Welfare Coordinator

This isn't your typical office job, and no two days are ever the same.

As our Welfare Coordinator, you'll be one of the first people families speak to when they reach out to Sailors' Children's Society. Often, they'll be contacting us at one of the most difficult times in their lives following a bereavement, a family breakdown, a serious illness or a period of financial hardship.

You'll manage applications from start to finish, administer grants and financial support, maintain accurate case records and ensure every family receives a positive, responsive experience.

You'll become part of each family's journey, helping them navigate challenges, celebrating their successes and ensuring they know they have someone in their corner. Every conversation matters, and every decision has the potential to make a lasting difference to a child's life.

Working closely with our Head of Welfare & Empowering Families, Family Support Officers and wider team, you'll help shape and continuously improve the way we deliver our services.

This role offers plenty of variety. If you're someone who enjoys building relationships, solving problems, working with purpose and making a genuine difference every single day, you'll fit right in.

Key Responsibilities

Family Support & Applications

• Act as the first point of contact for families, referral agencies and partner organisations., answering phone calls, web queries and emails.
• Provide guidance on available support to meet the needs of families and triage all applications coming into the service.
• Manage the referral, assessment, and onboarding process for new families, applying the Society's eligibility criteria and engaging sensitively with families who may be vulnerable, in crisis, or facing complex personal and social challenges.
• Maintain regular contact with families on our scheme, forming professional working relationships to empower and guide them through their individual situations.

Grants & Financial Administration

• Administer monthly financial support payments and additional grants to families, including funding for holidays, school uniforms, winter clothing, essential items, and activities that enhance children's wellbeing and development.
• Process payments accurately and efficiently, ensuring appropriate authorisation, compliance with procedures, and timely reconciliation of financial records.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date financial, case management, and beneficiary records using the Society's systems, ensuring confidentiality and adherance to data protection at all times.

Case Management

• Conduct annual reviews and monitor ongoing eligibility for support, maintaining regular contact with families to understand their current circumstances and make evidence-based, defensible decisions in line with the Society's criteria.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with families and referring agencies, communicating through their preferred channels to ensure an accessible, responsive, and person-centred service.
• Provide ongoing support to families throughout their journey with the Society, offering guidance, responding to enquiries, and signposting to relevant external services and sources of additional support where appropriate.
• Coordinate and deliver regular communications to families, including information about activities, events, payments, grants, opportunities, and other Society initiatives, ensuring they remain informed and engaged with available support.
• Deliver a friendly, professional, and approachable service that promotes trust, engagement, and positive outcomes for children and families.

Partnership Working & Safeguarding

• Work collaboratively with maritime charities, referral partners, statutory agencies, and other support organisations to ensure families receive coordinated and effective support that meets their individual needs.
• Identify, document, and escalate safeguarding concerns in line with the Society's policies and procedures, taking appropriate action to protect children and vulnerable adults.
• Promote and uphold the welfare, safety, and wellbeing of children and vulnerable adults in all aspects of service delivery.

General Duties

• Contribute to the wider work and objectives of the Society, including supporting and attending events, meetings, fundraising activities, and other organisational initiatives involving children and families.
• Represent the Society in a professional manner, acting as a positive ambassador for its values and mission.
• Participate in training, supervision, and continuous professional development to maintain and enhance knowledge, skills, and best practice.

This role is primarily office-based at our Hessle office, with occasional travel required for family reviews, meetings, networking events and charity functions. Some home visits may be required within a reasonable travel radius.

• Flexible working arrangements.
• Generous annual leave entitlement; 28 days plus your birthday off.
• Training and professional development opportunities.
• Supportive and collaborative team environment.
• Sailors' Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All appointments will be subject to appropriate safeguarding checks.