Summary

West of England Rural Network (WERN) is a charity that exists to support sustainable, resilient and inclusive rural communities across Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Across all these areas, we offer a Village Agent service that connects vulnerable individuals to services and organisations, enabling them to remain independent in their home for as long as possible.

Village Agents are embedded in local communities and provide outreach support to people who may be referred into our service or identified locally. Key responsibilities include establishing contact with these individuals, developing an understanding of their circumstances and needs, providing practical non-specialist assistance and signposting to statutory service providers, other organisations and community groups who are able to provide further support. Additionally, Village Agents are required to record details of their work to aid monitoring, evaluation, and continual improvement of the service.

Because of the need to work independently with vulnerable individuals, post holders must be self-motivated, organised, flexible and above all demonstrate a high degree of empathy towards people we support.

Village Agents are able to draw on the support of colleagues performing similar roles in the local area.

Key responsibilities

1. Contacting people referred into our service and arranging to meet them in their homes or at other locations
2. Discussing the circumstances of the person to develop an understanding of their needs and expectations and how they might be best met
3. Providing practical non-specialist assistance during visits if appropriate
4. Signposting to statutory service providers, other organisations and community groups who are able to provide further support
5. Connecting with service providers, other organisations and community groups locally to understand the services and support they provide, in order to make more effective referrals
6. Using a database to record details of the support provided for each service user to ensure accountability, aid monitoring, evaluation and continual improvement of the service

General duties

1. Participating in team meetings and attending training and development as agreed with your line manager
2. Adherence to WERN’s policies and procedures
3. Any other duties as reasonably requested by your line manager

Person specification

Qualifications

Essential - Driving licence, DBS clearance

Desirable - Good standard of education

Knowledge

Desirable - Familiarity with the local area, Awareness of statutory service providers and other support agencies (including The Community Wellbeing Hub). Understanding of the challenges of facing marginalise communities, Awareness of equalities and data protection legislation.

Experience

Essential - Working or volunteering with vulnerable people. Providing information and non specialist advice. Use of Microsoft Office applications, data capturing and accurate record keeping.

Desirable - Involvement is community projects.

Personal skills and attributes

Essential - Empathy and desire to help others. Good interpersonal communication skills. Self motivated and able to work effectively without direct supervision. Highly organised. Ability to work flexible hours. Access to own car and ability to travel to service users is remote areas.