Independent Mental Health Advocate & R.P.R.

Applications will be considered for a part-time or full time position (30- 37.5 hrs).

(£21.5 - £23K pro rata dependent on experience)

Matrix SDT are seeking to employ an Independent Mental Health Advocate (IMHA) to work with Surrey clients with mental health issues and a Relevant Persons Representative (RPR) to work with those lacking capacity and deprived of their liberty. The IMHA post will initially be based at The Abraham Cowley Unit (Chertsey) and Farnham Road Hospital (Guildford), but will eventually involve working at various sites across the County. RPR work will primarily be in East Surrey and will be based at the post-holder’s home.

Previous advocacy experience and an IMHA qualification is

desirable though not essential for IMHA role, as is experience of working with

those with limited capacity for the RPR role. Training will be provided.

• Good holiday allowance.

• Flexible working hours considered. • Small and supportive team.

Closing date Friday 18th October 2019 Interviews:  28th October 2019

You will be joining a highly successful team that has been working with disabled people for the last four years to change attitudes, perceptions and practices around physical activity and wellbeing. You will be a dynamic person and able to work collectively, as well as work on initiative, to solve problems and create impact to the benefit of disabled people. 

The post is part of a growing area at DR UK focussed on working with partners at a national and local level to create solutions to wellbeing inequalities faced by disabled people. With a focus on physical activity as a key driver to the wider determinants of wellbeing you will lead on projects aligned with the DR UK flagship programme Get Yourself Active, funded by Sport England.

We are looking for someone determined to make a change to the way disabled people access physical activity with a willingness to learn from and engage with untraditional partners in social care, health and at the grassroots. If this is something that interests and excites you please follow link below.

This is a full-time post with a salary range of £30 - 35k. We have a flexible working policy, our offices are based on the Olympic Park near Stratford and are fully accessible. Please note that applications without a covering letter, ideally covering each point outlined in the person specification, will not be considered. 

Relief Support Worker

Hft is a national charity that’s been supporting people with learning disabilities since 1962. We put the people we support at the centre of everything we do and use our experience to work in partnership with them to provide personalised services to more than 3,000 people.

Position: Relief Support Worker
Location: Sheffield & Derbyshire
Job type: Relief, Permanent
Hours: Casual / Flexi
Salary: £8.21 (plus 12.07% in lieu of holiday pay)
Benefits Package: Apprenticeships - gain a fully funded Level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care whilst earning;

Closing date: Sunday 20th October 2019

About the role:

Covering leave, training and sickness with hours that fit in with life's other commitments; this is an ideal way of discovering if this is the career for you.

As a Relief Support Worker at Hft you’ll be supporting adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible. In these roles, everything you do will enable people to have choices about their own lives, creating flexible services that meet people’s needs and always looking for the best way of doing things.

Experience isn’t essential but you should possess the knowledge and confidence to enable people to live a more fulfilling and independent life. Having the right values and attitudes is more important than experience.

Hft provide 24 / 7 support to some people, as a Relief Worker you will be requested to cover shifts regularly on an ad hoc basis. You are not an employee of Hft and remain a 'Worker' for the duration of each individual contract you undertake for Hft.

Supporting with all aspects of the daily lives of the people we support including travel, holidays, personal care, accessing the community and helping to achieve goals.

About you:

No previous experience of support work or any special qualifications are needed for this job - you’ll get a comprehensive induction, full training and support along the way. You’ll need to have good communication and listening skills. Basic IT skills are also essential.

What we offer:

With Investors in People and Skills for Care accreditation we are committed to investing in our teams to ensure they have the specialist skills and expertise needed to support others to live the best life possible.

Dependent upon the number of hours you work per week, you may have the opportunity to work towards an industry recognised qualification that will enable you to build a career in the Health and Social Care Sector. You would be supported every step of the way as you work towards a Level 2 Diploma in Health and Social Care with our approved training partner.

It’s not just a job, it’s a life experience. Join us and help us change lives.

Strictly No Agencies Please

Hft’s usual terms and conditions apply.

