About this role
Job summary
The Community and Cultural Link Worker will play a key role in ensuring children, young people and families from all communities are able to access and benefit from Haven House services.
Working alongside Family Support, Nursing and Therapy teams, the post holder will help reduce barriers to care, strengthen family engagement and promote equitable access across Northeast London and beyond. The role will provide practical support, advocacy and culturally responsive engagement to families who may face challenges related to language, culture, faith, health inequalities or unfamiliarity with services.
The post holder will act as a bridge between families, communities and Haven House, helping to build trust, improve communication and ensure services are delivered in ways that are inclusive, accessible and responsive to diverse needs.
The role will support children and families throughout their journey with Haven House and contribute to improving family resilience, reducing isolation and preventing crisis escalation.
Demonstrate a sound understanding of safeguarding responsibilities within a children's hospice setting, ensuring the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and their families by identifying, responding to and escalating concerns appropriately, and working collaboratively with internal teams and external agencies to promote safe and effective care.
Main duties of the job
We're looking for a warm, compassionate and proactive Community and Cultural Link Worker to help us reach and support families across Northeast London and beyond.
About the role
You will work alongside our Family Support, Nursing and Therapy teams to:
Build trusting relationships with children, young people and families.
Help families access Haven House services and navigate health, education and social care systems.
Provide practical support, advocacy and signposting.
Develop links with community groups, schools, faith organisations and local partners.
Promote culturally sensitive and inclusive care.
Reduce barriers to access and help address health inequalities.
Encourage families to have a voice in shaping our services.
Support early identification of concerns and contribute to safeguarding and family wellbeing.
About us
At Haven House, you'll be part of a passionate and supportive team providing specialist care and support to babies, children, young people and their families.
We are committed to improving equity and access, ensuring that every family feels welcomed, understood and valued. You'll have opportunities for training, development and flexible working, while making a real difference to families living with serious and life-limiting conditions.
If you are passionate about supporting families, tackling inequalities and helping communities feel connected, we'd love to hear from you.
Together, we can ensure every child and family receives the support they deserve.
Benefits As an employee you will be entitled to the following range of benefits:
Flexible working 27 days' annual leave Pension scheme (company matches contribution up to 7%) Free onsite parking Employee Assistance Programme Eye care voucher scheme Cycle to work scheme Interest free season ticket loan Blue Light Card discount scheme Life Cover at 2x salary Closing date: 9 July 2026 at 12 noon
Interview dates: week commencing 13 July 2026
Haven House reserves the right to commence the recruitment process before the closing date.
We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all our staff to share this commitment. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and a DBS check.
Job description Job responsibilities
Main Duties and Responsibilities
Family Engagement and Advocacy
Develop trusting relationships with children, young people and families. Support families to understand and access Haven House services and wider health, education and social care provision. Provide practical guidance and signposting to statutory, voluntary and community resources. Advocate on behalf of families where appropriate. Support families to navigate complex systems, appointments and transitions. Promote family voice and encourage participation in service development and feedback opportunities. Community Engagement and Outreach
Develop and maintain relationships with local community groups, schools, faith organisations and voluntary sector partners. Promote awareness and understanding of children's hospice and palliative care within underserved communities. Support initiatives aimed at improving access and reducing inequalities. Encourage participation in family events, groups and activities. Contribute to outreach activities and engagement events across Northeast London and beyond. Cultural Mediation and Inclusion
Promote culturally sensitive and inclusive approaches across the organisation. Help identify and address barriers to accessing hospice care. Support staff understanding of cultural, faith and community perspectives. Develop links with cultural, faith and community groups to strengthen trust and engagement. Help ensure information and communication are accessible and responsive to individual family needs. Promote equality, diversity and inclusion across services. Practical and Emotional Support
Provide practical support around housing, benefits, education and community resources alongside Family Support colleagues. Support families experiencing stress, uncertainty or change. Work closely with safeguarding and family support teams to identify concerns early and escalate appropriately. Support children, young people and families experiencing grief, loss or significant life changes. Promote family resilience and wellbeing through early intervention and support.
Data, Quality and Service Improvement
Maintain accurate records and documentation. Contribute to monitoring activity, outcomes and family feedback. Identify themes and barriers affecting access and engagement. Support service developments aimed at improving equity, inclusion and family experience. Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives and evaluation of services.
General Requirements
Maintain confidentiality and comply with information governance requirements. Work in accordance with Haven House policies and procedures. Demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding children and young people. Promote equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work. Participate in training, supervision and appraisal processes. Undertake any other duties appropriate to the role and grade as required.
This job description is not a definitive or exhaustive list of responsibilities but identifies the key responsibilities and tasks of the post holder. The specific objectives of the post holder will be subject to review as part of the individual performance process.
Haven House is committed to Equal Opportunities in Employment and therefore it is our aim to ensure that no applicant or employee receives less favorable treatment on grounds of gender, disability, religion, race, colour, sexual orientation, and nationality, ethnic or national origins or is placed at a disadvantage by conditions or requirements which cannot be shown to be justifiable.
Haven House is responsible under the existing equality and diversity legislation to ensure equality issues are promoted and you are expected to work with Haven House to fulfil these obligations, policies and codes of good practice.
Employees must take reasonable care and be aware of the responsibilities placed on them under the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) and ensure that agreed safety procedures are carried out to maintain a safe environment for employees, patients and visitors.
Haven House is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Employment is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.
Person Specification
Skills and Abilities Essential
Excellent communication and listening skills Ability to build relationships and establish trust quickly Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills Organised and able to manage competing priorities Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality Ability to work sensitively with families experiencing uncertainty, grief and loss
Desirable
Ability to speak one or more community languages
Experience Essential
Experience working with children, young people, families or communities Understanding of health inequalities and barriers to accessing services Experience providing advocacy, support or signposting Experience working with diverse communities and promoting inclusion Experience of community engagement or outreach work
Desirable
Experience working with faith groups or community organisations Experience working in children's services, palliative care, community health or the voluntary sector Experience supporting families with housing, benefits, education or social care systems Understanding of safeguarding processes
Qualifications Essential
Relevant qualification or equivalent experience in health, social care, community development, family support or a related field
Desirable
Further training in community engagement, safeguarding or advocacy
Personal Qualities Essential
Compassionate and approachable Culturally aware and respectful Flexible and responsive to changing needs Values-led with a commitment to improving outcomes for children and families Commitment to safeguarding, equality and inclusion
Disclosure and Barring Service Check This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Employer details Employer name Haven House Children’s Hospice
Address The White House
Woodford Green
Essex
IG8 9LB
United Kingdom
Employer's website https://www.havenhouse.org.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)