Community Engagement Specialist

All of our services are Free and Confidential.

We have an immediate need for a Community Engagement Specialist to join our Specialist Housing Support Service. This is a permanent, full-time position (35 hours per week).

Location: Bristol – Office Based with Outreach
Salary: £30,348
Contract: Permanent
Department: Specialist Housing Support

The Community Engagement Specialist will support clients to reconnect with their communities by identifying and facilitating access to meaningful activities, workshops, courses, volunteering roles, wellbeing groups, training and education opportunities, employment pathways, and other social opportunities. The role includes delivering short‑term 1:1 coaching to build confidence and motivation and to help clients overcome barriers to accessing new opportunities. The post‑holder will also facilitate group activities that promote confidence‑building, wellbeing, and community participation.

Working across North, South and East Bristol, they will develop strong partnerships with community organisations, promote opportunities through Ara’s communication channels, and contribute to a structured pathway that enables clients to move forward in their recovery and sustain stable housing.

• Engage clients to build structure, confidence, new relationships and positive
  community involvement.
• Provide short‑term 1:1 coaching to build confidence, motivation and address barriers
  to accessing activities, workshops, courses, volunteering, wellbeing groups, training,
  education and employment pathways.
• Research and engage community organisations to develop partnerships offering a
  wide range of opportunities.
• Plan and facilitate group sessions that support confidence‑building, reduce anxiety
  and encourage social connection.
• Share weekly updates on activities and opportunities through client Whats App
  groups and contribute content for Ara’s social media channels (consent dependent).
• Maintain referral processes, resources and a database of community partners.
  
  To apply , please email  with a CV and covering letter. For more
  information about Ara, please visit
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Community Engagement Lead and SHS
  colleagues to keep the CE offer relevant and effective.
• Maintain accurate records and provide data to support service delivery and
  evaluation.
• Participate in training, supervision and team meetings to support ongoing
  development.

• Ability to build relationships with external stakeholders and community partners.
• Experience of working with vulnerable people.
• Strong research skills and knowledge of Bristol community services.
• Understanding of drug and alcohol services and multi‑agency working.
• Empathic, motivational and solutions‑focused approach.
• Strong organisational, time‑management and teamwork skills.
• Excellent communication skills, including clear writing and concise reporting.
• Ability to manage administrative tasks independently.
• Good IT literacy (including Excel) and understanding of the role of data in reporting.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety and data protection requirements.

• 35‑hour working week with flexible working
• Up to 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme, comprehensive training and 24‑hour Employee Assistance
  Programme
• A meaningful role supporting people in recovery to rebuild their lives

To apply , please email with a CV and covering letter, or
call .
More information:
Closing date: 09/01/26
Interviews: 12/01/26

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