Gypsy and Traveller Unit

The Gypsy Unit is a small team within Kent County Council Adult Social Services, which provides a range of services related to the Gypsy and Traveller communities resident within or passing through Kent. The service comprises two main areas:

Site Management

The majority of staff within the Gypsy Unit are engaged in the management of 8 authorised Gypsy caravan sites across the county. In addition to managing the physical environment a site manager seeks to provide assistance to Gypsies and Travellers on these sites where they can, to help ensure they are aware of their entitlements and can access services. Site Managers also have a strong role to play in liaising with local settled communities and a range of agencies to improve the relationships, circumstances and opportunities available to the Gypsy and Traveller community on our sites.

Unauthorised Encampments

The Gypsy Unit also manages all unauthorised encampments on KCC land, ensuring swift, effective and appropriate responses on those encampments.

What Skills are required?

• Good interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate with people of all levels of literacy
• Excellent negotiation skills
• A pragmatic approach to problem solving
• Knowledge of housing and welfare systems
• Understanding of race and ethnicity issues
• IT skills including Excel, Word and book keeping.

What Experience is required?

• Multi agency or community development working with Gypsies and Travellers or those from ethnic minorities
• Receiving monies and accounting for it through to banking
• Experience of handling conflict or hostile situations including knowledge of preventing and managing violence.