Peer Support Worker Jobs

The Hepatitis C Trust has developed projects nationally whereby peers use their lived experience of injecting drug use and hepatitis C, to provide education and training to service users and staff in drug and alcohol, hostel and homeless services, increasing hepatitis C awareness, access to testing and referral to treatment, for people living with hepatitis C. 

Do you have experience of working in drug or other community services and with volunteers? Have you been affected by hepatitis C, or have you supported anyone who has hepatitis C?

We are looking for a passionate and skilled peer lead who has excellent communication and organisational skills.

Working under the guidance of the Peer Programme Manager and as part of the wider team programme to eliminate hepatitis C, the Peer Support Lead will provide volunteer peer support, coordinate the delivery of educational workshops, promote and provide hepatitis C testing and prevention interventions across community settings, and ensure that patients are supported throughout hepatitis C treatment and care.

This post will require extensive travel across the region and it’s desirable the post holder holds a clean driving licence and have their own vehicle for work related travel.

About the role

Do you have lived experience of mental health difficulties? Are you able to inspire hope and belief for others that recovery is possible?

Peer support workers use their own lived experience of mental health problems to support, inspire and accompany patients on their recovery journey. You might meet people for a coffee and a chat in an informal setting, go for walks, help people to join groups, accompany them on a bus or train for an appointment, or anything else that will help them meet their goals to improve wellbeing.

You will work in the primary care mental health team at Coastal Medical Partnership, a network of GP surgeries in New Milton, Barton-on-Sea and Lymington. The team works with patients with mild or moderate mental health difficulties. The team includes a GP, mental health practitioners and Solent Mind wellbeing assessors. You will consider together which patients under the care of the team would be suitable for peer support as part of their recovery.

Hours: 22.5 hours per week.

About you

Tell us in your supporting statement how you meet the person specifications found in the job description. We are especially interested to hear how you can use your lived experience of mental health difficulties to help others in their recovery journey.

About us

We're Solent Mind! We’re part of a network of over 100 Local Minds who tailor trusted mental health services to our communities. We set our own strategies and partnerships and rely on the support of our brilliant local fundraisers.

We collaborate with Mind to make sure their pioneering campaigns, information and research make a difference in Hampshire. Together, we make better mental health possible both locally and nationally.

Benefits 

Our Gold Award for Workplace Wellbeing Index 2022/2023 and being a Mindful Employer reflects our commitment to our lively, friendly teams. We empower our people to have a voice, discover new opportunities and develop their careers. In addition to knowing you’re making a difference, you’ll also enjoy excellent benefits, including:

• Flexible working to promote a healthy work/life balance
• 25 days’ annual leave rising incrementally to 30 days per year (pro rata for part-time)
• Pension plan
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Season ticket and cycle-to-work scheme

If you’re ready to join the fight for mental health, visit our website to find out more and apply.  

Closing date: Monday 6 January 2025.

Interview date to be confirmed.

Posts may be subject to a relevant DBS check.

Solent Mind welcomes applications from all the communities in which we work. Appointments are made on merit.

Registered Charity No: 1081116. Registered with Limited Liability in England and Wales No: 4004500.

Crisis is the national charity for people experiencing homelessness. In 2024 we embarked on our new 10-year strategy for ending homelessness. We know it is not inevitable. We know together we can end it.

This role offers an exciting opportunity to join our London Wide service as a member of Crisis’ Housing First team. Working across London the team delivers person-centred, flexible, open-ended packages of support, advice and assistance to people who are/have been homeless for many years and who have been multiply excluded from services.

Location: Based at Crisis Skylight London, 50 – 52 Commercial Street, E1 6LT with a possibility to work from home in line with Crisis’ Hybrid Working Policy. This role would require you to travel around London doing outreach.

About the role 

As a Housing First Peer Support Worker will deliver high quality peer support in line with Housing First principles. You will establish open and trusting relationships with people who are and have been homeless, enabling them to access and sustain accommodation and enable exercise choice and control over their lives.

About you 

To be successful in this role you will be able to deliver non-judgmental, peer support using your own lived experience of substance use and/or alcohol dependency to support and empower people with long histories of homelessness and who are multiply excluded. 

We are looking for someone who’s values and behaviours align with Housing First’s key principles and can work in a non-judgemental way. You will understand how traumatic experiences can impact a person’s wellbeing and will support members to focus on their strengths, goals, and aspirations.

