Community referrals officer jobs

If you are committed to reducing poverty in our communities, excited by our vision and ethos, and keen to use your debt advice experience to support those most in need, we would love you to consider applying for this role – it could be the best decision you ever make! 

The primary purpose of this role is to provide debt advice and money education on a case management basis and to support the provision of advice by volunteers. The post holder will be expected to manage their own cases and lead appointment sessions.

Ideally we are looking for someone with prior debt or social welfare experience, and who has experience of working with and supporting volunteers. However we will also consider employing someone as a trainee adviser if you are able to demonstrate that you possess the skills, maturity and determination to become proficient in this role. 

The role will be based in one of our branches in west London, but hybrid and remote options will be considered for the right candidate.

Crosslight Advice offers a comprehensive range of benefits to employees including access to a Health Cash Back Plan and EAP and is committed to offering comprehensive learning and development opportunities. Full and part time working options will be considered.

To find out more please see our Job Pack attached.

Emmaus Greenwich is a unique charity that offers a home, work and individual support to people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion. We don’t just give people a bed for the night; we offer a home, work opportunities and a sense of belonging.

At the heart of Emmaus Greenwich is our companions. Companion is the name given to those who live in an Emmaus community and contributes to the social enterprise, where they support themselves and one another. Living in a stable environment with the opportunity of work and individually tailored support helps our companions to regain lost self-esteem and the confidence needed to get back on their feet.

Some of the things that we are looking for in our Community Manager:

• The ability to focus on impact and deliver results.
• Experience of planning, developing, and managing support services for clients with support needs.
• Knowledge and understanding of Strength-based practice and Trauma informed care.
• Knowledge and understanding of In-form client management system.
• Experience of managing the performance, learning and development of staff.
• Knowledge and understanding of homelessness issues.
• Demonstrable commitment to inclusive working, ensuring equality and valuing diversity.
• A belief in the potential of each individual and an understanding of the importance of the Community in helping an individual achieve their potential

Some of the things you would be responsible for as a Community Manager:

• Responsible for the admission welcome including assess new referrals, interviewing potential Companions, welfare and care of Companions, their integration into the Emmaus Community and the wider community at large, developing a sense of extended family.
• Lead and implement a culture which provides confidentiality, promotes professional boundaries, protects data, and safeguards Companions, Volunteers and staff.
• To manage support relating to Companion’s needs regarding their daily living requirements, physical and mental health, safety and personal development.
• To assist and encourage Companions to move into independent accommodation where appropriate
• Ensure that effective Safeguarding systems are in place and maintained, acting as the organisation’s Designated Safeguarding Person, with delegated responsibility for policy development, implementation, and reporting.
• Working in partnership with the Retail Manager, facilitate, encourage, and support companion engagement and training within the social enterprises to ensure they are viable businesses.
• Assist the Multi Site Property and Facilities Manager in the upkeep and maintenance of the Community, to ensure that it provides a pleasant and comfortable home for the Companions, whilst adhering to health and safety requirements.

So, if you hold optimism for change, advocate for social justice and have in-depth understanding of challenges faced by people with experience of homelessness and migration and have a positive “can do” attitude we would love to hear from you. You will be joining a friendly and enthusiastic team who are passionate about what they do. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience of trauma informed practice, asset-based approaches, quality assurance frameworks or from a background of supporting vulnerable adults into work; experience of working in partnership with a range of agencies to coordinate activities and initiatives and achieve positive outcomes. 

About the role

We are delighted to have received three-year funding from the Aviva Foundation to fund this brand-new Grants Officer role based in London.

You’ll be part of our Programmes team supporting kinship carers in London to access grants which will help reduce financial stress. This could be grants to buy things like white goods and uniforms or accessing Buttle grants to support children growing up in kinship care.

As Grants Officer you’ll talk to kinship carers, discuss their needs, their priorities and then write charitable grant applications on their and their family’s behalf. 

You will oversee and deliver the grants process, including co-ordinating the purchase of items (such as children’s clothes, beds or washing machines), collecting receipts for items as required by the funders and liaising with all teams to ensure timely receipt of funds within the charity and to the kinship carers.

