Service Support Officer Jobs in Birmingham, West Midlands
Join Where Next, a leading charity with over 40 years of empowering adults with learning disabilities. As the largest day service provider in Worcestershire, we are committed to fostering independence, work skills, and enjoyment for our clients.
We are currently undergoing an exciting transformation, and this is your chance to be part of it! We’re looking for a dynamic Fundraising Officer (Grants) to help secure the future of our charity by developing key funding streams and building successful corporate partnerships.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead on fundraising through grants, corporate partnerships, and other funding mechanisms
- Write and develop winning bids to secure financial support
- Build and maintain relationships with corporate partners and funders
- Support the strategic direction of the organization by identifying new funding opportunities
- Collaborate across teams to align funding with operational needs
- Manage fundraising data using the charity’s CRM system
What We’re Looking For:
- Degree or equivalent (desirable)
- Experience in writing bids, reports, or other detailed documents
- Knowledge of the charity sector and fundraising (desirable)
- Excellent communication skills, with strong attention to detail
- Proactive and creative mindset, always looking for new opportunities
- A passion for making a difference in the lives of those with learning disabilities
What We Offer:
- 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, with an additional Christmas shutdown
- Full sick pay for up to 6 weeks per year
- A positive training and development scheme to support your growth
- A pension scheme and access to a health and well-being app
- Special leave for life events: day off on your birthday, moving day, or wedding day
- A supportive and empowering work environment
This is your opportunity to contribute to a growing organisation that’s making a real difference. If you’re ready to take on a rewarding role that will challenge and inspire you, we’d love to hear from you!
Apply now to join our mission and help drive our impact forward.
LOCATION - Remote with travel required across the UK
Are you looking for an exciting and rewarding new role in 2024? Apply for the Impact and Evaluation Senior Officer role at homelessness charity Emmaus UK.
About Emmaus
Emmaus is a secular organisation supporting homeless and socially excluded people by providing a home for as it is needed, meaningful work in a social enterprise and a sense of belonging and community. There are currently 30 Emmaus communities in the UK stretching from Glasgow to Dover and Norfolk to South Wales, collectively supporting more than 850 people. There are also 3 Emmaus groups working towards the development of services in their areas. We understand that a home is more than just a roof over your head; it’s somewhere to belong, where you feel part of a community, and that’s what Emmaus offers.
About the role
We are seeking an Impact and Evaluation Senior Officer, working with the Impact and Evaluation Manager, Director of Partnerships and Federation Development and with federation members.The role will be central to the delivery of strategic commitment to work together to record, study, continuously improve and broadcast our collective impact.
It’s an exciting time for the Emmaus Federation as we roll out a new In-Form (salesforce) CRM system and interlinked Monitoring Evaluation and Learning (MEL) Framework.
The role will play a crucial part in implementing, gathering feedback and developing new systems and tools to be utilised by Emmaus communities.
The role will be varied in nature, one day might involve conducting interviews with people experiencing homelessness, then next providing support to a member of staff to improve a communities MEL practice, the following day might involve analysing a data set and writing a briefing paper.
Who are we looking for?
The Impact and Evaluation Senior Officer will play a key role in supporting the Emmaus federation to understand and demonstrates the impact of our work.
The ideal candidate will have strong theoretical and practical evaluation skills coupled with the people skills to make this work accessible to a range of stakeholders.
They will need to be comfortable working as part of a remote team and able to travel to Emmaus communities across the UK to work with staff and companions.
What we offer
· £34,199 pro rata (based on a standard working week of 37.5 hours)
· Working hours: Can be delivered flexibly, Monday – Friday
· Contract: Permanent
· Pension: Stakeholder pension with employer contribution
· Annual leave: 25 days + Bank Holidays + 3 concessionary days leave
· Training & development: Individually tailored induction. Ongoing training and development
· Volunteering: 2 days allowance each year
· Employee assistance: 24/7 employee assistance scheme is available
· Flexible working: Options available, subject to the requirements of the role
· Life assurance: Death in service lump sum of 3 x salary
To apply
To apply for the role, please complete our application form and equal opportunities monitoring form and email us by 12pm on Wednesday 06 November 2024.
Please ensure you download the job pack and refer to the job description and person specification when completing your application form.
Those shortlisted will be invited to an interview conducted via Microsoft Teams on Monday 18 November.
If you would like to arrange an informal discussion about the role, please email us.
Equal Opportunities
Emmaus UK provides equal opportunity for all job applicants and employees and is committed to providing a work environment free of discrimination. We are dedicated to an inclusive culture, and we strive to create a workplace where teams of people with diverse backgrounds, characteristic, perspectives, ideas and experiences work together. We welcome applications from all individuals irrespective of age, race, gender, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital status or parental responsibilities.
To ensure fairness and consistency to select the best candidate for our roles, all our applications are anonymised up until an interview has been confirmed so that shortlisting is based solely upon the suitability of the candidate’s experience.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Inclusion Barnet is Barnet’s Deaf and Disabled People’s Organisation (DDPO). All of the board and 75% of staff declare an impairment, and we’re passionate about using our lived experience of disability to work towards inclusive communities and greater social justice for all. This means that, in addition to our traditional services delivered by and for disabled people, we are a groundbreaking organisation working to demonstrate that as disabled people we can take a leadership role in our local community. In a world where disabled people are too often underestimated or written off, we need your help to tell this story.
