We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Support Worker to join our Pelham Road service in Gravesdend.
£13,361.78 per annum, working 20 hours per week.
Want to feel like you have an exciting future? You'll feel at home here.
Making you feel at home here means helping you thrive in every way. That's why we offer a wide range of benefits, award-winning Learning & Development and a culture that welcomes all. These aren't token gestures - we've thought long and hard about how best to support our team. After all, our people are doing something amazing: helping to transform lives every day.
All applicants must be legally eligible to work in the UK by the start of employment as Look Ahead are not able to offer sponsorship.
Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they
require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. At Pelham Road this includes providing physical, domestic, emotional and social care. They will work with customers to
promote social inclusion and alongside other members of the team to promote independent living,
encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices.
What you'll do:
* Supporting the customer to undertake a full timetable of preferred activities including sport and leisure activities, attending community groups, visiting local amenities, and introducing them to new activities to expand their horizons and networks;
* Developing the customer's independent living skills and involving them in all aspects of maintaining and developing their home, including cooking, shopping, cleaning and decorating;
* Enabling the customer to keep up with the important people in their life and to meet new people with shared interests;
* Supporting the customer to communicate their wants and needs, and communicating with them in a person-centred way;
* Supporting the customer to manage their anxieties and frustrations, using Positive Behaviour Support and Autism-specific approaches;
* Collating a range of behavioural data and essential paperwork to be analysed within our local management structure;
* Driving the customer to activities using the customer's vehicle, in rotation with the wider team;
* Communicating with family members and a range of other key stakeholders including social work, psychology and commissioning teams;
* Acting in accordance with the policies and procedures of Look Ahead Care & Support plus those specific to the service including any statutory requirements;
* Consistently reviewing the customer's life goals and their progress towards achieving them, in partnership with them and those important to them;
* Supporting the customer with personal care;
* Reporting any observations relating to customer welfare;
* Maintaining records as required at the project;
* Participating in team meetings/reviews, support planning, risk management and the general development of the service;
* Undertaking any other duties as requested by management
This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead. As we have other support services locally, we may also require you to undertake support duties at other locations, subject to agreement at interview stage.
About you:
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
- Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
- Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour
About us:
Look Ahead is a leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. Our vision is to build better lives through social care and housing in local communities. As an organisation we deliver over 100 services, providing support to thousands of customers each year. Our mission is to co-design and deliver services that offer innovative social care solutions and support people to thrive. We work across mental health, homelessness and complex needs, young people and care leavers and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.
If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.
We reserve the right to close this advert early if we are able to appoint to the vacancy before the advertised closed date.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion at work and are accredited with Silver in the Inclusive Employers Standard 2021. We are a proud member of the Employers Domestic Abuse Covenant and encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants of all backgrounds.
We have an exciting opportunity for experienced and skilled advocates to join the staff of a unique social enterprise. The core function of this role is to provide specialist advocacy to individuals who are navigating the NHS continuing healthcare assessment and complaints processes. With a long history in delivering skilled advocacy and training in NHS continuing healthcare, we want you to be part of a strong team committed to delivering excellence and achieving success in line with our commercial and social objectives.
You will be an excellent communicator and skilled advocate with a minimum of 2 years’ experience working within the field of NHS continuing healthcare or a similar role with a transferrable knowledgebase. A health, social care, advocacy or legal qualification is desirable but not essential. A proven ability to analyse complex matters, provide a clear and coherent rationale and deliver robust advocacy by presenting a persuasive, fact-based argument is essential.
The successful candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills with an ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders in challenging circumstances. You will be able to establish a good rapport with clients in a professional and caring manner, upholding brand values.
In return, you can look forward to working with a highly-skilled and dynamic team and having influence over the future strategic direction of the company. We also offer a competitive salary with performance-related bonus and an excellent benefits package.
This role is primarily home-based with opportunities nationally. Ability to travel long distances to attend client meetings across England is essential.
MAIN DUTIES:
-
To provide advocacy and active case support in person or remotely to clients in England and Wales, throughout the NHS continuing healthcare assessment process.
Please note: some assessments will be completed virtually via videoconference whereas others are completed in-person. Applicants will need to be comfortable with both working from home and also regular long-distance travel to assessment meetings across England and Wales (including overnight stays where necessary), often with only two or three days’ notice.
- To analytically examine all relevant care records and assessments in preparation for continuing healthcare assessments and reviews, to prepare clients for their assessment and provide robust advocacy at assessment meetings based upon a sound understanding of the facts, and referencing evidence compiled from such records.
