Engagement Support Worker Jobs in Lambeth, Greater London

This peer support project is delivered in partnership with South West London and St George’s Mental Health NHS Trust to support Carers of people with mental health conditions.  This project will work to support Carers through one-to-one support, outreach, training and peer support groups.

About The Role: 

Using your lived experience of caring for someone with a mental health condition, and a strengths-based approach, you will support mental health Carers in their caring role.  You will provide person centred one-to-one- support, information, signposting, and advocacy, develop, and facilitate peer support groups and deliver training and outreach sessions at different locations across the borough. 

Key Requirements Include: 

• Lived experience of Caring for someone with a mental health condition 

• Knowledge and understanding of mental health and the associated challenges and support needs. 

• The ability to work within the principles and values of peer support. 

• Confidence supporting people on a one-to-one basis. 

• Experience of / ability to facilitate peer support groups and training. 

• Clear communication and good interpersonal skills  

• Efficient organisation and time management skills 

• Developed IT skills, with experience using databases and communication platforms. 

About us
Providence Row believes that no one should have to sleep rough and that everyone should have access to the support they need to find a safe place to call home.

We work with those affected by homelessness and those vulnerably housed in Tower Hamlets, offering an integrated service of housing advice & support, access to substance use, physical & mental health services, as well as, training & progression programmes. We ensure that people often excluded from mainstream services gain the support and opportunities they need to create a safe, healthy and sustainable life.

About the role

• Navigating the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, working with people who have a higher complexity in substance use and need additional support from multiple services.
• To work in a trauma informed and person centred way, empowering the client to make informed choices around their care and support
• Conducting street outreach with partner agencies to identify and locate people on your caseloads, who are sleeping rough.
• Attending local hostels with the aim of supporting those who are at risk of eviction and where substance and/or alcohol use maybe a contributing factor.
• Managing a caseload of clients
• Attending partner agency meetings relating to rough sleeping & hotspots in the borough.
• Providing targeted harm reduction advice and information to individuals around the risks associated with drug or alcohol use and supporting people to improve their health and wellbeing.
• Signposting individuals to other support services inclusive of substance use, based on individual need.
• Removing the stigma of homelessness and for those who use substances and/or alcohol
• Breaking the barriers of which people experiencing homelessness face, when trying to access needed services 

Benefits

• 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
• Pension – 5% employer, 3% employee
• Cycle to work scheme
• Season ticket loan
• Employee assistance programme
• Monthly reflective practice
• Wide range of learning & development opportunities

To apply:  Please upload your CV with a covering letter, detailing how you meet the job specification. CV’s without a covering letter will not be considered.

Research shows some people, especially women and marginalised groups, may hesitate to apply unless they match all the criteria. However, we want to assure everyone that we encourage applications from all individuals, regardless of whether they fulfil every point in the job description. Your unique perspective matters to us – please apply with confidence.

Interviews
Please note that we may interview on a rolling basis and therefore encourage early applications.

Providence Row is a charitable company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales; company number 07452798 registered charity number 1140192.

We are seeking experienced, passionate candidates to join an exciting new project working within a Family Hub setting. These roles will work closely with women and families providing coaching support to improve wellbeing throughout the perinatal period, and establish good foundations for family health moving forward. This role will work as part of a team from Mind In Enfield and Barnet, and alongside other statutory and non statutory services within Family Hubs across the Borough of Enfield. 

Young People Support Worker

We have a new role available for a Young People Support Worker to join Depaul UK to ensure that every client leaves a Depaul service with the skills and resilience to be confident and self-determining in their lives.

Position: Young People Support Worker

Location: Islington, London

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-Time – Three-week rolling (two weekends off/one on)

Shifts: 8:00am – 14:00pm and 12:00pm to 20:00pm

Salary: £27,636 per annum (ILW) plus pension and other benefits

Closing Date: Sunday 10th November 2024

About the Role

To work as part of a team delivering an assessment, support and move on service to vulnerable clients in supported or community-based accommodation. Your work will be underpinned by the Depaul Endeavour model of assets-based, psychologically informed delivery. The aim of which is to ensure that every client leaves a Depaul service with the skills and resilience to be confident and self-determining in their lives.

