited to inputting data, assessments, reviews, case notes onto our client database and entering new residents details/closing ex-resident records
• Completing health and safety/compliance checks, and recording estate inspectors and room checks
• Adding maintenance requests to our property services system

General

• Work as part of a team, on a rota four on four off shift pattern, alongside another Housing Night Worker, ensuring young people at the service have non-judgemental, objective at night, along with taking responsibility for personal safety during periods of lone working
• Contribute to a great working environment, with a calm, yet assertive manner, being able to handle potentially difficult situations
• Participate in relevant continuing professional development and utilise Reflective Practice Supervision as part of leading psychologically informed practice 

There will be times when lone working will be a requirement for this role, but you will get to know the team and service, along with an induction and training prior to starting on a rota. Please download the job profile for full role details.

ABOUT YOU: We know that there are great candidates who will not fit everything described below, or who have important skills we have not mentioned. If that is you, please do not hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

This is a dynamic and varied role; you will be passionate about being involved in the support and growth of young people.

Experience and knowledge

• Experience of working in a customer facing environment, remaining calm and solution-focused when dealing with challenging behaviour
• Basic understanding of the support needs of young people and/or adults at risks
• Understanding of the impact of trauma on others, and the ability to work with a strengths-based approach with people who may be in distress
• Demonstrated confidence and competence in recording notes/actions in service log, incident forms and Health and Safety check lists
• Basic knowledge of good safeguarding procedures in relation to young people and/or vulnerable adults, and the ability to maintain professional boundaries (training provided)

Skills and abilities 

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing for appropriate record keeping (vital for handover to colleagues working day shifts)
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to build and maintain strong relationships
• Ability to work lone work, work autonomously, and use own initiative, as well as being part of a team
• IT skills, including proficiency in MS Office 365 package, as well as healthy and safety and client management systems (training on YMCA DLG systems provided)
• Ability to de-escalate volatile situations and manage challenging behaviour appropriately

Who we are looking for: 

We are seeking a dedicated and creative resource writer with a strong educational background to join our team. The successful candidate will be instrumental in developing content for online and face to face workshops for adults and children across Ygam’s portfolio of programmes. The candidate will also scope and develop new digital educational materials and updating existing resources to enhance our educational outreach. This role is pivotal in ensuring our content is engaging, informative, and up-to-date, reflecting the latest trends and research in the fields of gaming and gambling. The role will suit a dynamic, collaborative individual who enjoys working with multiple stakeholders. 

Main Role & Responsibilities: 

The Programme Resource Lead will be responsible for creating high-quality educational resources, tailored for digital delivery, which focus on gaming and gambling awareness. They will conduct thorough research, as well as reviewing and updating existing resources, to ensure all learning materials are factual, engaging and relevant. Thie role will work collaboratively with subject matter experts and teams across Ygam, managing briefs and projects effectively to meet deadlines and expectations. 

At Ygam, we are committed to safeguarding and protection of children and vulnerable people in our work. We will do everything possible to recruit only suitable people to work with children or vulnerable people. 

Ygam is an equal opportunity employer. It is Ygam’s approach that all employees have a working environment which promotes dignity and respect and where individual differences, and the contributions made are recognised and valued. We welcome the unique contributions that you can bring and encourage people from underrepresented backgrounds to apply to join our team, including people with lived experience of gaming and gambling harms, people with disabilities, people from minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ people, neurodiverse people and armed force veterans. 

This is an exciting opportunity to be instrumental in developing new services and support for, and with, children and young people who are Deaf or hard of hearing.  The post is initially for one year with a view to extending the contract to a permanent position subject to available funding.

We are a well-established and impactful charity working with children, young people and adults of all ages.  Our Children and Young People’s Service currently offers a wide range of services and support to children who are vision impaired or have a multi-sensory impairment and their families.

Having identified gaps in services available to children who are Deaf and hard of hearing, we want to work collaboratively with others to help ensure that Deaf & hard of hearing children have the opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

Do you thrive on working in a team that has person-centred and holistic approach?

Would you like to work for a local charity that has the flexibility to work in a variety of different ways to meet the needs of Deaf children, young people and their families?

Are you looking for a role that includes direct work with children, young people and families, as well as service development?

Primary Objectives:

 This is a new role and offers an exciting opportunity to be instrumental in the co-design of collaboration, support and services to meet the unmet needs of Deaf children and those that are hard of hearing (HOH).  Working with the Head of CYPS, and in collaboration with other Teams.