- To provide advocacy and casework to clients who wish to make a formal complaint through the NHS complaints procedure about a continuing healthcare-related matter from a sound understanding of the facts, having prepared key arguments by researching relevant records.
- To support the casework team from time to time in the preparation of submissions which will be presented to relevant Integrated Care Boards and NHS England panels.
- To provide specialist information and advice to our clients tailored to their specific situation and needs regarding the interpretation of a primary health need from a thorough understanding of relevant criteria, assessment frameworks and legal tests which are based upon case-law.
- To keep informed of issues, policies, guidance and legislation affecting clients ensuring that the information provided is relevant, current, complete and accurate.
- To respond to new referrals by making prompt initial contact with the client within the timescales specified by company policies.
- Work closely and efficiently with health professionals from relevant Continuing Healthcare (CHC) teams with the aim of resolving client issues at the earliest possible opportunity so as to provide an efficient and cost-effective service, and to minimise stress for the client.
- To develop and maintain working relationships with health and social care colleagues within the field of Continuing Healthcare in order to influence best practice.
- To work with partner organisations and stakeholders to share knowledge, make appropriate referrals, maintain consistency and draw upon each other’s expertise, always striving to improve the quality of both services and provide a better customer experience.
- To keep relevant and sufficiently detailed case records at each stage and as the case progresses; ensuring that all client information is kept up to date in line with Beacon’s systems and procedures, including data protection (GDPR) policies. This applies to case files, database entries, authority forms, client correspondence, use of the project management system, filing and archiving.
- To minimise business costs and maximise income for the company by meeting chargeable time targets, working efficiently, charging clients appropriately and in a timely manner.
-
To uphold the principles of paralegal casework as specified by the Institute of Paralegals, providing a good standard of client care by working with skill and competence thereby ensuring clients are able to place their trust in you.
-
To uphold organisational values, promoting Beacon’s social goals through each area of your work.
-
To manage your own caseload and work independently within the boundaries of Beacon policies and procedures.
-
To undergo a minimum of 12 hours of professional development each year. To foster an atmosphere of continuous learning and development.
-
Attend line management, supervision and team meetings as appropriate, and to play a full part in the development and success of Beacon.
The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your developing role and the overall objectives of the companies.
This post may be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Baring Service check or equivalent.
STAFF BENEFITS: Pension Scheme, Generous Annual Leave Entitlement, Death in Service Benefit 4x salary, Flexible Working, Health & Dental Care Plan, Professional Development Plan, Employee Rewards Scheme (Perkbox) and Performance-Related Bonus.
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is the name given to a package of care that some people need to receive due to disability, accident or illness. People who are eligible for CHC have the full cost of their care and residential accommodation funded by the NHS. This relieves families of sometimes astronomical care bills.
The criteria for determining who is eligible for CHC are highly complex and can be very difficult for the public to understand, and for professionals to apply consistently. The assessment process is lengthy and detailed. Likewise, the appeal process can be very daunting and perplexing.
About our organisation
Beacon was established in May 2014 for the purpose of providing independent and high-quality support to individuals and their families in England who need help navigating the NHS Continuing Healthcare process.
Beacon is a registered social enterprise and a proud member of Social Enterprise UK. We operate with a core set of ethical social objectives and values through which all of our work is delivered.
Social enterprises are businesses. Like any other business, they seek to make a profit and succeed commercially. But how they operate, who they employ, how they use their profits and where they work transforms lives and communities across the UK. At Beacon, we donate any surpluses to supporting charitable objectives that are in line with our aims.
Through expert advocacy, advice and training, Beacon enables people to be heard and to enact real and positive change in their lives. We help people to understand their rights and the realistic options available to them, equipping some of those most vulnerable in society with the knowledge and practical support to make meaningful and transformative decisions.
Our Values
At Beacon, we employ people who want to do things differently to other organisations working in this field. Five values sum up our culture and how we treat our clients and our staff:
- Ethical
Commitment to our clients
We operate with honesty and integrity. We are transparent about our funding set-up and our fees, which we keep as low as we sensibly can. We never ‘hard sell’ our services, we keep you informed at every step, and we always give our honest opinion of your chances of success. As a social enterprise, we donate any profits to charity.
Commitment to our team
We operate with honesty and integrity, and always work hard to get the best results for our clients and the business. We work to high standards, and trust our people to respectfully speak out if we fall short.
