At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide practical advice and support to Gypsy Roma and Traveller families across Surrey.
- Company: Surrey Community Action, a passionate charity focused on equality.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and a pension scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to shape service provision for the community.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of underserved communities while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in advice and guidance, strong communication skills, and empathy.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 30000 € per year.
This post is a permanent contract. 28 hours per week, with flexible working. £30,000 pa pro rata (£24,000 pa actual) + 5% employers pension contribution. This job is based in Burpham, Guildford, with travel throughout Surrey so it will be necessary to have access to reliable transport.
Are you patient, empathetic and willing to develop your cultural awareness to work effectively with Surrey’s Gypsy Roma and Traveller community? Can you offer practical advice and support to those in need in areas such as housing, health and benefits? Are you passionate about ensuring that these families across Surrey can access support, receive expert guidance and connect with local services?
Surrey Community Action is seeking a skilled advice and guidance officer to support individuals and families across Surrey, within the Gypsy Roma and Traveller community, providing practical benefits and housing advice to people experiencing challenges. We are looking for individuals with excellent communication skills, strong practical advice experience, a good level of English for report writing, good organisation and the ability to work well in partnership with others.
Main purpose of the jobTo provide practical advice, guidance, information and support to Gypsy Roma Traveller families across Surrey, helping them secure appropriate accommodation and access relevant benefits and financial support. To signpost individuals and/or their carers to appropriate local services. To empower people to maintain their health and wellbeing, supporting them to make informed choices and have control over their lives. To offer guidance to statutory and voluntary partners on working effectively with the under‑served Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) Community. To deliver support in person, by phone, video or email in a way that is sensitive to individual needs, circumstances and cultural backgrounds.
- Support individuals in managing finances and benefit claims.
- Assist people in finding suitable accommodation.
- Advise on setting up and maintaining a home or tenancy.
- Signpost to health and treatment services, including mental health, healthy eating, GP registration, immunisation, family planning, pregnancy and NHS helplines/webpages.
- Signpost to appropriate legal services.
- Provide support around understanding domestic abuse and accessing help.
- Help carers and young carers identify themselves and access support.
- Support communities to be aware of mental health needs and how to access emotional wellbeing services.
- Signpost to opportunities to develop domestic/life skills.
- Signpost to opportunities for social skills development, social activities and training.
- Signpost individuals to other relevant services as required.
- Support individuals to use digital and online services.
Attend and contribute to relevant conferences, forums, training and briefing sessions, relating to Gypsy Roma and Traveller communities. Liaise with Local Authorities, Health Authorities and other agencies regarding client issues. Support opportunities for the Gypsy Roma Traveller community to shape service provision and express their views. Build and maintain effective partnerships.
Other responsibilitiesUndertake additional duties consistent with your skills and expertise as required. Contribute to internal meetings and communications. Provide insight and advice to the management team and Board on Gypsy Roma and Traveller community matters, where relevant. Meet and report to project funders as required. Safely file and store client data and meeting notes. Carry out risk assessments for lone working.
ContractPermanent contract subject to funding. Flexible working supported. Secondment applications considered. A satisfactory Enhanced DBS check is required. 25 days holiday plus all English Bank Holidays and an additional 3 days between Christmas and New Year (pro rata). Pension scheme with 5% employer contribution (eligibility after three months under auto‑enrolment). Flexitime system. Employee assistance programme.
Person Specification - Skills, knowledge and competencies- Experience providing advice, guidance and signposting.
- Knowledge of housing, health and benefit systems and processes.
- Experience working to targets and deadlines.
- Good IT skills, including Office applications and databases.
- Ability to plan, balance and manage multiple priorities.
- Access to transport for regular travel within Surrey (mileage claimable).
- Ability to simplify and explain complex processes.
- Ability to work with a degree of independence.
- Lone working experience.
- A good level of written English for report writing for varied audiences.
- Experience dealing with conflict.
- Strong understanding of Equality and Diversity.
- Understanding of safeguarding principles for vulnerable communities.
- Empathy, strong organisational skills, resilience, integrity and persuasive interpersonal skills.
- Experience working with Gypsy, Roma and Traveller communities and awareness of the challenges they may face.
The closing date for applications is 12 noon on Friday 22nd May and interviews will be held during the week commencing the 25th May. We are passionate about equality and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Advice & Guidance Officer for the Gypsy Roma and Traveller Community in Surrey employer: Surrey Community Action
Surrey Community Action is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of the Gypsy Roma and Traveller community. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer flexible working hours, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth, all while providing essential services that empower underserved communities. Join us in Burpham, Guildford, where you can contribute to positive change while enjoying a generous benefits package, including a pension scheme and ample holiday leave.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advice & Guidance Officer for the Gypsy Roma and Traveller Community in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the community! Spend some time understanding the Gypsy Roma and Traveller culture. This will not only help you connect better but also show your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Role-play common scenarios you might face in the role, like providing housing advice or discussing benefits. The more comfortable you are, the more confident you'll be in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Reach out to professionals already working in the field. They can offer insights and may even refer you to opportunities. Plus, it shows you're proactive!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Advice & Guidance Officer for the Gypsy Roma and Traveller Community in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your passion for supporting the Gypsy Roma and Traveller community shine through. Share personal experiences or motivations that drive you to make a difference in their lives.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role. Highlight your relevant experience in providing advice and guidance, especially in housing and benefits, and how it aligns with the needs of the community.
Be Clear and Concise:Use clear and concise language in your application. Remember, we want to see your communication skills, so avoid jargon and keep your sentences straightforward while still showcasing your expertise.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re tech-savvy and ready to support others in using digital services.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey Community Action
✨Know Your Community
Familiarise yourself with the Gypsy Roma and Traveller community's unique challenges and needs. Research local services and support systems available in Surrey, so you can discuss how you would effectively connect individuals to these resources during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Empathy
Prepare examples that demonstrate your patience and empathy when working with vulnerable communities. Think of specific situations where you've provided support or guidance, and be ready to share how you approached those scenarios with sensitivity and understanding.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Since this role requires excellent communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. Be prepared to explain complex processes in simple terms, as this will show your ability to make information accessible to those you’ll be helping.
✨Demonstrate Organisational Skills
Think about how you manage multiple priorities and deadlines. Prepare to discuss your organisational strategies and provide examples of how you've successfully balanced various tasks in previous roles, especially in a fast-paced environment.