We’re looking for a natural communicator who can tell our story in an accessible and compelling way. You’ll be able to think creatively, whilst being comfortable keeping across routine but vital tasks such as producing newsletters and updating social media. You’ll take pride in making those outputs the best they can be. It’s required that you have your own lived experience of disability, which could include mental health issues or a long term condition. We also particularly welcome applications from global majority candidates, who are currently underrepresented at this level in our organisation.
Your role will focus on two of our projects: our work with the Barnet Together Alliance supporting the local voluntary sector; and the work of the NCL VCSE Alliance, which we currently chair.
To succeed, you will need an ability to write fluent, interesting copy as well as a familiarity with social media and a basic understanding of design principles. In return, you will become part of a friendly and supportive team, working within a focused but flexible culture, where diversity is valued and you can bring your whole self to work.
This is a UK based role, which can be performed at home. We encourage flexible working to suit your work/life balance preferences where possible. We also operate a Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) system.
To apply, please submit your CV with a brief covering letter clearly stating how you meet the person specification, and how your own lived experience of disability would inform your approach to the role.
The successful candidate must have the right to work in the UK.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview during the week of 4th November.
Youth Futures Foundation is the What Works Centre for youth employment. We exist to address the significant disparities in youth employment for marginalised groups. We want to ensure that all young people can access and keep good quality jobs.
We are looking for a Senior Grants Officer who will be a key role within the grants team, supporting Relationships Managers and the Head of Grants in the delivery of innovative and impactful grant-making. You will lead on the delivery of key funding relationships and portfolios, making recommendations on complex and strategically important requests for funding and building effective relationships with our grant holders. You will also work closely across our Impact and Evidence, Employer Engagement and Policy & Communications teams to ensure successful applicants are supported to deliver high quality, impactful projects that will build the evidence base of “What Works” to support the most disadvantaged young people into good jobs.
This role can be based at any of our hubs located in London, Birmingham or Leeds. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.
We offer flexible working and consider alternative patterns of work (open to Job Share requests).
For more information, please download the job recruitment pack.
The young people we aim to serve – and the challenges they face - are all unique. We are looking to build a team that reflects this diversity. Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, class, religion, identity, and experience forms the cornerstone of our work. We are an equal opportunities, Living Wage and Disability Confident employer and encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds representative of our communities. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, where employees are encouraged to have a voice.
We are the national What Works Centre for youth employment, with a specific focus on marginalised young people.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Our ideal candidate will be a digital expert. You might have experience from the public, private or third sector or as a freelancer.
You will understand audiences and be a great writer for digital channels. You will be at home with the technical jargon of the digital world but be able to interpret and translate this for colleagues across the charity, cutting through piles of data to spot what is important.
This is a revamped, highly rewarding role, reflecting a renewed emphasis that we place on our paid media, and your work will be transformational working within a friendly and hardworking team committed to keeping children safe from sexual harm.
Safeguarding
We are committed to safeguarding and protecting the vulnerable adults, children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We believe in creating a positive environment where our differences are respected and each of us feels valued for our contribution. Showing respect and consideration to all is part of our values and at the core of our culture.
As an inclusive employer, all qualified candidates will be considered regardless of race, ethnicity, religion or belief, age, socioeconomic background, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity and caring responsibilities, marital status, nationality and disability including invisible disabilities and neurodiversity. As part of our safer recruitment process we actively remove bias from applications i.e applications are anonymised prior to sharing with the recruiting panel and equal opportunity monitoring forms are removed from applications on receipt and retained by HR for analysis reporting.
To prevent child sexual abuse and exploitation
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
SCIE Vision
We are committed to building a society which enables people who draw on social care to live fulfilling lives.
At the SCIE, we are driven by our values:
· Progressive – always learning and developing.
· Inclusive – working together for equality, diversity, and fairness.
· Credible – evidence-based, robust, and reliable.
· Transparent – open and honest.
The role:
A great opportunity for you to join our small friendly team and make a real difference to people’s lives by:
· Ensuring that SCIE’s evidence, drawn from research and people’s lived experiences, influences social care policy and practice.
· Developing and delivering influencing strategies, drafting policy papers and legislative briefings, and managing relationships with various stakeholders and key partners.
· Growing SCIE’s profile as an influential, informed, and powerful voice in the social care sector.
· Positioning SCIE to work as a partner to government, responding independently to new government policy, supporting and advising on a range of national policy programmes, initiatives, and influencing guidance and practice.
· Producing high-quality research and evaluations demonstrating what works and makes a difference in social care, promoting evidence-based good practice.
What we are looking for:
· Knowledge of the policy and political landscape developed from previous experience working in a policy or public affairs role, either in government, the civil service, charities, or non-governmental organisations.
· Proven experience developing and delivering public affairs strategies and leading influencing activities.
· Proven experience producing policy papers and applying policy research skills, such as evidence gathering, analysis and reporting.
· Proven experience as a strategic and analytic thinker who can influence policymakers with persuasive arguments, policy ideas and campaigns.
· Proven ability to manage a wide range of internal and external stakeholder relationships, including at senior levels, and to engage with people with diverse viewpoints and backgrounds.
What we offer in return.
We offer excellent staff benefits including a competitive salary and homeworking allowance. We provide an employer pension contribution above the statutory minimum, an award-winning employee assistance programme, and an attractive holiday package which rises with length of service.
