About The Rainbow Foundation

The Rainbow Foundation is an active ageing charity that delivers outstanding services to improve the health and wellbeing of our communities. We were recently chosen from more than 400 charities across the UK as the overall winner of the 2023 GSK IMPACT Awards delivered in partnership with The Kings Fund. We believe in a society where people can be treated with respect and live fulfilled lives. We promote independent living, positive ageing and have an excellent reputation for high quality services.

Community Agents are an innovative response to a recognised need that many people living in our communities are unable to connect with key services that help and maintain well-being and support their quality of life. Community Agents work with the over 50s in Wrexham, providing easy access to a wide range of information that will enable them to make informed choices about their present and future needs. The aim is to help older people feel more independent, secure, and cared for, and to have a better quality of life. Community Agents will support people living in our rural area, bridging the gap between the local community and the statutory or voluntary organisations, and offering help or support.     

Overall purpose of the Community Agent/s

• Visit people to identify the need for advice, support, adaptations, independent living skills and social interactions. 
• Provide high quality information and support and promote healthy living via access to a wide range of services. 
• Develop social networks and local activities that support health and wellbeing which can be sustained by the community in the longer-term. 
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships with all partners, stakeholders and local organisations. 
• To engage in local group activities that are attended by people over 50 so the community agent role becomes embedded in the local community. 

Main tasks

• Engage face to face with service users to identify needs and appropriate interventions
• Work in both a reactive and proactive way to support older and vulnerable people within that community.

• Engage face to face with service users to identify needs and appropriate interventions
• Work in both a reactive and proactive way to support older and vulnerable people within that community.
• Help people help themselves or one another through initiatives to facilitate and support increased – Individual and community capacity – Social inclusion and community networks – Sustainable caring roles 
• Develop an understanding of community assets and activities in the area and work with Community Council representatives to promote and arrange activities
• Help people maintain or regain independence through – living skills, adaptations, and enablement approaches – Simple safeguards and new technologies – Advice, information and advocacy regarding appropriate housing and support. 
• Engage with the service user in a friendly, courteous, prompt, and appropriate manner, using excellent communication skills and always ensuring delivery of high-quality customer service at all times.
• To be aware of the particular needs of the client group including those unable to access services directly and to refer these clients onto other services effectively.
• Access and accurately maintain electronic/hard copy client records, calls and referrals ensuring compliance with the Data Protection Act, 
• Use IT equipment appropriately and effectively.
• Effectively promote the Community Agent service and engage older people in the most appropriate way.
• Maintain a database of clients to assist with the monitoring of outcomes of the service
• Adhere to all health and safety requirements both in the home and in the communities taking reasonable care not to do anything that may endanger yourself or others.
• Prepare monthly progress reports for the Community Council Stakeholder Group and give presentations on work undertaken.

Other Duties

• Carries out additional tasks that may be required from time to time to achieve agreed service outcomes
• Undertakes continuous professional development and training, constructively participating in meetings, supervision and other events designed to improve communication and assist with personal skills development within the role.
• Ensures that duties are undertaken with due regard and compliance with the Data Protection Act and other legislation.
• Maintains confidentially of all information and records relating to the work of The Rainbow Centre and work undertaken for monitoring and evaluation purposes.