Family support jobs

Assistant Benefits Advisor
Salary £24,000 FTE (rising to £27,000 per year FTE after 1 year and completion of training) 
17.5 - 21 hours per week, 6.6 weeks holiday   
Remote working with occasional travel for events and meetings in West Sussex

Are you passionate about working with SEND families? 
Do you have the transferable skills and qualities to train as a benefits advisor?

We have an exciting opportunity for someone to join a rapidly growing caring charity with the benefits of flexible family friendly working (from home), generous holiday, pension scheme, travel expenses, laptop and phone provided.  

Reaching Families was established in 2008 to empower, inform and support parent-carers and families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities in West Sussex.  We achieve this through the delivery of our services providing information, training and peer support.

Our Benefits Advice Service provides support to parents of children and young people with SEND in West Sussex applying for Carer’s Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independent Payments (PIP).  Offering 1-2-1 advice sessions on the above benefits, support with claim checking of draft applications, information resources on benefits and other sources of financial support, and training workshops on DLA, PIP and Universal Credit.

We are looking to recruit a skilled and motivated Assistant Benefits Advisor to join our team
The post holder will be responsible for supporting our Benefits Advisor with the delivery of information, advice and guidance on Carers Allowance, Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) to parent-carers of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) in West Sussex.  This is a training role with the view to promotion to Benefits Advisor following completion of training. 

Person Specification (essential):
• Understanding of challenges facing parents and carers of children with SEND 
• Passionate about improving the life chances of children with SEND and their parents/carers, and families
• A highly motivated self-starter with a flexible approach to working life 
• A creative and strategic thinker 
• Committed to professional and personal development and lifelong learning 
• Ability to work independently and manage a diverse and demanding workload 
• Comfortable working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds
• Excellent inter-personal and communication skills
• Excellent writing and editing skills 
• Experience of using MS Office including SharePoint
• A good all-round education including GCSE’s (or equivalent) or NVQ level 2 

See attached job description for details and full criteria 

We welcome applications from all members of the community and value diversity in the organisation. Please contact us if you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application or interview process due to any disability or health requirements. 

Closing date for applications is 12th January 2026

Interviews to be held in Littlehampton on 21st/22nd January 2026

To apply please complete the attached application form and share why you feel you fit the role and person specification (see attached documents) 

Do you want to join a dedicated team working to change the lives of kinship carers across Staffordshire? This is an exciting and ambitious role supporting the launch of a brand-new local authority-funded contract. 

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to. 

Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

About the Role 

Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We work with all kinship carers – the grandparents, siblings, aunts, uncles and family friends who step up to raise children when their parents can’t. 

We’re excited to be launching Kinship Reach in Staffordshire, a completely new contract that will extend our trusted support to many more kinship families. Reach is delivered entirely online, offering tailored one-to-one and group support that is flexible, accessible and rooted in kinship carers’ lived experience. 

As a Kinship Family Worker, you will be responsible for delivering high-quality support through a digital model that fits around carers’ lives. You will: 

• Complete online family assessments and develop tailored support plans. 

• Provide emotional and practical support over a structured intervention period. 

• Run online group sessions that build connection, confidence and community. 

• Help carers access wider services and community assets in Staffordshire and beyond. 

• Work closely with our partners in Staffordshire to ensure families receive the right support at the right time. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to shape a new, forward-thinking service, helping us bring accessible, digital support to kinship carers in a county committed to improving outcomes for children and young people. 

What we’ll offer you 

Kinship offers 30 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time). We have an excellent wellbeing offer including the Employee Assistance Programme and clinical supervision. We will invest in your professional development with training and career development opportunities.

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. 

How to apply

Respond on CharityJobs to these 4 questions:

1. Why do you want to work for Kinship as a Kinship Family Worker within the Reach programme, and what draws you to supporting kinship carers through online and remote delivery?
2. Kinship Reach is delivered entirely online and focuses on tailored support. Describe how you would build trust, engagement, and strong relationships with kinship carers remotely? Please include how you would approach completing a family assessment online, and outline an example of how you’ve adapted your approach to meet a family’s needs using remote methods of working.
3. What do you see as the key challenges in running online group support for kinship families, and how would you create a safe, inclusive space where carers feel comfortable sharing? Please include how you would identify and respond to any safeguarding concerns that arise in a virtual setting.
4. Reach workers support kinship carers who may be under significant pressure. How do you manage your caseload, maintain professional boundaries, and prioritise your work when supporting families experiencing complex or crisis situations, especially when working remotely?

Kinship reserves the right to close a recruitment campaign earlier than the advertised where we have received sufficient applications so please apply early! 

Please use examples to demonstrate your experience. 

We're Hiring: Play & Youth Work Lead | Doorstep Homeless Families Project

Location: North London

Salary: £28,000 - £31,000 per annum.

