Community Referral Advisor

Summary of role

You will be responsible for managing, co-ordinating, and making community referrals to external agencies to support vulnerable members of the community within their home, and providing additional support, sign-posting and guidance as necessary. You will also carry out high priority Home Fire Safety Visits (HFSVs) as and when necessary.

Some of the things you’ll be doing

• Create, manage and maintain an Onward Referral Directory to enable opportunities for on-going support to vulnerable communities.
• Maintain, and identify new, relevant pathways to enable clear referrals to be made, liaising with those agencies on a regular basis.
• Conduct and monitor onward referrals to relevant external agencies.
• Reactively conduct Home Fire Safety Visits (usually high priority and at short notice) to vulnerable members of our community.
• Develop an understanding of the diverse needs of vulnerable communities.
• Work in partnership with the Safeguarding Triage Team and the Community Partnership Advisor to ensure that the best support is provided to the community.
• Accurately prepare reports including statistics, as and when necessary, including evaluating the external partner referral mechanisms.
• Recognise and make appropriate referrals to raise Safeguarding concerns when necessary.
• Carry out any additional responsibilities as reasonable and appropriate, as agreed with line manager.

What we will need from you

Essential

• A sound knowledge and understanding of the variety of issues that may affect vulnerable people.
• Willingness and ability to learn home fire safety requirements and related issues rapidly on appointment.
• Experience of working with vulnerable communities.
• Experience of establishing and maintaining effective external relationships with individuals and organisations, whilst projecting an appropriate corporate image.
• Experience of effectively communicating with members of the public, especially those from vulnerable groups.
• Experience of collating and producing statistics and reports.
• Experience of identifying and reporting Safeguarding concerns.
• Able to demonstrate an empathy and commitment to support vulnerable people.
• Excellent time management skills, with the ability to organise and prioritise to meet Service objectives, use initiative and work with minimal day to day supervision.
• Proven computer literacy skills including accurate recording of information using MS Word, Excel and Outlook.
• A current driving licence and ability to use AF&RS branded vehicles (manual transmission and/or electric).

Desirable

• An understanding of what Avon Fire and Rescue does and how we support vulnerable communities.

What you can expect in return

• 25 days annual holiday (plus public holidays) rising to 29 days after 5 years, and 30 days after 10 years of service
• Local Government Pension – Defined Benefit Scheme
• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Welfare and Wellbeing services
• Staff Networks
• Access to Westfield Health Supplementary Healthcare package.
• Access to Blue Light card with offers online and high street discounts

For the full job description and how to apply please visit our website: https://www.avonfire.gov.uk/careers/vacancies/community-referral-advisor/

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