Local Area Co Ordinator

Job Introduction

About Us

We want Oxfordshire to be a place where everyone has a great start to life, people live healthy and fulfilling lives, are enabled to achieve their full potential, and contribute to their community. With the help of the national Local Area Coordination Network, we are establishing a new Local Area Coordination team alongside our partners to help us make this a reality. 

The role is in a new part of Oxfordshire County Council (within the Health Education and Social Care Directorate). Day-to-day you will be based in the local community, alongside colleagues from other County Council services, the local District Council, NHS partners, and the Voluntary, Community and Faith Sector. 

We are introducing Local Area Coordination in two new areas of the county, so you will be supported within a small initial team. You will be paving the way for this new approach which we plan to grow across the county over time as part of our wider efforts to support people earlier and more effectively within their homes and local communities. 

One of the Local Area Coordinator roles will be based in and alongside the community of Didcot. 

About the Role

The Local Area Coordination approach has had a positive impact for communities in other areas of the country and we are excited to now be starting this approach in Oxfordshire.

We want Didcot’s Local Area Coordinator to act as an accessible point of contact in a local area.  Anyone will be able to connect with them through an introduction (rather than referral) and we will not put a time limit on the relationship.   

The Local Area Coordinator will connect with and “walk alongside” local people and families helping them find sustainable (often non-service based) solutions to any concerns / challenges they’re experiencing, whilst also promoting inclusive connected communities. The majority of the time in this role will be spent alongside people and families experiencing some form of exclusion and or complex challenges in their lives but it is open to all locally.

This varied and dynamic role includes: 

1. Helping people access personalised information and short-term support in their local area.
2. Developing longer-term relationships with people/families facing more complex life situations (Local Area Coordinators dedicate time to helping people recognise their strengths, explore options, make choices, plan for the future, and access sustainable solutions.)
3. Cultivating strong partnerships with community members, groups, agencies, and services to support local community ‘capacity building’ and closer collaboration.
4. Collecting stories and information to drive transformative changes in the wider health and social care system, showcasing how the Local Area Coordination approach and principles can reduce need for statutory, funded support, and commissioned services.

To give you a further feel for the role watch this video. In it, Pippa Corner, Deputy Director – Joint Commissioning Health, Education and Social Care, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxfordshire Integrated Care Board, describes this brilliant opportunity to get involved and be part of something new. 

https://youtu.be/Oa0bfQ6N8nY

About you

To be shortlisted to interview for this position your application will clearly evidence: 

• Experience of working alongside and supporting a diverse range of people, including those experiencing mental health issues, older people, people with physical disabilities, families, carers and their local communities 
• Understanding and practical experience of advocacy and supporting people to plan for their future in a strength-based way 
• Ability to work creatively and independently 
• Experience and ability to work with a broad range of professionals within the health and social care sector as well as elected members, community leaders, third sector, voluntary, community and faith sectors and other organisations. 
• Successfully be selected through an in-person competitive community recruitment event. 

Rewards and benefits

• Culture of flexible working 
• Technology to support agile working where role permits Up to 33 days' holiday p.a. plus bank holidays 
• Option to ‘buy’ additional holiday 
• Employee Assistance Programme including access to health and wellbeing support 
• Membership of the Local Government contributory pension scheme, with an employer’s contribution of up to 19.9% Enhanced family friendly policies 
• Local and national discounts for shopping and travel 
• Great learning and development opportunities to support your ongoing development 

Would you like to know more? 

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact John Pearce, Commissioning Manager, John.Pearce@Oxfordshire.gov.uk or 07775 824765 

Please note we will be holding an informal briefing (via MS Teams) about the role for anyone interested to hear more and ask questions – this will take place on Wednesday 18th December 5.30 pm. Please contact Jenny Cummings Joint Commissioning Officer on 07904 011762 or John Pearce Commissioning Manager on 07775 824765 if you would like to receive an invitation to this. 

Our commitment to:
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

At Oxfordshire County Council we are proud of our diverse workforce. Everyone is accepted for who they are, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or on maternity or family leave. We have a number of staff network groups which provide peer support, education and safe spaces for all.

Our commitment to:
Guaranteed Interview Schemes

As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview for disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the job. We also guarantee interviews to care leavers who have completed further education and who meet the essential criteria for the job. For those leaving care without any further education, we guarantee an interview for our apprenticeships. We are also committed to helping and supporting those transitioning from HM Armed Forces to civilian life and guarantee an interview for those demonstrating the essential criteria for the role, within three years of leaving the service.

Our commitment to:
Safeguarding

Oxfordshire County Council are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults. We expect all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment. We will ensure that all our recruitment and selection practices reflect these commitments.

Our commitment to:
Flexible Working

We are open to discussions about flexible working, which can include flexi-time, full time and part time working, job sharing, nine-day fortnights and annualised hours, depending on the requirements of the role and the service.

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If you encounter any technical issues with the application system, please contact us at: careers@oxfordshire.gov.uk