Non-Pastoral Hindu Religious Worker

Anandam (London); Brentwood; On-site; GBP 20,000; Full time

Job summary

A non-profit community organization in Brentwood seeks dedicated individuals for event preparation and community outreach roles. Successful candidates will support cultural activities and assist in the smooth running of events. Proficiency in Bengali is essential for effective engagement with community members. The position offers flexible hours, accommodation in Upminster, and a salary of £12.21 per hour for a fixed-term contract of 24 months.

Benefits

Accommodation provided

Flexible working hours

Cultural engagement opportunities

Qualifications

• Excellent spoken, written, and reading skills in Bengali are essential for communication.
• Ability to assist in community outreach activities and cultural programmes.
• Support for logistical arrangements during events and festivals.

Responsibilities

• Prepare venues for events and ensure all materials are ready.
• Assist in organizing cultural and community activities.
• Provide administrative support including record-keeping and scheduling.

Skills

Bengali language proficiency

Event coordination

Organizational skills

Job description

Anandam (London) is a socio‑cultural registered charity established in East London to promote Hindu philosophy and community wellbeing. It serves the local Hindu and predominantly Bengali community, although all individuals are welcome. The organisation hosts regular Kirtans and Satsangs, along with annual cultural and religious festivals such as Kali Puja (Diwali). As the organisation is predominantly operated by elderly volunteers and there is increased demand from our elderly devotees for additional outreach work, additional non‑pastoral support is required to ensure the smooth running and expansion of activities.

Role Profile & Key Responsibilities

1. Religious Event Preparation (Non‑Pastoral)
   • Prepare Puja and Kirtan venues, including cleaning, arranging spaces, and setting up materials under direction.
   • Prepare all required items - flowers, offerings, religious idols, instruments, and decorations - for Kirtans, monthly devotional gatherings, festival days, and other scheduled events.
   • Support the logistical setup for Kali Puja and other annual cultural festivals following the Hindu calendar.
   • Assist with preparation and distribution of prasād (food offerings) under supervision.
2. Cultural & Community Outreach Support
   • Support community-facing cultural activities, including assisting with event logistics, communications, and coordination.
   • Help facilitate Bengali cultural programmes, workshops, and gatherings as directed by Management.
   • Assist volunteers and community members — particularly elderly participants — in navigating events and activities.
   • Provide practical support for community outreach initiatives aimed at strengthening engagement within the local Hindu/Bengali community. (All outreach tasks remain non‑pastoral and non‑ministerial.)
3. Administrative & Operational Support
   • Assist with administrative duties such as record‑keeping, maintaining inventories of religious and cultural materials, and scheduling support.
   • Help organise volunteer rotas during large gatherings or festivals.
   • Provide practical support to Management in coordinating cultural events, ensuring smooth running of activities.
4. Language Requirement
   • As a large proportion of devotees and community members are Bengali‑speaking, the ability to speak, read, and write Bengali is essential for effective communication and cultural integration within the organisation.

Terms of Employment

• Hours: 30 hours per week (flexible, including weekends and Bank Holidays)
• Salary: £12.21 per hour, totalling £19,047.60 per annum.
• Accommodation: Provided in Upminster. The £74.62 weekly accommodation offset will be applied in accordance with current NMW rules.
• Contract: Fixed term 24 months.

Reporting To

Anandam (London) Management Committee.