At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with communities and carers to amplify their voices and drive positive change.
- Company: Join Involve, a passionate organisation dedicated to empowering individuals facing challenges.
- Benefits: Up to £29,000 salary, 30 days annual leave, hybrid work options, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace valuing diverse backgrounds and perspectives.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by shaping services with lived experiences and community insights.
- Qualifications: Personal lived experience or background in caring, plus a driving licence for travel.
The predicted salary is between 27500 - 29000 £ per year.
Location: Involve Offices in East Kent CT13 9FF, with regular travel across Kent. Hybrid work is also available.
Type: Permanent
Published: 2 weeks ago (14 Sep 2026)
Would you like to work for an organisation that believes that everyone, regardless of the challenges they face, should have the opportunity to thrive?
Hours of work: Full time (37.5 hours). We are open to potential job share arrangements. Some flexibility is required, including occasional evening and weekend work.
Annual Leave: 30 days plus bank holidays (pro rata)
Salary: £27,500 – £29,000 FTE
Contract: Permanent
Employed by: Involve
Responsible to: Head of Engagement and Partnerships
We are looking for a Lived Experience and Carer Engagement Worker who is passionate about ensuring people’s voices are heard and valued. Working closely with unpaid carers, communities, volunteers and partners, you will create opportunities for people to influence services, support positive change and help ensure Involve’s work is shaped by lived experience.
For this role, we particularly welcome applications from people with personal lived experience that brings insight into the communities and people we support. This may include experience of being an unpaid carer, accessing health, social care, community or voluntary sector services, supporting a family member, friend or loved one through illness, disability or caring responsibilities, or overcoming barriers linked to inequality, exclusion or disadvantage.
You will need to be able to drive and have access to a vehicle for this role, as it involves regularly attending meetings and visiting stakeholders across Kent. The role includes providing regulated activity with adults, so employment is subject to an Enhanced DBS check. We consider all disclosures on an individual basis and are committed to fair and inclusive recruitment.
At Involve, we believe our team should reflect the richness and diversity of our society. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, identities, and life experiences, including lived experience that helps you understand the challenges our communities face. Whether you bring professional expertise, potential, or a perspective shaped by your own journey, we value what makes you unique and encourage you to apply.
You can find out lots more about working for Involve on our website www.involvekent.org.uk/joinus including a full Job Description and Person Specification for the role.
Lived Experience and Carer Engagement Worker employer: Involve Kent
Involve Kent is an exceptional employer that prioritises community impact and employee well-being. With a flexible hybrid working model and opportunities for professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while making a meaningful difference in the lives of those they serve across East Kent. The supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to contribute to positive change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lived Experience and Carer Engagement Worker
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Involve Kent.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Involve Kent!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Involve Kent, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Involve Kent or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace Lived Experience and Carer Engagement Worker
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Involve Kent:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Involve Kent! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Involve Kent
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