The role has two parts:

 1) Working with the Head of Department to scope and develop a new service that will meet the needs of Deaf children, young people and their families.  Working in collaboration with other charities and organisations to enhance the support available, and to discover future opportunities to work collaboratively.

2) Offering direct family support to parents and carers with Deaf or HOH children.

Service Development

· Liaising with appropriate people including parents, colleagues within our organisation, and professionals from other organisations to develop and implement a support service that will meet the needs of families whose children are Deaf or HOH.

· When unmet needs are identified, to seek creative solutions to find the best way forward to address the arising issues.

· To work with the Fundraising Team to support funding applications.

· Attend internal and external meetings as appropriate to highlight identified needs, promote the Charity’s vision with regards to services for children who are Deaf/HOH.  Highlighting our aims and objectives in regard to the development of this service.

· To demonstrate a commitment to equal opportunities paying particular attention as to how these principles apply to Deaf and HOH children, and those who have a multi-sensory impairment, as well as highlighting the added impact this can have on those children who have additional complex needs.

· To keep up to date with current legislation, local & national policies and research.

· As appropriate to work with parents, children and young people to enable them to participate and influence this service development.

· To keep records of findings, decisions, meetings, outcomes etc ensuring that the organisation has an accurate record of how the service is being developed alongside the decision-making process throughout the life of the project.

Family Support Worker role 

· To support parents and carers whose children are Deaf/HOH assisting them when appropriate.

· To adhere to the standards and legislation for confidentiality, equality, and diversity.  Keeping accurate and up to date records.

· To assess and identify when the needs of the children and their families are not being met and work with parents, other professionals, and organisations as appropriate to address the issues, with the aim of ensuring that the children have the opportunities and environments that will enable them to reach their potential and achieve their aspirations.

· To facilitate effective support networks to enable parents and carers to share experiences and provide peer support.

· To run parent-led support groups giving parents the opportunity to meet without their children present enabling them to voice their opinions.

· Ensure the family support element of our service is needs led and inclusive.

· Offer emotional support to parents and young people as appropriate.

· To act as a point of contact for the child or young person and their family to offer support, information and guidance and referral route to appropriate services.

· To advocate for the family/ child’s needs, attend meetings, write supporting letters, attend appointments etc.

Main Duties:

 To work with the Head of Department to identify unmet needs, scope out and develop services for Deaf and hard of hearing children and their families to address challenges, ensuring that children and young people have equity in the opportunities available to them.

To identify gaps in services available to children and their families in relation to their backgrounds and lifestyles ensuring access to appropriate support services.

To deliver a range of support services that promotes good practice reflecting the requirements of children and young people and their families.

To provide a positive role model at all times to children, young people, their families and the wider community.

To ensure services provided are of a high quality and enable every child to have the opportunity to achieve their aspirations and reach their full potential.

Where appropriate to work in partnership with outside agencies such as Surrey County Council Physical and Sensory Education, Social Care, Health services, Housing and other relevant charities.

Develop information and resources about the opportunities available to families whose children/ young people are Deaf, or hard of hearing.

To support children and young people through transition from children’s services into adult services, engaging with Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND) services, and adult services where appropriate.

To support parents, carers and other professionals with Education & Health Care Plans (EHCP’s) to ensure they accurately reflect the needs of the child or young person.

To be proactive in safeguarding all children and adults from abuse, prevent abuse from occurring, and report any suspected incidents of abuse, following our Policies and Procedures which link with Surrey County Council local Multi-Agency Policies and Procedures.

As appropriate attend Team Around the Family (TAF), Child In Need (CIN), Education & Health Care Planning (EHCP), Transition meetings and case conferences etc.

To work with parents, carers and children individually ensuring that each interaction is person centred to meet the needs of the child/ family.

To maintain effective recording of work undertaken, concerns, decisions, actions etc. to respect and uphold the confidential nature of personal information as required by the Data Protection Act and GDPR.

To take responsibility for the reporting on the key performance indicators and outcomes attached to both the developmental element of the service and the family support element of this role, in order to meet the requirements of the funders of the service.

To support the Fundraising Team in developing funding bids and applications based on outcomes.

To work with the admin team to keep accurate statistics and report on the outcomes of the service.

To represent the charity at external forums and as appropriate, attend meetings as a representative.

 To co-operate fully as a member of the staff team and to ensure good communication at all times including attending team meetings, supervision and annual appraisal.

To participate in training and development events as appropriate, and to take responsibility for personal development and learning.

