Key worker jobs

Make a real difference in the lives of D/deaf & disabled people in Islington.

At Disability Action in Islington (DAII), we are a user-led Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation providing free, independent advice and advocacy. Our work is rooted in the social model of disability and focused on empowering people to overcome barriers, access their rights, and live independently.

We are looking for a compassionate and skilled Advice Worker to join our small, committed team. You’ll support disabled residents with advice and advocacy on key issues such as welfare benefits, housing, health, and social care—helping people navigate complex systems and secure the support they’re entitled to.

What you'll do

• Provide one-to-one advice and casework on a range of social welfare issues
• Support clients with applications, reviews, and appeals
• Advocate on their behalf with agencies such as the DWP, housing providers, and the council
• Keep clear case records and contribute to service improvement
• Work closely with the Advice Services Coordinator and wider team

What you'll bring

• At least 1 year’s experience in advice, advocacy or support work 
• Knowledge of welfare rights, housing, social care, and health systems
• Excellent communication and case management skills
• A client-centred, trauma-informed, relational and inclusive approach 
• Confidence working with people facing complex and multiple barriers

Why work with us?

• Be part of a values-led, user-led organisation rooted in community
• Deliver life-changing support in a role where your work is truly valued 
• Join a collaborative, supportive team with a strong sense of purpose

Job Purpose

This role sits within our crisis alternative service, Safe Space, which is a core and out of hours service providing a safe and welcoming space for people who are feeling distressed and experiencing crisis. Our aim of the service is to keep individuals well in the community and prevent readmission into hospital. The service operates 365 days a year from 14:00-22:00pm across all of our boroughs.

Staff within the service will provide person-centred, practical and emotional support, face to face or via telephone or virtual on a one-to-one basis to individuals experiencing mental health crisis or preventing crisis.

The objectives of the service include:

• To improve the mental wellbeing of people experiencing mental health and social crisis in HFEH.
• To proactively work with keeping people well in the community to reduce re-admitters into hospitals by working with WL NHS teams (e.g. discharge, LPS, CATT, MINT and SPA)
• To provide a true alternative to A&E via a non-clinical drop-in service to support clients
• To provide support to clients accessing the service- for instance: signposting, de-escalation and crisis recovery planning.
• To contribute to an improvement in individual mental wellbeing.
• To remain a source of independent support for all clients.
• To treat service users with respect, dignity and personalised support
• To raise awareness of mental health services available with the goal to improve long term mental health and reduce social isolation
• To increase self-management skills of those accessing the service
• To reduce the use of police, ambulance and statutory mental health services whilst experiencing crisis via a drop-in service.
• To reduce the use of statutory crisis services by people experiencing mental ill health without positive outcomes for the individual.

The Role

The role of the support workers will be to support the rest of the team in delivering interventions on a one-to-one. The role will also involve triaging and assessing all clients accessing the service, signposting and delivering collaborative self-management plans with clients to improve mental wellbeing.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing a person centred and recovery orientated approach in all aspects of the roles and responsibilities.
• Promoting people’ rights and responsibilities
• Considering each person as an individual
• Working collaboratively with clients to understand their needs and developing flexible and realistic crisis support packages/person centred plans
• Understanding of safety planning
• Experience with de-escalation, recognising and mitigating risks.
• Experience of working with challenging behaviour
• Listening to clients and encouraging positive steps towards self-management of crisis and recovery
• Good time keeping skills – Essential
• To attend all mandatory training including safeguarding and GDPR
• To work autonomously in a fast-paced environment and under pressure
• Providing advice, information, practical and emotional support to clients
• Proactively recognising the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitate appropriate action, whilst liaising with relevant agencies e.g. CATT, Emergency Duty Teams, CMHTS, etc
• Engaging with clients to show empathy, inspire hope and promote recovery
• Establishing supportive, empowering and respectful relationships with clients and carers/ family
• Maintaining accurate records, detailing interventions
• Ensuring that outcomes, outputs and impact are recorded
• Providing administrative support to the team
• Attend reflective practice, clinical supervision, peer supervision and line management supervision
• Create and maintain good working relationships with partner agencies
• Follow workplans and actively participate in training and development
• Provide and manage resources for clients and staff

