Social care jobs

Policy and Communications Manager

Job Description and Person Specification

Job title Policy and Communications Manager

Hours 28 hours per week (can be flexible on work pattern)

Salary £42,000 FTE Actual for this role £33,600 pro rata

Location Hybrid work between home and our Vauxhall office – please read more about our approach to hybrid working in the relevant section below. Please note that our offices are fully wheelchair accessible and that we are committed to making our workplace fully inclusive

Reports to Director of Policy and External Affairs

National Voices

Making what matters to people matter in health and care

National Voices is the leading coalition of health and social care charities in England. We have more than 200 members covering a diverse range of health conditions and communities, connecting us with the experiences of millions of people. We work together to strengthen the voice of people: patients, service users, carers, their families, and the voluntary organisations that work for them.

Our Vision:

People shaping their health and care.

Our Mission:

We advocate for more inclusive and person centred health and care, shaped by the people who use and need it the most.

We do this by:

· Understanding and advocating for what matters to people especially those living with health conditions and groups who experience inequalities.

· Finding common cause across communities and conditions by working with member charities and those they support.

· Connecting and convening charities, decision makers and citizens to work together to change health and care for good.

The Role

The purpose of the Policy and Communications Manager role is to:

• Deliver against our National Voices’ policy and project work through a programme’s life cycle, from inception to delivery and evaluation, and within budget
• Manage our communications work to our members and external stakeholders to successfully communicate all relevant organisational output including policy, improvement, lived experience and insight work.
• Work with voluntary sector organisations and people with the greatest health and care needs to develop National Voices’ deliver our policy and communications positions in line with our strategy and members priorities.

The role will be a mix of policy and communications, with 75% of the role likely focused on policy.

Responsibilities

Management oversight

· Manage projects or programmes which are significant in terms of income, profile or risk, and which are often delivered in partnership with others.

· Identify possible future partnerships, follow-on work and funding opportunities that arise from our policy and external affairs work, including from stakeholder relationships, and proactively work to secure income

· Line-manage staff, in the first instance our Communications and Events Officer, to include appraisals, setting objectives, monitoring performance and supporting development.

· Support the policy and external affairs team to deliver against our priorities and projects, including deputising for the Director of Policy and External Affairs, working in sync with other team managers and holistically supporting junior staff members

Deliver against our policy priorities and projects

· Identify, monitor and evaluate policy issues to formulate new policy positions, taking responsibility and action for our position on specific policy areas. This may include developing policy briefings, position papers, consultation responses, blogs, reports, letters and other policy and public affairs documents that capture our policy positions.

· Lead on policy projects from inception to delivery and evaluation including keeping to a set budget where appropriate.

· Develop and collate qualitative and quantitative policy evidence, from analysing previous reports and external stakeholder guidance to developing and delivering against workshops, focus groups, round tables, engagement events and in-depth interviews.

· Work with voluntary sector organisations and people with the greatest health and care needs to understand their experiences, perspectives and ambition using methods laid out above but with a willingness to adapt and flex where needed.

· Connect with policy and comms stakeholders both within our membership and in the wider policy landscape, to spot and make connections among members and to deliver against our five-year strategy objectives

· Work with the wider team to consider how our we evaluate and monitor the success of our project work and our wider influencing wins

· Represent National Voices at external events and conferences where required

Deliver on our communications work

· Work with the Communications and Events officer to help them develop engaging content that conveys National Voices messages to members, external stakeholders, and media to maximise the reach and impact of the organisation’s policy messages and funded project work

· With the support of Communications and Events Officer support media relations activity by drafting media statements, liaising with journalists and other media activity as required

· Manage the sign-off of relevant comms materials including social media, member newsletter, blogs, articles and media statements

· Liaise with senior external stakeholders such as from the Department of Health and Social Care, including attending relevant briefings, and supporting larger joint press activity with other stakeholders when required.