Hft is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. As a Disability Confident Employer, Hft is helping to ensure that disabled people have the same opportunities to fulfil their potential and realise their aspirations that people without disabilities do.

Successful applicants will need to undertake an enhanced disclosure check against the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). Having a criminal record may not bar you from employment.

You may have experience of the following: Support Worker, 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, Relief Worker, Relief Support Worker, Care Assistant, etc

Ref: 89310

Job purpose

To keep our team and members abreast of policy issues affecting the Shared Lives and Homeshare sector across the UK, including legislation and regulation in health, social care, housing and benefits.  To ensure that Shared Lives Plus responds in a timely manner, provides accessible information to our members and to support the senior team and members to shape and influence national and local policy agendas.

Job Objectives

1. Identify, monitor and evaluate policy issues affecting the Shared Lives and Homeshare sectors, and formulate policy positions and responses in partnership with colleagues and members.
2. Undertake projects to explore policy issues as agreed with senior managers.
3. Effectively communicate policy issues to a range of audiences and ensure our members voices are reflected in any consultation responses.
4. Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders including regulation bodies in the four nations and key government departments as necessary.
5. Act as an Ambassador for Shared Lives Plus representing the organisation at external functions and events. 

Main duties and responsibilities

1. Identify, monitor and evaluate policy issues and formulate policy responses.
   1. Working with the membership support and Homeshare team and members, identify any current policy issues or proposed changes that could affect the Shared Lives and Homeshare sectors.
   2. Advise colleagues and the senior management team on how to respond to complex policy issues, identifying any tensions between the interests of different member groups or stakeholders, and how to resolve them in pursuit of our mission.
   3. Prepare briefings for senior managers, staff, members and people who use services and other stakeholders to inform them of policy issues or changes.
   4. Work with colleagues and members to formulate policy responses in a timely manner.

1. Undertake projects to explore policy issues as agreed with senior managers.
   1. Identify key areas of policy affecting the Shared Lives and Homeshare sectors and people who use services.
   2. Develop specific projects to explore these areas in greater detail to provide comprehensive guidance to our members.

1. Effectively communicate policy issues to a range of audiences and ensure our members voices are reflected in any consultation responses.
   1. Provide regular information briefings and presentations to members.
   2. Preparing submissions for local and national government, NHS and other audiences in response to policy issues or consultation.
   3. Draft policy position papers, blogs and reports and work with the communications team to communicate with and influence the public and decision makers at all levels.
   4. Develop and maintain relationships with members to coproduce effective local and national campaigns and reactive responses to policy changes.
   5. Explore a range of methods to engage with members to coproduce policy positions and understand the range of members’ views on relevant issues.
   6. Identify and address inequalities within our membership and sectors, working with people from minority groups to develop a range of campaigns relevant to different sections of our diverse membership.
   7. Provide regular briefings and information to the full range of members, stakeholders and people who use services via our communication channels
   8. Attend meetings with members to inform, update and provide training on key areas of policy, organising webinars and teleconferences to brief members where appropriate

1. Develop and manage relationships with key stakeholders including regulation bodies in the four nations and key government departments as necessary.
   1. Develop relationships with the regulatory bodies across the UK and attend key meetings with them as necessary.
   2. Keep abreast of any proposed changes affecting the regulation of Shared Lives and Homeshare.
   3. Work with relevant government officials on areas of policy affecting the Shared Lives and Homeshare sectors to ensure that they are considered and the implications understood of any proposed changes.

1.   Act as an Ambassador for Shared Lives Plus representing the organisation at external functions and events. 
   1. Attend relevant external meetings and events on behalf of Shared Lives Plus to represent the Shared Lives and Homeshare sector as required.
   2. Work with ambassadors (who have lived experience of using services) and Champions (Shared Lives carers who provide peer support) to develop their influencing skills and impact.

1. To contribute to the effective administration of Shared Lives Plus.
   1. Monitor and report on the outcomes of the post, including reports to the Board of Trustees and reports to funders.
   2. Contribute to the planning and running of Shared Lives Plus conferences and events.

