Carer Officer

Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust provides child and adult mental health services, learning disability, wellbeing, older people's and eating disorder services across Norfolk and Suffolk.

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and want to reflect the diversity of our local communities within our teams. We welcome applications from all talented individuals with the relevant qualifications, skills, knowledge and experience

Job overview

We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Carer Officer to support the involvement and engagement of carers within clinical services across the Trust. Working under the direction of the Carer Facilitator, you will play a key role in embedding carer perspectives into care planning and service delivery.

As a central point of contact for clinical teams, carers, and partner organisations, you will provide advice and guidance in complex cases where carer involvement is essential. You will support co-production initiatives, help carers register and prepare for participation, and ensure they are informed and supported throughout their involvement.

The role also involves assisting Localities in developing and sustaining carer support groups, delivering psychoeducation sessions in collaboration with the Recovery College, and promoting carer wellbeing and inclusion. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of carers and the people they support.

Main duties of the job

The Carer Officer will act as a key contact for clinical teams, carers, and partner organisations, offering advice in complex cases to ensure carer rights and needs are embedded in care planning. You will support carers in understanding care processes, navigating systems, and accessing appropriate support or advocacy.

You will respond to carer enquiries with professionalism and compassion, managing a shared inbox and ensuring timely communication. Accessing the Electronic Patient Record (EPR), you will review relevant information, record carer contact and involvement clearly and accurately, supporting continuity of care and effective team communication.

You will champion the Triangle of Care, supporting Locality teams to implement and monitor carer-led improvement initiatives. This includes identifying barriers, escalating concerns, and ensuring carers' perspectives are central to service planning and evaluation. You will maintain feedback loops, co-deliver carer education sessions, support carer groups, and contribute to reporting, helping embed carer involvement across the Trust.

Working for our organisation

Here at NSFT we pride ourselves on being a welcoming, talented, friendly and supportive team who like nothing better than sharing experiences and learning from each other. In addition to ongoing training and development opportunities, we are committed to providing an environment in which you can thrive.

Why work for us? We have challenges as a Trust, but we have ambitious aspirations, are pushing ahead with exciting transformation work and we need dedicated individuals to support us on our journey. We have strong, established professional networks coupled with an exceptional leadership team who will ensure you are truly cared for and cared about.

Why Norfolk and Suffolk? The people here are warm and welcoming, you'll never be far from the beautiful coastline or Broads National Park. We're an hour and a half away from London and have an international airport in Norwich too. Our villages, towns and cities are packed full of history, independent cafes, shops and theatres. We have excellent shopping, eating out, top ranking schooling and affordable house prices too.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities

Please read the job description / person specification carefully and ensure your application reflects the knowledge, skills and experience needed

Person specification
Qualifications
Essential criteria

• Degree in health and social care related subjected subject or equivalent level of knowledge.

Desirable criteria

• Basic facilitation and group working skills.

Experience
Essential criteria

• Experience working with carers or families in health, social care, or community settings.
• Experience supporting individuals in emotionally challenging situations.

Desirable criteria

• Experience working within the NHS in mental health and/or learning disability services.

Skills
Essential criteria

• Ability to build trust and rapport with a diverse range of people
• Good organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities.

Desirable criteria

• Skills in creating accessible information and resources.

Knowledge
Essential criteria

• Awareness of relevant legislation (e.g., Care Act 2014).
• Understanding of equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Desirable criteria

• Knowledge of local and national carer support services.

YOUR APPLICATION

We can provide all our job application materials in alternative formats so that these are accessible to everyone. Should you require any documents within this job pack in an alternative format, please do not hesitate to contact us at

PLEASE NOTE: If you use a hotmail, msn or yahoo e-mail account, you will need to check your "junk" mail regularly as these email providers will divert any communication from this Trust/NHS JOBS straight into your " junk" inbox.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Apart from its legal duties in relation to equality and diversity, the Trust recognises and actively promotes the benefits of a diverse workforce and is committed to treating all employees with dignity and respect regardless of race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or belief.

As a part of the Disability Confident Employer Guaranteed Interview Scheme we interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job vacancy (outlined in the Person Specification).. We encourage you to indicate your eligibility through TRAC jobs when applying.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post may be subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer certification / accreditation badges
Applicant requirements

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (Amendment) (England and Wales) Order 2020 and it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

---