Building relationships with funders is core, sharing the impact of the grants and insight about the lives of kinship families in London. You’ll work closely with Programmes, Peer Support, Training and Advice colleagues who work with kinship families in London.

You will also create and run online and face-to-face workshops and clinics, helping kinship carers to understand how to apply for other grants, thereby encouraging resilience and confidence to apply for grants themselves.

You will be a proactive and persuasive relationship builder, able to create partnerships with a range of organisations and peer support groups that support kinship families.

You’ll build trusting and respectful relationships with kinship carers who you will work one-to-one with in community settings. And you’ll build relationships with a range of grant giving organisations across London.

We’re looking for someone who can really deliver impact and demonstrate how embedding this role into the community helps to unlock funding and support for kinship carers at a local level.

The type of person we’re looking for

Kinship carers are at the heart of all we do. This role could be the difference between a kinship carer being able to dress their child for school properly, being able to buy a fridge, take a first holiday to the seaside… or going without.

We are looking for someone who is really organised and who is able to capture and present information clearly in a persuasive grant application. The successful applicant will be compassionate, empathetic, and organised. We are looking for someone who understands the needs of kinship families.

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering our new grants service across London.
• Meeting performance targets and KPIs as directed.
• Working with kinship carers and their families across London to gather information to complete and submit grant applications.
• Administering grants we secure for our kinship carers and carry out all the necessary administration related to grants.
• Undertaking research to identify funders and build excellent relationships with local grant making charities in order to increase support for kinship families.
• Delivering grant workshops at peer support groups sharing information about locally available grants and providing advice and support on making a successful application.
• Running face-to-face grant clinics within peer support groups or community venues in London, working directly with kinship carers to write and submit requests for grants.

Essential criteria includes:

• Experience of speaking to vulnerable people on the telephone, face-to-face and online, and gathering information with empathy and understanding.
• Experience of working with socially excluded or marginalised people and their families in face-to-face and community settings.
• Experience of running online and face-to-face workshops. 
• An understanding of budgeting, managing money, income and expenditure.
• Proven understanding of the importance of confidentiality and a non-judgmental approach.
• Evidence of awareness of safeguarding issues and good practice. 
• Experience of organising and prioritising a busy workload without close supervision.
• Proven clear understanding of the need to keep grants records and communication with kinship carers and funders up to date.
• Excellent research and writing skills. 

How to apply

In place of a cover letter, you will be asked to answer the following four questions, alongside providing your CV. Please keep your answers to a maximum of 250 words.

1. Tell us why you’re interested in working for Kinship in this role and what experience you bring that would make you successful? This is an opportunity to tell us about you, your experience and your values.
2. This role requires writing persuasive and accurate grant applications for kinship families. What steps did you take, and how did you ensure the application was compelling and met the funder's criteria?
3. This role requires balancing administrative tasks (like tracking grants and recording data) with direct support work. How do you prioritise your workload and ensure deadlines are met without compromising service quality?
4. Please describe your experience of supporting vulnerable individuals or families in a community or face-to-face setting. What approach did you take to build trust and gather information sensitively?

Key Dates

• Application deadline: Tuesday 6 May, 5pm
• Interview: Online – Monday 12 May

About Kinship

We are Kinship. The leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We’re here for kinship carers – friends or family who step up to raise a child when their parents aren’t able to.

We are made by and for our community of kinship carers. Like family, relationships run deep. And we hear their experiences; for too long they have been isolated without the help they need.

We support, advise and inform kinship carers. Connecting them so they feel empowered. Because a child needs the love and warmth of a thriving family.

We develop research, campaigns and policy solutions. Creating positive change across society. Because for kinship families, love alone is not enough.

Through our work we harness frustrations to fuel passion for change. And tough experiences to inspire ideas that transform lives.

And as we see momentum building, we keep using evidence to demonstrate the value of kinship care. Helping kinship carers navigate challenging circumstances. Believing in a child’s potential.

Join us. Together, let’s commit to change for kinship families.