7. Working Practice

a. To engage in continuous self-development and training.

b. To work cooperatively with Shared Lives Plus colleagues UK-wide.

c.  To work in a way which promotes diversity, equality of opportunity and anti-discriminatory practice,  embracing the principles of coproduction

d. To operate at all times in a way that is consistent with Shared Lives Plus’  legal responsibilities including health and safety legislation and guidance.

e. To work in accordance with Shared Lives Plus aims and objectives and policies and procedures and to promote a positive image of Shared Lives.

f.  To undertake such other duties as may reasonably be required, commensurate with the level of the post.

12-month contract with possible extension, subject to funding

The Active Wellbeing Society, together with Our Health Partnership (and the Primary Care Networks) are delighted to be recruiting a number of Social Prescribers at a very exciting time in the development of our Social Prescribing work in the city.  Building on our existing work, we want to create a service that enables patients to improve their health and wellbeing by supporting them to access a range of activities and services in their community.  This is an opportunity to be part of a Link Worker team, working in General Practice but also benefitting from a wider peer support infrastructure and opportunity to be part of an organisation delivering 1000s of social prescribing activities across the city every month.   

The Link Worker will be part of the service that expands the options available in primary care by creating a ‘managed’ way for referrals of patients with social, emotional and/or practical needs to access variety of local non-clinical services in the community. These include social and physical activities, education, welfare, housing and employment advice and support.  Our aim is to not only support patients to access services in the community but recognise where there is unmet need and work to co-design and create new activities and solutions that help tackle isolation and ill health, bringing patients and communities together.

Closing date: 3rd October

Interviews may be held during the application stage depending on the suitability of the candidate.

You will work to the Individual Placement and Support Model of employment support and will be embedded within the relevant secondary care team.  You will also spend time working in community based settings as required by the Model.

Direct employer engagement is an important part of the role.

Employment specialists are trained to provide people with support, coaching, CV development, interview training, and on-the-job support. IPS puts the service user's preferences at the centre of attention, as the service user decides whether or not employers and potential employers know about their mental illness and whether or not their employment advisor contacts the employer on his or her behalf. The service user also decides which jobs to apply for and how many hours he or she wants to work. The decision about how much to work is often influenced by a desire to transition to a working life while minimising the risk of being both out of work and without benefits.

Individual Placement Support is based on 8 key principles:

1.Primary goal is to achieve competitive employment with central focus to support job seekers gaining paid employment

2.Everyone is eligible with free service user decision of when to start return to work process

3.Job search is consistent with individual preferences

4.Job search is rapid

5.Co-location of employment specialists and clinical

6.Information about benefits is provided to help

7.Support is time unlimited and customised, to both the employee and the employer.

8. Employment specialists develop relationships with employers based upon a person’s work preferences.

We currently have two vacancies of which one is a slightly more senior role requiring enhanced experience of IPS fidelity and data management systems.  Please indicate which vacancy you are interested in. Full job descriptions can be downloaded.

To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter.  Your covering letter should be a supporting statement covering the following points:

• Why you are interested in the position?

• What is your strongest personal quality that will enable you to succeed in the role?

• What are your relevant skills and experience? Please align to the person specification

Recovery Assistant (Weekends) 

12 hours per week (Saturday / Sunday) Salary £17,800 - £19,825 Per Annum (pro rata) 

Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT) is an East London charity providing practical help, support and training to people who have been homeless and suffering from addiction. It runs a homeless drop-in, a Recovery Hub (which includes an abstinence-based residential recovery accommodation, a Primary Programme and a Continuing Care Programme), supported houses and two social enterprises supporting people in recovery from addictions to put their lives back together. Our integrative approach is based on the ‘Recovery Capital’ methodology and is a wholeperson approach, which takes into account physical, cultural, social, human and spiritual factors and assets.

Role and Responsibilities:

 In a professional manner, welcome all volunteers, external agencies and new residents offering assistance where needed.

 To work with the Supported Housing team to ensure people are safe, secure and maintain their tenancy.

