We are seeking a driven and dedicated Lead Community Advice Worker to join our community advocacy and advice service centred on the community that gathers in Gillett Square in Dalston, Hackney. This is an opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of people facing complex challenges, including poverty, homelessness, poor mental and physical health, disability, and racism and discrimination.
About Side by Side
Our Side by Side service has developed through several years of outreach on Gillett Square in Dalston. Recognising that many in the community that gathers there face severe disadvantages on multiple levels yet rarely seek support, we set about getting to know people, listening to their stories, and slowly building trust whilst offering practical help, advice and support. Now, our community advice workers are considered part of the community themselves and without hesitation, people refer themselves and their friends, neighbours and families to us for support.
The Role
As our Lead Community Advice Worker, you will provide holistic advice, advocacy, and practical support to people connected to the marginalised and excluded Gillett Square community in Dalston. You will help them access essential services, navigate welfare benefits and housing issues, and challenge decisions they believe are unjust. You will also provide guidance and supervision to one Community Advice Worker. This role involves occasional outreach in Gillett Square and through home visits.
The role is offered on a part-time, 4 day week basis (0.8 FTE) with a salary of £36,050 pro rata per annum.
We are looking for someone with:
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Experience in supporting people with complex lives who face multiple disadvantages and social exclusion.
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A proven ability to build trust and positive relationships with individuals who may be distrustful of services.
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A strong understanding of social justice and a commitment to working side by side with people in a way that empowers them to claim their rights.
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Knowledge of welfare rights and housing regulations.
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Excellent communication and advocacy skills.
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An understanding of the effects of racial discrimination and the ability to work effectively with diverse communities.
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Leadership skills and the ability to drive the service forward with service users’ needs at the forefront.
If you are passionate about social justice and meet the requirements, we encourage you to apply or get in touch to arrange an informal chat about the role.
Registered Charity 
6 - 10
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About us
We’re Breast Cancer Now, the research and support charity. We’re the place to turn to for anything and everything to do with breast cancer. However you’re experiencing breast cancer, we’re here.
The brightest minds in breast cancer research are here. Making life-saving research happen in labs across the UK and Ireland. Support services, trustworthy breast cancer information and specialist nurses are here. Ready to support you whenever you need it. Dedicated campaigners are here. Fighting for the best possible treatment, services and care for anyone affected by breast cancer.
About the role
12 month fixed term contract (maternity cover)
This role is involved with the day-to-day running of our social media channels and peer-to peer support forum—2 of our most important spaces for connection and conversation. You'll shape content, manage engagement, and ensure our digital spaces are welcoming, inclusive, and supportive for everyone affected by breast cancer. You’ll work closely with teams across the charity to amplify our voice, grow our reach, and support our wider goals. You’ll also line-manage 1 digital community officer. It’s a hands-on, people-focused role where your digital skills will make a real difference every day.
About you
You’re a digital native with a heart for community and a mind for strategy. You believe in the power of connection—particularly for those navigating or impacted by breast cancer—and you’re ready to work on inclusive, impactful online spaces.
You’ve got experience managing digital spaces, writing copy for social, and confidence creating short videos for social channels.
You enjoy mentoring others, and you’re always looking for new ways to connect with diverse audiences.
You’re curious, collaborative, you often seek out opportunities to innovate, and you enjoy learning and sharing what you learn.
Job description and benefits
Please download the job description and our attractive benefits package.
Primary location of role and hybrid working
This role is primarily based in our Cardiff, Glasgow, London, or Sheffield office. Our hybrid working model allows you to work up to 3 days per week at home.
When applying
We hope you choose to apply for this role. To support your application, you’ll be asked to submit your anonymised CV and a supporting statement. Please refer to the essential criteria on the person specification and clearly provide as much information as you can with examples, to demonstrate how and where you meet the criteria. If you’ve any immediate questions please contact Breast Cancer Now recruitment.
Our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
We’re committed to promoting equity, valuing diversity and creating an inclusive environment – for everyone who works for us, works with us, supports us and who we support.
Closing date 9am on Wednesday 21 May 2025
Interview date Week commencing 26 May 2025
