Children’s Heart Surgery Fund - Charity 

FAMILY SUPPORT WORKER

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title of post:                      Family Support Worker

Hours:                                37 hours

Location:                            Leeds

Reporting to                       CEO

Salary                                 £25k

Interview date                     Monday 16th March 

Apply with covering letter and CV - deadline to apply Monday 2nd March.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund

The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund (CHSF) is an award-winning regional charity supporting children and adults, and their families, born with congenital heart defects across Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire. 

The charity was established in 1988 to support the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit at Leeds Children’s Hospital, which treats more than 20,000 patients each year. The Charity supports the Leeds Congenital Heart service by providing the funding and resources to support: 

• The Heart, by providing revolutionary medical equipment and funding training for the medical employees within the congenital heart service.

• The Mind, by creating a restful environment on the wards and funding play and distraction equipment.

• The Family, by contributing towards living expenses, offering accommodation to parents and giving exceptional grants.

• The Future, by funding research, clinical posts and projects.

History

The Children’s Heart Surgery Fund was created in 1988 by Duncan Walker, then a heart surgeon at the old Killingbeck Hospital in Leeds. Thanks to his fundraising efforts, in 1990 Duncan was given the accolade of Yorkshireman of the Year. Since 1988, CHSF has awarded around £3 million in grants to the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit, its patients and their families.

There are many vital grants – both large and small – within CHSF’s work, and one of the most important was the award of almost £250,000 between 1999 and 2002 donated to Leeds University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. The initial grant was grown into much greater funding and helped established a project that led to the creation of a York-based company called Tissue Regenix. This organisation are now leaders in the development of medical devices, including replacement heart valves.

Over recent years, CHSF has invested significant funding into family accommodation based near the Leeds Children’s Hospital. This has included £525,000 being awarded to the Sick Children’s Trust first to build and now maintain parental housing at Eckersley House.

CHSF campaigned against NHS proposals to end children’s heart surgery in Yorkshire – a move that would have meant the region’s young patients being relocated to Newcastle, Birmingham or Liverpool for heart surgery. After an extraordinary award-winning, a campaign that united the people of the region – including a 600,000-signature petition that was delivered to the Prime Minister – the NHS proposals were rejected by the Health Secretary in 2013.

CHSF has made countless grants that have paid for ground-breaking new equipment; resources for the unit; staff training; family accommodation and support; and, many, many more projects. This is thanks to the staff, trustees, supporters and fundraisers who have made this possible.

CHSF are proud of their record of impact against the charity’s main objective to help the region’s congenital heart patients and hopes to fulfil their aim which is to help support the Leeds Congenital Heart centre become a recognised ‘World Class’ centre of excellence. In 2018, CHSF’s latest appeal, keeping the Beat, successfully raised £700,000 towards a state-of-the-art children’s heart theatre.

THE ROLE 

Job Summary

The newly created role of Family Support Worker is designed to provide a dedicated resource for children, siblings and parents, offering practical and emotional support while they are in the hospital, and potentially beyond the period of the child’s hospital stay. 

The role objective is to bridge the gap between the Leeds Congenital Heart Unit and the Children’s Heart Surgery Fund, ensuring wrap around care and support for the whole family unit. 

The Family Support Worker will deliver a programme of holistic care for families of children with congenital heart disease treated in the Congenital Heart Unit at Leeds Children’s Hospital. 

This new holistic care programme, including welcome packs, well-being treatments and family camps, is designed to increase wellbeing and reduce the stress on the whole family from the impact of a child having congenital heart disease.

The need for this role and holistic care programme bore out of collated research gathered directly from focus groups, workshops and direct feedback from a variety of people, including Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust clinical and non-clinical staff and parents of patients with congenital heart disease.

Key Responsibilities

• To be a dedicated resource for children and their families, bridging the gap between Leeds Children’s Hospital and the CHSF

• To build trusting relationships with the children, siblings and parents on the ward and outside the hospital, through coffee mornings. 

• To provide practical help and emotional support for children and families, by signposting particularly during times of stress

• To work closely with clinical and nursing staff at Leeds Children’s Hospital, developing positive working relationships

• To facilitate clear communications between families and clinical and nursing staff

• To plan, deliver and assess an annual holistic care programme for children and families

• To identify the needs of children and families and develop new work or initiatives to meet these needs

• To create and provide welcome packs to families

• To help families access support from the CHSF and other agencies and services

• To manage the delivery of group sessions by the Hospital’s Psychology and Counselling Service to help families overcome issues around coping with a baby suffering from congenital heart disease

• To manage the partnership with, and delivery of, Over the Wall Family Weekend Camps for children with serious health challenges

• To manage and work in delivering holistic support for families, focusing on wellbeing, and complementary therapies.

• To organise leisure and other vouchers for long-term inpatients and their families.

• To run and manage focused events for families such as coffee mornings in regional areas of Yorkshire and North Lincolnshire

• To manage the charities parental accommodation, ensuring all rooms are cared for

• To help promote CHSF fundraising opportunities, where appropriate and work with the community fundraising team on new initiatives 

• To manage grant applications which are currently run by the cardiac nurse specialist team to support families seeking financial assistance while their child is in hospital

• To help plan creative and innovative responses to families’ needs 

• To ensure that recording of work with children and families is maintained to a high standard, accurate and up to date

• To monitor, evaluate, and produce reports that demonstrate the effectiveness of the work.

• To work flexibly as required by the needs of the service and carry out any other reasonable duties as required 

• To engage further with the Child-Friendly Leeds initiative. 

