Are you excited by the latest innovations on the market to help people overcome barriers to independence? Are you skilled at seeking out the best deals to pass on to the people who need them most? Do you have the ability to put people at ease and feel supported? Are you highly organised and dynamic? If so, we need you!
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our team as a Resource Centre Manager. This is a fantastic opportunity for a Dispensing Optician, Sensory Equipment Specialist, or experienced practitioner with service management skills to lead and develop a well-established Resource Centre.
You will play a central role in supporting people who are blind, partially sighted, Deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind to access assistive equipment and technology that maintains independence and improves quality of life.
The role includes leading the day-to-day running of the Resource Centre, ensuring a high-quality, person-centred service, and working collaboratively across the organisation. There is also scope to shape and grow the service, including developing new income opportunities and resources. You will be line managing a small team of staff and volunteers.
We are looking for someone with experience in sensory support, strong organisational and people management skills, and confidence in advising on equipment and practical solutions. You will be proactive, flexible and committed to improving outcomes for the people we support.
This is primarily an office-based role with some travel across Surrey.
We can offer you:
· A generous annual leave allowance (full time annual leave entitlement is 28 days per annum, plus bank holidays)
· Pension contributions 6% matched with the Pensions Trust
· Access to an Employee Assistance Programme
· Investment in your development
· Annual flu vaccinations and an eye test every two years with a contribution towards work related glasses
· A vibrant and friendly team!
Sensory Services by Sight for Surrey has been established for over 100 years. We enable and empower people who are blind, partially sighted, Deaf, hard of hearing and deafblind to overcome barriers and to be as independent as possible.
An Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service will be required, which we can arrange.
Closing Date: Please apply by 9.00 am on Monday 18th May using our application form
Interview dates: Shortlisted applicants will be offered an interview on Thursday 28th May.
Registered Charity
101 - 500
Support & enable people who are Deaf, hard of hearing, blind, partially sighted & deafblind to lead independent lives.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
About the Role
As an Advocate with us, you’ll support individuals in diverse circumstances to have their voices heard by health and social care professionals and other key stakeholders. Your work will help ensure people are empowered to make informed decisions about their lives and care.
The role involves travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes, and community settings. While some work can be completed from home, particularly administrative tasks, access to your own transport and a reliable home internet connection is essential.
As this is a newly funded project, the postholder will play a key role in shaping how SHOUT is delivered locally. This includes developing strong working relationships with schools, SEND teams, Transitions services and community partners, identifying unmet need, promoting the service, and contributing to the growth and sustainability of the project.
About You
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds. Ideally, you’ll have some experience in advocacy or in providing support, or welfare services to adults or young people - particularly those with learning disabilities and/or autism, communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or difficulties accessing support.
You may have worked or volunteered in health or social care, education, youth services, support services, or in advice and guidance roles. Above all, we’re looking for people who are passionate about making a difference and supporting others to be heard.
How will you make a difference?
You’ll actively promote SHOUT within local communities and professional networks, helping to build awareness and increase access to early advocacy support.
· You’ll help young people to understand their rights, entitlements, and choices; providing clear, accessible information tailored to their needs.
· You’ll support young people to express what matters to them - or speak on their behalf when needed - ensuring their views, wishes, values, and beliefs are represented.
· You’ll promote self-advocacy and confidence-building at every opportunity, encouraging young people to speak up for themselves.
· You’ll work creatively and collaboratively to empower young people to participate in decisions affecting their lives.
· You’ll act in line with relevant legislation (including the Children Act 2004, Working Together to Safeguarding Children, Keeping Children Safe in Education, Mental Capacity Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act and Equality Act 2010), and you’ll constructively challenge professionals and services to uphold their duties.
· You’ll escalate concerns appropriately to safeguard individuals and contribute to improved service delivery.
To learn more about Advocacy and the services we provide, please visit our website.
Professional Development
We’re committed to helping our team grow. Whether you’re starting your career in Advocacy or looking to expand your expertise, we offer a range of development opportunities. We’re proud of our track record in supporting staff to build knowledge, skills, and experience across various advocacy roles.
Equality and Diversity
At Your Voice Counts, we are committed to creating an inclusive and supportive workplace. We value diversity, promote equality, and work to ensure everyone can reach their full potential.
We are a Disability Confident employer. Applicants who identify as disabled and meet all essential criteria will be offered an interview. If you require an alternative way to apply, please contact our HR team to discuss your needs.
Person Specification
We’re looking for passionate and committed individuals who can support people to be heard and make informed choices. Below are the qualities, experience, and skills we’re looking for in an ideal candidate.
Essential Criteria
Experience and Knowledge
· Understanding of SEND processes, including EHCP reviews and transition planning.
· Experience of working or volunteering in health, social care, education, youth services, support services, or advice and guidance.
· Understanding of the challenges faced by people with learning disabilities and/or autism.
· Awareness of the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding, and professional boundaries.
· Knowledge of health and social care systems, and how to support people to access services.
Skills and Abilities
· Strong communication skills, including the ability to listen actively and adapt communication to meet individual needs.
· Ability to build trust and positive relationships with clients, professionals and partner agencies.
· A person-centred and empathetic approach to supporting others.
· Confidence in working independently, managing your own time and workload.
· Ability to write clear and accurate case notes and reports.
· Confidence using IT systems, including Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook), and experience of using contact or case management systems such as Charity Log.
Commitment and Practicalities
· Commitment to upholding the rights of individuals and promoting equality and inclusion.
· Willingness to travel across Newcastle, South Tyneside, and Gateshead to meet clients and professionals in various settings.
· Access to your own transport and a suitable home internet connection for remote working and admin tasks.
Desirable Criteria
· Experience of working with young people aged 14–18.
· Knowledge of safeguarding children procedures.
· Previous experience working as an Advocate or in a similar role supporting people to understand their rights and make decisions.
· Experience of supporting individuals with complex needs, including those who may lack capacity or have significant communication barriers.
· Familiarity with relevant legislation (e.g. Mental Capacity Act, Mental Health Act, Care Act, Human Rights Act).
· Experiencing facilitating or co-facilitating peer groups or community-based sessions.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
This is a hybrid (home/office working) post with the split to be mutually agreed.
Headway North Staffordshire is the county's leading provider of rehabilitation and outreach services to people affected by acquired brain injury. We deliver services and projects with high impact that are attractive to funders and truly make a difference to our service users' quality of life.
Our new Grant Fundraiser (Trusts and Corporates) will research, write and submit high-quality, well presented, well-reasoned grant applications, working to secure major gifts for capital and revenue projects from grants and foundations, major donor and corporate bodies in order to achieve fundraising targets.
You will also nurture relationships with existing and new grant funders, build connections with businesses and community organisations to explore sponsorship, collaboration, and partnership opportunities.
Our new Grant Fundraiser will also contributing positively as a member of the broader Leadership Team.
This is a 21 hour per week hybrid working post; exact working hours are negotiable / flexible.
Please apply via the charity's website, the closing date is Monday 11 May 2026..
Registered Charity
21 - 50
To do what we can to ensure people affected by acquired brain injury receive all the care and support they need and can regain their quality of life
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.