· Oversee management of comms and events calendar, which will be proactively compiled by the Policy and Communications officer, especially where there are conflicts or competing needs

· Along with other managers provide a second review of reports we produce including ensuring adherence to brand guidelines

General

• Take a pro-active approach to including our members and people with lived experience in all areas of our work.
• Support the senior team in identifying potential new members and funding opportunities where possible, as well as costing and drafting bids or supporting others to do so.
• Follow processes set out to measure, monitor and communicate the impact of our work.
• Support good project, financial and data management.
• Contribute to the team’s planning activities and undertake other relevant duties as appropriate.
• Deputise for other members of the team when needed.

• Be prepared to take part in full day events, including providing planning and support
• Be prepared to take part in events outside of core hours, when sufficient notice has been given

Person Specification

Values, attitudes and behaviours

• Passionate about National Voices’ mission and work.
• Proactive, flexible and responsive
• Comfortable working in a team, as well as under own initiative
• Calm under pressure and able to work to tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy.
• Committed to reducing inequality and embracing diversity.
• Comfortable with a range of views and perspectives and keen to make connections and build relationships.
• Willing and confident to assert views, constructively challenge others and receive constructive feedback.

Skills and abilities

• Excellent communication skills, including written and oral, including stakeholder engagement
• Demonstrable experience in delivering against a policy influencing agenda
• Able to synthesise complex information and present it in simple and impactful ways.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, including demonstrable ability to prioritise workload and maintain quality.
• Excellent people skills, able to work collaboratively and flexibly in a small, friendly team, and communicate and collaborate with a wide range of external stakeholders at all levels
• Experience in Identifying and developing funding opportunities, ideally including costing and drafting bids
• Ability to embed clear and reliable processes amongst a team of creative and busy people
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office programmes, CRM systems, online conference/meeting software and other programmes where required.
• Able to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail
• Previous line management experience is preferred

Our approach to hybrid working

We recognise the importance of coming together regularly, in-person, as a team, so we can share learnings and spend social time with each other. We also recognise that people need flexibility, and that homeworking enables focused work and can fit well in people’s lives.

We ask all staff to take part in pre-arranged team meetings which take place every six weeks in our office space. We also might ask you to meet in-person with members of your team from time to time, or to be available for face-to- face meetings with clients and partners where this enhances the work.

We assume that this would usually not amount to more than one day per fortnight for people who work full time. We are happy to discuss how this sits in your life. This can be agreed by your line manager.

Equality and Inclusion

As reflected in our Equality Action Plan, we are committed to being a truly diverse organisation. We want to ensure that our trustees, staff members, lived experience partners and volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds, each bringing their own unique perspectives and experiences. We want to ensure that everyone feels heard and is fully able to participate and thrive.

We are committed to diversifying our team in order to broaden the insight and experiences we can draw on, and to do our work more credibly. So we strongly encourage people from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic background, and people who live with health conditions or disability to apply. Our offices are fully accessible and we are an LGBT+ friendly employer. Men are currently underrepresented in our team so we would welcome applications from men and non-binary people.

We welcome applications from people who have been in contact with the criminal justice system. For some roles, you may be asked to undergo a basic or enhanced DBS check, but you will only be deemed ineligible for roles which relate to any offences on your criminal record.

We have a range of benefits in place to ensure everyone can thrive, for example:

· We are a Disability Confident employer

· We offer enhanced parental and sickness leave

· We offer flexible working wherever possible

· We provide our employees with an annual wellbeing allowance

· And much more

Application guidance

Please submit a cover letter along with a CV to apply.

Applications should be addressed to our Director of Policy and External Affairs, Sharon Brennan, and submitted through CharityJob.

Please apply by Monday the 5th May 2025

We will let you know the outcome of your application by Friday 9th May 2025  

Interviews will be held on 22nd May 2025 on Teams

Please note, we will be blind shortlisting all applications, so we ask you not to include your name in your application.

If you are invited to interview, we will ask you about any reasonable adjustments you will need to be able to participate. We will share interview questions in advance of the interview. If you require any adjustments at any stage of your application, please do not hesitate to get in touch with Matthew Haslehurst Director of Finance and Operations

Please specify any access or other requirements of which we need to be aware for the online interview.