Please see the full Job Pack linked below, for a full list of requirements for this role. We realise that long lists of criteria can be daunting, and you may not want to apply for a role unless you feel 100% qualified. However, if you feel you have relevant examples to answer the screening questions, we encourage you to apply.

We believe diversity is a strength, and our aim is to make sure that Crisis truly reflects the communities we serve. We are actively working towards our organisation being a place where everyone can thrive and make their best contribution to our mission of ending homelessness for good. We know that the more perspectives, voices, and experiences we can bring to this work, the better. We particularly welcome applications from people who have lived experience of homelessness, and people from all marginalised groups, communities, and backgrounds. 

Working at Crisis 

Our values, Bold, Impactful, Collaborative and Equitable, are at the heart of everything we do as we continue in our mission to end homelessness.

Our staff, members and volunteers are vital to getting the right government policies in place, providing breakthrough services, and building a supportive community. We’ll lead by example to nurture a positive and ambitious workplace guided by ending homelessness.  

As a member of the team, you will have access to a wide range of employee benefits including: 

• A competitive salary. Please note, our salaries are fixed to counter inequity and we do not negotiate at offer stage.
• Interest free loans for travel season ticket, cycle to work, and deposit to secure a tenancy. 
• Pension scheme with an employer contribution of 8.5% 
• 28 days’ annual leave (pro rata) which increases with service to 31 days and the option to purchase up to 10 additional days leave. 
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, shared parental, and adoption pay.
• Flexible working around the core hours 10am-4pm 
• Wellbeing Leave to be used flexibly 
• And more! (Full list of benefits available on website) 

Alongside our excellent staff benefits, we will support your ongoing development to build your skills, experience, and career. 

When you join us, you will have the opportunity to join our staff diversity networks, which aim to champion issues across the organisation, enable staff to be their authentic and best selves and contribute to making Crisis a truly diverse organisation.

How do I apply? 

Please click on the 'Apply for Job' button below. Our shortlisting process is anonymised as part of our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. We do not ask for CVs, instead we ask you complete the work history section and answer the screening questions for us to be able to assess you fairly and objectively. At least two members of staff score all applications.

Closing date: Sunday 12 January 2025 23:55

Interview date and location: Wednesday 22 January 2025 in person at Crisis Skylight London, 50 – 52 Commercial Street, E1 6LT

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology for my application?
We strongly discourage applicants from using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. This is so we can run a fair, transparent process which gives all applicants an equitable chance of success. We want to hear about your own experience and perspectives in your application and if shortlisted, during the interview too.

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Peer Support Outreach Worker (Serious Mental Illness)
Post no: 623
Location: Milton Keynes
Contract type: 12 Month Contract
Hours: 12 hours per week (Mon, Tue, Thurs hours TBC)
Salary: £23,088 per annum, FTE (actual salary £7,488 per annum)

We are searching for new Peer Support Workers with lived experience to join our new peer support service. The role involves facilitating Peer Support groups to enable and support individuals with Serious Mental Illness.

Our peer support and recovery services are a key element of the services we offer, and we are looking for someone who can use their own lived experiences to provide support to help individuals achieve their goals. If you feel like you would be suitable for this role, we can’t wait to hear from you.

Service Delivery

• Facilitate Peer Support groups to enable and support individuals with Serious Mental Illness to get their 6 physical health checks and in turn, achieve the service’s KPIs.
• One to one navigation to enable and support individuals with Serious Mental Illness to get their 6 physical health checks and in turn, achieve the service’s KPIs.
• Where appropriate, support clients to access other services within Mind BLMK.
• Encourage and support client engagement with Mind BLMK through the influence and participation process, Guarantor Membership, and training opportunities.
• Identify and build good working relationships with Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust, community groups, relevant services and activities for partnership work and signposting as well as keep updated information about them.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Mind BLMK team and relevant key post holders.
• Contribute to maintaining an effective volunteer workforce for the service in line with Mind BLMK’s HR policies, procedures and guidance (workload planning and support).
• Carry out Cash Handling, Health and Safety and Data Collection responsibilities as directed by the Team Leader in line with Mind BLMK’s policies, procedures, requirements and guidance.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Westfield Health Plan – includes access to everyday healthcare and indemnifies towards the cost of routine health care.
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm on Tuesday 7th January 2025
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

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.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

We are looking for people to deliver our Being Dad programme of peer support for expectant and new dads, or those with parental responsibilities, in the perinatal period (pregnancy to two years). 