Person Specification

• Minimum of 1 year working in mental health services and with clients experiencing mental health distress and crisis
• Experience of managing challenging behaviour and dealing with clients with complex needs
• Experience of managing safeguarding risks and understanding legal requirements for safeguarding adults and children
• Evidence of continual professional development
• Understanding of the Recovery Model in mental health
• Understanding of the principles of trauma informed care
• Understanding of suicide prevention and safety planning
• Understanding of the relationship between mental health and social issues and how these issues may impact on physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
• Understanding of relevant legislation and policies
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Awareness of issues in mental health service provision
• A good understanding of mental health conditions
• Experience of working with vulnerable individuals
• Creative and flexible approach to working with individuals
• Ability to deal with stressful and difficult situations in a calm manner and de-escalate challenging situations
• Ability to prioritise and manage workload
• Ability to involve clients and carers in all aspects of work
• Empathy and non-judgemental approach
• Good communication skills
• Capacity to work within an agreed shift pattern
• Experience of delivering information and advice (housing, benefits, debt etc)
• Experience of non-clinical, therapeutic interventions like psychoeducation
• Good IT skills including Word, Outlook, Excel and PowerPoint, with proven ability to input and extract information and produce reports
• Car driver with sole ownership of a vehicle and willingness to travel to locations would be desirable.
• Ability to work out of hours and on weekends

Our amazing team at Alana House - PACT are looking for Key Workers to join our Womens Community project.  Full time or part time applicants are welcomed to apply.

Could you make a lasting difference to women facing multiple disadvantages? Our award winning trauma recovery service empowers and enables women to access the support they need.  Our service covers Reading, Berkshire, Oxford City and South Oxfordshire.

Position: Womens Community Project Key Worker

Location: Based in central Reading.  The role requires travel across Berkshire, Oxford City and South Oxfordshire, the post holder must hold a full UK drivers license with access to own transport

Contract: Permanent full time – 37 hours per week Monday to Friday.  Part time hours will also be considered

Salary: Starting salary in the range of £25,734 to £31,453 per annum, depending on skills and experience (pro rata if part time)

Having regard to the nature and context of the work, there is a genuine occupational requirement permitted under the Equality Act 2010 that this post is only available to female applicants.

About the role:

As a Key Worker at Alana House, you will hold a case load of women and be involved in one to one work support work and group based sessions.  Your Key Worker responsibilities will include:

· regularly meet with women to provide dedicated emotional and practical support

· complete initial assessments of risk and need, and provide one-to-one support across rehabilitative pathways

· create and review support plans in collaboration with the woman, and other agencies

· facilitate and deliver group-based support

About you:

As a Key Worker, you’ll bring an in depth knowledge of issues facing women with multiple disadvantages, including those with convictions and those at risk of offending.  You’ll also have significant experience of supporting women with issues such as homelessness, substance misuse, domestic abuse and mental health, preferably within a criminal justice setting.

If this sounds like you then visit our website to apply today to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful. Contact details for an informal discussion about the role can also be found on our website.

Early applications are encouraged as we may close this vacancy on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is found.

Closing date: Midday, Wednesday 14 May 2025

Interview dates: Wednesday 07 and Friday 23 May 2025

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Family Support Worker, Family Key Worker, Womens Support Worker, Womens Key Worker, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Key Worker, Recovery Worker, Assistant Support Worker, Assistant Key Worker, IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, ISVA Independent Sexual Violence Advocate, Probation Services Officer, etc.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.

We are seeking to recruit a highly skilled Key Worker for our Key Worker Service in East Berkshire. The role will be diverse and service user centred and would suit someone with significant experience in supporting young people and young adults with Autism and Learning Disabilities and their families.

The day to day work will involve a flexible approach to coordination and direct support for the young person and their family, as well as providing responsive communication at times of increased need. This is an exciting role which allows for the Key Worker to support families to navigate the system whilst advocating for them and ensuring that their voice is heard.

There will be opportunities for collaboration and co-production and our vision is to provide young person and family centered support, whilst influencing system change to achieve better outcomes for more children,  young people and adults under the age of 25.