If you would like to access the application form in a different format or if would like any assistance that might help improve your experience while completing the application, please contact us.
About us
REMAP is a unique national charity. It brings together two groups of people: volunteers skilled at making things and disabled people who need specialist equipment. Each year, around 3,000 pieces of custom-made equipment help transform the lives of disabled people.
REMAP’s army of ingenious inventors designs and makes equipment for young and old alike and then provides it free of charge. The aim is always to help people achieve quality of life, filling the gap where no suitable equipment is available commercially.
With an exciting new strategy that will continue to place the client at the heart of our work, we seek an experienced charity sector referral officer to help us deliver on our mission and vision.
REMAP is an organisation that encourages its team members to contribute their thoughts and ideas actively and work together to achieve its aims and ambitions. You will be given the space to work autonomously and grow in the role, but with the support of your colleagues and line manager when you need us. You can work to your strengths and share your successes and learning with the broader team, who will, in turn, look to share their experiences and learning.
The Role
The Referrals Officer role is critical to the charity. It ensures that our referral process is managed effectively for our clients and branches.
This is both an internal and external role. The person in this role is the first point of contact for all referral queries. You will assign referrals to branches, liaise with clients and volunteers, and maintain our CRM system.
We seek a strong people person with at least two years of experience operating a CRM system regularly (ideally Salesforce). Experience working to develop a CRM system and client journey would be advantageous.
As a small charity, you will thrive in a busy environment, have excellent prioritisation skills and have a positive ‘can do’ attitude. We are a supportive team, and you will work closely with our Operations Manager and wider volunteer delivery colleagues to help REMAP support our clients and branches across the UK.
About You
We want you to bring relevant experience, passion, dedication, positivity, and flair to our work.
To be considered for this role, you will have demonstrable experience in a similar position and be comfortable working with a diverse range of volunteers/people. As a self-starter, you can work at pace and quickly assess and deliver to changing priorities in a busy remote team. You will have excellent interpersonal skills, be able to coordinate multiple tasks/activities and have the flexibility to respond to changing demands. Ideally, you will have experience dealing with enquiries from health professionals and vulnerable clients.
You will be proactive, enthusiastic, and excited about joining an organisation with ambitious plans to future-proof its services and reach more disabled people. Experience working in a remote environment is highly desirable.
Additional information about the role
Place of work: Fully remote, with occasional 2/3 nights away for year-round events.
Working Hours: Full-time, 37 hours per week
Salary: £26,000 – £29,000 dependent on experience
Holiday entitlement: It begins at 25 days per annum, in addition to public holidays and the Christmas stand-down.
Application Instructions
To apply, please send your CV and a separate cover letter of no more than two A4 sides describing how you meet the job description and personal specifications.
We are a Disabled Confident employee.
Candidates who fail to follow the instructions will automatically be screened out of the selection process.
Closing date for Applications: 11.59 pm Sunday 10th November
Interviews: Interviews for the role will be held on the week commencing 25th November 2024.
If you would like further information about the role or have any questions, please contact Kelly, Operations Manager.
REMAP exists to improve the quality of life for people who experience short or long-term disability through infirmity, illness or ageing.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Connected Futures is Youth Futures’ systems change programme. It aims to foster joined-up solutions to the complex issues and barriers facing disadvantaged young people.
We are looking for a capable, proactive person to support the overall programme management approach for Connected Futures. The Senior Programme Support Officer will support the Head of Programmes to develop and deliver an approach to programme and project management across Connected Futures. The postholder will take the lead on specific tasks, and coordinate the work of the wider cross-organisational Connected Futures team.
You will liaise with external partners and stakeholders, as well as supporting multiple internal customers and workstreams, often to tight deadlines. You will support key external and internal engagement processes, working with colleagues to ensure the smooth running of meetings and capture key decisions and inputs to feed back into programme delivery.
This is primarily a project management role, enabling a cross-functional team to work effectively and efficiently together on a complex, fast-moving and high profile programme. As well as dealing with tasks as they emerge, you will work across the team to keep track of progress, identifying any issues and risks, and enabling the Head of Programmes and other internal stakeholders to gain an overview of the programme as a whole.
This role is fixed term to January 2026 and can be based at any of our hubs located in London, Birmingham or Leeds. We currently operate a hybrid model of two-days per week in the office and three-days from home.
For more information, please download the job recruitment pack.
The young people we aim to serve – and the challenges they face - are all unique. We are looking to build a team that reflects this diversity. Our commitment to inclusion across race, gender, age, class, religion, identity, and experience forms the cornerstone of our work. We are an equal opportunities, Living Wage and Disability Confident employer and encourage applications from a diverse range of backgrounds representative of our communities. We offer a welcoming and inclusive workplace, where employees are encouraged to have a voice.
We are the national What Works Centre for youth employment, with a specific focus on marginalised young people.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do you have skills in community engagement, providing advice, support and training? Could you motivate and support local communities to engage with their local railways and sustainable travel?
We’re looking for a community rail support officer to support our network of community rail partnerships (CRPs) and station adoption groups in the Midlands and East of England.
About us
Community Rail Network is a not-for-profit organisation, working across Britain, supporting a growing ‘community rail’ movement, which helps communities get the most from their railways, promotes sustainable and inclusive travel, coordinates volunteering and place-making, and brings people together.