We are recruiting a General Advice Officer to support with the delivery of advice and welfare support to vulnerable guests who access the Community Wellbeing Service, a local support hub offering relief from the rising cost of living for local families. The General Advice Officer will support our guests on a range of areas including benefits, immigration, housing, money management and access to training and employment services. The postholder will provide high quality welfare advice and guidance through weekly one-to-one advice sessions, undertake case work, work with partners to facilitate referrals, and provide support to advice volunteers. 

The successful candidate must have at least two years’ experience delivering effective advice or in a similar capacity, demonstrate empathy, an understanding of the issues facing vulnerable people, and have in-depth and up-to-date knowledge of welfare benefits and housing policies/legislations, with a strong focus on achieving tangible outcomes for our guests.

Advice Work

• Carry out assessments to identify urgent needs and appropriate support pathways for members at the Community Wellbeing Service.
• Support outreach or community engagement activities as needed.
• Provide holistic and person-centred advice and casework on the main enquiry areas, particularly welfare benefits, housing, employment, health and wellbeing, immigration and money management.
• Maintain Sufra’s Advice Quality Standards and meeting tangible outcomes.
• Produce detailed case records on our case management system for the purpose of continuity, statistical monitoring and report preparation
• Apply for funds from trusts and foundations to support individuals and families with essential costs such as housing deposits or white-goods and/or cancellation of debts;
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with external stakeholders for joined up working, including statutory and voluntary service providers, making referrals for guests where appropriate.
• Enable and support guests to act for themselves, wherever appropriate.
• Monitor the progression of all cases to the point of resolution.
• Conduct follow-up calls with guests where needed and track outcomes
• Support volunteers who are working on delivering Advice Services e.g triage volunteers and pathways volunteers
• Provide advice to the General Advice Service as and when required

Case Management

• Manage own caseload and work independently to support guests
• Use of Case Management System (AdvicePro) as well as Microsoft Office for communication and document production.
• Support with developing case studies and gathering guest feedback
• Collect statistical information as requested for reporting purposes.
• Feed into the development of monitoring reports for funders and other stakeholders

Other Responsibilities

• Maintain and update the charity’s record of referral and signposting agencies;
• Ensure data protection regulations are adhered to, and that sensitive data is handled in accordance with relevant legislation and organisational procedures.
• Keep informed of new and changing legislation relevant to the post, and of local issues and policies
• Be committed to the aims, procedures and policies of Sufra’s advice service in every aspect of service delivery.
• Take part in supervisions, personal development training, team meetings and appraisals
• Undertake any other reasonable duties to support the operations of the charity.

We are recruiting a high energy and hands on Garden Manager to work closely with the Senior Leadership team at Sufra to support the development and expansion of the community garden, and manage the team of garden staff and volunteers. This is an exciting time in the development of St. Raphael’s Edible Garden, as we are looking for an experienced Garden Manager to oversee the next steps in the development of the site, deliver a range of learning outcomes and fully implement, manage and further develop all aspects of the garden project.

Alongside practical educational outdoor experience, the successful candidate will understand how to design educational programmes that are accessible and engaging for a range of audiences, including school children and young people, adults with additional needs, and wider community. Project management and organisational skills are also essential. This is an immensely rewarding role working in a dynamic charity built on an ethos of sharing, hospitality and inclusivity, that would suit a committed individual who is willing to go the extra mile. Through their activities, the Garden Manager will be able to convey the charity’s passion and commitment to supporting vulnerable people in Brent and transforming the lives of beneficiaries. 

About the Job
It is an important time at Sophie Hayes Foundation. Our strategy ‘Sustainable Freedom from Modern Slavery’ has launched and the charity is in a period of exciting transformation. This role is essential for the delivery of the strategy and ensuring that survivors of modern slavery, human trafficking, and exploitation have access to the support and opportunities they need to achieve their aspirations, independence, and a positive future – with soaring numbers of referrals to the NRM and thousands more victims living in fear of a hostile environment, this has never been more important than now.

But we cannot do this work without funds. Alongside a small, friendly, and dedicated team, you will coordinate and deliver a range of fundraising activities.

About You

This role would suit someone looking for meaningful, creative, and varied work, in an enthusiastic and motivated team.

You may have started to build a career in charity fundraising, corporate business development, or related areas.

