Community support worker jobs in hendon, greater london

We're looking for 2 kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Workers to join our Mental Health service in Southwark.

£29,940.00 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
* 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.
Specialist Support Workers within Look Ahead are required to have either an extra dimension of experience or a higher qualification level as determined relevant for the post.
The shift pattern for this role includes: Early 8-4pm and late 2pm-10pm - Monday to Friday and double or, 8am-3pm/3pm-10pm Saturday and Sunday. With some mid shifts. Working days also includes bank holidays.

What you'll do:
* Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
* Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
* Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
* Key-working the most complex service-users with needs aligned with Drug and Alcohol dependency
* Creating support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customers to progress in their recovery
* Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
* Providing support and access to relevant services to enable customers to continue their recovery and empower customers to self-manage their medication regimes through individual re-enablement programmes and informed decision making

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
* Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
* Prefers working as part of a group or team
* Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
* Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
* Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
* Is confident with high levels of self-esteem

What you'll bring:

Essential:
* NVQ Level 3 or equivalent in a relevant area (e.g. substance misuse, addiction, psychology, Health and Social Care,).
* Experience building and developing strong professional partnerships with external providers.
* Good written and oral communication skills

Desirable:
* knowledgeable in "Recovery" with an excellent understanding of addiction,
* capable of completing comprehensive assessments, managing a high caseload of complex cases, creating care plans and risk assessments,

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 a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our Mental Health service in Ealing.
£28,500.00 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

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 within Look Ahead are required to have either an extra dimension of experience or a higher qualification level as determined relevant for the particular post.

This role is set for 9-month, ending on 12 January 2026, with the possibility of extension.

The Specialist Support Worker role involves early shifts (8:00-16:00) and late shifts (14:00-22:00) throughout the week, including some weekends each month.

What you'll do:
- Building supportive, trusting relationships with young people and creating a positive atmosphere
- Carrying out holistic assessments which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
- Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
- Create support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to support young people in their journey
- Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks within an attitude of 'positive risk taking
- Supporting young people to access relevant services and empower them to self-manage their medication through informed consent and decision making
- Undertake support work in partnership with external stakeholders to compliment their interventions
- Developing productive relationships with partner organisations to improve service outcomes
- Demonstrate strong commitment to the functioning of the staff team and to support colleagues in providing a high level of service and safety t0 customers

About you:
- Ability to advocate for young people in different professional and community spaces
- Values working collaboratively with young people to ensure the service best meets their needs.
- An understanding of peoples' contexts and how this might be impacting them their lives and mental health
- Cultural awareness and respect for the many different ways a person might make sense of their experiences and distress.
- We welcome applications from people with lived experience of some of the challenges that this service aims to support with for example, mental health difficulties.
- Plans and encourages involvement in local activities.
- Approachable and open behaviour
- Recognises the value of both 1:1 working with young people and the importance of working as part of a group or team

What you'll bring:

Essential:
- Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience supporting young people or people experiencing mental health challenges.
- Specialist knowledge relevant to supporting young people with a Mental Health diagnosis.

Desirable:
- Experience of working in a complex mental health environment
- Demonstrable experience of trauma-informed practice

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

Are you passionate about making a real and lasting difference to the lives of young people in London?

The Role

We are currently looking for an enthusiastic, highly motivated, and experienced support worker to join our Young People Support Team based in Hackney. You will provide client directed, person centred support to help young people achieve personal goals and aspirations for independent living, training, employment, and education. You will assist and collaborate with young people to create and carry out a support plan designed around their needs and aspirations, providing information and inspiration, practical support, innovation, and encouragement. You will have an individual caseload but will work alongside a team of Support Workers, with similar client groups, working to the same principles and goals. 

