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 equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in residents' lives and build strong, connected communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in community engagement and excellent communication skills required.
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.
Our core priority
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.
How to apply
To apply, please complete the online application.
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
The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is an exceptional employer, deeply rooted in the County Durham community and committed to fostering equitable and just futures. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer a supportive and flexible work environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, allowing you to make a meaningful impact alongside passionate colleagues. Our culture prioritises diversity, inclusion, and social justice, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to contribute to transformative change in the region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Service Lead - Community Services
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Joseph Rowntree.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Joseph Rowntree.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Joseph Rowntree.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Joseph Rowntree. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Service Lead - Community Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Joseph Rowntree. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Service Lead - Community Services, ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Joseph Rowntree
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Joseph Rowntree. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
