Social Care/Development Jobs

Make a difference

This is an exciting opportunity to join our new service supporting Unpaid Carers across Lewisham to improve their health and wellbeing, and access support that meets their needs.

The team works with unpaid Adult Carers, Young Adult Carers and Young Carers, completing statutory and holistic assessments to understand people’s individual circumstances and level of need. You will carry out home visits and community meetings, co-produce support plans, and develop effective relationships with Unpaid Carers, families, and professionals.  

You’ll build on your local knowledge to signpost and facilitate access for Unpaid Carers to support services, including financial and benefit advice, housing, health and safety home systems, and leisure and social activities. You will also support the development of escalation plans so that Unpaid Carers are prepared for unforeseen circumstances that would impact negatively on ability to care.

Applicants should have relevant personal or professional experience of working with Unpaid Carers and/or vulnerable adults or children in a social care, health, education or voluntary and community sector. You’ll need a practical understanding of barriers faced by Unpaid Carers, and an awareness of cultural differences and access to services. Experience of working in mental health or dementia services would be an advantage.

You should be an excellent communicator and able to motivate and empower others. This is a full-time role.

Don’t wait. Apply today!

We offer our employees:

• Inclusive values-based environment
• Competitive remuneration package
• Workplace pension scheme
• Generous 31 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays
• Opportunities for hybrid working
• Benenden Health Care
• Death in Service Benefit
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Employee Supported Volunteering scheme
• Development opportunities
• and more

Imago is committed to Safer Recruitment practices, and the post is subject to references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please either submit your CV with a short covering note or visit our website for full details.

Imago recognises that many people in our society experience discrimination or lack of opportunity for reasons that are not fair. We aim to create a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, and see these differences as an asset, as they improve our ability to meet the needs of the organisations and people we work with. We proactively seek to increase opportunities for inclusion, and celebrate diversity across our organisation and within communities.

Imago recognises its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children, young people and adults at risk who access its services or with whom it comes into contact.

Are you ready to take the next step?

This is an exciting management opportunity for someone looking to use their skills and experience to make a real difference. Join our team working with unpaid carers across the London Borough of Lewisham to improve their health and wellbeing, and access support that meets their needs.

As project manager, you will oversee the day-to-day operation and delivery of this vital  service, using your experience to develop the team, sharing best practice and seeking creative opportunities to continually improve the support we offer unpaid carers. You’ll develop trusted partnerships with local stakeholders, practitioners, businesses and services to promote and embed the service in the local area, supporting the development of a positive ‘carer friendly’ culture in Lewisham.

This role will suit a people person who can quickly develop relationships, lead a team, and work closely in a supportive role with Adult Carers, Young Adult Carers and Young Carers. You’ll have overall responsibility for the Carer’s hub, where carers can drop in for advice and support, manage a small caseload, and support the delivery of the service’s range of activities as required, including respite activities, online groups, face-to-face sessions.

We are looking for a great motivator with excellent communication and organisational skills. Applicants should have relevant team or project management experience in social care, health, education or the voluntary and community sector. You will have experience of working with vulnerable adults and/or children and operational knowledge of multi-agency working. A practical understanding of barriers faced by unpaid carers, and an awareness of cultural differences will be key in this role.

This is a full-time role and the postholder can either be based in the community in Lewisham or our New Ash Green office, with travel to the other area/ office 2 days a week. The postholder must have access to their own ULEZ compliant car.  

Work with us!

We offer our employees:

· Inclusive values-based environment

· Competitive remuneration package

· Workplace pension scheme

· Generous 31 days annual leave entitlement plus bank holidays

· Opportunities for hybrid working

· Benenden Health Care

· Death in Service Benefit

· Cycle to Work Scheme

· Employee Supported Volunteering scheme

· Development opportunities

· and more

Imago is committed to Safer Recruitment practices, and the post is subject to references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Please either submit your CV with a short covering note or visit our website for full details.

