Peer Navigator
PRESTON,
United Kingdom
Reporting to: Operations Manager
Hours of Work: 28 Hours per Week
Salary: £28,860 pro-rata
Contract Type: Fixed-term for 12 months (continuation subject to further funding)
To support individuals, families, and communities affected by crisis (e.g., 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 — and specifically financial support — helping them build resilience, access essential services, and improve overall well-being.
The role contributes to the objectives of the Government's Crisis Resilience Fund by delivering frontline support, strengthening community networks, and enabling sustainable recovery.
Key Responsibilities
1. Frontline Support & Casework
- Provide practical and emotional one-to-one support to individuals experiencing crisis or hardship.
- Receive referrals from PCC to provide resilience support.
- Support individuals and families to overcome multiple and complex needs and barriers.
- Address underlying issues contributing to financial shocks or crisis.
- Carry out needs assessments and develop tailored support plans.
- Support service users to access benefits, grants, housing and other financial assistance.
- Build confidence and motivation for work readiness and support towards employment.
- Support people to overcome digital exclusion.
2. Community Engagement & Outreach
- Engage with vulnerable and hard-to-reach groups through outreach activities.
- Build strong, positive relationships with local communities, faith groups, partners, and stakeholders.
- Deliver workshops, awareness sessions, and resilience-building activities.
- Promote PMF's programmes and available support services within the community.
3. Partnership & Collaboration
- Work closely with the PMF staff team.
- Collaborate with local authorities, charities, NHS and health providers, and community groups and leaders.
- Attend monthly resilience hub meetings with PCC and other hubs.
- Link with any resilience support developed by LCC, e.g. libraries, family hubs, and organisations offering warm spaces.
- Act as a culturally sensitive advocate for clients, ensuring their voices are heard and respected.
4. Monitoring & Reporting
Use the PCC database to:
- Record all relevant information to enable PCC to complete Management Information reports on a quarterly basis.
- Record people who have self-referred directly.
- Refer to one of the other hubs to provide more relevant support.
- Contribute to project development, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
5. Safeguarding & Compliance
- Identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
- Follow organisational policies on confidentiality, GDPR, data protection and H&S.
- Ensure all activities comply with funding guidelines and regulatory requirements.
Person Specification
Essential Minimum of 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics.
Desirable Relevant qualification (e.g. social work, community development, counselling, or equivalent experience).
Essential Minimum of two years' experience working in a community setting. Experience working with vulnerable individuals or communities. Experience supporting individuals facing crisis or challenges such as finance/debt, mental health issues, social isolation, or complex life circumstances.
Desirable Experience working on publicly funded programmes or grantfunded projects.
Essential Strong understanding of issues related to community needs within marginalised groups. Experience or confidence delivering outreach, workshops, or group sessions to engage hardto-reach communities.
Desirable Ability to speak a community language.
Essential Ability to manage a caseload and prioritise effectively. Knowledge of local support services and referral pathways. Understanding of welfare benefits, housing options, and other financial support available to people in crisis.
Desirable Knowledge of case management principles.
Essential Ability to maintain accurate records and use case management or database systems (e.g. the PCC database) for monitoring and reporting.
Desirable Basic digital skills, with confidence supporting others who experience digital exclusion.
Essential Awareness of safeguarding principles and ability to identify and respond appropriately to safeguarding concerns.
Desirable Formal safeguarding training or qualification (e.g. Level 2/3 Safeguarding).
Essential Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Key Skills & Competancies
- Empathy, culturally sensitive, non-judgemental approach
- Problem-solving and resilience under pressure
- Ability to build trust and rapport quickly
- Flexibility and adaptability in a changing environment
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to advocate effectively
- Cultural competence and sensitivity
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
Additional Requirements
- Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings or weekends where required
- Enhanced DBS check (as the role involves working with vulnerable adults/children)
- A passion for empowering communities and supporting marginalised groups
- A commitment to uphold PMF's mission and values
- Car owner with insurance for business use
Outcomes / Success Measures
- Number of individuals supported and outcomes achieved
- Improved access to services and resources for service users
- Increased resilience and independence among beneficiaries
- Positive feedback from service users and partners
This job description is a guide to the nature of the work required and is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. It may be reviewed periodically in consultation with the postholder.