The service will be provided across the entire East Berkshire footprint covering: Slough, Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, Bracknell Forest.Although the team will be “virtual”, there will be frequent (weekly) travel within and across the East Berkshire area, therefore being a car driver with access to a car is essential, as well as being based near the local area. 

The Key Working Function has been developed as a response to the NHS England & NHS Improvement Long Term Plan (LTP) commitment that by 2023/24, children and young people with a learning disability, autism, or both, with the most complex needs will have a designated Key Worker, applying the recommendations made by Dame Christine Lenehan in ‘These are our Children'. The East Berkshire Key Worker Service has been established since 2023 and has developed and evolved over this time. 

We are looking for someone who:

• has significant experience of working with individuals with Learning Disabilities and/or who are Autistic and their families.
• has an understanding of mental health and how this may impact this service user group 
• Is tenacious and passionate about advocating for our families, whilst respectfully challenging professionals and working collaboratively with other agencies
• Able to complete frequent visits to service users and have the ability to be flexible to complete visits/meetings at short notice within working hours across the East Berkshire area

A Barnardo's Project Worker 3 job description and person specification is attached to the advert for this role. This is a generic role description in use throughout the organisation to cover all roles at the given salary band. The Additional Information Sheet outlines the specific responsibilities, skills and experience required and it is important that you read this carefully before you apply.

When completing your application form, please refer to the skills, knowledge and experience required as detailed in the Person Specification and also in the Additional Information Sheet. This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application. 

About the role:

This is an exciting opportunity for someone looking to continue their career, within an organisation with real potential to progress into service management or specialist roles. Based within Single Homeless Project's (SHP) Islington Complex Needs Accommodation Service, you will work closely with the Regional Services Manager and a multi-disciplinary team to deliver intensive, person-centred support to clients at our Ashley Road project. This is a high-impact role, designed to support individuals with multiple and complex needs, including mental and physical health challenges, substance use, and a history of offending. You will support and empower our clients as they move from crisis towards stability, independence, and meaningful engagement in the community.

As a Project Worker, you will have a direct and lasting impact on the lives of some of the most marginalised people in our society. You will play a vital role in helping clients sustain accommodation, access services, and develop the skills and confidence needed to take control of their lives. You will work in close partnership with external agencies and professionals to deliver coordinated support, while also playing a key part in preventing homelessness and promoting long-term inclusion. This is not only a chance to make a tangible difference, but also an incredible platform for professional development in a service that values innovation, resilience and progression.

The working rota for this post is Monday - Friday, with no weekend shifts. The rota will consist of a mixture of earlies (8am - 3.30pm) & lates (3pm - 10.30pm).

About you:

• Previous experience of working with people with complex support needs.
• Ability to manage a caseload and deliver positive outcomes utilising your knowledge of the health, social care and criminal justice sector.   
• A flexible, innovative and creative approach to working with a sometimes hard to engage and challenging client group, is also required.

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 12,000 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 4th May at midnight

Interview date: Monday 12th May at SHP Head Office in Kings Cross

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

The Youth Sector in Gloucestershire is a diverse landscape made-up of a rich and varied range of youth and community organisations. The Youth Support Worker will play a key role in delivering a high standard of youth work supporting young people across a range of needs and interests, ensuring that they have a voice in decisions that affect their lives. 

You will have experience of developing, coordinating and delivering impactful youth activities, and you will be skilled in working with young people from a range of backgrounds who have experienced challenges and barriers to progression in education, family and communities. We are seeking applicants who are positive, empowering, resilient and can work with others to create positive outcomes.  

Job description

We are recruiting one or more Support Workers to work primarily at our Stud Nursery community garden project in Home Park, Richmond Borough as well as the potential of supporting our clients in the Wandsworth Borough.
 

Who we are

At Balance we are committed to empowering those we support to build independent, fulfilled and self-confident lives. We work hard to ensure our charitable values are central to the professional experience of those who work for us, with us and who benefit from our services.
 

About this post
You will be creative and independent thinker, with a desire to demonstrate and develop positive relationships with your colleagues and clients alike. You must have excellent IT skills. You will need the patience and and a commitment to enhancing the experience of those using our services on the basis of individual preferences, strengths and skills.
 