Skills and qualities

Essential criteria

1) Competent British Sign Language user (BSL Level 3 as a minimum for non-native BSL users).

2) Knowledge with regards to child developmental milestones, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, safeguarding, health and safety, equality and data protection legislation, that will enable post holder to ensure activities always comply and operate within the law.

3) Ability to work imaginatively, creatively and reflectively, with regards to problem solving and service development.

4) Ability to work as part of a wider team, both within the immediate department and across the wider organisation, and other organisations and charities that we work collaboratively with. 

5) Working in partnership, acknowledging what families bring and what practitioners contribute. In all interactions with families, effective communication is key to building real relationships.

6) To work flexibly and be available to support children, young people, and their families.  Occasionally families may benefit from appointments outside of normal office hours.

7) To have professional experience and excellent communication skills that enable the post holder to work with very emotional situations and as far as possible meet the needs of parents & their children while remaining professional at all times.

8) Ability to write reports, supporting letters, and to keep accurate and concise records.

Desirable criteria:

Lived experience as someone who is:

• Deaf or hard of hearing themselves
• A parent carer of a Deaf or hard of hearing young person
• A sibling of a Deaf or hard of hearing person
• A child of Deaf parents

Trainee Habilitation Specialist - Children & Young People’s Team

 Salary: £22,880 per annum (pay will increase following successful completion of the first year, and post qualification, then annually with experience in line with continual professional development up to £36,000)

 The training costs leading to qualification will be met by Sight for Surrey.

 Full-time: 36 hours per week

 Work Mileage paid at 45p per mile.

 This is a career progression opportunity leading to a qualified position as Habilitation Specialist.  Membership fees of Professional Body paid.

· Do you thrive on working in a team that offer a holistic approach ensuring that children’s needs are met?

· Would you enjoy working for a local Surrey charity that has the flexibility to work imaginatively, in a variety of different ways to meet the needs of children and young people who have vision impairment or multi-sensory impairment?

· Sight for Surrey is offering an exciting opportunity to a person who is committed to making a difference to children and young people who are vision impaired or multi-sensory.

To future proof, our services we are seeking two trainee Habilitation Specialists who will work within the Children & Young People’s team while undertaking the Habilitation and Disabilities of Sight Graduate Diploma at University College London.

JOB DESCRIPTION (for first year)

1. To work closely with the Senior Habilitation Specialist and the rest of the Children & Young People’s team supporting the delivery of services.

2. To support the preparation & delivery of recreational activities for families, the 11UP group and the young adults group. Also to support and encourage participants during events.

3. To work as a member of the team building links with families.

4. To have knowledge of child developmental milestones.

5. To undertake risk assessments.  Record and work to reduce identified risks.

6. To liaise and work in partnership with all Sight for Surrey teams and as appropriate other organisations.

7. To hold an up to date First Aid Certificate.  (Training will be given if necessary following appointment).

8. To be responsible for assessing and addressing potential health and safety issues around the services we provide.

9. To have knowledge about all aspects of safeguarding and the legislation that protects children and young people. To take responsibility for following the SFS policies and procedures whenever there is a concern.

10. To assist with the recording and reporting required by the organisation/ service in relation to the delivery and funding of our service.

11. To work closely with other members of the CYPs team, ensuring that the different aspects of our service dovetail to meet the needs of the children, young people, and their families.

12. In addition you will have the opportunity to spend time with other teams within our organisation to grow your experience, knowledge and skills.

WORK CONTEXT

This post is a trainee post offering the appointee the opportunity to grow their skills and expertise. 

The aim of Sight for Surrey Children & Young Peoples Service is to ensure that children and young people have the opportunities they need to reach their full potential.

Sight for Surrey Children and Young People’s service works holistically, promoting mental wellbeing, reducing isolation, and supporting self-advocacy.

As appropriate the children & young people will have opportunities to develop their skills and confidence, build an understanding of different concepts and develop an environmental awareness through experience.

Parents are supported, enabling them to meet the needs of their children.

COMPETENCIES REQUIRED

• Ability to work within agreed procedures to achieve team and personal objectives. 
• To have effective time management and organisation skills 
• The post requires a constructive and consultative approach to solving problems.
• To be valuing and supportive of others
• To maximise resources
• To keep financial records, receipts as appropriate 
• To support the CYPs Team with the reporting responsibilities attached to the SCC contracts and other funding grants.
• First Aid qualification (SFS will arrange following appointment if necessary).
• Safeguarding training will be arranged following appointment.

