Gender equality specialist jobs

HIV Peer Support Worker

About Trade

Trade Sexual Health (Trade for short) is a small health and wellbeing charity based in Leicester. We currently have seven staff and more than 40 volunteers.

Trade began as a grassroots gay community response to HIV in Leicester in the late 1980s. Throughout the 1990s, Trade worked in creative ways to spread information about sexual health and HIV prevention to gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men in the city (GBMSM).

Trade has been a registered charity since 2000. Over the last 25 years, the core of our work has been focused on improving the sexual health of gay and bisexual men across Leicester, Leicestershire, and Rutland. We have always taken a holistic approach to understanding and addressing the range of issues that might impact on gay and bisexual men’s capacity to look after their sexual health. As a result, we started a counselling service – Approach Counselling – to support community members to improve their mental wellbeing. We now draw on this experience to tackle wider health inequalities in relation to sexual health and HIV, and to provide peer support for anyone living with HIV in the areas where we work. For a small charity, Trade has always ‘punched above its weight’ and we have a national profile for the innovative sexual health work we do.

We currently hold contracts to deliver sexual health promotion and HIV prevention outreach in the City of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland to LGBTQ+ people, asylum-seekers, and a range of racialised communities that experience significant inequalities in relation to their sexual health.

We have a history of providing peer support to people living with HIV and this is now becoming a growing strand of our work. In addition to the HIV Peer Support contract in Northamptonshire (which this post relates to), we expect to be delivering enhanced HIV peer support across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

The primary purpose of this role is to deliver first line peer support to people living with HIV, of all genders and backgrounds, in Northamptonshire. The postholder will spend most of their working week embedded within the HIV clinics in Northampton and Kettering. They will ensure that people who have been recently diagnosed, or are struggling with their diagnosis, and those re-engaging with their HIV care feel supported and have the information they need to live well and thrive with HIV.

The postholder will be responsible for:

· Working as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT), bringing their own knowledge and experience to that work.

· Work with a small group of volunteer peer mentors from the clinics to support people living with HIV

· Help recruit new volunteers and ensure that patients needing ongoing peer mentoring are matched to the most suitable volunteer.

· Help people living with HIV to develop self-management strategies, deal with stigma, reduce social isolation and improve their wellbeing.

· Develop a catalogue of services, groups and support in the area where people can be signposted to for further wellbeing support either in addition to or instead of peer mentoring.

· Help people to stay engaged with their HIV treatment and care, improving antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, and consequently ensuring ongoing viral suppression. 

Job Activities

The post-holder will:

· Normally spend at least one day a week in the HIV clinic at Kettering General Hospital and one day at Northampton General Hospital. Some travel to other sites may be required.

· Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) including nursing staff, doctors, clinical psychologists, and pharmacists within the HIV clinics, bringing their own knowledge and experience to that work.

· Triage new patients requiring peer support to understand what specific issues they are facing and the support they need.

· Work with a small group of volunteer peer mentors from the clinics to support people living with HIV. The volunteer peer mentors will be trained and managed by our partner organisation, Northamptonshire Carers, but the postholder will help recruit new volunteers in clinic, ensure that patients needing ongoing peer mentoring are matched to the most suitable volunteer, and help manage booking appointments between mentors and mentees.

· Help people living with HIV to develop self-management strategies, deal with stigma, reduce social isolation and improve their wellbeing.

· Help people to stay engaged with their HIV treatment and care, improving antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence, and consequently ensuring ongoing viral suppression. 

· Refer/signpost people into specialist services such as mental health services, drug and alcohol services, and services offering advice on housing, benefits and immigration issues.

· Support the eight standards listed in the British HIV Association Standards of Care for people living with HIV.

· Follow the National Standards in HIV Peer Support guidance and its four standards.

· Contribute to the development of innovative ways of delivering HIV peer support appropriate to the local context.

· Keep accurate, confidential and secure records of all peer support referrals and interactions.

· Contribute to the compilation of quarterly monitoring reports about our performance for the Integrated Care Board commissioning team for Northamptonshire.

· Develop and maintain professional working relationships with partners

· Represent Trade in a professional manner at relevant forums and meetings

Accountability / Reports:

The post-holder will report to the Chief Executive Officer

Peer staff supervision for project specific needs.

All positions are monitored by the Trade Board of Trustees and will be responsible to this Committee.