Community rail is made up of 75 community-based partnership organisations, and around 1,200 station friends volunteer groups and other community-led initiatives around Britain. Their activities range from creative projects for young people, to advising train operators on service improvements, to building travel confidence with families and disabled people, to biodiversity projects at stations, to promoting greener travel and tourism by rail.
Our enthusiastic staff team of 22 people works mainly from home in different locations, but we come together regularly in person and online. We work collaboratively to advise our members, provide training, events and resources, run campaigns, and champion community rail and its insights via decision-makers and the media. We believe in developing our team and supporting everyone to reach their potential while having a good work-life balance.
About this role
The purpose of this role is to provide support and advice to community rail partnerships and groups on delivering maximum benefit within and with their communities, working collaboratively with the railways and wider partners. The role will support our members across an area covering the West Midlands, Central England and East Anglia, so it is desirable for you to be based in this area.
You’ll be comfortable engaging and advising local groups and communities to extend existing and set up new initiatives, and to reach wider audiences with an evidence-led, place-based approach. As well as supporting local groups, you’ll work closely with the rail industry, and wider third and public sector partners to ensure collaboration and shared success.
Main responsibilities
1. Provide direct support and advice to CRPs and their officers, and other community rail groups in the region. This includes responding to queries and requests, passing on specialist queries to other members of the team, and providing proactive support through an annual planning and accreditation process and as set out in our plans.
2. Support the development of skills, confidence and effectiveness across the network of CRPs and station groups, helping them to increase their positive social, environmental and economic impact, including through referral to our training, events and resources.
3. Support the development of emerging community rail partnerships, station friend groups and community-led stations and railway-related projects in the region.
4. Helping our members to work effectively with rail, transport, local government and community partners, supporting effective relationship building and showing positive leadership and insights on community rail within the region.
5. Work with our regions support manager on delivery and monitoring of our grant schemes, and support CRPs and groups in the region to apply, deliver successfully and report back on funded work.
6. Gather and share examples, feedback and insights from our members across the region, to facilitate best practice sharing and confidence across community rail and to feed into our communications, resources, events and public affairs work.
7. As a member of the Community Rail Network team, participate and contribute to our wider work as relevant, such as Community Rail Week, our annual conference and Awards.
Skills, competencies and experience
1. Skills in supporting community engagement projects; an understanding of and confidence in using community engagement, local communications, project planning and evaluation techniques
2. Interpersonal skills and the ability to work confidently with stakeholders at all levels and facilitate positive discussion; articulate and assertive
3. Excellent writing and presentational skills
4. Awareness of sustainable transport and social inclusion, and an appreciation of the importance of rail, sustainable travel and mobility to communities
5. A demonstrable ability to manage time effectively and juggle a range of activities in an organised and professional manner.
6. Proactive, positive and self-motivated, able to work on own initiative and inspire and enthuse others, and overcome hurdles to achieve results.
7. IT literate with a good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, the internet and social media
This is a permanent position and includes a probationary period of three months from the date of appointment. Successful applicants will need to provide proof that they have the right to work in the UK and provide two references.
Other information
The community rail support officer reports to our regions support manager within the Support and Development team. This is a new position, expanding our small team.
The role is 3.5-4 days per week (25.9 to 29.6 hours) with a degree of flexibility and out-of-hours working (evenings and weekends). It is home-based, but with regular travel (including occasional overnight stays) across your region and occasionally beyond for member meetings and events and to take part in our wider national activity. Applicants will need local access to a train station to enable rail-based travel for work as needed, including good links across the Midlands and East of England.
We are committed to being a flexible, supportive, inclusive and understanding employer.
Championing the community rail movement | Connecting people and their railways | Creating inclusive, empowered, sustainable and healthy communities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Kinship:
Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good.
Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales.
We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported.
Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.
Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.
It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.
We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish.
That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.
About the Team
The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.
By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.
As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.
In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.
About the role
This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub. You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment. Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.
Who we are looking for:
We are seeking an individual located in Greater London, and willing to travel across the South East of England who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:
· Establish new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities
· Supervise a small team of Peer Support Development Officers
· Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to inspire yourself and your team to achieve key targets and objectives
· Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the delivery of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.
· Maintain current Peer Support Groups, taking the lead from the national Hub.
· Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.
In the role of Senior Peer Support Officer, you will be instrumental in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, consistent, and sustainable peer support service that has a significant impact on the lives of kinship carers.
You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.
As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.
You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick start a thriving peer support group.
As you establish new groups, you will provide training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.
You will be an inspirational and energetic team leader with experience in providing day-to-day line management and operational support for a small team.
We are ideally looking for candidates based in or around Greater London and willing to work initially across the London Boroughs and into the South East of England. This role may involve work to establish groups on the periphery of this area that currently have no dedicated development staff.
A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential, as this role may require travel across London and its periphery to reach areas in need of dedicated support.
Key responsibilities:
Service delivery:
- In person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local and regional communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
- Work creatively to set up and develop new sustainable in peer support groups, attending up to six sessions in person (if needed) before transition to self-sufficiency. Existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support will need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreements across the team, in addition to new groups.
- Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
- Deliver training to support group leaders (group roles and responsibilities, safeguarding, setting up, running and promoting a group).
- Develop strong boundaries and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
- Support established groups in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community.