Communication

• To have good communication skills and the willingness to engage with all people in a positive, accessible, and clear manner.
• To be competent in using IT, including Microsoft office
• Keep clear and concise written records and to update Database records as appropriate.
• Ensure that information about the service is accessible.
• Ensure contact details of the families we engage with are up to date.
• Work with Senior Habilitation Specialist and other members of the team to ensure relevant information is sent to families and our partners on a regular basis about opportunities, activities and news that might be of interest.
• Liaise with the organisation’s publicity department as appropriate.

Developing Others/Team Development

Share knowledge and skills with others, where possible. Contribute positively to team /organisation development.

Managing/Embracing Change

Seek ways to improve own performance.  Be open to change and embracing new ways of doing things. Ability to feed back to Line Manager on impact of plans and service, managing change based on feedback, flexibly and efficiently.  To have knowledge of the Safeguarding policy and procedures and to report any concerns to the line manager.  Comply with our organisational policies and procedures.  To be aware of other legislation that affects our duty of care.

Personal Impact

The post holder will present himself or herself effectively being mindful that they are representing Sight for Surrey. Acting with integrity and taking account of the principles of equalities.  Having respect for the opinion and expertise of others.

COMPETANCIES /SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS

· To have experience in working with children & young people

· Postgraduate degree or a minimum qualification equivalent to QCF Level 4 Modes.

· Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service record.

· Available to work flexibly and be available at weekend when SFS is running events and activities.

· Good interpersonal and communication skills.

· To have knowledge of the Safeguarding policy and procedures.

· Have a commitment to equalities and social inclusion, particularly the issues faced by young people, their parents, and carers.

· Be imaginative, creative, and flexible.

· Experience of vision impairment is desirable, but not essential.

· An understanding of sign language is desirable, but not essential.

· Ability to work independently while continuing to follow the team plan and contribute to Sight for Surrey’s strategy.

· Ability to work as part of a team while also being able to self-motivate.

· Effective time management and organisational skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

· Physically able to support participants taking part in activities.

· Available to work at weekends when SFS has CYPs events and activities planned. 

· Ability to travel to events located throughout Surrey, and sometimes out of County.

· Ability to attend university and to the required placement which will be out of Surrey.

· Commitment to complete the Habilitation Specialist training and undertake this profession.

WORKING ENVIRONMENT

Various venues across Surrey, - and out of County on occasions.

Requirements.

· First degree or a minimum qualification equivalent to QCF Level 4 plus experience working with children.

· The post is dependent on successful admission onto the University City London Habilitation Specialist Course beginning autumn 2025.  The successful candidate will be required to apply for a place on the course by the end of February 2025.

· Experience/ knowledge of vision impairment or sign language skills would be an advantage.  The post holder will need to be flexible working 36 hours including weekends when children’s recreation activities are provided.

· Attend university undertaking the Graduate Diploma in Habilitation and Disabilities of Sight (Children and Young People) at University College London, completing assignments, placement etc. in line with the requirements of the course.

The post will begin in August 2025.  The Habilitation Course is modular with time shared between university and the workplace.

The role of the Habilitation Specialist is to teach concepts that most typical children learn through sight.  Supporting children & young people to develop strategies to manage life without/ with reduced vision, developing independence, mobility, and daily living skills. 

37.5 hours per week / Permanent / Working Monday to Friday, 9am-5pm with the requirement of working one late shift per week, one shift at the weekend per month and be part of ‘on-call rota’

Our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, increasing life skills and self-confidence, and improving emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Are you a person-centred leader who thrives on getting the best results possible, leading a dynamic team to encourage positive change for young people?

If so, we have an exciting opportunity for a Deputy Supported Housing Manager at Horsham Y Centre supporting 50 young people aged 16-25 to alleviate the risk of or impact of homelessness. The service is staffed 24 hours a day with a support team, night team and management based onsite. Situated in the middle of Horsham, the service has strong links with and contributes to the local community. It aims to support residents into independent accommodation through life skills support. In delivering the role, you will report to the Supported Housing Manager and be responsible for:

Service Provision: Supporting the Supported Housing Manager with the daily operations of the services so that they meet the requirements of the service specification including compliance with the Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) and Ofsted regulations. Oversee the residents’ referral, interview and induction processes for all beds and ensure the Occupancy Agreements and House Rules are fully understood. Ensure the quality of accommodation that is provided, liaising with the Housing and Property Services team to complete estate inspections and health & safety risk assessments, and to turn around voids and organise repairs in line with organisational targets and statutory obligations. With the Supported Housing Manager ensure effective income collection for all beds, working closely with the Rents team to create a rent payment culture.

