Support Dogs have a very exciting role available within the puppy team of our training department. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, driven and motivated individual.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing a number of puppies, who will be at various stages in their training, be capable of providing structured training to each and have the ability to identify potential behavioural problems with the ability of writing a specific training plan in accordance with the problem in order to overcome it. The role will also include working closely alongside our valued volunteers who care for our puppies, ensuring they are receiving excellent support, regular training sessions and are being advised accordingly. Other duties within this role will include the recruitment, assessment and training of new volunteers.

The successful candidate will be required to work off site for periods of time so they must show the ability to work alone effectively, use their own initiative and have excellent time management and communication skills.

Previous and proven experience of working with puppies, within a professional capacity, such as planning and conducting puppy training classes to a group of people is an essential quality that all candidates must have. Anyone interested in applying for this role must have a full clean driving licence. Please visit Support Dogs website to see a full job description and further specific requirements and criteria in order to be eligible to apply for this role.

Occasional overnight duties and some weekend work will be required from time to time.

Applicants are to send a covering letter and CV to the given email address or alternatively by post for the attention of Katie Burns, Training Manager. In your covering letter please include an explanation of why you feel you meet the roles criteria and include details of any training/voluntary work that you have undertaken that is relevant to the role. Please also provide a chronological history of your time spent since leaving education, giving the reasons for leaving a position.

This position will remain open until the right candidate is employed. Please be aware this is a two stage interview process.

PLEASE NOTE: Due to the uncertainty caused by the Covid-19 virus restrictions we are suspending immediate recruitment for this post. However if this is a position you would like to be considered for in the future and you are happy for us to hold on to your details, please do submit your application. We will then review this once the recruitment process restarts. 

JOB DESCRIPTION

POST TITLE: Short Breaks Activities Manager

REPORTING TO: National Family Services Manager

ACCOUNTABLE TO :       Director of Clinical Services

HOURS:                               18.75 hours per week (part-time)

TERM OF POST: Permanent

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:  3 months

LEAVE ENTITLEMENT:     21 days annual leave per annum exclusive of Bank Holidays, pro rata

Caudwell Children is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.  The suitability of all prospective employees or volunteers will be assessed during the recruitment process in line with this commitment.

PURPOSE OF THE POST

The Charity is looking to recruit two part time dedicated Short Breaks Activities Managers to manage an existing team of Short Break Activities Co-ordinators, Activity Support Workers and Volunteers.  The successful candidates will be responsible for the planning and co-ordinating of each programme and ensuring that they are delivered successfully in terms of outcomes and budget.  The aim is to help disabled children and young people identify their goals and build their skills and experience to allow them to reach their full potential, helping them to build friendships, form lasting social networks and obtain ASDAN qualifications.

Short Breaks enable disabled children and young people to access the kind of activities that are open to non-disabled children, so that they can lead ordinary lives.  A Short Break will allow a child to have a change of scene, try different experiences, have fun and make friends in a safe and caring environment, while achieving a recognised ASDAN certificate.  This will contribute to a child’s personal and social development and reduce social isolation and contribute a sense of achievement and wellbeing.  Short breaks help a child spend time outside the family home and with other people and aim to improve the quality of life of children and their families.

The main purpose of this role is to plan and implement fun, inspiring and challenging leisure activities that build life skills and promote independence, whilst also providing carers with vital short break respite.  Activities are supported by funding and grants from local area commissioners and delivered with the assistance of contracted part-time co-ordinators and a team of volunteers.  The areas covered, shared between the two posts, are South Staffordshire, Stafford, Leek, Tamworth, Lichfield, Burton, Cannock and Newcastle. You will be expected to work flexibly with some weekend working required and this will vary according to the needs of the service, and may be for example 2 hours to provide supervision to coordinators or training to volunteers, or as much as 4 hours to meet a gap in staff availability.

