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Work for the foodbank
Could you commit to the success of Atherton & Leigh Foodbank?
Are you an effective communicator who can engage with referral agencies and our customers, alike
Are you looking for a fulfilling role as part of a team delivering and improving services to the local community?
If this sounds like you, please do get your application in and come join our team.
(18 hours paid position)
Strategic Support Officer – Deadline extended
Atherton & Leigh foodbank are looking for a motivated, driven and hard working individual, with community in their heart, to join our team.
The successful applicant will need to be able to work independently, have good communication skills, and work well as part of a team.
The role offers a good chance for you to work on improving the lives of people in financial crisis and food poverty, in your community.
Job description & responsibilities
Responsible to: Trustees of Atherton & Leigh foodbank
Responsible for: Influencing policy decisions at a Local Government level in line with our strategic aims, creating robust referral pathways and improving signposting at the foodbank
Salary: Between £13,100 – £14,800 P/A depending upon experience
Working Hours: This role is for 18 hours per week working over 3 days (some evening and weekend work will be required), and the salary will be £13,100- £14, 800 depending on experience
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Annual Leave:
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Holiday Entitlement based on a 3 day week is 9 days (i.e. 3 weeks) plus 8 statutory bank holidays |
| Expenses: |
All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed but must be prior authorised by a trustee or project manager.
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Place of work:
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Working from home or distribution centres Flexible working to fit in with appointment schedules. |
| Position: | This is a 24 month contract, with a formal review after 12 months |
Strategic Support Officer Responsibilities:
Working with the Project Manager and Financial Inclusion personnel from Citizens Advice and Christians Against Poverty, the strategic support office will have the following responsibilities:
1. Increasing capacity for strategic work in order to enable the foodbank to deliver on its strategic plan –TFC Next Steps and move closer to ending the need for the foodbank
o The strategic support officer will develop the skills required to influence and be involved in policy decisions at a Local Government level in line with our strategic aims.
o Attend training required to upskill and gain confidence to engage in decision making at a local level. This will require attending meetings with local council, food network, Trussell Trust and other partner organisations promoting the strategy of ending the need for foodbanks.
o Maintain regular contacts with all the referrers and referral agencies and other potential agencies that could support their clients before being referred to the Foodbank.
o Provide information, advice and practical support with matters such as:
▪ welfare benefits (checking entitlement, completing claim forms, requesting mandatory reconsiderations etc)
▪ accessing grants and trust funds
▪ contacting / negotiating with 3rd parties
▪ energy advice
▪ housing and homelessness
▪ employment
▪ family and personal matters
2. Create Robust Referral Pathways in order to improve the experience for people accessing the foodbank
o The strategic support officer will ensure that all agencies are receiving regular update training visits to not only increase the support to the Agencies but this should then ensure that people are fully triaged by the relevant Agencies.
o Will Inform the Agencies on other local charity services that may be available to signpost at the triage stage providing real help at the earliest opportunity.
o Will Provide referral agency training, get togethers and relationship building thus helping to create a robust referral pathway ensuring that the foodbank is the last port of call. This means that referrers are onward referring and onward signposting people and for those who still end up at the foodbank we are clear on how to support them. This process is to try to make sure no-one is missed.
3. Improve Signposting at the foodbank in order that everyone who comes to the foodbank is supported holistically.
o The strategic support officer will. ensure appropriate sign posting is provided at each centre by regularly reviewing our resources and maintaining ongoing relationships with Citizens Advice and CAP as per our current Financial Inclusion project guidelines.
o Will assist in the comprehensive training delivered by the Project Manager to all volunteers several times a year focused on signposting in order to upskill the volunteers. Meet and Greet volunteers will then be able to provide consistent and competent signposting across all distribution centres.
o Will keep the signposting information current and up-to-date and liaise with Project Manager on changes to signposting resources.
Outcomes Monitoring/Reporting
A Monthly report to the Trustees attending the Trustees Meeting.
The Report will cover number of contacts, visits, agency training and changes to current signposting and benefits.
If this sounds like you, please complete the Application Form Strategic Support Officer form and email it to
[email protected] no later the 12 noon on Friday 17th May 2024.
we look forward to hearing from you.