Our Organisation

You will work a combination of office, client-home, community, and home-based working. Causeway is a 4-day week employer, and this role is part-time 16 hours per week, worked over 3 days. Your working hours will be Wednesdays 11am-3pm, Thursdays 10am-4:30pm (with an unpaid 30 minute break), and Fridays 10am-4pm (with an unpaid 30 minute break). Causeway is a London living wage employer, with a competitive pension scheme. We also offer an employee assistance programme that provides free financial, legal, and mental health advice and support to our employees. We provide core training, and continuous learning and development throughout your career with us. 

About You

You will have experience of working in support, supported housing or advice services. You will have experience of supporting young people to develop aspirations and form healthy relationships. You have a drive for and commitment to equal rights and diversity. You have knowledge of the issues confronting young people and the needs of vulnerable homeless people in general, with a sound knowledge of safeguarding and risk assessments. You love to work in a client- centred way and plan your work and deadlines to get the best for your clients. You are flexible, creative, and offer a personalised approach to your clients. You are a team-player, and you are passionate about driving your own performance and development at work. 

Our Recovery Worker will be an integral part of the 121 floating support service which is an integrated, coordinated and holistic service aiming to support individuals with mental health needs within the community.

You will have a case load of clients to manage their health and wellbeing, maintain independence and identify strengths, goals and aspirations.

Your focus will be reducing social isolation and building social networks of support and signposting clients to local community resources. You will help the team in promoting an environment where service users are experts by their experience.

*2 year fixed term contract*

A fantastic opportunity has arisen in our Children and Family Service for a qualified and experienced Social Worker to join our growing Advocacy and Advice Service which we will be developing over the course of the next three years, aligned with our exciting new strategy.

We are looking for a dynamic and practised Social Worker who is passionate about achieving excellence, coupled with the ability to drive change for neurodivergent children, young people and their families. If this sounds like you, you could be the person we are looking for!

This role is grounded on improving the quality and care for these children and young people, through providing specialist social care assessment and intervention support to the family as a unit. Experience of working with neurodivergent children, those with disabilities, or an understanding of specialist health settings is preferred but training will be made available to the right candidate. 

Benefits at Norwood:

• Workplace Pension Scheme: Plan for your future with confidence
• 21 days annual leave plus 8 bank holidays and Jewish festivals where they fall on a working day and work is not permitted (FTE)
• Employee Assistance Programme: We care about your well-being
• £300 When You Introduce a Friend: Spread the word and reap the rewards
• Free Eye test & Eyewear allowance
• Access to ‘Blue Light’ discount scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Excellent career progression pathway

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working collaboratively as part of an integral, multi-disciplinary team addressing the physical, emotional and social needs of children and young people who may be neurodivergent, as well as their families using the service
• Maintaining relevant knowledge and understanding of safeguarding standards, ensuring compliance with Norwood’s policies and procedures for promoting the welfare of children and young people as well as vulnerable young adults
• Meeting with children, young people and their families at the centre (or other community settings) or in a remote working environment (adhering to Norwood guidelines) with a view to undertaking comprehensive assessments of individual needs using a strengths-based approach, understanding the impact of neurodiversity, planning appropriate responses in partnership with children and young people and their families
• Working with statutory and other authorities and community organisations to the benefit of the families we work with
• Advising families we work with and support, on relevant legal frameworks, which may affect them
• Monitoring, reviewing and evaluating interventions in collaboration with families and recognising the changing needs/ revising interventions as appropriate
• Enabling those who we are working with and supporting to develop personal skills and strategies to improve outcomes in the identified areas in their life
• Writing reports, maintaining accurate and up to date records on the organisation’s case management system and attending any meetings or case conferences in relation to the children/young people, parents and carers to whom they are providing or have provided a service
• Liaising on behalf of those we are supporting with the Local Authority, the NHS, and other agencies in the public and independent sectors to improve outcomes for the family
• Supporting the child/ young person and their families with financial assistance applications when appropriate

Essential Skills and Experience:

• Social Worker Degree or equivalent
• Registered Social Worker with Social Work England
• Previous experience as a Social Worker either in statutory or voluntary sector Children’s Services
• Understanding of the multitude of needs faced by neurodivergent children and their families
• Sound knowledge of all relevant legislation, statutory guidance and regulations, specifically in relation to safeguarding children/young people and vulnerable adults
• Full clean driving licence, access to a car and be able to use for business purposes

Desirable Skills and Experience:

• Practice Teacher Award
• Other post qualification professional training
• Experience of working in the voluntary sector
• Experience of working in a Local Authority
• Experience of working with the wider Jewish community, including the Charedi/Orthodox communities
• Experience working with neurodiversity and disability

If you are interested in this role, please apply at your earliest convenience and our Recruitment Team will be in touch. 

