At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead community engagement and enhance resident experiences across all JRHT properties.
- Company: Join a values-driven housing association committed to inclusivity and community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team with a focus on trust and care.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives while building strong community connections.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and excellent communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40582 - 49600 £ per year.
Permanent, Full Time (35 hours per week)
About the role
The Service Lead for Community Services will be responsible for leading resident and community engagement across all JRHT properties. The role will ensure that residents and communities have meaningful opportunities to share their views, with feedback used to inform and improve services, enhance the resident experience and promote strong, connected communities.
You will oversee community events and engagement activities, develop effective internal and external partnerships and ensure that the needs and priorities of residents and communities are effectively represented to the Head of Resident Experience. The role will provide leadership, direction and support to the Community Development and Resident Involvement Officers and Money & Benefit Advisors, ensuring their activities are coordinated, effective and aligned with the wider objectives of the organisation.
About you
We are looking for an experienced and engaging professional with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, who can build effective relationships with residents, communities and a wide range of stakeholders. You will have strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to support the planning and delivery of resident and community engagement initiatives.
You will have experience working alongside colleagues who engage directly with residents to improve services, satisfaction and outcomes, as well as experience of facilitating large meetings, engaging with diverse communities and supporting individuals with support or complex needs. You will also have proven experience in delivering compliance policies and procedures and a strong understanding of effective approaches to actively listening to residents, gathering feedback, analysing data and presenting findings clearly.
A good knowledge of social housing policies, consumer standards, community impact assessments and associated practices is essential. You will be confident in facilitating group discussions, meetings and events, and proficient in using technology to communicate effectively and manage resident information.
You will have a proven track record of developing strong internal and external partnerships and building positive relationships with residents and communities. You will hold a CIH Level 3 or 4 qualification, or willing to work towards one, although other relevant qualifications comparable with the requirements of the role will also be considered.
JRHT strives to be a housing association that is sustainable and engaging, providing high quality and continuously improving services and decent affordable homes in well managed communities prioritising those in greatest need.
Closing date for applications is 3rd September 2026. Interviews will take place week commencing 7th September 2026. Please note that we will be shortlisting and interviewing on an on-going basis and reserve the right to bring the closing date forward should enough quality applications be received.
Additional Information
We are a values driven organisation and our values drive our behaviours. We’re at our best when we’re continually building on trust, showing we care and making a difference – and we hope others will do the same. We are committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace, where all colleagues can be themselves.
JRHT operates a hybrid way of working and some homeworking is available, although there is an expectation that the post holder will be in the office to provide support to teams on a regular basis. There is a requirement that this role will be part of an out-of-hours service, for which you will be renumerated for.
Our commitment to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
At JRHT we believe in giving everyone an equal chance to succeed. Applications are welcome from all regardless of age, disability, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, race, sex, sexual orientation, trans status or social economic background. We positively encourage applications from people with experience of living in poverty.
As part of our commitment to equity and specifically anti-racism, we operate an anonymised recruitment process so that bias is eliminated from the shortlisting process. We are a Disability Confident Employer. This means that we are committed to the recruitment, progression and retention of disabled individuals. We offer interviews to disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria for the job. If you have a disability, please tell us if you would like to be considered for an interview under the Disability Confident Scheme.
Service Lead - Community Services employer: Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF)
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) is an exceptional employer, deeply rooted in the community of County Durham, offering a unique opportunity to engage with local organisations and individuals committed to creating equitable futures. With a strong focus on employee growth, JRF fosters a collaborative work culture that values diversity, inclusion, and social justice, while providing flexible working arrangements and a supportive environment for all staff. As part of the Emerging Futures team, you will not only contribute to transformative initiatives but also benefit from a workplace that prioritises trust, care, and meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) Recruitment Team
