Job Description – BAME Engagement Expert by Experience

Summary of the Role

This role will support a Project Worker to deliver a project that aims to increase engagement within the BAME (black and minority ethnic) communities to ensure that they have access to effective information and support as a result of the impacts of COIVD-19. There will be a particular focus on those with disabilities, mental ill health and those who are autistic.

This role will also support the project work by bringing expertise from personal experience within this area to inform the project direction.

We know that people from BAME communities have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19, and through our existing projects, individuals in Gloucestershire have told us that COVID-19 has resulted in:

· Widespread bereavement in BAME communities, many of which are very tight knit

· Distress at not being able to carry out usual grieving and funeral practices due to COVID-19

· Increased levels of mental ill health, which often goes unreported

· Lack of support and respite for family carers

· Lack of information in a format that is accessible to BAME communities

· Increased levels of behaviours that may challenge, particularly for people with a learning disability or on the autistic spectrum

· Isolation for individuals who would normally receive support or attend community activities

· Widespread fear of the virus, resulting in people not leaving their homes and therefore further isolation

· Economic difficulties due to job losses and furlough

· Lack of specific support, e.g. interpreters and specialist charity support

· Increased rates of domestic violence

We plan to address this by engaging with these communities and providing targeted support over the next 8 months to deal with these challenges and linking them into support and provision that will provide preventative community-based support in the longer term.

We also wish to connect people to other wider forums including Gloucestershire’s Partnership Boards.

Job Purpose:

To work alongside a Project Worker and liaise with individuals and other organisations to identify individual and group information and support needs. To use these identified needs to support the Project Worker in the design of a programme of events and structured plan to meet individual and group support needs.

Reports to:  Engagement Manager

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The duties of the BME Expert by Experience will include, but are not limited to, the following:

· Communicate with individuals and organisations across Gloucestershire’s diverse communities to establish current needs for information and support

· Co-design a programme of events to meet identified needs with the Project Worker

· Support the implementation of the programme and attend face to face or remote events as required

· Support individuals who require more focused and targeted assistance to access services

• Complete paperwork as required and use Information Technology (IT)
• Act on safeguarding and health and safety concerns in line with Inclusion Gloucestershire’s policies.
• Advocate for Inclusion Gloucestershire and its projects at meetings and events and within your own appropriate networks.

· Ensure information is presented in an appropriate and accessible format

· Complete appropriate training

This role may require evening or weekend work.

This role profile is not exhaustive and may be subject to change to meet the operational needs of the organisation.

Essential Skills/Experience

· Lived experience of disability, mental ill health or autism

· Knowledge of the diverse communities of Gloucestershire and experience in engaging them

· Awareness of inequalities affecting BAME communities

· Experience of attending and/or organisation of events and helping with practical arrangements

· Resilient, calm and able to use initiative

· Good written communication skills and able to prepare reports

· Good verbal and non-verbal communication skills and ability to easily build rapport with individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds

· Good computer literacy / internet and email skills

· Ability to work without supervision when necessary

· Inclusive and understanding of cultural differences and sensitivities

· Trustworthy and able to handle confidential information

· Reliable and flexible

· Understanding of safeguarding (training will be provided)

· Able to travel independently

Desirable Skills/Experience

· Experience of supporting or working with BAME communities (families/groups etc.) 

· Additional language a preference

Values and Personal Beliefs

Inclusion Gloucestershire is driven by its values, at the heart of all that it does. Teams are expected to share and demonstrate these values:

· Make sure everyone is involved and included

· Empower choice and control through peer support and place experts by experience at the centre of our delivery

· Challenge when things aren’t right and give people with disabilities a strong voice

· Treat people fairly and always behave in a way that is honest and trustworthy even when nobody is looking

· To be a caring and professional organisation who work together towards shared goals

· Work together to deliver exciting new ideas and support each other, our members and our community.