You will work as part of the Family Services team and be able to provide advice and guidance to parents of children with Special Educational Needs.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Project management and co-ordination of Caudwell Children’s Short Breaks Programme

• Planning meaningful ASDAN courses, with achievable objectives.
• Develop session/activity plans to ensure that each area within each programme follows a consistent theme and format.
• Ensure that each programme and activity is planned in advance and delivered to quality standards in a timely manner.
• Ensure that children remain engaged and safe throughout the programmes in accordance with Caudwell Children’s policies and procedures.
• Ensure that children are signposted to other local activities where appropriate.
• Ensure that children have exit plans for longer term supporting activity on leaving programmes and activities.
• Complete assessments for the children prior to them taking part in the activities.
• Monitor, evaluate and provide reports for the department and organisation.
• Comply with all external funding requirements as appropriate.

• Staff and Volunteers
  • Manage, support and ensure supervision of staff and volunteers in the delivery of each programme.
  • To work in close conjunction with the volunteer team to ensure the engagement and retention of short breaks volunteers.
  • Assist in the recruitment and training of staff and volunteers
  • Ensure volunteer numbers meet the support needs of children on all activities and programmes.

• Budgeting
  • Ensure the service is delivered to the agreed budget and strategy.
  • Support and help to develop grant applications when requested by the grants team.

• Other
  • To provide advice and guidance to short break coordinators and volunteers
  • Effectively liaise with service users, families, team colleagues
  • Ensure compliance with ISO, Health and Safety, Safeguarding, Purchasing etc. policies and procedures
  • Ensure that risk assessments on all proposed activities and venues have taken place.
  • Ensure children’s records and portfolios are complete and have sufficient evidence to meet ASDAN standards

The above list of duties and responsibilities is not exhaustive and the post holder will be required to undertake other tasks as may reasonably be expected within the scope and grading of the post.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SHORT BREAKS ACTIVITIES MANAGER

Qualifications –Assessed by Application Form

Essential

• GCSE’s (or equivalent) in English and Maths

Desirable

• Diploma in Health and Social Care and safeguarding training

Experience – Assessed by Application Form and Interview

Essential

• Minimum 2 years’ experience of working with children.
• Experience of supervising or managing others. Experience working with children with a disability.

Desirable

• Experience working in the third/voluntary sector.
• Experience working in an educational setting with different levels of learners.
• Experience working with volunteers. Experience of managing funded projects

Knowledge – Assessed by Application Form and Interview

Essential

• Children and Families with Disabilities

Desirable

• ASDAN
• Health and Safety
• Safeguarding
• ISO 9001

Skills and Abilities – Assessed by Interview

Essential

• Ability to engage, motivate and communicate with children and young people including those with special needs
• Ability to work on own initiative and part of a team
• Good IT skills (Microsoft Office)
• Good organisational, planning and problem solving skills.
• Ability to present clear and informative written and verbal reports.

Personal Attributes- Assessed at Interview

Essential

• Warm and Caring person. Dedicated, passionate, enthusiastic and resilient.

Other Special Requirements –Assessed by Interview

Essential

• Flexible approach to work, including weekends.
• Willingness to travel.
• Access to a car and car insurance for work use.

DISCLOSURE AND BARRING SERVICE CHECKS

The Charity is committed to safeguarding children and young people and therefore adopts a safer recruitment approach through a robust recruitment and selection process.  All posts within the Charity are subject to DBS checks, in line with the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974).  Dependent on the role, one of the following DBS checks will be carried out:

• Standard disclosure
• Enhanced disclosure
• Enhanced disclosure with children’s and/or adults’ barred list check(s):

This role is not exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and is therefore eligible for an Enhanced (with children’s and/or adults’ barred list check) DBS check.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced practitioner to join our valued team, to provide quality information, advice and practical/emotional support to families/young people including disability related benefits, education and reforms, health and social care.

The ideal candidate will be committed to helping families at the most challenging of times, supporting families with warmth and empathy, whilst maintaining a calm and professional approach.  They should have previous family support experience in either a health, education, social care or third sector setting, together with a good understanding of the statutory entitlements for health related benefits and educational support.