We’re an award-winning charity running local learning centres in the heart of the communities where the young people we support live. Our centres provide a high-impact education programme which includes practical learning support, pastoral care, and motivational and confidence-building activities for young people aged 7-18. Our aim is to enable students from the least advantaged neighbourhoods to realise their ambitions and achieve their wonderful potential.

As the UK’s leading university access organisation, our staff team is helping over 50,000 young people each year at its 44 learning centres and extension projects across England and Scotland, and we plan to scale-up our provision to 50 centres over the coming years.

We are looking for graduates who will enjoy working each day with young people and who will thrive in a frontline, community-based, fast-paced and rewarding role. You will be taking up a permanent role as an Education Worker on IntoUniversity’s Graduate Scheme, helping to change the lives of young people. 

We believe that our Graduate Scheme is one of the most exciting in the charity sector, an excellent career opportunity with exceptional training and hands-on experience, opportunities for promotion, and the chance to work with young people and colleagues who will challenge and inspire you.

Locations: We have positions available in Peterborough
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Start date: April 2025 (or as otherwise agreed). Candidates must be eligible to start in April. 

Salary

£27,400 per annum 

What could my day look like?

The Education Worker role is a frontline, fast-paced and rewarding role where no two weeks will look the same. A typical day will have different activities, possibly spread between the IntoUniversity centre, partner schools and the offices of a corporate partner.

In the morning, you might be setting off with resources to run a workshop for sixth-form students in their secondary school. In the afternoon you may be setting up the classroom ahead of running Primary Academic Support for young people in your IntoUniversity centre. On other days, you may be travelling to a corporate partner to run a business simulation workshop for 15 year-olds or leading a group of final year primary school students on a campus visit for their graduation.

As an Education Worker, you’ll always be delivering the programme as part of your centre team, which means that any delivery is always a team effort. 

Application deadline: 9am Wednesday 30th April 2025. Please note that we will be assessing applications on a rolling basis and we reserve the right to recruit earlier, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

About us 

The Refugee Council is the nation’s refugee charity. Together with community groups, partners and volunteers, we help people who have escaped war and persecution to rebuild their lives, integrate into communities, and play their part in Britain. Born in the aftermath of World War II, our frontline services support over 14,000 refugees each year to find safety, get to know their neighbours, and enter education, training or work. We share our evidence and expertise with policymakers to help build integrated communities where everyone can contribute. 

About the role 

London Borough of Lambeth is commissioning a resettlement therapeutic service for refugees resettled in Lambeth via Resettlement Schemes funded and overseen by the Home Office. The Service will offer therapeutic and psychological interventions to resettled refugees including individuals, groups and families.

In this role, you will:

• Offer therapeutic intervention to include psycho-education groups, one-to-one therapy to adults and children.
• Provide a holistic assessment to refugee adult, children and young people who have been resettled in Lambeth.
• Liaise with educational and social care services as appropriate to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and young people being supported by Refugee Council.
• Offer consultation and awareness training to educational staff working with resettled refugees across the region
• Take a lead on Project monitoring, evaluating, and reporting on outcomes to a high standard.

Contract: Fixed term until March 2026.

Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week.

Staff benefits 

To reward our staff for the value they bring, we offer a variety of enhanced terms and conditions and a wide range of benefits, including: 

• Training & Development 
• Employee Assistance Programme 
• Pension Scheme 
• Work Life Balance Policies 
• Employer-Sponsored Volunteering 
• And more. 

Let’s work together to improve the lives of refugees in the UK - apply on our website today.

Closing date: 21 April 2025

Ensuring that the Refugee Council is an inclusive and accessible place to work is important to us. We want to enable people from different backgrounds to apply and thrive with us. We believe our recruitment process enables that and are also happy to make adjustments on request. 

Assistant Manager

PLUS is delighted to be able to offer an exciting opportunity for an experienced individual to progress their career into a junior management role supporting a registered service manager to meet the challenges of supporting adults with learning disabilities and complex health conditions at one of the following, supported living or registered service

You will support the line manager of the service with the day to day service provision to meet service users’ aspirations.  Your role will be to guide and assist support worker staff and be responsible for the day to day provision of the service as directed by the Registered Manager. This is an excellent opportunity to take the first steps on a career path for those staff who aspire to be future managers. 

