Peer Support Group Development Officer

Peer Support Group Development Officer

We have two positions available:

Area 1: Midlands (Birmingham, Nottingham, Coventry, Worcester etc)

Area 2: The North (Leeds, York, Middlesborough, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Liverpool, Manchester etc)

• Please note that you MUST Live in the area/region that you are applying for

Job Type:

Full-Time- 37 hours per week, remote working with travel across region and occasional national travel, flexible working negotiable by prior arrangement.

Overview:

Following the successful application of a National Lottery award, we are seeking two dedicated and compassionate Peer Support Group Development Officers to set up and sustain local peer support groups for people living with and affected by prostate cancer. These roles focus on building on our established networks to expand peer support in defined areas, facilitating group formation, and enhancing service delivery through strategic outreach and resource development.

This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of individuals living with and affected by prostate cancer, providing crucial support through community-based initiatives. If you are enthusiastic about volunteer management and community service and have the skills and experience, we are looking for, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Group formation and support: Oversee the setup and operation of 10-12 self-sustaining and independent peer support groups within your assigned region across the lifetime of the three-year project. Ensure smooth delivery, monitoring, and evaluation of group activities. Support existing group leaders and organisers to reach more people living with and affected by prostate cancer with tools and resources.
• Volunteer Coordination: Recruit, train, and support volunteer Support Group Leaders. Assist in the co-production of training materials and resources, aimed at creating self-sustainable groups.
• Community Engagement: Conduct outreach to map existing support services and facilitate the integration of these services with the peer support groups. Host local engagement events to boost volunteer recruitment.
• Data and Case Management: Use a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to support high-quality volunteer and case management, ensuring accurate data collection to support service outcomes.
• Training and Development: Develop and deliver tailored training programmes for volunteers based on the specific needs of Group Leaders and Organisers. Set up regional forums for sharing best practices and peer networking. Encourage use of Members Portal to share good practice.
• Documentation and Compliance: Ensure compliance with Best Practice Guidance document. Ensure adherence to safeguarding policies to maintain safe governance of peer support groups.

Skills and Qualities Required:

• Strong Facilitation and Communication Skills: Ability to engage effectively with diverse groups. Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential.
• Project Management: Proven skills in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Ability to meet deadlines and manage a varied workload.
• Volunteer Management: Experience in recruiting, training, and supporting volunteers in community settings. Knowledge of best practices in volunteer management.
• Influencing: Experience of influencing a wide range of partners and stakeholders, and in particular clinicians and voluntary and community providers within the health and wellbeing community.
• Community Development: Experience of developing and delivering community services with a range of stakeholders, including health and social care workers, commissioners, local authority and community and voluntary partners.
• Data-Driven Approach: Experience with data collection and CRM systems and a commitment to data-driven service evaluation.
• Community Sensitivity: Experience collaborating with people with a lived experience of cancer or other long-term conditions. Ability to understand and empathise with community needs.
• Administrative: Strong administration and IT skills to maintain accurate records and documentation.
• Safeguarding Knowledge: A good understanding of safeguarding practices, particularly concerning vulnerable populations.

Educational Qualifications:

• Relevant qualification or experience in Community Development, Psychology, Public Health, or a related field is preferred.

Essential Requirements:

• A genuine commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion in all aspects of the role.
• Right to work in the UK.
• Willingness to travel within the designated region and, on occasion, nationally when required.
• Live in the area/region that you are applying for:

            Area 1: Midlands (Birmingham, Nottingham, Coventry, Worcester etc)

            Area 2: The North (Leeds, York, Middlesborough, Newcastle Upon Tyne, Liverpool, Manchester etc)