You are someone who:

• shares our values of professionalism, staff recognition, independence, empowerment, partnership and sustainability
• has excellent interpersonal, organisation and IT skills. 
• is willing to actively support and promote the charity's objectives across its core boroughs and contractual partnerships.
• works well both in a team and independently.

Working expectations:

• The working day is 8:30am - 4:30pm Monday to Friday, with the possibility of some out of hours or weekend working. Clients are typically on site from 9:30am - 3:30pm.
• Attendance and commitment to further training. 
• We are open to the possibility of multiple part-time roles within this setting.

Key Responsibilities for this role

• Through partnership, support and develop client’s skills, confidence and interests as part of a multi-disciplinary service offer. 
• To support your colleagues, team leaders, service managers, volunteers and other key professionals to put those using our services at the centre of your daily work. 
• To support the planning and delivery of garden-based activities and therapeutic interventions for adults with complex needs. 
• To maintain and update client and related operational records with an accurate and professional commitment. 
• To ensure compliance with and the delivery of the charity policies and procedures particularly those related to safeguarding, inclusion and disability discrimination. 

Please note we will be holding interviews as we get applicants in and may close the post early.

We are unable to support applicants who do not already have the right to work in the UK.

You must submit a cover letter explaining why you feel you are a suitable fit for this role and what your expectation of commitment to hours would be.

Senior Housing & Welfare Advice Worker’s post

The Manna Day Centre is a drop-in Centre for homeless and vulnerably housed single men and women. It is run by a team of project workers, under the Director, who are responsible for its smooth operation. Basic Services offered include food, showers, clothing, housing & welfare advice, medical care, and access to laptops. The Centre opens to service users 7 days a week, 8.30am– 1.30pm. The working week for this post is Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.00pm each day.

The Senior Housing & Welfare Advice Worker must have a commitment to homeless people, which includes acceptance and respect. Responsibilities are shared among the team according to needs, skills and aptitudes. The annual salary is negotiable (depending on your experience) ranging from £33,775 to £41,359. Benefits include a pension scheme, travel loans and 25 days annual leave (plus time in lieu of bank holidays worked).

Those applying for this post should have:

Ability to manage a team

Housing & welfare advice experience

Experience of undertaking housing & welfare casework

Ability to prioritise and manage a busy caseload.

Experience of working with homeless & vulnerably housed people.

The closing date for applications for this post is Sunday 8th June 2025.

Support Worker - Community Connector - Assessment and Engagement Team - 3 (Buckinghamshire)

Location: Buckinghamshire

Salary: £24,242 - £24,848 per annum

Job Type: Permanent, 37 hours per week

You have a good understanding of the harm caused by alcohol and drug use to adults, young people, children, families and society and a sympathetic approach to people who misuse them.

All you need is the perfect environment to put your skills to great use. Welcome to Aquarius as a Support Worker (Community Connector – Assessment and Engagement Team)

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 Support Workers (Community Connectors – Assessment and Engagement Team) to join our team. We have three positions available in Aylesbury.

Your challenge? To provide advice, support, advocacy and key work for recovery plans and undertake elements of assessment and case management as directed. And, all the while, we’ll expect you to operate in a way that recognises and values diversity and understands the functional model of substance use, the Recovery Agenda and the problems caused by alcohol and drug misuse.

Preferably with a NVQ 2/3 in Social Care, or willing to attain this, you are used to working to policy and procedural requirements that include child protection, vulnerable adults, confidentiality and health & safety. We’ll also be looking for good written and verbal communication skills and the ability to maintain accurate records and fulfil data requirements. A flexible approach is important too, as is a commitment to taking a client centred approach to providing services and working in a way that recognises and values diversity.

To Apply

If you feel you are a suitable candidate and would like to work for Waythrough, please click apply to be redirected to their website to complete your application.

We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or anyone from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic group.

This is a rolling recruitment process; shortlisted candidates will be interviewed as and when they apply.

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

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

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

We are recruiting for a full time and part time Support Worker. A great opportunity to join a small friendly team. Are you empathetic towards and have passion, a commitment to working with those who have faced multiple disadvantages in their lives. Emmaus is a supported housing project that provides work opportunities, training and a place to call home. You will support companions (residents) living and working at Sussex Emmaus.

