Mental Health Advocate Jobs

Location: To cover the Dorset, Avon and Somerset, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire area 

Working pattern: Remote work with frequent travel required. You will be expected to deliver a face-to-face service to clients in their own home or safe meeting place within the South West area. 

Deadline for applications: 1st November 2024 (we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications)

Interviews to be conducted: Early November 

Start date in role: 6th January 2025 

Rare opportunity: Help those affected by road crashes and create lasting change with Brake, the renowned road safety charity. 

Who we are: Brake has been supporting victims of road carnage since 1995, and we're on a mission to prevent future collisions. Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on our roads, impacting lives profoundly. 

Join our team: We're expanding our National Road Victim Service and need a dedicated caseworker to join our dynamic, compassionate team. Your role will involve delivering world-class support services to those at their most vulnerable. 

Not your average job: This isn't a 9 to 5. You could play a significant part in rolling out trauma-informed support services nationwide. Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by road crashes. 

What we offer: 

• A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day shutdown period between Christmas and New Year, pro-rata for part-time working patterns) 

• Birthday day off 

• Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave 

• Death in service benefit 

• Pension 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• Flexible working 

• A rewarding role with purpose 

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

Who you are: We need passionate, self-starters with a background in providing high-quality emotional support and advocacy. Your experience in roles within the police, criminal justice, counselling, caseworker or health and social care sectors could make you an ideal candidate.

Specifically seeking candidates with: 

• frontline support service experience 

• a full, clean UK driving licence, access to your own transport and are willing to use it for work purposes (we reimburse travelling expenses) 

• experience supporting people who have suffered sudden bereavement or working with those with heightened vulnerabilities. 

• research and advocacy skills – you will reach out to other organisations to support your cases where required 

• competent IT skills for remote work 

Join our mission: Your greatest reward will be knowing you've made a positive difference in someone's recovery from psychological trauma. 

About us: Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. 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. 

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 interview. 

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

Join us today and be part of the solution!  

To coordinate and grow York Mind’s community and events fundraising income through effective networking, event, and volunteer coordination.

This role sits within our Corporate Wellbeing Service team, where you will mainly work alongside our Head of Corporate Wellbeing Services and Corporate Fundraiser, to generate income for the charity through community engagement and events. You will be responsible for meeting the annual community and events income target. The role will require someone with strong organisational skills, and prior experience as a Fundraiser in another organisation. You will divide your time between developing, planning, and running events, supporting people to raise money on behalf of York Mind, and creating new relationships in the community, such as with schools and sports clubs. We have an annual calendar of both internal and external events, including our annual Mental Elf run, as well as challenges such as the York 10k and Yorkshire Marathon. Your role will be to fill events, and effectively steward and support people to raise as much money as possible through their participation. As part of your role in event coordination, you will be responsible for our fundraising volunteer base, including recruitment and effective utilisation of volunteers at our various events. Flexibility will be key, as some events happen on evenings and weekends. Another important part of this role will be engaging and developing relationships with community supporters. You should have strong interpersonal skills and enjoy getting out and about in the community (eg. sports clubs/community organisations) to grow our supporter base and look after those who we currently work with. Finally, the Corporate Wellbeing Services Team work collaboratively and therefore you should be able to work effectively as part of a team and be willing to support others in their roles to ensure the effective running of the whole department. For example, you may be involved in running campaigns and referring individuals to our training courses. This will require someone who is adaptable and supportive.

DOTW UK has a small, high-performing and dynamic services team dedicated to delivering high quality, person-centred healthcare in a fast-paced environment, ensuring exceptional personal and team performance.

We are looking for an Outreach Senior Caseworker with experience of delivering effective advocacy on behalf of people from marginalised communities. This role will  play a key role in the delivery of services that will support equal access to primary medical services for people seeking asylum in contingency accommodation in Northeast London. The outreach service will offer initial health and social assessments, urgent care, and will facilitate GP registration and, and support access to wider healthcare and support services within the area through direct referrals and signposting, and coordination with other local services and partners.

As part of DOTWs Services team, you will support the service by proactively promoting DOTW’s service at individual accommodation sites, providing social assessments for residents and their dependents, escalating health issues of any immediate concern, and support responses to urgent health and/or safeguarding concerns. As part of a culture of best practice, you will ensure adherence to DotW policies and will provide support resolving complex cases, deploying your demonstrative experience delivering person-centred, compassionate care and/or advice and support to people seeking asylum or from other excluded communities.