We reserve the right to close this advertisement earlier should we receive a high volume of suitable applications.

Due to the high number of candidates who apply to our roles at Norwood, please note we can only provide feedback following an interview, if shortlisted.

We actively celebrate everyone's different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender. Everyone is welcome and supported in their development at all stages in their journey with us.

Community Engagement Manager
 
Would you like a role where you can contribute to creating systemic change in prison healthcare?
 
If you can work collaboratively with multi-agency colleagues across healthcare, criminal justice and community-based organisations and have the breadth of vision to identify how family voices might influence change – we want to hear from you!
 
This is an opportunity for you to draw on your knowledge of criminal justice healthcare and play a key role in the delivery of the first Patient and Public Voice service for the families of patients in London prisons. Your role will work across London prisons to develop the mechanisms by which family voices can create change and inform practice.
 
About You:
 
You will be confident at ‘opening doors’ and quick to form collaborative relationships with key stakeholders to ensure that all families have the opportunity to have their voice heard. This role is a great fit for someone who is energetic and committed and has a passion for working directly with local communities and supporting the delivery of effective participation. DBS check and prison vetting will be required for the successful applicant.
 
Organisation:
 
Pact is a highly respected independent charity, working across England and Wales to develop and deliver a range of innovative services. We provide practical and emotional support to prisoner’s children and families, to prisoners and those who have resettled back into the community. Our work is founded on core values, the first of which is a belief in the innate dignity of every human being, and our work focusses on human relationships, family and community. We are committed to achieving high standards of quality in all that we do.
 
What we offer:
 
Pact offers a range of benefits including a free advice, information and counselling service, contributory pension, corporate eye care scheme, cycle to work scheme and generous holiday entitlement. You will have the opportunity to attend training events to further develop yourself as a professional training and interventions worker. You will undergo a thorough induction process and be supported by a friendly and enthusiastic team.
 
How to apply:
 
If you feel that you meet the requirements of this exciting new role please complete an application form by clicking the `apply now` button.
 
Other information:
 
Pact is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all applications including those with a criminal conviction (appointment to post is subject to a risk assessment).
 
This post is subject to a 6-month probationary period, verification of identity and proven right to work in the UK, satisfactory references from previous employers covering a 3-year period, declaration of any unspent criminal convictions (and where appropriate a satisfactory risk assessment), Prison Vetting and a Disclosure and Barring Service check. Please note that being bankrupt or having County Court Judgments may affect your ability to be successfully vetted to work in a prison.
 
You may also have experience in the following: Family Engagement Manager, Prison Family Liaison Officer, Community and Stakeholder Engagement Lead, Public Voice Programme Manager, Community Outreach and Engagement Manager, Family Advocacy and Engagement Lead, Prison Healthcare Engagement Coordinator, Patient and Family Voice Manager, Prison and Community Engagement Lead, Stakeholder Relationship Manager, etc.
 
REF-220 961

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

About UP

Unlocking Potential deliver high performing therapeutic programmes and education provision for children and young people with SEMH needs. We work in collaboration with families, communities, and other partners to ensure that children and young people access the interventions they need to thrive.

Mission

We work collaboratively with communities to enable children and young people with social, emotional, and mental health needs to unlock their full potential

Values

Trust

We build trust by being honest, transparent, and accountable in the way we work with children and young people, staff, and partners and by providing services and programmes whose outcomes are measurable and evidenced based.