General Responsibilities 

• Respond to complaints promptly, both external and internal

• To demonstrate a commitment to ongoing training and development and participate in any training needed to fulfil the duties of your role

• Promote and sustain a responsible attitude towards equal opportunity and diversity

• To ensure all communication is conducted under GDPR guidance 

• To keep accurate and comprehensive records through CHSF’s CRM system

• Play a key role within the senior management team and report to the CEO

• To be able to evidence CHSF values at all times

(a)   Trust

(b)  Compassion

(c)   Openness

(d)  Respect

(e)   Dedication

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

Skills and abilities

·       Excellent skills, knowledge and aptitude for building and maintaining relationships with children, young people, parents, colleagues and partners

·       Ability to communicate with children and adults with compassion and empathy 

·       Ability to exercise discretion and confidentiality

·       understanding of the developmental needs of children and young people

·       Excellent verbal and written communication skills in formal and informal settings - face-to-face, on the telephone and informal presentations

·       Excellent organisational skills with a high level of attention to detail 

·       Ability to work on own initiative and to effectively manage and prioritise workload

·       Ability to write comprehensive evidence-based reports

·       Highly professional with a self-motivated approach and drive to support

·       Influencing skills

·       Good IT skill, word, excel, CRM experience

·       Project management skills 

·       Excellent relationship management skills 

Knowledge 

• Relevant childcare, education, social care or health qualification to NVQ Level 3 or equivalent or considerable experience. 

• Training in community work, counselling skills, or similar advantage

• Thorough knowledge of relevant and up-to-date children’s legislation, particularly child protection and safeguarding 

Experience

• At least three years’ experience of direct work with children and young people up to 18 years of age, and their parents

• Able to set up and deliver programmes of family support work

• Knowledge and experience of direct work with families in the health sector an advantage

• Experience of working with people in their homes an advantage

Personal attributes and other requirements

• Ability to work hours in a flexible way, including evenings and weekends to meet the needs of the holistic care programme

• Ability to work flexibly and as part of a team

• Clean current driving licence and car needed 

• Commitment to training and continuous learning and professional development

This post is subject to a higher-level check with the Disclosure & Barring Service 

We want to hear from all interested candidates, and to be considered for the position we strongly recommend submitting a detailed covering letter along with your CV, outlining why you're right for the role.

You're one click away ... Apply Now!

Fixed term contract for 4 months

Closing Date: Midnight 4th March 2020
Interviews:  TBC

Do you want to end homelessness and make a positive difference to people’s lives? Are you highly motivated and looking for a challenge? Then join us as Support Worker.

Thames Reach are committed to helping homeless and vulnerable people to live in decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. Our vision is to end street homelessness and our aim is to achieve the highest standards and effectiveness in delivery of our services.

Our new A&E Diversion Project in Newham aims to work with service users to address their physical health, substance use and emotional wellbeing, and to support service users to access primary and secondary care health services appropriately.

Thames Reach are recruiting to fill a variety of posts within our health and rough sleeping services and are looking for applications from people new to the homelessness sector and experienced case workers.

These vacancies would suit:

• People interested in moving into frontline positions working with former rough sleepers and / or service users with complex needs
• Workers with experience of client work, and advocating on behalf of service users, to enable them to access appropriate services to address their support needs; and to support service users to engage positively with their local community
• Workers with experience of supporting and motivating service users to engage with primary and secondary care services; employment, training and education
• People who are able to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationship with key stakeholders e.g. medical practitioners, employment and skills services or statutory services
• Those with administration experience who would like to work to support a key front line health and homelessness service.

You will play a key role in the development of our services and your work will contribute to influencing the future of service provision across the UK. 

Successful candidates will need to be able to demonstrate that they are highly motivated, committed and organised and show that they have the excellent communication and creative problem solving skills needed to create options for people where these may be hard to find.

There will be an expectation to work autonomously as well as within a team, to be confident in creating and working through action plans, have strong time management skills and to be strongly outcome focused.

Work will involve office work and work in the community.

You’ll have:

• The ability to provide a flexible and responsive service to former rough sleepers and / or service users with complex needs
• Excellent communication and creative problem solving skills.
• Enthusiasm and commitment
• The ability to follow instructions and manage risk.
• The Ability to use IT systems to communicate and record your work.

To join us you will need:

• Knowledge of the needs and hopes of vulnerable people – particularly those with mental health issues and complex needs.
• A high level of motivation
• Great communication and negotiation skills.
• An organised approach to your work
• An understanding of the issues facing vulnerable people and the services they require to address these.
• An ability to work quickly and build relationships in a short period of time.
• Ability to work in partnership with external agencies and health & social care professionals.
• A good understanding of social support needs including the difficulties of social exclusion and housing issues.

 As well as a great working environment we also offer:

• 6.5% employer & 1.5% employee pension contribution.
• Development opportunities.
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Reimbursement of the cost of annual eye test
• Season ticket/cycle loan
• Flexible Working
• EAP services

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

We are looking for an experienced educator to help us create and deliver innovative, engaging and inclusive presentations and complimentary resources for children and young people across the UK.

This role would be ideal for an educator with experience of working directly with children and young people in schools but who is looking to diversify their skills and broaden out their experience. We are ideally looking for an individual with experience of working with children and young people who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). Childnet is undertaking exciting and pioneering work to ensure that online safety education is inclusive and accessible for all children and young people. This role will play a vital part in the creation of new inclusive presentations and resources for children with SEND and their parents/carers.

