Asset Based Community Development Coordinator Jobs in Guildford, Surrey
Your experience of working in the mental health field has given you a good understanding of community working and lone working plus a proven ability to break down stigma and the barriers associated with working with the client group. All you need is the perfect environment to put your skills to great use. Welcome to Richmond Fellowship as a Community Connector.
NHS England recently announced a new transformation fund to be allocated to pilot sites within 12 Sustainability and Transformation Partnerships/Integrated Care Systems across the country to test new and integrated models of primary and community mental health care. The Surrey Heartlands Health and Care Partnership in Redhill is one of these successful pilot sites, and Richmond Fellowship are proud to be part of that partnership.
The role of Community Connector is fundamental to the developing of these innovative new teams and mental health services based within networks of GP Practices (Primary Care Networks). Indeed, whoever takes on this particular challenge will be instrumental in supporting the ongoing development and mobilisation of integrated primary care mental health services in the future. Along the way, you’ll work jointly with a Mental Health Practitioner to conduct assessments. We’ll also rely on you to help patients identify their socially determined needs and goals, provide self-management tools, and develop personal support plans. Delivering a range of motivational and structured psycho-social interventions, promoting independence through an enabling asset based approach and developing effective relationships with a range of agencies to facilitate a ‘joined up’ approach - these are just some aspects of this vital role.
As well as proven relevant experience, you’ll need an appropriate diploma or degree i.e., in counselling, psychology, social work, probation, mental health, Health and Social Care (level 3), NVQ’s level 3+ and/or community experience of drug, alcohol, mental health work. You’ll also need the ability to work co-operatively and flexible as part of a multidisciplinary team from a service hub in one of three locations and be willing to travel to and from a number of different locations on a daily basis. Comfortable working to the confidentiality, consent, information sharing and safeguarding policies of the integrated service, the ability to manage any challenging behaviour, anger and verbal aggression from patients is important too. And, it goes without saying that you have excellent communication skills and are proficient in the use of office IT.
In return for your skills and enthusiasm, this role comes with some really great benefits and excellent training and development opportunities.
This is a permanent, full time role requiring the post holder to work 37.5 hours per week.
We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or who are from a BAME background.
To apply, please visit our website and send a CV and covering letter explaining why you feel you are right for the role.
This is a rolling recruitment process. Candidates will be interviewed as and when they are shortlisted.
Richmond Fellowship is part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. From 1st June 2024 Richmond Fellowship will be merging with the mental health charity Humankind to form a single organisation that provides the joined-up mental health, housing and drug and alcohol support we’ve all known has been needed for decades. In October 2024, Humankind will then be renamed to reflect the new, bigger and better organisation
Ruils is a user-led charity that supports disabled adults and people with long-term health and/or mental health conditions to live independently, be part of their community and live life to the full. We provide information, advice, practical support, befriending and accessible activities to our clients and families.
We are working with the SWL ICB and local GPs to deliver an exciting new service within Hampton North. The Community Health and Wellbeing Worker will speak to households about health and wellbeing, alongside offering support to connect people to services and activities in their local community. The role aims to empower people to take control of their lives.
It involves working with people who may be experiencing a number of issues, so you will need outstanding listening and communication skills, empathy and enthusiasm. You will need excellent organisational skills, be adept at seeking out information for relevant community services and have the tenacity to help people achieve sustainable improvements in their wellbeing.
Main duties include:
- Managing a caseload of households, providing monthly home visits and providing a continuous point of contact for all members of the household.
- Working with the client to assess their needs, create personalised action plans and locate support within the community.
- Supporting clients to prioritise and address practical, health, social and emotional issues in their lives which affect their wellbeing.
- Engaging with community organisations and specialist services that provide support to ease the pathway for your clients.
- Building and maintaining relationships with primary care networks, GPs, health care professionals and services across the borough.
What we can offer you:
- A vibrant and interesting work environment – every day is different.
- An experienced and supportive leadership team.
- Training and development opportunities.