Hours: 28 Hours per week - 20 hours face to face and 8 hours for admin

Benefits:

• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 5% of gross salary
• 30 days paid holiday

The hours onsite will be worked over Monday, Tuesday Thursday and Friday, with normal working hours falling between 9.30am ( the earliest start) and 8pm (the latest finish).

Job Introduction

At Doorstep, we open more than just doors — we open possibilities.

Every day, we stand alongside families experiencing homelessness, providing a safe, welcoming space within a large family hostel where children can play, learn, and simply be themselves.

We are looking for a passionate and creative Lead Play and Youth Worker to guide and inspire our work with children and young people aged 0–18. This is a special role — one that blends leadership, imagination, and empathy. You will manage a small, dedicated team, shaping and delivering play and youth activities that bring light, laughter, and a sense of belonging to children whose early experiences have often been marked by instability.

At Doorstep, relationships are at the heart of everything we do. We work with families over years, not weeks — building trust, celebrating progress, and helping each young person discover their strengths. Our unique model of support is widely respected and deeply valued, and this role offers the chance to make a genuine, lasting difference in young lives.

If you are someone who believes in the power of play, creativity, and care to transform childhoods — we would love to hear from you.

About the Role

As Lead Play and Youth Worker at Doorstep, you’ll be at the heart of our mission — creating moments of joy, stability, and growth for children and young people who are living through uncertain times. No two days are the same. One moment you might be leading an energetic after-school club session; the next, you’re supporting teens to express themselves through art, music, or discussion.

You’ll manage and inspire a small, talented team of play and youth workers, ensuring that every activity we offer — whether it’s creative play, learning support, or outdoor adventure — reflects Doorstep’s core values of respect, belonging, and hope. You’ll plan and deliver programmes across all age groups (0–18 years), adapting to the needs and interests of children and young people as they grow.

Collaboration is central to this role. You’ll work closely with families, colleagues, and partner organisations to provide continuity and care, helping to make Doorstep a place where children feel seen, valued, and free to thrive.

This is not just a leadership role — it’s an opportunity to build something lasting. Your creativity, empathy, and commitment will help shape the next chapter of Doorstep’s play and youth work, ensuring that every child who walks through our doors is met with warmth, opportunity, and care.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership and Team Management

• Lead, supervise, and support a small team of play and youth workers and volunteers.
• Provide regular supervision, guidance, and professional development opportunities to team members.
• Foster a positive, inclusive, and collaborative working environment that reflects Doorstep’s values.

Programme Planning and Delivery

• Design, plan, and deliver a varied programme of play, creative, and youth activities for children and young people aged 0–18 years.
• Ensure all activities are engaging, developmentally appropriate, and responsive to the needs and interests of participants.
• Encourage children and young people to express themselves, build confidence, and develop positive relationships.
• Plan and oversee trips, events, and holiday programmes, ensuring safety and inclusivity at all times.

Safeguarding and Wellbeing

• To fulfill the statutory responsibilities of Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.
• Take responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all children and young people involved in Doorstep’s services.
• Ensure staff and volunteers follow safeguarding procedures and receive appropriate training.
• Respond appropriately to any concerns, working in partnership with relevant agencies where necessary.

Partnership and Family Engagement

• Build positive, trusting relationships with parents, carers, and families, encouraging their involvement in children’s play and learning.
• Work collaboratively with other professionals and partner organisations to enhance support for families.
• Represent Doorstep at relevant meetings, forums, and networks to share best practice and strengthen partnerships.

Monitoring, Evaluation, and Administration

• Maintain accurate records of attendance, participation, and outcomes in line with organisational requirements.
• Contribute to monitoring, evaluation, and reporting processes to demonstrate impact and inform future development.
• Support funding applications and project reports by providing relevant data and case studies.

General Duties

• Uphold Doorstep’s ethos, values, and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Contribute to the overall running and development of Doorstep as a small, specialist organisation.
• Undertake any other duties reasonably required to support the effective delivery of Doorstep’s mission.

About You

Experience and Knowledge

• Relevant qualification in playwork, youth work, early years, or a related field (Level 3 or above) or equivalent.
• Significant experience of planning, delivering, and evaluating play and youth activities for children and young people aged 0–18 years.
• Experience of supervising or managing staff and/or volunteers within a play, youth, or community setting.
• Strong understanding of child development and the role of play in supporting wellbeing, resilience, and growth.
• Sound knowledge of safeguarding and child protection policies and procedures.
• Experience of working with families facing disadvantage, housing instability, or other complex challenges.
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion, and commitment to anti-discriminatory practice.

Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with children, young people, parents, and professionals.
• Creative and resourceful approach to planning activities that engage children of different ages and abilities.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain accurate records.
• Ability to lead, motivate, and support a small team to achieve shared goals.
• Confidence in managing behaviour in a positive, trauma-informed way.
• Competent IT skills for administration, reporting, and communication purposes.