Project info:
Sussex Emmaus is a 58 bed supported accommodation project. We offer low to medium support for those who have experienced or may be at risk of experiencing homelessness. Emmaus supports people to work their way out of homelessness, providing a home for as long as someone needs it. Emmaus works with people who may have faced multiple disadvantages. This can include but is not exclusive to: homelessness; mental health issues; contact with the criminal justice system; historical substance and/or alcohol misuse; and domestic abuse.
Emmaus is a homelessness charity with a difference, we offer a home, work and a sense of belonging. For many people who have experienced homelessness, losing their self-esteem can be the most damaging part of their experience. Emmaus provides an opportunity to work; it can be valuable in rebuilding companion’s self-esteem and self-worth. 

Job Summary:
Provide support to Companions using a person-centred approach, both emotionally and practically, so they can live and work in the Emmaus Community. The role will involve using a Strength Based Practice model to encourage Companions to become resilient and fulfilled. Assist Companions to become independent and maximise their skills, where necessary accessing outside support and services. Where appropriate, in accordance with Companion requests, provide a move-on pathway that enables them to be ready to live independently. 
Promote and embed a proactive approach to equality and diversity, by example and approach, with a commitment to treat all staff, volunteers, visitors and Companions with equity and respect.
Please see the Support Worker Job Pack for more information about the role, you can also find this on the Emmaus Brighton and Hove website and the Emmaus UK website. 

Housing Support Worker

When registering to this job board you will be redirected to the online application form. Please ensure that this is completed in full in order that your application can be reviewed.

Job Title: Housing Support Worker

Location: Office is situated in Wembley, next to the Civic Centre and service is provided at the participants homes, In the Library & Food bank hubs, in the community and in local area amenities such as libraries, coffee shops and public spaces around Brent

Salary: £26,100

Shift Pattern: 37.5 hours per week Monday to Friday, shift rotas will vary between 08:00 - 16:00 and 09:00 - 17:00 and 10:00 - 18:00

About the Housing Support Worker position:

We are looking for a Housing Support Worker to join in making a real difference in people's lives! Join our vibrant team in Wembley as a Housing Support Worker!

This is an exciting opportunity to support individuals with multiple, complex needs on their journey towards recovery, reablement, and independence, all within a compassionate, trauma-informed environment.

In this role, you'll be at the  heart of delivering high-quality, person-centered support to vulnerable adults who have been or are at risk of homelessness. They are identified as having low/medium support needs, some of the areas of support needs can include: 

• Single homeless between ages of 18 to 60
• Socially excluded individuals
• Ex-Offenders
• People with substance misuse
• Mental Health (Low)
• Learning disability (Low/Medium)

You will create tailored support plans to provide practical interventions, to empower our participants to overcome personal challenges, develop life skills, and achieve their personal goals. You will also work closely in partnership with various organisations to support the different needs of our participants, which may include signposting. Join us on the journey to empowering people to be the best versions of themselves!

What we're looking for:

• Understanding of the housing support needs that people with multiple, and complex needs face
• Experience of working with people of complex backgrounds and/or a good understanding of the sector
• Ability to use, learn and adapt to IT at an intermediate level, including Microsoft and other software programs
• Ability and willingness to show flexibility of working patterns, responding to the needs of the service and residents
• Understanding and/or practical knowledge of the social and societal marginalisation that can be attached to people with complex needs
• Alignment with our values of Ambition, Empowerment, Inclusivity, and Transparency

Please refer to the JDPS attached for more details on the vacancy and our requirements/key criteria.

What we offer:

• 25 days (Full time equivalent) annual leave, increasing with the length of service
• Training and Development, including access to courses, upskilling, and progression plans
• Employee Assistance Programme, including counselling
• Reflective Practice regular sessions with a therapist provided by an external provider to support Mental Health and Wellbeing
• Eligibility to register with Blue Light Discount Card
• Life Assurance Scheme
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Annual Staff Awards
• Be part of an organisation which believes good care and support improves lives.
• Join an organisation with a mission to empower people who are marginalised by building powerful partnerships and creative solutions that bridge gaps in provision and aid recovery, reablement and resettlement.