 To interact with all residents in a flexible and sensitive manner, and with due regard for individual need.

 To implement procedures, paying particular attention to registers of residents as they come into and leave the premises.

 To be particularly vigilant during open access times and to implement the basic rules with regard to alcohol, drugs and violence.

 To be responsible for the safety of all volunteers and visitors, as they relate to the activities of the residence

 To take charge of the main entrance to the building, and to monitor all other areas.

 To inform the appropriate staff of any problems that may arise and to use initiative in dealing with any difficulties, either with or without the assistance of the police.

 To undertake cleaning of the main communal areas on a daily rota system.

 To check all areas for safety to ensure that for example, drug use and/or drug exchange is not becoming a practice.

 To provide information on residents to staff

 To contact the appropriate persons in the event of deliveries of goods, and to authorise the acceptance of goods, if appropriate to do so.

 To attend and participate in formal handovers, meetings and training sessions as required.

 To provide cover at the main reception when required.

 To support Housing and Counseling staff with general duties

See attached for further information

Do you want to have a direct impact on local community services? Are you passionate about supporting isolated or vulnerable adults?

Community Connections operates across the borough of Lewisham supporting isolated adults (18+) to access community support, services and activities. The project works on two fronts: Community Facilitators support isolated adults in one-to-one person-centred work to enable them to learn about, identify barriers to and ultimately access community activities and services. Alongside this, Community Development Workers work with the community to build and sustain those services and activities that support isolated adults. 

Community Connections is run by a consortium of partners, of which Age UK Lewisham & Southwark (AUKLS) is the lead partner. This post is employed by AUKLS but will work collaboratively with the consortium to deliver a broad programme of support in Lewisham. You will have access to all of the training and support from AUKLS, in addition to opportunities to learn and grow through our partnership work. 

This post is a 6 month contract.

Support Worker

Fed up with your 9-5?

Looking for an exciting new challenge?

Want to end your day with the satisfaction that you made a positive impact on someone else’s life?

Join us!

St Elizabeth’s is situated in 68 acres of Hertfordshire parkland between Harlow and Bishop’s Stortford. We support people with Epilepsy and other complex needs from the age of 5 through to 78 in our Children’s Home, School, College, Residential Homes with nursing and Day Centre. Over 150 adults and children call St Elizabeth’s their home making us an inspirational place to do great work.

Position: Care & Support Worker (Adults / Children)
Location: Much Hadham, Hertfordshire, SG
Job type: Full Time, Permanent (Flexible working considered)
Hours: Full time, part time, casual and weekend positions available
Salary: £16,466-£18,233 per annum (£8.44 - £9.35 per hour) plus weekend enhancements and overtime opportunities
Benefits: Currently a 50% uplift on your salary for working overtime on a Saturday & Sunday for full time permanent employees; Opportunity to pursue recognised qualifications; Fabulous staff development – fully funded for you by the Centre; Free on-site parking; Subsidised restaurant; High Street retail / leisure discounts; Generous holidays; Discounted gym membership; Free Life assurance.

About the role:

We currently have exciting Care & Support Worker vacancies in our Adult Home and Children’s Home supporting our residents to live their lives as independently as possible in our well-equipped on site bungalows. Our teams assist with leisure activities such as horse-riding and swimming, alongside general domestic duties and personal care.

About you:

You don’t need experience in care to join us – but you do need to be dedicated, caring and passionate about people. Our on-site training team will support you to achieve recognised qualifications in Adult Care & Child Care. If you’re an excellent communicator with the desire, resilience, patience and motivation to support others we can offer you an incredibly rewarding role.

We offer a mixture of early and late shifts and weekend work across our full- time, part-time and casual roles and an excellent range of staff benefits.

Offers are subject to pre-employment checks including an enhanced DBS check paid for by the centre. Please note we are not on a public transport route. Salary is dependent on the role, qualifications and experience.

You may have experience of the following: Support Worker, Care Worker, Care Assistant, Healthcare Worker, Healthcare Assistant, Community Support Worker, Disability, Disabilities, Care Staff, Charity, Charities, Not for Profit, NFP, Third Sector, etc.