The role is very varied and provides opportunities to educate and empower young people to lead positive and safe lives online as well as engaging effectively with the adults who support them. The role sits within a dynamic, busy and collaborative Education Team made up of trained educators with experience of working with schools, in pastoral roles and of leading drama workshops.

At Childnet, we pride ourselves on the collaborative approach we take to tackling a broad range of online safety issues and our commitment to empower young people and champion youth voice. This role offers exciting opportunities to work closely with the internet industry, other charities and international organisations. It will involve working with schools across the UK, helping to deliver exciting youth-led events and be at the forefront of delivering inclusive online safety education.

This role is a 1-year fixed-term contract, working full-time, 35 hours per week. We offer 25 days’ holiday per annum, plus statutory holidays.

Please email a CV with a covering letter (up to 2 A4 pages) explaining what skills and experience you would bring to the role as well as any other interest that you believe would be relevant to the role, to Sharon McQuarrie via the email address provided.

Childnet embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.

Closing date: 24th February 2020

Interviews: 3rd and 4th March 2020

Employment is conditional upon receiving satisfactory references and DBS clearance.

At Depaul UK we currently have an exciting opportunity for an Education Officer to come and join our team here in the North East. You will join us on a full time, permanent basis and in return you will receive a competitive salary of £22,899 pa + pension & other benefits.

Depaul UK delivers a range of support and housing services around the UK for young people and adults at risk of homelessness. We provide services that prevent homelessness, increase the resilience of those we work with and energise opportunities for employment, education, training & volunteering. We're dedicated to putting our values into action to achieve a society where everyone has a place to call home and a stake in their community.

In return as our Education Officer, we can offer you:

- A friendly, flexible and values-led organisation

- Competitive salary

- 26 days of annual holiday, including bank holidays pro rata

- Contributory pension scheme

- Life assurance

- Cycle to work scheme

- Interest free Annual Season Ticket Loan

- Four Weeks Paternity Leave

The Education Officer role:

We are currently recruiting for an Education Officer to join Depaul UK based in the North East. The successful post-holder will be responsible for coordinating and delivering the Depaul Education programme in a range of settings, including schools, colleges and Pupil Referral Units.

The programme aims to prevent youth homelessness by running workshops to young people, teachers and parents. This is a new programme and as such, this role will give you the opportunity to work alongside your colleagues in other regions to design, develop and update the programme’s engaging and high-quality workshops and educational resources.

What makes this role exciting?

- A full induction to Depaul UK and training for the role, with ongoing opportunities for professional development.

- Training in the Depaul Endeavour model

- Continuous support and supervision, including reflective practice to develop your learning and skills as a practitioner

What will ideally support your success in the Education Officer role?

- Excellent ability to work productively with children and young people

- Ability to deliver engaging presentations, workshops and training to large groups

- Experience of designing and developing high quality and innovative educational resources in line with the national curriculum and other statutory guidance

- Strong relationship management and influencing skills

- Working knowledge of target-driven environments, marketing and generating income

- Demonstrable interest in the issues and challenges that face children and young people growing up in the UK

So, if this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you and you’d like to become our Education Officer then please click ‘apply’ today – don’t miss out, we’d love to hear from you!

Closing date – Monday 24th February at 12:00pm

An enhanced DBS disclosure is a requirement for this post. Our recruitment checks, induction and ongoing support and supervision reflect our commitment to safeguarding our clients. Depaul UK strives to be equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community.

Education & Learning Policy Manager (UK)

Full time 35 Hours per week

Newark

£30,000 

Our client has a vision of land and seas rich in wildlife and people close to nature. They believe that nature is valuable in its own right, that everyone should have the chance to experience the joy of wildlife and that they are part of nature, wholly dependent upon it. 

About the role:

They are currently looking for an Education and Learning Policy Manager to lead their movement’s policy, campaigning and influencing work relating to education and learning. 

The purpose of the role is to drive the development and delivery of the education and learning strategy as part of an overall approach to inspiring young people to act for wildlife and support the Trusts.

As a supportive, enthusiastic, and friendly leader, you will be based within the Campaigns and Policy Team, which works to help wildlife and wild places by changing how people engage with them, and influencing work to implement solutions to recover wildlife through farming and freshwater to roads, railways and housing.  You will also work with the Living Seas team to support education, learning and engagement activities in and around the marine environment.

They are looking for someone with previous experience of developing and implementing education and learning policy who can influence a wide range of people and organisations.  You must have an understanding of the organisation of the education system at all levels in the UK and an interest in, and passion for, connecting people to the natural world.

The successful candidate will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, be organised, resourceful and have an eye for written detail as well as confidence in public speaking. This will come through in your clear passion for the cause. 

As you will be part of a tight and dedicated central team, it is important that you have excellent collaboration and facilitation skills.  They are looking for someone who can ensure that everyone comes together effectively across the trust movement to achieve their policy and campaigning goals.

About the company:

This is a time of immense change, when the laws protecting our environment and wildlife are at risk. People across society are suffering more than ever from lack of access to, and connection with, nature. People spend significantly less time in nature than they did a generation ago, and encounter wildlife less often.

Our client is determined to empower their supporters and the next generation to turn this around – to lead nature’s recovery and reconnect us to the natural world.  They will put a wildlife-rich natural world at the heart of education and learning for all. People of all ages and all backgrounds will have the chance to learn about wildlife and the value of the natural world because these will be central to the education system.

The Trusts are a grassroots movement of 850,000 members, including 200,000 junior members, 38,000 volunteers and 2,800 staff across the UK. dedicated to this vision and driven by their beliefs. 