As a Sessional Project Worker, you will help co-facilitate our ‘Being Dad’ groups and drop-in sessions with our peer support volunteers. Within these groups, you will provide a safe space for men to share their experiences and the challenges that come during the first years of parenthood.

This is an exciting role offering the opportunity to be involved in frontline delivery of groups, as well as using your own lived experience to input into development of the project.

You will be an effective communicator with experience of delivering groups or workshops. Your exceptional organisation skills will support the successful delivery of the project and ensure that it is evaluated effectively.

We particularly want to hear from men from a range of backgrounds and those who have supported a partner through perinatal mental health issues.

We ask that you:

• have good communication skills and group facilitation experience.
• appreciate the pressures and stresses facing men during pregnancy and as new parents.
• are reliable, consistent and dependable.

Points to note:

• This role will involve travel across the borough Greenwich, with the option of also attending groups in Bromley and Lewisham.
• Groups may take place on weekday and Saturday mornings in community venues, and online in the evenings.
• You must be available to deliver full four-week programmes.

Closing date: Thursday 9th January (11:59pm)

Interview date: Tuesday 21st January

Successful applicants will be expected to undergo an Enhanced Level Disclosure and Barring Service check.

About Us

SEL Mind supports people with mental health problems and dementia in the boroughs of Bromley, Greenwich, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark. We are proud of our diverse workforce and know that our organisation is made stronger by the variety of backgrounds, experience, and ideas within it. We promote a culture of inclusion and representation, and are working hard to build a workforce that even better reflects the communities we support.

SEL Mind is somewhere that you can be your authentic self without fear of discrimination on the grounds of ethnicity, sexual orientation, disability, neurodivergence, gender, age, lived experience of mental health problems or anything else that’s part of who you are.

Read more about staff benefits and why staff love working here on our website.

Do you want to make a positive difference to the lives of others

Barnet Mencap has been improving the lives of individuals with learning disabilities and/or autism in the London Borough of Barnet for over 50 years. Our services include supported accommodation, leisure activities, learning programs, and expert guidance, all focused on equal opportunities and safeguarding. We are committed to supporting people to live fulfilling and independent lives.

The Role of the PEW is to gather feedback from current service users of forensic inpatient secure hospital services and ultimately improve conditions for the patients.

In order for the PEWs to carry out their role, we are looking for someone to provide them support.

The Support Worker will assist a Peer Engagement Worker who is employed by Barnet Mencap in collaboration with the North London Forensic Collaborative (NLFC).

We are looking for someone who is caring and compassionate, non-judgemental and organised

The post holder will need to be able to build a rapport with their client, ensure they arrive for work in a timely and safe manner, are able to record their findings and decompress after being on the ward.
the post holder would need to liaise with both staff at Barnet Mencap, the NLFC as well as the Peer Workers support team.

The Peer Engagement Worker has a learning disability and/or autism and will independently travel to Barnet Mencap’s office. The Support Worker’s role will focus on assisting with travel to and from two psychiatric forensic hospitals: Chase Farm Hospital and the John Howard Centre, ensuring a safe and comfortable journey

The Worker Support Centre (WSC) is a Scotland based charity that promotes decent work and prevents exploitation. We support marginalised and isolated workers in labour sectors where there is a high risk of abuse and exploitation. We work in partnership with workers to build power to secure and advance workplace rights. We prevent human trafficking for forced labour by acting to reduce the risks of worker exploitation. WSC values include: respect for human rights, representation, transparency, equality and innovation. 

WSC support includes advice, mediation, advocacy and assisted reporting to enforcement agencies. Our worker engagement informs policy change activity to address harms faced by those in high-risk work. In 2023 and 2024 WSC activities were targeted at workers in seasonal agriculture on the UK Seasonal Worker visa (SWV). During this time, we provided advice, support, and information to 1031 people in relation to the SWV. 

About the role

This role is focussed on advancing seasonal agricultural workers’ rights by supporting WSC’s peer engagement work including actively conducting outreach to workers and facilitating worker education and power sessions. In this role you will support WSC meet two of its four core objectives to work together with workers to claim spaces for power and representation in decision making; and to build the field of knowledge about workers and their experiences to influence policy. This role will work closely together with our Peer Engagement team and Outreach Caseworkers.

