Community Connector in Somerset

The Filo Project is a not-for-profit social enterprise offering high quality, small group days for older people. Small groups give time and space for people to feel at ease and form friendships. The Filo Project started in Devon in 2014. Since then, we have expanded into East Lancashire, Cornwall, Bournemouth, Christchurch & Poole. Our service is primarily for those who are socially isolated and may also be experiencing symptoms associated with early to moderate dementia, including memory loss.

Community Connector Job Description

NOTE - THE ROLE YOU APPLY FOR MAY INCLUDE SOME OR ALL OF THE RESPONSIBILITIES LISTED BELOW, DEPENDENT ON THE NEEDS IN THE AREA.

To develop and maintain strong professional relationships with multidisciplinary teams, organisations and community stakeholders in order to promote the organisation's services, strengthen collaborative working and increase engagement and referral opportunities. The role involves active networking, partnership development, communication and relationship management to support effective service delivery and positive outcomes. While the role involves a level of autonomy and lone working, it also requires excellent team-working skills. The Community Connector must work closely and collaboratively with Head Office colleagues, including Service Managers, the Communications & Marketing Lead, and other central team members, to ensure effective communication, joined-up planning, and consistent service delivery across the organisation.

The role requires strong planning, organisational, and time-management skills, as Community Connectors balance multiple responsibilities which may include client onboarding, scheduling, record-keeping, and community engagement. Effective coordination and information-sharing with Head Office colleagues helps ensure groups remain viable, appropriately sized, and responsive to changing needs such as new referrals, client transitions, safeguarding matters, holidays, or sickness cover.

As ambassadors for The Filo Project, Community Connectors are expected to work in a way that consistently reflects the organisations values of kindness, respect, professionalism, accountability, and collaboration. By working in partnership with internal teams and external stakeholders, the Community Connector supports local growth, raises awareness of the service, and helps ensure that people who would benefit from The Filo Project can access timely, high-quality support. Through strong teamwork, effective communication, and a values-led approach, the Community Connector plays a vital role in sustaining high-quality provision and supporting the long-term success of Filo groups.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Raise awareness of The Filo Project.
• Promoting and representing the organisation's services across a range of professional settings.
• Create meaningful connections with multi disciplinary teams, partner organisations and community services to support collaborative working.
• Develop and increase access for individuals in need of The Filo Projects services.
• Engage potential future hosts.
• Elevate existing relationships and establish positive relationships with key stakeholders, including local health and social service organisations, voluntary & community groups, and relevant government agencies.
• Maintain ongoing contacts with agencies and organisations to strengthen partnership working and service delivery.
• Collaborate with internal teams to identify opportunities for community outreach and partnership development.
• Participate in networking, community events, workshops, and information sessions to educate the public about The Filo Project and available support services.
• Complete client assessments at the clients homes as referrals are received and allocated.
• Arrange and complete risk assessments at the homes of potential new hosts.
• Accurately carry out administration tasks as required, including record-keeping for hosts and clients.

Work Environment

Lone working - you will be working from your own home and community events/locations. Your role will include travel to a range of locations including (but not limited to) local community venues. Your role will include the use of IT equipment - mobile and laptop. You will be given training in Dementia, Moving and Handling, Safeguarding and Data Protection.

Person Specification

Essential knowledge, skills & experience

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with diverse populations.
• The ability to foster relationships with your locality team and HQ.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets, Meet, Slides, etc.) and good general IT skills including the ability to use client record systems online.
• Confidence as a lone worker, and also a good team player.
• Self-motivation.
• Strong organisational skills and time management.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.
• A caring and empathetic disposition.
• Excellent face-to-face and written communication.
• A good telephone manner.
• A clean, valid driving licence and use of your own car.
• Absolute professionalism when dealing with stakeholders and clients to represent the company in a positive light.
• Ability to work under tight deadlines with minimum supervision.

Desirable knowledge, skills and experience

• Administrative experience.
• A genuine interest in supporting older people.
• An understanding of how dementia can impact individuals and families.

Pay and Hours

Between £12.73 and £13.48 per hour plus expenses for mileage. Part-time flexible contract - initially between 5-10 hours per week, working from home and in your local area (working pattern to be negotiated and agreed). The role accrues paid holiday per hour worked at a rate of 0.12 hours per hour. Employees are expected to take no more than two weeks' holiday at any one time, to suit the needs of the organisation.