You would be required to ensure the smooth running of the services within the legal requirements of CQC and any commissioner requirements. You will also attend care/support planning and review meetings and liaise with health and social care professionals involved in service users’ care as well as supporting service users in the same way as other support staff across the full range of duties.

This is a full-time post, so applicants must be prepared to work the full range of shifts including weekends, sleep-in, waking nights etc.  You must be physically capable of pushing wheelchairs and supporting service users who may be physically dependent. You will need a minimum of 2 years appropriate experience in a social care setting and a hold a Diploma in Adult Social Care level 3 or above, or be willing to work towards one. 

Salary - £30,155 Benefits include:

Holidays: 33 days holiday leave
Pension contribution scheme
Company employee assistance programme
Fully funded training and development opportunities

We're looking for 4 kind, compassionate and resilient Floating Support Workers to join our Young People service in Tower Hamlets.

£28,808.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week.

Want to feel like you have an exciting future? 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.

Our benefits include:

Annual leave increasing up to 30 days with length of service
Free DBS
Exclusive discounts and cashback via Reward Gateway® and opportunity to buy a Blue Light Card
Fully paid induction programme and further training
ILM courses and Apprenticeship Programmes
Healthcare Cashplan through our partner Healthshield
Cycle to work scheme
Employee Assistance Programme for 24-7 confidential support
Online wellbeing resources
A generous pension - we will contribute up to 4% and life assurance cover up to £10,000 (T&Cs apply)
Quarterly Staff Awards to reward & recognise our amazing staff's commitment and contribution

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.

For a full job description, please visit our website.

Key Competencies:

Forming relationships

With key customers (end service users)
Within team and organisation
With external partners and agencies

Organisational skills

Planning and organising workload
Awareness of policies and procedures
Time and resource management

Team membership

Promote team ethos and values
Positive contribution to team environment
Personal development in team context

Results Orientated

Assist customers to achieve Support Plan goals
Achievement of local business objectives
Financial awareness

When submitting your CV/ Application, please consider what indicators you would expect to see under the three bullet points within each competency quadrant and demonstrate how you meet them.

Personal Attributes

Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
Prefers working as part of a group or team
Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organized
Able to apply the right balance of care and support dependant on the needs of the customer
Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour
Ability to adhere to Look Ahead's professional boundaries policy
What you'll bring:

Essential:

NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent with little or some previous relevant sector work experience.

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.

The Feelgood Factory is a community-led healthy living centre working in more deprived areas of Sefton to improve lives and promote health.

We are seeking a health and wellbeing mentor with a particular interest in helping people who are socially-isolated.  You will be part of the Sefton-wide Living Well Sefton service and will give support to members of the community who wish to make lifestyle changes to improve their wellbeing.  This is a chance really to make a difference.  The post will be part of a small team based in the Feelgood Factory and will provide opportunities to develop skills and experience.

An exciting new opportunity to join Homeless Link's Consultancy Team, working with our network of expert consultants across the country to provide a range of tailored support to the Homelessness Sector.

Homeless Link is the national membership charity for frontline homeless agencies and the wider housing with health, care and support sector in England. With more than 750 members, we work to improve services and campaign for policy change that will help end homelessness and ensure that everyone has a place to call home and the support they need to keep it.   

As a Consultancy Manager, within our Sector Development Directorate, you will play a vital role in the management and delivery of high-quality consultancy projects for Homeless Link’s customers. We are looking for an individual with a passion for ending homelessness, along with an understanding of the world of social enterprise and how it can build financial resilience in our sector. 

The successful candidate will have experience of working at a management level within the homelessness sector, with an appetite to transfer their skills and knowledge by offering consultancy support. They will have an entrepreneurial spirit, knowledge of good practice and a drive to support organisations to develop.

We are actively seeking to increase our diversity within our organisation and would greatly welcome applications from people with lived experience of homelessness, from a black or minority ethnic background and/or with a disability.

For more details of the role and how to apply please follow the link to our website.

