Peer Support Jobs

Advocating for persecuted Christians in fulfillment of the ACN (UK) Strategic Plan for Advocacy. Working as part of a dynamic and growing team, this post would enable the successful candidate to expand the advocacy outreach of ACN (UK), while supporting the department’s other responsibilities including press and media work, research and article-writing, and the preparation of fund-raising materials (text and visuals).

ACN (UK) is a Catholic charity, supporting persecuted and suffering Christians around the world.

We are currently offering a rewarding opportunity for a motivated and proactive self-starter to join our friendly and dynamic team.

Benefits of working for Wandsworth Carers’ Centre:

• Friendly team and working environment
• Mix of remote and office-based work
• Annual leave starts at 26 days increasing to 31 days plus bank holidays 
• Contributory company pension,
• Ongoing training and development opportunities 
• Employee assistance program.

Our Charity:

We are a busy, ambitious charity operating at the heart of the Wandsworth community since 1995, helping thousands of people across the borough in unpaid Caring roles. We give information and advice, organise respite, offer complementary therapies, deliver training, provide peer support, arrange fun events and much more.  In short, we are the Carer's friend and advocate, often helping Carers through difficult times.

Welfare Benefits Advisor

Salary: £35,000

Full Time (35 hours per week)

Are you passionate about supporting carers and making a real impact in their lives? We're looking for a dedicated individual to join our busy team provide welfare benefit advice & guidance to those who need it most.

As the successful candidate, you'll bring your knowledge and expertise to provide vital support to Carers, with a comprehensive and up-to-date knowledge in welfare benefits and recent experience of managing a case load.

You will manage your own caseload while also providing mentoring and support to one trainee advisor. 

Your excellent communication skills will help you connect with and support carers, while your IT proficiency will enable you to provide effective, efficient assistance.

Key Responsibilities Include:

• Providing advice & advocacy on welfare benefits and housing. 
• Managing your own case load
• Offering guidance and support to colleagues 
• Maintaining accurate case records, adhering to AQS standards. 

Essential Requirements:

• Experience of providing benefits advice, guidance and support
• Experience of managing a case load
• Experience of representing clients with external bodies / organisations
• Experience of supporting with benefit appeals through to tribunal stage.
• Knowledge of or ability to understand and use relevant legislation.
• Ability to work across the borough and provide home visits

If you're committed to working in the voluntary sector and want to be part of a dynamic team that makes a real difference, this role is for you!

Wandsworth Carers’ Centre is an inclusive employer, committed to the continued development of a diverse workforce.

.

When someone sustains a spinal cord injury, it is a life changing experience.

Back Up’s Regional Outreach and Engagement team are the very face of the organisation and are based across the UK, working directly with spinal cord injury centres, major trauma centres and hospitals – or indeed anywhere that people affected by spinal cord injury may be.

As a Regional Coordinator, you will build relationships and take ownership for what happens in your geographical area. As someone affected by spinal cord injury themselves, you will be providing peer support to newly injured people in a clinical setting, facilitating wheelchair skills sessions, making referrals for ongoing support, and supporting volunteers and fundraisers. Above all, you will be passionate about being able to demonstrate the impact of what we do and will see for yourself how Back Up quite literally transforms lives.

About us:

At Back Up, we have big ambitions. Over the next few years, we’re going to be transforming the lives of even more people affected by spinal cord injury.

Together we’ll be working hard to make sure everyone affected by spinal cord injury has access to the support they deserve; and we are the only spinal cord injury charity in the UK providing specific services to children and young people

At Back Up, inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. Please read our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Policy Statement. We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment where all our employees are encouraged to reach their full potential, and individual differences are valued and respected. We particularly welcome applications from those from black, Asian or ethnic minority backgrounds or those with higher level spinal injuries.

Back Up has been voted one of the top ten charities to work for (Third Sector Best Charities 2020). The enthusiastic, inclusive and supportive spirit of our very skilled staff ensure excellence in the services we deliver.

In 2024 Back Up won The Times and The Sunday Times Spotlight Award for Best place to work for disabled employees. As well as this, Back Up has been voted one of the top ten charities to work for (Third Sector Best Charities 2020). The enthusiastic, inclusive and supportive spirit of our very skilled staff ensure excellence in the services we deliver.

