Job Description for Community Partnership Coordinator

Part-time 12 month initial contract

Home based with ability to travel across West Sussex communities

Do you want to join an organisation that is committed to supporting its local communities to thrive? Healthwatch West Sussex is an independent Community Interest Company with the simple ambition, to make local health and social care service better for people that use them. As a consumer champion, we are here to listen, take action and influence positive changes for local people living in West Sussex.

The Healthwatch West Sussex Board are seeking to appoint a person with experience of,or a proven interest in collaboration and partnership working across community organisations. The Community Partnership Coordinator role will develop the strategic relationships and partnerships between Healthwatch West Sussex and Community and Voluntary sector organisations whose work touches on aspects of health and social care. The Community Partnership Coordinator role will help Community organisations amplify their members voices and strengthen the insight and evidence available to Healthwatch West Sussex.

At a time when our health and care system is “straining at the seams” stakeholders recognise that we need to deliver care and services in a more coordinated way. Our Health and Care services, Local Authorities and the wide range of Community and Voluntary Sector organisations working across the county are all pushed for resources. We are in a time of transformation. Services need to be delivered dramatically differently in the future for them to be affordable. When organisations work in partnership together they can be more innovative.

Experience of developing, delivering and reviewing projects on time and within budget are essential as well as working strategically with organisations and community groups to help deliver against identified priorities.

Key Tasks

The post holder will

  • Work with the Chief Officer under the direction of the Board to develop existing and build new strategic relationships with Community and Voluntary sector organisations serving the communities of West Sussex.
  • Promote collaboration and partnership working with a view to enabling the community organisations to ensure the voice and experiences of their clients are heard
  • Work with the Local Healthwatch Delivery Team and other local localhealthwatch staff as appropriate.
  • Focus on initiatives which improve health and social care outcomes for individuals in our local communities.
  • Work flexibly 20 hours per week based from home but with the ability to travel across West Sussex to meet with other organisations as needed.
  • Report to the Chief Officer and feed directly into quarterly Board Performance Reports.
  • Maintain an independent stance towards the partner organisations Healthwatch works with whilst respecting their purpose and objectives
  • With the support of the Chief Officer and Operational team, maintain a network of organisations and individuals that will support them in the breadth of this role.
  • Explore and develop fundraising opportunities for partnership projects.
  • Be prepared to meet with organisation staff and volunteers in range of activities. Set up and attend external meetings representing Healthwatch West Sussex.
  • Contribute to Board discussions, sharing views and encouraging other to do so
  • Ensure work is of a high standard and contributes to the development of quality health and social care services
  • Maintain confidentiality both in terms of business information between partners and in keeping people’s personal information private
  • The role, along with all Board members will ensure that Healthwatch West Sussex learns from best practice advice, particularly from Healthwatch England, Delivery Partner organisations and other local Healthwatch and strategic partners locally and nationally.
  • Undertake training as necessary to support you to fulfil this role

Notes

Travel expenses will be paid. Laptop and mobile phone can be provided if required.

Person Specification (E – Essential, D – Desirable)

  • Experience of convening and contributing to meetingsE
  • Experience of networking with other people and organisationsE
  • Experience of and commitment to collaboration and partnership working E
  • Ability to read and understand documentsE
  • Ability to seek help when neededE
  • Confident in discussionsE
  • Willingness and ability to travel to sites across the county E
  • Able to maintain confidentialityE
  • Understanding and knowledge of health and social care provision
    in West Sussex D
  • Other relevant personal, community, voluntary, business experienceD

Nov2017