WSC strives to achieve representation of individuals with lived experience of the issues on which we work at all levels of our organisation and actively promote applications from individuals with experience of the issues on which we work. For this role we would especially welcome applications from individuals with experience of working in seasonal agriculture.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Peer engagement and outreach

· To conduct social engagement and outreach activities in person and remotely.

· To contribute to the development of WSC’s programme of activities to build worker solidarity.

· To ensure that those in need of support access WSC’s Casework service, and/or are signposted to available services, including legal advice.

· To contribute to and translate information for communication with workers, on their rights and entitlements and to support WSC Worker Power work.

· To monitor and respond to email, phone and message enquiries from workers.

· Support workers to access external services when needed

· Liaising with community and civil society organisations to build strong community networks

Participation

· Support participatory analysis workshops with workers to jointly analyse concerns articulated in order to establish standards workers would like to see upheld for seasonal workers.

· Actively support workers to engage in advocacy, including by providing worker-centred briefings on advocacy processes and meetings, ensuring meaningful participation and leadership by workers.

· Engage with workers via social media and other online tools, through clear communications outputs.

General

· Support the whole organisation goal to integrate workers in all our work at all levels of the organisation.

Person Specification

1) KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Understanding of how NGOs operate, and knowledge of the issues on which WSC works: labour rights, migrant rights, organising, anti-trafficking and human rights.
• Experience in worker organising, engaging with workers and upholding labour rights.

2) QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree level in public policy, law, or human rights or equivalent experience.
• A valid UK Driving license

3) EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

•  Experience in labour organising or worker support - 2 years
• Experience of engaging with people with lived experience of the issues on which the organisation works and ensuring they are involved in decision-making processes - 1 year
• Use of equipment and case recording systems & Standard Microsoft Office suite - 1 year
• Fluency in English (verbal and written)
• Working competence in Russian and/or a Central Asian language
• Experience of work in a precarious labour sector (eg seasonal agriculture, social care, or other)
• Experience of work in seasonal agriculture
• Experience of developing and facilitating workshops/educational events- 1 year
• Experience of facilitating public outreach sessions/events - 1 year 
• Experience of building and developing relationships with community and civil society organisations - 1 year
• Experience of communication to wide audiences via a range of social media platforms (eg Tik-tok, Instagram, Telegram, X, Bluesky) - 2 years

4. PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Enthusiastic and committed to advancing workers’ rights.
• Empathy with workers in high-risk labour sectors and the work of WSC.
• Strong work ethic: A self-starter with high-energy levels, ability to use own initiative, prioritise, make decisions and implement them, function to deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative and respectful relationships across the organisation and with workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required, to travel and spend occasional nights away from home. 
• Sound understanding of equal opportunities, data protection and confidentiality. 

The outreach work WSC undertakes is based in Scotland and therefore you will need to be based in Scotland.

Applications to consist of a CV and supporting statement no longer than one side of A4 outlining how you meet the skills and experience required

The Worker Support Centre (WSC) is a Scotland based charity that promotes decent work and prevents exploitation. We support marginalised and isolated workers in labour sectors where there is a high risk of abuse and exploitation. We work in partnership with workers to build power to secure and advance workplace rights. We prevent human trafficking for forced labour by acting to reduce the risks of worker exploitation. WSC values include: respect for human rights, representation, transparency, equality and innovation. 

WSC support includes advice, mediation, advocacy and assisted reporting to enforcement agencies. Our worker engagement informs policy change activity to address harms faced by those in high-risk work. In 2023 and 2024 WSC activities were targeted at workers in seasonal agriculture on the UK Seasonal Worker visa (SWV). During this time, we provided advice, support, and information to 1031 people in relation to the SWV. WSC is now embarking on a new project to engage workers in health and social care to advance care workers’ rights through worker education and power sessions. 

About the role

This role is focussed on advancing care workers’ rights by supporting WSC’s peer engagement work including actively conducting outreach to workers and facilitating worker education and power sessions. In this role you will support WSC meet two of its four core objectives to work together with workers to claim spaces for power and representation in decision making; and to build the field of knowledge about workers and their experiences to influence policy. This role also includes handling a small caseload, providing health and social care workers with information, support and impartial advice with any issues that may arise during outreach or sessions.  This role will work closely together with our Peer Engagement team and Outreach Caseworker.