Working under the direction, guidance and support of a manager/senior worker you will be responsible for a caseload of (5) clients as well as share responsibility for the safety and wellbeing of all clients, volunteers and staff in the service.

In accommodation-based services, you will ensure that the accommodation is properly maintained and support the client to sustain their tenancy and participate in a positive and successful move on. The role will have responsibility under Depaul’s commitment to successfully deliver the contracted outcomes.

Key responsibilities include:

· You will ensure the safety and well-being of clients in the service at all times possible including using Safeguarding and emergency alert procedures as applicable,

· It should not be seen as precluding future changes after appointment to this role.

· You will carry a caseload of clients for whom you will be the named key worker, and you will also take joint responsibility with your team members for the well-being and day-to-day support of all clients in the services

· You will lead on risk and needs assessment and support planning for your key clients and contribute to ongoing needs and risk assessment of other clients in the service

· You will develop and implement SMART outcomes-based support plans for your key clients

· You will deliver one-to-one and group support opportunities within their accommodation and in the local community aimed at increasing resilience in the clients we work with.

· You will proactively work in partnership with multiple agencies including statutory teams, to support the wellbeing of Depaul clients in accordance with data protection and information sharing protocols.

· You will be flexible, reflective and creative in your engagement with clients and personalised in your support to them.

About You

You will need to have the following skills and experience:

· Experience working with the client group.

· An understanding and commitment to working in an assets-based way.

· An understanding of the needs of people who have experienced homelessness, poor mental health, and substance use.

· A knowledge and understanding of Risk Assessments and Support Planning.

· Good literacy, numeracy and IT skills.

· Able to demonstrate a clear understanding of safeguarding requirements and procedures.

· Commitment to working in a manner, which promotes diversity and equality ensuring that everyone is treated with respect and dignity and no one, suffers from discrimination.

· Commitment to promoting an environment, which has the highest regard for the Health and Safety of others.

· High-level understanding of professional boundaries and ability to maintain boundaries.

In return for working here, you will receive:

· A comprehensive training package tailored to your needs and role

· Flexible working model for suitable roles

· 26 days annual leave rising to 30 after five years of service

· Family-friendly leave policies including - maternity, adoption and parental leave and Carers leave.

· Auto-enrolment to pension scheme employer from day 1 with employer contribution up to 7% and increasing with service

· Employee Assistance Programme and access to the app – 24/7 GP appointments, prescription service, health checks and nutrition advice.

· Discount vouchers including gym, retail, food & drink, travel, electricals and more.

· Cash benefit plan for you and your partner (living with you) and children under 18 including covering Dental, Optical, Hospital Stays, Scans and More​

· Death in service (4x Base salary)

· Legal Advice line

About the Organisation

Depaul UK delivers a wide range of support and housing services for young people and adults at risk of homelessness. We specialise in the provision of services that prevent homelessness, increase the resilience of those we work with and energise opportunities for employment, education, training and volunteering in the communities we work within. Our organisation reaches from Newcastle to London, Greater Manchester and Milton Keynes.

You may have experience in areas such as: Support Worker, Peer Support, Project Manager, Care Caseworker, Youth Project Coordinator, Youth Caseworker, Care Worker, Health Care Assistant, Support Worker, Nurses, Social Care Worker, Care Assistant, #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

We’re looking for someone with a track record of engaging families and a passion for supporting people to make informed health decisions. You’ll be a clear communicator and a good listener. You’ll work across our team, alongside our Information and Advice Worker, and potentially engage some of our volunteers. You’ll also bring in Parent Champions and lead sub-contracted work with a local community partner to help us reach residents in community languages. You’ll help us hear and collect resident stories. The information you collect will be reported to decision-makers responsible for health and care services. 

You’ll enjoy working as part of a team committed to improving health and care services and access for Islington residents. You may have lived experience as a parent/guardian/carer of a child and/or be from a minoritised community.

The Youth Participation and Support Worker will work with care experienced young people subject to immigration controls, to tackle the injustice and inequity of the systems, policies and procedures that define their lives.

They will support young migrants to evaluate what they have learned through their experience of being in care and going through the immigration system so that young people are able to recognise the skills and strengths they have developed. They will support young people to engage with a range of opportunities to develop and use their learning, skills and strengths through our Young Community Leaders programme.