Support Coordinator

This is an exciting opportunity to work with stroke survivors and their families to support them following stroke. We are looking for an innovative, passionate, and professional individual with excellent interpersonal and organisational skills to join the Stroke Recovery Service based in Crewe.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with stroke survivors and their families to support them following a stroke.

Position: S11268 Stroke Support Coordinator

Location: Home-based – Crewe, Cheshire. However, extensive travel will be required as part of this role (may include team meetings or other work-related meetings)

Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week

Salary: Circa £16,461 per annum per annum (FTE circa £27,435 per annum)

Contract: Permanent. Services are contracted and there is currently funding for this contract until 31 March 2026.

Benefits: 25 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays (this will increase with service up to 30 days, full time equivalent) cashback and discount scheme, employee assistance programme, learning and development, pension scheme, Life Assurance, Eye Care vouchers, Long Service Award, Tax-free childcare, Health Cash Plan, Working Pattern Agreement, flexible working opportunities available.

Closing Date: 4 May 2025. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. 

Interview Date: 12 May and 13 May 2025

Interviews will be held via video conferencing. Please let us know if this will present any challenges when you email your application.

The Role

Reporting to the Service Delivery Coach, you will have the ability to support stroke survivors to identify their goals. Using strong assessment skills and a person-centred approach enabling them to maximise their recovery and improve communication.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting new stroke survivors and their carers from hospital discharge into the community.

• Provide personalised information, advice and support.

• Supporting stroke survivors to make informed lifestyle changes which will help them to prevent further strokes.

• Work collaboratively with NHS colleagues and other areas of the community to make a difference in the lives of people affected by stroke.

About You

You will have experience in:

• Experience/background in a caring profession, ideally supporting people with disabilities

• Excellent IT skills and an ability to maintain accurate records.

• An affinity with the values of the Stroke Association.

• A flexible approach and an ability to effectively manage a caseload.

This role requires extensive travel across a large geographical locality to visit people at home and in community settings. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they can meet this requirement of the role 

To fulfil the role, you must be a resident of the UK and have the right to work in the UK. 

When you click to apply, you will be able to see the full responsibilities and person specification for further information on the role. 

Please submit your CV, (including details of your current address), and a supporting statement of no more than two pages, demonstrating how you meet the person specification and what you bring to the role in terms of your skills and experience. 

If you are applying under the Disability Confident scheme, please indicate this in your supporting statement.

Finding strength through support

The organisation is the only charity in the UK providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. Providing tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke.

They are here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life. 

It’s only thanks to the generosity of supporters and donors that they can provide vital support.

The Association is driven by an ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means they’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by an approach to solving inequity in stroke, the team are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across the charity.

The charity are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Association and are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how the organisation work.

A Disability Confident employer, the organisation is making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. The charity has a variety of staff network groups and are committed to continuously improving diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

You may also have experience in areas such as Care Coordinator, Stroke Support, Stroke, Care, Care Worker, Support Worker, Carer, Care Team Leader, Support Team Leader, Volunteering Manager, Volunteer Coordinator, Support Group, Support and Advice, Social Care, Carer Support, Support Service. #INDNFP

PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.

Manchester Mind believes in the power of listening and of being heard, because better understanding of mental health benefits everyone.

We are working to increase access to mental health support for care leavers. Working in collaboration with Manchester City Council, this role will be part of the Staying Close team, developing a service for young people age 16-25 who are stepping across from residential homes and/or released from custody; developing their pathway to independence. The service will offer a range of practical and emotional support.

Position:  Mental Health Practitioner Leaving Care

Salary: £32,271 p.a. pro rata

Hours: 35 hours per week

                                   Funding guaranteed for 12 months from start date

(Potential to extend subject to funding)

Base: Manchester Mind Children and Young People’s Service (CYP),

                                   339 Stretford Road, Hulme, Manchester, M15 4ZY

Reporting to:              Manchester Mind CYP Service Manager

The skills and knowledge that are important to us are:

· A relevant professional qualification in Social Work, Counselling, or Youth & Community Work (at graduate level).

