Community Connector

Job description

Job responsibilities

Hours: Monday - Friday 9am-5pm

Location: Leicester (St. Matthews, Spinney Hill, New Parks, Beaumont Leys, Eyres Monsell, Saffron, Northfields, Abbey)

Due to the nature of the role, a full driving license and access to a vehicle is an essential requirement.

About us

Mental Health Matters (MHM) is a national charity with over 40 years of experience in delivering high-quality mental health and social care services. We have a positive impact on the lives of people living with mental health needs in our local communities. We provide services across England, from Northumberland to Plymouth, led by a highly motivated and enthusiastic workforce who are committed to delivering the best quality services to those in need of support.

Everything about MHM is people-focused, our people are central to delivering the highest quality of service and care to people who access our services.

Our Leicester Community Connector service aims to improve health and wellbeing for individuals as well as support communities to increase community resilience and promote inclusivity, integration and community cohesion.

About the role

This is an exciting and rewarding opportunity for someone who has the drive, enthusiasm and commitment to look for creative solutions and opportunities in response to individuals' needs and wishes in their community. Our Community Connectors are responsible for building connections and community resilience within their locality.

The role involves building integrated networks and trusted working relationships for residents and families and the community through building partnerships with voluntary and statutory organisations, health providers, businesses and community stakeholders within the locality partnership.

As a Community Connector, you will:

• Empower and support people to access social events or volunteer opportunities, by providing goal-based guidance, to aid improvement with their confidence, and independence, overcoming initial apprehension and seeking solutions to barriers that hinder community engagement.

You will already be an established member of your local community and be confident in identifying local issues which impact the health and well-being of individuals and communities, identifying priorities, needs or gaps in support, facilities or service provision.

It is essential you have a good understanding of community groups and networks in the local area with the ability and experience to develop lasting partnerships.

You will have experience working with adults with support needs and demonstrable experience in supporting a team to set up community groups/progress into volunteering roles.

What we offer

You will go through our comprehensive, in-person training program in your first week of employment which will give you the tools you need to succeed in the role, as well as offering a great opportunity to get to know your new colleagues. In addition, you will receive:

Please note that due to the sensitive nature of the duties, an enhanced DBS will be sought in event of a successful application.

All disabled applicants who meet the minimum essential short-listing criteria are guaranteed an interview.

MHM is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Minimum of Maths and English at GCSE/CSE level.
• Willingness to complete an appropriate Level 2/3 qualification within 12 months of employment.

Desirable

• Level 2 or 3 qualification in Health and Social Care, or equivalent subject.

Experience

Essential

• Proven experience of identifying solutions.
• Strong connections with local community leaders, acting as role models to people accessing support.
• Understand community groups and networks in the local area.
• Demonstrable experience in supporting people to set up community groups/progress into volunteering roles.
• Excellent local knowledge in local areas of service.
• Experience of working with adults with support needs.
• Experience of identifying and co-ordinating a range of activities to meet individual's needs
• within the community.
• Ability of working with internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels.
• Ability to proactively manage own workload.
• Demonstrate an understanding of sensitive and complex issues.
• Good interpersonal and listening skills.
• Basic knowledge of mental health issues.
• Able to plan and prioritise workload and meet competing demands of a varied caseload.
• Able to demonstrate a commitment to self development, training and CPD.
• Able to work effectively unsupervised using own initiative, and collaboratively as part of a
• team.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Able to demonstrate that your practice incorporates the principles of diversity and
• inclusion.
• Proficient in IT skills, with experience in using CRM systems for efficient service management.

Desirable

• Knowledge of additional languages, particularly those commonly spoken in the service areas.
• Experience of assessing needs of those with Mental Health needs.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Mental Health Matters

Address

LE1 6RX

Leicester

LE1 6RX

Employer's website

https://www.mhm.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)