Collaborative

Relationships are at the heart of our work. We prioritise communication and collaboration with partners, families, and communities, believing that by working together we create more effective and holistic outcomes for children and young people.

Empowering

We co-create opportunities for our children, young people, parents/carers and staff to actively participate in decision-making that influences change. We promote the voices of children and young people in our organisation and the wider community.

Nurturing

We provide a nurturing approach based on safety and space for creativity, exploration, and growth. We support and care for our children, young people, and staff to realise their potential.

Impact

We are committed to measuring our impact through a data driven method to develop our programmes and make a greater difference to the lives of children, young people, and their parents and carers.

Overview

We will be launching our new programme from September 2025, initially as a pilot working with families across Wandsworth, with aims to be able to expand and continue beyond this.

We are seeking an experienced and passionate Family Support Manager to play a pivotal role in establishing our new Family Support programme. Your initial focus will be leading on the development of the service, implementing policies and procedures, building referral pathways, and recruiting a team of skilled Family Support Workers.

Once the service is established, you will manage a high-quality programme providing support and guidance to families facing complex challenges. Your role will involve overseeing a team of Family Support Workers, case management, fostering effective collaboration with internal and external multidisciplinary teams, and leading the service under a shared vision to ensure the well-being of children and their families.

Using a restorative approach, you will develop strong relationships to support families and empower them to take an active role in their own support plans and interventions, helping them build resilience and make informed decisions. A commitment to safeguarding excellence will be at the heart of everything you do.

This role would be an exciting opportunity for a qualified Social Worker or an experienced professional with a background in setting up and developing family support services. It offers a genuine opportunity to shape a new service and build an impactful team to make a real difference in the lives of children, young people, and their families.

Our Adventure Playground Manager plays an integral role within our Children, Young People and Families team, supporting our Head of Service to create inspiring, high quality and child focused youth and play services. The work of the Children, Young People and Families team is diverse, and service includes after-school and weekend adventure play, school play sessions, mentoring, holiday activities and youth leadership programmes.

Tulse Hill Adventure Playground is at the centre of our Children, Young People and Families service, and you will have solid experience working in an Adventure Playground, or similar outdoor setting, as you will hold managerial responsibility of the site and resources ensuring that the environment meets the needs of all the children who use it and to enable children to obtain the full benefit of the playground and its facilities.

As a strong and inspiring manager you will lead a team of play practitioners to deliver a range of dynamic, exciting, and meaningful services, ensuring the children who need them most are supported to play, develop, and thrive. You will take both an ambitious, organised, yet hands on approach to your management of the service - we are a small but dynamic team and truly believe services are best when all are involved, from management to practitioners. You will bring enthusiasm and passion to ensure an exceptional service for the children and young people we work with.

You will champion the role that adventure play services play in supporting children and young people to thrive and be an advocate for partnership working, building relationships with parents, schools and other local organisations, to maximise use of the Adventure Playground and the range of services we provide. A strong understanding of how the service sits within the wider work of the organisation and building strong relationships internally and externally is essential to the role.

You will be joining the organisation at a very exciting time as we are just about to undertake a large scale rebuild of the outdoor adventure play structures which will be completed this summer - creating a new and exciting environment for children and young people to play. This will include a range of challenging play structures, a wildlife garden, growing area and outdoor kitchen, along with a small animal enclosure.

Employee Benefits
• 35 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays and 3 Christmas days) rising by 1 day each year
after 2 years’ service (capped at an additional 8 days)
• Enhanced maternity/paternity/adoption leave after 2 years’ service
• Save money off a new bike with the Cycle to Work scheme
• Up to 7% contribution to the staff pension scheme
• 24/7 Employee Support Line
• Clear pay structure with yearly increments (based on performance)
• Annual Staff away day
• Premium eye-care vouchers through Specsavers and season ticket loans

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.

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer life is turned upside down – for them and their family.  Fear, isolation, extreme money worries, not knowing where to turn – this is the reality for many.