You may have gained some experience across multiple different types of fundraising and development such as grant applications; donor relationships; community events; or institutional bidding.

You may enjoy networking and relationship building; designing creative projects, bids, activities, and events; and also, be comfortable with data management via a CRM.

We would love a team member who is efficient, reliable, creative, enthusiastic and ready to get stuck in helping across our range of fundraising activities.

We welcome applications from individuals with a range of skills and experience drawn from their professional and personal lives. We are happy to discuss adaptations to the role and the recruitment process.

If you find this role exciting and feel you have some, but not all the skills needed, please do reach out for a conversation.

What You’ll Do

• Trusts & grants: Work with the Development & Communications Manager to write and submit compelling funding applications to trusts, foundations and grant-making bodies to secure new and repeat funding.

• Scout for, build and maintain relationships with existing and new funders, donors, and partners, ensuring ongoing engagement and support.

• Events: Plan, organise and manage fundraising events, including overseeing event logistics, participant engagement and post-event follow up.

• Work with the Development & Communications team to generate new, innovative fundraising concepts and bring them to fruition.

• Manage the database of funders and donors and ensure contact is up to date.

• Support with monitoring and evaluation, including reports to funders

• Work closely with the communications team to ensure coordinate donor and external communications, and to contribute to our social media presence

• Identify roles and responsibilities that could be delegated to volunteers to maximise their support, supervising those assigned to you.

• Represent the Sophie Hayes Foundation with colleagues at meetings and events with external stakeholders. This may include deputising for more senior colleagues on occasion.

• Ensure the highest standards of safeguarding across all activities.

• Other duties which may arise under the implementation of the new strategy, as directed by the Development & Communications Manager.

We are looking for a passionate and empathetic individual who has the skills, knowledge and experience in coordinating casework and undertaking reporting of data to stakeholders. The IPO will undertake and be responsible for a range of administrative functions to advance and simply casework flow under the Sub-Regional Immigration Advice Service (SIAS) project. The IPO must have the ability to communicate effectively with referring agencies and stakeholders on a regular basis. The IPO will organise and present data to funders and others on behalf of NKLC. The IPO would have a good general understanding of Legal Aid casework, and the regulatory obligations set by the SRA and IAA.

The IPO will work closely with the Immigration Supervising Solicitor (ISS), Director and general admin team to progress and maintain the SIAS project. The IPO will manage referrals, liaise with the immigration team, and undertake a variety of administrative functions to maintain and resolve associated issues within the immigration department. Where appropriate, the IPO will arrange appointments, attend triage sessions off-site and liaise with referring agencies to ensure that caseworkers can advance casework as efficiently as possible.

Whilst the post is open to all, we are particularly keen to attract candidates who are from backgrounds currently underrepresented by the law and who have experienced some of the issues many of our client’s face.

Following a successful 12-year tenure by the current Chief Executive Officer, South Yorkshire Eating Disorders Association (SYEDA) is seeking a new leader to guide the organisation into its next exciting chapter.

Rooted in lived experience and developed over three decades, SYEDA is a leading regional charity offering support to individuals affected by eating disorders, along with their carers and the professionals who support them. The organisation has recently secured a major five-year contract, along with additional grant funding, to expand both its clinical services and early intervention work, including innovative programmes in schools and community settings.

This opportunity calls for a forward-thinking, emotionally intelligent, and strategic leader with the vision and capability to build on a strong foundation—enhancing reach, influence, and impact across the region.

As CEO, you will:

• Lead SYEDA’s strategy and vision, working closely with a committed Board and team
• Oversee the delivery of clinical and preventative services, ensuring high standards of care, access and innovation
• Support and develop the staff team (~20 people), embedding a culture of inclusion, learning, and wellbeing
• Drive income generation and ensure financial sustainability
• Represent SYEDA regionally and nationally.

About you:

You’re an experienced senior leader with proven experience in people management, strategy, and operational delivery. You understand the importance of good governance and inclusive leadership. Ideally, you’ve worked in or alongside the NHS or charity sector, and you bring passion for health/social care, EDI, and recovery.

Why join SYEDA?