They value courage, respect, integrity, trust and responsibility.  Whilst they are passionate in promoting their aims, they are not judgemental, and they are inclusive.  The Trusts value diversity and they are committed to creating an inclusive culture where everyone is able to be themselves and to reach their full potential. They actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures.  They believe that a diverse workforce will help them create their vision of people close to nature, with land and seas rich in wildlife

They are an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.

JOB ADVERT FOR SUPPORT & DEVELOPMENT WORKER – Merseyside, Lancashire, Isle of Man.  Clinical Centre: Liverpool

If you want to work in a job where you can really make a difference to people’s lives, this is the role for you.SHINE is the National Charity for children and adults with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus and an exciting opportunity has arisen for a part-time Support & Development Worker to support, advise, inform and empower children, families and adults with Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus, through individual support and group activities to promote individual wellbeing and a supportive SHINE community. 

You will relate to Clinicians, other Health, Education, Benefits & Social Care Professionals to promote the needs of Shine members, support Clinics where needed and provide Information & Training Sessions to Schools and Care Settings.

Relevant experience in the field of disabilities is essential, with a preference for a knowledge of Spina Bifida and/or Hydrocephalus.

SHINE places a high value on enthusiasm, innovative ideas and commitment to the cause, and for the right person this role will be extremely fulfilling.  The ability to be motivated and work on your own initiative with lone working from home, whilst also travelling around the area to develop activities and build networks, is essential and you will bring your own skills and experience to be part of the wider dispersed Regional and National SHINE Team supporting our members.

Hours:

Part-time 28 hours over 4 days

Pattern of Work:

Four days per week with flexibility to work occasional evenings or weekends when required

Salary:

£25,930 pro-rata (depending on experience)

Location:

Homebased (commutable to Merseyside and Lancashire)

Closing Date for Applications:

Monday 2nd March 2020

Interviews:

Week commencing Monday 9th March 2020

Notes:

Early application is encouraged as we will review applications throughout the advertising period and reserve the right to close the advert early.

Please send a full CV with details of all Educational Qualifications and Work Experience, accounting for any gaps with a Supporting Letter outlining how you meet the needs of the role to Laura Threadingham.

Shine is a Disability Confident employer and will offer guaranteed interviews if a disabled applicant meets the minimum criteria for the job.

Are you passionate about the Church’s ministry in schools, colleges and universities?

Could you bring both knowledge of education and a commitment to Christian witness and service to an exciting new opportunity?

Do you want to share in shaping a Methodist witness to students, educators and policy makers, and in co-ordinating our work across Britain?

We are seeking an informed, relational and insightful person to join the Ministries Team. You will work across the breadth of Methodist mission in education, at every level, to resource, connect and support educational institutions, chaplains, governors, teachers and students.

You will liaise closely with the Methodist Schools Committee and the organisations that are represented on it, and enable and encourage the work of leaders and staff in Methodist schools.

Interview Date: 02-Apr-2020

Keywords:

support; education; institution; college; university;

JOB TITLE: Senior Education and Wellbeing Support Worker
REPORTS TO: Head of Specialist Education and Wellbeing Support
STAFF RESPONSIBILITY: None (may occasionally have opportunities to manage volunteers or interns)
HOURS: 3 days per week  
SALARY: £27,000 - £30,000 pro rata (salary will depend on candidate’s experience)

CONTRACT: Fixed term until August 2021 (with a 3 month probation period)
LOCATION: London

Application Process

You must have a visa that allows you to work in the UK to apply for this job.

To apply, please submit your CV and cover letter through CharityJob by 09:00am on Friday 28 February 2020. 

In the covering letter (maximum 2 pages of A4) please demonstrate how you meet the competencies of this post as articulated above, with reference to the listed behaviours, and explain why you would like to work within the specialist educational and wellbeing support programme.

About the Senior Education and Wellbeing Support Worker role 

The mission of the Senior Education and Wellbeing Support Worker is to provide bespoke support, advice and guidance to young refugees and asylum seekers who are NEET or facing significant barriers to educational progression, enabling them to remain in or (re-)enter education, grow in basic skills, reduce isolation and improve their emotional wellbeing and resilience. Support is intensive, provided over fortnightly 1:1 sessions with each young person, and for a period of at least 6 months or more. Young people who experience mental ill health, many of whom will have survived trauma(s), are prioritised, and it is vital that the support worker is able to build trust and rapport over a longer-period through which to effect sustainable pathways (back) into education 

Working as part of our specialist education and wellbeing support team (alongside the programme manager and an education and wellbeing support worker whose work focuses on young people in our mentoring programme), the Senior Education and Wellbeing Support Worker will receive referrals of young asylum seekers and refugees who are facing acute challenges or entrenched obstacles to educational progression. The majority of referrals will have limited existing support structures in place and may be highly isolated. 

Following a referral, they will meet the young person to assess their support needs and develop and outwork a bespoke support plan. It is envisaged that this will be outworked over a period of a minimum of 6 months (with some support work exceeding  1 year), with intensive support provided on a fortnightly basis. A rolling caseload of between 10-12 young people at any one time is anticipated. This includes:

• Effective and timely education pathway planning with young people, taking into consideration their age, residency status and support structures and how these will impact on their educational access and progression. Support can include helping young people identify courses and course progression, enrol at college and/or apply for bursary or travel-funding support;

• Basic skills development, with a view to promoting skills that will enhance a young person’s education or training pathway or will promote their understanding of and confidence in advocating for their rights and entitlements. Support can include briefings on key rights and entitlements, helping young people to complete application forms, to write a CV or cover letter, or to  navigate systems (health, welfare, immigration, housing) in the UK;

• Promoting young people’s emotional wellbeing and resilience, and supporting them to better manage their mental health. Support can include  providing advice about building and maintaining resilience, stress management techniques, sleep hygiene practices, developing healthy diet and exercise routines or referring to specialist mental health services. The support worker will also create a safe space for young people to discuss and share feelings about their current challenges and support needs;

• Ensuring that young people are linked in to longer term support services or social groups to increase their sense of belonging in their new communities.