Imago recognises that many people in our society experience discrimination or lack of opportunity for reasons that are not fair. We aim to create a culture that respects and values each other’s differences, and see these differences as an asset, as they improve our ability to meet the needs of the organisations and people we work with. We proactively seek to increase opportunities for inclusion, and celebrate diversity across our organisation and within communities.

Imago recognises its duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of the children, young people and adults at risk who access its services or with whom it comes into contact.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for a new Advocate to join our team in Elgin and the surrounding area. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support or already have a Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team covering Elgin and the surrounding area. You will be involved in one-to-one advocacy along with group work across the area; this could be in a clients’ home or other suitable community venue and be home based for telephone referrals and administrative tasks.  Therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

This is a full time role for 35 hours per week, applicants who do not hold the Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy will start on £22,500 per annum pro-rata.

About you

We actively encourage applications from those who are long term unemployed.

Desirably you will have some experience of working, providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education, training, benefits, employment, care and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard.  This can be through 1-2-1 advocacy or in a group setting.

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain or to already hold, the Level 2 Award in Independent Advocacy with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Separate Life Assurance Cover
• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
• Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
• Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
• Support with continuous professional development

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values, and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; Midnight on 5th May 2024, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

We look forward to hearing from you.

NB:

If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete this within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training.

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for a new Advocate to join our team in the East Riding of Yorkshire. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team covering the East Riding of Yorkshire. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day. Advocates are expected to be willing to gain, or to already hold, the Level 3 Award in Independent Advocacy Practice with disciplines suitable for the role they work in.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Separate Life Assurance Cover
• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
• Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
• Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
• Support with continuous professional development

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; midnight on 5th May 2024, however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

We look forward to hearing from you.

NB:

If you don't already hold the Independent Advocacy Practice qualification, and you are successful in your application, it is a requirement that you complete the core element within 12 months of commencing the training.  VoiceAbility will fund this training.

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Community Navigator (Mental Health)
Post no: 593
Salary: £24,667.47 per annum
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Location: Eaglestone Health Centre, Milton Keynes

This role is an opportunity to work for Mind BLMK as part of the Milton Keynes NHS mental health service for someone with experience working in health, social care or information and advice, in direct contact with service users.

Working alongside colleagues from Central Northwest London Foundation Trust (CNWL) this role will provide referral management to and from Secondary Services. This will include signposting patients to statutory services including talking therapies and wider community based & voluntary sector support.

The Community Navigator will work as part of the team to deliver on the aims and objectives of the Mental Health Hub whilst representing the Voluntary and Community sector with the NHS.

Service Delivery

• Work within the NHS Mental Health SPA (Single Point of Access) Team to review and process referrals received from GP Practices and other sources including those to be subsequently triaged and assessed by mental health practitioners.
• Actively call patients with a view to assisting them through the process and making their onward appointments into community or secondary care service providers.
• Support the hub to signpost patients and direct them to appropriate services including secondary care, the local Voluntary and Community sector services and activities that support the patients’ wider determinates of their mental health and wellbeing.
• Answer calls, ensure sufficient phone cover, respond to messages/voicemails, provide administrative support to the Mental Health SPA for all services and deal with queries in a sensitive and timely way liaising with clinical or team lead as is appropriate.
• Monitor service inboxes during core office hours, responding to any queries professionally providing helpful information.
• Monitor and action tasks within SystmOne and maintain records of all activities carried out, i.e. outbound calls, calls received, archiving any received correspondence.
• Build good working relationships with the voluntary and community sector, relevant services and activities to ensure signposting pathways are kept up to date as well navigating and developing the setup of new signposting pathways through networking.
• Provide clinical and non-clinical information in appropriate chronological templates to other services.
• Carry out health and safety responsibilities as directed by Managers in line with Mind BLMK’s H&S policies, procedures, and guidance (risk assessments, reviews, reporting, safeguarding, incidents/accidents, premises).
• To bring VCSE experience, knowledge and culture into an NHS team.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Optional Health Plan
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm on Thursday 2 May 2024
Interview: TBC
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply.
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

Citizens Advice Westminster works to make a difference to the lives of people in Westminster. We deliver a high quality, agile advice service which reflects community issues and needs. Our service puts people first.

