Community Link Worker (Pioneer)
KEYRING-LIVING SUPPORT NETWORKS
Newcastle
Full-time
Listed today
Community Link Worker (Pioneer) Older Persons Chain Reaction Service – Newcastle 1. Purpose of the Role The Community Link Worker (Pioneer) plays a central role in delivering a highly personalised, community-based service for older people aged 55+ in Newcastle. The aim is to promote independence, wellbeing, emotional health, and meaningful participation in community life. This role supports KeyRing’s wider mission of helping people build the life they want by connecting them with opportunities, relationships, and resources that enable them to thrive. The post offers a community-led alternative to traditional building-based services by empowering older people to choose activities that match their goals, strengths, and interests. Workers collaborate closely with Health, Social Care, and the Voluntary and Community Sector to build bridges, promote the service, and create sustainable networks that reduce isolation and loneliness. 2. Values & Behavioural Framework The role is shaped by KeyRing’s organisational mission, vision, and values: Mission: Connecting people and inspiring them to build the life they want. Vision: Communities that celebrate everyone’s skills and talents. Our values: https://vimeo.com/1045771035/03e49504cc The role requires modelling these values through daily interactions, decision-making, and support approaches. 3. Accountability The Community Link Worker is accountable to: • Older people receiving support • Area Manager • Local Authority Commissioners They are accountable for: • Delivering high-quality, person-centred support • Championing a strengths-based, inclusive culture • Ensuring safeguarding responsibilities are fulfilled • Maintaining accurate records in line with GDPR • Promoting KeyRing in the community • Supporting service growth and reputation 4. Key Responsibilities a. Person-Centred Community Support • Identify and research local community resources based on each older person’s needs. • Present options in accessible formats that help individuals make informed decisions. • Co-produce plans that enable people to work towards meaningful personal outcomes. • Support individuals to access community-based activities and opportunities. • Empower older people to take part in shaping, delivering, and evaluating the service. • Encourage mutual support, peer groups, and friendship networks. b. Partnership Working & Service Promotion • Build relationships with organisations across Health, Social Care, and the Voluntary Sector. • Actively promote the Chain Reaction service locally. • • Strengthen KeyRing’s reputation through constructive partnerships and Identify gaps in community provision and share insights with commissioners. community visibility. c. Information, Reporting & Systems • Use appropriate systems to store and organise information. • Produce regular quantitative and qualitative reports. • Keep clear, accurate, GDPR-compliant records. • Use online systems effectively to provide up-to-date Member information. d. Team Contribution • Share good practice and mentor new or inexperienced staff and volunteers. • Support and induct volunteers into the service. • Be an active team member, contributing to meetings, discussions, and shared projects. • Embrace a self-managing approach, using initiative to resolve issues locally. • Engage in personal and professional development activities. e. Safeguarding & Professional Conduct • Make safeguarding personal by ensuring older people feel safe, respected, and listened to. • Report concerns promptly, following policy and procedure. • Work in a culturally aware, equality-driven manner. • Maintain professionalism in all communication and relationships. 5. Overall Impact of the Role A Community Link Worker (Pioneer) makes a direct and measurable difference to the lives of older people by: • Reducing loneliness and social isolation • Supporting improved emotional wellbeing • Helping people stay connected to their community • Encouraging independence and confidence • Creating environments where older people can contribute and flourish Ultimately, the role strengthens community capacity, builds social networks, and ensures older people have real choice and control over how they live their lives.