- Help develop and deliver a service blueprint for sustainable peer support groups, thinking strategically about how to develop groups.
- You'll collaborate closely with the ‘Hub’ team to provide a joined up and positive user experience for kinship carers. This collaborative approach is key to our success and ensures that kinship carers receive the best possible support.
- Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners.
Service quality, development and data management:
- Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
- Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
- Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
- Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
Management and supervision:
- Inspire, motivate and be responsible for day-to-day line management and supervising up to 4 staff members
- Oversee tactical development of new sustainable groups in your area and your team.
- Help set clear objectives to achieve targets and outcomes.
- Actively encourage personal development and learning.
- Increase efficiencies and impact across the team.
- Ensure good team induction processes and systems are in place.
- Role model Kinship values.
Team culture:
- Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
- Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
- Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
- Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
- Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
- Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
- Work in line with the Kinship values.
Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):
Essential:
- Experience of team leadership or line management and supervision of a small team and managing performance to deliver targets effectively.
- Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.
- Experience developing peer support communities.
- Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.
- Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services is evidenced through high-quality data collection.
- Evidence of delivering training/support to volunteers,
- Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user led groups with charity beneficiaries.
- Understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.
- Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.
- Full driving licence and use of a car for work purposes.
Desirable:
· Lived experience of kinship care.
· Understanding of children’s social care.
· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).
· Full, clean driving licence/own car.
· Permission to work in the UK.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.
Candidate Application Information
Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing date and interview details:
Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm
Interviews: 1st Interview Week Commencing 4 November
2nd Interview Week Commencing 11 November
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.
We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply. Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format.
We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Would you like to work in a forward looking, faith based charity? One where you can bring your current skill and experience and develop and earn points through our global training programme to become a Certified Fundraising Executive?
From its humble beginnings, ICC has become a trusted advocate and innovative leader in providing compassionate care for children with disabilities. For over 30 years, thousands of vulnerable children’s lives have been transformed by the essential services we provide.
Within China’s ever-changing social landscape, ICC’s nurturing care is modeling a new standard of support and empowerment for children with disabilities. Our dedicated team of therapists , special educators, social workers, vocational trainers and medical staff work tirelessly to help children live with hope, dignity and opportunity.
This Job Is For You If…….
You have fundraising experience in a charity environment and you’re ready to take the next step up in your career.
You already know how to retain donors and increase income
You love to project manage integrated fundraising campaigns and achieve your goals
You want to treat donors as VIP’s so they stay committed and engaged and you use a customer relationship management systems (CRM) to achieve that.
You can write engaging fundraising copy, or you’re willing to learn
You thrive developing innovative fundraising ideas and campaigns
You can embrace our culture, vision and mission wholeheartedly.
You have ideas and energy to initiate new processes, you’re excited about getting things done better
You are a team player, willing to collaborate and serve to get the job done.
You are a Christian who wants to put your faith into action at work
Our preference is for a full-time candidate working from the Newcastle Office (Hybrid working offered). However, we are willing to consider applications from exceptional candidates who would only be able to take the post working fully remotely or who are interested in working part time
For the full Job Description and person spec, please refer to the attachment below.
Our Mission is to ensure every child with a disability in China is embraced by love, fueled by hope, and empowered with life-changing opportunities.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Senior Peer Support Development Officer – North West
About Kinship:
Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good.
Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales.
We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported.
Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.
Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.
It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first. We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish.
That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.
About the Team
The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.
By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.
As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.
In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.
About the role
This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub. You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment. Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.
Who we are looking for:
We are seeking an individual located in or around Greater Manchester, and willing to travel across the North West of England who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:
· Establish new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities
· Supervise a small team of Peer Support Development Officers
· Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to inspire yourself and your team to achieve key targets and objectives
· Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the delivery of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.
· Maintain current Peer Support Groups, taking the lead from the national Hub.
· Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.
In the role of Senior Peer Support Officer, you will be instrumental in ensuring the delivery of a high-quality, consistent, and sustainable peer support service that has a significant impact on the lives of kinship carers.
You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.
As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.
You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick start a thriving peer support group.
As you establish new groups, you will provide training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.
You will be an inspirational and energetic team leader with experience in providing day-to-day line management and operational support for a small team.
We are ideally looking for candidates based in or around Greater Manchester but willing to work initially across the whole of the North West. This role may involve working to establish groups in West Yorkshire and into North Staffordshire.
A valid driving licence and access to a vehicle for work purposes are essential, as this role may require travel across London and its periphery to reach areas in need of dedicated support.
Key responsibilities:
Service delivery:
- In person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local and regional communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
- Work creatively to set up and develop new sustainable in peer support groups, attending up to six sessions in person (if needed) before transition to self-sufficiency. Existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support will need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreements across the team, in addition to new groups.
- Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
- Deliver training to support group leaders (group roles and responsibilities, safeguarding, setting up, running and promoting a group).
- Develop strong boundaries and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
- Support established groups in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community.
- Help develop and deliver a service blueprint for sustainable peer support groups, thinking strategically about how to develop groups.
- You'll collaborate closely with the ‘Hub’ team to provide a joined up and positive user experience for kinship carers. This collaborative approach is key to our success and ensures that kinship carers receive the best possible support.
- Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners.
Service quality, development and data management:
- Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
- Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
- Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
- Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
Management and supervision:
- Inspire, motivate and be responsible for day-to-day line management and supervising up to 4 staff members
- Oversee tactical development of new sustainable groups in your area and your team.
