Information Advice & Guidance Officer

Help people move from crisis towards confidence and independence. Join our client as a Peer Navigator, providing practical advice, compassionate support and connections to essential services for individuals and families across Preston.

Peer Navigator - Information Advice & Guidance Officer

Preston, PR1 6QH

£28,860 pro rata | Part-time, 28 hours per week

12-month fixed-term contract, with continuation subject to further funding

Please Note: Applicants must be authorised to work in the UK

About Our Client

Our client is a registered charity serving people of all ages, faiths, cultures and backgrounds across Preston.

Based at a local community centre, they provide services and facilities that improve people’s life chances and advance economic and social welfare. Rooted in the community and open to all, they have particular expertise in reaching people who face barriers to mainstream support.

The Role

To support individuals, families and communities affected by crisis (for example unexpected shock, cost-of-living pressures, displacement, health emergencies or social vulnerability), and those facing challenges such as language barriers, digital exclusion, social isolation or discrimination.

The role includes financial support, helping people build resilience, access essential services and improve their overall wellbeing.

The role contributes to the objectives of the Government’s Crisis Resilience Fund by delivering frontline support, strengthening community networks and enabling sustainable recovery.

What You’ll Do

• Provide one-to-one support, assess individual needs and develop tailored support plans.
• Help people address the underlying issues contributing to financial shocks, hardship and crisis.
• Support access to benefits, grants, housing and other financial assistance.
• Receive referrals from Preston City Council and support people who approach the organisation directly, referring them to other hubs where appropriate.
• Help people overcome digital exclusion and build confidence and motivation towards employment.
• Engage vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups through outreach, workshops and resilience-building activities.
• Build positive relationships with communities, faith groups, local authorities, charities, health providers and other partners. Attend monthly resilience hub meetings and connect people with support through libraries, family hubs and warm spaces.
• Advocate for service users in a culturally sensitive way, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
• Maintain accurate records using the council’s database and contribute to reporting, evaluation and service improvement.
• Identify and report safeguarding concerns, maintaining confidentiality, professional boundaries and compliance with organisational policies.

What We’re Looking For

You’ll bring empathy, sound judgement and a commitment to empowering communities. You’ll need:

• GCSEs or equivalent in English and Maths, plus safeguarding training or willingness to undertake it.
• Community work experience supporting vulnerable people facing crisis, financial difficulties, mental health issues, isolation or complex circumstances.
• Strong communication, advocacy and problem-solving skills, with the ability to build trust and remain resilient under pressure.
• Good organisation and administration, with the ability to prioritise a caseload and work independently and within a team.
• Understanding of marginalised communities, barriers to support and local referral pathways, alongside an empathetic, culturally sensitive approach.
• Commitment to equality, inclusion and our client’s mission through work or volunteering, plus flexibility for evening/weekend work and local travel.
• A relevant qualification or equivalent experience in social work, community development or counselling would be advantageous. Experience of funded programmes, facilitating groups or workshops, knowledge of safeguarding and case management, and an additional community language are also desirable.

What You’ll Get

• A varied community role supporting people through challenging circumstances.
• The opportunity to help people build resilience, access services and improve their wellbeing.
• Collaboration with local organisations and community networks.
• Time off in lieu for evening and weekend work.

Additional Information

This post is subject to an Enhanced DBS check and evidence of the right to work in the UK.

How to Apply

If you have the skills and experience required for this position, click ‘apply’ today and check your inbox for an email providing more information on how to tailor your application and provide a cover letter or any supporting documents.

You’ll be asked to complete an application form and supporting statement, addressing all essential criteria in the person specification with examples of your experience, achievements and relevant voluntary work.

Our client welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, faiths and communities. They are committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

No agencies, please.

Other suitable skills and experiences include: Peer Navigator, Community Support Worker, Advice and Guidance Worker, Community Outreach Worker, Family Support Worker, Welfare Adviser, Caseworker, Co