You will lead by example, demonstrating effective advocacy, coordination, and multi-tasking skills, The role requires emotional agility, and resilience, especially when dealing with complex situations such as mental health crises, trafficking, and homelessness, where you will draw on your experience to manage complex situations calmly and compassionately. You will be someone who thrives in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and be able to work productively and constructively within a close-knit team by demonstrating an open and responsive attitude and using your excellent communication skills.

You will have strong IT skills and ideally a driving licence to be able to support us to deliver our services in our dedicated mobile clinic vans. You will have the skills to work independently and manage your own and volunteers' health and safety, sometimes working alone.

You will be supported by an experienced team, regular line management, and clinical supervision. Skills in Basic Life Support, First Aid, safeguarding, mental health management, and trauma-informed approaches will be provided.

Those with lived experience of migration, the asylum system, homelessness, or exclusion from health services are encouraged to apply. 

For more information on the role, including a person specification, please refer to the role profile. 

Closing Date:

Monday 18th November at 9am.

How to Apply 

To apply, please submit your CV & Covering Letter on the link provided with the following details:

- Why you would be interested in the role

Your CV and cover letter should be clearly tailored to the position and should reference points from the person specification section of the role profile. Interview dates TBC.

Applications which do not demonstrate the essential skills, knowledge, experience, and competencies will not be shortlisted. 

Our mission is to supports adults, young people and children living with long-term neurological conditions and/or neuro diversities to access specialist therapies, support, and information in a safe, supportive environment to help them improve their physical and mental well-being.

The Merlin Neuro Therapy Centre, located in mid-Cornwall, is a Cornish charity providing a place of support, therapy, information, and community for people living with a long-term neurological condition and/or those who are neurodiverse. We give financial assistance to our beneficiaries in the form of subsidised specialist therapies. Our purpose built, fully accessible Centre, opened in 2009 and offers physiotherapy; exercise classes; Ayres’ Sensory Integration (ASI) therapy (a discipline of Occupational Therapy), and oxygen therapy. The Primrose Hydrotherapy Pool facility, which was built in the grounds, opened in 2019, providing both individual and group hydrotherapy sessions. 

Living with a long-term health condition brings many challenges, not just for those diagnosed, but also for family members. Symptoms can affect physical, cognitive, emotional, and psychological health. For our clients who have sensory processing difficulties, due to being neurodivergent, everyday situations and relationships can be perplexing and taxing. 

Our main aims are to improve the health and well-being of our community; help people manage their symptoms and situations; and support their main care giver, often a family member. Services are delivered by a highly experienced team, with a broad range of skills and experience in delivering specialist therapies.

The Role

We are looking for a Community Fundraising Officer who has the key skills to help us raise vital income for our charity.  You will develop and deliver fundraising initiatives through partnerships with local groups, schools, associations and individuals.  This role will also involve delivering fundraising events. Organisation and creativity are essential skills for this role.  

Volunteers are at the heart of our charity, and it is essential our community volunteer base is grown and supported to ensure successful community fundraising in Cornwall. Being friendly, approachable and leading by example are key attributes to the success of this role. 

To devise, plan and support a strong and successful events programme to raise substantial income and awareness across Cornwall, attracting different sections of the community including family members and corporates. 

No day is ever the same but as one of our team you can be certain that each day, you’ll be making a real difference to the lives of people who are affected by neurological conditions.

About you 

• To raise and maximise fundraising within the Cornish community 

• Recruit, train and lead a community volunteer base who will be advocates for The Merlin Centre by promoting and fundraising for the charity.

• Attending group, school and community presentations/talks across the county to successfully communicate our charities mission. 

• Attending cheque presentations from individual and community fundraising efforts. 

• Research and identify new community fundraising and promotional activities that are appropriate for the Merlin Centre to take part in. 

• Support with all event planning for the Merlin Centre 

• To assist the Income Generation Team in delivering against their financial and non-financial targets as specified within the Income Generation strategy. 

• Be an outstanding advocate for the Merlin Neurotherapy Centre in line with the core values of the organisation.  

• To act as a spokesperson for the charity when required, including representing at external events as appropriate  

• Attend and support events run by the fundraising teams where required.  

• Gain and maintain in-depth knowledge and understanding of the charity’s work, priorities, future plans and act as a spokesperson for the Charity when required 

• Any other reasonable duties as required by your line manager. 

Desirable skills and experience

• Proven success in community fundraising 

• Experience in working or volunteering in a charity setting

• Leading a team 

• Confident speaker 

• Organised, efficient and able to manage workload effectively 

• Ability to work within a team but also comfortable lone working 

Additional 

• Driver's licence and access to a car is essential for this role to maximise our reach and availability to each community in Cornwall 

Click here to read this advertisement in Welsh.​

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Samaritans Cymru have an exciting opportunity to join their team in Cardiff as Senior Policy and Influencing Manager.