WSC strives to achieve representation of individuals with lived experience of the issues on which we work at all levels of our organisation and actively promotes applications from individuals with experience of the issues on which we work. For this role we would especially welcome applications from individuals with experience of working in the health and social care sector.  

NB A Basic Disclosure Check is required for this role.

Main tasks and responsibilities

Peer engagement and outreach

· To develop, together with WSC’s Peer Engagement team, a programme of outreach and engagement to workers in social care.

· To conduct social engagement and outreach activities in person and remotely.

· To contribute to the development of WSC’s programme of activities to build worker solidarity.

· To contribute to and translate information for communication with workers on their rights and entitlements and to support WSC Worker Power work.

· Liaising with community and civil society organisations to build strong community networks.

· To ensure that those in need of support access WSC’s Casework service, and/or are signposted to available services, including legal advice.

Casework

· To provide high-quality casework support around housing, debt and employment rights;

· To monitor and respond to email, phone and message enquiries from workers.

· To liaise with external services, including lawyers on legal advice sessions and make appointments for workers to access such advice.

· To support workers to navigate support and advice from external agencies;

· To record worker information using Advice Pro case management software.

Participation

· Support participatory analysis workshops with workers to jointly analyse concerns articulated in order to establish standards workers would like to see upheld for health and social care workers.

· Actively support workers to engage in advocacy, including by providing worker-centred briefings on advocacy processes and meetings, ensuring meaningful participation and leadership by workers.

· Engage with workers via social media and other online tools, through clear communications outputs.

General

· Support the whole organisation goal to integrate workers in all our work at all levels of the organisation.

Person Specification

1) KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

• Understanding of how NGOs operate and knowledge of the issues on which WSC works: labour rights, migrant rights, organising, anti-trafficking and human rights.
• Experience in worker organising, engaging with workers and upholding labour rights, or support provision to workers through casework.

2) QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree level in public policy, law, or human rights or equivalent experience.
• A valid UK Driving license

3) EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

•  Experience in labour organising or worker support - 2 years
• Experience of engaging with people with lived experience of the issues on which the organisation works and ensuring they are involved in decision-making processes - 1 year
• Use of equipment and case management systems & Standard Microsoft Office suite - 1 year
• Fluency in English (verbal and written)
• Working competence in at least one other language spoken by migrant social care workers (eg Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Bengali)
• Experience of work in a precarious sector (eg social care, agriculture, hospitality)
• Experience of work in social care
• Experience of handling a caseload and providing impartial, confidential advice - 1 year
• Experience of facilitating public outreach sessions/events - 1 year
• Experience of communication to wide audiences via a range of social media platforms (eg Tik-tok, Instagram, Telegram, X, Bluesky) - 2 years
• Experience of building and developing relationships with community and civil society organisations - 1 year 

4. PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Enthusiastic and committed to advancing workers’ rights.
• Empathy with workers in high-risk labour sectors and the work of WSC.
• Strong work ethic: A self-starter with high-energy levels, ability to use own initiative, prioritise, make decisions and implement them, function to deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative and respectful relationships across the organisation and with workers.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required, to travel and spend occasional nights away from home. 
• Sound understanding of equal opportunities, data protection and confidentiality.

The outreach work WSC undertakes is based in Scotland and therefore you will need to be based in Scotland.

Applications to consist of a CV and supporting statement no longer than one side of A4 outlining how you meet the skills and experience required.

We're looking for an experienced, creative, and passionate Senior Youth Worker to join our amazing team at Peer Power Youth. You'll be responsible for leading, delivering and evaluating young people’s involvement in our creative ‘voice and influence’ projects, where you will co-create and work alongside young people in secure settings and the community. You will also have the chance to lead on a specialist area of work within the team.

You’ll be working alongside Youth Worker colleagues to develop strong, trusted and caring relationships with a cohort of young people, and you will ensure that activities are co-created, creative, safe, inclusive, and develop the skills and expertise of the young people involved. This is an exciting role where you'll be out and about working right alongside young people and colleagues to make real change both on an individual and system level!

Please note applications will open on or around 9th January 2025 - please check back for how to apply!

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Behaviour Support Worker to join our Birchall Wood Service in Hertfordshire.

