At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community services and innovative engagement activities to make a real difference.
- Company: Avalon Housing partners with Bournville Village Trust for impactful community work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, agile working, free healthcare, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: Focus on well-being, work-life balance, and career development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of community services while supporting diverse groups.
- Qualifications: Experience in leading teams and strong communication skills required.
The Opportunity: Avalon Housing, a specialised social housing recruitment firm, are delighted to be partnering with Bournville Village Trust, a charitable trust managing a diverse portfolio of independent living schemes, community places, and development services across Birmingham and Telford neighbourhoods. We are looking for an experienced leader to support the Director of Communities during a key period of strategic review, ensuring our community services continue to deliver successfully while shaping our vision for future delivery.
Key Duties:
- Lead the multi-disciplinary teams responsible for delivering services across care leavers schemes, out-of-school provision, independent older persons schemes, and Extra Care schemes.
- Oversee the Birmingham community development and involvement service, managing community halls, leases, licences, and the development of Neighbourhood Plans.
- Build and strengthen collaborative partnerships with a wide range of community stakeholders, tenants, and customers.
- Develop innovative community engagement activities using social media, resident-led forums, and community network events.
- Support the Head of Estates and Stewardship on the review project for the Birmingham Scheme of Management.
- Ensure all community and support services remain compliant with regulatory requirements and responsive to customer needs.
- Manage data, track metrics, and oversee KPI reporting for the department.
Benefits:
- Salary: £59,797.17 – £64,745.38 per annum.
- Contract & Hours: 12-month Fixed Term Contract, 37 hours per week.
- Working Style: Agile and hybrid working based out of a head office in South Birmingham.
- Healthcare Scheme: Free healthcare scheme for all employees, offering cashback towards optical, dental, therapy treatments, consultations, scans, and 24-hour counselling support.
- Lifestyle Discounts: Access to "Trust Treats" providing high street and online discounts on shopping, holidays, and insurance.
- Family Support: Enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental leave policies.
- Culture: A focus on well-being and work-life balance with extensive learning and development support to grow your career.
Requirements:
- Experience: Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams across community, housing, and/or care and support services.
- Skills: Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and KPI data management skills with the capability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Communication: Highly developed communication and interpersonal skills, with the empathy required to connect with residents and groups from diverse backgrounds.
- Knowledge: A solid understanding of regulatory requirements relating to community places, older persons schemes, or independent living.
- Values: A values-driven individual who is passionate about delivering positive community impact and inclusive engagement.
- Flexibility: Willingness and flexibility to attend occasional meetings and events on weekends and evenings as required by the service.
How to Apply: Please apply for this role online or contact Matt Baird at Avalon for a confidential discussion. Avalon, trading name of Spirehouse Recruitment Limited, is an equal opportunities employment business and employment agency. We practise a diverse and inclusive recruitment process that ensures equal opportunity for all individuals.
Head of Community Services employer: Baird And Co Recruitment Ltd
Avalon Housing is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a focus on community impact, employees benefit from agile working arrangements, comprehensive healthcare schemes, and extensive learning opportunities, all while contributing to meaningful projects in Birmingham and Telford. Join us to be part of a team that values collaboration and innovation in delivering vital community services.
Contact Details:
Baird And Co Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Community Services
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the community services sector and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your expertise in community engagement and leadership. Share relevant content, join discussions, and connect with industry leaders to boost your visibility.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's values and recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their community impact.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Community Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in community services and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with the key duties mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve led teams or improved services in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We value candidates who are passionate about community engagement and can connect with diverse groups, so don’t be afraid to express your values and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:For a smooth application process, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Baird And Co Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Community Services Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the community services that the organisation offers. Familiarise yourself with their current projects, challenges, and successes. This will not only show your genuine interest but also allow you to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Community Services, you'll be leading multi-disciplinary teams. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led teams, managed conflicts, or implemented innovative solutions. Be ready to discuss how you can inspire and motivate others to achieve common goals.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Prowess
Given the importance of building relationships with diverse stakeholders, practice articulating your communication style. Think of specific instances where your interpersonal skills made a difference in community engagement or stakeholder collaboration. Highlight your empathy and ability to connect with various groups.
✨Prepare for Regulatory Questions
Since compliance is crucial in community services, brush up on relevant regulatory requirements. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure services meet these standards and how you would handle any compliance challenges. This shows that you are proactive and knowledgeable about the sector.