Leadership and People Management: Directly line manage team members, ensuring their service delivery, working culture and personal development mirror best practice. Ensuring the team is adequately trained and empowered to work effectively and creatively with our young people to enable them to achieve their aspirations and ambitions, whilst ensuring they are supported within safe and consistent boundaries.

General: Be a member of the ‘on call’ rota to provide out of hours management support to projects in the wider locality. Reflect Psychologically Informed Environments (PIEs), Trauma Informed approaches and restorative practices.

ABOUT YOU: We know that there are great candidates who will not fit everything described, or who have important skills we have not mentioned. If that is you, please do not hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

You will already have experience working in supported housing, or similar services for young people and/or adults at risk, as well as managing and/or supervising a team. You will have working knowledge of Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) and Ofsted, along with working knowledge of Trauma Informed Care and Psychologically Informed Environments. You will have good communication and facilitation skills and the ability to successfully manage challenging situations whilst remaining calm and solution focused. In addition, you will have experience of overseeing safeguarding procedures for young people or adults at risk in residential settings, and knowledge of how to maintain professional boundaries.

We are seeking an experienced and dynamic individual to join the BFYC team to support young carers in West Oxfordshire.

Working closely with the youth work team, you will help to provide support and advice to young carers by devising, developing, implementing and managing a programme of social activities for young carers (this could include trips, training, emotional 121 support and other activities).

Job Description - Key Responsibilities

• Provide one-to-one support for Young Carers, liaising with other agencies to help ensure the best outcomes for Young Carers;
• Establish relationships with schools across West Oxfordshire offering them support in how they identify and respond to the needs of young carers in their classrooms.
• Assist schools in launching Young Carers Groups and introducing Young Carer Leads in their settings.
• Contribute towards awareness raising events and activities to increase the identification and support of Young Carers, including liaison with Schools and community group;
• Liaise and work with colleagues to empower Young Carers and their families;
• Play a role in the assessment of Young Carers as part of the Common Assessment Framework (CAF), Team around the Child (TAC), Young Carers assessments, and assessments carried out by other professionals;
• Develop the active participation of Young Carers, enabling their voice to be heard;
• Support Young Carers and their families to access appropriate support services;
• Record all casework contact information and ensure that all appropriate consent forms, assessments, Baseline Forms, and other required information and administration is completed and recorded for all Young Carers;
• Ensure all tasks, procedures, and practices comply with Be Free Young Carers’ policies, including safeguarding and child protection, health and safety, confidentiality and equal opportunities;
• Assist in the production of newsletters and other communications to Young Carers and their families;
• Keep abreast of, and follow at all times, national and local policy in relation to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults;
• Monitor and evaluate work, producing records and reports as required;
• Contribute to a safe, positive and friendly working atmosphere;
• Attend training and other meetings as required;
• Provide reports and information to Trustees and other reporting as required;
• Assist in promoting and publicising Be Free Young Carers;
• Attend and contribute to team meetings and represent Be Free Young Carers at external meetings as required;
• Actively contribute to and support the development of Be Free Young Carers;

Job Types: Full-time. Funding secured for a year. Potential for extention depending upon funding. Flexible working arrangements available including part time and term time only)

Pay: £25,041.45 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Casual dress
• Company pension
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Sick pay

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Didcot: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location: Hybrid working with one day based at our Harwell Office, the remaining days being WFH, on-site in a School or another location in West Oxfordshire.

 As a Bid Writing and Fundraising Manager, you will be responsible for raising significant funds and securing new business partnerships that will support the transformational journey of our charity. This role requires exceptional strategic thinking, strong networking skills and contacts, and a proven track record of achieving fundraising targets.

This position is an opportunity to make an impact on how childhood, teenage and young adult cancer research is funded both nationally and internationally. The post holder will raise funds and lead on the Charity’s mission. With this in mind, the post holder will need to be a self-starter and identify and act upon areas for fundraising. They will be the bid writing and fundraising lead, representing the charity and building collaborative relationships and our reputation with partners, clinicians and research and policy organisations, including co-funders and the AMRC, NCRI, Children and Young People with Cancer Coalition, One Cancer Voice, etc.