£27,352.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Specialist Behaviour Support Workers are responsible for supporting people with learning disabilities and behavioural needs to live full lives, develop skills and maintain their wellbeing.

We are looking for a specialist behavioural support worker of skilled, creative and experienced support workers to support one customer in her own home in Welwyn Garden City. Specialist Support Workers within Look Ahead are required to have either an extra dimension of experience or a higher qualification level as determined relevant for the particular post. Specialist Support Workers provide information, social inclusion and vocational opportunities to support people to recover and stay well; exercise choice and control in their care and lives; and participate on an equal footing in the community. Support is also provided to develop a model of re-enablement towards self-advocacy, self-management and empowerment, incorporating the principles and practice of recovery, co-production and peer support. This role must have an excellent value base to support the customer to build their life and develop their skills and passions as an independent person.

A full driving licence is required for this position.

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

What you'll do:

Supporting the customer to lead a full and active life and do things they enjoy, sensitively and persistently trying to new things to open new opportunities for the customer.
Developing the customer's independent living skills and involving them in aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning, and decorating.
Supporting the customer in their sensory routine, trialling and testing new sensory experiences.
Supporting the customer to communicate their wants and needs and develop new ways of doing this, communicating with them in a person-centred way.
Supporting the customer to manage their anxieties, using Positive Behaviour Support and Autism-specific approaches.
Collating a range of behavioural data and essential paperwork to be analysed within our local management structure.
Driving the customer's (manual) vehicle to support them to go about their daily life.
Communicating with a range of other key stakeholders including social work, psychology, and commissioning teams.
Acting in accordance with the policies and procedures of Look Ahead Care & Support plus those specific to the service including any statutory requirements.
Consistently reviewing the customer's life goals and their progress towards achieving them, in partnership with them and those important to them.
Supporting the customer with personal care.
Reporting any observations relating to customer welfare.
Maintaining records as required at the project.

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead

What you'll bring:
NVQ Level 2 or equivalent
Minimum 2 years of experience working with customers with Autism/Challenging Behaviour/learning disabilities
Driving licence and a willingness to drive as part of support duties
Experience of engaging vulnerable people with complex needs in meaningful activities.

About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 120 services, providing support to around 6000 customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values: We focus on Excellence and innovation. We are Caring and Compassionate. We are Inclusive and Trusted. We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date. We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Specialist Support Worker to join our Mental Health Service in Redbridge.

£29,500.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.

Want to feel like you're making a difference? You'll feel at home here.

Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.

Specialist Support Workers provide information, social inclusion, and vocational opportunities to support people to recover and stay well; exercise choice and control in their care and lives; and participate on an equal footing in the community. Support is also provided to develop a model of re-enablement towards self-advocacy, self-management and empowerment, incorporating the principles and practice of recovery, co-production and peer support.Specialist Support Workers within Look Ahead are required to have either an extra dimension of experience or a higher qualification level as determined relevant for the particular post.

Well House is a crisis house supported accommodation service that supports individuals for between 14 and 28 days as an alternative to requiring hospital admission for their mental health needs. The service works closely in partnership with a multi-disciplinary team in order to meet individual needs, manage risk and support individuals to achieve positive outcomes. The service operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to ensure members of the local community are able to access critical mental health support at all hours. The service receives referrals primarily from a local hospital emergency department and crisis lines, and may receive these referrals at anytime of day or night.

This role involves shift working including weekends, evenings and bank holidays.

All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.

What you'll do:

Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
Carrying out holistic assessments of new customers which incorporate relevant statutory referral information
Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
Create support plans for providing appropriate services based on on-going assessment and reflecting the services and resources available to enable customer to progress in their recovery
Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking
Provide support and access to relevant services to enable customers to continue their recovery and empower customers to self-manage their medication regimes through individual re-enablement programmes and informed decision making
Undertake support work in partnership with external stakeholders to compliment their interventions

About you:

Plans and encourages involvement in local activities.
Approachable and open behaviour
Prefers working as part of a group or team
Is fundamentally calm and emotionally resilient in the face of challenging situations
Confident in the completion of regular paperwork and is well organised
Flexible
Open to feedback and self development
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments

What you'll bring:

Essential:

Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience supporting people with their mental health

Specialist knowledge relevant to supporting people with a Mental Health diagnosis

Desirable:

We welcome and value applicants with lived experience of mental health services in our communities

About us:

Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 120 services, providing support to around 6000 customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

We have a strong social purpose and we live and work by our values:

We focus on Excellence and innovation.
We are Caring and Compassionate.
We are Inclusive and Trusted.
We work in Partnership and are One-Team.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.