Location:

From home and able to travel extensively to hospitals and other clinical settings around the region, if required.

Occasional visits to Back Up office in Wandsworth, London and the surrounding area.

South Region: London and South of England (likely based South East)

How to apply

Please apply by emailing recruitment @ backuptrust . org . uk by midnight on Sunday 1st December 2024 with:

· A CV detailing salary information for your most recent post and two referees, one of whom should be your present or most recent employer. We will contact them after interview.

· A (maximum) two side A4 supporting statement, saying why you want the job and explaining how you meet the criteria in the job description.. This statement is crucial; CVs alone will not be accepted.

· A completed equal opportunities form. This form will be kept separate from your application, and not viewed by the recruiting manager. It is used to help us assess the diversity of our applicants to ensure our processes are fair to all. It is optional to fill in but it will help us improve and maintain high standards.

We will acknowledge receipt of your application, and then let you know if you are to be invited to interview.  First interviews will be held from the week beginning Monday 2nd December 2024.  If you cannot make any of those dates, please indicate this when you apply. 

What will the process involve?

The process will involve at least one interview round which will be either in person or online. There will be a panel interviewing you and you may be asked to complete a task beforehand to present to the panel. If you need any support or adjustment to the recruitment process at any step, do please ask and we’d be pleased to work with you to put these in place so that you can perform to the best of your abilities throughout the process and demonstrate your suitability for the role.  Please email recruitment @ backuptrust . org . uk

Guaranteed Interview Scheme

As a ‘Disability Confident’ employer we are committed to the inclusion of candidates and employees with disabilities. If you have a disability and meet the minimum criteria of the role, set out as essential criteria in the job description, we will invite you to interview. Please let us know if you would qualify and want to take advantage of this scheme by emailing: recruitment @ backupt Region: East Anglia (likely based in East Anglia)trust . org . uk.

Don’t meet every single requirement?

At Back Up we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive and authentic workplace, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every criteria in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles at Back Up.

Emmaus Greenwich is a unique charity that offers a home, work and individual support to people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. We don’t just give people a bed for the night; we offer a home, work opportunities and a sense of belonging.

We are looking for a compassionate, highly motivated and enthusiastic individual to provide tailored person-centred support to a caseload of formerly homeless individuals known as “Companions” especially to those who are struggling with substance misuse. Attention to detail is essential, as is the ability to identify and promptly address risks or safeguarding concerns. Empathy, attentive listening, and strong verbal communication skills are also key requirements. 

The successful candidate will understand that many people with experience of homelessness can also be trying to navigate other complex needs. The purpose of the Project worker is to provide a person-centred support to a caseload of Companions in particular to those who are experiencing difficulty in maintaining their tenancy due to their experiences and relationship with substances, including alcohol.

Proficiency with IT and the ability to maintain up do date records in our database are necessary. 

If you have the relevant personal qualities, experience, skills, enthusiasm and a positive “can do” attitude and would relish the chance to work in this dynamic, progressive, and successful charity, we would like to hear from you. You will be joining a friendly and enthusiastic team who are passionate about what they do and a social enterprise that has an exciting future.

Do you love helping people and helping a great charity at the same time?  Are you friendly, clear and compassionate when speaking to our supporters on the phone or in person?  Do you have strong computer skills and a keen attention to detail?

At Birmingham Women’s and Children’s Hospital Charity, we believe there’s always more we can do for our sick kids and women. It’s our mission to raise the vital funds needed to make a real difference to all who use our hospitals and to make our hospital feel just like home. 

We’re looking for a friendly, hard-working, compassionate individual to join our fast-paced team. You will have strong communication skills, with a friendly demeanour and a positive, ‘can do’ attitude.  Sound computer skills are also essential for success.  Our Supporter Services Team is the first port of call for many of our supporters and we hope each interaction is the beginning of a lasting relationship in support of our charity. 

To be successful in this role you will: 

• Have previous experience in a customer services/administrative role

• Be friendly, compassionate and self-motivated 

• Possess a natural ability to engage with people on the phone or in person, and encourage trust and enthusiasm at the start of a supporter’s journey with the charity 

• Be able to work at a computer for significant periods of time, as well as acting as an effective and engaged team-player. 