Personal Qualities

• Warm, approachable, and empathetic, with a genuine commitment to improving outcomes for families experiencing homelessness.
• Reliable, flexible, and resilient in the face of challenging circumstances.
• Reflective, open to learning, and committed to professional development.
• Enthusiastic about play and youth work as powerful tools for change and belonging

How to Apply

Please apply with your CV and a covering letter stating why you would like the job and what you believe you can bring to it.

Closing date for applications is Friday 16th January 2026.

Interviews will take place week commencing 2nd February 2026.

Make a Real Difference to Local Families

Home-Start Barnet, Brent and Harrow is a dynamic local charity supporting families with young children through challenging times. Our volunteers and staff offer emotional and practical support to help parents build confidence, strengthen relationships and give their children the best start in life.

We’re looking for a Family Engagement Coordinator to join our School Readiness project in Grahame Park, Barnet. You’ll be part of a friendly team at Home-Start Barnet, working closely with colleagues and partners at Barnet Mencap to support families who are just starting their journey with the education system.

In this role, you’ll help us reach families who may be facing extra challenges or need more personalised support. You’ll spend time building strong, trusting relationships with local primary schools and become a familiar, welcoming presence within their school communities. Your work will help ensure that parents feel informed, supported and ready to help their children thrive as they start school.

The common thread throughout the project is the engagement of families and the parent volunteers, who widen the supportive “community” around the families, and connect the school to the home, and the partners to each other. Approximately 70% of this role will be based in local schools in Grahame Park.

As our Family Engagement Coordinator, you will:

• Build strong relationships with primary schools in Grahame Park, in Barnet.
• Promote Home-Start’s services through school and community events.
• Support communication between schools, families and partner agencies.
• Share updates through newsletters, WhatsApp, email and community channels.
• Signpost families to local services and activities that support wellbeing.
• Receive referrals and assess family needs.
• Deliver school-readiness workshops and parenting groups.
• Liaise with schools, health and community services

About You

We’re looking for someone compassionate, proactive and highly organised, with a genuine passion for supporting families.

You will have:

• Experience working or volunteering in schools, nurseries, family support or similar settings.
• Parenting experience or experience caring for young children.
• Understanding of early years development and primary school systems.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Knowledge of safeguarding responsibilities.
• The ability to engage with families facing complex challenges.
• Experience of delivering workshops or groups.
• Understanding of neurodiversity and SEND support.
• Knowledge of legislation relating to children and families.

What We Offer

• A supportive and collaborative team environment
• Opportunities for training and professional development
• A role where you can directly improve the lives of children and families
• Term-time only working arrangements can be considered

Note: This post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 due to the nature of our work.

Home-Merton is seeking an inspiring and strategic Director to lead our trusted local charity through its next stage of growth and innovation. 

This is a rare opportunity to make a tangible difference for children and families — by strengthening our community presence, driving income generation, and ensuring every child gets the best possible start in life. 

 About Home-Start Merton – Making a difference to young families

We believe strong families make strong communities. 
Our trained volunteers provide emotional and practical support to parents of young children, helping them navigate the challenges of early childhood and family life. 

Operating across London borough of Merton, we are a small but vibrant, values-driven charity and part of the wider Home-Start network — one of the UK’s leading family support movements. 

Our Charity Director Role

As Director, you’ll be both strategic leader and hands-on advocate, driving our fundraising and partnership agenda while overseeing operational excellence. 

You’ll lead our talented team of employees, work closely with trustees, and represent our charity with energy and passion — ensuring we remain a visible and trusted voice for families across Merton. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Lead and inspire staff and volunteers to deliver high-impact family support services. 
• Oversee service delivery, safeguarding, and operational compliance. 

• Develop and implement a bold, diversified fundraising and income generation strategy. 

• Build and nurture relationships with funders, corporates, philanthropists, and community partners. 

• Act as a confident ambassador, raising the organisation’s profile locally and regionally. 

• Work closely with the Board of Trustees on governance, strategy, and long-term sustainability. 

About You 

You are: 

• Experienced in charity governance, financial management, and service delivery. 
• A proven fundraiser and relationship builder who can secure sustainable income across multiple sources. 

• A confident and inclusive leader who inspires and empowers teams. 

• Skilled in partnership development and community engagement. 

• Deeply committed to safeguarding, equality, and family wellbeing. 

Why Join Us? 

• Lead one of London’s most respected family charities. 

• Shape our strategy for growth and sustainability. 

• Join a passionate, values-led team and supportive board. 

• Enjoy flexible, hybrid working. 

How to Apply 

If you meet most but not all of our criteria and are passionate about giving children the best start in life we'd still like to hear from you.

Apply via CharityJob or reach out to our Chair for an informal conversation. 

Closing Date: Friday 12 December 2025

Home-Start Merton is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds. 

We are advertising for a Homicide Family Case Workers in the West Midlands Homicide Team.

