Outreach Caseworker Southeast

Purpose of role

The Outreach Caseworker will focus primarily on supporting beneficiaries across the Southeast region. The role combines community outreach, partnership development and direct casework to ensure that eligible children and families can access the Naval Children's Charity's support.

Working pattern and travel

This is a full-time role of 35 hours per week, based at the Head Office in Portsmouth. The postholder must be available for weekend work and be able to travel locally, with some longer-distance travel, to attend events across the Southeast region.

Key Tasks and Responsibilities

Core casework support
Caseworkers are often the first point of contact for Naval families facing difficult circumstances. They provide timely support and advice, working closely with partner organisations to help ensure that children and families receive appropriate assistance.

Assessment and recommendations
The Caseworkers assess the needs of children and families by taking time to understand each family's circumstances. They prepare clear recommendations for appropriate assistance for consideration by the Senior Caseworkers, Senior Leadership Team and, where relevant, the Grants Committee. Support may include welfare related financial assistance, guidance for families managing personal affairs and finances, and assessment of child specific needs. All casework must be undertaken with empathy and without judgement.

Comprehensive induction training will be provided internally and externally, including training on the Charity's bespoke CRM systems. Appointment to the role is subject to a satisfactory DBS check.

Outreach Casework:

Lead regional stakeholder engagement, establishing and maintaining relationships across the Royal Navy divisional system and command, schools, and with local statutory and voluntary-sector partners to strengthen referral pathways and coordinated support.

Promote awareness of the Naval Children's Charity across the Royal Navy community, proactively identifying potential beneficiaries and improving understanding of eligibility, pathways and the support available.

Respond to enquiries from beneficiaries and stakeholders, ensuring timely, accurate and professionally recorded correspondence in line with Charity standards and confidentiality requirements.

Plan and attend external events across the region, including Naval Families Days and establishment and unit events. Responsibilities include:

o Maintain and update the events calendar to support decisions about Charity attendance.

o Complete the event checklist, obtain approval for associated costs and secure sign-off from the Head of Operations or CEO.

o Arrange an appropriate location for the Charity gazebo and ensure it is staffed throughout the event by the postholder and volunteers.

o Prepare and transport all equipment and materials required for the event.

o Ensure that all required risk assessments and licenses are in place.

o Maintain compliance with health and safety requirements throughout the event.

o Publicise events through the Charity's social media channels and website.

Undertake home visits where appropriate, informed by need and risk, to support assessment and relationship-building.

Support other Outreach areas if required.

Provide regular regional insight and performance reporting (e.g., demand trends, outcomes and emerging risks) to the Head of Operations to inform Grants Committee and Board reporting and strategic decision-making.

Identify community projects with potential for development by the Project Manager.

Deliver presentations about the Charity to interested parties and organisations or support the Senior Caseworkers or Head of Operations in doing so.

Casework:

Respond promptly and professionally to enquiries and correspondence from beneficiaries.

Investigate grant applications, assess need and prepare clear, evidence based recommendations for the Senior Caseworkers, Senior Leadership Team and Grants Committee.

Liaise with caseworkers from SSAFA, RN FPS and other organisations to support comprehensive, coordinated casework for beneficiaries.

Build relationships of trust with beneficiaries. Provide appropriate advice and guidance, including signposting or referral to statutory services, external organisations and Armed Forces charities

Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legislation, childcare matters and the benefits system, together with an awareness of the Ministry of Defence allowance system.

Investigate beneficiaries' entitlement to statutory support and advise on other potential sources of charitable funding. With the beneficiary's consent, make referrals and coordinate with other charities to develop an appropriate package of support.

Identify opportunities for partner organisations to work proactively with beneficiaries.

Maintain thorough, accurate, confidential and systematic records of enquiries, applications and grant awards, in accordance with the Naval Children's Charity's data protection policies.

Maintain and develop relevant professional knowledge, training and skills.

Undertake other relevant duties as reasonably assigned from time to time.

Person specification

Essential skills and experience

An understanding of military life and its impact on serving personnel, veterans and their families.

Experience of supporting families, assessing needs and producing clear, accurate reports.

Ability to communicate with empathy, emotional intelligence and a non-judgemental approach.

Knowledge and experience of charitable and financial support available to beneficiary groups, including the Government benefits system.

Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening and the ability to build trust with beneficiaries and partners.

Ability and willingness to undertake essential manual handling tasks, including lifting and transporting event equipment and setting up items such as gazebos, displays and promotional materials.

Ability to work independently, including lone working when required.

Clean UK driving licence

Desirable skills and knowledge

Confident IT user, including Microsoft Office; experience with grants systems or CRM platforms would be advantageous.

Experience of recording accurate information in a CRM system; training will be provided on the Naval Children's Charity's internal systems.

Evidence of working effectively in cooperation with other charities, statutory bodies and partner organisations.

Familiarity with the Royal Navy community and the Service charity sector.

Personal qualities

Commitment to the Naval Children's Charity's values.

Integrity, honesty and professionalism in all aspects of the role.

Ability to treat everyone with respect, dignity and fairness.

Willingness to take responsibility for actions and remain accountable.

Collaborative and supportive team player.

This job description is not intended to be exhaustive. Duties may change from time to time to reflect the needs of the organisation. The document will be reviewed in consultation with the postholder as the role and the Charity's services develop.

The Naval Children's Charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. All staff and associated professionals are expected to share this commitment.