You’ll lead our vital Policy and Influencing work in Wales, help shape emerging Welsh Government Strategy, develop new policy positions, consultation responses and briefings to create positive change. You’ll also build and enhance our relationships with Political stakeholders, partners and across the Samaritans team in Wales.

It’s a great time to join Samaritans as we’re currently delivering our strategic delivery plan and the work you do in this role will contribute towards our vision that fewer people die by suicide.

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​The role

​

The role offers great scope to use your Policy and influencing skills to effect change. You will work closely with Welsh Government, Senedd Members and sector partners to ensure Strategy and Policy relating to Suicide and self harm prevention is ambitious, evidence-based and informed by those with lived experience.

As a leader within the Wales team, you will provide strategic influencing advice, policy analysis and engagement expertise to ensure the organisation is equipped to capitalise on opportunities to achieve real and lasting change in line with our goals. 

In this role you will focus on building our visibility and impact through the delivery of effective influencing and engagement strategies at a national and local level.

The work is varied. Suicide Prevention requires engagement with a diverse range of policy areas including Mental Health, Health, Transport, Justice and Education.

You role will see you analysing the external context and how its changing, Identifying evidence gaps and research requirements then overseeing new pieces of research and analysis. You’ll have a passion for developing credible and impactful policy recommendations to bring about changes in policies of Welsh Government, local government and other relevant sectors and public services. 

To do this, you’ll work closely with policy and influencing teams across the organisation to ensure a consistent and unified approach. 

We’re a flexible and inclusive organisation with a growing team in Wales. It’s a great time to join Samaritans in delivering our vision that fewer people die by suicide in Wales. 

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The terms

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• Initially a 10 month fixed term contract covering for Maternity leave
• Full time - 35 hours per week
• £39,000 to £41,000 per annum
• We are passionate about flexible working, talk to us about your preferences
• Based in Wales, with a blend of home working and from our Cardiff based office with actual home/office mix to be determined.
• Some occasional out of hours/weekend attendance at events/meetings within the Welsh region.

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Full outline of the opportunity can be found here in English and here in Welsh.

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Employee Benefits

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We offer some brilliant benefits including flexible working, family-friendly policies, and training to support your development. You'll have 28 days annual leave, plus bank holidays and we match your pension contribution up to 5%. You can claim money back via a Health Cash Plan and wellbeing options including a free subscription to Headspace and a PerkBox discounted shopping account.

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Hybrid and flexible working:

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We are a flexible organisation, and we embrace hybrid working – a mix of connecting in-person and virtually.  We’re aware that the world is changing, and we all want and need different things from our work and home lives.

From January 2025, alongside the ability to work from home, we’re moving to a framework of mandated, in-person time each year. This expectation is around 2 days per month. This includes a blend of in person meetings with your line manager, team meetings and working in-person with colleagues in other areas of the organisation. We believe this approach will enable our people to communicate, connect and collaborate in the most effective, positive and inclusive way. We’ll also looking at how we improve effectiveness of how we work together virtually. Further info can be found on our careers website.

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Application

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Samaritans is wholly committed to inclusion and diversity and to building a culture and environment where everyone is appreciated for the unique person they are. We warmly welcome applications from a diverse range of backgrounds and experiences.

If this role sounds like the opportunity for you, please apply. You’ll be asked to upload your CV and provide a Cover Letter (2 pages maximum) tailored around your motivations for applying and your transferable skills and experience. This role will close for applications midnight on 1st November 2024 with interviews scheduled for week commencing 11 November, to be held in person at our Cardiff office. 

We have an opportunity available in the team at MASH for an Outreach Worker specifically focused on supporting women who live in Salford. This role is part time at 21 hours per week and will include one night-time outreach shift per week on the MASH van.

We believe in choice and empowerment, focusing on the material impact and reality of women’s lives, and how we can work with women to create the change that works for them. We hold a strong belief in women’s assets, talents, skills and abilities. Through our services we partner with women as they access and navigate services to aid recovery and realise their goals.

MASH is the only organisation in Greater Manchester which exists specifically to support women who sex work. Through our range of services we build trusted relationships with women to keep them safer, healthier and more equipped to take control of their lives.