We would love to hear from you if you have: 

• Experience of working in a practical support role with refugee, asylum seeking, unaccompanied asylum seeking and migrant children and young people in the UK.
• Experience of delivering group activities to young people.
• Ability to build trusting and empowering relationships with young people.
• Knowledge of the issues faced by care experienced migrant children and young people.

Our organisation:

SLRA is a well established local migrant support organisation working alongside refugees, asylum seekers and other migrants who are at risk or in crisis due to immigration issues. Our committed, supportive team works alongside local volunteers to provide a range of services including advice and casework, supportive group sessions, youth casework and activities for families and young people. 

The benefits: 

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro rata) 
• 5% employer pension contribution 
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities 
• Being part of a committed, supportive and inclusive team 
• Cyclescheme

We particularly welcome and encourage applications from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic individuals, and those who are migrants or refugees, and who have lived experience of the impact of immigration policy and practice. 

Job Summary

CAAS provide an ADHD and Autism Support Service for the 8 boroughs of NW London, from our base in Eastcote, with a team of Support Workers.  Our work includes offering information, advice, and support to ADHD / autistic people, their families, and professionals in NW London, with the aim of improving quality of life and developing neurodiverse-aware communities.  Some of the support is offered through one2one meetings, some of the support is provided through groups and courses which aim to increase understanding and awareness, and provide opportunities for peer support, and some of the support is offered through training and workshops to educate professionals and drive for accommodations to be made to services to allow greater access for our client group.

The Family Team Lead will assist the Family Service Manager in overseeing the operational running and leadership and management of our Family Team at our centre in Eastcote.

The Family Team Lead will be responsible for the line management of some of our Family Support Workers, as well as the direct delivery of services, including being the lead facilitator on some of our parenting courses.  As such, we are looking for a friendly, organised and hard-working individual. The role requires strong administrative skills, excellent communication skills and a drive to ensure everyone who seeks support from us has the best possible experience. If you’re passionate about supporting neurodivergent people and their families, then this is an ideal opportunity for you.

There is no requirement for any experience of, or understanding of, autism / ADHD, as we will provide training on the conditions.  This role will best suit someone who is very organised, who is able to task switch easily between line management, project management, client facing support work, group facilitation, course content creation and strategic and operational planning activities, and who is able to interact with a high number of clients and staff each week in order to ensure the sufficient number of appointments are provided to meet our funder requirements. 

The ideal candidate will possess experience working with vulnerable individuals and demonstrate confidence, composure during crises, quick thinking, and adaptability. A genuine acceptance of diversity and a keenness to learn are essential.

This role would suit someone with a key worker, social worker or teacher background.

Key Responsibilities – Project Lead

Line Management

· Organise and lead regular meetings for team members, including case management and monthly performance review meetings, fostering a culture of continuous improvement.

·Supervise the Family Team staff in fulfilling their own job descriptions, supporting their professional development and ensuring the effective use of resources

· Develop good knowledge and understanding of the services for which you are accountable, and to ensure the implementation of better practice initiatives

· To ensure that the Family Team work collaboratively to manage and lead their clients in an effective way, in line with best practice and CAAS values, making a positive difference to the people we support whilst improving their outcomes

Project Management

· Support the Family Services Manager in planning, mobilising and delivering projects to better support clients across NW London

· Develop key relationships with professionals and funders in NW London to ensure effective mobilisation, communication, delivery and evaluation of projects

· Prepare risk management, quality assessment and process documents to ensure projects are delivered safely, effectively and in line with our policies and procedures.

Family Services Development

· Support the Family Services Manager in driving forward the family team strategic and operational plans, so that our family services remain impactful, user led, accessible and current.

· Ensure output, outcome and impact measures are considered, maintained and evaluated across staff and across projects to ensure continuous performance improvements.

· Provide first line safeguarding guidance to the team, to support them in delivering appropriate, safe and compliant safeguarding of all who access family services

· Deliver a programme of ongoing resource review and development, to ensure the PowerPoints, resources and tools used by the team in the delivery of their work are up to date, appropriately branded and effectively stored on our system

· Lead a programme of ongoing professional development within the team, to ensure that the different skills, knowledge and experience within the team is cascaded throughout the team, and new learnings and ways of doing things incorporated. 

