Safer Communities Community Cohesion Lead chez London Borough of Lewisham

We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.

Introduction

“Communities and individuals empowered and supported to work in partnership with the Council and the Police”

Do you have the aptitude to support building safer communities in Lewisham?

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to communicate and negotiate effectively and diplomatically, developing relationships with a wide range of stakeholders from diverse range of backgrounds.
• Knowledge of engagement strategies and practices of engagement with vulnerable groups.
• A proven track record of achieving measurable success and service improvement.
• Able to work flexible hours, i.e., some evenings and weekends, and occasional meetings outside normal working hours.

What’s the role?

Lead, engage and increase the cohesion and resilience of communities and organisations/institutions and partners in responding to crime in Lewisham. Lead on the co-production and engagement with voluntary sector organisations and residents in designing and delivering an effective response to Safer Communities strategies including crime, violence reduction, prevent, hate crime, substance misuse, and Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG).

What’s in it for you?

Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance
• Local Government Pension scheme
• Flexible working and family friendly policies
• Season ticket and bicycle loans
• A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
• Supportive staff networks

What we’re looking for

You will be passionate about working with people and communities to enhance the Council's engagement and relationship with our communities. You will be sensitive to the needs of diverse communities but robust in challenging misinformation and dis-information. You will have an aptitude and skill in working in partnership and collaboration with community groups and organisations to co-design solutions that build trust and confidence in the Council. You will be able to work on your own initiative, seeking and exploring opportunities to problem solve and keep communities at the centre of service design and delivery.

Location

Whilst the service is primarily based at our office Laurence House in Catford, London,SE6 4RU we operate a hybrid approach whereby you may be required to work both in the office, visit and attend meetings and appointments across the borough, and from home as determined by service requirements. There may also be appointments outside of the borough which you may be required to attend on behalf of the service.

Special conditions

• Relevant qualification 
• Weekend working may be required as part of your role
• Working outside normal office hours, including evening appointments, may be required as part of your role
• The job is subject to an enhanced DBS check

The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CV’s.

Applicant handbook - please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.

For an informal discussion about this job, please contact Desmond Zephyr, Safer Communities Crime and Violence Reduction Service Manager at [email protected]

Please click here to view the Job Description and Person Specification

Salary

£52,269 - £54,360 per annum (PO4)

N.B: All appointments will be offered at the minimum spinal column point (SCP) for the grade of the role. The only exception to this will be when matching current salary (up to the maximum of the scale), which is subject to evidential proof.

Diversity

Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply

The Council has a dedicated employment support service, Lewisham Works, which offers Lewisham residents guidance in relation to applying for jobs. If you want to join Lewisham Works, please email [email protected] and an advisor will be in touch with you.

The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.

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