• Have excellent computer skills – touch-type desirable, confident using a database, ensuring data input is clean and efficient.

• Regular monitoring of a busy team inbox and responding to or forwarding on emails in a prompt and helpful manner, within agreed timescales 

• Have responsibility for the recording of donations and other financial data onto the database and handwritten ledger – ensuring accuracy at all times 

• To ensure timely and efficient thanking of our supporters 

What we offer:

The Charity is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. 

• Flexible working and the opportunity to WFH one day per week to support work-life balance
• Generous annual leave entitlement with additional leave for long service 
• Enhanced sick pay
• Free flu jabs
• Charity events throughout the year
• Employer enhanced auto-enrolment pension scheme with 8% employer contribution
• Ongoing commitment to training and professional development

The Charity is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation or age. 

Successful candidates will have access to vulnerable beneficiaries and will therefore require an Enhanced Disclosure from the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). 

If you think you have the qualities we are looking for and the desire to contribute, please download the Job Description and Person Specification and then send us a CV and covering letter explaining how you meet the criteria for the role and making clear why you would like to be considered for it. 

The closing date for return of applications is Thursday 5th December 2024. Interviews will be held in Birmingham on Thursday 12th December 2024. 

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 Floating Housing Support Worker.

Aquarius Action Projects, is looking for a Floating Housing Support Practitioner to join their team. Solihull Integrated Addiction Service (SIAS) is a partnership between four organisations jointly responsible for the delivery of the drug, alcohol, homelessness and gambling services, in the Borough of Solihull. We offer services for adults who use or are affected by substance use, homelessness and gambling.

Your challenge? As a Floating Housing Support Worker, you will be working with clients who are vulnerably housed or homeless, working in clients’ homes and various locations to support clients in addressing their substance needs, finding accommodation and being able to live independently.The service covers support for clients who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless, as well as a more structured longer-term floating support service to enable clients to maintain their tenancies. You will understand the barriers clients face to accessing services, and the impact substance use has on sustaining accommodation.

To succeed, you’ll:

• 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.
• Be an energetic and confident self-starter.
• Have experience of liaising with voluntary and statutory agencies and health professionals and engaging effectively with clients in a variety of settings.
• Have 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.

In return for your skills and enthusiasm, this role comes with some really great benefits and excellent training and development opportunities. Benefits include:

• 32 days holiday + bank holidays
• Cultural celebration day
• Access to blue light card discounts
• Flexible working

Due to the nature of the role, a driving licence and access to a car is desirable.

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. 

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.

Do you want to support people with mental health issues?

Are you calm, non-judgemental and able to work effectively with people experiencing distress?

Can you demonstrate our values of Hope, Courage, Together and Responsive and want to be part of our mission to create opportunities for individuals to make choices, find their own solutions, build resilience and manage their whole life and wellbeing?

If the answer to all of these is yes, we want to hear from you.

Crisis House Support Worker 
Reference number: 249 
Responsible to: Crisis House Coordinator 
Working base: Crisis House – Hemel Hempstead 
Working hours: Full time or part time 
Rate of pay: £23,500 - £25,000 per annum (pro rata for part time hours)

About the Service 

Hertfordshire Mind Network’s Nightlight Service is proud to provide urgent support, crisis intervention and emotional support to people experiencing Mental health Crisis in Hertfordshire as an alternative to statutory pathways. We provide support to adults across Hertfordshire 7 days a week, 365 days a year through our Helpline, Crisis Cafes and a 24/7 Crisis House. We aim to provide a safe space for people in crisis to talk and feel supported, be listened to without judgement, access relevant support with problem solving and facilitate access to external services when necessary.

As a member of our team you will work closely with service users in crisis by using a person-centred approach as to ensure that each individual is supported with dignity and respect. 

About the role

As a Crisis House Support Worker, you will work closely with other staff as part of a team in supporting the development of quality Crisis Support and instilling Hertfordshire Mind Network’s values throughout the provision.