To work with other members of the MASH team to achieve the following outcomes:

• To improve women’s health
• To improve women’s wellbeing
• To increase women’s safety
• To enable women to identify and achieve their goals
• Women who sex work are heard, understood and experience less stigma
• Other agencies and policymakers understand the needs of women who sex work and are more effective at supporting them

Using a gender and trauma-informed approach, the Salford Outreach Worker will support women sex working on the street and in saunas in Salford. They will deliver outreach one night per week to reach Salford residents street sex working. They will also undertake regular outreach sessions to indoor sex work premises during the day. They will develop professional networks in Salford to share intelligence, cascade information about the support MASH can offer and provide joint support to women.

Become a Self-Employed Independent Visitor!

Locations: Meath School, Surrey and Dawn House School, Nottinghamshire
Salary: Negotiable per visit (plus travel expenses)
Job Type: Part-time, one half termly visits at each school
Sector: /Education / Advocacy /Social Care

Apply Now – Nationwide or local Applicants Welcome!

About Meath School

Meath, a Speech and Language UK School, is a day and residential non-maintained primary special school for up to 75 pupils aged 4 to 11 years, where Speech and/or Language Disorder and associated difficulties is the primary need. Our most recent Ofsted report (2023) is highly positive about the work of the school and the progress which our children make. ‘Pupils are happy and safe, and they enjoy being in school. They comment that ‘everyone can have friends here’.

About Dawn House School

Dawn House School is part of Speech and Language UK, dedicated to supporting children with severe and complex speech, language, and communication needs. We provide integrated education, therapy, and care to pupils aged 5-19. Our school has been rated ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted and offers a collaborative, child-centered environment. Join our passionate and dynamic team, where we empower young people to achieve their full potential.

About The Role

Speech and Language UK is recruiting Independent Visitors to provide essential support and guidance to our residential special school in all areas the national minimum standards.

Key Responsibilities:

To fulfil the requirements of Standard 3 of the national minimum standards for residential special schools, which includes:

• Conduct six unannounced visits to ensure the highest standards of care, aligned with national regulations.
• Write and submit reports on the conduct of the school with any recommendations within two weeks of the visit.
• Collaborate with staff members, and other key stakeholders to monitor compliance and safeguard the welfare of residents.
• Meet with children, parents, other stakeholders, senior management and other staff in the school
• Check school records, including, but not restricted to, attendance, restraint, risk assessment and care plans
• Evaluate the quality of the provision and effectiveness of the care provided to children and whether they are safeguarded
• Assess the suitability of the physical condition of the residential provision and its external environment

What We Are Looking For:

• Demonstrable knowledge and understanding of regulated services and their inspection frameworks
• Experience of working within an educational setting, social or health care organisation, safeguarding, residential care, youth work, or related fields
• Knowledge of current care legislation and statutory guidance relating to children and young people
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.

This is a flexible, self-employed role perfect for experienced professionals looking for meaningful, impactful work.

How to Apply: Please check candidate pack available on our website

Closing Date: Monday, 9th December at 9am.

Accessibility Support: We are committed to ensuring that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you require any adjustments or need to apply in a different format, please contact our People Team and we will be happy to assist you.

We are a Disability Confident Committed Employer.

Speech and Language UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. We carry out appropriate vetting and verifications on all staff. Please find details of our safeguarding policy

All shortlisted candidates will be subject to an online search covering content that is in the public domain. In line with Keeping Children Safe in Education the successful candidate’s employment is subject to an enhanced DBS and barred list check.

About the role:

Working within a passionate team providing an effective, high quality support service to address the presenting needs of clients with complex needs in relation to poly substance misuse, mental health, and a wide variety of associated issues (including: street activity, offending, physical health, background of complex trauma.)

The primary role of the project is to enable clients to understand their emotional and mental health needs and manage these effectively. Project workers will also support clients to develop their living skills, develop & manage relationships, build social networks and access education, training or employment, by completing comprehensive needs and risk assessments with clients and identifying short-term objectives.

Project workers will need to be resilient, innovative, flexible and creative. A commitment to working collaboratively and within a recovery framework. There will be an element of housing management work with the expectation that clients manage a successful tenancy before moving on to more independent housing.

The Project Worker role be required to work a rota inclusive of early, lates weekends, on average one weekend in four.

About you:

• Resilient, innovative, flexible and creative. A commitment to working collaboratively and within a recovery framework. 
• Passionate about supporting clients to develop their living skills, develop & manage relationships, build social networks and access education, training or employment.
• Demonstrable experience of working with people experiencing mental health problems and other complex needs.
• A good understanding of safeguarding issues and the ability to undertake comprehensive risk assessments related to this.
• A proven ability to work in partnership with external stakeholders, particularly community mental health services and/or substance use services.
• A level of numeracy sufficient to carry out tasks such as budgeting with clients, calculating benefit entitlements and monitoring rent payments.

