Careers with the Fishermen's Mission

A career with the Fishermen’s Mission is one where you can make a real difference to the lives of fishermen and their families in the UK.

Support Officer – Oban

We support fishermen and their families through difficult times. As a Support Officer, you will work directly with the people we support in Oban and nearby areas, helping them access practical support, advice, and financial assistance when they need it most.

About the role

Our Support Officers support both active and former fishermen – along with their families – during challenging periods such as illness, financial hardship, or life transitions.

With assistance from your Area Manager, you will help people understand their options and guide them through applications, referrals, and support services. You will speak to people online, over the phone, and face-to-face. As you become part of your local fishing community, you will also build relationships with local organisations, visit harbours, and help raise awareness of the Fishermen’s Mission across the region through community fundraising activities and other events.

About you

You are compassionate, organised, and confident working with people from a wide range of backgrounds. You are comfortable supporting individuals who may be facing difficult circumstances and can communicate clearly and respectfully. You can work independently while staying connected with colleagues and partners. You are also motivated by the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in fishing communities.

Understanding the challenges faced by fishermen and their families would be helpful, but most important is your commitment to supporting people with care, professionalism, and respect.

You must also be able to work within our Christian ethos.

Key responsibilities

manage a caseload of people: assessing needs and helping fishermen and their families access support, grants, and relevant services
complete referrals, applications, and signposting while keeping accurate records of your work using our CRM system
visit local harbours regularly to maintain relationships with fishermen, harbour staff, and other key contacts
build and maintain partnerships with local organisations such as charities, healthcare providers, local authorities, and community groups
help organise and attend community events, including coffee mornings, health and wellbeing activities, and the National Fishing Remembrance Day service
support local fundraising activities, including managing collection boxes, attending events, giving talks, and thanking supporters
follow safeguarding, health and safety, and lone working procedures while supporting people and community activities.

Essential skills and experience

experience supporting vulnerable individuals or communities
experience working across at least two of the following areas:
- assessing complex needs
- completing grant applications
- accessing public funds
- making referrals
- signposting to support services
- supporting mental health or physical health needs
strong organisational and planning skills
excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
ability to work independently and prioritise workload
experience using CRM systems
good IT skills, including Microsoft 365
ability to build positive relationships with people you work with and other organisations
ability to work within the Christian ethos of the Fishermen’s Mission
full UK driving licence and access to a vehicle for work travel.

Desirable skills and experience

experience working in a charity or non-profit organisation
knowledge of the UK benefits system
experience delivering talks or presentations
experience in community fundraising
experience in completing risk assessments
understanding of safeguarding procedures
Mental Health First Aid certification
First Aid at Work certification
an understanding of issues affecting fishermen and their families
practising Christian faith.

Learn more

We recruit safely, have a commitment to diversity, and want to make sure you know what to expect from our application and interview process.

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