We are looking for someone who will be skilled at building relationships with young people, particularly those who are at the margins of society and who are risk of withdrawing from education or failing to access education. We are looking for someone who is patient and who thrives on interactions with young people who need time, space to process and explore feelings and concerns, and the capacity to slowly build trust in their support worker.

The post holder will also be able to work effectively with other professionals, including teachers, social workers, personal advisors, key workers, GPs, mental health specialists, welfare or housing advisors and solicitors. They will enjoy working as part of a small and dynamic team but will need to be a confident independent decision maker, able to use their initiative, confident to escalate more complex issues appropriately, and able remain calm in unexpected situations. 

The post holder will need to be an excellent administrator who is able to maintain weekly accurate and up-to-date records and deal with any concerns in a constructive manner. This role will be based at RSN’s head office in Brent but will require frequent travel across London, including to our young people based in Barking, Croydon, Hayes, Hounslow, Barnet, Enfield and locations in-between. There may be some work required in early evenings.

Job outcomes

The Senior Education and Wellbeing Support Worker will deliver the following outcomes.

Outcome 1: at least 20 young people each year will access regular and intensive support from the Senior Education and Wellbeing Support Worker.

To this end, the post-holder will:

• Process and prioritise all referrals in conjunction with their manager.

• Meet young people for an initial assessment to identify their needs and create a bespoke support plan.

• Facilitate fortnightly follow-up meetings to support young people to outwork their support plans.

• Maintain a balanced caseload throughout the year, taking a proactive approach to meeting the project’s targets.

Outcome 2: the young people in this new project receive the specialist support they need to move forward in their education, increase their basic skills, manage their mental health and  experience reduced loneliness and isolation through access to relevant forms of support.

Of those supported through this project, we anticipate that 85% will (re-)enter or move forward in education, 90% will increase their basic skills and 75% will be able to better manage their mental health issues, and 90% will experience reduced isolation and loneliness through successful signposting to other relevant services..

To this end, the post-holder will:

• Develop clear bespoke support plans with young people.

• Meet with young people on a fortnightly basis to outwork all elements of their support plans.

• Create a space in which to build and foster the young person’s trust and to work towards promoting their self-esteem and belief in themselves. 

• Build and maintain relationships with the other professionals and agencies who are working with the young person to ensure joined-up support.

• Provide clear, correct and up-to-date information and advice to young people about education opportunities, wider support services, relevant resources and emotional wellbeing.

• Support young people to understand and use simple techniques for promoting their mental health. This could include resilience-building activities, stress management techniques, sleep hygiene advice and tips for maintaining a healthy routine. The support worker will also provide a safe space for young people to bring and discuss their challenges, express themselves and be heard.

• Ensure that young people who are not in receipt of professional mental health support but who would benefit from and would like to access this, are referred to appropriate and relevant mental health services. In so doing, the post-holder will maintain strong links with specialist mental health services in the sector, enabling referral pathways between organisations. 

• Develop and maintain relationships with other organisations and make appropriate referrals, for example to counselling services, social services, benefits agencies, medical services, schools and colleges.

• Accompany young people to external appointments when they need additional support. 

• Carry out necessary actions and follow-up work after individual support sessions, including advocacy work on young people’s behalf.

• Liaise with college tutors and other education providers to keep up-to-date on the educational opportunities available for young refugees and asylum seekers.

• Escalate all safeguarding concerns to the head of specialist education and wellbeing support, developing individual risk assessments for relevant clients in conjunction with the programme lead and outworking safeguarding action plan. 

Outcome 3: the specialist education and wellbeing support programme provides a high quality joined-up service to some of RSN’s most vulnerable young people.

Our current strategy seeks to integrate our specialist education and wellbeing support programme more closely with our mentoring programme. This role is one of two London-based roles and the post holder will join the programme at an exciting time of growth and development. The team members will work together to deliver a high quality service to some of RSN’s most vulnerable young people, addressing safeguarding concerns and taking a proactive approach to improving our support to them.

To this end, the post-holder will:

• Escalate any safeguarding concerns and follow RSN’s safeguarding policy.

• Work closely with their team to streamline the services provided and support their colleagues with particular cases. 

• Share their ideas for programme developments and participate with enthusiasm in the programme’s various components, such as providing email advice or supporting with training and workshops.

• Provide up-to-date statistics and project updates to the programme manager for reporting and monitoring purposes. 

• Carry out any other reasonable activity required by their manager.

Required competencies

In order to achieve this role’s mission and deliver the above outcomes, candidates must demonstrate the following competencies as evidenced by the listed behaviours:

Competency 1: work with young people

• Can display a track record of working with vulnerable young people from a variety of backgrounds, evidencing ability to sensitively explore and understand a young person’s needs, provide appropriate support and help them build resilience.

• Can display a track record of activities and workshops that aim at building resilience and promoting emotional wellbeing amongst young refugees and asylum seekers. 