About us:

Single Homeless Project is a London-wide charity. Our vision is of a society where everyone has a place to call home and the chance to live a fulfilling life.

We help single Londoners by preventing homelessness, providing support and accommodation, promoting wellbeing, enhancing opportunity, and being a voice for change. From supporting people in crisis to helping people take the final steps towards independence and employment, we make a difference to 10,000 lives every year across all 32 boroughs.

We offer you more than a job; we offer you a chance to be part of a compassionate, driven team that's committed to making a real difference in people's lives. You'll have the opportunity to lead, co-create, and inspire change while enjoying a collaborative, growth-oriented environment.

Join us in creating a brighter, more hopeful future for individuals in need. 

Important info:

Closing date: Sunday 3rd November at midnight

Interview date: Wednesday 13th November via Microsoft Teams 

This post will require an Enhanced DBS check to be processed for the successful applicant. 

Location: To cover the Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire and Thames Valley area 

Working pattern: Remote work with frequent travel required. You will be expected to deliver a face-to-face service to clients in their own home or safe meeting place within the South and Central area. 

Deadline for applications: 1st November 2024 (we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications)

Interviews to be conducted: Early November 

Start date in role: 6th January 2025 

Rare opportunity: Help those affected by road crashes and create lasting change with Brake, the renowned road safety charity. 

Who we are: Brake has been supporting victims of road carnage since 1995, and we're on a mission to prevent future collisions. Every 20 minutes, someone is killed or seriously injured on our roads, impacting lives profoundly. 

Join our team: We're expanding our National Road Victim Service and need a dedicated caseworker to join our dynamic, compassionate team. Your role will involve delivering world-class support services to those at their most vulnerable. 

Not your average job: This isn't a 9 to 5. You could play a significant part in rolling out trauma-informed support services nationwide. Make a real difference in the lives of those affected by road crashes. 

What we offer: 

• A generous 35 days of annual leave (including bank holidays and 3-day shutdown period between Christmas and New Year, pro-rata for part-time working patterns) 

• Birthday day off 

• Enhanced sick pay and compassionate leave 

• Death in service benefit 

• Pension 

• Employee Assistance Programme 

• Flexible working 

• A rewarding role with purpose 

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

Who you are: We need passionate, self-starters with a background in providing high-quality emotional support and advocacy. Your experience in roles within the police, criminal justice, counselling, caseworker or health and social care sectors could make you an ideal candidate.

Specifically seeking candidates with: 

• frontline support service experience 

• a full, clean UK driving licence, access to your own transport and are willing to use it for work purposes (we reimburse travelling expenses) 

• experience supporting people who have suffered sudden bereavement or working with those with heightened vulnerabilities. 

• research and advocacy skills – you will reach out to other organisations to support your cases where required 

• competent IT skills for remote work 

Join our mission: Your greatest reward will be knowing you've made a positive difference in someone's recovery from psychological trauma. 

About us: Brake is passionate about creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity. 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. 

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 interview. 

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

Join us today and be part of the solution!  

You have an understanding of drug, alcohol, and health related issues, and experience of working with adults in an addictions, housing or social care setting? All you need is the perfect environment to put your skills to great use. Welcome to Aquarius as a Complex Needs Practitioner (Recovery Worker).

Aquarius is a charity that helps people and communities overcome the harm caused by alcohol, drugs and gambling. We are part of ‘One Recovery Buckinghamshire’ (ORB), a partnership between Inclusion (MPFT NHS Trust), Aquarius, and Build on Belief providing support for alcohol and drug issues across Buckinghamshire.

We are looking for three Complex Needs Practitioners (Recovery Worker) to join our team in High Wycombe.

The purpose of the role is to engage people in a variety of interventions, using a person centred approach, empowering them to reduce risk, increase resilience and achieve positive outcomes.

All Complex Needs Practitioners (Recovery Worker) work flexibly across the community and within our multi-agency partnership settings. The caseload will include a mixture of community and multi-agency referral pathways including health and social care. You will join our caring multi-disciplinary teams, to help empower you to provide quality psychosocial interventions to our diverse client groups. 

A core part of the role will be working with people to address holistic support needs across all aspects of the person’s substance use and wellbeing. This could include diverse work related to physical and emotional health, meaningful use of time, family and relationships, community engagement and activites, accommodation, physical and emotional health, offending as well as substance use (drug use and / or alcohol use).

