Working in Gypsy and Travellers

The Gypsy and Traveller Unit is a small team within Kent 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 the following two main areas:

Site Management

The majority of staff within the Gypsy and Traveller Unit are engaged in the management of 8 authorised Gypsy and Traveller 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 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 communities on our sites.

They also work with other agencies to improve the conduct of the minority who cause problems.

Unauthorised Encampments

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

This includes all highway land, excluding motorways. It also co-ordinates county-wide systems relating to the management of encampments.

The Gypsy and Traveller Unit also provide the following services:

• Information and assistance.
• Strategic and facilitating support to District Councils, Kent Police and other public bodies in Kent and Medway.
• Putting people in touch with relevant people in the Gypsy and Traveller community, including organisations acting as advocates for members of the community

Working in the Gypsy and Traveller unit

Site Manager

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

Salaries

Site and Community Liaison Managers £22,268 to £25,521. Part time positions will be pro rata.

For further information read our employment case study of a Community Liaison Manager and Working in Gypsy and Traveller Unit leaflet (PDF, 468kb).

Contact Details

If you are interested in working with the Gypsy and Traveller Unit further information can be gained from e-mailing gypsy.liaison@kent.gov.uk or
by telephoning 01622 221896.