You’ve got a good understanding of mental health issues and really enjoy supporting others to achieve independence and lead their own recovery. All you need is the perfect environment to put your skills to great use. Then join Richmond Fellowship as a Casual Recovery Worker on an 'as and when' basis.

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. We know that recovery can look and feel very different to each and every one of us. But we also know that if we provide the right support, at the right time, we can inspire recovery nationwide and that recovery is possible for everyone.

Right now, Meridan House care home in Colindale is looking for someone like you to support the people who use our service to maintain their tenancy and independence in the community. Not only are we committed to putting them at the heart of everything we do, we recognise they should be involved in decisions that affect their future too. That’s why we need you to inspire and support them to lead their own recovery. So, whether it’s helping to come up with a personal support plan that will see them achieve their goals and aspirations, developing domestic and finance management skills or accessing work, leisure or educational opportunities, your empathy, enthusiasm and compassion will have every chance to shine. Entering accurate case notes onto our IT system will be important too. And, when it comes to regularly liaising with GP surgeries, the local council, charities etc. or promoting the service within the community, again, we'll count on you.

The chances are, you already work in the mental health field. What is for certain is that you’re caring, consistent, flexible and creative, work well under pressure, know how to connect with people at all levels and, like us, are keen to break down the stigma of mental health. Oh and you’re happy working independently or, as a valued member of our team, being part of a weekly rota system and available for on call duties.

This is a casual position.

The hourly rate of pay is £9.11.

Please note, as this post will be working in a CQC Registered care home, the successful applicant must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by 11 November 2021 or date of taking up post (whichever is later), unless medically exempt.

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.

It is a mandatory requirement of the application process for this post that candidates submit a CV and Supporting Statement, thus only candidates that provide this, and who meet the essential criteria within the  person specification,  will be considered for an interview.

Recovery Focus is committed to working towards equal opportunities and we select staff solely on merit irrespective of race, colour, national or ethnic origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, social class, religious belief, disability or history of mental health or addiction problems. If you need support to apply for the role or adaptions at interview please contact the recruitment team to discuss.

This is a rolling recruitment process. Candidates will be interviewed as and when they are shortlisted.

So, are you ready to take on this rewarding role that comes with some really great benefits?

The role

You will work across all our different projects (mainly Independent Living, Horticulture, Digital Skills and My Community and Me) to support our students (adults with learning disabilities and/or autism), to achieve their goals. You’ll support the delivery of sessions and provide 1-1 support to students to ensure full inclusivity and enjoyment by everyone. You will enable students to develop their skills, be able to better manage new or challenging social situations and live healthier and more fulfilled lives.

Who we are looking for

Our ideal candidate would have experience of working within a social care, health or support worker role, with adults with learning disabilities and autism. You’ll have a strong commitment to the inclusion of disabled people in all aspects of life. You’ll need to be an energetic people person, be able to follow instructions whilst being able to use your initiative to problem solve and think on your feet.

Job Description

• Provide support within our Horticulture, Independent Living, Digital Skills and My Community and Me projects. Occasionally supporting our other projects such as Basic Skills and Catering.
• Provide one to one support for students who may have more complex needs
• Support the running of community based activities ensuring they run smoothly, students enjoy their day and stay safe throughout
• Work with the team to ensure that student’s individual goals around independence and wellbeing are being achieved
• Support the Wellbeing team with providing pastoral support to students as and when required
• Promote effective communication and relationships amongst members and to be aware of communication and personality differences
• Work at all times within a framework of equality of opportunity and in a way that values each student
• Undertake any other tasks as may be reasonably required.

Person Specification

1. Experience of working within social care and providing services directly to adults with learning disabilities and autism
2. Experience and enjoyment of working in busy and varied environment
3. Excellent verbal communication skills
4. Great listening skills, with high levels of warmth, empathy and resilience
5. Able to inspire trust and confidence, behaving with integrity and honesty at all times
6. Passionate about social inclusion and particularly about helping disabled people to reach their potential and shine
7. Strong team-player, who enjoys working alongside others to achieve goals
8. Personal flexibility and the ability to work in a way that is adaptable, reliable and focused on the needs of each individual
9. Able to solve problems creatively, explore options and manage demanding or tricky situations

Desirable

1. Able to use Makaton
2. First Aid certificate

To apply:

Please send your CV with a covering letter as detailed on our website (click on "Apply" to proceed).

This job is subject to two satisfactory references, evidence of qualifications, an enhanced Disclosure and Barring check and providing evidence of right to work in the UK. If you have a disability and would like to discuss other ways of submitting your application, please contact us.

The Action Group is about ‘no barriers – for all of life’. We offer support and advice to over 1700 children, young people and adults across East Central Scotland: Edinburgh, Falkirk, West Lothian, Midlothian and East Lothian. We are a big team and our Support Workers play a vital role in the lives of the people we support to encounter no barriers in their chosen lifestyle, and to follow a path of choice and enrich their opportunities.

• We have full-time, part-time and casual vacancies available.
• £20,376 – £21,189* per annum, pro rata and based on 39-hour work week (*these apply from 1st December 2021).
• Casual hourly rate: £10.02* per hour (*this applies from 1st December 2021).
• Sleepover payment of £80.16* (*this applies from 1st December 2021). Sleepovers are not counted as part of your contracted hours, and are paid in addition to your regular salary.

We are looking for people who are caring, fun, motivated, creative and great at problem solving.  The people we support want workers who are friendly, practically minded and are great communicators. The ideal candidate will be fully committed to The Action Group’s values of equality, inclusion and opportunity for all. 

We tailor the support we provide according to each person’s needs and wishes. The job can include anything from supporting people to get out and about, taking care of themselves and their homes, and going about their lives in general, to support with work, health and well-being, or attending and participating in activities. 

No experience is required since we will provide bespoke training and support you in achieving relevant qualifications. In fact, many of our support workers go on to complete formal qualifications in social care as they develop their professional skills!

Benefits include:

• Pension
• 24/7 employee assistance programme, with access to free legal advice and counselling
• Good annual leave entitlements
• Ongoing support, bespoke training and development opportunities
• TAG Rewards – our exclusive discounts and savings programme
• Travel time payable where applicable
• Mileage allowance where applicable