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we help children, young people and families find the strength to face whatever cancer throws at them. You could be a part of the team making it happen.

The Role 

We are looking for an experienced Social Worker to join our London & South East Team supporting children and young people diagnosed with cancer.

We pride ourselves on delivering the highest quality support tailored to the needs of the children and young people and their families. The work we do is rewarding but also complex and demanding. You will be part of a close-knit Young Lives vs Cancer social work team, working with an established NHS multi-disciplinary team and services in the community.

This role is part home, part site-based. Your contractual base will be both Home and Hospital.

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

About You

You will be committed to delivering high quality social work support to promote the best outcomes for the children, young people and families we work with. You will need to be resourceful and resilient. You will have a positive attitude and be willing to embrace difference. As part of the wider Young Lives vs Cancer team you will actively engage with the work of the charity and welcome opportunities to get involved.

You will have:

• A recognised Social Worker qualification and current registration with Social Work England/ Scottish Social Services Council/Social Care Wales/Northern Ireland Social Care Council
• Experience working with children, young people and their families/carers in a social care setting.
• Experience of working in a multi-disciplinary environment, ideally in an NHS setting.
• Sound knowledge of child and young people development.
• An understanding of the impact of serious illness for children, young people and their families.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.

What will I gain?

 For people to reach their full potential, they need the right environment. As a member of Team Young Lives, you’ll be made to feel supported, valued and appreciated. Here’s how we do it:

• Flexible working: we’re open to working hours outside of 9 - 5 and we can talk through your flexibility requirements at interview stage
• Wellbeing days: four days a year to do what works for you – from catching up on training to going for a walk
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Great family/caring leave entitlements
• Enhanced pension
• Access to our employee savings scheme

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their sex, ethnicity, class, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. We don’t just accept difference, we value it, celebrate it, nurture it and we thrive because of it.

We’re on a journey to be reflective of the diverse children, young people and families we support. We know we aren’t there yet, and we’re passionately committed to taking actions and making changes to be a truly diverse, inclusive and equitable organisation. This includes taking anti-oppressive action and removing barriers in our recruitment practices. We particularly welcome applications from members of minoritised communities. Our Diversity, Inclusion, Equity and Belonging strategy will tell you more.

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. CVs can be uploaded, but we won't be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the work history sections of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly and objectively.

Accessibility

We’re committed to providing reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process and we’ll always aim to be as accommodating as possible.Please let us know in your application form of any adjustments or access requirements we could make to help you with the application process and interview.

#ShowTheSalary

Background to the role

We have teams embedded in four hospitals across East London where they are recognised for the warm, responsive and kind person-centred service they provide for patients. They work in close partnership with ward managers, discharge teams and social workers to ensure the safe and timely discharge of patients, connecting them back to their local communities and ensuring that their chances of a sustained and speedy recovery are maximised. Our model has proven success in reducing re-admissions.

Over the past 12 months we have worked to reorganise how our Home and Settle team works.  We have done this to reduce the pressure on individual staff members, increase the extent to which the teams work together and improve the consistency and sustainability of the services. The Discharge and Settle Worker role is key to this new model of delivery. 

The postholder will be working in the community and in patients homes to help them settle back into life and to connect with the support and services that will help them avoid another hospital visit as far as possible. Maintaining good relationships with the rest of Age UK East London’s Home and Settle team and will ensure the smooth running of the service and the best possible outcomes for patients.

This is an exciting time to join us as we build on our past learning and successes and increase the extent to which we integrate our services. Fast paced and with no two days the same, this work suits self-motivated team players who enjoy highly rewarding work that makes a difference to people and communities.

Job description

Job Purpose

The home and settle service works collaboratively with hospitals to support people when they are discharged from hospital to return home. You will provide temporary practical and emotional support to service users within their home and make sure they understand the care and treatment choices available to them. The service is time limited, usually up to 6 weeks, to adjust and settle back in their homes. 