· Support the development of a ‘Client Voice’ project to identify how best we can hear and respond to feedback from family clients that we serve – and those that we don’t currently serve – so that our services can be tailored and effective for our wide community. 

Key Responsibilities – Supporting Families – Direct support of families

Providing individualised support

· Offer one to one support as requested by families and professional agencies, e.g. by supporting families in preparing for or attending meetings with schools/health/social services etc. 

· Diligently record actions and monitor client progress using live reporting software, and assess risk and accommodation needs of the clients, to support their individual needs and protect them.

·Promote CAAS parenting resources, both in person and online.

· Develop knowledge and relationships of regional voluntary and statutory organisations and be able to signpost families to local agencies as necessary. 

Facilitating Workshops and Training

· Deliver training to professionals in schools, education settings and the community.

· Facilitate CAAS specialist parenting courses, such as our Understanding Autism course. 

Drop-In Support Co-ordination

· Our drop-in support service is the bedrock of our family support work, and we have offered drop-in support sessions for parents for over 20 years.  Our drop-in support service has grown in the last year, and now encompasses daytime and evening groups, both in our centre and online.  You will act as the lead facilitator for the overall project, sharing best practice across the different elements of the service, evaluating its effectiveness for those we serve.

Key Responsibilities – Liaison and Consultation

Outreach and Representation

· Serve as a representative of CAAS to advocate for organisational interests and services, as well as to voice client concerns and ensure their needs are addressed.

·Participate in community outreach efforts, including attending SEND specific local events

· Liaise with local professionals to create and sustain partnerships and coordinate services.

· Engage with statutory and volunteer services within the borough, such as health, social care, and Carers support services, to establish a support network.

· Attend charity events, networking promotions, and exhibitions to maintain and develop professional relationships.

Knowledge Management and Advocacy

· Remain up to date with all organisational services for accurate representation and consultation.

· Stay informed about existing support services in NW London.

· Keep abreast of national and local trends and developments affecting ADHD / autistic children and their families, identifying opportunities to raise awareness and develop suitable services and support.

Key Responsibilities - Organisational

Client Documentation and Communication

· Provide written reports as required by professional agencies and CAAS and develop appropriate project-specific monitoring or reporting requirements.

· Enforce and comply with GDPR standards for all data handling and communications.

· Uphold a neuroaffirmative approach in all communications, aligning with CAAS brand language and aesthetics.

Professional Development and Team Collaboration

· Comply with policies, procedures, guidelines, and codes of practice as laid down by CAAS and the Law.

· Participate in monthly supervision to enhance service quality and personal development.

· Attend, contribute to and lead a range of meetings with colleagues across the organisation, offering insights and feedback.

· Attend and deliver staff training throughout the year to remain updated with best practices and organisational procedures.

Other Responsibilities

· To carry out other tasks appropriate to the post and as agreed with the Family Services Manager.

· To actively participate in and undertake training and development of self and others.

Please note job descriptions only reflect 80% of a role and are not an exhaustive list of duties. You are expected to carry out other activities that are within the scope of the role.

Person Specification - Essential

· Previous experience managing people and projects.

· Experience of co-production that values the expertise and experiences of all stakeholders, ensuring that services are more responsive to the actual needs and preferences of those they are intended to benefit.

· Have clear and confident communication skills, to represent the organisation effectively both internally and externally.  Demonstrate openness and authenticity through communication, embodying CAAS Values including integrity, valuing difference and foster trust and respect.

· Robust knowledge and experience of safeguarding practices and risk management.

· Be well-informed about reasonable adjustments, strategies, and coping mechanisms to support the needs of neurodivergent people.

·Show the ability to manage a diverse workload with competing demands

· Exhibit the ability to monitor and evaluate work effectively.

· Be proficient in computer software, as much of the work is managed through technology and computer systems.

Person Specification - Desirable

· Have experience or knowledge of working with neurodivergent children and their families, including an understanding of the challenges faced.

· Qualified facilitator / demonstrable experience in facilitating groups and delivering training.

· Voluntary Sector Experience.

· Counselling, facilitation, or coaching skills.

Equal Opportunities

CAAS recognises the positive value of diversity, promotes equity and challenges discrimination. We welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds, including applications from Black, Asian and Ethnic Minority communities, people who identify as having a disability, and LGB+, Trans and non-binary candidates.  

