Community Lead Job and Person Description
*Please note all interviews for this position will take place on *
· Location: Oakfield Community Ltd, Easton Maudit, Wellingborough.
· Pay: £16.00 per hour.
· Hours: Part-time initially; 9am-5pm over 3 days.
· Contract Type: Temporary one year contract initially.
· Reporting to: Managing Director of Oakfield Community Ltd.
· Responsible for: Care Farm Assistant, Volunteers, Support Staff.
Oakfield is a small thriving charity that runs 2 supported living services in rural Northamptonshire.
We have extensive grounds at both sites with polytunnels, small animals a learning hub and pop-up charity shop. We have won money from the lottery to employ a person to develop a project that opens up our facilities for use by the wider community, and for people who have additional needs.
We are looking for an innovative dynamic and forward-looking person to develop and run this project. Initially this will be a temporary 1-year contract for a part time post. If successful, this will become a full-time permanent position.
About Oakfield Community Ltd
Oakfield Community Ltd is a values-led charity providing housing, care, and community opportunities for adults with learning disabilities, autism, and complex needs. Our mission is to enable individuals to live meaningful and active lives, supported to reach their full potential and be active members of their community.
We are now expanding our current care farm into a vibrant Community Hub, offering therapeutic nature-based activities, enterprise opportunities, and inclusive events. This transformation continues to support people with learning disabilities who currently use our services and will develop the community engagement with other demographics such as people who experience mental health challenges, veterans, job seekers, and schools.
Our values guide everything we do:
* Dignity: We treat every person with kindness, compassion, and respect
* Respect: We value each individual's choices, voice, and autonomy
* Community: We believe in the power of connection and collaboration
* Honesty: We are open, accountable, and always learning
* Responsive: We adapt quickly and use resources wisely to deliver quality services
About the Role
We are recruiting a Community Lead to oversee the development and delivery of Oakfield's evolving community hub. This role will coordinate staff and volunteers, build strategic and stakeholder partnerships, and lead new initiatives to include working closely with the managing director to develop the charity shop, day centre, and following the strategy plan for future expansion.
You will be the driving force behind inclusive programming, sustainable enterprise, and meaningful engagement ensuring that Oakfield's values are reflected in every interaction and service.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the transformation of the current care farm into a thriving community hub
* Coordinate inclusive sessions delivered by internal staff and volunteers
* Working closely with the managing director to develop the day service.
* Overseeing the Care Farm Assistant, Volunteers and Support Staff to ensure that the animal's safety and wellbeing is a priority.
* Supervise care farm assistant, Volunteers and Support Staff.
* Work alongside the tutors delivering sessions
* Undertake Risk assessments in line with our safeguarding and health and safety policies
* Build and maintain relationships with external partners (for example mental health, recovery, veteran charities and services, schools and Local Authorities
* Ensure safeguarding and quality across the community hub services
* Oversee outcome tracking and personal development plans for people who use the services.
* Collaborate with other departments to ensure financial sustainability and integrated service delivery
* Follow the strategy plan for current and future developments, within the community.
Sustainability & Impact
You will develop income streams including:
* Direct payments from social care referrals for use of the community service, based on the outcome of care act assessments
* School/SEN visits and educational sessions
* Charity shop, and farm produce
* Seasonal workshops and community events
* Fundraising initiatives
Community Lead Person Specification
Essential Experience:
* Proven track record of designing and delivering successful community engagement or fundraising campaigns
* Track record of setting, managing, and exceeding income targets
* Effective collaborative working with external suppliers and stakeholders
* Experience in working with other teams and services to develop projects
* Experience using digital platforms such as social media channels to develop stakeholder engagement
Desirable Experience:
* Experience in proposition development
* Demonstrable expertise in stakeholder engagement and supporter experience
Essential Skills & Attributes:
* Ability to strategically plan in line with organisational goals
* Understanding of different demographics and how to support different needs and behaviours
* Ability to think creatively and use initiative to develop services and programmes
* Proven record of excellent relationship development and management across external and internal customers.
* Flexible, hands-on team player
* Strong written and verbal communication skills
* Understanding of issues facing vulnerable groups
* Ability to consistently model Oakfield's values of dignity, respect, community, honesty, and responsiveness
Desirable Skills & Attributes:
* Up-to-date knowledge of community development and engagement trends
* Line management experience
Benefits
* £16.00 per hour Initially
* Employer contribution to workplace pension
* Access to 24/7 employee assist which supports wellbeing and offers financial and familial advice.
* 22 days annual leave plus bank holidays (Pro rata)
* Mileage or public transport reimbursement for work-related travel
Wellbeing & Flexibility
* Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) for occasional evening/weekend events
Learning & Development
* Annual professional development appraisal
* Internal mentoring and leadership coaching
* Full programme of mandatory training and role specific training available
Culture & Inclusion
* Values-led, inclusive working environment
* Regular team meetings/Supervisions
* Recognition of milestones and achievements
* Staff voice embedded in organisational decision-making
Safeguarding
Oakfield Community Ltd is committed to safeguarding the wellbeing of all service users, staff, and volunteers. All employees have a duty to prevent abuse and report safeguarding concerns to the designated lead. This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check.
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
Oakfield Community Ltd is an inclusive and representative organisation. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, lived experiences, and cultures. We are committed to creating a diverse team and encourage applications from underrepresented groups.
We will make reasonable adjustments throughout the application process and on the job. If you have specific accessibility needs, please get in touch to let us know how we can support you.
Job Types: Part-time, Temporary, Temp to perm
Contract length: 12 months
Pay: £16.00 per hour
Expected hours: 24 per week
Benefits:
* Company pension
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person