Military support coordinator jobs in east village, west sussex

Be part of a team that changes and saves lives. Design and deliver creative events that support military families caring for injured loved ones.

This is a demanding but deeply rewarding role that combines service delivery, engagement, and emotional resilience. As Events & Engagement Officer, you will work closely with our Operational Support Team to design and deliver a varied programme of online and in-person events. These will support the wellbeing of our Members (adult family members of injured veterans and serving personnel), reduce isolation, and build understanding of the challenges faced by military families.

The Ripple Pond is a UK-wide charity that supports the adult family members of physically or psychologically injured Armed Forces personnel and veterans. We provide peer support, structured guidance, and signposting to improve wellbeing and reduce isolation for families who often carry complex emotional burdens in silence. Our work is rooted in lived experience and built on a foundation of inclusion, compassion, and community.

The Operational Support Team lies at the heart of our frontline service. It delivers one-to-one support, coordinates safeguarding and triage, and ensures Members are connected to the right pathways at the right time. It is a trauma-informed, emotionally intelligent team that works with care and professionalism, ensuring that no one caring for an injured veteran or serviceperson feels alone.

You will start your time with The Ripple Pond by embedding into the Operations Team for approximately two months. This will give you a firm grounding in the lived experiences of our Members and ensure you’re fully trained to act as Duty Officer. As Duty Officer, you’ll receive and respond to referrals and enquiries, complete needs assessments, carry out risk assessments, and navigate Members to appropriate internal or external support. This may involve responding to distressing and traumatic situations, including domestic abuse, suicidal ideation, addiction, and other complex issues. You will also be expected to attend (online) multi-agency meetings.

This role requires emotional resilience, sound judgment, and exceptional communication skills. You will need to work flexibly, including some evenings and occasional weekends, and travel to a limited number of face-to-face events and meetings throughout the year. In return, you will be part of a supportive, values-driven team making a real and lasting difference to people’s lives.

Key Responsibilities

• Working with your colleagues to design and deliver an engaging and inclusive programme of digital and in-person events that support Member wellbeing, build confidence, reduce isolation, and encourage peer connection.

• Co-develop activities such as themed discussion groups, creative and recreational workshops (e.g. book clubs, craft groups, quiz nights, art workshops, journaling, fitness, etc.), and skill-building sessions.

• Plan and lead external engagement sessions for professionals and stakeholders to improve understanding of the Armed Forces family experience.

• Manage the full event cycle, from concept and scheduling to promotion, delivery, and evaluation.

• Work closely with the Operational Support Team to ensure all activities reflect Member needs and organisational aims.

• Act as Duty Officer on a rota basis, including during periods of staff leave or absence. This includes responding to new enquiries, completing needs and risk assessments, and triaging Members into appropriate pathways of support.

• Respond sensitively to Members disclosing trauma or distress and act in line with our safeguarding and escalation procedures.

• Attend virtual joint-agency meetings when required to support Members or represent the charity.

• Use digital tools to promote and deliver content (e.g. Zoom, Canva, Transpond, Eventbrite, CRM systems).

• Collect and evaluate Member feedback to help refine services and contribute to reporting and development work.

• Support cross-organisational projects and team-wide initiatives as needed.

Terms and Conditions

• Hours: Part-time, 21 hours per week

• Schedule: Three days per week, 9 am to 5 pm (1-hour unpaid lunch break)

• Flexibility: Some evenings and occasional weekends will be required to support Member activities or represent the charity. Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) will be provided

• Contract: Fixed-term, 18 months (extension subject to funding)

• Location: Home-based

• Travel:
  ˃ Expectation to attend up to 8 in-person events or meetings per year
  ˃ All travel time and reasonable expenses are reimbursed
  ˃ Depending on your location, some travel may involve overnight stays, which the charity will fully fund
  ˃ The ability and willingness to travel and stay overnight is essential

Person Specification

Essential

• Experience designing and delivering events (in-person or online)

• Strong interpersonal skills with empathy and emotional resilience

• Excellent written and verbal communication

• Ability to manage sensitive conversations and disclosures appropriately

• Familiarity with digital tools (e.g. Zoom, Canva, Eventbrite, CRM systems)

• Excellent organisational and time management skills

• Ability to work flexibly, independently, and as part of a team

• Commitment to safeguarding, confidentiality, and person-centred support

• Demonstrates emotional resilience and works confidently with individuals facing trauma, distress, or complex challenges

• Maintains strong professional boundaries and self-awareness, with a clear understanding of when to seek support

• Manages workload effectively under pressure, staying focused and prioritising in emotionally demanding situations

• Shows a consistent commitment to personal wellbeing and self-care when working in high-pressure or emotionally complex environments

Desirable

• Knowledge of or lived experience within the Armed Forces or veteran families

• Experience working in the charity sector

• Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches or peer-led initiatives

Other

• Full UK driving licence and access to a roadworthy, insured vehicle

• Willingness to travel across the UK and stay overnight where required

• Commitment to professional development and learning

Benefits

• 30 days annual leave (pro rata) plus your birthday off

• 6% employer contribution to your workplace pension scheme

• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme offering:
  ˃ Discounts and rewards on popular brands
  ˃ Free access to fitness and wellbeing apps
  ˃ Free legal, financial, and family advice