Community Engagement Specialist

Addiction Recovery Agency Limited; Bristol; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A community support organization in Bristol seeks a Community Engagement Specialist to help clients reconnect with their communities through meaningful activities and coaching. You'll engage clients, facilitate group sessions, and build partnerships with local organisations. This full-time, permanent role offers a 35-hour work week and benefits such as flexible working, generous annual leave, and professional training opportunities. Ideal candidates will have experience supporting vulnerable people and strong relationship-building skills.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

Up to 32 days annual leave

Pension scheme

24-hour Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• Ability to build relationships with external stakeholders.
• Strong research skills and knowledge of Bristol community services.
• Experience of working with vulnerable people.

Responsibilities

• Engage clients to build structure, confidence, and community involvement.
• Provide short-term 1:1 coaching to clients.
• Research and engage community organisations for partnerships.

Skills

Relationship building with stakeholders

Experience with vulnerable people

Research skills

Time management

Excellent communication

IT literacy (including Excel)

Job description

All of our services are Free and Confidential.

We have an immediate need for a Community Engagement Specialist to join our Specialist Housing Support Service. This is a permanent, full-time position (35 hours per week).

Location: Bristol – Office Based with Outreach
Salary: £30,348
Contract: Permanent
Department: Specialist Housing Support

Role Purpose

The Community Engagement Specialist will support clients to reconnect with their communities by identifying and facilitating access to meaningful activities, workshops, courses, volunteering roles, wellbeing groups, training and education opportunities, employment pathways, and other social opportunities. The role includes delivering short-term 1:1 coaching to build confidence and motivation and to help clients overcome barriers to accessing new opportunities. The post holder will also facilitate group activities that promote confidence-building, wellbeing, and community participation. Working across North, South and East Bristol, they will develop strong partnerships with community organisations, promote opportunities through Ara’s communication channels, and contribute to a structured pathway that enables clients to move forward in their recovery and sustain stable housing.

Key Responsibilities

• Engage clients to build structure, confidence, new relationships and positive community involvement.
• Provide short-term 1:1 coaching to build confidence, motivation and address barriers to accessing activities, workshops, courses, volunteering, wellbeing groups, training, education and employment pathways.
• Research and engage community organisations to develop partnerships offering a wide range of opportunities.
• Plan and facilitate group sessions that support confidence-building, reduce anxiety and encourage social connection.
• Share weekly updates on activities and opportunities through client WhatsApp groups and contribute content for Ara’s social media channels (consent dependent).
• Maintain referral processes, resources and a database of community partners.
• Work collaboratively with the Senior Community Engagement Lead and SHS colleagues to keep the CE offer relevant and effective.
• Maintain accurate records and provide data to support service delivery and evaluation.
• Participate in training, supervision and team meetings to support ongoing development.

Skills, Experience & Knowledge

• Ability to build relationships with external stakeholders and community partners.
• Experience of working with vulnerable people.
• Strong research skills and knowledge of Bristol community services.
• Understanding of drug and alcohol services and multi‑agency working.
• Empathic, motivational and solutions‑focused approach.
• Strong organisational, time‑management and teamwork skills.
• Excellent communication skills, including clear writing and concise reporting.
• Ability to manage administrative tasks independently.
• Good IT literacy (including Excel) and understanding of the role of data in reporting.
• Knowledge of safeguarding, health and safety and data protection requirements.

What We Offer

• 35‑hour working week with flexible working
• Up to 32 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Pension scheme, comprehensive training and 24‑hour Employee Assistance Programme
• A meaningful role supporting people in recovery to rebuild their lives

How to Apply

To apply, please email [e-mail] with a CV and covering letter, or call 0330 1340 286. More information: www.recovery4all.co.uk. Closing date: 09/01/26. Interviews: 12/01/26.