An energetic and confident self-starter, you have a qualification in health/social care, youth and community work (e.g. NVQ Level 3 or above, DipSW, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling, Addiction Studies).  Alternatively, we’ll consider candidates with experience of working in the substance misuse field with a commitment to complete NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care. Experience of liaising with voluntary and statutory agencies and health professionals and engaging effectively with clients in a variety of settings is essential. You’ll also need a flexible approach, excellent record keeping and report writing skills and a willingness to work flexibly across the community and within our multi-agency partnership settings, on an outreach basis, with a central hub base at our head office.

This is a permanent full-time role requiring the post holder to work 37 hours per week.

We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience.

This is a rolling recruitment process. Candidates will be interviewed as and when they are shortlisted. 

To apply please submit a CV and supporting statement which should clearly outline your skills and experience.

Learning and development is important to us, and we are pleased to be able to offer a wide range of apprenticeships. We hire apprentices into specific roles as well as offering apprenticeships to the workforce. Anyone can apply to undertake an apprenticeship relevant to the role as long as they are in a permanent post and have successfully passed probation.

Aquarius was a subsidiary of Richmond Fellowship, with both organisations being part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. On 1st June 2024 Richmond Fellowship merged with Humankind to form a single organisation that provides the joined-up mental health, housing and drug and alcohol support we’ve all known has been needed for decades. At the same time, Aquarius became a subsidiary of Humankind, with no impact to terms and conditions of employment. In October 2024, Humankind was renamed Waythrough to reflect the new organisation, of which Aquarius will remain a subsidiary.

Internally your job title will be Casual Recovery Worker.

You’re caring, flexible and creative, thrive under pressure, know how to connect with people at all levels and really enjoy helping others to live as independently as possible. You’d also like to be part of an organisation that counts on the professionalism, insight, expertise and passion of its staff to inspire individual recovery for the people they work with. Welcome to Repton House as a Casual Recovery Worker.

Repton House is a mental health, supported housing service, working to a recovery model. We work with individuals over the age of 18, who have long and enduring mental health needs and/ or autism. This role would suit someone from a support, care, nursing or complex needs background. Our residents are at the centre of what we do, providing person-centred services, making no two days the same.

We know that recovery can look and feel very different to each and every one of us. But we also know that if we provide the right support, at the right time, we can inspire recovery nationwide and that recovery is possible for everyone. That’s where you come in. Responsible for helping and inspiring the people who use our services to maintain their tenancy and independence in the community, we’ll rely on you to work with them to come up with a personal support plan that will see them achieve their goals and aspirations. Whether it’s developing their domestic and finance management skills or accessing work, leisure or educational opportunities, one thing’s for sure ‐ you will have every chance to shine.

No relevant experience is required as full training will be provided, although candidates with an understanding of mental health issues and/or lived experience would be welcomed. More important is your caring and compassionate nature and empathy and enthusiasm for helping others. Whatever your background, you’ll need to be happy to work both independently and within a team and willing to be part of a weekly rota system and available for on call duties.

We are looking for casual workers that would be interested in sleep-ins specifically. They will be required to work at least one shift per month.

We are committed to increasing our diversity and welcome applications from those with Lived Experience.

This is a rolling recruitment process. Candidates will be interviewed as and when they are shortlisted. Please note we do not offer sponsorships.​

To apply, please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you feel you are right for the role. Applications without covering letter will not be considered.

On 1st June 2024, Richmond Fellowship, part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence merged with Humankind to form a single organisation that provides the joined-up mental health, housing and drug and alcohol support we’ve all known has been needed for decades. In October 2024, Humankind was renamed Waythrough to reflect the new organisation.

At Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) we're dedicated to helping the successful integration of refugees and people seeking asylum into the local community. With over three decades of experience, we provide a comprehensive range of services including welfare support, immigration and legal advice, education, counselling, and career guidance.  

RAK employs 15 staff and currently has nearly 200 volunteers. In 2023/24 more than 2,000 people benefited from our services: 

• 1,171 clients accessed advice and advocacy services, including immigration advice 

• 305 clients attended our ESOL classes 

• 250 children, young people and families benefited from our after-school and family support services 

• 61 people were supported by our counselling team 

What we can offer you 

• Work in a highly respected organisation punching above its weight – providing quality support to over 2,000 individuals and families a year

• A friendly and supportive environment, with an experienced team of professional teachers, counsellors, solicitors and advisers working to quality standards 

• A collaborative approach to meeting fundraising targets, working with our new Fundraiser and our Partnership and Digital Marketing Coordinator 

• Flexible and hybrid working 

• A committed community in south west London that supports RAK through volunteering, sharing information about our work, and donations

• Real potential for growth and a clear and deliverable strategy already in place 

Our values  

• Empathy: we put ourselves in the shoes of those we work with.  