Please see full job description on our website

Job Title: 

Children and Young People Support Worker for Connected and Adoption Alliance 

(North Wales)

Responsible to: 

Adoption Alliance Manager

Hours of work: 

25-30 hours a week (Flexible with some evening and weekend work required)

Location: 

Hybrid working. Home based and community working, with one day a week in Prestatyn office (or similar milage) as required 

Contract Type: 

Permanent 

Grade / Salary: 

£23,310 FTE, Pro Rata for Part time 

Key Relationships: 

• Lead Youth Workers 

• Adoption Alliance Lead

• Adopted children and young people and their families 

• Education specialist

• Children and Young People's Services Manager 

• Director for Wales 

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

To support the delivery of ‘Connected’ and monthly meetings for children and young people and the National Lottery Community Fund supported Adoption Alliance Project.

To work closely the lead youth worker and the adoption alliance youth worker to support and enable young, adopted people in north Wales to participate fully and lead the development and delivery of both projects and to participate using either Welsh or English as they choose.   

To support the lead youth worker to run Connected and help facilitate young people’s involvement in making change in the way adopted young people are treated in education settings through the Adoption Alliance project.  

Partners will include the North Wales Adoption Service, National Adoption Service, the Education Departments of each of the 6 local authorities across North Wales, and ESTYN.  

Main Duties 

• To work with the Lead Youth Worker/Adoption Alliance Lead to deliver Connected and Adoption Alliance services across North Wales, and in particular to assist with the groups and support young people to achieve their goals. 

• To provide support to the development, delivery, and promotion of the service.   

• To support the Lead Youth Worker/Adoption Alliance Lead in undertaking the processing of referrals and initial engagement with young people.  

• To support the Lead Youth Worker/Adoption Alliance Lead to maintain agreed levels of contact with young people and their adoptive family as long as they remain registered with the service. 

• To support the planning of a program of group sessions and activities for delivery this may include some evenings and weekend and a possibility of up to two residentials (overnight stays) a year. 

• To work closely with the Lead Youth Worker/Adoption Alliance Lead to book venues, take bookings for sessions/training and gather output and outcome data from the project.

• To attend initial visits with adopted children and young people and their families using technology or attending home visits. Create support plans and upload them in a timely fashion agreed with the manager. 

• To support young people who wish to have their voices heard in national and regional forums. 

The Worker Support Centre (WSC) is a Scotland based charity that promotes decent work and prevents exploitation. We support marginalised and isolated workers in labour sectors where there is a high risk of abuse and exploitation. We work in partnership with workers to build power to secure and advance workplace rights. We prevent human trafficking for forced labour by acting to reduce the risks of worker exploitation. WSC values include: respect for human rights, representation, transparency, equality and innovation. 

WSC support includes advice, mediation, advocacy and assisted reporting to enforcement agencies. Our worker engagement informs policy change activity to address harms faced by those in high-risk work. In 2023 and 2024 WSC activities were targeted at workers in seasonal agriculture on the UK Seasonal Worker visa (SWV). During this time, we provided advice, support, and information to 1031 people in relation to the SWV. WSC is now embarking on a new project to engage workers in health and social care to advance social care workers’ rights through worker education and power sessions. 

About the role

This role is focused on advancing seasonal agricultural and social care workers’ rights by supporting WSC’s policy and advocacy work. In this role you will support WSC meet two of its four core objectives to work together with workers to claim spaces for power and representation in decision making; and to build the field of knowledge about workers and their experiences to influence policy. As well as work delivered directly by WSC, our policy work includes coordinating with coalitions such as the Ethical Trading Initiative, the Seasonal Worker Interest Group and the Scottish Food Coalition.

WSC strives to achieve representation of individuals with lived experience of the issues on which we work at all levels of our organisation and actively promote applications from individuals with experience of the issues on which we work. 

Main tasks and responsibilities

Policy and advocacy

· Lead in the development of components of policy, ensuring engagement of workers and cross-organisational engagement.

· Identify emerging legislation and develop an influencing strategy.

