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Work with us.
We are on a mission to inspire young lives and change their futures through the support we give and the values we hold.
We want all children, families and young people to become who they aspire to be and to succeed in achieving their hopes and ambitions.
Do you share that ambition?
CANW has been supporting children and young people for 130 years since the founding of Blackburn Orphanage in 1886.
We are passionate about continuing to evolve and supporting the needs of children, young people, families and communities.
Do you share that passion?
Then think about joining us at CANW. Whether you’re at the beginning of your career, or have a wealth of experience, we want to hear from you. We spend over £5 million a year to make a difference for the children and young people we support. We work with over 10,000 children, young people and families every year across the North West of England.
Current Opportunities
If you think you can help us make a difference and are interested in a challenging and rewarding role at CANW, then click on the links below to find out more about our current vacancies.
Appropriate Adult - Derbyshire
Reference: VA225
Location: Derbyshire
Role Overview:
To support young people and vulnerable adults who have been detained by the police at one of the named police custody suites above, ensuring we are acting in the best interests of the detainee.
Residential Support Worker
Reference: VA229
Location: Dixon House
Role Overview:
To provide day-to-day care for young people aged 8 to 17 with social and emotional mental health difficulties.
Appropriate Adult Carlisle - Evenings, Weekend and Ovenights
Reference: VA233
Location: Remote
Role Overview:
To support young people and vulnerable adults who have been detained by the police at one of the named police custody suites above, ensuring we are acting in the best interests of the detainee.
Sessional Family Support Worker - Leeds and Surrounding Areas
Reference: VA235
Location: Bolton
Application Closes: Thu, 20 Nov 2025
Role Overview:
Do you have a passion for helping families improve their life chances, keeping children safe and supporting changes which can result in the best possible outcomes?
Do you have a background working with families and children, an NVQ level 3 in Health & Social Care or equivalent qualification?
Do you have the skills to work with those reluctant to engage?
Do you have experience in producing written reports?
Pro Contact, a service within CANW, enables and promotes safe and beneficial contact between separated families. We aim to reduce parental conflict and improve co-parenting relationships by facilitating conflict resolution between adults. We are a Cafcass commissioned service that offers a court ordered, short term intervention with families for 6-8 weeks at a time.
The roles offers flexibility however, as the children are often school aged, we require staff to work afterschool / weekends as mutually agreed.
Join our team undertaking family contact observations in the community. We offer a full induction and paid training programme and will provide equipment. We pay travel time and mileage for all your work.
Appropriate Adult - Greater Manchester
Reference: VA238
Location: Greater Manchester
Role Overview:
To support young people and vulnerable adults who have been detained by the police at one of the police custody suites in the Greater Manchester area, ensuring we are acting in the best interests of the detainee.
Appropriate Adult - Lancashire
Reference: VA239
Location: Lancashire
Role Overview:
To support young people and vulnerable adults who have been detained by the police at one of the police custody suites in the Greater Manchester area, ensuring we are acting in the best interests of the detainee.
Chief Executive Officer
Reference: VA240
Location: Buckshaw
Application Closes: Sun, 14 Dec 2025
Role Overview:
We are seeking an outstanding new Chief Executive to lead our next phase of growth and innovation. We’re looking for a collaborative, commercially minded leader with a deep understanding of children’s and family services. You’ll be joining a passionate and values-driven team of over 100 colleagues, supported by a dedicated Board of Trustees.
Our offer to prospective employees:
- Salaries based on national pay scales with pay rises each year
- Pension scheme, Medical Insurance
- Minimum 25 days annual leave
- Flexible working patterns where possible
- Access to counselling, cycle to work scheme, training & development