- Flexible working.
- Kind and caring colleagues who work as a team.
- A cycle-to-work scheme.
- An employee assistance programme (EAP).
We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme; we will guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. Please state in a cover letter if you wish us to consider you for this guaranteed interview scheme.
To apply, please email Viv Sage, HR Consultant, via the Apply button.
Closing date: 9th May 2024
Interview date: w/c 13th May 2024
Community Connector Workers x4
Hours: 37 Hours per week
Salary: £25,000 - £27,444 Per Annum Pro Rata (dependant on skills, knowledge and experience)
Contract: Permanent
Base: Location will be specific to one of the three: Reading, Wokingham and West Berkshire. With some flexibility to support gaps
Benefits: 28 days annual leave + bank holidays, contributory pension scheme, flexible working and great discounts and cash back card schemes
NHS England have awarded funding for NHS, Local Authorities, and the voluntary sector to increase their capacity for joint working to meet multiple needs of communities.
Working in partnership across Berkshire Healthcare Foundation Trust, you will support the testing of new and integrated models of primary and community mental health care.
Community Connectors will support patients to access a wide range of community services and resources including social care, housing, family, debt and employment counselling that support maintaining good health and wellbeing.
Key Responsibilities:
- Work jointly with the Mental Health Practitioner in conducting assessments, including risk assessment
- Work with patients to support them in identifying their socially determined needs and goals, provide self- management tools and facilitate the development of personal support plans
- Provide a range of motivational and structured psycho-social interventions
- Promote independence through an enabling asset-based approach that draws on individuals’ strengths, preferences and ‘natural’ support networks
- Assist with community resource mapping exercises and maintain a database of community resources; map where there are gaps in provision across the PCN and wider geography and work with other VCS organisations to develop resources where most needed
- Promote and support (where necessary) advised follow up actions from physical health checks for people with SMI
- Work with the service to identify opportunities to expand provision particularly in local communities where there is a lack of service provision identified
- Broker and establish new partnerships between public and voluntary sector agencies to enhance service delivery and access to services
- Develop and sustain professional relationships with service users, partner agencies and appropriate external agencies
What’s essential?
- An understanding of good practice in safeguarding Adults
- Experience of working within mental health, wellbeing or similar environments
- Experience of working in a demanding environment
- Ability to work as part of a team and communicate effectively
- Experience of working with individuals, enabling them to identify their own goals to support personal wellbeing and recovery, and helping them to pursue these
- Ability to work both collaboratively and independently
- Excellent listening and interpersonal skills
- Ability to confidently use IT systems and software at a basic level
- Ability to travel to different sites daily to deliver face-to-face sessions across the Berkshire region.
- Good planning and organisational skills
We want you to know that your application is welcome. We welcome applications from people of all sections of the community, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
Closing date: This post will close as soon as a sufficient number of applicants have been received and all posts have been filled so please apply ASAP to avoid disappointment
Shortlisting date: Tuesday 26th April 2024
Interview date: Tuesday 30th April & Wednesday 1st May 2024
Interview location: TBC
Why work for us?
- We offer a friendly working environment and are committed to staff wellbeing
- We are devoted to equity, diversity, inclusion, and equality, with staff working groups and support groups
- We are an Oxford Living Wage employer
Here is a taste of what we offer:
- Generous holiday allowance, 28 days plus 8 bank holidays, increasing after 5 years (pro rata)
- Contribute to pension scheme
- Flexible working including; hybrid working, part time, compressed hours
- Ensuring growth and development of our people along their career journey
- Free support package from Health Assured for you and your family
- Great discounts and cash back card schemes
Oxfordshire Mind is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We therefore require a Disclosure and Barring Service check, for all our roles. The level of which will vary depending on the nature of the role.
Interested?
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
We welcome applications from people from all sections of the community, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion or belief.
Oxfordshire Mind is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. We therefore require a Disclosure and Barring Service check, for all our roles. The level of which will vary depending on the nature of the role.
No agencies please.