Lead Community Advice Worker

We are seeking a driven and dedicated Lead Community Advice Worker to join our community advocacy and advice service centred on the community that gathers in Gillett Square in Dalston, Hackney. This is an opportunity to make a real impact on the lives of people facing complex challenges, including poverty, homelessness, poor mental and physical health, disability, and racism and discrimination.

About Side by Side

Our Side by Side service has developed through several years of outreach on Gillett Square in Dalston. Recognising that many in the community that gathers there face severe disadvantages on multiple levels yet rarely seek support, we set about getting to know people, listening to their stories, and slowly building trust whilst offering practical help, advice and support. Now, our community advice workers are considered part of the community themselves and without hesitation, people refer themselves and their friends, neighbours and families to us for support.

The Role

As our Lead Community Advice Worker, you will provide holistic advice, advocacy, and practical support to people connected to the marginalised and excluded Gillett Square community in Dalston. You will help them access essential services, navigate welfare benefits and housing issues, and challenge decisions they believe are unjust. You will also provide guidance and supervision to one Community Advice Worker. This role involves occasional outreach in Gillett Square and through home visits.

The role is offered on a part-time, 4 day week basis (0.8 FTE) with a salary of £36,050 pro rata per annum.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience in supporting people with complex lives who face multiple disadvantages and social exclusion.

• A proven ability to build trust and positive relationships with individuals who may be distrustful of services.

• A strong understanding of social justice and a commitment to working side by side with people in a way that empowers them to claim their rights.

• Knowledge of welfare rights and housing regulations.

• Excellent communication and advocacy skills.

• An understanding of the effects of racial discrimination and the ability to work effectively with diverse communities.

• Leadership skills and the ability to drive the service forward with service users needs at the forefront.

If you are passionate about social justice and meet the requirements, we encourage you to apply or get in touch to arrange an informal chat about the role.