Freelance Support Worker / Programme Coordinator
We are looking for an experienced Freelance Support Worker / Programme Coordinator to support the work of New Note Orchestra, using music to support people in recovery from addiction.
Position: Freelance Support Worker / Programme Coordinator.
Location: Brighton: Hybrid working. Some hours will be spent on site where the projects take place.
Rate: £13.50 per hour
Hours: 16 hours per week minimum
Working times:
- Tuesdays: 1.30pm – 9.30pm
- Fridays: 10.00 am – 6.00 pm
Some flexibility around the amount of hours would be welcome as some weeks are busier than others.
We also hold concerts and events throughout the year and ideally we would expect those to be covered. This will include some evenings and weekends, however you will be given plenty of notice.
Closing date: 10th February 2026 at 5pm
Interview date: 26th February 2026
Start date: Immediate start – we can be flexible.
Please note: we reserve the right to close this vacancy early if sufficient applications are received.
About New Note Orchestra
New Note Orchestra is a multi-award-winning Brighton-based charity supporting people affected by addiction and related challenges such as homelessness, trauma and poverty. Through high-quality music sessions across Sussex, we help individuals in recovery rebuild their lives and reconnect with their communities.
Our groups – specialising in improvisation, percussion, dance and guitar – are open to anyone affected by addiction, regardless of ability. We provide free access to sessions, instruments and professional support, offering a safe and creative space where recovery can flourish.
About the Role
As a Support Worker / Programme Coordinator you will provide practical and emotional support to workshop participants who are in recovery from addiction and may also be experiencing homelessness, trauma, or other complex challenges. Almost 100% of participants are in recovery from addiction and will be using our services to stay sober.
You will build positive, supportive relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, working in a way to support engagement, wellbeing, and progression. You will be confident supporting people with lived experience of addiction, assessing and managing risk, and calmly de-escalating challenging situations when required.
Alongside direct support, you will contribute to the coordination and smooth running of four projects, work collaboratively with staff and partners, and maintain accurate records and evaluation data. A mobile phone line will be provided so you can keep in touch with participants and group leaders. If you need access to a computer, we can provide a tablet.
The projects are:
New Note Orchestra: Set up 10 years ago, this project supports on average 15 people at a time. Some have multiple complex needs and all are in recovery.
New Note Dance: This project is 2 years old and runs once a month. There are on average 12 participants in this group.
New Note Strummers: A weekly guitar group that has around 12 participants, most are in recovery.
Key Changers: Our flagship leadership programme where 6 participants have become community musicians delivering music workshops in partnership with at least three homeless organisations.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide ongoing support to participants across our four projects:
- New Note Orchestra – Tuesdays, 7.00–9.00pm – in person
- Strummers – Fridays, 11.30am–1.00pm – in person
- New Note Dance – First Friday of each month, 1.30–5.30pm – in person
- Key Changers – community musicians with lived experience delivering sessions across multiple sites. Telephone support.
- Attend sessions and support set-up and pack-down of equipment.
- Offer one-to-one support, including a listening ear when needed.
- Settle in new participants and determine why other participants have left.
- Provide accurate, informed guidance around recovery and signposting.
- Collect data, contribute to evaluation, and securely store sensitive information.
- Use spreadsheets and engage with basic budget tracking.
- Work in a trauma-informed way at all times.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will demonstrate strong client-facing capabilities, with an approachable and empathetic manner, clear professional boundaries, and experience engaging sensitively with a diverse range of individuals and groups. You will be an excellent communicator, with highly developed written and verbal skills, and strong interpersonal awareness.
You will be well organised, with close attention to detail, and able to manage competing priorities confidently. This includes the ability to plan and prioritise your own workload, meet deadlines consistently, and coordinate the work of others where required. You will be comfortable using your own initiative to problem-solve, while also working collaboratively as an effective and supportive team member.
You will show flexibility and adaptability in your approach, be willing to support colleagues, and remain calm, resilient, and reflective when working in challenging or emotionally complex situations. A commitment to continuous learning is essential, with the ability to learn quickly and keep relevant skills and knowledge up to date.
You will have a good working knowledge of GDPR and confidentiality, and apply this appropriately in practice at all times.
Above all, you will demonstrate a strong commitment to the values and ethos of New Note Orchestra, including a belief in recovery and in music as a powerful vehicle for personal growth and positive change.
Desirable
Experience of supporting people in recovery from addiction, and/or working with individuals with multiple and complex needs, including trauma, would be advantageous. However, training and support can be provided in this area.
What We Offer
- Ongoing support and supervision
- Access to relevant training
- The opportunity to work within a respected, values-led organisation
- A supportive and collaborative working environment
New Note Orchestra is an equal opportunities organisation and is committed to equality, equity, inclusion and diversity. We actively welcome applications from people with lived experience.
This role requires an Enhanced Adult DBS check. Engagement will be subject to references.
How to Apply
Please send the following to lucy@newnote.co.uk:
- Your CV.
- A one-page supporting statement explaining how you meet the requirements of the role.