We also recognise the value of flexible working, so will consider different types of flexibility (such as term time, annualised or compressed hours, and a minimum requirement of 60% working in the office for all staff), as well as the possibility of offering the role on a job share basis. 

CAAS is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.  The successful candidate will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS disclosure. 

PLEASE NOTE WE FOLLOW SAFER RECRUITMENT PROCESSES, SO WE WILL NOT ACCEPT CVS INSTEAD OF APPLICATION FORMS. TO APPLY FOR THIS ROLE YOU MUST FILL IN THE APPLICATION FORM ON THE VACANCIES PAGE OF OUR WEBSITE

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Training and Support Worker to lead and support The Mason Foundation’s future growth and development by providing and delivering training to a variety of audiences.  The role is home based - with requirement to travel (ideally, candidates will be located in the ‘South Central’ area of England, including Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Hampshire, and surrounding areas).  Hours - 30 -37.5 hours, available as a part-time or full-time position. 

Through our programmes we reduce inequalities, empower communities, and drive meaningful, sustainable change.The Mason Foundation delivers people centred services, projects and training, through its specialist wellbeing and employment programmes including:

· The Mason Mile – supporting inclusive, community led starting point physical activity centred around ‘1 Mile’

· Propel - supporting young people with learning disabilities, into meaningful and sustainable employment.

· Bespoke Community Impact Projects – supporting and empowering communities to co-develop and deliver impactful and meaningful change.

As the Training and Support Worker, you will play a pivotal part in the development of our programmes and training, through sharing partner insight, understanding the latest evidence and landscape of workplace inclusivity and keeping abreast of other providers in this space. You will be required to travel regularly to deliver face to face training within the community, education settings and workplaces.   

You will have a track record of working within learning, development, community engagement or similar, ideally with experience of supporting communities with additional needs.

You will be a strong, passionate, and inspiring facilitator, driven to deliver impactful training. You will be a skilled communicator, confident in using a variety of methods to engage and empower others from a broad range of backgrounds and settings.

You will be a team player and understand the need to work seamlessly in collaboration with multiple agencies including local authority, corporate and third sector partners, to help ensure high quality delivery of our services, to our communities.

The Training and Support Worker will need to embrace a ‘make it happen’ working environment, with constant dedication and a passion for making a difference as part of a committed charity, supporting disadvantaged communities.

In return, you get to work for a great, growing charity with like-minded people with a competitive salary.

All offers of employment are conditional upon you signing the contract of employment and:

· Two satisfactory references

· Proof of attainment of qualifications

· Evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom; and

· If applicable, satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Proposed Week of Interview: w/c 18th November 2024

The Mason Foundation is an equal opportunities employer and proud to be a Disability Confident Leader. We positively encourage applications from candidates regardless of sex, race or ethnicity, nationality, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, religion, or belief, marital or civil partnership status, parental or carer status, education, socioeconomic background, pregnancy or maternity, or any other characteristic protected under equality legislation. 

We are especially keen to encourage and welcome applications from people currently under-represented within the organisation, these include but are not limited to those from the LGBT+ community, people with disabilities, and candidates who are Black or People of Colour. Those with disabilities meeting the minimum requirements for the post will be shortlisted and reasonable adjustments will be made to ensure they are not disadvantaged during the interview process.

We're looking for an experienced, creative, and passionate Senior Youth Worker to join our amazing team at Peer Power Youth. You'll be responsible for leading, delivering and evaluating young people’s involvement in our creative ‘voice and influence’ projects, where you will co-create and work alongside young people in secure settings and the community. You will also have the chance to lead on a specialist area of work within the team.

You’ll be working alongside Youth Worker colleagues to develop strong, trusted and caring relationships with a cohort of young people, and you will ensure that activities are co-created, creative, safe, inclusive, and develop the skills and expertise of the young people involved. This is an exciting role where you'll be out and about working right alongside young people and colleagues to make real change both on an individual and system level!

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker. You will be responsible for providing high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges.

The post holder will provide high quality support and safety planning to women and children in crisis. This includes enabling women to access housing, welfare, benefits, and legal advice. A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that women are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. 

This is an opportunity to join Refuge as a Refuge Worker. You will be responsible for providing high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges.