Key Tasks

• Assess the needs of service users in hospital before discharge, and in their homes, and understand what barriers and enablers there might be to moving home.
• Aid the discharge process and improve patient experience through tasks such as key cutting and co-ordinating with colleagues for the setup of the home environment. 
• Provide (and/or arrange) the practical and emotional support needed to enable service users to move home and/or remain safely at home. 
• Be vigilant and make referrals/signpost for additional needs that our wider team, or partners can support. E.g. for benefit checks, energy advice, carers support, befriending.  
• Help maximise service user independence by adopting an enabling approach. 
• Develop a listening and caring relationship with the service user and their families/carers. 
• Provide domestic practical support within the home e.g. light cleaning, washing, ironing (service user clothing only) etc. 
• Prepare and service drinks and simple meals with or for the service user customer ensuring nutritional needs are met in accordance with individual support plan. 
• Accompany service user outside the home e.g. hospital/GP appointments etc. 
• Support customers with other tasks e.g. making telephone calls on their behalf, reading and responding to correspondence, completing simple forms (training will be provided) as directed by the customer etc. 
• Ensure services provided by AUKEL in the community are safe and person centred. 
• Report safeguarding concerns, in accordance with AUKEL safeguarding procedures. 
• Work within AUKEL’s expectations of professional boundaries and confidentiality. 
• Provide cover in the case of sickness and annual leave periods of colleagues. 
• Support service user reviews, ensuring all visiting information is uploaded on to AUKEL’s organisational case management system. 
• Meet with volunteers to provide support and guidance. 
• Work with a range of professionals including: 
• Supporting health and social care professionals with patient discharge 
• Liaising with the Hospital health and social care professionals to facilitate smooth supported discharge. 

Administration

• Input all records, reviews, and visiting information to service user’s case notes in a timely manner to maintain up-to-date and accurate records on AUKEL’s case management system (currently Charity Log/Call-round App). 
• Report all “no access” failed visits, or changes in service users’ condition or circumstances in accordance with AUKEL’s policies and procedures. 
• Ensure service user comment sheets are completed.
• Support the return of Customer Comment sheets and general feedback in respect of your own service users. 

 Quality

• Ensure services provided in the community are delivered in line with the Care Quality Commission (CQC) principles. 
• Deliver all work in line with AUKEL quality mark standards. 
• Commit to undertaking the Care Certificate, if not already held or in possession of NVQ level 2. 
• Complete essential training as required by AUKEL to provide safe services. 

 Liaison

• Work in collaboration with other agencies providing support within the customer's home. 
• Work under the direction of the service manager and project officers. 
• Represent AUKEL and participate in appropriate external meetings and events to remain aware of local, regional, and national issues affecting quality and compliance issues affecting care and home support services. 

 General

• Meet regularly with your line manager for support, supervision, and appraisal. 
• Attend team and staff meetings, (and other meetings) as required. 
• Undertake any other duties within the competence of the post holder as may be required from time to time for the continued smooth running of AUKEL. 
• Complete any training which is required to fulfil the role. 
• Carry out the duties of the post in accordance with AUKEL policies and procedures including Equal Opportunities, Mental Capacity, Deprivation of Liberty, Food Hygiene, Health & Safety, Confidentiality, Complaints, GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults etc. 
• Work within AUKEL’s expectations of professional boundaries and confidentiality 

 Functional Links

• The post holder report to the Manager. 
• Close working with NHS health & social care professionals. 
• Close working with external partner agencies e.g. Age UK Redbridge, Barking & Havering, and Age UK Waltham Forest. 
• Close working with AUKEL internal departments e.g. information and advice, advocacy, Take Home & Settle services, and volunteering department etc. 

Person Specification

Experience

Essential

• Experience of one-to-one work with vulnerable service users, including those with multiple issues and needs either through paid or unpaid position. 

Desirable

• Care Certificate or CQF Diploma NVQ Level 2, or equivalent, in Health & Social Care. 
• Experience of working collaboratively with external partners. 

