Local Area Coordinator

Job Description
Salary range:
Grade 8 - £40,182 - £42,060 p.a. plus fantastic benefits.

Contract:
Fixed term

Hours of work:
36 per week

Location:
Croydon (Community based)

About The Role
We're recruiting three Local Area Coordinators to work in specific neighbourhoods in north, south and central Croydon. Each coordinator will spend the majority of their time out in the community working with residents, helping them identify what matters most to them and walking alongside them to help them achieve their goals.

Local area coordinators in Croydon will play a vital role in promoting wellbeing, and reducing reliance on formal services by empowering individuals and families to take control of their lives.

Depending on start date this will be a 18-24 month contract, with potential for extension subject to business needs and budget availability.

*Key Responsibilities*

• Building trusted relationships with residents to understand their aspirations and challenges. Helping people to identify strengths, explore options, and plan for a better life.
• Walking alongside people to enable them to recognise their assets and achieve their goals.
• Connecting people to local resources, groups, and informal support networks.
• Collaborating with public, private, and third sector organisations to promote inclusion and community contribution.
• Working independently and autonomously within a defined locality, supporting a population of approximately 10k residents.
• Supporting people with personalised information and short-term help in their local area.
• Gathering stories and insights to influence wider system change and demonstrate how Local Area Coordination can reduce reliance on statutory services.

About You:

• Excellent local knowledge of Croydon and its diverse communities.
• Strong listening and communication skills, with a genuine commitment to working with people.
• Proven experience supporting individuals and families from diverse backgrounds.
• Skilled in strengths-based, person-centred, and holistic approaches to help people shape and pursue their own goals.
• Excellent relationship-building and communication skills.
• Creative and independent problem-solver and ability to risk assess on the job.
• Solid understanding of safeguarding and inclusive practice.

Please Note
The roles are based in the community, therefore you must be able to travel across Croydon wherever needed.

You may be required to work outside of normal office hours, with some evening and weekend work.

Important Information
There will be a two part interview process, the initial community based interviews will take place week commencing 8th December. This interview/assessment session will be with members of the community at a community setting, this will be an opportunity for you to demonstrate your relational abilities and skills throughout the morning or afternoon - details to be confirmed. The second stage will be a more formal panel style interview at a later date.

When completing the application please state which Local Area Coordination patch you would like to apply for - Croydon north (Thornton Heath), central Croydon (Shirley/Woodside) and Croydon south (Old Coulsdon).

To enable you to find out more about Local Area Coordination and the role, we are holding a virtual candidate information evening on 19th November 2025. To sign up for this please email please state 'Candidate Information Evening' in the email subject line.

You can also find out more about Local Area Coordination online:

Link to the full job description can be
found
here
Responsibilities

• Build trust and establish long-term connections with community members.
• Proactively meet and engage with citizens and families in their neighborhoods.
• Encourage individuals to explore their capabilities and community networks.
• Facilitate discussions on personal goals and current challenges.
• Assist in planning and implementing strategies to overcome barriers.
• Promote self-reliance and independence, reducing dependence on formal services.
• Collaborate with local people in the recruitment process.
• Complete a comprehensive induction and training program.
• Work closely with the C16046.PH Prevention Investment Programme department.

Qualifications

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong active listening and empathy abilities.
• Ability to build trust and rapport with a diverse range of people.
• Proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• Understanding of community development principles.
• Experience in social work or a related field is preferred.
• Knowledge of local community resources and networks.
• Ability to work independently and manage time effectively.
• Willingness to undergo induction and ongoing training.
• A passion for empowering and supporting community members.

About Us
Croydon Council's priorities
The Council balances its books, listens to residents, and delivers good sustainable services

• Get a grip on the finances and make the council financially sustainable
• Become a council which listens to, respects and works in partnership with Croydon's diverse communities and businesses
• Strengthen collaboration and joint working with partner organisations and the voluntary, community and faith sectors
• Ensure good governance is embedded and adopt best practice
• Develop our workforce to deliver in a manner that respects the diversity of our communities

Key Business Plan Outcomes

• Croydon is a place of opportunity for business, earning and learning
• Children and young people in Croydon have the chance to thrive, learn and fulfil their potential
• Croydon is a cleaner, safer and healthier place, a borough we're proud to call home
• People can lead healthier and independent lives for longer
• Croydon Council's new ways of working

Equal Opportunities Statement
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we will be pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby staff attend the workplace for part of their working week and work from home, or elsewhere, remotely for the rest of the time.

As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the advertised role.

Croydon council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.

The Successful candidate will be subject to a DBS check, if the role requires one.