Duties and responsibilities must always be undertaken with due regard to the values and service principles of the organisation and in accordance with Trade Policies and Procedures, as well as all other policies and procedures by which Trade is contractually bound.

General Working Skills, Competencies and Conditions. What follows in this section will be applicable to all staff as per the requirements of specific roles.

Competencies and Skills

· competent in using computer-based software for word processing, data management (e.g. Excel) and social media literacy

· ability to work in a variety of venues throughout Northamptonshire in line with service requirements

· hold a full driving license (preferred, but not necessary)

· effective, independent decision making is necessary to signpost clients to other services if query is outside the remit of the post or the services which Trade provides

· ensure professional boundaries are always maintained

· dealing with clients’ fears and distresses

Working Conditions

· work will take place within a hospital or clinic setting at an integrated HIV and sexual health clinic

The post-holder will:

· attend team meetings and staff training days

· attend key events (as part of working hours) during the year including: World AIDS Day, and National HIV testing week

· contribute to professional working relationships and engage effectively with other partners to promote Trade services

· ensure that all premises are safe and secure for staff, volunteers, and service users

· share in domestic tasks with other staff members and volunteers

· undertake any other duties which may be reasonably required by the Trade Board of Trustees

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) : Enhanced DBS disclosures will be requested on appointment.

Person Specification

This person specification serves as the selection criteria for the post. The more of the criteria that you demonstrate you can meet in your application, the greater the likelihood of you being invited to interview. In answering the questions on the application form, explain how you meet these criteria.

Experience:

Lived experience of HIV and an understanding of the impact of receiving a new diagnosis Essential: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

Experience of supporting people in vulnerable circumstances, or from marginalised communities, particularly people living with HIV or other long-term health conditions Desirable: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

Experience of working collaboratively with multiple teams or organisations (including NHS services, charities and other support organisations) Essential: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

Skills:

Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of people and organisations Essential: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

Ability to work independently, using your own initiative Essential: will be assessed through Interview

Strong mentorship skills to support and motivate individuals Desirable: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

Excellent organisational and time management skills to manage multiple priorities, including appointments, supporting people access the service, and reporting Essential: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

Ability to deliver and develop a comprehensive peer mentoring scheme, understanding the importance of person-centred care and support Essential: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

Knowledge and understanding:

Knowledge of HIV, its impact on individuals, and the specific support needs of people living with HIV Essential: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

Knowledge of the benefits of providing peer support to and with people with long-term health conditions Essential: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

Familiarity with safeguarding policies and practices, particularly in health and support services Desirable: will be assessed through application form

Understanding of the benefits and challenges of volunteering (as a peer mentor) Essential: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

Personal attributes and approach:

A commitment to improving your own knowledge and skills Essential: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

A commitment to Trade’s mission, vision, and values Essential: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion when working with patients, volunteers, and the wider organisational/project team Essential: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

A commitment to providing development support to team members (including volunteers) and to ensuring that colleagues understand your priorities and work streams Essential: will be assessed through application form and or Interview

We plan to hold interviews on 13/14th May 2025

Today, 12 children and young people will be diagnosed with cancer. We’ll stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.  

• £33,318 (FTE)
• 35 hours per week
• Permanent
• Hybrid
• London Office (Hybrid variable)
• Closing date: 27th April 
• WC interview date 28th April

Change lives in a life-changing career

When a child or young person is diagnosed with cancer, their whole world can feel like it’s falling apart. Independence is taken and confidence is stolen. Stability no longer exists. The future suddenly feels uncertain.

The impact of cancer on young lives is more than medical. That’s why we exist. Our specialist social workers help children and young people with cancer and their families navigate the emotional and practical impact of cancer. We remove barriers, solve problems and prioritise wellbeing. And we stop at nothing to make sure they get the right care and support at the right time.

We challenge the systems and policies that surround children and young people, we highlight gaps and campaign for change. Because we know what a better future could look like. And we know what we need to do to make that future a reality. We need to push harder, reach further and work smarter. And we need the right people on our team to help us get there. People like you.

About the role

We’re looking for an Executive assistant with excellent organisational skills and a proactive approach to join our CEO Office.

In this role, the successful applicant will provide proactive and efficient administrative support to the Directors of Young Lives vs Cancer. Their responsibilities will include managing complex diaries, coordinating travel and meetings, maintaining documentation systems, and supporting governance and leadership functions. This role is essential in ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of the senior leadership team, allowing them to focus on delivering the charity’s mission and strategic priorities.

