Charity Support Officer, Member Services

For over 1,000 years almshouse charities have been providing a unique form of safe, secure, warm homes for people in need.  Far from being a relic of the past, however, the almshouse movement remains vibrant and The Almshouse Association, which was established in 1946, continues to be the sole support organisation for over 1,600 member almshouse charities throughout the UK which, collectively, provide accommodation for approximately 36,000 residents.

At the heart of the Association, which is a charity in its own right, our member services team provides an advocacy service to the trustees and clerks of our members both by telephone and email. This is in addition to the guidance we offer through our instruction manuals and website. 

An opportunity has now arisen for an additional member of staff to join the team to provide specific support to our members including those who are facing specific challenges. The role requires an individual who is committed to providing an excellent standard of ‘customer’ service based on professionalism, accuracy and promptness in response.

• Responding to member enquiries by phone or email and recording all support given on our CRM.
• Working with specific member charities to complete a Charity Health Check form that covers all aspects of managing their almshouses, ranging from governance issues, health & safety, the properties, residents etc.
• Supporting charities in difficulty, especially those charities most in need, whilst maintaining communication at all times with our Head of Member Services and the wider team.
• Helping identify those charities where direct support is required.
• Helping establish a web- based service for responding to accommodation enquiries.
• Monitoring the Members Forum and alerting the team to issues where an Association response is required.
• Coordinating our Panel of Consultants, checking their credentials and maintaining relationships.
• Providing administration support and assisting with arrangements for events including our training course for trustees, seminars for trustees and clerks, and our Members Day.

The nature of the role is such that the individual may be asked to undertake additional or alternative tasks and duties as the needs of the Association dictate.    

Full training will be given but an understanding of almshouses and almshouse management, whilst not essential, would be an advantage.

The role may involve extensive travel to the Association’s member charities across the UK. Therefore, the successful applicant will need to be a car owner and possess a clean driving licence. Expenses will be paid. On occasions overnight stays may be necessary.

Requirements

1.         Knowledge of Outlook, Word, Excel, Access essential.

2.         Knowledge of Subscriber CRM would be preferable.

3.         Knowledge of PowerPoint preferable.

4.         Experience of Managing Events/Projects preferable.

Benefits

•              9.00 to 5.30 Monday to Friday

•              Salary approximately £30,000 p.a. (FTE) (depending on experience)

•              28 days holiday, plus Bank Holidays (FTE)

•              Location: Hybrid working; post based at our Wokingham office and part home-based

•              Job Type: Full-time, although part-time would be considered