Welfare Officer

Deliver welfare and support services to seriously injured rugby players, their families and clubs/schools/colleges in England. Working with a small dedicated team and external appointed case workers, the Welfare Officer will support seriously injured players to achieve their best possible outcomes.

The Rugby Football Union Injured Players Foundation is a registered charity that works with people across England to support those who sustain life-changing injuries through playing rugby union.

The following accountabilities would be delivered in partnership with the existing welfare officer, split geographically (North/South) with flexibility to provide cover outside of this and/or align with individual skill sets and the needs of the IPF

• Delivery of immediate welfare support to newly injured players including:
  • immediate response and contact with the people involved
  • liaison with hospital care team and other charities
  • delivery of face to face support to hospitalised players and their community
  • discussion of welfare package and trust funds, fundraising, media support etc.
  • co-ordination of support with NHS Trusts and Local Authorities

• Delivery of long-term welfare support to established beneficiaries of the Injured Players Foundation (members) including:
  • home visits
  • management and training of a network of Volunteer Liaison Officers (VLOs)
  • delivery of the IPF’s “Engage” programme of activities and personal development experiences

The successful candidate will have experience in dealing with individuals (including children) and relatives who have been involved in accidents causing serious injury or fatality. Experience of working with health and social services and vulnerable people is essential for this role.

The candidate will have excellent verbal and non-verbal communication skills with strong focus on and empathy for the individuals concerned.