· To become part of a specialist charity with a growing national profile, a financially stable, and with ambitious plans for future growth.

· To join and promote a warm, collaborative culture with a strong commitment strong commitment to incorporating lived experience at all levels of the organisation.

· For an opportunity to shape support for some of the most underrepresented individuals in the mental health field today.

We are delighted to be working with The Talk About Trust, to appoint their next Chief Executive Officer.  The Talk About Trust is a charity, dedicated to helping young people to make safer choices around alcohol and other substances.  Supporting young people aged 8-25, they provide advice, workshops and resources via schools, children’s homes, pupil referral units, youth and sports clubs. They train teachers and youth workers, empower parents and carers and provide diversionary activities for young people. 

This is an ideal opportunity for a senior leader with strong track record of visionary leadership, managing budgets and organisational risks and performance, who has a genuine desire and passion to improve the life chances of children and young people. 

The successful candidate will have:

• Proven experience in a senior leadership role within the charity or community support sector
• Demonstrated success in business development and fundraising 
• Experience in strategic planning and implementation 
• Clear and inspirational leadership and management skills
• Flair and engagement with supporters and internal and external stakeholders and building effective partnerships at senior level

The successful candidate will also be experienced in diversifying income and implementing sustainable strategies that enhance the charity's financial resilience and long-term viability.  You will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and engage diverse audiences, via social media, press and public relations, including press & media interviews and advocacy.  You will demonstrate a clear vision, commitment and drive to take the charity forward.

If you understand early intervention, prevention and health education, and ideally, the knowledge of effective practises in drug and alcohol education for young people, we would like to hear from you.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. 

For any further information, please contact Sandra Smith, Charisma Charity Recruitment.  Applications should be made via the Charisma Charity Recruitment website and include your CV and supporting statement.

Location: Must be able to work from the Dorset Based Office on a regular basis 

Closing date for applications: 25 May 2025

First interview: 11 June 2025

Second interview: 20 June 25

Citizens Advice Rhondda Cynon Taf

Wales (Hybrid)

Salary £58,500 - £70,000 (based on experience)

Full-time

Permanent

Job description

Our cause never changes, Citizens Advice Rhondda Cynon Taf is here to make society fairer. We have a reputation for high quality provision of advice services, helping over 20,000 people last year.

As CEO, you are responsible for providing strategic leadership and direction for Citizens Advice Rhondda Cynon Taf, working collaboratively with the Board to shape the organisation’s strategy, direction, and policies and leading the Senior Management team.

Your role is to ensure the organisation maintains a strong focus on growth and sustainability, maximising opportunities for collaboration, service development, and delivery at both local and regional levels. You will work to build on Citizens Advice Rhondda Cynon Taf’s existing reputation as a truly influential force in the area, and beyond, fostering networks, alliances, and robust relationships with stakeholders and partners.

If you are interested in finding out more about this opportunity, please download the job pack attached for further information.

We deeply value our people and foster a supportive, socially just culture within a charitable environment. This role offers a rewarding remuneration package with excellent terms and conditions:

● Hybrid working offered

● A flexible 37 hour working week

● Pension scheme - employee minimum contribution of 5% and employer contribution of 4%

● Generous holiday entitlement

● Annual pay review

Closing Date: 19th May 2025

Provisional Interview Date: w/c 26th May 2025

The Snowdrop Project is the first organisation in the UK to provide long-term, community based support to survivors of modern slavery and exploitation. We aim to empower survivors of modern slavery and exploitation to recover from their experiences and thrive. We aim to reduce the risk of re-exploitation, to create and implement models of best practice and to share this knowledge with other agencies and individuals nationally and beyond.

Each year, our casework team engages with over 150 individuals and their dependents to provide trauma-informed advocacy, advice and support towards independence. The Casework Manager leads our team of specialist caseworkers to deliver this programme, carry a small caseload, collaborate with our wider operational team to develop opportunities, influence national policy and improve access to support for survivors in South Yorkshire and beyond. 

