At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to support vulnerable people and connect them with local services.
- Company: Join a compassionate organisation dedicated to making a difference in the community.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 36 days leave, pension scheme, and learning opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on wellbeing and personal growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on people's lives while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in case work, line management, and strong interpersonal skills.
The predicted salary is between 31262 - 31991 £ per year.
Job Location: Reading Borough Council Civic Offices, Reading (Hybrid)
Salary: £31,262 to £31,991 per annum
Hours: 35 per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Do you have a desire to lead an amazing team and deliver services which really make a difference to the lives of vulnerable people? If you are enthusiastic and motivated to make a difference, you could join our vibrant Health & Care team for the new Local Connector service in Reading.
As specialist advisor and team leader, you will serve as key point of contact for the service, triaging and allocating all new referrals. You will also assist people who contact adult social care to identify their personal assets, interests and goals. This will enable them to increase and maintain their wellbeing, boost independence, become more resilient and find solutions and support in their local community.
With your experience of case work and risk management, you will be ideally placed to co-ordinate the service. You will ensure that appropriate service standards, good practice, legal requirements and budgetary management are incorporated into a quality programme that meets the needs of our beneficiaries and values the work of volunteers. You will actively network among health and social care related bodies in Reading to establish the Red Cross with the relevant communities and partnerships. You will also work closely with the Regional Business Development Manager and Operations Manager to maintain service contracts accordingly.
What does a day in the life of a Community Connector Team Leader involve?
- Leading the day-to-day operations of the Local Connectors team, receiving referrals and allocating work accordingly.
- Providing person-centred support to local residents via the telephone or face-to-face in the community.
- Working collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of adult social care professionals to support development of the Local Connectors service.
- Building connections with local voluntary sector organisations to understand the services they provide, and connect local residents in.
- Using a range of IT solutions to capture case notes, identify support options, and communicate with colleagues and partners.
- Producing reports, and using data insights and feedback to identify how we can continuously improve our support to beneficiaries.
What does it take to be a successful Community Connector Team Leader?
- Experience of case work, supporting vulnerable people.
- Line management experience.
- Good interpersonal skills and the ability to connect with a range of stakeholders both internal and external.
- The ability to identify and manage risks, manage safeguarding issues, create solutions and resolve problems.
- Experience of person-centred support planning, helping individuals to identify goals and achieve positive outcomes.
- Confidence in using IT software, including Microsoft and relationships management systems, e.g. Mosaic.
- Time management and the ability to prioritise work and manage a proactive and reactive workload.
Are integrity, empathy, compassion and emotional intelligence part of who you are? If so, apply now!
The closing date for applications is 23.59hrs on Wednesday the 10th of June 2026.
In return for your commitment and expertise, you'll get:
- Flexible working: Remote and hybrid working, flexitime, compressed hours, and job sharing.
- Holidays: 36 days annual leave (including bank holidays) option to buy 5 extra days.
- Pension scheme: Up to 6% contributory pension.
- Learning & Development: A range of career & learning opportunities.
- Discounts: Blue Light Discount Card, Tickets For Good & employee benefits platform.
- Wellbeing Support: Peer Supporters, CiC (EAP) & Headspace App.
- Cycle2Work: Lease a bicycle through the scheme.
We are proud to be part of the Disability Confident scheme for UK-based roles. During your application, you'll have the option to apply under the scheme. We are dedicated to building an inclusive, equitable and wellbeing-focused culture where everyone feels safe, valued and can thrive. Guided by our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Wellbeing Strategy, we foster belonging, psychological and physical wellbeing, and work to remove barriers to fair opportunities. Grounded in compassion and anti-racist practice, we listen to diverse voices, value lived experience and create environments where staff and volunteers can succeed. Join us and be part of an organisation that leads with care, celebrates difference and helps everyone succeed. Together, we are the world's emergency responders.
Local Connector Team Leader employer: British Red Cross
Join Reading Borough Council's vibrant Health & Care team as a Local Connector Team Leader, where you will lead a dedicated group committed to making a real difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises flexibility, professional development, and employee wellbeing, alongside generous benefits such as 36 days of annual leave and a contributory pension scheme. With a focus on inclusivity and community engagement, this role offers a unique opportunity to connect with local organisations and enhance the wellbeing of residents in Reading.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Local Connector Team Leader
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the health and social care sector. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Local Connector Team Leader role!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or during interviews, highlight your experience in case work and risk management. Share specific examples of how you've supported vulnerable people and made a difference in their lives. This will help you stand out as the ideal candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to organisations you admire, like Reading Borough Council, and express your interest in working with them. Sometimes, creating your own opportunity can lead to amazing results!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your application come through directly. It shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!
We think you need these skills to ace Local Connector Team Leader
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for helping vulnerable people shine through. We want to see your motivation and how you can make a difference in the lives of others.
Tailor Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your relevant experience in case work and risk management. We’re looking for someone who can connect with stakeholders and manage safeguarding issues, so be specific about your skills!
Be Person-Centred:In your application, emphasise your ability to provide person-centred support. Share examples of how you've helped individuals identify their goals and achieve positive outcomes, as this is key to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensure you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Red Cross
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you understand the role of a Local Connector Team Leader inside out. Familiarise yourself with the key responsibilities, especially around case work and risk management. This will help you answer questions confidently and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work where you've supported vulnerable people or led a team. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers. This will demonstrate your capability and give the interviewers a clear picture of how you can contribute.
✨Connect with Their Values
Research the organisation's values and mission, particularly their focus on compassion and community support. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, and share any relevant experiences that highlight your integrity and empathy.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about the team dynamics, the challenges they face, or how success is measured in the role. It shows you're engaged and serious about the position, plus it gives you a chance to assess if it's the right fit for you.