This post is based within Staffordshire, Shropshire and North West Midlands and may cover the whole of the West Midlands. This role is working 30 hours a week on a permanent contract.

Do you want to make a difference every day? Do you want to contribute to change & improvement for those who need it?

Do you have resilience & adaptability? Can you work effectively with a focus on customer service and care?

If yes, then we'd love to hear from you…

What we offer:

At Victim Support we believe in attracting & retaining the best people and offer a competitive rewards & benefits package including:

• Flexible working options including hybrid working
• 28 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays, rising to 33 days plus Bank Holidays
• An extra day off for your birthday & options to buy or sell annual leave
• Pension with 5% employer contribution
• Enhanced sick pay allowances, maternity & paternity payments
• High Street, retail, holiday, gym, entertainment & leisure discounts
• Access to our financial wellbeing hub & salary deducted finance
• Employee assistance programme & wellbeing support
• Access to EDI networks and colleague cafes
• Cycle to work scheme & season ticket loans
• Ongoing training & support with opportunities for career development & progression

About the role:

Becoming a Homicide Caseworker is a unique opportunity to support families and individuals bereaved by and, eyewitness to murder and manslaughter. The National Homicide Service is a fast paced, specialist team funded directly by the Ministry of Justice to provide exceptional trauma informed practical and emotional support every day.

You Will:

• Work closely with the Major Crime Police Units, Senior Investigators and Family Liaison Officers, providing a pivotal role to support clients through the Criminal Justice System.
• Support clients by phone and Zoom as well as meeting families in their own homes or community, therefore you will be required to travel throughout the area.
• Complete needs assessments, and will coordinate and deliver a tailored package of support alongside our commissioned providers and other key stakeholders.

The role of Homicide Caseworker is varied, demanding and rewarding; no one day is the same and you will thrive on this challenge. You will need to be extremely organised and able work independently and as well as being a pro-active, supportive member of a team open to developing your personal resilience. Our priority is to ensure that those bereaved by and eyewitness to murder have the support they need for as long as they need.

About Us:

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity providing a range of specialist services to people who have been affected by crime across England and Wales. We work towards a world where there are fewer victims but who have stronger rights, better support and a real influence in the Criminal Justice System. Everyone at VS is driven by our Vision Ambitions and Values to play their part in making a difference for those who experience crime and traumatic events. Working for VS gives you the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing high quality services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Victim Support are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks and Disclosed Barring Service checks may be required.

Victim Support strives to represent the diverse communities we serve and are passionate about creating an environment where all staff and volunteers feel respected and heard. Being a diverse organisation with an inclusive culture is integral to us being able to meet our aim of ensuring that anyone who is a victim of crime gets the support they need.

As part of our commitment to the Race at Work Charter we particularly welcome applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities. VS is also a Disability Confident Employer and we provide a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for candidates that are disabled and meet all essential criteria for a role.

If you have a disability, a learning difficulty such as dyslexia or a medical condition which you believe may affect your performance during any aspect of our selection process, we'll be happy to make reasonable adjustments to enable you to perform at your best.

How to apply:

To apply for this role please follow the link below to the Jobs page on our website and complete the application form demonstrating how you meet the essential shortlisting criteria.

We look forward to hearing from you.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early, if we receive enough suitable applications to take forward to interview prior to the published closing date. If you have already registered & started an application, then we will contact you to advise of the amended closing date wherever possible.

Our mission is simple but ambitious: to create thriving places for young people and flourishing, resilient communities—supporting transformation in mind, body, and spirit.

YMCA St Paul’s Group (SPG) is a long-standing charity dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities across London. For over 150 years, we’ve been providing life-changing youth work, essential community services, inclusive health and wellbeing centres, and supported accommodation for those at risk of homelessness. 

About the Role

As a Housing and Support Officer, you’ll play a central role within our Housing and Support team, helping us deliver exceptional care, stability, and guidance to our residents. You’ll often be the first friendly face they see—answering queries, providing clear guidance, and ensuring a welcoming, safe, and supportive environment for everyone who walks through our doors. 

This is a dynamic, people-focused role with a broad range of responsibilities. From reception and administrative duties to first aid, safety checks, and supporting new residents, your work directly contributes to a positive and meaningful experience for our community. No two days will be the same—and every day, your impact will be felt.

Key Responsibilities

First-Class Customer Service
You’ll be at the heart of our community, offering consistently warm, professional, and helpful support. Your interactions create a real and lasting difference for residents, visitors, and their support networks.

A Varied and Engaging Role
From managing calls and handling payments to coordinating repairs and mail, your everyday tasks keep our sites running smoothly. You’ll also support essential safety and security processes that protect our community.

Safety & Security Leadership
As a trained first aider and fire marshal, you’ll be trusted to respond effectively during emergencies. Regular wellbeing and facilities patrols will help ensure that residents feel secure, supported, and at ease.