Position: Casework Manager

Salary: £32,000 per annum, pro rata, pension paid at 4% contribution

Benefits:

• Monthly independent therapeutic supervision,
• Cycle to Work Scheme,
• Holiday Sacrifice Scheme,
• Employee Life Insurance and ancillary benefits,

Holidays: 6.6 weeks (pro-rata, including bank holidays) + your birthday off!

Contract Type: Permanent

Hours: 30 hours p/w (.8 FTE)

Working Pattern: takes place between Monday-Friday 9-5 ; In-person.

Location: Snowdrop Project Offices, Castle Green, 7 Castle Street, Sheffield, S3 8LT

Reporting to: Head of Operations

Collaborating with: Counselling Manager; Community Development Manager; Policy, Training and Research Lead

Direct reports: Casework Team: Senior Caseworkers, Reach-In Workers 

You'll be responsible for: 

• Developing the casework service delivery, empowering your team, creatively approaching problems and finding creative solutions to barriers
• Working in collaboration with the wider Operational Team to deliver whole-person centred and best practice approach with Counselling and Community managers. 
• Assessing referrals and delivering support to survivors with complex needs
• Contributing to our policy, training and research programme to improve lives beyond South Yorkshire

Please see the Job Description document for full details and the Person Specification 

How to apply: Click the CharityJob Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and answer a few short screening questions about your relevant skills and motivation. CVs will be screened and candidates will then be asked to complete a short application form and personal statement detailing how they meet the requirements on the person specification. 

Applications close on Wednesday, 21st May, 2025 and interviews will take place on Friday, 30th May 2025. 

Please note- we will not be working with recruiters for this post. 

Doorway has operated across Warwickshire since 1997 providing a range of services for young people who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

We are proud to have worked with so many fantastic young people by listening to them and offering appropriate advice, support and wellbeing options as well as accommodation.

Doorway is seeking an exceptional and inspiring leader with the following:

· experience in successfully balancing the strategic and operational leadership responsibilities

· ability to manage high performing teams of staff and volunteers

· a good knowledge of housing and homelessness, local authorities and the charity sector

· able to develop strong and lasting relationships with a broad range of stakeholders, including young people who are at the heart of our service delivery.

· senior experience in an organisation of similar scale and complexity

· sound financial and commercial acumen with a track record of identifying and securing funding

Above all else, you will be intrinsically values driven and aligned to our purpose and culture. You will demonstrate a strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion along with a passion for tackling social injustice.

The Healthwatch Service Manager will have significant knowledge of health and social care services and community engagement including working with people who use services. Exciting opportunity to manage the Healthwatch North Northamptonshire Service.Our aims and mission are to give voice to the public and engaging communities especially those who are least heard and the most vulnerable. You will also be committed to working collaboratively with communities, VCSE and statutory sector services.

The Service Manager will also be able to lead all the key functions of Healthwatch including:

· Providing an effective Information & Signposting service for the public.

• Priority Research Projects

• Gathering Public and Patient Experiences

• Proactively managing Community Engagement & Outreach work

• Meeting Enter & View requirements

• Promoting and supporting Volunteering

We are looking for someone who is committed to social justice and equalities and able to translate this into practice. We need a confident manager who is credible and can lead an effective work programme relevant to meeting the needs of local communities and informing change to policy and practice of health and social care services.

Service Manager: Healthwatch North Northamptonshire

Background

Healthwatch North Northamptonshire is one of more than 150 local Healthwatch formed in response to the Health and Social Care Act 2012.  Healthwatch represents the views and experiences of local people and help communities to exercise greater choice over the services they receive.

Healthwatch North Northamptonshire will champion the health and social care needs of our communities, acting as an independent local voice and ensuring that services meet the needs of our communities and remain high quality.

Our vision is to inspire positive change in North Northamptonshire’s health and social care service through effective community engagement and ensure people and communities have a strong voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided.

We hope to ensure that Healthwatch North Northants has a strong presence, with an effective, proactive and independent local voice.  We act as a ‘critical friend’ to the commissioners and providers of health and social care services to enable progressive and beneficial decisions to be made.

Job Purpose:

To lead and manage all aspects of the Healthwatch North Northamptonshire service in line with statutory duties, service specification, performance requirements and in line with the values and objectives of Support Northamptonshire.

