Engagement Officer at Blatchington Court Trust

Job Purpose
The Over 16 Support Co-Ordinator will play a vital role in supporting vision-impaired young people aged 16 and over as they navigate their progress into adulthood. This includes building their independence, accessing education and employment, developing social networks, and ensuring their voices are heard. You will be an advocate, mentor, and connector, providing one-to-one and group-based support while working collaboratively with external agencies and the wider BCT team.
Key Responsibilities
Independence Support
• Provide tailored, practical support to help young people build skills in daily living, travel, communication, and self-management.
• Conduct individual needs assessments and collaboratively create action plans with clear goals and review points.
• Build strong working relationships with Local Authority Visual Rehabilitation Services (VRS) to support referrals and service integration.
• Supporting with digital literacy and use of assistive technology for independent living.
Employment, Education, and Benefits Signposting
• Support young people to explore pathways into employment, apprenticeships, further education, or volunteering.
• Signpost to accurate and up-to-date information about Access to Work, Disability Living Allowance (DLA), PIP, and other relevant benefits.
Housing and Supported Living
• Signpost to specialist housing charities, supported accommodation services, and local authority housing teams.
• Help clients navigate application processes, including forms, eligibility checks, and preparing for interviews or assessments.
Social Engagement
• Plan, promote, and deliver inclusive social activities across Sussex that encourage peer bonding and reduce isolation.
• Organise regular drop-in sessions (2 hours weekly), providing informal advice and emotional support over a chat and cuppa.
• Collaborate with community groups to co-host or participate in events that broaden young people’s experiences.
Youth Forum Development
• Lead the development of a “Speaking Up Group” – a youth-led forum focused on advocacy, self-expression, and peer support.
• Facilitate workshops on confidence-building, rights awareness, and self-advocacy skills.
• Ensure outcomes and ideas generated by the group are shared with BCT trustees and used to inform service development.
Alumni Network and Transition Support
• Maintain regular contact with clients as they approach their 30th birthday, supporting their transition to adult services and other VI organisations.
• Build and maintain an alumni network to support continued connection, mentorship, and community.
• Encourage alumni to become mentors, event speakers, or supporters of younger service users.
Partnership Development
• Establish and maintain working relationships with local authorities, charities, health and education providers, and advocacy organisations.
• Attend external meetings and events to raise awareness of BCT’s work and identify collaboration opportunities.
Monitoring and Reporting
• Keep accurate, confidential records of all client contact and service delivery.
• Collect and analyse feedback from young people and families to inform service improvements.
• Prepare regular reports for the Services Manager and trustees on project impact and outcomes.
Risk Management
• Undertake risk assessments for all group activities, travel, and one-to-one support sessions.
• Ensure all safeguarding procedures are followed, escalating concerns as appropriate.