Community Outreach and Volunteer Manager

Irish Chaplaincy is seeking an experienced, compassionate and motivated Community Outreach and Volunteer Manager to help us extend our reach, strengthen our volunteer community and provide high-quality support to older and vulnerable Irish people across London.

For almost 70 years, Irish Chaplaincy has supported Irish immigrants and people of Irish heritage across England and Wales. Rooted in a Catholic ethos and Catholic social teaching, our work recognises the inherent dignity of every person. We take a holistic and person-centred approach, offering spiritual, emotional and practical support to people who may be isolated, vulnerable or experiencing difficult circumstances.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a central role in a respected charity at an important point in its development. As we celebrate our 70th anniversary in 2027, you will help us reach more people in need, build a strong and well-supported volunteer network, and ensure that vulnerable members of the Irish community receive compassionate, practical and pastoral care.

This is a varied, hands-on role combining community outreach, face-to-face casework, staff supervision and volunteer management. You will lead efforts to identify and engage people who may benefit from our support, build strong referral relationships across London, and ensure our volunteers are recruited, trained and supported effectively.

You will also line manage our Community Outreach Worker and hold a small caseload of your own. This will involve visiting people in their homes, hospitals and care settings and providing pastoral care, advocacy, emotional support and practical help, including support at the end of life.

Key responsibilities

• Proactively reach older Irish people and other vulnerable members of the Irish community, particularly those who are isolated or not currently known to services.
• Build relationships with parishes, community and faith groups, Irish centres, GP surgeries, social services and other voluntary and statutory organisations.
• Provide day-to-day line management, supervision and development support to the Community Outreach Worker.
• Lead the recruitment, induction, training, deployment and ongoing support of volunteers.
• Develop clear volunteer roles and effective procedures covering safeguarding, safe recruitment and DBS checks.
• Hold a small caseload and provide face-to-face pastoral, emotional, advocacy and practical support.
• Represent Irish Chaplaincy at community events, forums and partner meetings.
• Support community development, fundraising, impact reporting and activity connected with Irish Chaplaincy's 70th anniversary in 2027.

About you

We are looking for someone with substantial recent experience in:

• Community outreach, engagement or development, particularly with older people or other vulnerable adults.
• Face-to-face support and casework, including visits to people's homes, hospitals or care settings.
• Line managing or supervising paid staff, including supporting performance, wellbeing and professional development.
• Recruiting, training, supporting and managing volunteers, while creating a positive and inclusive volunteering culture.

You will be an excellent relationship-builder with strong communication and organisational skills, a sound understanding of safeguarding, and the ability to balance outreach, management and direct support responsibilities.

You will bring a warm, respectful and person-centred approach to your work. You should also have empathy with, and a commitment to, Irish Chaplaincy's Christian ethos and pastoral mission. An understanding of Irish culture and the experiences of the Irish diaspora in Britain would be an advantage.

The role requires regular travel across London and occasional evening or weekend work. An enhanced DBS check and the right to work in the UK are required.

Irish Chaplaincy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of older and vulnerable people. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all sections of the community.