Welcoming & Supportive Engagement
You’ll warmly welcome new residents, listen to concerns, respond to incidents of anti-social behaviour, and offer compassionate assistance to those who need it. Your attentiveness helps us maintain a safe and inclusive space.

Teamwork & Collaboration
Work alongside experienced housing advisors who share your commitment to making a difference. Your enthusiasm, empathy, and professionalism will be valued and celebrated as part of a supportive and dedicated team.

What We Offer

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, diversity, inclusion, and authenticity are core values. We want you to bring your full self to work—and we’ll support your voice, perspective, and growth through our Employee Resource Groups and inclusive culture.

We’re committed to your professional development, offering a broad learning and development programme that includes formal training, qualifications, and hands-on experience. You’ll have ongoing opportunities to progress and grow your career with us.

You’ll also enjoy a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing in mind, body, and spirit, including:

• Free access to our gyms across all sites

• Discounts at major retailers and supermarkets

• Free wellbeing and counselling services

• Flexibility to work from multiple outer-London locations

• Career development programmes to help you thrive

• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity pay

• Life Assurance (for permanent contracts)

(For a full list of staff benefits, please refer to our benefits guide.)

Join Us in Making a Real Difference

About YMCA St Paul’s Group

YMCA St Paul’s Group is one of London’s longest-standing charities, dedicated to empowering young people and strengthening communities for over 150 years. Through transformative youth programmes, inclusive health and wellbeing centres, and vital supported accommodation, we work to ensure that people—especially young people—have the opportunity to belong, contribute, and thrive.

Our mission is rooted in long-term transformation of mind, body, and spirit, and we remain committed to building vibrant, supportive, and resilient communities across London.

About the Role

As a Housing and Support Assistant (Nights), you’ll play a pivotal frontline role in ensuring our accommodation remains a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. You’ll be a steady presence throughout the night—providing guidance, reassurance, and practical assistance for residents and visitors alike.

Whether you’re responding to queries, managing reception tasks, ensuring safety protocols are upheld, or offering a compassionate ear during challenging moments, you will be a vital part of creating a positive and secure atmosphere for those who call YMCA home.

This is a role with real variety and real impact—perfect for someone who thrives in a dynamic environment and is passionate about helping others.

Working 4 nights on and 4 nights off (8pm-8am).

Key Responsibilities

Deliver Exceptional Customer Service

You will be the warm, reassuring presence residents and visitors meet first. Your confidence and professionalism will create a positive experience and set the standard for the quality of service YMCA is known for.

A Varied, Engaging Role

No two nights will be the same. Alongside reception duties—such as answering calls, processing payments, handling repairs, and managing post—you’ll take on a broad range of responsibilities that keep the building running smoothly.

Champion Safety and Security

As the on-site first aider and fire marshal, you’ll protect the wellbeing of our residents and staff. From conducting regular patrols to responding swiftly in emergencies, you’ll help maintain a safe and calm environment throughout the night.

A Welcoming and Compassionate Presence

You’ll often be the first to welcome new residents, address concerns, support those facing challenges, and record or escalate any issues such as anti-social behaviour or safeguarding concerns. Your empathy and professionalism will help residents feel heard, valued, and supported.

Be Part of a Supportive Team

You’ll join a dedicated and knowledgeable team of housing professionals who share your commitment to improving lives. Your role will be meaningful, varied, and rewarding—offering plenty of opportunities to develop your skills and make a real difference.

What You’ll Gain

At YMCA St Paul’s Group, we celebrate diversity, individuality, and community. Your voice matters here—and you’ll have opportunities to help shape positive change through our Employee Resource Groups and inclusive culture.

We’re committed to your growth. With access to robust training, qualifications, and hands-on experience, you’ll be supported in developing your career, expanding your expertise, and achieving your goals.

Benefits for Mind, Body, and Spirit include:

• Free gym access across all YMCA SPG sites

• Discounts at major retailers and supermarkets

• Free wellbeing and counselling services

• The flexibility to work across various outer London locations

• Career development programmes to support your journey

• Family-friendly policies, including enhanced maternity pay

• Life Assurance

Policy Specialist (children and young people)

Are you interested in improving the lives of children and young people with a learning disability? Can you turn complex ideas into evidence-based policy? Are you a skilled communicator able to influence decision-makers? If so, we would love to hear from you!

We are currently looking for a Policy Specialist to join Mencap. This position sits within the Policy and Public Affairs teams of Mencap’s Campaigns, Advocacy and Activism Directorate (CAA). You will work closely with our influencing, information and advice, campaigning, and research work, as well as sector partners like the Disabled Children's Partnership.

This is an exciting new role to deliver policy change and enhance the rights of children and young people with a learning disability. At a key time to influence Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) education reform, we are seeking a policy specialist to shape policy work that reflects the needs and experiences of children, young people, and their families. Working within the policy team, you will be responsible for developing evidence-based policy work and influencing decision-makers. 