This position requires travel around the Chelmsford area with some travel to other parts of the county. Own transport is essential.  Head office is based in Chelmsford.

Main Purpose of the Job:
To use well developed experience, expertise, together with knowledge of reforms and legislation (e.g. Welfare, Special Educational Needs and Disability reforms and Children and Families Act 2014), to help any Essex family who has a child/young person with any disability or special need, requiring quality advice, information, practical and emotional support across a wide range of issues to achieve positive outcomes that will benefit the whole family.

The post-holder will be responsible for own case work (targets) and will need to work collaboratively with other key professionals (across health, education, social care and housing) to enhance multi-agency, integrated working practices and demonstrating families’ confidence and ability to effectively take part in person-centred assessment and planning processes.

Specific Job responsibilities:
To provide consistent and current information, sound advice, practical and emotional support to families (parent carers) with children/young people (CYP) with SEND and young people (YP) directly (as appropriate) across a wide range of issues including:

-  Disability related benefits for the CYP & family support e.g. Disability Living Allowance (CYP) including preparing for and attending appeals and tribunals; Personal Independence Payment (YP 16+); Family Fund, Carers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance and other financial support including tax credits and debt advice. Housing and social care issues. 

-  All SEND educational issues including information, advice and support with Education, Health and Care (EHC) needs assessment and EHC plan, including preparing for and attending appeals and tribunals, One Planning, SEN support, together with information on options for Personal Budgets and the ‘Local Offer’. 

This support could be provided via: 
- 1:1 face to face, telephone helpline, outreach through home visits to families assessed as needing additional support, accompanying to multi-agency/planning meetings and group advice surgeries.

- Contributions to local events/briefings, group information sessions, parent/carer drop-ins, information stand at Activities Club.

- On-line services via e-mail, e-bulletins, social media (e.g. Face book/Face Time/Skype), report and letter writing and signposting to other websites/sources of information. 

To empower and support parent carers and young people, quickly building a supportive and trusted relationship with the family, helping to identify the strengths and needs of individual family members ensuring they understand and are confident about options for their child/young person’s educational attainment, social learning, development, achievement levels, contributing to aspirational as well as realistic short/medium/long-term outcomes crossing different aspects of their life, including building their resilience.

To identify and engage with relevant agencies (statutory, voluntary organisations and other groups) as appropriate to assist families in accessing appropriate services and to support cross-referrals/signposting. 

To facilitate mutual support amongst families and individuals attending drop-ins and other facilities, and to enable them to make best use of the services available. 

To organise, attend and facilitate specific group activities and events (e.g. drop-ins, workshops/talks for parents/carers and professionals, activity club, outings) including undertaking risk assessments, health and safety, record keeping systems, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation at all times. 

To work collaboratively with other key professionals (health, education, social care and housing) to enhance multi-agency and integrated working practices, contributing to plans to achieve better and co-ordinated outcomes for families.

To carry out the necessary administration and diligently keep appropriate user records, presenting issues (case management system), and statistics up to date, providing data/case studies in a timely manner for monitoring reports. 

To keep up to date with new policies, reforms and commitment to continuous personal and organisational development.

To undertake relevant training in Safeguarding, SEND reform and EHC planning. 

To assist with the training and support of volunteers engaged in a variety of tasks and to ensure that confidentiality is observed at all times by volunteers who assist with activities. 

To raise the profile of the organisation through building trusting relationships with families and professionals and networking.  

To work flexibly as required by the nature of the post which will entail working in the school holidays and attendance at some evening and weekend activities. 

To carry out other duties that may be allocated from time to time and to contribute to the smooth running of the office and ‘team working’. 

To take part in social, cultural and fundraising activities of the organization.
 
Underpinning job responsibilities
• At all times to promote safeguarding of CYP and vulnerable adults
• To contribute to good practice and development of projects/services including evaluations as required, feeding up strategic issues or trends as these are identified
• To be an effective member of the team, attending regular team meetings and supervisions
• To maintain confidentiality of information at all times
• To adhere to policies and procedures of Families InFocus (Essex)

Applications must be received no later than 3pm on Tuesday 31 March 2020, applications received after this will not be considered.