• Deals promptly and calmly with safeguarding concerns as they arise and follows safeguarding processes accurately.

• Respects and is inspired by the uniqueness of individual young people and shows commitment to their perspectives being heard and their potential being realised.

Competency 2: work with stakeholders and external agencies

• Communicates professionally, promptly and warmly with the project’s stakeholders and partner organisations and services, including schools, colleges, social services, health services, welfare support organisations and legal representatives. 

• Can display a track record of working collaboratively and positively with external stakeholders, partner organisation and services, recognising the specific responsibilities and areas of specialism each one holds in coordinated support to young people.

• Asks appropriate questions to elicit information which facilitates informed decision-making and explains information succinctly and compellingly.

• Is able to engage others when speaking about this project- communicates accurately, clearly, demonstrating technical expertise and passion for the issues.

Competency 3: written and verbal communication skills

• Can display excellent verbal communication skills with a range of audiences - from those with very little English to senior staff within referring and peer organisations.

• Writes clearly, accurately, succinctly and appropriately for a range of audiences, including by email. . 

Competency 4: knowledge 

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the rights and entitlements of refugee and asylum seeking young people in terms of accessing secondary school and further education. 

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the principles of resilience and building and maintaining emotional wellbeing amongst young people and adults. 

• Demonstrates an awareness of key practitioners within the refugee, education, psychosocial support and youth sectors that could complement our specialist educational and wellbeing support. 

• Demonstrates a strong understanding of the refugee/education/psychosocial support/youth sectors in which RSN operates, and proactively seeks to develop and maintain technical knowledge in these areas.

Competency 5: personal working style

• Prioritises actions appropriately when juggling competing deadlines.

• Maintains stable performance when under heavy pressure or stress, demonstrating strong willingness and internal motivation to work hard and get the job done. 

• Takes the initiative to reflect critically on their own performance and develop improvement strategies, and is keen to learn and receive feedback. 

• Does not cut corners ethically. Earns trust and maintains confidences. Does what is right, not just what is politically expedient. 

Competency 6: administration

• Keeps accurate and up-to-date records and fortnightly notes from all support work sessions, adhering to data protection commitments. 

• Confident assessing safeguarding risks and escalating these to the head of specialist education and wellbeing support. Keeps up to date records of ongoing safeguarding concerns. 

• Works efficiently to develop and implement simple and transparent systems for monitoring and evaluating project developments in ways that are clear and manageable for all team members.

• Is confident and flexible  in their use of technology, including casework databases and project management tools, email and google drive.

Competency 7: team working

• Contributes to a positive working environment by taking time to build relationships with everyone they engage with through this role, being helpful, kind and sensitive to their needs. 

• Speaks plainly and truthfully and shows respect to everyone.

• Is adaptable and patient, especially in the context of a new and growing team.

• Demonstrates appetite to support or oversee the implementation of work by volunteers or interns. 

• Willing to support wider specialist education and wellbeing team in times of staff absence, including cover for education and wellbeing support worker (mentoring integrated role). 

Competency 8: self care

• Has developed and practices effective self-care to avoid burn out, including the ability to maintain appropriate boundaries in order to keep workload at a sustainable level. 

• Models self-care within the team and can confidently develop strategies to support accountability amongst peers. 

Competency 9: ethos

• Is passionate about RSN’s vision enabling young refugees to build more hopeful futures through education. Is inspired by the possibility of positive change and committed to nurturing hope within their sphere of influence.

• Motivated by personal core beliefs (whether Christian or not) and values being part of an organisation which is founded on, and seeking to outwork, the Christian faith.

Equal opportunities 

RSN is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. Any job applicants will, except in circumstances justifying different treatment that are not unlawful (for example to comply with an occupational requirement), receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation (Protected Characteristics). If you feel you would require reasonable adjustments in order to carry out the role or attend an interview at RSN due to a disability, caring responsibilities or any other reason, please give details in your cover letter or get in touch with Bryony Norman, the Head of Specialist Education and Wellbeing Support, to discuss further.

Disclosure of a Criminal Record

The Rehabilitation of Offenders 1974 (Exceptions) (Amendment) Order 1986 does not apply to posts where there is access to children. This means that applicants for employment which involves working with children and young people must disclose any criminal record. If your application is successful, you are required to make these disclosures and consent to Refugee Support Network verifying the accuracy of your response with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). References will be taken up and a DBS check carried out for the successful candidates, but as part of our safer recruitment policy all shortlisted candidates are required to complete a Self Disclosure form and provide names of references before interviews.

Refuge is the UK’s largest provider of specialist services for victims of all forms of gender-based violence (domestic, sexual, so called ‘honour’ violence, modern slavery and human trafficking, prostitution, forced marriage, stalking and FGM). Every day we support over 6,500 women and children in our national network of services.  These include Independent Domestic, Sexual and Gender-based Violence Advocacy services (IDVAs/ISVAs and IGVAs), community outreach, specialist refuge accommodation, sanctuary services, culturally-specific services and the Freephone 24 Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline. We advise Government and lobby hard to keep violence against women and girls high on the public agenda. We run award-winning prevention and public education campaigns, manage a busy press office and website, and we are an accredited training provider. We give a voice to the voiceless.

This role requires an exceptional individual who wants to make a difference. As a Refuge Worker, you will be responsible for providing high quality practical and emotional support to survivors of domestic violence and their children living in our refuges.

You will also assess and advise on their entitlement to welfare, housing benefits and housing. You will develop support plans for each resident and aid them to obtain permanent accommodation.

