Community Engagement Officer
The opportunity
We are looking for a Community Engagement Officer who will support communities to better understand the work of Kids Inspire, encourage the development of strong mental resilience and support the organisation to reach new communities in Essex and beyond in line with the organisation’s strategic growth plans.
About Kids Inspire
Founded in 2007, Kids Inspire is a children's mental health charity currently working in Essex and Suffolk, offering free trauma recovery support to children and young people who might not otherwise afford it.
Leading with a trauma informed approach that looks at negative childhood experiences, we address the causes rather than the symptoms and focus on supporting children and young people to overcome challenges, heal from trauma, and build brighter futures.
What do we do?
Therapy sessions focus on the strengths of the child and family. They build and nurture resilience and self-confidence, enabling children and young people to process difficult emotions and thrive. Our qualified and experienced therapists are trained in a broad range of therapeutic interventions, specifically tailored to each child's unique needs.
We also offer family support sessions that empower families with the skills and confidence they need to support their child's mental health.
Our community outreach work connects us to our local community. Through school assemblies, workshops, partnerships and community events we offer mental health resources and promote positive wellbeing.
The role
Job title: Community Engagement Officer
Normal place of work: Hybrid working. Face-to-face locations include Kids Inspire’s Chelmsford Head Office and schools in Essex and Suffolk.
Contractual terms: Employed/permanent (part time hours also available), Monday to Friday (with the possibility of out of hours working when and if required)
Hours: 37.5 hours
Salary band: Band 4 (£26,111 FTE - £27,637 FTE) subject to experience
Benefits
30 days FTE annual leave (pro rata, including bank holidays)
additional leave (Wellbeing Days, Birthday day off)
sick park
free onsite parking
therapeutic team meetings including a range of high-quality professional learning and development opportunities
hybrid and flexible working to support wellbeing and caring responsibilities
employer pension contributions
At Kids Inspire, we continue to build and promote an inclusive culture that encourages, celebrates, and supports diversity and offers equality opportunities in all aspects of employment.
Main activities
to establish contacts and build positive working relationships with schools and community groups in key areas of Essex and Suffolk
to promote Kids Inspire’s services amongst young people through direct engagement with local communities, facilitating school assemblies, workshops and leading youth groups
to lead Kids Inspire’s young peoples’ group, called The Voice through supporting young people to develop an improved sense of self
to plan and lead community outreach projects, community outreach events and online engagement events in line with organisational need
to assist in the support of Community Engagement volunteers
to use social media actively to promote the work undertaken, liaising with the Marketing and Communications team to create digital content
support development of Community Engagement Team webpages and the schools booking system
to undertake any reasonable task required in line with the purpose of this post
Requirements and conditions:
have a passion for working with or supporting young people
professional manner and be a confident communicator
able to work independently and as part of a team
a ‘can do’ attitude and ability to work on their own initiative with attention to detail
an understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
excellent computer skills (working knowledge of Microsoft Office and social media platforms)
ability to carry out some evening and weekend work for which time off in lieu will be offered
to be a car owner to enable travel between locations and to hold a clean licence and be covered by business insurance
You will be subject to an enhanced check of criminal records via the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Reasonable adjustments will be considered as required by the Equality Act 2010.
The duties described in this job description must be carried out in a manner which promote equality of opportunity, dignity and due respect as outlined in the Equal Opportunities Policy of Kids Inspire.
To apply
For full details of our job description and to find out more information about what Kids Inspire can offer, or to apply, please email Christie Brown at christie@kidsinspire.org.uk with your CV and a covering letter. The deadline for applications is Wednesday 17 December.
Your cover letter should express your specific interest in and qualifications for this role as well as respond to these questions:
1) What does it mean for you to have a commitment to diversity and equity?
2) How can you demonstrate that commitment and how would you see yourself demonstrating it at Kids Inspire?
Applicants with the required qualifications will receive due consideration without regard to their race, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, gender identity, national origin, or disability.
Useful resources on Kids Inspire:
Learn more about Kids Inspire and our work, by watching our film.
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