This is a full time position (37.5 hours per week). We are flexible with your work location, but there may be some occasional travel needed to our London office or Westminster.

You will:

· Translate complex work into clear and persuasive policy briefings, consultation responses and reports.

· Work within wider coalitions of charities, building collaborative relationships and ensuring that the needs and priorities of our community are addressed.

· Develop and expand Mencap’s ‘Policy Shapers’ work, ensuring our work reflects the experiences of children and young people with a learning disability and their families.

· Support our information and advice team, briefing them on important developments, inputting into casework discussions relevant to your areas of work, and supporting the creation of public information resources.

· Represent Mencap at meetings and events, with MPs, civil servants, and sector partners.

· Identify and analyse relevant research to develop evidence-based policy recommendations.

You will bring to this role:

· Experience of working on public policy issues.

· Strong communication skills: experience tailoring your messaging to a variety of different audiences and representing an organisation.

· Experience building positive relationships and working collaboratively to achieve outcomes; able to positively challenge, negotiate and compromise.

· The ability to work on your own initiative while contributing to team priorities and sustain enthusiasm under pressure.

· Experience analysing evidence to develop recommendations.

· Knowledge the issues facing children and young people with a learning disability and/or the SEND system, as well as the wider parliamentary system.

· Passion about making the world a better place for people with a learning disability.

If you're passionate about driving meaningful change for children and young people with a learning disability and you're ready to use your policy expertise to make a real impact, please apply now with an up-to-date CV. This advert has been extended and will now close on Sunday, 4th January, 2026. Interviews are scheduled to take place via Microsoft Teams during the week commencing 12th January 2026.

Benefits

Here at Mencap, we offer an impressive range of benefits designed to support and reward our employees to ensure that our teams feel valued and appreciated.

Our benefits package offers 32 days of paid holiday (including bank holidays, pro rata), along with a range of perks such as discounts at leading high-street retailers, access to health cash plans, interest-free loans, and many more exciting offerings.

For more details on what we have to offer, please see the attached document outlining all the fantastic benefits available to you as a member of our team!

About Mencap

Our vision is for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

We're here to support people with a learning disability, their families and their carers. We fight for a kinder, fairer and more inclusive society for people with a learning disability to live in.

At Mencap, everyone works with people with a learning disability either providing support or advice, or alongside one another as colleagues.

Belonging at Mencap is for everyone, every day, everywhere.

· Everyone is expected to treat people well and make Mencap an inclusive organisation.

· Every day we grow and learn. It’s okay to make mistakes but we learn from them and make changes

· Everywhere people will feel respected, valued, and safe to be themselves.

We have Belonging network groups that meet online and are open to all colleagues. The groups include people who identify as Black and Asian, LGBTQIA+, disabled or with a long- term health condition, women, parents and carers, and their allies.

We want to encourage everyone to apply to work at Mencap and we offer a variety of different contract types and working patterns. We’re not looking for specific experience. It is your personality and values that will make you a great colleague. We will train and develop you to succeed in the role you’re applying for.

A little about us 

We are one of the largest providers of mental health services to schools in London. We also provide early years education and family support, including offering emergency assistance for families in crisis. Through this work we support thousands of children and families each year.

Our values

We work with children and families of all faiths and none; our sole aim is to help those in greatest need so they can overcome the challenges they face and achieve their potential. Our work is underpinned by our core values of integrity, compassion, inclusion and partnership. 

About the role

As Marketing and Communications Assistant, you will help us tell compelling stories about the work we do and the difference we make to children’s lives.  This exciting role would suit someone looking to gain experience in the charity sector and learn more about different areas of marketing and fundraising.  Experience of using Adobe InDesign is essential. 

Key responsibilities

The workload will be varied and rewarding.  Key responsibilities will include:

• Assist in developing marketing and fundraising campaigns from concept to completion.
• Design and produce print and digital materials, and support basic video editing.
• Create social media content, schedule posts, and update website content.
• Assist in marketing our mental health services to schools and promoting access to our family centres.
• Work with service teams to design engaging resources to support our work with children and families.
• Contribute to events, deliver presentations and manage communications with supporters.
• Help to distribute gifts and food to hundreds of disadvantaged families at Christmas.

 If this variety appeals to you, please apply today!

About you

• Proactive, enthusiastic, and comfortable managing a varied and busy workload.
• Enjoy creative challenges and working collaboratively.
• Experience using Adobe InDesign.
• Keen interest in marketing and fundraising and working in the charity sector.

What you will get in return

• Generous annual leave allowance of 27 days p.a. plus bank holidays
• 11% employer pension contribution
• Access to a staff Health Plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• The opportunity to access further training to develop your marketing skills
• The opportunity to wake up each morning and feel you are making a positive difference!

Location

Lovely office at 73 St Charles Square, London. W10 6EJ (private off-street parking is available for staff). Hybrid working options considered, with the expectation staff attend the office at least two or three days per week on average.  At busy times, full-time office working will be required.