Purpose of Post

To be a key member of staff supporting the delivery of the Nightlight mental health Crisis Service. You will take part in a rota which covers a 24/7 hour service, 365 days a year. Drawing upon your own lived and/or professional experience (where applicable,) in order to provide a mix of face-to-face, therapeutic and holistic support for those accessing overnight provision. You will work closely with other staff as part of a team in supporting the development of quality Crisis Support and instilling Hertfordshire Mind Network’s values throughout the provision.

Key Responsibilities

• To provide emotional support and work towards developing, flexible and realistic crisis/person-centred plans with Service Users.
• To work within agreed guidelines with and for Service Users, whilst being guided and supported by Senior Staff (as well as the Leadership team) in regard to documents/plans such as: Assessments of Need, Risk, Crisis support plans and Review forms.
• (If applicable) To draw upon one’s own lived experience as appropriate, as to promote the delivery of person-centred support.
• To provide immediate and appropriate advice and information to clients as to support with crisis prevention.
• To liaise with Nightlight management and external services such as: police, ambulance service, Crisis Resolution Home Treatment Team, Single Point of Access, Safeguarding Out of Hours Service, Mental Health Liaison Teams, Adult Community Mental health Services, etc. as needed in terms of accepting referrals and proactively recognising the indicators of deteriorating mental health and facilitating appropriate support.
• Complete appropriate signposting/onward referrals to both internal and external services in accordance with identified needs and risks.
• Ensuring record keeping is maintained to the required standards at all times and contributing to service monitoring requirements.
• Arranging transport for service users to facilitate access to services as needed.
• Assisting with housekeeping/cleaning tasks as necessary and reporting any maintenance problems in line with policy and Health and Safety standards.
• Support clients with activities of daily living as required.
• To participate in all Training and Development opportunities relevant to the role and those included in one’s Personal Development Plan, as agreed with line manager.
• To contribute to the co-development of the service by supporting Service User, Family and Carer involvement by obtaining feedback and supporting (where necessary) opportunities to be involved in wider service reviews.

We offer:

• Annual leave entitlement of 25 days per year pro rata, rising in increments to a max. of 29 days after 5 years employment (plus 8 days Bank Holidays)
• An additional day of leave each year for your birthday following completion of probation period.
• Ongoing training relevant to your role.
• An Employee Assistance Programme.
• Eligibility for blue light card.
• Health cover (after 6 months employment) – compensation payment for Optical, Dental, Chiropody and Therapy Treatments.

Closing date: 31st December 2024
Interviews to be held 16th January 2025. 

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from all suitably-qualified candidates, irrespective of gender, disability, marital or parental status, racial, ethnic or social origin, colour, religion, belief, or sexual orientation. In addition, during the various stages of recruitment, specific measures can be taken to ensure equal opportunities for candidates with disabilities or special needs.

Hertfordshire Mind Network is committed to the Disability Confident and Mindful Employer charters. We actively recruit staff who have a lived experience of mental ill health. We recognise and value the unique combination of skills, knowledge and perspective that employing people with a lived experience, at all levels across the organisation, brings. We create an environment where the sharing of experiences and vulnerabilities to support others and create positive change is welcomed and work towards breaking down the ‘them’ and ‘us’ culture. The organisation is committed to nurturing peer relationships that allow all staff to thrive.

No agencies please.

Are you passionate about fashion or furniture and want to make a difference through your work? We are looking for a dynamic and experienced Store Manager to join our team, focusing on driving sales while supporting our charitable mission.

About the Role:

As the Flagship Store Manager, you will play a key role in supporting our Retail Manager to maximise sales and ensure the smooth operation of our retail business. You’ll be part of an enthusiastic Retail team that values collaboration, innovation, and a shared commitment to positive change.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist the Retail Manager in achieving sales targets and operational goals.
• Lead, inspire, and manage a dedicated team, including staff and volunteers.
• Ensure exceptional customer service and a welcoming store environment.
• Manage inventory, merchandising, and store presentation to align with brand standards.
• Oversee daily store operations, including cash handling, reporting, and compliance.
• Contribute to marketing initiatives and community engagement efforts.

About You:

• Experience: Previous experience in a store management role within the fashion or furniture industry is essential.
• Skills: Strong leadership skills with proven line management experience. Experience managing volunteers is highly desirable.
• Attitude: Positive, proactive, and passionate about driving change. A “can-do” attitude and optimism for the future are a must.
• Passion: Enthusiasm for fashion, furniture, and making a positive impact through charity-focused work.