· At least two years’ experience working with young people aged 16-25 in the care system and/or youth work (ESSENTIAL)

· Experience in providing effective short-term and long-term support to young people who are under stress/have mental health difficulties

· Ability to engage with young people individually using creative and imaginative methods and processes.

· Ability to work collaboratively and to create kind relationships with colleagues, partners, volunteers, staff and young people that lead to people feeling accepted, understood and able to contribute.

You can download the application documents from the Vacancies page on our website.

Manchester Mind is striving to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Manchester Mind sees it as a positive advantage if you have experience of mental health issues and/or have used mental health services, or had experience of volunteering.

37.5 hours per week / permanent / working onsite on a seven-day rolling rota, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays.

Our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, increasing life skills and self-confidence, and improving emotional wellbeing and mental health.

YMCA Hastings provides medium-low supported accommodation for a total of 47 young people at risk of homelessness, aged 16 to 25, and care experienced young people under the age of 18. We have a dedicated team of Support Workers, Night Workers and additional Bank Workers who provide support, guidance, and signposting around areas such as housing, budgeting, living skills, jobs and relationship building. Situated just of the seafront, the project has strong links with and contributes to the local community.

We are looking for a Supported Housing Support Worker to join our Hastings Foyer team. Main areas of responsibilities are:

Housing

• Coach young people to manage their occupancy agreement and adhere to house rules, in preparation for independent living. 
• Promote a credit culture, encouraging young people to keep up to date with all payments for rent.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing and welfare benefits for young people and be well-informed on significant changes to housing law.
• Deal effectively with non-compliance issues, such as non-payment of rent or damage to room, using restorative practices and working collaboratively with the rest of the team.

Coaching and Engagement

• Coach young people so they can articulate their aspirations and ambitions and take the lead in acquiring the skills they need to live independent and fulfilling lives.
• Ensure young people are encouraged to take responsibility for their own personal development, to engage with the services on offer and build strong networks and connections within the local community. 
• Ensure consistent standards of safeguarding and Trauma Informed Practice when supporting young people, observing our safeguarding procedures, and keeping yourself and residents safe by respecting professional boundaries.
• Maintain client records on In-Form (client database) detailing the young person’s journey in relation to their strengths and needs, any risks, and any outcomes (to monitor service performance). 

General 

• Work as part of a team, on a rota shift pattern, ensuring young people at the service have non-judgemental, objective, and supportive staff during the day/evening, along with taking responsibility for personal safety during periods of lone working
• Contribute to a great working environment, with a calm, yet assertive manner, being able to handle potentially difficult situations.
• Participate in relevant continuing professional development and utilise Reflective Practice Supervision as part of leading psychologically informed practice. 

There will be times when lone working will be a requirement for this role, but you will get to know the team and service, along with an induction and training prior to starting on a rota. Please download the job profile for full role details.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate. 

This is a dynamic and varied role; you will be passionate about being involved in the support and growth of young people.

Experience and Knowledge

• Experience relating to housing, support work, and/or working with young people at risk
• Experience of working proactively with a caseload of young people with multiple and complex needs to enable them to achieve independent living. 
• Knowledge of statutory and voluntary resources available to young people with multiple and complex needs.
• Knowledge of good safeguarding procedures in relation to young people and the ability to maintain effective professional boundaries.
• Demonstrated confidence and competence in recording notes/actions in service log, incident forms and health and safety check lists.

Skills and Abilities 

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing for appropriate recording of a resident’s progression, and to evidence outcomes achieved.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with all stakeholders, including signposting and advocating for clients as necessary. 
• Ability to work autonomously, and use own initiative, as well as being part of a team.
• Clear verbal and written communication skills, good IT, and keyboard skills.
• Ability to de-escalate volatile situations and manage challenging behaviour appropriately.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?
 
Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge? 
 
Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard? 
 
Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility. 

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team in Cheshire West and Chester.  Your role will require you to travel to locations such as hospitals and care homes across the area to meet with clients and professionals and be home based for administration; therefore, a suitable home internet connection is essential.