- Help set clear objectives to achieve targets and outcomes.
- Actively encourage personal development and learning.
- Increase efficiencies and impact across the team.
- Ensure good team induction processes and systems are in place.
- Role model Kinship values.
Team culture:
- Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
- Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
- Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
- Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
- Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
- Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
- Work in line with the Kinship values.
Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):
Essential:
- Experience of team leadership or line management and supervision of a small team and managing performance to deliver targets effectively.
- Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.
- Experience developing peer support communities.
- Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.
- Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services is evidenced through high-quality data collection.
- Evidence of delivering training/support to volunteers,
- Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user led groups with charity beneficiaries.
- Understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.
- Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.
- Full driving licence and use of a car for work purposes.
Desirable:
· Lived experience of kinship care.
· Understanding of children’s social care.
· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).
· Full, clean driving licence/own car.
General characteristics and attributes:
· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England and Wales.
· Drive and have access to a vehicle.
· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.
· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.
· Good standard of written and spoken English.
· Permission to work in the UK.
· Able to remain focused on the primary task of establishing new peer support groups, ensuring that more kinship carers have access to high-quality peer support.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.
Candidate Application Information
Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing date and interview details:
Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm
Interviews: 1st Interview Week Commencing 4 November
2nd Interview Week Commencing 11 November
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.
We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply. Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format.
We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Peer Support Development Officer – Greater London
About Kinship:
Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good.
Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales.
We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported.
Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.
Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.
It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.
We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish.
That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.
About the Team
The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.
By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.
As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.
In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.
About the role
This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub.
You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment.
Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an individual located in Greater London, who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:
- Develop new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities
- Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to achieve key targets and objectives
- Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the development of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.
- Maintain current Peer Support Group levels, taking the lead from the national Hub.
- Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.
You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.
As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.
You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick-start a thriving peer support group.
As you establish new groups, you will provide support and training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.
We are ideally looking for candidates based in or around Greater London and willing to work initially across London Boroughs. This role may involve work to establish groups on the periphery of this area that currently have no dedicated Development staff.
An essential requirement of the role is to be a driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Key responsibilities:
Service delivery:
- In-person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
- Set up and develop sustainable in person peer support groups, initially attending and leading sessions in person before transition to self-sufficiency.
- Working with existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support that need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreement, in addition to new groups. Targets are subject to change and are not fixed.
- Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
- Assist with the delivery of training to support group leaders and groups to become self-sufficient.
- Develop strong boundaried and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
- Support established groups (including independent) in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community.
- Follow (and where appropriate support further development off) the service blueprint to develop sustainable peer support groups.
- Collaborate with the Peer Support Hub team to provide a joined-up and positive user experience for kinship carers.
- Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners.
Service quality, development and data management:
- Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
- Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
- Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
- Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
Team culture:
- Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
- Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
- Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
- Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
- Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
- Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
- Work in line with the Kinship values.
Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):
Essential:
· Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.
· Significant experience developing peer support communities.
· Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.
· Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services are evidenced through high-quality data collection.
· Evidence of developing and delivering training/support to volunteers, based on the needs of service users (in this case kinship carers).
· Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user-led groups with charity beneficiaries.
· Proven experience of using a customer relationship management system effectively (we use Salesforce).
· In-depth understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.
· Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.
Desirable:
· Lived experience of kinship care.
· Understanding of children’s social care.
· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).
· Full, clean driving licence/own car.
General characteristics and attributes:
· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England.
· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.
· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.
· Excellent written and spoken English.
· Permission to work in the UK.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.
Candidate Application Information
Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing and Interview details are:
Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm
Interviews: Week Commencing 4 November
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.
We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.
Candidate Application Information
Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing and Interview details are:
Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm
Interviews: Week Commencing 4 November
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.
We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply. Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format.
We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Department: Network Strategy and Standards
Location: Blended between office and home (England and Wales). Time in office negotiable
Citizens Advice offers confidential advice online, over the phone, and in person, for free. Through our national network of charities, we give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem.
We strive to ensure that as many people as possible can benefit from high quality advice services. We place client protection and care at the heart of our service, and as such we are currently looking for a passionate and enthusiastic Client Services Officer to put our client-focused philosophy into practice.
Your remit will include ensuring that all complainants are responded to in a timely, efficient manner, ensuring that the relevant complaints procedure is diligently followed at all times. Moreover, you will be responsible for implementing the processes and systems for providing criminal records screening for Citizens Advice service paid staff and volunteers in England and Wales.
This post will require you to make decisions relating to the appropriate response to complainants by email, phone, letter and/or social media, therefore you will demonstrate the capacity to use judgement under pressure, and you’ll also possess excellent written and verbal communication skills. Previous experience in a customer service focused environment is essential.
Do you want to work for an organisation that makes a difference, every single day, to people from all walks of life? The people that turn to Citizens Advice need help overcoming an obstacle in their lives – from debt to evictions to trouble at work – and you can be key to them getting the support they need in the quickest, easiest, and most effective way.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) is of strategic importance within the organisation and recognised as integral to all we do as a service.