Why Join Us?

• Training: Additional training and development opportunities will be provided.
• Team: Join a friendly and supportive team that is dedicated to making a difference.
• Impact: Be part of a company that values its people and their contributions to both business and community.

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career and share our passion for fashion and positive change, we’d love to hear from you!

How to Apply:

Please submit your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would be a great fit for this role.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for supporter care and ideally have prior experience in a donor support role or experience in customer service, administration as well as data entry. You will be looking for 37.5 hours a week and have the ability to work flexibly including some evenings and weekends to support at our charity or donor events. 

Main duties of the job

This is an integral role which aspires to give our supporters the best possible experience on their fundraising journey with the aim of building long term relationships. The role will take a lead on Supporter Care with all donors for the charity team, acting as a helpful and knowledgeable “front-line face” for patients, families, staff and volunteers.

Key duties: 

- Manage the start and end of the stewardship journey for all donors and fundraisers by dealing with all enquiries through email, post or phone or face to face at the office ensuring that we meet the best standards of donor care 

 - Manage post and charity office filing system and the banking and thanking process 

- Maintain relationships through regular contact with donors throughout their fundraising journey offering any support or guidance needed to maximise their giving

- Act as a dynamic presence, leading and recruiting volunteers, community groups and small companies to organise fundraisers for our charity

- Build fantastic connections with patients, NHS staff, volunteers and our wider community to recruit new donors, fundraisers, volunteers and charity champions

- Support in growing the number of supporters playing the hospital lottery and those giving through our hospital ‘giving plaques

- Support all fundraising activity and represent the charity at events

- Manage and maintain the CRM system (donorfy) which includes entering all donor data including financial transactions and communications 

- Send updates to supporters to retain and increase life-time value and reactivate lapsed donors

- Send donation reports to the charity team

- Make suggestions on how to improve supporter care and implement these ideas

- To recruit and manage office based volunteers

About the organisation 

We currently raise between £1-2m a year for East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust which has four sites local to Hertfordshire, including the Lister Hospital (Stevenage) and Mount Vernon Cancer Centre (North London). We are proud to raise funds to enhance the care provided by our wonderful clinical colleagues and to contribute to a positive patient experience. We also support a number of wellbeing initiatives to support our staff. Working for the NHS offers a fantastic benefits package, including a generous pension, agenda for change pay progression, 27 days leave plus bank holidays and flexible working.

Our Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion

We help patients, families and staff from every background and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents the hospital community that we support. If you share our passion for our cause and are motivated by our aims to bring in funds to make a difference across our hospitals, we’d love to hear from you.

Please note- if the candidates we are looking for apply we may bring our scheduled interviews early and close any further applications so don't leave sending in your application too late if you are interested in the post. 

The Events and Fundraising Assistant helps to improve, develop and organise our events, including the London Legal Walk, Great Legal Bake, Great Legal Quiz and many more across London and the South East. They work to maintain contact with our wide network of dedicated supporters, keeping our database up-to-date with contact and event information. They update our website and produce content for printed materials to promote our events programme, and assist with the recruitment and management of volunteers.

Main duties and responsibilities (see recruitment pack for more detail)

• Organising events
• Improve and maintain website and online presence
• Administrative duties
• General support

About you

Essential criteria

• Enthusiasm for the cause and our work; commitment to social justice and equal opportunities for all
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including written and oral communications skills
• Confidence with IT including Microsoft Office suite
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work well under pressure; strong organisational skills to work in a busy environment with competing demands
• Proven ability to communicate with a wide range of people and to liaise effectively with other organisations
• Highly motivated, with ability to work on own initiative and as part of a small team
• Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills
• Professional, reliable and responsible
• Ability to work outside office hours as required (with time off in lieu), particularly in the build up to events, on the days of events and in other busy periods
• A positive attitude to problem solving and finding new solutions

Benefits

• 25 day of annual leave (pro-rata for part time) plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time). Allowance increases due to years of service to 27 days for 2+ years, 29 days for 4+ years and 31 for 6+ years.
• 5% Employer pension contribution
• Hybrid working
• Flexible working options
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Continuing professional development opportunities

How to apply:

To apply for this role, click the ‘quick apply’ button and submit a copy of your CV with a covering letter of no more than two pages of A4, describing how you meet the requirements of the role and the criteria outlined in the person specification. Please read the Recruitment Pack for full details before applying.

