Community Agent – Mid Sussex

Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove; Haywards Heath; Hybrid; GBP 21,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the lives of older people. As a Community Agent, you will play a crucial role in reducing social isolation by connecting older individuals with local resources and services. This hybrid role offers a blend of office work, community engagement, and homeworking, allowing you to be at the heart of your community. If you are passionate about supporting older people and possess strong communication skills, this is an exciting opportunity to make a difference in the lives of those you serve.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Ongoing professional training and development

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Blue Light discount scheme

BUPA Employee Assistance Programme

4% auto-enrolment pension with Life Assurance

Qualifications

• Compassionate individuals dedicated to supporting older people.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the main referral point for older individuals reducing social isolation.
• Engage with older individuals to understand their needs and preferences.

Skills

Interpersonal Skills

Communication Skills

Community Engagement

Problem Solving

Job description

Community Agent – Mid Sussex

Hours: 30 hours per week on a 1-year Fixed Term Contract (FTC)

Salary: £20,858 per annum (25,725 FTE)

Location: Haywards Heath with Hybrid working – working across Mid Sussex.

Closing Date: Tuesday 27 May 2025

*We may interview suitable applicants before the closing date and vacancies could close earlier, so please do apply as soon as possible. Please note that we are unable to accept sponsorship applications, and you will need the Right to Work in the UK.

About The Role

Make a meaningful impact in the lives of older people by joining our team in Horsham. If you have a passion for community engagement and a drive to reduce social isolation, this is an exciting opportunity to become a vital support and connection point for older individuals.

As a Community Agent, you'll be at the heart of our mission to reduce social isolation among older people. You'll serve as the main contact, understanding each person's needs and working collaboratively with local groups, professionals, and services to provide support and referral pathways.

Enjoy a great work environment with a mix of office work, community engagement, and homeworking. We also welcome job share applications from the right candidates.

Key Responsibilities

• Be the Lifeline: Serve as the main referral point for older individuals seeking to reduce social isolation within AUKWSBH.
• Connect & Support: Accept referrals from diverse sources, including family members, support services, community nurses, social landlords, and other charities.
• Engage & Understand: Work directly with older individuals to understand their needs and preferences, breaking down barriers to social engagement.
• Community Knowledge: Use your knowledge of local resources and services to improve the lives of older people.
• Active Presence: Engage within the community to meet older people and services, identifying existing provisions and potential community assets.
• Create Opportunities: Share information about local events, groups, and activities, and develop new opportunities where gaps and interests exist.
• Proactive Outreach: Identify and target socially isolated older people, providing regular communication, visits, practical help, and referrals to professional support services.
• Innovate & Adapt: Stay informed about innovative solutions for reducing social isolation and be willing to adapt and learn.

What We’re Looking For:

• Compassionate and dedicated individuals with a passion for supporting older people.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• A good understanding of local community resources and services for older people.
• Ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders and build strong relationships.
• Flexibility to work in different settings, including office, community, and home environments.

Don’t worry if you think you’re missing some skills; if you’re passionate and share our values, please get in touch.

This is a 1-year fixed-term contract (FTC), based in Haywards Heath with a hybrid working arrangement, covering sites across Mid Sussex.

Benefits

Our staff benefits include:

• Flexible working options
• Ongoing professional training and development
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part-time staff)
• Eligible for Blue Light discount scheme
• BUPA Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• 4% auto-enrolment pension with Life Assurance

How to Apply

Visit our website to download an application form or email your CV and a full cover letter explaining how you meet the person specification to [e-mail]

We kindly ask that all applications include a cover letter to help us assess your suitability. Only shortlisted candidates who submit one will be contacted.

If you need help with your application or want to discuss the role, please email [e-mail].

If successful, you will undergo checks, including DBS and references.

About AUKWSBH

We are known for our excellent work with older people in the UK. We are passionate about inspiring and enabling people over 50 to Love Later Life.

We provide community services and activities to help people stay independent, socialise, and build friendships. We also deliver some services for people over 18. We offer rewarding roles, flexibility, and the chance to be part of an amazing team.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

We aim to ensure everyone we work with feels included and belongs. We are committed to building a diverse organization that reflects the communities we serve. During recruitment, please contact us if you require any adjustments to apply or undertake your role.