Application deadline 

Monday 15th December 2025

Interview date

Monday 22nd December 2025

Application requirements

Please submit your CV and a concise cover letter (max. two sides of A4) that clearly sets out why your skills and experience make you suitable for this role and what motivated you to apply.  The cover letter should include information on why you want to work for our organisation.  Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

• Would you like the opportunity to lead an essential service assisting around 3,000 older residents each year?
• Do you love working collaboratively in a busy vibrant environment? 
• Could you contribute to the development of current and new activity to benefit older people?

Manage our Community Support Team at Age UK Sutton

The Community Support team is Age UK Sutton's front door service, providing regulated Information & Advice to the residents of Sutton.  The team support in excess of 3,000 people per year providing a mixture of light touch information provision through to long-term advice provision and casework. 

The service provides free, confidential and impartial information and advice to all older people and their families and carers.  We work with older people to identify their own goals, set priorities and create a shared action plan whilst maintaining high levels of customer care.

The Community Support Manager provides operational and supportive leadership for the team and has the opportunity to work on contract monitoring, strategic planning and development of the service. You will ensure all delivery requirements are met and to quality standards, be responsible for data management and embed and champion a person-centred approach where older people are suppported. 

We are looking for a supportive and engaged Manager who:

• Has experience of delivering or managing services in a front-line setting or who shows clear potential to move into a management role
• Can work on their own initiative, monitoring and meeting targets and problem solving
• Can develop and deliver a client journey to ensure effctive and efficient service provision, and has the ability to build relationships with other organisations
• Is able to support staff and volunteers in managing potentially emotionally charged and challenging situations

Training and development opportunities are available to all staff.   

Full details about the role, including key responsibilities, can be found within the job pack. We encourage applicants to contact us for an informal chat to discuss the opportunity and working at Age UK Sutton. You will be able to view the job pack once you hit apply. 

Family Services Manager

We are looking for a motivated, capable, and adaptable Family Services Manager to join our team and lead two established services that make a life-changing impact for young people and families in our community.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role at a pivotal time in the charity’s development, as we approach our 50th year of service delivery.

Position: Family Services Manager

Location: Leigh Park, Hampshire
Salary: £16.48–£17.91 per hour (FTE £31,707–£34,450, depending on experience)
Hours: Part time, 32 hours per week (negotiable)
Contract: Permanent
 

Closing Date: Sunday 4th January 2026 at 11.59pm
Please note: the advert may close early if sufficient applications are received.

About the Role

In this varied and rewarding role, you will provide strong and supportive leadership to staff, volunteers and sessional workers, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services.

You will also contribute directly to service delivery, making a meaningful difference to the lives of children, young people and families.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Leading and managing the Family Services Team, providing 1:1s, supervision and team meetings
• Coordinating recruitment, staff wellbeing and absence management
• Overseeing the delivery, monitoring and evaluation of group work and Young Carers services
• Developing quarterly plans and contributing to new programme development
• Ensuring compliance with safeguarding, health & safety and organisational policies
• Producing high-quality reports for internal and external stakeholders
• Handling feedback, complaints and safeguarding concerns appropriately
• Representing the charity at local networks and forums
• Supporting service delivery when required

About You

You’ll be passionate about empowering young people and families, with a positive approach and the ability to lead a committed team.

You will bring:

• Experience managing or leading teams within young people’s or family services
• Experience delivering programmes or activities within these settings
• Strong safeguarding knowledge and experience
• Understanding of the issues affecting children, young people and families
• Experience monitoring, evaluating and reporting on service performance
• Excellent communication, organisational and relationship-building skills
• Confident IT skills, including Microsoft 365 and Excel
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and travel within Southeast Hampshire

Desirable:

• Level 3 qualification in a relevant field
• Experience in the voluntary sector
• Knowledge of the local statutory/voluntary landscape
• Experience creating training programmes
• Familiarity with in-house databases

About Us

This charity is based in Leigh Park, Hampshire, dedicated to supporting young people and families. We provide a range of services including counselling, advice, outreach, and community engagement. Our goal is to make a positive difference in the lives of those we serve, and we are proud to be a trusted, specialist charity in our community.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Other roles you may have experience of include: Family Services Coordinator, Children & Young People’s Services Manager, Family Support Manager, Youth Work Manager, Wellbeing Services Team Lead. #INDNFP

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

The role: This is a rewarding role where every day brings the opportunity to make a positive difference to people's lives. We regularly receive testimonials from service users describing the life-changing impact of receiving support from our caseworkers in the National Road Victim Service.

Working location: mostly remote work with some travel required. Based in Surrey or Hampshire you will deliver a face-to-face service to clients in their own home or safe meeting place across the Surrey and Hampshire area as well as providing support by Teams, phone, email or other means to suit the service user. We take a person-centred approach so the amount of travel will vary depending on your caseload at the time. You’re in control of your own diary. 