Recruitment timeline:

Closing date: 10am, 02 December 2024

Please note applications will be considered on a rolling basis and we may close for applications in advance of the above date if a suitable appointment is made. 

The successful appointment is subject to satisfactory written references and right to work checks.

Location: HMP Rochester
Salary: £16,550 (£27,584 FTE)
Hours: 21 hours (3 days a week)
Department: Prison delivery
Job Type: Part time
Contract Type: Permanent

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy levels amongst people in prison?

Shannon Trust are delighted to be working with His Majesty’s Prison & Probation Service (HMPPS) to provide peer-led learning programmes at HMP Rochester. Working closely with the prison and their staff, people in prison, Shannon Trust volunteers and mentors, this post will lead the delivery and development of our prison-based reading and numeracy programme, maximising opportunities for people in prison to learn to read.

Ideally you will have some experience of prison settings underpinned by the ability to build relationships and personal qualities that include resilience, determination and a problem-solving approach.

The role will be prison-based. Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme. The biggest benefit though is our culture – our people really want to work for the organisation.

We welcome job applications from people with lived experience of the criminal justice system and do not routinely ask for details of any criminal convictions. These roles do require prison security clearance, so we will need to ask for details of any relevant criminal convictions before an offer of employment is finalised.

Interviews are planned for 10th January 2025.

Benefits: Standard Shannon Trust: Employee benefits include a company contribution to pension scheme of up to 5%, 30 days holiday plus bank holidays, life insurance, paid volunteering days, discounts via Reward Gateway and an Employee Assistance Programme.

REF-218 344

Benefits

We value our team’s wellbeing, and in order to support it, we offer a number of benefits, including:

• 25 days annual leave per year plus bank holidays (pro-rated for part time hours)
• A bonus day of leave for your birthday
• 3% matched pension contribution
• Access to Rising Sun’s counselling service
• Clinical supervision
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Health care cash plan for you and your children for a number of health treatments (e.g. dental, optical, physiotherapy etc.) as well as discounts in shops and attractions
• Up to four weeks sick pay in any 12 month period (eligible after probation period)

OVERVIEW

Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service (Rising Sun) is an independent charity in Kent working to prevent domestic abuse and improve the lives of survivors and their children suffering from its effects. We have an ambitious vision for a world in which women and children live free from actual or threatened domestic abuse and all forms of violence.

Our team provide a range of services to adults and children who’ve experienced domestic abuse. We understand the impact of domestic abuse on survivors and so we listen to individual needs and respond in a trauma informed way. We provide one-to-one support and also deliver therapeutically informed group programmes to help survivors to recognise healthy/unhealthy behaviours in relationships and to understand the impact of domestic abuse. Bringing survivors together validates experiences and enables them to draw strength from one another.

As part of our passionate and committed team of approximately 50 staff, our aspiration is that you will thrive and develop in this varied role. You will be contributing to the invaluable work of the Rising Sun and making a lasting difference to the lives of those who are impacted by domestic abuse.

JOB PURPOSE

Liberty House provides housing and support for up to 5 homeless young women aged 16-24 who are single, pregnant or have a young child and have experienced domestic abuse.

The support worker will be required to take on key-working responsibilities for the residents at Liberty House, as well as delivering other support work within the house and within the wider Liberty team. This could be related to pregnancy and parenting, life skills, psychoeducational support, understanding healthy relationships and building supportive peer relationships within the home, and supporting them to live independently.

The post holder will work to provide a secure, stable and homely environment and to act as a positive role model to residents. They will build professional and supportive relationships with residents and colleagues.

The project works to empower residents, providing them with information relating to their rights and enabling them to make decisions based on their options using a trauma informed approach.

As a member of the Liberty Team (16 – 24 year olds), the successful applicant will work collaboratively with the rest of the Children and Young People’s team, as well as the wider Rising Sun team to support other programmes delivered within the organisation.