A fantastic opportunity has arisen to play a vital role at Cure Parkinson’s, as our Research Grants Officer. This role will be responsible for supporting research scientists who are applying for grants or are carrying out funded research for us. This work is critical for us to achieve the charity’s main objective of funding Parkinson’s research to slow, stop and reverse Parkinson’s.

As our Research Grants Officer you will be comfortable building relationships and providing support for researchers. You will be an effective member of our pioneering Research Team, ultimately helping us to drive scientific discovery forward and bring us closer to a cure.

Following a successful application to the Henry Smith Charity, we are seeking a part-time LGBTQ+ Young People and Family Support Worker (17.5-hours per week) to join our LGBTQ+ young people’s service, yOUTh.

The right candidate will have:

• JNC Level 3 Youth and Community Work qualification or equivalent (or due to complete 2025)

• A minimum 12-months experience of working with young people and/or families

• An ability to assess needs and involve young people in identifying appropriate self-action plans

• Knowledge and understanding of the impact of Homophobia, Biphobia and transphobia on LGBTQ+ young people

• A flexible approach to work and willingness to work some evenings and weekends

The main aims of the post are to ensure:

• The charity delivers quality information, advice, guidance and advocacy services which improve outcomes for LGBTQ+ young people in Calderdale

• LGBTQ+ young people who face additional access barriers are reached and given the opportunity to engage with the service, reducing their isolation and loneliness

• LGBTQ+ young people have emotionally healthy relationships with their family, friends and intimate partners

Safeguarding underpins our approach to delivering services, working with service users and the recruitment of staff, sessional workers and volunteers. As such, applicants need to show and demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding children, young people and adults at risk. In addition, applicants will need to demonstrate their:

• Commitment to equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice
• Commitment to confidentiality, information governance and data protection
• Organisational and team working skills

Why you’d work for us…

• So you can use your skills and passion to influence change and improve outcomes for some of the most stigmatised and marginalised people in Calderdale
• Gain experience, build your transferable skills and learn new ones
• Be part of an amazing, committed team challenging stigma, bias, and inequalities

What you’d get from us…

• Job security
• Training and development opportunities
• A generous annual leave entitlement, 31 day per year plus bank holidays
• 6% pension contribution
• Life Assurance at three-times salary rate
• An employee health plan, helping with the costs of dental, optical treatments etc
• Access to staff counselling
• Perkbox Employee Benefits - 1000+ deals and discounts
• Travel expenses
• Flexible and hybrid working
• Earn between £25,991 – 27,290.55 per annum

SOS Children’s Villages UK is part of a global federation, which exists to ensure that each child and young person grows up with the healthy relationships they need to become their strongest selves. We are the world’s largest non-governmental organisation focused on supporting children and young people who don’t have, or who are at risk of losing, parental care.

We are now looking for a UK-based dynamic Media and PR Manager to take the lead on media engagement and PR activities, helping to:

• build our brand profile in the UK
• raise awareness of the work we do.
• foster external relationships with journalists, potential ambassadors/advocates and others
• work with colleagues in the UK and across the SOS Children’s Villages Federation to achieve results. 
• pitch stories and interviews; and create content, campaigns and other materials, to secure media coverage 

If you are a proactive and motivated media and PR professional with a good understanding of global issues, looking for an exciting new challenge within a friendly, flexible, and supportive team, then this could be for you!

To Apply

Please read the full Candidate Pack attached which contains the entire job description and person specification, and submit a copy of your CV and a covering letter.

The deadline for applications is Tuesday 7 January 2025, 9am UK time. We reserve the right to close the application process early if a successful candidate is found.

Please note: The post-holder must be UK-based. We are unable to provide employment sponsorship if required and unfortunately cannot progress applications without the required right to live and work in the UK on a permanent contract.

HR & Office Administrator

Hours: Part-time, 21 hours a week

Salary: £35,418 - £39,146 (pro rata)

Contract: Permanent

Location: London (with hybrid working options)

 Are you an organised, detail-oriented professional passionate about HR? Join CPAG as an HR & Office Administrator and become a vital part of our mission to end child poverty in the UK.

We operate a hybrid working system and would be happy to discuss any flexibilities required. CPAG is committed to equity, diversity and inclusion which you can read more about in the job pack.

For more information about this post and to apply download the HR & Office Administrator job pack and application form.

If you have questions or need specific arrangements or reasonable adjustments to take part in the selection process please contact us at the email address listed in the application pack.

Closing date for applications: 9am, Friday 17th January 2025

Interview will be held on: Week beginning 27th January 2025