You will contribute to the smooth running of the refuge by reporting repairs, preparing vacant rooms for new admissions and supporting residents to pay their rent.

The successful candidate will have evidence of strong casework management skills, good written and verbal communication, and an understanding of the importance of maintaining professional boundaries. You will be required to bring safeguarding children or vulnerable adults to the immediate attention of the service manager, or if unavailable another manager. Direct experience of providing support to women is essential as is a current understanding of legislation relating to domestic violence including civil/criminal legislation and welfare rights. The ability to work as part of an on-call rota is essential and occasional evening work in emergency situations.

All candidates must demonstrate a commitment to the feminist values of empowerment and equality which underpin all of our work. Successful applicants will be expected to work within Refuge’s Values and Behaviour Framework and demonstrate these in their everyday work.

Competitive salary offering annual progression within points of the salary grade, 28 days annual leave increasing to 30 days, pension scheme with People’s pension that includes a 6% Employer contribution, comprehensive EAP.

Refuge is proud to be a leader in its field and an employer of choice with leading edge systems for supervision, quality management and development. We offer the first Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF) accredited qualification for our profession. 

Please visit Refuge’s website for further details and other opportunities.

Closing Date: 12th March 2020

Interview Date: 26th March 2020

An enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) certificate will be required for this role.

Refuge is committed to quality, equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. This post however is restricted to women due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

No agencies please - as a charity we work hard to keep our costs down.

How this role fits into the vision and objectives of City Hearts

We currently have an exciting opportunity for a Support Worker within our Female Accommodation Team. In this role, you’ll be supporting the women rescued from human trafficking, now residing at the safehouse accommodation, with everyday tasks; promoting their independence; empowering them in their recovery and assisting with their integration into the community.

 RESPONSIBILITIES

• Supporting the clients at the accommodation with everyday tasks; promoting their independence; empowering them in their recovery and assisting with their integration into the community.

• Welcoming new clients into service, carrying out initial inductions and supporting clients when moving on from the accommodation.

• Regular shift work, some of which involves evenings and weekends and one overnight shift per week at either of the two female safe houses.

• Creating and initiating activities with the clients – organising outings periodically. Helping the women develop skills, autonomy and confidence through engaging them in activities such as learning English language skills, building healthy friendships, cooking, budgeting and personal safety.

• Using the Computer Management System (CMS) to accurately and professionally record client information, ECAT entitlement support work, incident reports and any other information when needed in a timely manner

• Keeping the house clean and tidy on a daily basis and helping to ensure the smooth running of the day to day programme e.g. organising and attending appointments, managing issues that arise at the accommodation.

• Creating a safe and friendly atmosphere/environment in the house when on shift.

• Taking phone calls on behalf of clients and liaising with professionals that call or visit the accommodation.

• Help resolve any issues that occur with clients and working alongside caseworkers and management to best support a client.

• Adhering to all internal procedures regarding City Hearts, following any legislation and attending mandatory training.

• Promoting City Hearts in adherence to the terms of the contract – this may include attending events on behalf of City Hearts as a whole.

• Being flexible to cover last minute emergencies if they arise and carrying out standby shifts as the rota designates.

Children and Young People’s Support Worker / Counsellor 

We are offering the opportunity for a qualified, dynamic and reflective Young People’s practitioner to join our team of counsellors, offering counselling support to young people (male and female) aged 10 and over, who is able to engage young people based on mutual collaboration, trust and empowerment. It is essential you have a strong commitment to challenging systems and structures to ensure the rights and needs of children and young people are protected and promoted. We are seeking a practitioner who is passionate about developing and delivering young persons’ centred services that are rooted within a trauma-informed framework, recognising multiple and overlapping needs.

We are seeking a female support worker/counsellor who will bring innovation and creativity to the service. You must be a member of a professional body such as BACP, UKCP, BAPT or equivalent and have professional training in providing counselling or therapy for young people (initial counselling training to diploma level). If this is who you are then we would really like to hear from you. Highly organised and motivated you will have a ‘can-do’ approach and demonstrable commitment to Northamptonshire Rape Crisis.

The ideal applicant must reside in the seven boroughs of Northamptonshire.

Support Worker

Residential Care or School and Further Education

Salary: £9.35 - £10.37 per hour (inclusive of shift allowances – if applicable)

Our client have various shifts available, including full time, part time, permanent, all year and term time only.

Based in Lingfield, Surrey

About Our Client

Our client is the only UK charity dedicated to creating better lives for children and young people with epilepsy and related conditions and is based on a beautiful campus in Lingfield, Surrey, providing world class services.

Your role

Our client are looking for caring individuals to give students the tools and opportunities they need to fulfil their potential and have the best possible quality of life. You will help them to create a caring, supportive and safe atmosphere for the students where they can enjoy learning and social activities. You will work with within a team environment and will have plenty of opportunities to learn new skills and grow your career.

What they need from you

• Enthusiasm to interact and communicate with a range of young people with differing needs.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills and a flexible attitude.

• A strong team ethic.

• Desire to undertake training and development.

Whilst they welcome applications from individuals with experience of working with children or young people, it isn’t essential as they provide all Support Workers with comprehensive training.

Benefits

• Generous annual leave.

• Paid overtime.

• Opportunities for career progression.

• Occupational pension scheme.

• On-site accommodation available.

• Subsidised dining room.

• Gym membership options (on and off-site).

• Perkbox, giving you access to nationwide discounts and benefits.

• A range of shift patterns.

• Free parking on campus.

