You will provide practical, person-centred support to individuals and families experiencing financial hardship, crisis or who are at risk of financial instability. As part of the Bridges to Wellbeing partnership, the Worker will support local people to access crisis payments where eligible, build financial resilience and connect with longer-term solutions that improve wellbeing and independence. The role is mainly direct client support with some partnership working and will require robust case management and accurate monthly reporting. You will be rotating between our partners locations and public settings in Chard & Crewkerne.
About Bridges to Wellbeing
Bridges to Wellbeing is an exciting and collaborative project between WATCH CIO, ARK at Egwood, Open Doors Somerset and Chard Community Hub funded by The National Lottery. The partnership promotes all aspects of wellbeing including physical, emotional, mental, social and financial wellbeing. The programme works to reduce isolation and loneliness, strengthen community connections and empower individuals to reconnect with their own resilience and sense of hope.
We are committed to:
- Inclusivity – providing equal access and opportunities for all.
- Equality – treating everyone as an individual and ensuring equal opportunity.
- Person-Centred Practice – placing people at the centre of decisions affecting their lives.
- Expertise – supporting people to realise their own potential.
- Choice – enabling individuals to have control over their own lives.
Key Tasks & Responsibilities
Crisis Intervention and Financial Resilience
- Support individuals and families experiencing sudden financial shocks, including loss of income, unexpected costs, illness or housing difficulties.
- Receive referrals, check eligibility and manage your diary to meet clients in the most suitable setting (this could be at our bases, public venues or online)
- Build trusted relationships with people through strengths-based, trauma-informed and person-centred practice, for up to 9 hours per client.
- Undertake a holistic assessment to identify issues contributing to financial hardship, including poverty, housing instability, debt, welfare issues, health inequalities and caring responsibilities.
- Support people to access welfare benefits, grants, housing support, debt advice and wider community resources, using the Frontline referral platform where needed.
- Assist people to access crisis payments and other emergency financial support where eligible.
- Provide accurate information, guidance and practical support.
- Monitor progress and adapt support plans as circumstances change.
- Promote the service effectively.
- Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the nature of the role.
Partnership Working
- Build and maintain effective relationships with partner organisations, statutory agencies and community groups.
- Plan and deliver engagement activities that raise awareness of available support and encourage referrals.
- Promote access to support among marginalised and harder-to-reach groups.
- Maintain knowledge of local organisations, groups and networks available across the Chard & Crewkerne area
Case Management, Monitoring and Reporting
- Maintain accurate case management records on our CRM and in line with funder requirements.
- Notice and share stories, learning and impact from your work.
- Participate in supervision, training and ongoing professional development.
- Effectively manage workload and competing priorities.
- Contribute to service evaluation.
Safeguarding and Professional Practice
- Work in accordance with safeguarding, confidentiality, GDPR and organisational policies.
- Safeguard the wellbeing of vulnerable adults and children.
- Maintain confidentiality and manage sensitive information appropriately.
- Participate in supervision, training and reflective practice.
- Uphold organisational values and commitment to equality, dignity and inclusion.
Person Specification
Values & Approach
- Commitment to person-centred, inclusive practice.
- Belief in the potential of people and communities.
- Warm, approachable and non-judgemental manner.
- Commitment to promoting wellbeing, resilience and independence.
Essential Qualifications & Experience
- Experience supporting vulnerable individuals and families, ideally within community, voluntary or health settings.
- Experience providing information, guidance, advice or signposting.
- Understanding of local communities and available support services, or the ability to develop this knowledge quickly.
- Experience working in a person-centred support role.
- Five GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Maths.
Skills & Abilities
- Excellent communication, listening and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to build trust and work effectively with people facing difficult circumstances.
- Good organisational and time-management skills.
- Ability to manage a varied and demanding caseload.
- Strong problem-solving skills and ability to identify creative solutions.
- Good IT skills and ability to maintain accurate electronic records.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a multi-agency team.
Personal Qualities
- Empathetic, patient and non-judgemental.
- Reliable, professional and adaptable.
- Self-motivated, proactive and committed to continuous learning.
- Passionate about supporting people and strengthening communities.
Other Requirements
- Full UK driving licence.
- Access to a vehicle insured for business use.
- Access to reliable broadband and a suitable home-working environment.
- Enhanced DBS check required.
This job description indicates the general level of responsibility and standards expected of the post. The detailed duties may vary or develop over time according to needs without changing the nature or level of responsibility of the post. This job description does not form part of your contract.
If you would like a chat about the role before applying, please call Matt Day on 07496 020922.
Please apply using the Application Form (CV’s will not be accepted) to [email protected] by Friday 11 September at Midday.
Interviews will take place on Wednesday 16 September in Chard. A starting date as close to 1st October as possible is required.
Pay: £28,300.00 per year
Work Location: In person
