At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to support community projects and help people overcome barriers to work.
- Company: Be part of Neath Port Talbot Council's innovative Trailblazer Project.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, generous holiday, and great employee perks.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in community programmes and strong organisational skills are essential.
- Other info: Join a passionate team committed to collaboration and positive impact.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 42000 ÂŁ per year.
Contract: Fixed Term Grant Funded until 31/03/2026
Location of post: Cwmavon Library, Depot Rd, Cwmafan, Port Talbot SA12 9DF
About the role
We are currently seeking a dedicated, enthusiastic and flexible individual to join our team as a Partnership Officer within the new Trailblazer Project. The Trailblazer Programme is an ambitious, multi-agency initiative led by Neath Port Talbot Council to reduce economic inactivity and improve wellbeing across our communities. We are delivering innovative projects in our Opportunity Hubs and outreach locations, working alongside health professionals, training providers, and employers to help people overcome complex barriers to work. From supporting residents with mental health and long‑term health conditions, to tackling digital exclusion, housing instability, and low confidence, we are at the forefront of creating tailored, life‑changing solutions that make a genuine difference in people’s lives. You will be joining a passionate, supportive, and forward‑thinking team who believe in the power of collaboration and kindness to achieve lasting results. We celebrate success together, share knowledge openly, and are driven by the positive impact we see every day.
Key responsibilities
- Act as the first point of contact within the Trailblazer team, ensuring smooth referrals and quality checks.
- Support financial and administrative processes linked to training, barriers spend, and procurement.
- Work closely with colleagues to monitor, evaluate, and report on project performance.
- Maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with funder requirements.
- Provide efficient administrative support to the wider team to keep the programme running smoothly.
Daily routine
- Gather and input referral information into databases, ensuring quality and compliance.
- Support booking training, processing financial documents, and dealing with related queries.
- Assist with monitoring and reporting systems to track project performance.
- Provide administrative support including organising meetings, minute taking, and record keeping.
- Act as a point of contact for colleagues, providers, and employers.
- Ensure high standards of accuracy, confidentiality, and customer service in all tasks.
Requirements
- Experience working on employability or community‑based programmes.
- Strong administrative and organisational skills, with accuracy in record‑keeping.
- Knowledge of grant‑funded programmes and performance monitoring processes.
- Good IT skills, including Word, Excel, and databases.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, both written and verbal.
- The ability to adapt to a busy environment and meet deadlines.
Preferred experience
- Project or Programme Administrator
- Partnership or Community Officer
- Customer Service Coordinator
- Monitoring and Compliance Assistant
About us
We believe in rewarding and recognising our colleagues’ efforts and achievements. We also believe that there’s life at work and life outside of work. We want everyone to be healthy and happy and have the financial resources and support they need. Choose to work for us and you’ll be rewarded with a range of attractive benefits and support to help you live your best life.
- Hybrid working (in some roles) and flexible working schemes to improve your work‑life balance.
- Benefit from a competitive employee package with a remarkable 22.4% employer pension contribution.
- Enjoy a holiday entitlement of 25 days, increasing to 32 days after 5 years’ service (plus 8 bank holidays).
- Access discounted gym membership with Celtic Leisure.
- Utilise the cycle to work scheme with up to 40% off bikes and cycling equipment.
- Purchase a new car through Tusker salary sacrifice scheme.
- Enjoy exclusive discounts at local and national retailers with the Smart Spend app through our staff wellbeing group.
Contact
For an informal discussion, please contact Glen Bowtell at 07837093892.
DBS requirements
This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check. Neath Port Talbot Council is totally committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Our schools/employees are equally committed to ensuring the safety and protection of all children and young people/vulnerable adults and will take action to safeguard their wellbeing. The recruitment process for this post will be underpinned by rigorous safer recruitment assessment to ensure that children and young people are protected.
Guaranteed interview scheme
We offer a guaranteed interview scheme for candidates who have a disability and armed forces veterans. In support of employees of Tata Steel who are at risk of redundancy, or have been made redundant in 2024, Neath Port Talbot Council is offering a guaranteed interview for jobs across the Council. Please note that applicants must meet all the essential criteria, as shown in the person specification, to qualify for a guaranteed interview. If you are or going to be affected by the job losses at Tata Steel then we would welcome an application from you. Just make it known on your application form that you are currently at risk of redundancy or you have been made redundant.
Welsh language skills are not required. Applications may be submitted in Welsh, and applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than an application submitted in English.
Notice: We look forward to welcoming you to Team NPT.
Partnership Officer employer: Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Partnership Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your field, especially those connected to the Trailblazer Project. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its projects. Show us you’re genuinely interested in making a difference in the community and how your skills align with their mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! Whether it’s verbal or written, being clear and confident will help you stand out. We want to see how well you can connect with others, especially in a role focused on partnerships.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Partnership Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion: When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see how excited you are about making a difference in the community and supporting people in overcoming barriers to work.
Tailor Your Experience: Make sure to highlight any relevant experience you have in employability or community-based programmes. We love seeing how your skills align with our mission, so don’t hold back on showcasing your achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your written communication is easy to read and free of jargon. This will help us understand your qualifications better!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details and can process your application smoothly. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council
✨Know the Trailblazer Project
Before your interview, take some time to research the Trailblazer Project and its objectives. Understanding how it aims to reduce economic inactivity and improve wellbeing will help you align your answers with the organisation's goals.
✨Showcase Your Administrative Skills
Since the role requires strong administrative and organisational skills, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed records or supported projects. Be ready to discuss how you ensure accuracy and compliance in your work.
✨Demonstrate Communication Prowess
As a Partnership Officer, you'll need excellent communication skills. Think of instances where you've effectively communicated with colleagues, providers, or clients. Practise articulating these experiences clearly during the interview.
✨Emphasise Team Collaboration
The team values collaboration and kindness, so be prepared to discuss how you've worked well in teams before. Share stories that highlight your ability to support others and contribute positively to group dynamics.