Our client are accessible by bus, by train via the East Grinstead branch of the Oxted Line and by car and offer free parking on their campus.

*Please note that at least one reference will be taken up prior to interview. (Education roles only)

If you do not hear anything within two weeks of the closing date, please assume you have been unsuccessful.

They are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. An enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check will be required.

Our client strives to employ people that reflect the community it serves; therefore, applications from minority groups and people with disabilities are particularly welcomed.

You may have experience or an interest in the following: Support Worker, Support Work, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Learning Disabilities, Social Care, Voluntary Sector, Mental Health Worker, Healthcare Assistant, Care Staff, Community Development, Care Worker, Vulnerable People, Social Worker, Not for Profit, NFP etc.

Restore are recruiting to a post which will serve the south of Oxfordshire. As an Employment Specialist Coach you will join an Oxford Mental Healthcare NHS Trust IPS Team – employed by Restore – and embedded in locality Adult Mental Health Teams (AMHTs) – to deliver IPS as part of the holistic recovery plan for mental health service users. Experience of IPS is desirable but NOT essential as full training will be given.

You will work in a well-managed and supportive team and manage an individual caseload of up to 20-25 people at any time who have experienced mental health problems and who are unemployed or in need of in-work support. Working directly with all relevant stakeholders: the service user, AMHT clinical staff, partner agencies and employers – you will support the service users on your caseload to gain and retain paid employment.

If you wish to apply, then we would like to hear from you!

At this stage of application, we require a Cover letter with a CV (curriculum vitae).

The covering letter should address how you meet the criteria outlined in the person specification. Please see the ‘essentials’ and ‘desirable’ criteria under the shortlisting criteria. We suggest you address each point individually clearly stating how you meet the criteria. It is a good idea to use separate headings for each point.

Please remove your name, date of birth and any contact information from your CV and supply this on a separate piece of paper and send to us, along with a cover letter telling us why you would be good for this role.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 1st March (midnight)

Interviews for this post will be held on Wednesday, 11th March

Penrose is recruiting for talented, ambitious and caring staff to help deliver a major new pan-London service supporting people with personality disorders to resettle in the community and lead happy, healthy lives, free from crime.

As part of the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway, Penrose will be providing supported accommodation for 12 men and 4 women across three residential sites in Lambeth, Lewisham and Redbridge. Working in partnership with NHS England and HMPPS and receiving referrals from the National Probation Service, we will support men and women in the pathway being released from prison, secure healthcare settings or moving on from Approved Premises. Our 24-hour service will provide far more than a roof over people’s heads; it will offer a base for a range of 1-1 and group interventions, delivered by our teams and by external partners, that will equip residents with the skills and confidence to move on safely into independent living.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference supporting some of the most complex people in the criminal justice system and helping make communities safer. We are looking for experienced staff who have the skills and ability to support and engage residents with a non-judgemental attitude within an enabling environment.

Your Role:

Your role will be based in either Lambeth, Lewisham or Redbridge supported housing accommodation sites with possibility to work across locations.

Duties:

• To be creative in involving the service users in meetings which ensures they remain at the centre of the discussion and make choices and decisions.
• To support service users to achieve their goals, in line with their support plan.
• As part of service users support plan, to liaise with external professionals, e.g. GP’s, probation officer, Care Coordinators etc.
• Understanding of Risk Management within a Criminal Justice environment
• Facilitate and or support group sessions
• Ensure there is genuine engagement with the service users using appropriate methodologies and interventions •
• Provide / arrange for various advice, advocacy and or information to service users in relation to physical health matters, substance misuse welfare benefits, education, employment and training, life skills and any other identified support needs.
• To positively respond to service users who may need assistance, seeking the support of the appropriate manager if necessary, in emergencies.
• Assist the staff team in managing security and safety, health & safety, maintenance, rent/charges collection, arrears and void control.
• Assist service users with arrangements for moving into the property, ensuring benefits are applied for, utilities connected, maintenance problems resolved, and that the property is properly furnished.
• Liaison with Agencies and Local Community
• Ensure timely information sharing with Offender Managers and other key stakeholders to support robust risk management and positive resettlement outcomes
• To undertake administrative tasks as part of regular duties ensuring that these are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ensure Service Users receive a high quality and responsive service.
• Communicatee effectively.
• Promote and encourage best practice in HSE.

Excellent communication skills and being able to develop strong working relationships will also be crucial to this role. You will have a passion for working with people with experience of the criminal justice system and/or with other marginalised groups, and a belief that everyone can turn their life around regardless of past or present circumstances.

You will have an ability to build rapport, motivate and inspire, and a keen eye for detail.

To apply we require your CV along with Supporting Statement (no more than 2 sides of A4) detailing your knowledge and experience (this can be found on the attached Job Description) or completion of an application form. Please then send  by the closing date.

Why work with us?

• Access to our employee assistance programme
• Medi-cash, a private healthcare scheme which includes:
  • Packages for acute and chronic coverage
  • Alternative therapy treatments
  • Discount gym membership
  • Routine eye tests, glasses and contact lenses
  • Dental treatment via NHS or Private
  • Physiotherapy, Indian Head Massage and a range of other therapies
• 25 days annual leave, increasing to 26 days after 2 years employment and thereafter by 1 day per additional year of employment up to a max of 30 days annual leave.
• Life Assurance

All successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhances DBS and provide employment references covering 3 years period including one from your most recent employer.

Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the issues relating to equal opportunities in service delivery and provision and to actively promote ways of eradicating racism, sexism, and other forms of negative discrimination though the group’s policies and procedures.