The post holder will provide high quality support and safety planning to women and children in crisis. This includes enabling women to access housing, welfare, benefits, and legal advice. A key requirement is to provide personal welfare support and to ensure that women are provided with a safe, supportive, and welcoming environment in accordance with Refuge’s philosophical principles.

This post is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies. 

The AFRUCA Child Protection Family Support Service sits within AFRUCA as one of our most impactful programmes targeting families from a range of ethnic backgrounds across England and Wales. The service works closely with local authorities children’s services in cases involving families on child protection plans or in court proceedings. We provide direct one to one training and support for parents to aid their ability to provide appropriate parenting and ensure a safer, happier home environment for their children.

The AFRUCA Child Protection Service currently has a team of five qualified social workers and supports over 50 families each year. We also provide a therapeutic service where children are being reunified with their parents. We are establishing a child protection legal drop in service for families in contact with children’s services and an advocacy service for parents in the child protection system.

Most of our families are referred by local authorities children’s services as a result of cultural and religious practices which are deemed harmful to children’s well-being. We offer qualified social workers who do not wish to work in the statutory sector with an alternative approach to practising social work where empathy, kindness and support is key to our work with families. Our ultimate aim is a reduction of children in Black and Ethnic communities going into or remaining in foster care. We offer a non oppressive and non judgemental service that helps to promote the well-being of children in safe families.

We are looking to attract a qualified social worker who supports our ethos and is willing to contribute to our work with families to protect more children in our communities.

The role is open to applicants based on London Hackney or Manchester. The role will include office and remote working as well as allocated work for home arrangements.

We are interested in applicants who reflect our service users particularly those from marginalised or minority groups, and individuals who are bi-lingual and we are particularly interested in male social workers to support our families and children.

At AFRUCA Safeguarding Children, we pride ourselves on being more than just an employer. We view our workplace as more than just a place to perform tasks; we are a community where we grow together, collaborate, and support each other. A happy staff team has been crucial to the success of AFRUCA. We believe it is essential to foster an environment where all our staff feel valued and motivated.

As an employer, we strive to do the best for our team. As such, in addition to the basic salary on offer, we provide all our staff with additional benefits including:

• Financial Wellbeing Programmes: Supporting our staff to make the most of their finances by joining our voluntary, staff-led Money Management Club.
• We pay 5% Employer Contributions into our pension scheme with a mandatory employee contribution of 3%
• Work-Life Balance: Flexible working and work from home opportunities
• Opportunities to further your social work career through gaining in-depth, specialist experience of working with Black and Ethnic families, learning about different cultural and religious practices that influence child upbringing
• 28 days Annual Leave plus all bank holidays
• AFRUCA Staff Wellbeing Day: We provide an extra paid day off with funds for you to focus on your personal well-being.
• Annual Staff Retreat: Enjoy team-building and relaxation at our yearly staff residential programme.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP): Access professional support for your mental health, debt management, emotional support, GP Line and legal advice lines whenever you need it.
• Cash Health Plans: Benefit from our comprehensive cash health plans and claim money back on glasses, dentist treatments and massages.
• Store and Gym Discounts: Enjoy discounts at various gyms and high street shops and supermarkets.
• Paid end of year team activities
• Annual Social Work Registration fee covered

For Further information continue to our job pack. 

Who we are:

LDN London is an award-winning charity with over 60 years’ experience of supporting people with learning disabilities to stay healthy, be safe and live well. 

We have a fantastic opportunity for an experienced Head of Family Service to join our Children and Family Services.  Working with LDN London means that every day will be different, and you will be part of a team providing support to society’s most vulnerable children and adults.

You will have the privilege to be part of young people’s joys, triumphs, failures, frustrations, sadness and laughter. However, most of all you will be there to provide the right support to make a life worth living and enable access to everything life has to offer, just like for everyone else.

About the role:

The Head of Family Service will lead and manage our Family Service across all locations, providing holistic support to families with children and young adults with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).

This role involves the delivery of grant and commissioned outcomes, supporting the Assistant Director for Children, Families and Communities and working with the Head of Community Engagement to secure new funding, ensuring services meet the current and future needs of children and young adults and of their families.

The Head of Family Service will build a high-performing team, work with stakeholders, and operate within legislation, policies, budgets, and other parameters to deliver outstanding support.