About us 
VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 
 
We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most. For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

About you
Desirably you will have some experience of working as an Advocate, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?
You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development?
You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits 

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time colleagues) rising to 30 days upon 5 years’ service 
5% employer pension & minimum 3% employee contribution 
Salary sacrifices pension scheme 
Separate Life Assurance Cover (equivalent of two times your annual salary) 
Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays, gym membership etc 
24/7 Employee Assistance programme 
Access to remote counselling service 
Paid Disability Leave 
Paid compassionate Leave 
Home Working Allowance  

Support with continuous professional development 

Access to Clifton Strengths Coaching for development  
Personal Development Plans 

How are staff supported to work remotely? 

VoiceAbility has a small number of offices. Employees including Team Leaders are homebased for Administration and meetings will be held online as well as in person in the relevant community. 

When you need to travel for work, expenses will be paid (mileage or public transport costs).  

VoiceAbility offers the usual regular manager one to ones, Staff forums and communities of practice depending on role. Team meetings with a mix of virtual and in person approach.

Equality and Diversity
VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please visit our vacancy page on our website.

How to apply
To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form. 

Important Dates:
Closing date for applications; 30 April 2025 Midnight 

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Want to know more about VoiceAbility and the role?
Please visit the vanacy page on our website

We look forward to hearing from you.

NB: If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete the core element within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training. 

Are you looking for a rewarding opportunity to use your experience as a Psychological Therapist to support vulnerable adults in Bristol?

We have an exciting opportunity to join the team in Bristol as a Psychological Therapist. This post is offered as a fixed term contract until 31 March 2026 with possibility of extension, or as a secondment for internal applicants.

St Mungo’s Assertive Contact and Engagement (ACE) Service works with people with mental health needs who face barriers to support, and are not actively engaged with other mental health services. We operate across Bristol, running a variety of services including therapeutic groups and drop-ins as well as community outreach. The project reflects the diversity of Bristol and reaches people and communities that may have had difficulty accessing services that fully meet their needs in the past.  

As a Psychological Therapist, you will join the North Star team, providing dual diagnosis support for people experiencing homelessness, substance misuse, and mental health challenges. Your role involves offering therapeutic interventions to those who struggle to access mainstream psychological services, focusing on relationship building, psychoeducation, individual therapy, and trauma-informed care. North Star also supports clients in forming connections and making referrals to specialist services for long-term care when they're ready. Key responsibilities will include:  

• Manage a complex client caseload, offering weekly 1-1 therapeutic sessions, group therapy, and drop-in clinics at partner hostels.
• Collaborate with clients to identify goals for recovery and create person centred plans to support self-management, clinical progress, and social inclusion.
• Provide trauma-informed mental health care with a creative and flexible approach, fostering community connections and working alongside multiple agencies for holistic support.
• Work part-time for 30 hours per week across 3-4 days, including required Tuesday and Friday availability with flexibility for additional days.

About you

This is could be an interesting role for someone looking to develop their practice, and provide help to people who face barriers to support, if this interests you we encourage you to apply. you will:

• Demonstrate a flexible and creative approach to engage with marginalised clients who may have multiple needs.
• Have experience of delivering therapy to people with multiple disadvantage, complex trauma and, substance use.
• Have a sound understanding of the issues faced by people experiencing homelessness along with an understanding of the difficulties they can experience in accessing services that are fully responsive to their needs. This may include personal lived experience of homelessness or accessing mental health services yourself.
• Demonstrate the ability to provide psychological guidance to colleagues, provide formulations and facilitate group supervisions and reflective practice sessions.
• Hold high level of specialist theory and practice knowledge of psychological therapy and an understanding of the psychological impact of social exclusion.
• Demonstrate the knowledge and skills of at least one core therapeutic model (e.g. CBT, psychodynamic).

For this role it is a requirement that you have Masters level training, or equivalent, in clinical or counselling psychology, accredited by the BPS. You will also need training in models of developmental lifespan psychology, psychopathology, clinical psychometrics and neuropsychology and two or more distinct psychological therapies. You will also be HCPC Registered, or a BACP / UKCP Registered Psychotherapist, or BABCP registered CBT Therapist.

How to apply

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the ‘document’ tab on the advert page on our website.