Our aim is to raise awareness amongst commissioners, providers and other agencies about the importance of engaging with communities, and the expertise and value that individuals can bring to discussion and decision making on local and national issues.

We hope to carry out this work in North Northamptonshire through specific ways:

· By capturing community views through people’s experiences and by understanding and reporting on these experiences to health and social care services.

· By actively promoting community involvement in the commissioning, provision and scrutiny of health and social services, giving people and communities a stronger voice to influence and challenge how health and social care services are provided within their locality.

· By undertaking community-led research in priority areas to examine the impact of health and social care services, its pathways and make any recommendations for change.

· Healthwatch can monitor and review how local services are planned and run (except for social care facilities for children and young people) and have the statutory power to ‘Enter and View’ premises delivering health and social care services. This enables authorised representatives of Healthwatch to observe the nature and quality of services, report on their findings and make recommendations so that local authorities and health services can exercise their duty to respond. 

· By providing Information & Signposting Service to help people understand the services available in their local area and to make informed choices about different health and social care services.

KEY TASKS:

To work closely with the Healthwatch NN Advisory Group and the Support Northamptonshire’s CEO to:

1. Fulfil Healthwatch NN’s statutory purpose, contractual requirements and its strategic and operational plans and objectives.

2. Contribute and challenge at a strategic level, influencing and shaping decisions made by commissioners and providers, in line with the vision and priorities of Healthwatch NN.

3. Implement a project management approach to the design and delivery of all workplan activity and deliver on respective programme areas including:

• Providing an effective Information & Signposting service for the public.

• Priority Research Projects

• Gathering Patient Experiences

• Proactively managing Community Engagement & Outreach work

• Meeting Enter & View requirements

• Promoting and supporting Volunteering

4. Coordinate all statutory functions including enter and view visits, information requests, escalations to Healthwatch England, and the coordination of intelligence gathering from a range of sources including the Information and Signposting function, and the NHS Complaints Advocacy service. ·

5. Work closely with the Care Quality Commission, Experts by Experience representatives, Social Service Quality Inspectors and any other stakeholders that perform a quality or inspection role to ensure coordination of activities and awareness of each other’s workplans. ·

6. Lead on all communications with Healthwatch England, the CQC and other national partners, ensuring the timely distribution of intelligence collated locally, and escalating matters of serious concerns.

7. To lead and undertake research and issue led investigations. in priority areas, provide quantitative and qualitative analysis on key data, ensuring projects and reports are achieved on time and to a high quality and that recommendations are reported and reviewed.

8. To develop a core team of community volunteers who can support and contribute to the work of Healthwatch NN and support them to be proactive and enthusiastic in fulfilling their roles.

9. To represent and promote Healthwatch NN with the NHS, Local Authority and Third Sector stakeholders and

10.  Deliver presentations and progress reports at key statutory bodies including the Health & Well Being Board, Health & Care Partnership and Overview and Scrutiny Committee as required.

11.  Act as the central point of contact for key stakeholders, commissioners, and service providers and sit on issue led boards and networks and attend such meetings when deemed it could add value to the work of Healthwatch.

12.  Ensure effective working relationships are in place with neighbouring Healthwatch, and explore opportunities for cross boundary working and joint utilisation of resources. and ensure appropriate protocols are in place for collaborative working. ·

13.  Identify, advance and manage collaborative relationships with key strategic stakeholders and partners to achieve our statutory roles (including voluntary sector, statutory agencies and other local Healthwatch)

14.  Act as ambassador for Healthwatch NN, working with other organisations and bodies as appropriate, taking part in external working groups and events to further the work and reputation of the organisation.

15.  Lead and develop and maintain productive networks, relationships and partnerships with key stakeholders and other appropriate bodies and organisations. 

