Armed Forces Outreach Service – VALOUR Armed Forces Outreach Officer in Catterick Garrison

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading – we might be the perfect match. We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

About the role:

Funded by the Office for Veterans Affairs, but working for Gateshead Council as part of the regional Armed Forces Outreach Service, this new post will be based at Catterick Garrison with hybrid working but will also travel across the region visiting other regional hubs to provide key housing advice and support to members of the Armed Forces Community. In addition, we may also require the postholder to undertake home visits for veterans who may struggle to leave their homes and travel. Support will be provided as a joined up approach with other partners in the Alliance to improve the coordination of services across the region for the Armed Forces Community with other partners providing support with health, employment and social isolation. Please note that this is a fixed term contract until 31/03/2029.

What you’ll get to do:

• Operate as part of the North East VALOUR Armed Forces Alliance, based within the VALOUR recognised centre at Catterick Garrison, providing housing advice and support to members of the Armed Forces Community across the region.
• Promote the Alliance across the region in partnership with members through:
• Attendance at meetings
• Delivering presentations
• Networking
• Utilising promotional material
• Providing drop-in sessions at a variety of venues
• Identify opportunities to deliver the Alliance across the region, recognising areas where there is unmet need.
• Work with partners in the Alliance to ensure holistic and seamless provision of support to individuals referred to the North East VALOUR Armed Forces Alliance.
• Refer and link into the existing Armed Forces Regional Outreach Service for additional support and share gained knowledge with the wider team.
• Contact local authorities and registered housing providers across the North East region to obtain information and advice on:
• Re-housing processes
• Housing options to support members of the Armed Forces Community
• Promote the Armed Forces Covenant when liaising with local authorities and organisations across the North East region.
• Update ICT systems to accurately record key data for funders and collate data where required.
• Support the Armed Forces Coordinator in establishing the Armed Forces Outreach Service within the new North East VALOUR Armed Forces Alliance.
• Adhere to policies and procedures relating to working practices and service delivery, including:
• Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children
• Health and Safety
• Data Protection and Confidentiality
• The service’s Code of Conduct
• Respond positively to reasonable requests to undertake additional responsibilities appropriate to the grade of the post.
• Demonstrate a positive and inclusive attitude when working with:
• Partners within the Alliance
• Internal and external customers
• Colleagues
• Use effective risk assessment tools to identify risks and take appropriate action, particularly when undertaking home visits.
• Liaise with external services and providers to ensure members of the Armed Forces Community are referred to appropriate support services where required.

What you’ll bring:

• Understanding of current issues facing the Armed Forces Community and their families.
• Knowledge of Data Protection and Confidentiality.
• Ability to demonstrate a good understanding of Equality and Diversity, with evidence of how this would be applied in the workplace.
• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Experience of serving in the Armed Forces or working with the Armed Forces Community.
• Experience of maintaining accurate records and collating data.
• Experience of working on own initiative and contributing to the establishment of new projects or ways of working.
• Experience of effective communication, including delivering presentations and engaging with a range of audiences.
• Ability to empathise with and support others.
• Experience of partnership working and collaboration.
• 5 GCSEs or equivalent at Grade 9–4 (A–C), including Maths and English, or relevant demonstrable experience.
• Evidence of continual professional development and a willingness to undertake additional training as required.

What’s in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don’t just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Benefit from up to 26 flexi days per year (subject to business needs), giving you more control over your time.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive (after 12 months service).
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases (after 6 months service).

Our commitment to you:

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation. Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high-volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.