Armed Forces Outreach Service – VALOUR Armed Forces Outreach Officer

Armed Forces Outreach Service – VALOUR Armed Forces Outreach Officer

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading – we might be the perfect match.

We’re delighted that you’re interested in working with us. You’d be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you’d be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we’re confident that it isn’t just the salary that attracts our staff.

Funded by the Office for Veterans Affairs, but working for Gateshead Council as part of the regional Armed Forces Outreach Service, this new post will be based at Catterick Garrison with hybrid working but will also travel across the region visiting other regional hubs to provide key housing advice and support to members of the Armed Forces Community. In addition, we may also require the postholder to undertake home visits for veterans who may struggle to leave their homes and travel.

Support will be provided as a joined up approach with other partners in the Alliance to improve the coordination of services across the region for the Armed Forces Community with other partners providing support with health, employment and social isolation.

Please note that this is a fixed term contract until 31/03/2029

• Operate as part of the North East VALOUR Armed Forces Alliance, based within the VALOUR recognised centre at Catterick Garrison, providing housing advice and support to members of the Armed Forces Community across the region.
• Promote the Alliance across the region in partnership with members through:
  • Attendance at meetings
  • Delivering presentations
  • Networking
  • Utilising promotional material
  • Providing drop-in sessions at a variety of venues
• Identify opportunities to deliver the Alliance across the region, recognising areas where there is unmet need.
• Work with partners in the Alliance to ensure holistic and seamless provision of support to individuals referred to the North East VALOUR Armed Forces Alliance.
• Refer and link into the existing Armed Forces Regional Outreach Service for additional support and share gained knowledge with the wider team.
• Contact local authorities and registered housing providers across the North East region to obtain information and advice on:
  • Re-housing processes
  • Housing options to support members of the Armed Forces Community
• Promote the Armed Forces Covenant when liaising with local authorities and organisations across the North East region.
• Update ICT systems to accurately record key data for funders and collate data where required.
• Support the Armed Forces Coordinator in establishing the Armed Forces Outreach Service within the new North East VALOUR Armed Forces Alliance.
• Adhere to policies and procedures relating to working practices and service delivery, including:
  • Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults and Children
  • Health and Safety
  • Data Protection and Confidentiality
  • The service’s Code of Conduct
• Respond positively to reasonable requests to undertake additional responsibilities appropriate to the grade of the post.
• Demonstrate a positive and inclusive attitude when working with:
  • Partners within the Alliance
  • Internal and external customers
  • Colleagues
• Use effective risk assessment tools to identify risks and take appropriate action, particularly when undertaking home visits.
• Liaise with external services and providers to ensure members of the Armed Forces Community are referred to appropriate support services where required.

• Understanding of current issues facing the Armed Forces Community and their families.
• Knowledge of Data Protection and Confidentiality.
• Ability…