Interviews will take place on 6 April 2020 and 7 April 2020.

London, Devon and across South West

Hours as and when required (zero hours contract)

Are you passionate about creating a better future for disabled children? Are you a natural leader who thrives on developing young people? Then join us as a Facilitator. 

Whizz-Kidz is a national children’s charity with a mission to transform the lives of disabled children and young people. We work to change these young lives by providing the vital equipment, support and life skills they need.

As an ad hoc Facilitator, you will have direct experience of working with disabled young people and you will work collaboratively with the regional services team to grow our Clubs and Wheelchair Skills Training opportunities in the region.

The role will include facilitating regular Whizz-Kidz Clubs, taking responsibility for the delivery of the service on the day. This includes ensuring Young People engage in the event and supporting our young people to gain life skills and independence. You will also be responsible for Safeguarding, managing volunteers and Healthcare Assistants during the service. Opportunities also include delivering Wheelchair Skills Training through Schools and Community Hubs as well as promoting independent travel training to those who are ready.

You will have a methodical and young person-centred approach to removing barriers so that young people can participate fully in a programme and you will have experience of conducting accessibility audits and risk assessments.

For further information and to apply please visit our website.

We regret that we will not be able to respond to unsuccessful applications for this role.

Closing Date:  30th June 2020

First Interview Date:   We will be reviewing applications on a regular basis and setting up interviews as required.

Please note successful candidates will be required to attend training and the role is subject to an enhanced DBS check..

Only candidates successful in obtaining an interview will be contacted. No recruitment agencies please.

Support Worker

Location: No.1 Lavender Fields - Hitchin
Job Type: Permanent, Full time, part time & occasional hours
Salary: £9.67 per hour / £17,647 for 35 hours (£18,908 per annum FTE 37.5)

Closing Date: 6 April 2020

Want to be part of a leading organisation which positively impacts on the lives of disabled people across the world?

We have a number of Support Worker roles available, occasional hours (bank), maternity leave cover, and contracted vacancy available. Shifts are a mix of early, late and twilight shifts. Early shifts are 0700-1430, late shifts are 1330-2100, twilight shifts are 1430-2200. Weekend working required, average 2 out of 4 weekends.

As a Support Worker / Healthcare Assistant with Leonard Cheshire you’ll provide a high level of care and support to vulnerable people, enabling them to live the life they choose. You’ll assist with daily tasks including personal care, medication and assistance at mealtimes, motivating and encouraging choice and participation.

Experience as a Support Worker, Care Assistant or Healthcare Assistant is desirable but not essential as we offer an excellent training and induction programme to get you fully trained in your new role!

In return we offer a great range of employee schemes and benefits, including generous annual leave, discounts for high street retailers, contributory pension scheme and so much more!

Leonard Cheshire welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applications from people with a disability, supporting where possible, your requirements for reasonable adjustments.

A satisfactory disclosure check (PVG membership in Scotland) is required for this post.

Shortlisting for this role will take place as applications are received. We therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy once suitable candidates have been appointed.

You may have experience of the following: Support Worker, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Social Care, Voluntary Sector, Healthcare Assistant, Care Staff, Care Assistant, Community Development, Care Worker, Vulnerable People, Social Worker, Not for Profit, NFP etc.

Ref: 92582

“I’ve worked for Fitzroy for 5yrs and it’s like having a second family!”
 

• Set day rate £9.18ph
• Guaranteed hours available
• Full Time (37.5), Part Time (Various), Bank (0 hours) contracts available
• Typical shift patterns: 7am-2pm/2pm-10pm alternate weekends & sleep-ins

FitzRoy’s Registered Care service in Liss provides care & support for residents with learning disabilities. We are seeking exceptional new support workers to join our friendly team.
 

We are keen to find people who share our values, & exhibit behaviours and attitudes that match our own! You don’t need experience in care, nor do we require qualifications - we will invest in your development & training to become an exceptional care worker. 
 

