Community Agent
Hours: 30 hours a week
Salary: £21,685 pro rata (£26,745 FTE)
Location: Hybrid – East Grinstead, Mid Sussex and home working, with around half of your working week spent in East Grinstead.
Closing Date: 17th November 2026
*We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications, so please apply as soon as possible. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship – you must have the Right to Work in the UK.
We are looking for a Community Agent to support older people across East Grinstead, Mid Sussex and the surrounding villages. This varied, community-based role combines direct support for older people with building strong connections across the local community. You'll need to spend around half of your working week in East Grinstead, alongside working across the wider Mid Sussex area and from home.
You’ll work directly with older people who may be experiencing loneliness or social isolation, helping them access information, services and opportunities within their local community. Taking a person-centred approach, you'll spend time getting to know individuals, understanding their circumstances and connecting them with the support that is right for them.
You'll build relationships with local groups, organisations and professionals, developing a good understanding of what's available in the area and creating strong referral pathways. You'll also help identify gaps in support and work with colleagues to develop activities and services that respond to local needs.
This is a varied role that combines one-to-one support, community engagement and partnership working. It would suit someone who enjoys meeting people, building relationships and making a practical difference in their local community.
We're looking for someone who:
- Has excellent listening and communication skills
- Is organised and able to manage a varied workload
- Can work independently and use their initiative
- Enjoys building relationships within the local community
- Has a genuine interest in supporting older people
- Comfortable travelling around the local area
In return, you'll be part of a friendly and supportive team, helping older people stay connected, informed and involved in their communities.
If you'd like to use your people skills to support older people and strengthen community connections, we'd love to hear from you.
Click here for the job description and person specification.
Benefits
We value our team and offer a brilliant benefits package, including:
- Flexible working options
- Ongoing professional development
- 28 days annual leave + bank holidays (pro rata for part-time roles)
- Blue Light Card eligibility
- BUPA Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- 4% auto-enrolment pension with life assurance
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Paid carers leave
How to Apply
To apply, please take a moment to read the full Job Description and find out more about us on our website: Welcome to Age UK West Sussex, Brighton and Hove.
Then, send us your tailored CV along with a covering letter explaining how your skills and experience match the person specification.
Please note applications without a cover letter will not be shortlisted.
Alternatively you can download our application form
As a Disability Confident Employer, we offer a guaranteed interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. If this applies to you, please indicate this clearly in your application.
We are unable to accept sponsorship applications and you will need the Right to Work in the UK.
If you're successful at interview, we’ll make a verbal offer of employment, which will be subject to satisfactory references and a DBS check.
Who We Are
At Age UK West Sussex, Brighton & Hove, we’re on a mission to change the way we age. As a local, independent charity and proud network partner of the national Age UK, we’re the go-to for expert guidance and support in later life. Whether it’s tackling issues like poverty, ageism and loneliness or helping people stay healthy, independent, informed and connected - we ensure that no one has to navigate later life alone.
Through our advice services, wellbeing programmes and vibrant community centres, we empower older people with the support, companionship and activities they need to live life to the fullest. Our VIP values - Valued, Included, Passionate - drive everything we do, creating welcoming spaces where everyone feels heard and respected.
If you want to make a real difference, come and join us.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
We’re proud to be building a diverse and inclusive team that reflects the communities we serve. We believe in removing barriers so that everyone, regardless of background, age, or ability, has the opportunity to thrive.
As part of our commitment to the Disability Confident Employer programme, we actively support applications from disabled candidates and ensure fair, inclusive recruitment practices. We offer a guaranteed interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. We also value the experience and contributions of older workers and are committed to age-friendly employment practices that support people at every stage of life.
We encourage individuals to let us know about any reasonable adjustments they may need, whether during the application process, interviews, or in the workplace, to ensure an inclusive and accessible experience for all applicants.
If you require any adjustments during the recruitment process, or need support with your application, please let us know at recruitment@ageukwestsussex.org.uk and we’ll be in touch.