Central to pursuing our EDI mission is building diverse and inclusive teams in which everyone has a sense of belonging. We believe inclusion is a social justice issue - a principle that underpins our all EDI work. To that end, we particularly welcome applications from people we would like to see better represented in our organisation and sector - people of colour, LGBTQ+ people and disabled people. We follow the social model of disability. We will offer an interview to disabled candidates who indicate they wish their application to be considered under our Disability Confident Interview Commitment where they meet our selection criteria in their application. Some of our roles attract a high volume of applications and in some circumstances where it is not practicable or appropriate, we may limit the number of interviews offered to disabled and non-disabled candidates. We will provide reasonable adjustments as needed.
We’re a flexible employer, so this role may suit anyone who’d prefer a flexible arrangement to help their work/life balance, many of our colleagues spend most of their time working remotely. Whilst we prefer a blended approach between a local office, if one is near you, and home we’re open to being flexible on location, occasionally a role may require you to be based in a certain location if that's the case it will be detailed in the advert or job description. This can be discussed in more detail during your interview.
The National Citizens Advice operates from offices in England and Wales, with 4 regional offices based in Cardiff, London, Birmingham and Leeds, therefore all successful applicants must be based within England or Wales.
Our commitment to colleague wellbeing is reflected in us being awarded Gold in the Health & Wellbeing category, as well as Overall Winners, at the Employee Experience Awards 2022.
Please be aware that Citizens Advice is not a sponsoring organisation. Therefore the successful applicant must already possess the right to work in the UK or be able to secure the right to work in the UK independently.
Citizens Advice seeks to redeploy internal staff who are at risk or under notice of redundancy and will prioritise them in the recruitment process where necessary. If you have been confirmed as at risk or under notice of redundancy please ensure you indicate this in the at-risk box in your application.
In the event of a high number of applications, we reserve the right to close the application early.
This vacancy closes at 23.59 on the closing date.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Peer Support Development Officer – Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire
About Kinship:
Kinship is the leading kinship care charity in England and Wales. We offer kinship carers financial, legal, practical and emotional support and understanding from the moment they need it, for as long as they need it. Our expert advice, information and guidance helps with complicated and stressful decisions that so many kinship families have to make. We are always there to support them through challenging times and celebrate the good.
Kinship carers are strong and determined. Together, they are powerful. We help them build communities of support and action by connecting families locally and across England and Wales.
We are at the heart of kinship networks, partnering with and influencing service providers, local and national government and other organisations. We give everything we have to fight for each family and their rights, changing society until every kinship family is recognised, valued and supported.
Kinship care often begins in crisis. A child has parents who are unable to care for them, for whatever reason. It can be frightening, confusing and heart-breaking.
Instinctively, a loved one steps in – a grandparent, brother, sister, aunt, uncle or family friend. They are now a kinship carer, bringing up the children they love. There is often no chance to prepare. Plans may be pushed aside. Relationships, jobs and savings are frequently sacrificed.
It is life changing and challenging raising children who have been hurt or neglected, but kinship carers do it anyway because they put the children first.
We know how hard life can be for kinship carers, but we have seen the amazing things they are capable of, with someone by their side. With the right support, children raised in kinship families can flourish.
That is why we support, connect and campaign – to keep kinship families stronger by keeping them together.
About the Team
The Peer Support and Community team at Kinship is dedicated to enhancing the lives of kinship carers across England and Wales by delivering the first national peer support service. With a focus on building and sustaining networks of peer support groups, the team aims to empower kinship carers through access to resources, training, and development opportunities.
By fostering connections within local, regional, and national ecosystems, the team plays a vital role in ensuring that every kinship carer has access to a supportive community.
As part of our commitment to growth and impact, the team develops innovative approaches to peer support, creating an inclusive environment where kinship carers can share experiences and access essential services. We prioritize collaboration across various departments, ensuring that support group leaders receive high-quality advice and training, facilitating their sustainability and effectiveness. This integrated approach also includes alignment with national and local campaigning efforts to further engage and support the kinship carer community.
In line with our strategic focus on cultivating a vibrant Kinship Community of over 10,000 carers, the team leads initiatives aimed at enhancing community connection and empowering kinship families. By developing a robust model of community engagement that encompasses both in-person and digital services, the team aims to amplify the voices of kinship carers, enabling them to effect meaningful change in their lives and communities.
About the role
This role is community-based and focuses on engaging kinship carers, bringing them together to form Peer Support Groups, and supporting them to achieve independence at which point they will receive ongoing support from our national Hub.
You will do this by working with local authorities, schools, other charities and community groups. Arranging information events such as coffee mornings to engage kinship carers. You’ll create a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive community for kinship carers, building belonging, resilience, and empowerment.
Funded by the Department of Education, the National Peer Support Service is a game-changing service that creates a sustainable and life-changing legacy. It builds on Kinship’s 10 years of experience in developing peer support groups and two years of delivering a national service that has set up 145 new groups.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking an individual located in easy reach of Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire, who possesses the drive, passion, and skills to:
· Develop new Peer Support Groups across a diverse range of communities
· Demonstrate the energy and enthusiasm required to achieve key targets and objectives
· Work collaboratively within the Peer Support and Community Team, as well as throughout the broader organisation, to ensure the development of safe and effective support services for the kinship community.
· Maintain current Peer Support Group levels, taking the lead from the national Hub.
· Maintain accurate records that are used to populate reports, identify learning and share key insights across Kinship that allow the organisation to continuously improve our services and products.