• Enterprise: we're innovative and resourceful in our approach to supporting refugees and people seeking asylum.  

• Empowerment: we strive to empower our clients, helping them achieve their aspirations.  

Role Overview

Location: We have an office in Kingston Upon Thames, greater London. Flexible and hybrid working is offered to all staff. 

Hours: 35 hours per week (including paid half-hour lunch break) 

Salary: £55,000 to £60,000 per annum permanent

Leave: 26 days per annum plus bank holidays 

Responsible to: Chair of trustees 

As the CEO of Refugee Action Kingston, you'll lead our organisation in supporting refugees and people seeking asylum in south west London to lead fulfilled and independent lives. Your responsibilities will include:  

Strategic leadership  

• Developing and implementing annual plans aligned with our strategy, in collaboration with the Board of Trustees, to achieve desired outcomes.  

• Maintaining efficient systems for the charity's operations, ensuring good governance and financial sustainability.  

• Overseeing all aspects of organisational management including finances, resources, services, and communications, in cooperation with trustees.  

 
Governance and organisational management  

• Working closely with trustees to direct and deliver RAK's objectives according to the charity's strategy.  

• Leading and supporting the RAK team to fulfil objectives, emphasising client needs, monitoring outcomes, and integrating learning into operations.  

• Ensuring compliance with governance requirements, supporting board responsibilities, and contributing to trustee meetings and reporting.  

 
Financial management and human resources  

• Ensuring effective financial management, leading finance and project management teams to maintain controls, preparing reports, and managing spending within budget.  

• Developing organisational structure and processes for positive people and service management, adhering to legislation and quality standards.  

• Fostering a healthy working culture that encourages staff and volunteers to excel, contribute ideas, and embrace diversity.  

 Fundraising  

• Developing and executing RAK's fundraising strategy, exploring new avenues to diversify funding sources.  

• Collaborating with RAK’s fundraiser to cultivate relationships with funders, submitting funding bids, and providing reporting.  

• Focus on growing unrestricted funds to reduce reliance on grants.  

Advocacy and influencing  

• Cultivating strong relationships with stakeholders to amplify the impact of RAK's work.  

• Advocating for the needs of our clients to local authorities, healthcare providers, and other relevant agencies.  

• Maintaining an effective advice and advocacy service, meeting quality standards (AQS & OISC) and regulatory requirements.  

 General duties  

• Undertaking any other related duties as required and appropriate to the role.  

Person specification  
Essential criteria  

1. Leadership and change management: proven track record of leading client-focused services, driving strategic development, and managing change effectively.  
2. Project and programme management: experience in creating and delivering complex projects aligned with strategic objectives.  
3. Fundraising expertise: understanding of fundraising importance in the charitable sector, with a history of successful and innovative fundraising initiatives.  
4. Digital proficiency: ability to harness digital tools so that roles are carried out efficiently and competently.  
5. Financial management: track record of managing budgets and contracts effectively.  
6. Analytical skills: experience in complex report writing and data analysis.  
7. Cultural awareness and commitment to EDI: a track record in promoting equality, diversity and inclusion, specifically in the context of working with refugees and people seeking asylum.  
8. Team leadership: excellent people skills, with the ability to empower and motivate staff and volunteers to operate effectively.  
9. Partnership building: strong ability to build partnerships, manage coalitions, and maintain positive relationships with stakeholders.  
10. Communication skills: excellent communication and persuasion skills, including experience in public speaking.  
11. Governance knowledge: understanding of governance principles in the voluntary or public sector.  
12. Safeguarding: experience in leading on safeguarding and health and safety.  

Desirable Criteria  

1. Asylum system knowledge: lived experience related to displacement and migration is highly desirable together with an understanding of the asylum system.  
2. Policy and advocacy: experience in asylum-related policy or advocacy work.  
3. Commercial awareness: experience in negotiating with statutory, local, or voluntary organisations/authorities.  

Our workplace 

We want RAK to be a great place to work and to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thought.

RAK is an equal opportunities employer.  We are committed to recruiting staff, trustees and volunteers who reflect the communities we serve and the wider community of London where we live and work. We particularly welcome applications from people: from Black, Asian and other minority-ethnic communities; refugee and migrant backgrounds; LGBTQ+ communities; with disabilities; and neurodiverse communities. 
 
Asking for adjustments - RAK is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making changes for neurodiverse people, people with disabilities or long-term health conditions. If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview, or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, please get in touch via the contact details on our website. 
 
