Community Connector

**The Role**:
We are transforming the way the National Deaf Children’s Society works with local communities with the aim of reaching every deaf child and family who needs us, right from the start. **Community Connectors are parents of deaf children who sit at both the heart of community and the heart of the organisation**.

Parents of deaf children are already doing incredible work, setting up groups, supporting each other, advocating for deaf children and so much more. Community Connectors work within their local community to explore what is needed by deaf children and families in their area and how the Charity engages with these needs. In short, the community tells us what they need, and we respond by connecting people together, co-producing initiatives with them and bridging gaps to create new possibilities.

This is a new, paid role where you will use the knowledge of your local area to build connections, explore new possibilities, and join the dots between families, services, groups, education and partners in a way we've not done before. The role values lived experience and local knowledge, therefore** professional experience in this area is not required**.

**Who you are**

- You are a **parent or carer of a deaf child** and have first-hand experience of navigating the support services in your area.
- You are **passionate about making a difference** for deaf children and their families, and take an active part in community development.
- You will be a **natural advocate for change**, and through lived experience and your own interest, look to improve the support available for deaf children and families.
- You will be an **active part of your local community** of parents of deaf children and will have built up a network for information and knowledge sharing.
- You **believe that all families have the right to be fully informed** and have all the choices available to them to decide the best approach for their child.
- You are a **natural collaborator**, empathetic and highly effective at building positive relationships with parents and professionals.

**What you'll do**

- **Identify gaps in support**and build connections** in your community with professionals, local groups and the deaf community.
- **Forge partnerships**with professionals and services in your community.
- **Connect with families** shortly after diagnosis, tailoring support to their specific requirements.
- **Increase the connections**between parents, professionals, local groups, schools, Children’s Hearing Services Working Groups (CHSWGS) and **feed recommendations back** into National Deaf Children’s Society for transformative change.
- **Share your learnings** with other Parent Connectors and will educate National Deaf Children’s Society on key areas of focus.

**When and where**

- **12 month**fixed-term contract.
- **Up to 35 hours**per week.
- **Flexible working available** (including part-time).
- **Remote role** with regular meetings in South Yorkshire, therefore it's **essential that you live within the county of South Yorkshire.**
- Access to a **car and a full UK driving licence** are also essential.

**What you'll get**:

- **Home-based** working with **flexible hours**.
- **25 days holiday** - plus an additional **3 days at Christmas** (and bank holidays).
- **Pension**(5.5% employer contribution).
- **Healthcare** Cashplan.
- Annual performance-based** salary increase**.
- Employee **Assistance & Wellbeing** Programmes.

**What we do**

The National Deaf Children's Society are the leading charity for deaf children. We give expert support on childhood deafness, raise awareness and campaign for deaf children's rights, so they have the same opportunities as everyone else.

**Disability Confidence**

The National Deaf Children’s Society is a registered charity in England and Wales no. 1016532 and in Scotland no. SC040779.