Why this role is important: Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads. For families affected, the emotional and practical challenges are immense. As a Caseworker, you will provide trauma-informed care to individuals and families suffering from the sudden bereavement or life-altering injury of a loved one. Working mostly remotely, with some home visits to service users, you’ll offer vital emotional and practical support—including helping them access therapeutic resources, financial assistance, and guidance through the complexities of medical and legal processes. 

About Brake: Brake is a renowned and respected road safety charity with a 30-year history dedicated to supporting people affected by road crashes and advocating for safer streets. 

You'll join a closely knit team of fellow caseworkers, each using their individual experience and skills to provide person-centred support to victims. This provides a ready-made peer group who share best practice and knowledge and support each other so, in turn, they can best support road victims. There's no sugar coating it, this isn't an easy role, it requires a special type of person with strong resilience, but the reward is a strong sense of purpose, every day. You can’t pour from an empty cup, so we have strong support systems in place to support our caseworker's wellbeing, including clinical supervision. 

What we offer:

· A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day end of year shutdown) 

· Birthday day off 

· Flexible working (choose a working pattern to suit you between the hours of 8am-6pm Mon-Fri) 

· Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave 

· Death in service benefit 

· Pension 

· Employee Assistance Programme 

· Clinical supervision and excellent support 

· A rewarding role with purpose 

· Be part of a skilled, friendly team with an engaged Board of Trustees 

· Opportunity to attend prestigious events such as the Brake annual reception and awards (if you want to) 

Who we're looking for 

Full training will be provided under the guidance of our dedicated Training Officer. Our induction program has been developed to equip caseworkers with the skills they need to provide high quality support to road victims and covers topics such as being trauma-informed, safeguarding and risk management. We're open to candidates from all sorts of backgrounds, as long as you're a compassionate, self-starter with a background in providing high-quality emotional support and advocacy. Your experience in roles within the NHS, any health and social care, road safety, counselling, lived experience or any type of casework could make you an ideal candidate. 

Essential Requirements: 

• A full, clean UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle (travel expenses are reimbursed) 

• Resident in the Surrey or Hapshire area. 

• Experience delivering frontline support, preferably involving sudden bereavement or heightened vulnerabilities. 

· Strong advocacy and research skills to liaise with multiple organisations on behalf of service users. 

• Competency in I.T skills to work remotely. 

Desirable Experience: 

Comprehensive understanding of the processes involved in the criminal justice system and coronial process 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. We’re committed to supporting employees to achieve a good work/life balance and flexible around caring commitments. We welcome your application whatever your background or situation. We particularly welcome applications from those who are part of the global majority, the LGBTQIA+ community or disabled. We are proud to be a disability confident employer. We don’t want you to ‘fit’ our culture, we want you to enrich it. So, if you have a passion for making a difference and share in our vision for a world where no one is killed on our roads, we would love to hear from you. 

Apply now: If you're up for a new challenge and have the skills, apply now by sending your CV and cover letter. We'd like to get to know the real you through your application, not an AI version. If you do use AI to write your cover letter, please check it and make sure it reflects who you are. We encourage cover letters in alternative formats such as videos or presentations.  

Not for traffic offenders: Due to the nature of our work we can't accept applications from traffic offenders. Candidates will be asked to disclose whether they have any unspent points on their licence at screening/interview. 

An enhanced DBS check is required due to the sensitive nature of our service. 

Questions? If you would like to discuss the role further, please get in touch, we'd love to chat. 

Location: HMP Bristol
Job Type: Part time, 26 hours a week, Monday - Sunday (weekend working is required)
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £28,875 per annum FTE, £20,020 per annum actual earnings.
Benefits: Generous Holiday allowance Season Ticket loan Cycle to work scheme Charity worker discounts Enhanced maternity package Wellness, inclusion, and diversity groups EAP scheme Life assurance

As Family Engagement Manager, you will manage Pact’s Family engagement casework within the prison, organise Family Days periodically and liaise with our subcontractors in the Visits Centre. You will also oversee the visits centre booking line. HMP Bristol is an exciting opportunity to work in a faced paced and challenging environment.

About You:

To be successful in this role you will have a demonstrable capacity to coordinate a broad service, as well as experience and understanding of working with families in a challenging multi-agency environment, ideally involving offenders and/or their families. You will have previously managed a service in which emotional resilience was required. You will also have excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage a demanding workload. You will have the ability to contribute to the planning and development of Pact’s family work and also have knowledge of safeguarding/child protection practice. Furthermore, you will have excellent interpersonal communication skills and the ability to work in building partnerships with a range of agencies.

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.

* We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

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 Judgements may affect your ability to be successfully vetted to work in a prison.

You may also have experience in the following: Case Management, Rehabilitation, Family Services, Support Work, Criminal Justice System, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Not for Profit, Social Work, Advocacy, Mentor, Mentoring, etc.

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