Grenfell Community Connector

Job Overview The Community Collaboration Team (within GHWS) is an established service set up to provide support for the individuals and families affected by the Grenfell Tower fire who are suffering from psychological trauma or other psychological difficulties e.g., bereavement, as a result of direct exposure to the fire. The post-holder will work within the GHWS which is part of an integrated service set up for both adults and children. Community Connectors are local people who are passionate about the health and wellbeing of their community and those around them. Community connectors will be recruited from the local community to promote the health and wellbeing of local people and help them access local services. Some are bilingual, and all reflect the diversity of the local population. They will work as positive role models to raise awareness, sharing key information that will enable the community to make positive choices. They will also behave in a professional manner; both as representatives of the Community Collaboration Programme and in abiding by the policies and procedures of their host organisation. We are looking for community Connectors who have an understanding of the local area, strong links with their local community and could share information and advice around mental health. Having strong links either professionally or personally to the North Kensington area is essential to this role.

Main duties of the job You will scope the needs, and service gaps faced by this group and together develop strategies to address these. You will actively engage with and work with these communities, faith and community leaders, statutory and voluntary sector partners to reduce these inequalities. You will also link in voluntary sector organisations and the local public health team to deliver preventative mental health and wellbeing support to children and young people. Part of your role will be seeking the community voice; recognising and addressing concerns about the physical health and mental needs of children and young people. You will possess good communications skills with excellent interpersonal skills, ability to listen to others’ views, respect and value individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds.

Working for our organisation We are passionate about delivering first-class patient-centred, safe and effective care, whether it is in a hospital setting, in a community clinic or in the patients own home. Patients are at the heart of everything we do. Providing top quality care depends on our ability to employ the best people. We're always looking to recruit outstanding people who will go the extra mile to support our patients, colleagues, teams and the Trust. With every new employee were hoping to find our future leaders and well support our staff by providing opportunities to develop your career. With a diverse culture and equally diverse range of opportunities across mental health, community services, addictions, eating disorders, learning disabilities and more whatever stage of your career you're at, there's always a place for you at CNWL.

Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities Please note: This vacancy does not meet the criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship, unless you meet the criteria by temporary exemption from current changes to immigration rules put in force on 22/07/2025. “Separate provisions are applied to workers who have been sponsored and held continuously Skilled Worker visa since prior to 04/04/2024." As such, if you don’t meet the Transitional Provision (above) we are unable to consider your application unless you can provide documentary evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom. If you believe you are eligible for sponsorship or already hold a valid right to work in the UK, please ensure you provide full details of your immigration status in the Pre-Screening Immigration section of your application form. Please note role eligibility also depends on whether the role meets the salary threshold for the relevant occupational code (SOC CODE). For further info please visit: Skilled Worker visa: Overview - GOV.UK

A key part of the role will be relationship building and maintenance with local Community groups and organisations along with statutory services also working with the North Kensington community. This will include developing co-produced projects around mental health and wellbeing in partnership with multi-disciplinary colleagues, residents and 3rd sector organisations. The post holder will also liaise with other agencies including schools, non-professional carers and voluntary agency staff with a focus on mental health. Navigating will also be essential to this role, the post-holder will liaise closely with other relevant local mental health services, and voluntary sector providers, to ensure efficient and seamless patient care pathways and shared understanding of service eligibility criteria and treatment models and provision. They will walk the whole journey with the client and will link in (if appropriate) with the various services the client may be connected into. As this role is part of a holistic offer for people affected by the Grenfell Tower Fire, advocacy is an important element of our work, therefore the post holder will be expected to support clients in a range of different ways such as accompanying them to meetings or appointments and connecting with services who can look into housing issues and benefits claims.

Person specification Training and Qualification Essential criteria Relevant Level 2 NVQ or Equivalent. National Certificate in Literacy / ESOL Level 2 or equivalent experience or the ability to work towards one. Able to show practical experience of working with local communities and individuals Desirable criteria A relevant level 3 qualification or above Experience Essential criteria Experience or knowledge of working with/supporting adults, children and young people with a history of traumatic experiences Experience or knowledge of working with vulnerable people and/or communities and those experiencing loss, bereavement and mental health difficulties Good understanding of barriers and issues experienced by children and young people from the Global majority. Experience or knowledge of community liaison working within diverse communities including with people from the Global majority. Desirable criteria Live, study or have worked in the Brent or similar community environment Experience of work with people that might not access traditional mental health clinics/ settings Ability to work unsupervised, and efficiency in prioritising their workload.

Knowledge and Skills Essential criteria Able to communicate with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and disciplines. Empowering and working in partnership with the people using our services. Able to show compassion and sensitivity when working with people who experience trauma, loss and health and wellbeing needs. Ability to share information with team and stakeholders effectively. This includes verbal and written communication. Maintaining accurate, timely, concise and legible records which adhere to the CNWL policies Knowledge and Skills Communication: Able to communicate with a wide range of people from different backgrounds and disciplines. Empowering and working in partnership with the people using our services. Able to show compassion and sensitivity when working with people who experience trauma, loss and health and wellbeing needs. Ability to share information with team and stakeholders effectively. This includes verbal and written communication. Record keeping: Maintaining accurate, timely, concise and legible records which adhere to the CNWL policies. Able to talk to people about sensitive issues in a supportive manner but also assertively where necessary IT Skills: Able to use Microsoft packages to keep records and write reports or ability to learn Able to maintain electronic patient records if required. Able to use Microsoft packages to keep records and write reports or ability to learn Able to maintain electronic patient records if required.

Desirable criteria Good written and verbal communication skills. Ability to use Excel and PowerPoint. Personal Essential criteria Currently lives, studies or works in Brent and has a strong association with these areas. Able to build rapport with people from a wide range of backgrounds. Ability to support individuals presenting with challenging needs and vulnerability. Able to show compassion and the emotional resilience to manage difficult and upsetting conversations where necessary. Desirable criteria Experience of working with diverse community groups. Experience of work with people that might not access traditional mental health clinics/ settings Experience of work with people that might not access traditional mental health clinics/ settings Ability to work unsupervised, and in prioritising a workload. Other Essential criteria Knowledge of local networks and local communities. Desirable criteria Able to speak community languages and have good networks with local and faith communities