About the Role
Fixed‑term contract until 31/03/2029. Funded by the Office for Veterans Affairs, you will work for Gateshead Council as part of the regional Armed Forces Outreach Service. The position is based at Catterick Garrison with hybrid working, with travel across the region to visit other hubs and provide housing advice and support to members of the Armed Forces Community. Home visits may be required for veterans who struggle to leave their homes. The role coordinates with other partners in the Alliance to improve service delivery for the Armed Forces Community, covering health, employment and social isolation support.
What You'll Get to Do
* Operate as part of the North East VALOUR Armed Forces Alliance, based within the VALOUR recognised centre at Catterick Garrison, providing housing advice and support to members of the Armed Forces Community across the region.
* Promote the Alliance across the region in partnership with members through:
o Attendance at meetings
o Delivering presentations
o Networking
o Utilising promotional material
o Providing drop‑in sessions at a variety of venues
* Identify opportunities to deliver the Alliance across the region, recognising areas where there is unmet need.
* Work with partners in the Alliance to ensure holistic and seamless provision of support to individuals referred to the North East VALOUR Armed Forces Alliance.
* Refer and link into the existing Armed Forces Regional Outreach Service for additional support and share gained knowledge with the wider team.
* Contact local authorities and registered housing providers across the North East region to obtain information and advice on:
o Re‑housing processes
o Housing options to support members of the Armed Forces Community
* Promote the Armed Forces Covenant when liaising with local authorities and organisations across the North East region.
* Update ICT systems to accurately record key data for funders and collate data where required.
* Support the Armed Forces Coordinator in establishing the Armed Forces Outreach Service within the new North East VALOUR Armed Forces Alliance.
* Adhere to policies and procedures relating to working practices and service delivery, including:
o Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children
o Health and Safety
o Data Protection and Confidentiality
o The service’s Code of Conduct
* Respond positively to reasonable requests to undertake additional responsibilities appropriate to the grade of the post.
* Demonstrate a positive and inclusive attitude when working with:
o Partners within the Alliance
o Internal and external customers
o Colleagues
* Use effective risk assessment tools to identify risks and take appropriate action, particularly when undertaking home visits.
* Liaise with external services and providers to ensure members of the Armed Forces Community are referred to appropriate support services where required.
What You'll Bring
* Understanding of current issues facing the Armed Forces Community and their families.
* Knowledge of Data Protection and Confidentiality.
* Ability to demonstrate a good understanding of Equality and Diversity, with evidence of how this would be applied in the workplace.
* Excellent organisational and time management skills.
* Experience of serving in the Armed Forces or working with the Armed Forces Community.
* Experience of maintaining accurate records and collating data.
* Experience of working on own initiative and contributing to the establishment of new projects or ways of working.
* Experience of effective communication, including delivering presentations and engaging with a range of audiences.
* Ability to empathise with and support others.
* Experience of partnership working and collaboration.
* 5 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 94 (AC), including Maths and English, or relevant demonstrable experience.
* Evidence of continual professional development and a willingness to undertake additional training as required.
What’s In It For You
* Competitive Salary: fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
* Outstanding Pension Scheme: invest in your future. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides.
* Generous Annual Leave: 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
* Flexible Working Hours: up to 26 flexi days per year, subject to business needs.
* Learning & Development: training, development and progression opportunities.
* Health & Wellbeing Support: discounted gym memberships, mental health resources.
* Cycle to Work Scheme: tax‑efficient scheme to save money and stay active.
* Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: salary‑sacrifice car scheme with NHS Fleet Solutions, cost‑effective after 12 months of service.
* Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: VIVUP employee benefits platform, discounts on shopping, travel and services, salary‑sacrifice options on white goods, electronics and more after 6 months of service.
Our Commitment to You
We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to create a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We welcome applications from suitable qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation.
Disability Confident
As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. In high‑volume recruitment situations we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application. The Council reserves the right to adjust shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process.
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