You should have experience in developing and maintaining meaningful relationships with various community-based stakeholders such as local authorities, health services, schools, charities, and kinship carers. You will need to understand the key success factors involved in establishing and developing new in-person groups in areas of high need, as well as how to support existing groups in their journey towards sustainability.
As a practical thinker, you will work creatively to identify stakeholders and assets in areas of high need. You will build local connections and bring together kinship carers across the region, empowering them to build resilient and robust peer support communities.
You will be confident in building relationships that generate referrals from external stakeholders and in contacting kinship carers directly to secure engagement with local coffee mornings, community, and training events that will help kick-start a thriving peer support group.
As you establish new groups, you will provide support and training to help them lead their groups effectively, and develop their group culture, resilience, and skills to function independently while offering reassurance and support to empower them.
We are ideally looking for candidates based in easy reach of Greater Manchester and South Yorkshire. Key development areas for this post will initially include; Oldham, Bury, Tameside, Doncaster, York and the East Riding of Yorkshire. You may be required to support the development of groups in North Lincolnshire. This role may also involve work to establish groups on the periphery of this area that currently have no dedicated Development staff.
An essential requirement of the role is to be a driver with access to a vehicle for work purposes.
Key responsibilities:
Service delivery:
- In-person (face-to-face) strategic outreach into local communities including setting up and attending local engagement events.
- Set up and develop sustainable in person peer support groups, initially attending and leading sessions in person before transition to self-sufficiency.
- Working with existing groups that are at risk, closed or need support that need replacing or rejuvenating to maintain DfE service level agreement, in addition to new groups. Targets are subject to change and are not fixed.
- Recruit and retain support group leaders to develop their peer support groups.
- Assist with the delivery of training to support group leaders and groups to become self-sufficient.
- Develop strong boundaried and positive relationships with support group leaders – building resilience, empowerment and community.
- Support established groups (including independent) in your area to access support group leader networks and training (this includes visiting groups in person) to build a peer community.
- Follow (and where appropriate support further development off) the service blueprint to develop sustainable peer support groups.
- Collaborate with the Peer Support Hub team to provide a joined-up and positive user experience for kinship carers.
- Manage special interest groups and regional online groups as required, transitioning to ‘Hub’ team for sustainability and work with partners.
Service quality, development and data management:
- Accurately record all recruitment, contact information and volunteer case management in Salesforce in line with service framework and data protection requirements.
- Ensure accurate data entry in Salesforce to support service performance, evaluation and learning.
- Provide regular reports to ensure targets and SLA are met for the service.
- Support continuous development and improvement of the service (new systems and processes) as required.
Team culture:
- Act in the best interest of Kinship and the families we support.
- Maintain and contribute up to date understanding of kinship care.
- Deliver effective administration with attention to detail and keeping to deadlines.
- Identify and contribute to appropriate case studies to demonstrate the impact of Kinship services and contribute to policy and campaigns work.
- Actively contribute to delivering and evidencing a high performing service.
- Take responsibility for your ongoing continued professional development.
- Work in line with the Kinship values.
Knowledge, abilities, skills and experience (person spec):
Essential:
· Proven experience in reaching and establishing strong relationships with hidden or underserved communities in person.
· Significant experience developing peer support communities.
· Proven experience of recruiting, managing, training and supporting volunteers in community settings with an emphasis on understanding and working with vulnerable volunteers.
· Proven experience of ensuring outcomes and impacts of services are evidenced through high-quality data collection.
· Evidence of developing and delivering training/support to volunteers, based on the needs of service users (in this case kinship carers).
· Strong facilitation skills and essential experience of peer support or user-led groups with charity beneficiaries.
· Proven experience of using a customer relationship management system effectively (we use Salesforce).
· In-depth understanding of safeguarding particularly around vulnerable families.
· Excellent communication and engagement skills, with good attention to detail.
Desirable:
· Lived experience of kinship care.
· Understanding of children’s social care.
· Digital community building (Facebook / WhatsApp etc).
· Full, clean driving licence/own car.
General characteristics and attributes:
· Flexible and willing to travel for work across England.
· Commitment to the values, aims and objectives of Kinship.
· A real commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion within your role and a respectful approach to working with people from a range of backgrounds.
· Excellent written and spoken English.
· Permission to work in the UK.
Equality Diversity and Inclusion
Kinship is committed to championing equality, diversity and inclusion. We believe our work is greatly enhanced by the varied backgrounds, experiences and views represented within our teams. We aim to create inclusive teams, celebrate differences and encourage everyone to join us and be their true self at work. We therefore encourage applications from anyone who fits our values, whatever their religion or belief, sex, gender identity, race, age, sexuality or disability and are actively seeking candidates that can bring real innovation and commitment to us.
Candidate Application Information
Please refer to the Job Description for this role to check that you meet the criteria necessary for the job. Closing date and interview details:
Closing date: 1 November 2024 12:00 pm
Interviews: Week Commencing 4 November 2024
We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the stated deadline.
We will guarantee interviews to any candidates with experience of kinship care (either of being in kinship care or of being a kinship carer) who demonstrate they meet the essential skills and experience outlined.
Please tell us if there are any reasonable adjustments, we can make to assist you in your application. If you have a disability, which you would like us to consider, please tell us about this when you apply. Please let us know if we can help and remember that you can request information in large print or in a different format.
We support kinship carers in their homes and communities, giving advice and helping them work through problems to find the best way forward.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.