MAIN DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Service Delivery

• Provide holistic, trauma informed, practical and emotional support to residents of Liberty House through regular 1-2-1 sessions. Develop individual support plans, which address any practical and emotional needs the resident may have, such as accessing benefits, life skills and perform risk assessments where needed.
• Organise and deliver group sessions that focus on life skills and strengthening relationships.
• Encourage the residents in positive parenting.
• Manage relationships within the house, act as a conciliator, arbitrator and reconciler in disputes between residents.
• Ensure residents adhere to house rules.
• Assist with the day to day general running of the house and office, to ensure they are fit for purpose and safe for team members and residents.
• Conduct safety checks around the house. Ensure all faults/repairs are reported and that the Health and Safety Policy is adhered to at all times.
• Comply with organisational policies and procedures and adhere to confidentiality.
• Work effectively in partnership with other agencies.
• Work within our ethos of Equality, Diversity and Inclusion at all times and instil these values in all areas of work, with service users, staff and external stakeholders.
• Encourage residents’ participation in service development, continuous improvement and feedback exercises
• Maintain up to date and accurate records and ensure reports and evaluations are completed as required.
• Be willing and available to work some evenings and weekends as required, as part of a rota for Liberty House team members, and also occasionally to support wider team activities such as representing Rising Sun at events (time off in lieu can be taken by arrangement with your line manager).
• Represent Rising Sun at multi-agency meetings as required.

General

• Demonstrate a commitment to continued professional development, being responsible for personal learning and keeping up to date on research, relevant legislation, policy and practice, and other literature relevant to the role.
• Uphold the rights of women, children and young people who have experienced domestic abuse, and proactively assess the gender specific, trauma informed needs and  the safety of children and women to ensure that any risks/needs identified are addressed, having full regard to Rising Sun Safeguarding Children policy and Safeguarding Adults policy.
• Lone working as required.
• Participate in clinical supervision, training and meetings as required.
• Work across teams and undertake such other duties, appropriate to the grade and nature of the work, as may reasonably be expected.

This job description sets out the duties of the post at the time when it was drawn up and will be reviewed from time to time. Duties may vary from time to time without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Such variations are a common occurrence and cannot of themselves justify a reconsideration of the grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Knowledge and qualifications

• Good understanding of antenatal and postnatal care.
• Good understanding of effective parenting, particularly for parents of young babies.
• Good understanding of the impact of domestic violence and trauma on survivors, children and young people, families and communities. 
• Knowledge of issues affecting survivors, and an understanding of the barriers they may face in accessing support.
• Thorough knowledge of safeguarding practice, procedures and legislation.
• Good understanding of the operation of the agencies working together to support survivors and their children such as social services, housing, police etc.

Experience

• Experience of working with young children and/ or babies and their mothers
• Experience of supporting women with life skills/ developing confidence
• Experience of multi-agency partnership work
• Experience of working alongside volunteers (Desirable)
• Experience of working with survivors affected by domestic and/ or sexual abuse (Desirable)
• Experience of facilitating group programmes (Desirable)
• Experience of working for a charity or not for profit organisation. (Desirable)

Skills

• Excellent listening, written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to form positive relationships with residents from a wide range of backgrounds and life experiences in order to build professional and supportive relationships
• Ability to work closely with young parents and their babies
• Ability to help residents in the creative use of leisure time with a view to building relationships and social skills
• Non-judgemental and non-directive approach to empowering survivors along with the ability to understand the individual needs of clients.
• Ability to manage conflict and to promote resolution.
• Ability to work well with colleagues, statutory and non-statutory agencies and responsibly on own initiative.
• Good task management skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure and to deadlines.
• Good data collection, monitoring and IT skills, including word processing and using databases and Excel spreadsheets.

General

• Able to set clear boundaries and a willingness to accept line management and make effective use of clinical supervision.
• A good understanding and commitment to confidentiality, safe practice and health and safety procedures.
• A good understanding of cultural issues, and commitment to anti-discriminatory practice and equal opportunities.
• Able to travel independently across East Kent where necessary to attend meetings.
• Willingness to carry out the policies and procedures of the Rising Sun and to work within its framework and core values.