· Lead key influencing moments and processes, working in collaboration with policy coalitions of which WSC is part.

· Draft worker-informed and evidenced briefings, submissions to consultations in support of worker policy priorities and engage closely with civil servants, Government officials and other decision makers on policy objectives.

· Support participatory engagement with workers to understand what democratic engagement platforms might best suit them and help create opportunities to influence processes.

· Track, assess, understand and respond to future legislative developments and the strategic direction being taken by UK Government, UK Parliament, Scottish Parliament and Scottish Government.

Stakeholder engagement

· Develop and maintain strong working relationships with senior stakeholders in Government, enforcement authorities and industry.

· Contribute to wider sectoral networks and groups, including attending meetings and setting joint policy strategy objectives.

· Provide high-quality support to the CEO and other senior staff with external stakeholder engagement, developing targeted briefings.

Participation

· Support WSC Peer Engagement Officers to conduct participatory workshops with workers to understand their concerns and to develop and articulate collective concerns through influencing strategies.

· Support participatory analysis workshops with workers to jointly analyse concerns articulated in order to establish standards workers would like to see upheld for seasonal workers.

· Support the review and documentation of barriers to democratic engagement for seasonal agricultural workers and migrant social carers.  

· Actively support workers to engage in advocacy, including by providing worker-centred briefings on advocacy processes and meetings, ensuring meaningful participation and leadership by workers.

· Support workers to create spaces for policy influence, engaging in actively listening to worker priorities and concerns.

General

· Support the whole organisation goal to integrate workers in all our work at all levels of the organisation.

· Ensure effective monitoring, evaluation and learning of our work including contributing to organisational processes.

Person Specification

1) KNOWLEDGE AND TECHNICAL SKILLS

• WSC Organisational knowledge, and/or knowledge of the issues on which we work: labour rights, migrant rights, organising, anti-trafficking and human rights.
• Technical understanding of policy specific to the subject areas on which WSC works, particularly opportunity scanning, strategic entry points and key stakeholders of influence.
• Legislation/Policy: The post-holder will lead on the development of policy, engagement with legislation in passage through parliament (UK or Scottish) and implementation of legislation.  Considerable liaison with external stakeholders is required, understanding on how policy/legislation is made and knowledge and understanding of its technical content is essential. 
• Influencing and advocacy: Proven ability to identify key stakeholders of influence and to form strong relationships of influence.

2) QUALIFICATIONS

• Degree level in public policy, law, or human rights or equivalent experience.
• Postgraduate qualification in public policy, law or human rights.
• A valid UK Driving license.

3) EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

• Technical professional experience in labour rights, organising, migrant rights and anti-trafficking -4 years
• Direct parliamentary experience with knowledge of UK and Scottish political systems - 2 years
• Engagement with people with lived experience of the issues on which developing policy. - 1 year
• Use of equipment and systems; Standard Microsoft suite; Microsoft Project - 1 year
• Experience of policy development - 2 years
• Fluency in English (verbal and written)
• Working competence in Russian or a Central Asian language.
• Experience of work in a precarious labour sector (eg seasonal agriculture, social care, hospitality or other) 

4) COMMUNICATION SKILLS

• Written communication:  A high standard of written communication on diverse, issues eg strategies, formal letters, briefings.Rep
• Report writing: The postholder must be able to prepare robust, concise, coherent, well argued policy reports.
• Oral communication: The postholder works with a wide range of external and internal stakeholders very often seeking to inform, influence, persuade.  This requires high level oral communication skills. 

5. PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Empathy with workers in high-risk labour sectors and the work of WSC
• Strong work ethic: A self-starter with high-energy levels, ability to use own initiative, prioritise, make decisions and implement them, function to deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain collaborative and respectful relationships across the organisation.
• Ability to work flexible hours as required, to travel and spend occasional nights away from home.
• Sound understanding of equal opportunities.

Timeline:

· Applications to consist of a CV and supporting statement no longer than one side of A4 outlining how you meet the skills and experience required.   

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 Waythrough as a Casual Recovery Worker.

About the service
Trafalgar House is a mental health, supported housing and community-based service, working to a recovery model. We provide a range of support services for people with mental ill health to access in their local community, including outreach support, peer support and supported housing. We have been operating in the area for a number of years and offer a staffed service to our residents aged 18 and upwards.

About the role
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.

About you
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.

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

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

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.

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.