While this position does not involve direct line management, it does require close collaboration with the CEO office and a wide range of individuals in the organisation, acting as a key liaison between the Directors and other stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be highly organised, discreet, and confident in managing sensitive information. Strong communication skills, technological proficiency, and a proactive, problem-solving mindset are essential.

The wider team is collaborative, mission-driven, and committed to creating an inclusive, equitable environment. Their main aim is to deliver impactful support to children and young people facing cancer, and the administrative team plays a crucial role in enabling this by keeping operations running smoothly behind the scenes.

 This role is subject to a criminal record check. In the event of a successful application a basic criminal record check will be completed

What will I be doing?

No two days are the same at Young Lives vs Cancer. So, summarising your ‘day to day’ isn’t easy. Here are some of the main things you’ll be doing, but you’ll find more details in the job description.

• Manage complex diaries and schedules for Directors, coordinating meetings and ensuring timely communication of changes
• Organise travel arrangements and support logistics for Directors.
• Maintain and manage team documentation, files, and resources to ensure accessibility and organisation.
• Coordinate internal and external meetings, including booking rooms, managing virtual platforms, and preparing documentation.
• Support the Executive Assistant to the CEO with task delegation, project coordination, and communication across leadership.
• Process expense claims, invoices, and credit card returns for Directors in a timely and accurate manner.
• Organise team away days and events, across different Directorates.

What do I need? 

Diverse perspectives and unique skillsets are at the heart of Young Lives vs Cancer. If you're passionate about making a positive impact and eager to learn, we encourage you to apply, even if you don't meet the criteria and person specification fully. Your potential is what matters most to us, and we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive work environment to help you develop.

The key skills we’re looking for in this role are:

• Proven experience as a PA, Team Assistant, or similar administrative role preferred.
• Used to operating with high levels of professional integrity with trusted ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive organisational information
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and busy diaries
• Confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint) and virtual meeting platforms like Microsoft Teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working with senior staff and stakeholders
• High attention to detail when preparing documents and tracking tasks.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with professionalism.
• A team player who is flexible and can adapt to changing needs.

What will I gain?

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

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

To find out more about our benefits package, have a look on our website.

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

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

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

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

Accessibility

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

Being a Switchback Mentor is a unique opportunity to build transformative relationships with young men leaving prison in London.

Are you passionate about working 1-to-1 with young prison-leavers from a variety of backgrounds; many of whom are from marginalised communities, to help them lead more stable, rewarding lives?

As a Switchback Mentor, you will play a vital role in transforming the lives of young prison leavers, helping them break free from the justice system and build stable, rewarding futures. You will be responsible for building your own caseload by engaging directly with young men in prison and providing intensive support after their release. In addition to working with those you meet in prison; you will also support Trainees referred to the programme after they have already been released.

Deadline: 10am on Monday 28th April 2025

We are holding an optional online Q&A from 6.30-7.30pm on Monday 14th April, with Mercedes Turner, Yasin Ali (Delivery Managers), and Ariel Troy (Switchback Mentor).

The Noah’s Ark Charity supports the Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales in providing world class care, helping to ensure the best outcome and experience possible for children and their families.

Scope of role

The digital marketing officer is a new role within the communications and engagement team, reflecting the charity’s strategic ambitions to shape and improve our digital approach.

We are a friendly, creative, and supportive team, responsible for raising awareness, demonstrating impact,  growing the brand and supporting both our  fundraising colleagues and our committed community of fundraisers, donors and volunteers to raise as  possible in aid of our nations children’s hospital.

As digital marketing officer you will play a key role in developing and implementing our digital strategy, working closely with the fundraising and wider comms and engagement team to deliver tangible results.  It is also an exciting time to join our team, as this role will begin at a critical point in the redevelopment of our website. The digital marketing officer will play a vital part in the ongoing rollout of the site.

Working closely with the wider charity team, this new position offers a real opportunity to help develop and grow the charity’s positive impact on the lives of children and families.

Person specification

We are seeking a digital marketing officer with extensive experience in a digital marketing role, including SEO, paid search and display advertising, paid social media and email marketing

This is a great opportunity to join a small but highly motivated team.

For the full person spec and job description, please see our website.