We are committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). We value and celebrate the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of all our employees. We have a team of ambassadors who are staff volunteers and actively support us in fortifying our organisational value of Inclusivity. 

SIG actively encourages applications from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, particularly lived experience; Naturally, we approach any emerging issues with empathy and sensitivity. 

As an organisation, we’re proud to mention that our staff Ambassadors career aspirations generally benefit from embracing this unique opportunity to develop their respective skill sets in spaces that exist outside of their daily roles. 

Want to know how we work? Watch our short Theory of Change video to see how we support people towards a brighter future: Theory of Change

Further details can be found on our website here: Theory of Change - Social Interest Group - Social Interest Group.  

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please note that this job advert may close early due to screening applications on an ongoing basis. We advise applying as soon as possible for your application to be taken into consideration at the early stages.

Please note that as part of our process, we complete an enhanced DBS check, some roles may require further vetting. We are an inclusive employer and encourage applicants from all backgrounds. If you have any questions regarding this, please contact us on the details below. 

Additional information on our company policies including Gender Pay, Equality and Diversity, Company Benefits and our Candidate Privacy Policy can be found on our website.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide sponsorship, please ensure you have full right to work in the UK prior to applying to our positions. 

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

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

The Role 

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

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

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

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

About You

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

You will have:

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

What will I gain?

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

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

Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging

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

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

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

Accessibility

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

#ShowTheSalary

Are you looking for a new opportunity?

Are you passionate about working with children and young people?

Are you enthusiastic about developing excellent and inclusive services with young people to enhance their, wellbeing, happiness and opportunities?

If so, we want you to join our team!

The Co-op Partnership is an innovative project where you will be working alongside young people and empowering them to continually develop their co-designed service, Magic Minds.

The service facilitates regular spaces and opportunities where young people can come together to:

• Learn to cook
• Play sports and games
• Try new outdoor activities
• Undertake digital creation activities
• Plan and prepare regular events and activities (such as silent discos on the beach, bbq's)
• Take part in confidence building activities

If you are:

• Confident and creative in engaging and working alongside young people aged between 10-25 years.
• Skilled in designing and delivering groupwork sessions for young people.
• Able to provide emotional and practical support to young people, in line with safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Able to work evenings and weekends to meet the needs of young people.
• Able to work in partnership with Co-op, Children's Services and the community, whilst keeping young people at the centre

Then please apply for the youth support worker role!

When completing your application please refer to your skills knowledge and experience in relation to the Person Specification, Job Description and Additional Information document (if applicable). This should be done with an understanding of the context of the service described.

Although this contract has a permanent status, please be aware that this post is subject to funding currently to 31 March 2026 and therefore should this funding not be extended further, you may be subject to a redundancy consultation or a TUPE arrangement. This contract is due to expire on 31 March 2026.

For an information chat about the role, please call, text or email Jess Hanson, Children's Service Manager (email addresse and phone number available on our website via the link).

Please note that shortlisting of candidates will take place on 12/05/25. Therefore if shortlisted, you will receive your invite to the young person's panel on this date. The panel is taking place on Friday 16th May in the afternoon/evening. 

Pay & Reward Framework

We know that our colleagues go above and beyond in delivering our vital work, driven by their passion and commitment to Barnardo's values.  We also know that we can only realise our ambitions and achieve better outcomes for more children, thanks to the talent, hard work and creativity of our people. 

For all these reasons, we are committed to a new approach to pay and reward, to ensure it is fair, attractive and progressive, which was rolled out in April 2023. This is a positive change for the charity, and a part of our People & Culture Strategy. It will assist us in supporting colleagues to belong, thrive and grow in their colleague journey at Barnardo's and in time will offer clear routes of progression for colleagues in both their career and their pay. 

Whilst the full pay band and salary range is advertised, our approach to starting salaries is to appoint between the minimum to mid-point of the pay band – this ensures that pay steps are available to reward our colleagues annually based on their contribution to excellence and alignment to our values and behaviours.  More details on Barnardo's pay framework can be found upon application.