At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with the community to support residents in overcoming financial challenges and accessing benefits.
- Company: Join Connect2Hackney, a vibrant team dedicated to making a difference in London.
- Benefits: Flexible working, hands-on experience, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for personal growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Be a vital part of transforming lives and building trust within the community.
- Qualifications: Empathy, willingness to learn about welfare benefits, and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 € per year.
At Connect2Hackney, we are the internal talent team dedicated to finding exceptional people who want to shape the future of one of London's most vibrant, progressive, and diverse boroughs. We are seeking five compassionate, driven, and proactive Outreach Workers to join our frontline team. If you are passionate about fighting financial hardship, breaking down stigma, and building trust directly within the community, this is the perfect role for you.
The Role
In this impactful role, you will be delivering a blend of data-led outbound campaigns and weekly community-based outreach. You will meet residents in spaces where they already feel comfortable, helping them maximize their incomes as early as possible. Whether you are helping someone navigate complex benefit applications or arranging urgent crisis support for a family moving into an unfurnished home, your work will directly prevent financial crisis and change lives. You will work holistically and empathetically to support approximately 10-15 residents per week.
Key Responsibilities
- Proactive Outbound Campaigns: Utilize council data to identify residents who are struggling or underclaiming benefits, making direct contact to build trust and guide them through applications.
- Community Outreach: Run weekly in-person outreach sessions at various community locations across the borough, recording case information accurately in the Money Hub system.
- Income Maximization: Conduct comprehensive benefit checks to identify underclaiming. Help residents understand eligibility and apply for core support including Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, Council Tax Reduction, Pension Credit, and State Retirement Pension.
- Holistic Support: Assist residents with energy, fuel, and water needs (e.g., Thames Water schemes, social tariffs), and help secure essential extras like Free School Meals, Blue Badges, and Healthy Start Vouchers.
- Crisis Assistance & Debt Navigation: Review urgent crisis requests to award Home Goods, travel, or removal costs. Help residents in debt by requesting payment arrangements for rent/Council Tax arrears and making effective referrals to expert debt advice agencies.
- Internal Team Collaboration: Seamlessly hand over complex disability benefits cases (like PIP or DLA) or discretionary housing/tax reduction cases to specialized Money Hub colleagues.
- Compassionate Communication: Write clear, empathetic decision letters tailored to each resident's unique situation.
Who We Are Looking For
You don't need to be an expert in every piece of legislation from day one, but you must be eager to learn and deeply committed to supporting vulnerable residents. We are looking for candidates who are:
- Empathetic & Person-Centred: Extremely comfortable working face-to-face with residents, utilizing a strength-based approach to overcome mistrust or stigma surrounding welfare benefits.
- Knowledgeable (or Eager to Learn): Possess a baseline understanding of welfare benefits or show a strong willingness to learn the eligibility frameworks quickly.
- System Confident: Able to navigate (or learn to navigate) relevant data systems such as Academy, Comino, Jigsaw, and LIFT.
- Problem Solvers: Flexible, resilient, and collaborative when working with community partners and handling diverse, unique cases.
Working Pattern
This is a hybrid and community-facing role. You will be expected to work from the main office at least one day a week, and work in person across the borough at outreach events, training, and team meetings as required.
Outreach Officer in Hackney employer: Connect2Hackney
At Connect2Hackney, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in one of London's most vibrant boroughs. Our supportive work culture fosters compassion and collaboration, providing employees with opportunities for personal and professional growth while directly contributing to the well-being of our community. Join us to be part of a team that values empathy, innovation, and the drive to create positive change in the lives of residents.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Outreach Officer in Hackney
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time understanding the local issues and needs. This will not only help you connect better with residents but also show your genuine interest in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills. Being empathetic and clear is key when you're face-to-face with residents. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build your confidence in handling sensitive conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Attend community events and engage with local organisations. This will help you build relationships and learn from others who are already doing great work in outreach.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your passion and commitment shine through in your application. Plus, it’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Outreach Officer in Hackney
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for helping others and your unique experiences.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Outreach Officer. Use keywords from the job description to show us you understand what we’re looking for.
Showcase Your Empathy:Since this role is all about supporting vulnerable residents, it’s crucial to demonstrate your empathetic approach in your application. Share examples of how you've helped others in the past or how you plan to build trust within the community.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Hackney
✨Know Your Community
Before the interview, take some time to research the borough and its residents. Understanding the local issues and challenges will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully supported individuals or communities. Highlight how you approached these situations with compassion and understanding, as this is crucial for an Outreach Officer.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Benefits
While you don’t need to be an expert, having a basic understanding of welfare benefits can set you apart. Brush up on key terms and processes related to Universal Credit, Housing Benefit, and other relevant support systems to show your eagerness to learn.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the organisation aligns with your values and work style. Think about asking how they measure success in outreach efforts.