• We see the person - encourage choice & respect the opinions, beliefs & dignity of others. Treat people as equals, be thoughtful, discreet & maintain confidentiality
• We are creative - encourage & support everyone to reach their goals, think of solutions to problems & actively involve people in every aspect of their lives
• We are brave - be positive, embrace new ideas, experiences & challenges. Be genuine, honest & a voice for others.
   

A support worker’s day is varied and flexibility is required. You will be providing care and support individually tailored to the needs and wishes of people with learning disabilities. Through getting to know the people you support, you will identify and work with them to achieve their goals, enabling them to have choice and control over their lives. You will also be expected to carry out everyday tasks including support and encouragement with personal care as well as taking part in a range of interests and activities that make up a healthy, well balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
 

For this role it is preferred to hold a full driving licence & be willing to drive our accessible vehicles.
 

Support Worker benefits - To reward our staff for the amazing work they do, FitzRoy offer some fantastic perks which include: 28 days holiday, enhanced overtime, pension, life insurance, childcare vouchers & access to a variety of online discounts on major retailers.
 

Interested? Click apply to complete our short online application form or call Louise for an informal chat.

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

Driver

Location: No.1 Lavender Fields - Hitchin
Job Type: Occasional hours
Salary: £8.25 per hour / (£16,131 per annum FTE 37.5)

Closing Date: 6 April 2020

Want to be part of a leading organisation which positively impacts on the lives of disabled people across the world?

Occasional hours (bank) driver required to support young people activities and appointments. Hours to be booked on a weekly basis with a regular trip on Wednesday mornings.

As a Driver with Leonard Cheshire you will be responsible for the driving and escort needs of the service, ensuring the safety of passengers, providing assistance and consideration to mobility needs. You will also ensure vehicles are maintained in a clean and roadworthy condition, with regular safety checks for oil, water, tyre pressure etc.

You will:

- Have a driving licence with no endorsements and previous driving experience.
- Be MiDAS accredited for appropriate vehicles (suitable training will be required for other vehicles).
- Have experience of driving a minibus and / or adapted vehicles (desirable for some roles).
- Be willing to work flexibly in accordance with the needs of the service.

In return we offer a great range of employee schemes and benefits, including generous annual leave, discounts for high street retailers, contributory pension scheme and so much more!

Leonard Cheshire welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applications from people with a disability, supporting where possible, your requirements for reasonable adjustments.

A satisfactory disclosure check (PVG membership in Scotland) is required for this post.

Shortlisting for this role will take place as applications are received. We therefore reserve the right to close this vacancy once suitable candidates have been appointed.

You may have experience of the following: Transport, Driver, Carer, Bus Driver, Minibus Driver, etc.

Ref: 92583

The Deputy Manager will work two days with the people we support on shift  and three days in the office supported by the service manager.

You will be working with the Service Manager to provide exceptional support to these residents and to manage the staff team.

Vacancy available:

• Full Time 37.5 hours per week

A full driving licence is essential for this position

Duties include:

• Support - Ensure sustainable, quality person-centred support is provided and that all the service users’ needs are met,
• Development – Responsible for team development including recruitment, training and development & developing innovative and engaging activities and plans
• Management – Ensure quality, compliance and financial requirements of the service are met, e.g. budgets, CQC requirements, Health & Safety

What we look for in our Deputy Managers:

• 2 years Leadership/Management experience
• Level 2 or 3 diploma or NVQ in Health and Social Care- desirable
• Reliable and dependable
• Passionate for leading positive change
• Respectful towards others
• Empathetic, understanding and caring attitude
• Drivers Licence essential

Benefits?, In addition to £23,000 pa FitzRoy offer some fantastic perks which include: 25 days holiday, + Bank Holidays, holiday purchase scheme, annual leave rising with service, enhanced overtime, pension, DBS, cycle to work, enhanced parental leave, life insurance & access to a variety of online discounts with major retailers.

We reserve the right to close this advert at any time.