- Expert
Commitment to our clients
We pride ourselves on being recognised as leading independent experts in NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). We apply our knowledge and experience to help every case and caller. We also strive to improve CHC for everyone, by training health and social care professionals.
Commitment to our team
We are the leading experts in our field. We encourage and value innovation and evolution in what we do, and how we do it. We are united in developing the business and its services.
- Personal
Commitment to our clients
By listening carefully to you and the people who really know about your care needs, we can provide excellent advice and powerful advocacy tailored to your unique situation.
Commitment to our team
We get results by getting to know our clients. We do the same with our people, offering flexible working options to suit your circumstances, and taking time out to have fun as a team.
- Compassionate
Commitment to our clients
We are mindful of the immense stress that our callers and clients can be under, at what is often a really tough time. We do our best to lift some of that burden by providing a quality service that you can trust, and by being compassionate and courteous at all times.
Commitment to our team
The nature of the work can be stressful and emotionally draining. We take care and time to look out for each other, and encourage healthy work habits.
- Rewarding
Commitment to our team
We take the time to celebrate success and are inspired by one another’s achievements. We provide a generous and varied suite of benefits that can be enjoyed by our people and their families.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We have an exciting opportunity for experienced and skilled caseworkers to join the staff of a unique social enterprise. The core function of this role is to provide comprehensive casework, advice and advocacy which assists and supports clients throughout the NHS continuing healthcare assessment, appeal and care planning process. With a long history in delivering skilled casework and training in NHS continuing healthcare, we want you to be part of a strong team committed to delivering excellence and achieving success in line with our commercial and social objectives.
You will be an excellent communicator and skilled caseworker with a minimum of 2 years’ experience working within the field of NHS continuing healthcare or a similar role with a transferrable skills. A health, social care, advocacy or legal qualification is desirable but not essential. Proven experience of the ability to understand, digest and disseminate complex information, and to prepare well-reasoned reports is essential.
The successful candidate will have excellent oral and written communication skills with an ability to engage effectively with a range of stakeholders in challenging circumstances. You will be able to establish a good rapport with clients in a professional and caring manner, upholding brand values.
In return, you can look forward to working with a highly-skilled and dynamic team and having influence over the future strategic direction of the company. We also offer a competitive salary with performance-related bonus and an excellent benefits package.
This role is primarily home-based with opportunities nationally. Ability to periodially travel long distances to attend client meetings across England from time to time is essential.
MAIN DUTIES:
- To provide an independent and comprehensive casework, advisory and advocacy service to private and NHS-referred clients (typically health and social care service users or their representatives) in England and Wales throughout the entire NHS Continuing Healthcare assessment, appeal and care planning process from initial assessment stage through to complaints to the Ombudsman.
- To provide specialist information and advice to our clients tailored to their specific situation and needs regarding the interpretation of a primary health need from a thorough understanding of relevant criteria, assessment frameworks and legal tests which are based upon case-law.
- Provide advocacy and active case support remotely and in person to clients in England and Wales, and their representatives throughout the appeal and complaint processes, and occassionally assessments. This will include periodic travel to assessments and appeal meetings across England and Wales (including overnight stays where necessary), as well as attending virtual meetings via videoconference.Please note: most meetings are now completed virtually via videoconference, however a small number of in-person meetings are still taking place. Applicants will need to be comfortable working from home for long periods as well as with periodic long-distance travel.
- To keep informed of issues, policies, guidance and legislation affecting clients ensuring that the information provided is relevant, current, complete and accurate.
- To analytically examine all relevant health and social care records and assessments, and to prepare detailed advisory letters and appeal statements based upon a sound understanding of the facts, and referencing evidence compiled from such records.
- To assist clients in the preparation of submissions which will be presented on their behalf to relevant Integrated Care Boards and NHS England review and/or appeal panels.
- To respond to new referrals by making prompt initial contact with the client within the timescales specified by company policies. To keep clients informed of progress at regular intervals.
- Work closely and efficiently with health professionals from relevant Continuing Healthcare (CHC) teams with the aim of resolving client issues at the earliest possible opportunity so as to provide an efficient and cost-effective service, and to minimise stress for the client.
- To develop and maintain working relationships with health and social care colleagues within the field of Continuing Healthcare in order to influence best practice.
- To work with partner organisations and stakeholders to share knowledge, make appropriate referrals, maintain consistency and draw upon each other’s expertise, always striving to improve the quality of both services and provide a better customer experience.