Knowledge & Understanding

Essential 

• Understanding and commitment to empowering individuals to reach their full potential. 
• Understanding the principles of confidentiality in practice. 
• Understanding of safeguarding and when to raise a concern. 
• Understanding of stigma and discrimination, and the impact this has on people’s lives. 

Desirable

• Knowledge of local services available to adults and their carers
• Understanding of hospital discharge procedures. 

Skills/Attributes

Essential

• Excellent interpersonal skills 
• Good English verbal and written communication skills 
• Good planning and organisational skills. 
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team 
• Ability to prioritise and manage time and resources in a competent manner 
• IT skills to the level of being able to use Word, email, internet, mobile phone apps and logging information on AUKEL’s CRM
• Can demonstrate AUKEL values (accountable, kind, flexible, inclusive, collaborative) in the way the service is delivered. 

Desirable

• Ability to speak community languages e.g. Bengali, Urdu, Punjabi, Turkish etc. 
• Able to use Charity Log (CRM used by AUKEL).  Training will be provided as necessary.
• Ability to drive with use of own vehicle (mileage and essential car users will be paid). 

Additional Requirements

• This post is subject to the relevant check through the Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) 
• Flexibility in working hours to meet organisational needs.
• The role is required travel across East London

Employment Details

Hours available

We have different roles available between 16 and 35 per week.

Location

The post holders will be mostly based

• Either within the London boroughs of Tower Hamlets and Hackney including the Royal London and Homerton Hospitals
• Or within the London boroughs of Newham and Waltham Forest including the Newham and Whipps Cross Hospitals

This role will predominantly be working from our Day Centre but will also include work with night shelter clients.

Within the Day Centre you will be required to provide advice and advocacy and casework to people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness and maintain a caseload of clients working within a fast paced and dynamic small team. You will support the smooth running of the day centre provision and have a commitment to supporting vulnerable clients in a person-centred way. 

To be successful in this role will require a keen interest in homelessness and the devastating impact this can have on people. This role is suited to someone with a problem solving, positive attitude, who is passionate about supporting marginalised people.   

Could you make a difference for Carers in Wandsworth?

We are currently offering a rewarding opportunity for a motivated and proactive self-starter to join our dynamic team.

Our Charity:

We are a busy, ambitious charity operating at the heart of the Wandsworth community since 1995, helping thousands of people across the borough in unpaid Caring roles. We give information and advice, organise respite, offer complementary therapies, deliver training, provide peer support, arrange fun events and much more.  In short, we are the Carer's friend and advocate, often helping Carers through difficult times.

The Role:

This role involves one to one support for Carers of people with dementia, providing information, guidance, and advocacy, developing and delivering dementia training for Carers and facilitating support groups. This role also includes coordinating and delivering monthly Dementia Cafes for people with dementia and their Carers, including supervising cafe volunteers.

Your skills and Experience:

The successful applicant will have outstanding organisational and communication skills, be confident delivering training and outreach. They will be able to manage conflicting demands with tight deadlines, be a key team player and committed to working with Carers and volunteers.

They will have excellent IT skills and be able to adapt to providing services both face to face and via virtual platforms, whilst maintaining a consistent service for Carers. 

Does this sound like you?

Benefits of the role and working for Wandsworth Carers’ Centre:

- Friendly team and working environment

- Some weekend and evening work with time off during the week

- Annual leave from 26 days increasing to 31 days plus bank and public holidays

- Contributory company pension

- Ongoing training and development opportunities

- Employee assistance program.

- Cycle to work scheme

To apply:

Please submit a cv and a comprehensive cover letter detailing how your experience, skills, and qualifications align with the requirements of the role as set out in the person specification. Unfortunately, we are unable to sponsor candidates. 

Wandsworth Carers’ Centre is an inclusive employer, committed to the continued development of a diverse workforce.

Please note: we will be interviewing candidates as suitable applications come in and therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy before the stated closing date. We encourage applications as soon as possible.