This role involves ambitious family-centred practice, tailored support plans, and ensuring positive outcomes for families. The Head of Family Service will encourage parent and carer engagement in consultation and participation activities, work effectively with a multidisciplinary team of external professionals, and establish and maintain close operational relationships with schools, family hubs, social care and health services. 

We are looking for someone who has a good understanding of Special Education Needs and Disabilities and the challenges to navigate education, health and welfare systems. They need to understand needs of families and be able to work collaboratively to achieve our goals.  The ideal candidate will be able to self-motivate and work independently whilst keeping in line with LDN London.

About you:

The ideal candidate will be a well organised person with the ability to deliver successful outcomes. You will be confident networker and relationship builder with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

You must be able to demonstrate the ability to develop strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. As a self-starter, you will be able to use your own initiative, can problem solve and prioritise, with good planning and organisational skills. In addition, you will need a positive, resilient attitude, be able to work under pressure, meet deadlines and be flexible and adaptable.   

This is an excellent opportunity for someone who is looking for a new challenge! 

Why join us:

We offer continuing opportunities for learning and development together with regular supervisions and support for all our staff. We offer:

· the opportunity to work flexibly

· up to 38 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

· a generous pension scheme

· season ticket loans

· family friendly policies and personal/professional development packages

How to Apply:

To apply please complete the online application form using the link below and submit your up-to-date CV to us.

Note: LDN London is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Background checks and an enhanced DBS will be required. You need to be 18 and over to apply.

Closing date: 5:00pm on 1 November 2024

Please note that we receive a high number of applications.  If you have not heard back from us within 2 weeks of the closing date, then you have not been shortlisted for the role.

Peer Support Development Officer – Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire

 About Kinship:

Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good. 

Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales. 

We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported. 

Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.

Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.

It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.

We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish. 

That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.

About the Team

The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.

By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.

As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.

In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.

 About the role

This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub.

You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment.

Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an individual located in easy reach of Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:

· Develop new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities

· Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to achieve key targets and objectives

· Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the development of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.

· Maintain current Peer Support Group levels, taking the lead from the national Hub.

· Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.

You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.

As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.

You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick-start a thriving peer support group.

As you establish new groups, you will provide support and training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.

We are ideally looking for candidates based in easy reach of Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire. Key development areas for this post will initially include; Oldham, Bury, Tameside, Doncaster, York and the East Riding of Yorkshire. You may be required to support the development of groups in North Lincolnshire. This role may also involve work to establish groups on the periphery of this area that currently have no dedicated Development staff.

An essential requirement of the role is to be a driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes.

Key responsibilities: 

Service delivery:

• In-person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
• Set up and develop sustainable in person peer support groups, initially attending and leading sessions in person before transition to self-sufficiency. 
• Working with existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support that need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreement, in addition to new groups. Targets are subject to change and are not fixed. 
• Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
• Assist with the delivery of training to support group leaders and groups to become self-sufficient.
• Develop strong boundaried and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
• Support established groups (including independent) in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community. 
• Follow (and where appropriate support further development off) the service blueprint to develop sustainable peer support groups.
• Collaborate with the Peer Support Hub team to provide a joined-up and positive user experience for kinship carers.
• Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners. 

Service quality, development and data management:

• Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
• Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
• Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
• Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
   

Team culture:

• Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
• Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
• Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
• Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
• Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
• Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
• Work in line with the Kinship values.

 Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):

 Essential:

· Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.

· Significant experience developing peer support communities.

· Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.

· Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services are evidenced through high-quality data collection.

· Evidence of developing and delivering training/support to volunteers, based on the needs of service users (in this case kinship carers).

· Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user-led groups with charity beneficiaries.

· Proven experience of using a customer relationship management system effectively (we use Salesforce).

· In-depth understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.

· Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.

Desirable:

· Lived experience of kinship care.

· Understanding of children’s social care.

· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).

· Full, clean driving licence/own car.

General characteristics and attributes:

· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England.

· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.

· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.

· Excellent written and spoken English.

· Permission to work in the UK.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion 

Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion.  We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams.  We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us. 

Candidate Application Information

Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing date and interview details:

Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm

Interviews: Week Commencing 4 November 2024

We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.

We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.

Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply.  Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format.