- To keep relevant and sufficiently detailed case records at each stage and as the case progresses; ensuring that all client information is kept up to date in line with Beacon’s systems and procedures, including data protection (GDPR) policies. This applies to case files, database entries, authority forms, client correspondence, use of the project management system, filing and archiving.
- To minimise business costs and maximise income for the company by meeting chargeable time targets, working efficiently, charging clients appropriately and in a timely manner.
- To uphold the principles of paralegal casework as specified by the Institute of Paralegals, providing a good standard of client care by working with skill and competence thereby ensuring clients are able to place their trust in you.
- To uphold organisational values, promoting Beacon’s social goals through each area of your work.
- To manage your own caseload and work independently within the boundaries of Beacon policies and procedures.
- To undergo a minimum of 12 hours of professional development each year. To foster an atmosphere of continuous learning and development.
- Attend line management, supervision and team meetings as appropriate, and to play a full part in the development and success of Beacon.
The above is not an exhaustive list of duties and you will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by your developing role and the overall objectives of the companies.
This post may be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Baring Service check or equivalent.
STAFF BENEFITS: Pension Scheme, Generous Annual Leave Entitlement, Death in Service Benefit 4x salary, Flexible Working, Health & Dental Care Plan, Professional Development Plan, Employee Rewards Scheme (Perkbox) and Performance-Related Bonus.
What is NHS Continuing Healthcare?
NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC) is the name given to a package of care that some people need to receive due to disability, accident or illness. People who are eligible for CHC have the full cost of their care and residential accommodation funded by the NHS. This relieves families of sometimes astronomical care bills.
The criteria for determining who is eligible for CHC are highly complex and can be very difficult for the public to understand, and for professionals to apply consistently. The assessment process is lengthy and detailed. Likewise, the appeal process can be very daunting and perplexing.
About our organisation
Beacon was established in May 2014 for the purpose of providing independent and high-quality support to individuals and their families in England who need help navigating the NHS Continuing Healthcare process.
Beacon is a registered social enterprise and a proud member of Social Enterprise UK. We operate with a core set of ethical social objectives and values through which all of our work is delivered.
Social enterprises are businesses. Like any other business, they seek to make a profit and succeed commercially. But how they operate, who they employ, how they use their profits and where they work transforms lives and communities across the UK. At Beacon, we donate any surpluses to supporting charitable objectives that are in line with our aims.
Through expert advocacy, advice and training, Beacon enables people to be heard and to enact real and positive change in their lives. We help people to understand their rights and the realistic options available to them, equipping some of those most vulnerable in society with the knowledge and practical support to make meaningful and transformative decisions.
Our Values
At Beacon, we employ people who want to do things differently to other organisations working in this field. Five values sum up our culture and how we treat our clients and our staff:
- Ethical
Commitment to our clients
We operate with honesty and integrity. We are transparent about our funding set-up and our fees, which we keep as low as we sensibly can. We never ‘hard sell’ our services, we keep you informed at every step, and we always give our honest opinion of your chances of success. As a social enterprise, we donate any profits to charity.
Commitment to our team
We operate with honesty and integrity, and always work hard to get the best results for our clients and the business. We work to high standards, and trust our people to respectfully speak out if we fall short.
- Expert
Commitment to our clients
We pride ourselves on being recognised as leading independent experts in NHS Continuing Healthcare (CHC). We apply our knowledge and experience to help every case and caller. We also strive to improve CHC for everyone, by training health and social care professionals.
Commitment to our team
We are the leading experts in our field. We encourage and value innovation and evolution in what we do, and how we do it. We are united in developing the business and its services.
- Personal
Commitment to our clients
By listening carefully to you and the people who really know about your care needs, we can provide excellent advice and powerful advocacy tailored to your unique situation.
Commitment to our team
We get results by getting to know our clients. We do the same with our people, offering flexible working options to suit your circumstances, and taking time out to have fun as a team.
- Compassionate
Commitment to our clients
We are mindful of the immense stress that our callers and clients can be under, at what is often a really tough time. We do our best to lift some of that burden by providing a quality service that you can trust, and by being compassionate and courteous at all times.
Commitment to our team
The nature of the work can be stressful and emotionally draining. We take care and time to look out for each other, and encourage healthy work habits.
- Rewarding
Commitment to our team
We take the time to celebrate success and are inspired by one another’s achievements. We provide a generous and varied suite of benefits that can be enjoyed by our people and their families.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.