As a Generalist Adviser / Caseworker, you will be part of a dedicated team helping in the delivery of advice and casework on full range of advice enquiry areas in particular welfare benefits and housing. You will also be undertaking casework support for vulnerable clients including acting on their behalf with third parties.

You will need to be a strong communicator with excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to deal with diverse range of people including vulnerable clients. You will be committed to developing your skills and happy to work flexibly, including from home, since we offer advice services on the phone, via digital technologies and face to face. While we are based near Royal Oak station the role will also include working from community settings including Food Banks across Westminster.

We will offer the right candidate a generous salary with other benefits including hybrid and flexible working, annual season ticket loans, career breaks, and the opportunity to develop yourself professionally and your career within the organisation. You will be part of a warm and friendly work culture where opinions are valued. We can also offer a flexible working environment where you can work some days from home.

If you are ready to be a part of this community organisation offering a vital service to people who need our help, then click apply and complete the application process, demonstrating how you meet the competencies in the Person Specification in your supporting statement. Please note we expect employees to spend 40% to 60% of their working time at the office or in outreach location.

Citizens Advice Westminster value diversity, promote equality and challenge discrimination. We strongly encourage applicants from all parts of society and believe that diversity is what makes us the leaders in what we do.

Closing Date: 3rd May 2024, 5pm

Assessments and Interviews may be booked before closing date if we find the right candidates with the skills and experience we are looking for in the person specifications, so apply now!

Hours: 22.5 – 37 per week (part time or full time, depending on experience)
Responsible to: Law Centre Manager
Applications closing date: 29 April 2024 (9.00am)
Reserved interview dates: 7 – 8 May 2024

Are you an experienced caseworker with an excellent knowledge of welfare benefits law? Could you support our welfare benefits team?

North Yorkshire Citizens Advice and Law Centre has an exciting new role available for a Welfare Benefits Supervisor. This role would suit someone who meets the Legal Aid Agency’s supervisor standards. You will be responsible for supporting our welfare benefits projects and helping the team of advisers to provide high quality advice and deal with cases from our generalist service right through to representation at tribunal and court. 

The successful candidate will be an effective communicator with an ordered approach to casework and the ability to motivate a diverse team. 

Our service is in demand like never before and our goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face. If you are looking for a rewarding role, then this could be the perfect opportunity for you. 

This position can be undertaken as a hybrid role with at least 2 days per week based in your choice of one of our North Yorkshire offices (Northallerton, Richmond, Malton, Scarborough, Selby, Harrogate, Whitby and Skipton).

You will work with young people between the age of 17-25 with needs related to substance misuse, including those that are affected by their parent’s substance misuse. The purpose of the role is to engage young people in a variety of interventions, using a young person centred approach, empowering them to reduce risk, increase resilience and achieve positive outcomes.

Based in the Transitions team, you will support young people with multiple risk factors and substance use. Our Complex Needs Practitioners work flexibly across the community and within our multi-agency partnership settings. The caseload will include a mixture of community and multi-agency referral pathways including health, social care, education and criminal justice.
 
A core part of the role will be working with young people and their families to address holistic support needs across all aspects of the young person’s wellbeing. This could include diverse work related to homelessness, family work, exploitation, physical and emotional health as well as substance misuse.
 
An energetic and confident self-starter, you have proven experience within health and social care, particularly working with young people and supporting them through mental ill health.

This is a permanent full-time role requiring the post holder to work 37 hours per week.

We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or who are from a BAME background.

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

To apply for this role, please visit our website via the apply button. 

Aquarius is a subsidiary of Richmond Fellowship, with both organisations being part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. From 1st June 2024 Richmond Fellowship will be merging with the mental health charity Humankind to form a single organisation that provides the joined-up mental health, housing and drug and alcohol support we’ve all known has been needed for decades. At the same time, Aquarius will become a subsidiary of Humankind, with no impact to terms and conditions of employment. In October 2024, Humankind will then be renamed to reflect the new, bigger and better organisation, of which Aquarius will remain a subsidiary

Are you looking for a fulfilling role where you can make a real difference? Are you organised and people orientated? We have an exciting opportunity at our Birmingham Centre to support us in connecting with our local community. Thrive is a national charity that uses gardening to change lives. We’re looking for a Community Engagement Officer who will strengthen our links within the local community, such that more people know about Thrive, understand what we do and access our programs.

Funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, we’re looking to significantly build on our fantastic work in Birmingham over the next two years. Working as a key part of the team at Thrive in Birmingham, the Community Engagement Officer will increase participation and strengthen our referral pathways through productive relationships. Such that engagement with our services is representative of the diversity within our locality. The successful candidate will have strong communication and organisational skills. We’re looking for a relational operator who can confidently facilitate visitors and work independently with a range of external partners.

to this post will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check.  Thrive complies fully with the DBS Code of Practice.  Having a criminal record will not necessarily prevent an individual from working for Thrive.

Closing date for applications: 17.00 on the 2nd May 2024. We will be reviewing applications as they come in, so early application is recommended.

Mind BLMK works across our communities to support positive mental health and wellbeing. Working closely with a range of partners, we offer a number of activities from our wellbeing centres and local venues to make a difference to the mental health and wellbeing of people in Bedfordshire, Luton and Milton Keynes, and our aim is to make sure that no-one has to face a mental health problem alone.

Community Connector (Mental Health Resilience Worker)
Post no: 594
Working base: Dunstable
Contract type: Permanent
Salary: £24,720 per annum
Hours: 37.0 hours per week, Monday to Friday

About the Role

Community Connectors work as part of an integrated, blended mental health offer to support people with emotional, social and practical needs to access a range of local, non-medical and non-clinical services, to improve confidence, social inclusion and independence.

This role will involve working as part of a multi-disciplinary team with statutory, third sector and NHS colleagues to support clients who are suffering from moderate to severe mental health difficulties. You will need to have experience working with those suffering with mental health illness as well as being able to demonstrate in depth knowledge of the services, support networks and local resources that may assist in improved outcomes for those dealing with complex and enduring mental health issues. The ability to be adaptable, work independently and the resilience to work in some challenging environments are key attributes for this role.

Service Delivery

• Assess suitability for community connection support as part of a blended team approach and support individuals to access the service by utilising in depth knowledge of local voluntary and community services and networks in your respective area
• To work with individuals to coproduce a plan to address their mental health and wellbeing goals. Am enable people to achieve these goals through facilitating access and connecting with appropriate resources
• Enable people to access community resources which may include accompanying them.
• Offer support, guidance and help where possible to people to gain confidence, overcome initial fears and seek solutions to any barriers inhibiting attendance.
• Take a holistic approach, based on the individuals’ priorities and wider determinants of health that impact on their health and wellbeing, such as debt, poor housing, being unemployed, loneliness and caring responsibilities.
• To work as part of an integrated team to ensure the best outcomes for each person accessing the service.
• Identify and build good working relationships with the community groups, relevant services and activities for partnership work and signposting as well as keep updated information about them.
• Competently work as part of a blended team, under direction from Mind BLMK and ELFT, working with independence and in an agile way to support people with complex mental health challenges.

Entitlements/benefits:

• 25 days (pro rata) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays (pro rata)
• Auto-enrolment NEST pension scheme (employer contributes 3%, employee contributes 5%)
• Health Plan with a wide variety of benefits
• Discounts available through Blue Light Card & Tickets for Good
• In-house and external Learning and Development as appropriate for the role.
• Flexible Working On request (in line with Mind BLMK policy on Right to Request Flexible Working)

If you have a passion for working in mental health and possess the required skills, we would love to hear from you.

Closedown: 5pm Thursday 2nd May 2024
Interview date: TBC
Please note: We reserve the right to close this advert early if enough suitable applicants apply
Start date: ASAP

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

Mind BLMK has been committed to the Mindful Employer charter and the Disability Confident Employer Scheme since 2008.

Please note: Mind BLMK follows Safer Recruitment practices and we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults. Therefore all our roles are subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

No agencies please.

