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- Tasks: Empower adults with diverse needs through person-centred support and community engagement.
- Company: Join Outward, a respected provider of care services in London for 50 years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, health assurance, and a comprehensive learning programme.
- Other info: Flexible working hours and opportunities for career growth await you!
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Understanding of autism and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 29334 - 29334 £ per year.
Contract: Full Time/ Permanent
Hours: 38 hours per week
Salary: £29,334 per annum
Location: Waltham Forest, London
For 50 years, Outward has been providing high-quality support and care services to vulnerable people across London, predominantly in North East London. Established by families seeking alternatives to institutional care, we've grown into a respected provider of person-centred support for adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, and complex needs. We support over 1,000 people across nine boroughs, guided by our core values: engage, enable, and empower. Outward is proud to be an accredited Living Wage Employer.
About The Role
We are looking for a proactive and passionate Community Outreach Support Worker to join our dedicated team supporting adults with a range of needs, including learning disabilities, autism, mental health challenges, and complex support requirements. As a Community Outreach Support Worker, you will play a key role in empowering the people we support to live independent and fulfilling lives. You'll provide high-quality care and support, while also managing elements of service delivery such as support planning and key working. You will work closely with the Deputy or Team Manager and play an active role in ensuring our services are person-centred and aligned with Outward's core values of engage, enable, and empower.
Your Responsibilities
- Provide direct, person-centred support and build supportive, trusting relationships with the people we support
- Encourage independence in daily living skills (e.g., travel, shopping, personal care)
- Use well-informed approaches such as structure, predictability, and clear communication
- Support individuals to access community services, activities, and social groups safely
- Encourage people we support to participate in meaningful activities (sports, hobbies, volunteering)
- Assist with public transport use, route-planning, and confidence-building
- Help reduce social isolation by promoting community involvement
- Carry out key working responsibilities including developing personalised support plans based on people we support strengths, needs, and goals
- Apply positive behaviour support (PBS) strategies to help individuals manage anxiety, sensory challenges, and emotional regulation
- Recognise triggers and implement proactive, non-restrictive interventions and ensure safe environments in the home and community
- Follow safeguarding policies to protect vulnerable adults and children
- Identify and report safeguarding concerns promptly
- Work alongside parents, carers, social workers, therapists, schools, and healthcare providers
- Share information appropriately and contribute to multi-disciplinary reviews
- Help families access local resources and support services
- Record progress of support, incidents, and outcomes
- Work flexibly with the people we support across different boroughs, including evenings and weekends, to support consistent service delivery
Requirements
- Strong understanding of autism as a neurodevelopmental difference
- Awareness of the autism spectrum's diversity
- Knowledge of safeguarding procedures and responsibilities
- Understanding of person-centred, trauma-informed and PBS approaches
- Awareness of co-occurring conditions (e.g., ADHD, learning disabilities, anxiety, sensory processing differences)
- Excellent communication skills, including the ability to adapt communication methods
- Ability to build trust and rapport with autistic individuals and their families
- Strong observation skills to recognise stress, sensory overload, or unmet needs
- Problem-solving and creative thinking, particularly when planning interventions or support strategies
- Ability to work independently in community or outreach settings
- Good record-keeping, report writing, and basic IT skills
- Right to work in the UK; Outward will not provide visa sponsorship
- Staff must have a smartphone capable of receiving SMS messages and installing authentication apps for secure systems access
Essential Criteria
- Good understanding of autism as a spectrum condition
- Ability to work in a person-centred way
- Commitment to identifying and supporting strengths, abilities, and interests
- Willingness to adapt communication styles and allow additional processing time when needed
- Ability to respond with empathy, consistency, de-escalation strategies, and proactive support
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team
- Ability to lone work and use own initiative
- Understanding of safeguarding procedures, duty of care, confidentiality, and information sharing
- Ability to work collaboratively with families and carers, multidisciplinary professionals, and commissioners, social workers, and health teams
Desirable Criteria
- NVQ Level 2 or 3 in Health and Social Care (or equivalent)
- CPI trained (Breakaway techniques)
Benefits
- 25 days Annual Leave excluding Bank Holidays (pro rata for part time)
- Comprehensive Learning & Development Programme
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme
- Death in Service Benefit
- Health Assurance – Employee Assistance Programme
- Eye care Vouchers
- Flu jab reimbursement
- Pension Scheme
- Purchase Additional Annual Leave
- Refer-a-Friend Scheme
Diversity and Safeguarding at Outward
We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all sections of the community. Outward applies its Equal Opportunities Policy at all stages of recruitment and selection. Shortlisting, interviewing and selection is carried out without regard to gender, sexual orientation, marital status, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origins, religion or belief, age or trade union membership. As an employer who aspire to become Disability Confident Committed, we aim to ensure that a fair and proportionate number of disabled applicants that meet the minimum criteria for this position will be offered an interview. Please indicate at the beginning of your supporting statement if you have a disability and wish to be considered for an Offer of an Interview (OOI). Regrettably, any false declaration of disability in order to secure an interview will impact your overall application. Outward is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of adults at risk and expects all staff to share this commitment. If the post you apply for involves working with or having access to adults at risk and/or their records, we will require a DBS for successful candidates.
Community Outreach Officer - Waltham Forest, London employer: Outward Housing
Contact Detail:
Outward Housing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Community Outreach Officer - Waltham Forest, London
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company! Research Outward's values and mission. When you understand what they stand for, you can tailor your conversations to show how you align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend local events. Building relationships can give you insider info and might even lead to a referral.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the interview by practising common questions related to community outreach and support work. Think about your experiences and how they relate to the role at Outward.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after your interview! A quick thank-you email can leave a lasting impression and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace Community Outreach Officer - Waltham Forest, London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Community Outreach Support Worker. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Show Your Passion: Let your enthusiasm for supporting vulnerable individuals shine through in your written application. Share personal stories or experiences that demonstrate your commitment to empowering others and making a difference in their lives.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon, so we can easily see your qualifications and how you fit into our team at Outward.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. This ensures that your application is received promptly and allows us to process it efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Outward Housing
✨Know Your Stuff About Autism
Make sure you brush up on your understanding of autism as a spectrum condition. Familiarise yourself with different communication styles, sensory needs, and the importance of person-centred approaches. This knowledge will help you connect with the interviewers and show that you're genuinely passionate about supporting individuals with diverse needs.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
During the interview, be ready to share examples of how you've demonstrated empathy and support in previous roles. Think about times when you've helped someone manage anxiety or overcome challenges. This will highlight your ability to build trust and rapport, which is crucial for a Community Outreach Support Worker.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle challenging situations. Practice responding to hypothetical scenarios related to supporting individuals with learning disabilities or mental health needs. This will help you articulate your thought process and demonstrate your proactive approach.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask insightful questions about the role and the organisation. Inquire about their approach to community involvement or how they ensure person-centred care. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you determine if it's the right fit for you.