16.  Where deemed appropriate, prepare formal requests for information to providers and commissioners, and keep a record of requests and timelines for responses. Identify appropriate actions when a late or insufficient response has been received, including onward referral to the Health Overview and Scrutiny Committee. ·

17.  Identify gaps in the knowledge of Healthwatch North Northamptonshire about the health and social care needs of local residents and look to address these, particularly working with key partners. ·

18.  Assess local strategies and policy documents, to identify gaps where local public concerns are not being addressed.

19.  Adopt an effective and shared approach to information management with appropriate sharing of data to avoid duplication, misinterpretation or underuse of data. ·

20.  Work with the team to identify gaps in service provision and alert local commissioners of any such gaps.

21.  Act as the central point of contact for all incoming press enquiries and be available to provide comments when health and social care related articles appear in the news, or direct enquiries to Senior Management where appropriate.

22.  Act as the central point of contact for any complaints made against Healthwatch North Northamptonshire and escalate accordingly to internal policies.

23.  Deliver key performance targets and ensure contract monitoring reports are produced in a timely manner.

24.  Manage the Healthwatch NN website and social media , production and publication of reports and all external materials and content.

25.  Line manage Healthwatch NN staff and carry out supervisions and appraisals in line with Support Northamptonshire policies and procedures

26.  Working with the relevant staff ensure the necessary infrastructure, resources and relationships are in place for the effective and efficient management of Healthwatch NN.

27.  Ensure compliance with all Support Northamptonshire policies and procedures

The ideal candidate for this role:

· Is passionate about social justice and addressing health inequalities

· Has experience of co-production and best practice in community engagement

· Is knowledgeable about key health and social care services.

· Is an experienced manager who is driven to manage a small team to capture views and experiences of local health and care services and produce recommendations for change to reflect what people tell us.

· Has the skills and confidence to influence change by working in partnership with other organisations and system partners

Our amazing team at Alana House - PACT are looking for Key Workers to join our Womens Community project.  Full time or part time applicants are welcomed to apply.

Could you make a lasting difference to women facing multiple disadvantages? Our award winning trauma recovery service empowers and enables women to access the support they need.  Our service covers Reading, Berkshire, Oxford City and South Oxfordshire.

Position: Womens Community Project Key Worker

Location: Based in central Reading.  The role requires travel across Berkshire, Oxford City and South Oxfordshire, the post holder must hold a full UK drivers license with access to own transport

Contract: Permanent full time – 37 hours per week Monday to Friday.  Part time hours will also be considered

Salary: Starting salary in the range of £25,734 to £31,453 per annum, depending on skills and experience (pro rata if part time)

Having regard to the nature and context of the work, there is a genuine occupational requirement permitted under the Equality Act 2010 that this post is only available to female applicants.

About the role:

As a Key Worker at Alana House, you will hold a case load of women and be involved in one to one work support work and group based sessions.  Your Key Worker responsibilities will include:

· regularly meet with women to provide dedicated emotional and practical support

· complete initial assessments of risk and need, and provide one-to-one support across rehabilitative pathways

· create and review support plans in collaboration with the woman, and other agencies

· facilitate and deliver group-based support

About you:

As a Key Worker, you’ll bring an in depth knowledge of issues facing women with multiple disadvantages, including those with convictions and those at risk of offending.  You’ll also have significant experience of supporting women with issues such as homelessness, substance misuse, domestic abuse and mental health, preferably within a criminal justice setting.

If this sounds like you then visit our website to apply today to join a collaborative and dedicated team who are part of something truly meaningful. Contact details for an informal discussion about the role can also be found on our website.

Early applications are encouraged as we may close this vacancy on an earlier basis if a successful candidate is found.

Closing date: Midday, Wednesday 14 May 2025

Interview dates: Wednesday 07 and Friday 23 May 2025

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Family Support Worker, Family Key Worker, Womens Support Worker, Womens Key Worker, Domestic Abuse Support Worker, Domestic Abuse Key Worker, Recovery Worker, Assistant Support Worker, Assistant Key Worker, IDVA Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, ISVA Independent Sexual Violence Advocate, Probation Services Officer, etc.

Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do at PACT. We have robust measures and best practices in place to safeguard and protect the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and we take pride in maintaining outstanding safeguarding standards.

Anyone joining our team is subject to PACT’s safer recruitment pre-appointment enquiries, including a Disclosure Barring Service (DBS). The role description provides information on what our safer recruitment enquiries include and the level of DBS required to work in the role.

All opportunities with PACT are based in the UK.