RAK is obliged to comply with the Asylum and Immigration Act (1996), and this requires certain documents to be presented by candidates before an offer of employment can be made. If you are invited to interview, we will ask you to bring these documents with you. For jobs which involve, for example, working with, or having access to children and/or vulnerable adults and their records, we will require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Criminal Records Bureau and need to have information from you regarding any previous, existing, or pending convictions or cautions. This will form part of the recruitment process if you are successful after interview.

​

This is an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to lead Open Door’s year-long "Impact and Evaluation" project, for which we have been awarded funding by The Prudence Trust.  

We are looking for a new Independent Sexual Violence Advisor to join our team in providing advocacy and support to survivors of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse.The ISVA will be based in our central Reading office, with the option of hybrid working. ISVAs will need to travel within Thames Valley to meet clients as required.

Main Purpose of the Role:

To provide advocacy and support to survivors of sexual violence.  The ISVA will support adults who have reported or are wishing to report this crime navigate the criminal justice system. The ISVA will work closely with the Police Service, Sexual Assault Referral Centre, CPS, and other relevant organisations. 

ISVA Main Duties

· Provide advice, guidance and information to adults who have experienced rape and sexual abuse.

· Support service users that have been referred to Trust House Reading.

· Support clients in making informed choices about their future options.

· Explain relevant criminal, legal and civil remedies and housing options to clients as required.

· Assess the risk and support needs of clients.

· Develop individual support plans to address risks /support needs of clients.

· Ensure that clients are aware of the services to which they are entitled and advocate for them to help them access services.

· Understand the legal framework relating to the protection of children and vulnerable adults including the policy and procedures in relation to safeguarding children and vulnerable adults.

· Support ISVA clients through the criminal justice system, explaining the procedures and their role and rights within that system, referring to Victim Support or the Witness Care Service as appropriate.

· Support the service user in making a witness statement and attending court.

· Keep the service user informed about case progress on behalf of the police in line with the requirements of the Service Code of Practice.

· Participate in case conferences with the police, CPS and prosecuting barrister.

· Assist clients accessing special measures.

· Liaise with the police, CPS and other service providers on behalf of the service user.

· Provide information and support in relation to Criminal Injuries Compensation.

· Help clients to develop their own support network.

· Refer on and arrange meetings with other agencies/services as necessary, for instance, sexual health services, mental health, drug and alcohol, counselling, housing etc.

· Actively and positively engage with other voluntary sector agencies, including sexual violence specialist agencies e.g. domestic violence service outreach, IDVA and refuge providers.

· Maintain and update records of all cases including initial referral, risk assessment, subsequent risk assessment, care and safety plans, and action taken.

· To understand and assess other support needs of clients, for example translation or interpretation needs and be fully aware of available resources.

· Where an assault is related to domestic violence and the client is assessed as high risk, refer on to Multi Agency Risk Assessment Conference (MARAC) following locally agreed protocols (including working proactively with the Independent Domestic Violence Advisor Service), attend and participate in meetings and follow-up on actions agreed in MARAC.

· Contribute to the development of policies, protocols, guidelines, strategies within practice area if necessary.

· Collate areas of service gap and service inadequacy to feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups.

· Note and feed back to the commissioner and the relevant strategic groups or other appropriate body any consistent difficulties clients are having accessing services.

ISVA Person Specification

Essential:

· Educated to A-level standard.

· Experience of working with vulnerable clients.

· Knowledge of the impact of rape/sexual violence and sexual abuse on service.

· Knowledge of the criminal justice system for survivors of rape and sexual abuse.

· Understanding of the principles of risk assessment and safety planning.

· Pro-active.

· Empathic, with a non-judgmental approach.

· A good listener.

· Strong crisis management skills.

· Understanding of the process of seeking help and barriers to seeking help.

· Good written and verbal communication skills.

· Ability to work on own without close supervision.

· Ability to manage caseload and work priorities.

· Ability to share sensitive information, adhering to protocols.

· Understanding of child protection and safeguarding issues and legal responsibilities.

· Willingness to undertake regular training.

· Willingness and ability to work with clients of all genders.

· Commitment to continued professional development.

· Knowledge of and commitment to diversity issues.

· Ability to work safely and within boundaries.

· Completed accredited ISVA training course (or equivalent) or willingness to complete the training.

· Willingness and ability to travel across the Thames Valley when necessary.

· Computer literate: word-processing, emailing, data collection/spreadsheets.

· Ability and willingness to work in partnership and as part of a team.

Desirable:

· Professional qualification in social work or related field.

· Current full driving license and own vehicle.