This post is a permanent contract. 28 hours per week, with flexible working. £30,000 pa pro rata (£24,000 pa actual) + 5% employers pension contribution.
This job is based in Burpham, Guildford, with travel throughout Surrey so it will be necessary to have access to reliable transport.
Are you patient, empathetic and willing to develop your cultural awareness to work effectively with Surrey’s Gypsy Roma and Traveller community?
Can you offer practical advice and support to those in need in areas such as housing, health and benefits?
Are you passionate about ensuring that these families across Surrey can access support, receive expert guidance and connect with local services?
Surrey Community Action (www.surreyca.org.uk) is seeking a skilled advice and guidance officer to support individuals and families across Surrey, within the Gypsy Roma and Traveller community, providing practical benefits and housing advice to people experiencing challenges. We are looking for individuals with excellent communication skills, strong practical advice experience, a good level of English for report writing, good organisation and the ability to work well in partnership with others.
Main purpose of the job
* To provide practical advice, guidance, information and support to Gypsy Roma Traveller families across Surrey, helping them secure appropriate accommodation and access relevant benefits and financial support.
* To signpost individuals and/or their carers to appropriate local services.
* To empower people to maintain their health and wellbeing, supporting them to make informed choices and have control over their lives.
* To offer guidance to statutory and voluntary partners on working effectively with the under‑served Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) Community
* To deliver support in person, by phone, video or email in a way that is sensitive to individual needs, circumstances and cultural backgrounds.
* Support individuals in managing finances and benefit claims.
* Assist people in finding suitable accommodation.
* Advise on setting up and maintaining a home or tenancy.
* Signpost to health and treatment services, including mental health, healthy eating, GP registration, immunisation, family planning, pregnancy and NHS helplines/webpages.
* Signpost to appropriate legal services.
* Provide support around understanding domestic abuse and accessing help.
* Help carers and young carers identify themselves and access support.
* Support communities to be aware of mental health needs and how to access emotional wellbeing services.
* Signpost to opportunities to develop domestic/life skills.
* Signpost to opportunities for social skills development, social activities and training.
* Signpost individuals to other relevant services as required.
* Support individuals to use digital and online services.
Supporting organisations and partners
* Attend and contribute to relevant conferences, forums, training and briefing sessions, relating to Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities.
* Liaise with Local Authorities, Health Authorities and other agencies regarding client issues.
* Support opportunities for the Gypsy Roma Traveller community to shape service provision and express their views.
* Build and maintain effective partnerships.
Other responsibilities
* Undertake additional duties consistent with your skills and expertise as required.
* Contribute to internal meetings and communications.
* Provide insight and advice to the management team and Board on Gypsy Roma and Traveller community matters, where relevant.
* Meet and report to project funders as required.
* Safely file and store client data and meeting notes.
* Carry out risk assessments for lone working.
Contract
* Permanent contract subject to funding. Flexible working supported.
* Secondment applications considered.
* A satisfactory Enhanced DBS check is required.
* 25 days holiday plus all English Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days between Christmas and New Year (pro rata).
* Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution (eligibility after three months under auto‑enrolment).
* Flexitime system.
* Employee assistance programme
Person Specification - Skills, knowledge and competencies
* Experience providing advice, guidance and signposting.
* Knowledge of housing, health and benefit systems and processes.
* Experience working to targets and deadlines.
* Good IT skills, including Office applications and databases.
* Ability to plan, balance and manage multiple priorities.
* Access to transport for regular travel within Surrey (mileage claimable).
* Ability to simplify and explain complex processes.
* Ability to work with a degree of independence.
* Lone working experience.
* A good level of written English for report writing for varied audiences.
* Experience dealing with conflict.
* Strong understanding of Equality and Diversity.
* Understanding of safeguarding principles for vulnerable communities.
* Empathy, strong organisational skills, resilience, integrity and persuasive interpersonal skills.
* Experience working with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and awareness of the challenges they may face.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 22nd May and interviews will be held during the week commencing the 25th May.
We are passionate about equality and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Surrey Community Action is a Registered Charity, number 1056527 and a Company Limited by Guarantee, number 03203003.
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