We are a dedicated Domestic Abuse Charity supporting Women exposed to gender-based violence and exploitation, and their children to be safe and have access to appropriate interventions and support in order to live free from fear and harm.

If you are passionate about supporting women and working in a charity that has core values of diversity and inclusion, collaboration, advocacy and innovation then we have an exciting opportunity for you to join us as a Support Office working in our Refuges.  We work with trauma informed practice and use client led support plans to ensure that the women in our Refuges are supported in a personalised way.

We are passionate about working in the community with other agencies and organisations to ensure that women using our services have excellent, appropriate and holistic support.

We have an exciting opportunity to join us in making a difference!  

Citizens Advice Birmingham has partnered with Alzheimer's Society to deliver Welfare Benefits Advice for people living with dementia. This includes those with the condition and their carers. 

Are you an experienced adviser who has a strong background in the delivery of high-quality advice and a good working knowledge of welfare benefits? 

We are looking for an enthusiastic caseworker to join the team, to provide the following:

• You will undertake casework, assisting clients to access their entitlement to welfare benefits and other sources of financial help, up to and including tribunal representation.
• Advice will be delivered virtually according to the service user’s needs and preferences. This will include phone, secure email or secure video calls.
• Help to design welfare benefit information leaflets and upskill referrers, preparing and providing training on our referral processes.
• Working independently and building relationships with third sector colleagues will be important, as will the ability to achieve targets, and support the work of volunteers. 

Annual Leave:  25 days plus 8 bank holidays pro rata per annum from 1st January to 31st December. This rises to 30 days pro rata over the next 5 years

Previous applicants need not apply

Closing Date: Thursday 2nd May 2024 at noon

Interview Date: Monday 20th May 2024

We're looking for a kind, compassionate and resilient Waking Night Support Worker to join our Mental Health service in Slough.

£25,000.00 per annum, working 40 hours per week. Benefits include 25 days Annual Leave, pension schemes, staff discounts, healthcare and career progression.

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.

This role will suit a support worker looking to working throughout the night. You will report to the team leader and engage with/ support customers during anti-social hours.

This is a great opportunity for a Waking Night Support Worker, wanting to gain exceptional experience within the mental health field, based on the solid working relationship with (SCMHT). We have since implemented training directly from SCMHT to support staff with understanding Mental Health diagnosis and Managing Crisis with our customers in-house.

You will be based at Hope House. We have two sites: Hope House and Doddsfield Rd. Hope House/ Place is a 10 bed supported housing service, providing support for 16 customers overall. The support hours for Hope House are 24 hours, 7 days a week, with one waking night.

Doddsfield Rd has 6 independent living flats with floating support.

This role requires a valid Right to Work for the UK as Look Ahead are not a sponsoring organisation.

What you'll do:

- Undertake key-working responsibilities for a caseload assigned by the Team Leader/ Manager.
- Undertake initial and continuous assessment of needs and potential risks and agree levels of support and actions.
- Create support/action plans for providing appropriate services based on the assessment and reflecting the services and resources available.
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation.
- Develop and maintain links with all key agencies and service providers in the local community.
- Empower customers to ensure they receive the service and benefits they are entitled to
- Undertake all administrative work and keep accurate and comprehensive tenant/customer records to professional standards.
- Encourage and enable tenants to pay their rent and to ensure that rent accounts are managed effectively in conjunction with the Housing Management team.
- Ensure that referrals are chased proactively so that properties which can be used to house those in need are filled as efficiently as possible.
- Adhere to Look Ahead's Policies and Procedures.
- Engage in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills.
- Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as may be reasonably assigned.

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

About you:

- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement.
- Approachable 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 and flexible.
- Open to feedback and self-development.
- 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 essentially customer-focused.
- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can-do attitude.
- Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours.

What you'll bring:

Essential:

- Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector

Desirable:

- Experience working in mental health.