Equal Opportunities Statement

Rising Sun is an equal opportunities employer. We recognise intersecting identities, and value what having a diverse team brings, both in terms of effectively responding to client needs, and engaging with each other at work. We encourage applicants from all sections of the community; especially from minority groups/groups with a protected characteristic such as B.A.M.E., who are currently underrepresented at Rising Sun. We are disability-friendly, and flexible working is available in the majority of roles. We strive to offer accommodations to all applicants who need them.

Safeguarding Statement

Rising Sun is committed to safeguarding those we provide a service to. The successful candidate will be required to undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, a ‘right to work check’ in accordance with UK government Home Office guidelines, and to provide two references.

We request no contact from agencies or media sales please.

Key Tasks & Responsibilities

1 To hold a caseload of families who need early intervention support, providing those families with more intensive support including regular telephone calls, home visits, signposting and attending meetings and appointments with them

2 Provide information, advice and support to parents/carers of disabled children individually and in group sessions

3 Signpost parents/carers to appropriate services for their whole family provided by the statutory sector, voluntary sector and Umbrella

4 Supporting parents/carers to access and engage with services as appropriate

5 To work closely with other members of the family support team, ensuring a smooth handover of families as they finish the intensive support phase of their journey with Umbrella

6 Develop and maintain strong and effective working relationships with staff working with disabled children and their families employed by other local agencies

7 Develop a high level of knowledge of local services

8 Facilitate support groups across the area for our early intervention service, taking account of geographical and community issues

9 Supporting and directing volunteers to provide peer support and help with group activities

10 Collating and reporting on relevant statistical and other performance information

11 Working with parents/carers to continually improve the service. 

General Responsibilities

1 Manage and organise your own time and activities to ensure tasks are prioritised, and agreed deadlines are met

2 Assist with the marketing and promotion of the service

3 Work closely with Parent /Carer Forums and Information, Advice Support Services.

4 Take an active part in continuing to develop own knowledge and skills relevant to the job, attending training as required

5 Keep clear and comprehensive case notes

6 Maintain confidentiality

7 Support parents/carers and young people to express their views

8 Work with parents to identify and develop new ways of providing effective support to parents, including the use of ICT and social media

9 To contribute to Umbrella service reports and bulletins.

Other Requirements

In accordance with relevant legislation, to take all reasonable care of your health, safety, and welfare and that of other people and premises affected by your work

In discharging the duties and responsibilities set out in the job description to ensure compliance with Equal Opportunities policies and principles.

In order to achieve the objectives of Umbrella, the post holder will need to work flexibly, including out of hours

We are seeking an experienced and enthusiastic Youth Engagement worker, to join our Somewhere For Us Service team. The role of the service is to ensure that children and young people feel supported on their grief journey.  The service is co-designed with our Youth Advisory Group.  The support is provided through a range of group and 1-1 supports, including Understanding Your Child’s Bereavement online sessions for parents, group support and activities for children and young people and 1-1 support, grief ally/buddy etc.

Workshops are delivered in the community to individuals and groups who work with children and young people, to help increase their skills and knowledge on how to effectively support children and young people going through a bereavement. 

The Somewhere For Us Service supports bereaved children and young people aged 8 – 25.  It is funded to June 2027, through the National Lottery Community Fund Empowering Young People funding stream.

There are 2 posts, each for 32 hours per week, one based in our Foyle office and one in Belfast office.  You will be responsible for the delivery of a range of bereavement support to children, young people, families and communities across the Western and Northern Trust Areas (Foyle), Belfast, Southern and South Eastern Trust Areas (Belfast) and wider NI, if required.  Ability to travel independently across NI to fulfil the role is essential.

You will receive training in bereavement support and have access to high quality CPD.

Criminal Record Checks

All employees are required to complete a Criminal Record check. Employees working directly with clients will be required to complete an enhanced check. We comply with the relevant codes of practice and they can be viewed online: 

· Applicants in Northern Ireland: AccessNI Code of Practice

Previous convictions will not prevent full consideration of your application to work with Cruse. Our Recruitment of Ex-offenders' Policy & Handling Criminal Record Check Data Policy are available on request by email.

We comply with all relevant data protection legislation and process your data fairly.