Community Engagement Officer

CONTEXT: Bryson Pathways has developed an innovative approach to supporting individuals and families in crisis. The Root Cause model of delivery has the purpose of ending poverty at its root cause by breaking generational cycles of high deprivation in priority areas. We aim to make the greatest difference to the greatest need through providing multiple points of entry for targeted support in Root Cause communities.

MAIN TASK: The Community Engagement Officer will play a key role in driving strategic community engagement, seeking out opportunities for collaboration, and advocating for the community. The successful candidate will actively promote Bryson services and ensure that community leaders and stakeholders are informed about available support. The role will involve attending community events, building relationships, and working closely with the Community Development Manager to deliver the organisation’s overall strategy and outcomes. The Officer will engage with individuals, families, schools, and local groups to identify community needs and address them through Bryson’s initiatives, aligned with the five themes: Health, Education, Income, Employment, and Environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Community Outreach & Engagement: • Actively seek and identify new opportunities for community engagement, ensuring alignment with Bryson’s mission and strategic goals. • Build and maintain strong relationships with local residents, community leaders, and stakeholders, serving as the primary point of contact within the community. • Attend community events to advocate for Bryson services, promoting collaboration with local leaders and stakeholders. • Engage with individuals, families, schools, and local organisations to identify priority needs and ensure these are addressed through targeted community programmes. • Support the Community Development Manager in implementing the overall strategy and achieving the desired outcomes for the organisation.

Programme Development & Delivery: • Plan, design, and deliver community programmes, workshops, activities, and events based on local needs and priorities, with flexibility to adapt as required. • Ensure community programmes are aligned with Bryson's five thematic areas and are responsive to emerging community needs. • Support the delivery of programmes that engage the community, ensuring strong participant recruitment and retention.

Monitoring & Evaluation: • Contribute to the monitoring and evaluation of community services, gathering feedback and insights to assess programme effectiveness and improve delivery. • Assist in conducting community surveys and following up on recommendations for additional support or services. • Ensure that Root Cause targets are met by effectively monitoring KPIs and Pulses, with a strong emphasis on target achievement, evaluation, and accountability.

Partnership & Stakeholder Management: • Build and strengthen relationships with key local partners, including schools, churches, food banks, community groups, and statutory or voluntary providers. • Work collaboratively with local agencies to ensure the alignment of Bryson services with existing community support structures. • Promote partnership working to leverage resources and improve outcomes for the community.

Advocacy & Support: • Advocate for the needs of the community, representing residents in decision-making processes and ensuring their voices are heard. • Provide guidance and support to community groups to help them build capacity, become more sustainable, and strengthen local networks. There are several standard duties and responsibilities that all employees irrespective of their role and level of seniority within Bryson Pathways are expected to be familiar with and adhere to: • Participate in relevant training when required. • Follow Health & Safety policies and procedures at all times. • Carry out other relevant tasks as required. • Promote and uphold diversity, equality, and inclusivity in service delivery and team interactions. • Maintain strict confidentiality, sharing information only in line with official duties and data protection regulations. • Adhere to Bryson Pathways policies on appropriate use of telephone, email, and internet facilities. • Follow risk management principles in both individual and corporate responsibilities. • Comply with all organisational policies and procedures. • This job description is a broad picture of the post at the date of preparation. It is not exhaustive and as such, the post holder will be expected to be flexible. It is recognised that jobs change and evolve over time and any necessary changes will be discussed with the post holder. • Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as required to meet the needs of the role.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: • This post involves regulated activity under the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (NI) Order 2007, as amended by the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012. Individuals barred from working with children or vulnerable adults must not apply. • Bryson Pathways Sick Pay Scheme applies. • Bryson Pathways Pension Scheme applies. • Bryson Pathways operates a no-smoking policy – employees are expected not to smoke during working hours. • Employees must respect individuals' rights to privacy, dignity, choice, and independence. • All staff working in Bryson Pathways must complete an Access NI check before employment.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS Length of Contract: Initially to March 2026 (this may be extended subject to funding) Salary: £15.256.80 per annum (£16.30 per hour) Hours: 18 Hours (Flexibility Required) Holidays: 12 statutory days (pro rata) 20 Annual days (pro rata) Probationary Period: 3 months Notice: 1 month (in writing)