We are looking for a Community Inclusion Development Officer to help improve community inclusion and reduce isolation for people with sight loss across Wiltshire.
This is an exciting new developmental role focused on building connections within local communities and helping mainstream organisations become more accessible and inclusive. The postholder will explore approaches to reducing loneliness and increasing participation, including evaluating community-based support opportunities, strengthening links with local groups and organisations, and adapting existing disability inclusion training materials for wider community use.
The role will also build on existing work to help blind and partially sighted people establish activities, peer support opportunities and stronger community connections independently.
We are looking for someone who is confident building relationships, enjoys working with people and communities, and is motivated by creating practical, lasting change. You may already work within the charity or community sector, or you may bring transferable skills and experience from another role involving partnership working, inclusion, engagement or community development.
This is an opportunity to help shape innovative approaches which could make a lasting difference to how people with sight loss connect with their local communities across Wiltshire.
Wiltshire Sight is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. As a sight loss charity, we particularly encourage applications from people who are visually impaired.
Please see the full Job Description and Person Specification below. To apply for this post please send a CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the post to [email protected]. Applications without cover letters will not be considered.
Closing Date: 5pm Wednesday 10th June.
Background
Wiltshire Sight exists to reduce the impact of sight loss, supporting blind and partially sighted people to lead independent lives and access the services they need.
This new fixed-term role offers an exciting opportunity to develop innovative approaches which improve inclusion and community connection for people with sight loss across Wiltshire.
As Community Connections & Inclusion Officer, you will lead on three connected areas of work:
- Exploring how Wiltshire Sight can best support people experiencing loneliness and isolation, or barriers to participation, including evaluating the potential for face-to-face befriending and identifying wider community-based solutions and partnerships.
- Working with community organisations, venues and voluntary groups to improve accessibility and confidence in supporting blind and partially sighted people, including adapting and testing existing Wiltshire Sight disability inclusion training materials.
- Building on existing work to develop practical guidance and approaches which help blind and partially sighted people establish activities, peer support opportunities and stronger community connections independently.
The overall purpose of the role is to help more people with sight loss access inclusive mainstream community opportunities, reducing isolation and improving confidence and independence.
This is primarily a community development and partnership role rather than a direct support or casework position. This work will create lasting tools, guidance and resources which can continue to benefit people beyond the life of the project.
What success would look like?
By the end of the project, we hope to have:
- Identified sustainable approaches to reducing isolation and increasing community connection for people with sight loss
- Developed clear recommendations around future befriending or community connection models
- Strengthened links with community groups and organisations across Wiltshire
- Adapted and tested disability inclusion training materials for community use
- Produced practical guidance and resources to support volunteer- or service-user-led groups and activities
- Increased opportunities for blind and partially sighted people to access inclusive mainstream community activities
Responsibilities:
1. Explore how Wiltshire Sight can best support people experiencing loneliness and isolation, including evaluating the potential for face-to-face befriending and alternative community-based approaches.
2. Work with the Volunteer Coordinator to develop recommendations, procedures and guidance relating to volunteer-led community support, including safeguarding considerations, risk assessments and volunteer checks where appropriate.
3. Identify local community groups, activities and organisations which could offer inclusive opportunities for blind and partially sighted people, such as leisure groups, sports clubs, gyms, reading groups and social activities.
4. Build relationships with community organisations and support them to become more accessible and inclusive for visually impaired people.
5. Adapt and trial existing disability inclusion training materials with community venues, charities and VCSE organisations to ensure they are practical, relevant and accessible.
6. Build on existing work to further develop practical guidance and resources which support blind and partially sighted people to establish activities, peer support opportunities and community connections independently.
7. Work collaboratively with Wiltshire Sight staff, volunteers and external organisations to promote inclusive community participation.
8. Liaise with community organisations, local groups and partners to identify opportunities for greater accessibility and inclusion.
9. Record project activity, outcomes and learning appropriately and contribute to project evaluation and reporting.
10. Attend relevant meetings, networking opportunities and events across Wiltshire as required.
11. Promote Wiltshire Sight services and values within the local community.
Person Specification
(Essential) Professional standard of written communication and numeracy.
(Essential) Experience developing projects, services or community initiatives.
(Essential) Experience delivering training, workshops or presentations.
(Essential) Experience building positive relationships with external organisations or community groups.
(Desirable) Experience working within the charity or community sector.
(Desirable) Experience working with people with disabilities or sensory loss.
(Desirable) Experience writing guidance, policies or training materials.
Knowledge & understanding
(Essential) Understanding of barriers faced by disabled people in accessing community activities and services.
(Essential) Understanding of safeguarding and safe working practices.
(Desirable) Understanding of the needs of people with sight loss.
(Desirable) Knowledge of Wiltshire’s VCSE sector and community networks.
(Desirable) Knowledge of volunteer management good practice.
(Desirable) Understanding of inclusive practice and accessibility
Skills & abilities
(Essential)Ability and confidence to network, initiate conversations and develop positive relationships with a wide range of people and organisations.
(Essential) Strong communication and presentation skills.
(Essential) Ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
(Essential) Ability to think creatively and develop practical solutions.
(Essential) Well organised with an appreciation of the importance of forward planning and working to deadlines.
(Essential) Ability to motivate and encourage others.
(Essential) Ability to work on own initiative and liaise with Line Manager as and when required.
(Essential) IT literate - competent and confident in use of Microsoft Office software.
(Desirable) Ability to develop engaging training resources or promotional materials.
Please note
Wiltshire Sight is committed to quality, equality and valuing diversity, and welcome applications from all backgrounds. As a sight loss charity, we particularly encourage applicants who are visually impaired to apply.
This post is subject to a DBS check.
If you would like to know more about the role before you apply, informal confidential discussions prior to application are welcome; please call 01380 723682 to arrange an appointment.
Pay: £26,000.00-£30,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Flexitime
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Sick pay
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Devizes
