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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide 1:1 support to residents, helping them build confidence and community connections.
- Company: Harmony House, a community-led organisation dedicated to reducing isolation.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, company events, pension scheme, and free parking.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while fostering community connections.
- Qualifications: Experience supporting adults with additional needs and strong listening skills.
- Other info: Part-time role with opportunities for personal growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 12 - 16 £ per hour.
About Harmony House
Harmony House is a community-led organisation rooted in Barking & Dagenham since 1993. We work alongside residents to reduce isolation, strengthen resilience and create spaces where people feel valued, heard and connected. We believe communities thrive when people are empowered to support themselves and each other.
About the Connect Project
Connect is a community partnership project addressing social isolation in Barking & Dagenham. The programme has been designed to test and learn how to work alongside residents to help them build dependable friendships and meaningful community connections that:
- Improve health and wellbeing
- Create environments where people can flourish and contribute
- Reduce demand on local health and care services
The project is led by Care City and delivered locally by Harmony House, Independent Living Agency, ShedLife and two other partners who will also be joining us in Phase 4.
The Role: Connection Catalyst
This is a relationship-based, community-focused role. As a Connection Catalyst, you will provide personalised 1:1 support to residents experiencing isolation or facing barriers to community engagement. The work is bespoke and responsive — there is no fixed intervention period. The aim is to support residents to build confidence and independence until they are able to "graduate" from the project and sustain connections independently. You will primarily work alone in the community, including home visits and accompanying residents to activities or services within Barking & Dagenham.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide personalised 1:1 support in residents' homes and/or community settings
- Support residents to build confidence, resilience and independence
- Assist individuals with complex social, emotional or practical needs
- Help residents move away from reliance on services toward meaningful community connections
- Support individuals to discover or reconnect with interests, hobbies or local groups
- Accompany residents to activities where appropriate, gradually reducing support as confidence grows
- Actively engage with partner organisations within the Connect programme
- Participate in reflective learning sessions as part of the project's test-and-learn model
- Maintain appropriate records and uphold safeguarding procedures
- Work safely and confidently as a lone worker
Who We Are Looking For
Essential
- Good knowledge of the local area, community venues and transport routes
- Ability to drive or confidently navigate public transport and walk between locations
- Experience supporting adults with additional needs (e.g. learning disabilities, autism, mental health challenges, migrant communities)
- Strong listening skills and ability to build trusting relationships
- Adaptable and responsive to individual needs
- Understanding of safeguarding and professional boundaries
- Comfortable with lone working
Personal Qualities
- Warm, patient and non-judgemental
- Empowering rather than "rescuing"
- Calm and confident
- Culturally aware and inclusive
- Self-motivated and organised
- Passionate about community connection
If you feel you are the right fit for this role, please apply immediately as we are looking to fill this position ASAP.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 8 months
Pay: From £12.71 per hour
Expected hours: 12 per week
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
Ability to commute/relocate: Dagenham RM9 6XN: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)
Application question(s): Are you local around Dagenham?
Language: English (required)
Work authorisation: United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
Connection Catalyst employer: Harmony House CIC
Contact Detail:
Harmony House CIC Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Connection Catalyst
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time exploring Barking & Dagenham, visiting local venues and getting a feel for the area. This will not only help you in your role as a Connection Catalyst but also show potential employers that you're genuinely invested in the community.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Attend local events or workshops related to community engagement. Meeting people in person can lead to valuable connections and might even open doors to job opportunities. Plus, it’s a great way to learn more about the needs of the residents you'll be supporting.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your listening skills! As a Connection Catalyst, building trust is key. Try engaging in conversations with friends or family where you focus solely on listening. This will help you refine your ability to connect with residents and understand their needs better.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We want to see your passion for community connection shine through. When you apply directly, it shows us you're serious about the role and gives you a chance to stand out from the crowd. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Connection Catalyst
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience: Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who we are at Harmony House. We’re all about community and connection, so make sure your application reflects that passion. Show us how your values align with our mission to reduce isolation and empower residents.
Be Personal and Authentic: When you’re writing your application, let your personality shine through! Share your experiences and how they’ve shaped your approach to supporting others. We want to see the real you and how you can connect with our community.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Make sure to showcase any experience you have that relates to supporting individuals with additional needs or working in community settings. Whether it’s volunteering or previous jobs, tell us how these experiences have prepared you for the Connection Catalyst role.
Follow Our Application Process: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Harmony House!
How to prepare for a job interview at Harmony House CIC
✨Know Your Community
Familiarise yourself with Barking & Dagenham and its community venues. Research local transport routes and popular activities in the area. This will show your genuine interest in the role and help you connect with the interviewers.
✨Showcase Your Listening Skills
During the interview, demonstrate your strong listening abilities. Share examples of how you've built trusting relationships in the past, especially with individuals facing challenges. This is crucial for a role focused on personalised support.
✨Emphasise Adaptability
Be ready to discuss how you've adapted your approach to meet individual needs in previous roles. Highlight any experiences where you've successfully supported adults with additional needs, showcasing your ability to be responsive and flexible.
✨Reflect on Your Values
Think about how your personal qualities align with the values of Harmony House. Be prepared to talk about your passion for community connection and how you empower others rather than 'rescue' them. This will resonate well with the interviewers.