The Poppy Factory - Navigator in Birmingham

We are committed to equality, valuing diversity, and promoting inclusion within our workforce, including volunteers. We work to maintain an environment where the needs and aspirations of all employees are met, irrespective of characteristics protected under the Equality Act 2010. We expect everyone to recognise and value differences and the unique contributions that people make to the way we deliver our work. As an equal opportunities employer, we take positive measures to recruit people from under‑represented groups and encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are a Disability Confident employer and offer a guaranteed interview for eligible disabled candidates. We are also happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and flexible working arrangements. We encourage applicants to contact us to discuss any questions before applying.

About Us

At The Poppy Factory, we believe that everyone who has served our country deserves the opportunity to build a fulfilling life beyond the armed forces. For over a century, we have stood alongside veterans and their families, evolving our services to support veterans and adult family members to overcome barriers to employment and transform their lives.

Position Overview

We are now seeking a passionate and person‑centred Navigator to join our team. This is a non‑clinical role that supports veterans who are furthest from employment, helping them engage in meaningful activity and move toward work. The Navigator works with those facing mental or physical health challenges, addressing barriers such as housing, health care, substance misuse, education, training, financial concerns, and benefit issues. Coaching, mentoring and strengths‑based approaches are central to the role, empowering individuals to take ownership of their employment journey.

Responsibilities

• Support veterans to engage in meaningful activity and progress toward lasting employment outcomes.
• Use coaching, mentoring and strengths‑based approaches to help individuals identify goals and build resilience.
• Develop strong partnerships with regional organisations to generate referrals and address wider barriers such as mental health, housing and addiction.
• Share best practice with colleagues and contribute to continuous improvement.
• Maintain high‑quality case records and demonstrate safeguarding awareness.
• Actively participate in team development and adapt to evolving client and community needs.
• Show initiative, resilience and adaptability in responding to changing circumstances.

Qualifications

• Empathy, determination and the ability to walk alongside clients with support needs.
• Experience or competence in coaching, mentoring or a strengths‑based approach to service provision.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with a capacity to build partnerships.
• Understanding of local labour markets and safeguarding practices.

Benefits

• Opportunity for home‑based / hybrid and flexible working.
• 28 days basic annual leave per year (including a day in lieu of Armistice Day and a 3‑day closure between Christmas and New Year), rising to 32 days with long service, plus bank holidays.
• Double‑matched pension contributions up to 10% employer contribution, rising to 14% after 5 years.
• Variety of the role, including traveling within the local area, home working and occasional visits to the historic Poppy Factory in Richmond, London.
• Opportunity to develop your region and build relationships with employers and other support services.
• Work‑life balance and supportive mechanisms such as training, supervision and employee assistance programme (EAP) provision.