At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with GRT communities, improve access to services, and promote community cohesion.
- Company: Leicestershire County Council, committed to inclusive services.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and collaboration with diverse agencies.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of GRT communities while enjoying varied daily tasks.
- Qualifications: NVQ 4 or equivalent experience, strong communication skills, and resilience.
The predicted salary is between 32070 - 34359 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: Beaumont Lodge, Leicester LE4 1EF (with travel across Leicestershire & Rutland)
Salary: £32,070 - £34,359 Per annum (Pro rata for part time)
Pay award pending
Working Hours: 25 Hours per week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 12th July 2026
Interview Date(s): 29th & 30th July with informal team meet the week before TBA
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Multi Agency Travellers Unit (MATU), working collaboratively to support Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) communities across Leicestershire, Leicester City, and Rutland.
About the Role
This is a varied and rewarding frontline role, offering the chance to work directly with individuals and families to improve access to services, promote community cohesion, and respond to a wide range of social, housing, and welfare issues. You will be primarily based at Beaumont Lodge; however, the role is largely community-based, requiring regular outreach work:
- On caravan sites
- At temporary unauthorised encampments
- In clients’ homes
The post is fast-paced and responsive, requiring flexibility to meet operational demands. No two days are the same.
Key Responsibilities
- Build and maintain effective relationships with GRT communities, promoting trust and encouraging engagement
- Undertake regular welfare visits to sites and encampments
- Support the management of Council-owned caravan sites, as required
- Work collaboratively with partner agencies, including housing, health, education, police, and social care
- Provide advice, advocacy, and signposting to help individuals access appropriate services
- Contribute to coordinated responses to unauthorised encampments, in line with relevant legislation and policy
- Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding and welfare concerns
- Maintain accurate records and contribute to reporting, case management, and service monitoring
About You
To apply for this post, you must be able to evidence in your application how you meet the following criteria:
- NVQ 4 or equivalent in relevant subject or experience equivalent to the above qualification level
- Experience gained in previous posts must evidence achievement of results together with a mature approach to handling sensitive problems
- Experience of working with individuals who may be experiencing challenging issues/circumstances in a sensitive and professional manner, including being able to diffuse difficult situations.
- A strong communicator, able to engage with people from diverse backgrounds and build trust as well as being skilled in negotiation and conflict resolution.
- Knowledge of Safeguarding / Child Protection legislation, processes and practices.
- The ability to work proactively to remove barriers and improve access to services.
- An understanding of partnership working and multi-agency approaches
- Resilience and sound judgement when working in complex or sensitive situations
- Experience in a local authority, housing, enforcement or community-based role would be advantageous
- Knowledge or experience of Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities would be useful but not essential
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
This post is covered by Part 7 of the Immigration Act (2016) and therefore the ability to speak fluent English is an essential requirement for this role.
Interested in Flexible Working? We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Mat Bagley, Multi Agency Travellers Unit Service Manager, Telephone: 0116 305 8156 or 07818 014 574, Email: mat.bagley@leics.gov.uk
GRT Community Outreach Liaison (Flexible Working) employer: Nottingham City Council
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that prioritises community engagement and employee well-being. With flexible working options and a commitment to professional development, employees in the GRT Community Outreach Liaison role can expect meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of Gypsy, Roma, and Traveller communities across Leicestershire and Rutland. The council fosters a culture of collaboration and respect, ensuring that every team member feels valued and empowered to make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land GRT Community Outreach Liaison (Flexible Working)
✨Dive into Local Community Groups
Social work thrives on community connections, so get involved in local groups or forums specific to your interests. Whether it’s volunteering at local shelters or joining community action boards, these are great ways to boost your visibility and make direct contacts that could lead to opportunities like the one at Nottingham City Council.
✨Attend Social Work Events and Workshops
Keep an eye out for workshops, seminars, or conferences in social work. These events are fantastic for meeting professionals in the field, learning about emerging trends, and spotting job openings. Plus, you might just bump into someone from Nottingham City Council!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise
Use platforms like Instagram or LinkedIn to share your journey and insights into the social work sector. Whether it’s writing about your experiences or sharing relevant articles, this helps to establish you as an engaged professional. Potential employers, like Nottingham City Council, will notice your enthusiasm!
✨Leverage Your Network
Don’t hesitate to reach out to professors, mentors, or even past colleagues who are in social work. They might have inside knowledge about openings at Nottingham City Council or be able to connect you with someone who’s hiring. Networking is key, especially in a full-time role where relationships matter.
We think you need these skills to ace GRT Community Outreach Liaison (Flexible Working)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Social Work:In your cover letter, let us see your passion for social work shine through! Talk about the experiences that made you want to pursue this career—whether it’s volunteering, personal experiences, or academic projects. We want to know why this field matters to you.
Emphasise Relevant Qualifications:Make sure your CV highlights any relevant qualifications, like degrees in social work or certifications like a DBS check. If you've done any workshops or training, don’t forget to include those as well. We're keen to see your commitment to your professional development!
Detail Your Experience with Clients:Since this is a hands-on field, detailing any direct experience you have with clients is crucial. Whether it's internships, volunteer roles, or previous jobs, highlight those experiences in your CV to show us you've got the practical skills necessary for the job!
Tailor Your Application to Nottingham City Council:Before hitting send, make sure to tailor your application specifically to Nottingham City Council! Research our mission and values, and refer to them in your cover letter. This shows us that you understand our work and are genuinely interested in being a part of our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council
✨Understanding the Role of Empathy
In social work, understanding and demonstrating empathy is key. Be prepared to share personal experiences or scenarios where you effectively showed compassion and support. This helps show that you genuinely care about the well-being of others, which is crucial in social work.
✨Demonstrating Knowledge of Frameworks
Familiarise yourself with the frameworks and models used in social work, such as the Strengths-Based Approach or the Ecological Perspective. Be ready to discuss how these frameworks apply to your work, especially if you can tie them into real-world examples or case studies you've encountered.
✨Showcasing Your Multi-Disciplinary Skills
In a full-time social work role, you'll often collaborate with healthcare professionals, educators, and law enforcement. Be prepared to describe your teamwork experiences and how you've effectively communicated with other disciplines to achieve the best outcomes for clients.
✨Preparing for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical social work situations, such as dealing with a crisis or managing a complex case. Think through your thought process for these scenarios beforehand, considering how you'd assess the situation and what steps you'd take, as this demonstrates your critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
