SOFT UK Regional Engagement Officer Northern Ireland

Written By Shaun Dowdall

We are incredibly excited to announce that we are recruiting for a new position based in Northern Ireland. Our first Regional Engagement Officer post is part of a trial to bring more bespoke offerings and support to different regions across the UK.

If you are interested in this position, or know of anyone who would be a good fit, then please check out the job listing here: Charity Job

For more information, reach out to shaun.dowdall@soft.org.uk who will be happy to answer any questions you might have.

The job details are below:

Purpose of the Role

The Regional Engagement Officer (REO) for Northern Ireland will build and strengthen SOFT UK’s presence in the region. This includes supporting families, developing local community networks, enhancing relationships with healthcare professionals, and coordinating volunteer and fundraising activities to reduce isolation and improve support access for families affected by Trisomy 13 and 18.

Key Responsibilities

1. Community Engagement and Support

  • Build meaningful relationships with families affected by Trisomy 13 and 18 across Northern Ireland.

  • Develop and facilitate local support meetings, coffee mornings, and family gatherings.

  • Provide emotional support, signposting, and information in line with SOFT UK’s values and safeguarding policies.

2. Volunteer Support

  • Identify, recruit, and train new volunteers within the region.

  • Provide ongoing guidance, resources, and encouragement to existing volunteers to strengthen their impact.

3. Healthcare Professional Engagement

  • Develop and maintain relationships with regional healthcare providers to increase awareness of SOFT UK’s services.

  • Encourage and facilitate referrals of families to SOFT UK by healthcare professionals.

  • Share resources and information to improve understanding of Trisomy 13 and 18 among professionals.

4. Event Coordination

  • Organise and deliver regional events such as awareness campaigns, remembrance gatherings, and local fundraising events.

  • Support national SOFT UK events by promoting and representing the charity locally.

5. Fundraising and Awareness

  • Assist with regional fundraising activities by promoting events, supporting local fundraisers, and identifying new funding opportunities.

  • Raise awareness of SOFT UK’s mission through local networks, media, and community engagement.

6. Administration and Reporting

  • Maintain accurate records of activities, contacts, and outcomes to report impact effectively.

  • Work collaboratively with the national SOFT UK team, contributing to meetings, strategic development, and evaluation.

Person Specification

Essential:

  • Proven experience in community engagement, outreach, or support roles.

  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with empathy and understanding for families experiencing complex medical and bereavement journeys.

  • Ability to work independently and organise time effectively.

  • Experience in planning and delivering community events.

  • Confidence in engaging with healthcare professionals and external stakeholders.

  • Basic IT skills, including email, social media, and Microsoft Office.

  • Commitment to SOFT UK’s mission and values.

  • Willingness to travel regionally and work flexible hours where required (some evening or weekend meetings).

Desirable:

  • Experience working within the charity or health support sector.

  • Knowledge of the healthcare and perinatal loss support systems within Northern Ireland.

Additional Information

This role requires occasional travel across Northern Ireland. Mileage and travel expenses will be reimbursed in line with SOFT UK policies. The postholder will be expected to work from home and maintain confidentiality, safeguarding, and data protection standards at all times.

Shaun Dowdall
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