Community Connector

Community Connector
- Every childhood is worth fighting for. This is our belief. It drives us. And it’s the reason our Children’s Services team push themselves to transform the lives of children and families - in person, in service centres nationwide, and through the knowledge they share. Join us as Community Connector and make a contribution that means everything.

Working in partnership with the local community of Ernesettle in Plymouth and alongside colleagues from health, social care, local authority and education sectors, Together for Childhood in Plymouth has a particular focus on preventing child sexual abuse.

The Community Connector will work within the Together for Childhood pilot site of Ernesettle, where community members have shown their commitment to keeping children safe. The role will support projects and undertake robust community engagement with a wide range of people through community meetings, events and communication via social media. This will include working outside of normal office hours to attend community meetings and events.

Job purpose
- To identify and support families primarily living in the Together for Childhood pilot site of Ernesettle, to take up activities most appropriate to their need to increase their sense of belonging.
- To develop local people as community champions, using their expertise within their local areas to better the links, information and support accessed by local families and community members.
- To support community members, parents / carers and their children to develop a strong bond within their community and have their voice heard to influence local decision making.
- The core duties of the post are listed in the job description. However, a flexible approach to work is essential to take account of changes to working practices as a result of the NSPCC and Together for Childhood strategic plans. Regular working outside of normal office hours and at weekends will be required

Key relationships - Internal

The post holder will report to a manager in the Together for Childhood Plymouth Team and will have close links with colleagues in community-based agencies and organisations.

Key relationships - External
- The post holder will connect with community members in the Together for Childhood pilot site of Ernesettle.
- The post holder will work in partnership with staff from other agencies to deliver effective support to community members in the Together for pilot site of Ernesettle.

Person specification
- Experience of supporting families and community groups to have their needs and issues heard, and a willingness to undertake additional training to enhance skills, knowledge and practice.
- An understanding of working in a way that reflects a child centered approach and an understanding of child protection, children’s rights, participation, needs, best interests and legislation.
- Ability to work with numbers and statistical data and to use written and verbal communication skills to communicate effectively and sensitively with children and families who have a range of needs and abilities.
- An understanding of the importance of community development in achieving behaviour change.
- Evidence of ability to work in an equal opportunity and anti-oppressive framework.
- Previous experience and proven ability to effectively manage time, priorities and resources.
- Experience and ability to learn and work in a computer literate environment.
- Ability to work on own initiative (as required) and as part of a team, often in a multi-disciplinary setting and positively represent the NSPCC

Join us and you’ll become part of a team that cares about the work they do and the people they work with. You’ll discover opportunities to grow, along with challenges and a shared purpose that’ll bring the best out in you. And you’ll get to find your own way to make a difference that means more, and that impacts millions of young lives.