About us:

Look Ahead is a dynamic, leading, not-for-profit care and support provider in London and the South East. As an organisation we deliver over 110 services, providing support to around 7000 customers each year. We work across mental health, homelessness, young people and learning disabilities so there are plenty of opportunities to grow and progress your career with us.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

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.

This role is a hybrid role within the Children and Families Team which is part of the Wiltshire Domestic Abuse Service, providing support to children and young people that have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse.

The Children and Young Persons Triage Advisor will act as the gateway for all children and young people referrals to the Wiltshire Domestic Abuse Service. Working within an experienced and established team, the Children and Young Persons Triage Advisor will:

- Triage referrals, with a particular focus on children and young people who have witnessed or experienced domestic abuse.

- Conduct risk assessments and offer immediate safety planning advice.

- Respond to safeguarding concerns.

- Signpost victims and professionals to other support agencies where appropriate.

- Provided early intervention support to children and young people as part of triage and welfare calls made.

- Offer specialist domestic abuse advice and support to professionals.

- Making welfare calls to victims who are waiting to start structured support.

- Support as required with co-facilitating in our children and young persons group work provision

In addition, the role requires the building of effective relationships both internally within the Wiltshire Team and externally, supporting a multi-agency approach.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

Working within the agreed policies, principles and codes of practice of FearFree, the post holder will:

Working with children and young people and risk management:

• Provide a victim focused service, with an understanding of the impact of trauma on children and young people.
• Demonstrate specialist knowledge and understanding of domestic abuse and how this may impact on the children and young people and their wider family unit.
• Provide advice, guidance and support to children and young people who have witnessed or experience domestic c abuse.
• Assess, manage and review risks to service users, colleagues and self, including the use of the dash risk assessment tool and SOAG.
• Make safeguarding referrals where appropriate: including to Children’s Social Care, Adult Social Care, Mental Health crisis teams and MARAC.
• Work directly with individuals or groups as agreed with the Team Manager.
• Safeguard the health and welfare of the children and young people and their families.
• Respond to emergencies and crisis situations including supporting a service user to access a place of safety if appropriate.
• Manage and support service users by telephone with low to medium support needs in line with the agreed values and aims of the service.
• Support as required with co-facilitating in our children and young persons group work provision
• Act as duty worker as part of a rota system. Duty shifts take place in the Trowbridge Office on weekdays between 9 and 5pm.

Team working 

• Offer professional advice and support to multi-agency partners.
• Feedback to the Team Manager, Wiltshire Service Manager and/or other Support Workers any information related to the service users support needs or risk issues, and progress on support tasks.
• Work effectively in partnership with multiple statutory and voluntary agencies to enhance service delivery, safety and safeguarding.
• Contribute to effective team working with a flexible and pro-active approach, including cover for other team members’ holiday and sickness.
• Work closely with other agencies, to network with, make referrals to and maintain good relationships with, and be able to disseminate information appropriately.
• Communicate with other staff, as well as the Team Lead and Wiltshire Service Manager, issues related to activities and work undertaken.

Administrative duties 

• Help provide a responsive support service with a high quality of customer care.
• Answer the telephone and take messages and referrals, take action on messages and referrals and provide a triage service for all children and young people referrals.
• Assist in the referral process and children and young people follow up calls, contacting other agencies and helping to arrange appointments.
• Assist in the assessment and identifying children and young people for priority allocation
• Update written and computerised records with accurate clear information to deadline, including maintaining details of any special needs required by service users.
• Assist with monitoring and evaluation policies and procedures and producing reports.

Additional tasks and responsibilities:

• Ensure personal safety for self, other staff and service users at all times
• Participate in personal training and supervision opportunities and attend team meetings.
• Carry out other tasks appropriate to the post, which may be identified as the service develops and as agreed with the Team Manager and Wiltshire Service Manager.
• FearFree is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

For a full job description/person specification and to apply, please follow the link provided on this website. There is no specific closing date for this role and this vacancy will close once a suitable candidate is found, so early applications are encouraged.

FearFree is committed to encouraging equality and diversity in the workplace.  We strive to be a diverse and inclusive place to work where we can all be ourselves and individual differences are recognised and valued.