To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website.

Closing date: 10am on 22 April 2025

Interview and assessments on: 6-7 May 2025

St Mungo's are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We strongly encourage applications from all under-represented groups.

What we offer

• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities
• A Diverse and Inclusive Work Place
• Great Pay and Other Benefits

Purpose of role

To create engaging content and communications for our charitable services, fundraising and internal communications across all our channels. The role is a critical part of Thrive’s new strategy as we move towards a more digitally focussed and data driven approach to marketing, raising awareness and influencing the sector.

Job Description

Thrive’s vision is that gardening is actively encouraged as part of personal health and wellbeing management and Social & Therapeutic Horticulture (STH) services are available wherever people live.

We are looking for a creative, dynamic and enthusiastic member of the Communications and Marketing Team who can support us in the development and delivery of Thrive’s communication and marketing strategy and boost our awareness and engagement using both online and offline channels.

Broad Outline of Key Responsibilities –

• Creating web pages and managing content and assets such as video, images, case-studies

• Supporting the delivery of internal and external email newsletters; creating content, managing email lists, automations and segmentations

• Translate media stories into compelling content across channels to grow audience understanding of the charity and consideration to support

• Attend external events to network and represent Thrive

• Monitoring channels and producing regular reports on performance from analytics

This a versatile role, encompassing skills and experience across digital marketing, content creation, press and media as well as social media. So you will need to be creative, have a passion for storytelling and identifying and writing engaging content across all our channels.
If you are a confident marketeer and have experience of working in a comms and marketing environment, we can offer you a rewarding challenge.

For the full job description and person specification, please download the information pack 

HMP Wealstun

Ref: PAA-252

Are you a proactive, collaborative and compassionate individual with a proven track record of working with services/clients within the criminal justice sector, accommodation and advice/support services?  Looking for an exciting new career opportunity?

If so, join St Giles as a Prison Accommodation Adviser, a key role where you will be required to provide tailored accommodation support to men in custody and under probation supervision in the community, with the aim of supporting them to overcome barriers to obtaining secure and stable accommodation so that they can successfully reintegrate into society.

About St Giles Trust 
An ambitious, well-established charity that helps people facing adversity to find jobs, homes and the right support they need.  Central to our ethos is our belief that people with first-hand experience of successfully overcoming issues such as an offending background, homelessness, addictions and gang involvement, hold the key to positive change in others.

About this exciting opportunity

Our successful candidate will complete an Initial Needs Assessment, using a strength-based approach within agreed contractual timeframes, before dynamically assessing need and risk, alerting to changes that could indicate change in risk or serious harm, including personal safety and safeguarding.  You will be expected to contribute to the design and delivery of an effective accommodation plan which is solution focused and practical, and to advise and support Service Users to achieve outcomes informed by your specialist housing knowledge and comprehensive understanding of accommodation and local service provision.

We will rely on you to engage with and motivate challenging service users from a diverse range of backgrounds, often with multiple and complex needs, while also maintaining and building new relationships with both social and private housing providers to improve sustainable housing outcomes for our service users, and promoting effective working relationships within the criminal justice sector. Monitoring progress and recording on digital systems, plus coordinating and facilitating interactive group work sessions, are also key duties.

What we are looking for

• Experience of working as part of a high-performing team
• Experience of using digital technology and providing evidence for external audit purposes
• Demonstrable knowledge of housing and an understanding of the main issues affecting homelessness and rehabilitation of offenders
• A detailed understanding of the Homelessness Reduction Act
• An understanding of how staff with lived experience can provide additional value
• Ability to demonstrate knowledge and awareness of the issues faced by our client group
• Sound knowledge of the UK criminal justice system
• Full UK Driving Licence preferred with access to a vehicle for work
• Excellent prioritisation, interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written

As an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients and successful applicants will require an Enhanced Child and Adult with Child Barred DBS Check.

We actively encourage people with personal experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing this client group to apply for this role.

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

Closing date: 11p.m. 28 April 2025.

Interview date:  8 May 2025 at Leeds media Centre

Previous applicants need not apply.