Ref: 89269

Support Worker

As part of our continued growth we are now looking to recruit within our home in Wirral.

Support Worker Responsibilities:

- To act as a member of the team and assist the management staff in giving the highest standard of care possible to all the young people, closely following individual care plans and programmes.
- To take individual / group responsibility in ensuring the running of the home to its highest possible standard.
- To develop skills in order that the young people’s individual health / social development needs are met.

Support Worker Requirements:

- To be able to work as part of a team.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- An understanding of the issues young people face.
- Able to work shifts within a 24/7 day per week rota.
- To have a clean driving licence and access to a car.

About Care in Mind:

Care in Mind provide residential services for young people aged 16-25 years old who have been discharged from psychiatric inpatient stays or secure children’s homes. The young people we care for often require a high level of support and dynamic approach to risk management in order to support problems they may have with self-harming, behaviour and emotional regulation.

We have full time and part time opportunities available.

Care in Mind operates a safer recruitment process and as part of this process the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

We reserve the right to bring forward our closing date, without notice in the event of high volumes of interest.

Location: Wirral

Job type: Full Time / Part Time, Permanent, 37.5 hours per week plus 1 sleep in per week; Part Time - 31 hours per week; Early Shift- 7.00am- 3.30pm, Late Shift – 2.00pm-10.30pm, Sleep ins – 11.00pm-7am

Salary: £17,550 per annum / £9 per hour

Benefits: 22-27 holidays per year (plus bank holidays), Free training and professional development programme, Paid induction, training and enhanced DBS check, Company Pension Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Free onsite parking, Life Assurance.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 17th October, 2019

You may have experience of the following: Support Worker, Care Worker, Care Assistant, Healthcare Worker, Healthcare Assistant, Community Support Worker, Disability, Disabilities, Care Staff, Charity, Charities, Not for Profit, NFP, Third Sector, etc.

Ref: 89223

Support Worker

As part of our client's continued growth we are now looking to recruit within their home in Fulwood, Preston.

Support Worker Responsibilities:

- To act as a member of the team and assist the management staff in giving the highest standard of care possible to all the young people, closely following individual care plans and programmes.
- To take individual / group responsibility in ensuring the running of the home to its highest possible standard.
- To develop skills in order that the young people’s individual health / social development needs are met.

Support Worker Requirements:

- To be able to work as part of a team.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- An understanding of the issues young people face.
- Able to work shifts within a 24/7 day per week rota.

About our client:

Our client provides residential services for young people aged 16-25 years old who have been discharged from psychiatric inpatient stays or secure children’s homes. The young people they care for often require a high level of support and dynamic approach to risk management in order to support problems they may have with self-harming, behaviour and emotional regulation.

Our client operates a safer recruitment process and as part of this process the successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check.

Our client reserves the right to bring forward their closing date, without notice in the event of high volumes of interest.

Location: Preston

Job type: Part Time, Permanent, 25 hours per week; Early Shift- 7.00am- 3.30pm, Late Shift – 2.00pm-10.30pm, Sleep ins – 11.00pm-7am

Salary: £17,550 per annum / £9 per hour

Benefits: 22-27 holidays per year (plus bank holidays), Free training and professional development programme, Paid induction, training and enhanced DBS check, Company Pension Scheme, Employee Assistance Programme, Free onsite parking, Life Assurance.

Closing Date: Thursday 17th October 2019

You may have experience of the following: Support Worker, Care Worker, Care Assistant, Healthcare Worker, Healthcare Assistant, Community Support Worker, Disability, Disabilities, Care Staff, Charity, Charities, Not for Profit, NFP, Third Sector, etc.

Ref: 89222

Eye Clinic Liaison Officer (ECLO)

You will join us as an Eye Clinic Liaison Officer becoming a vital member of the team working directly with people who have sight loss.

Eye Clinic Liaison Officer Responsibilities:

- Provide critical emotional support, information and advice within a hospital setting at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital.
- This role is to extent an existing service where we have an established ECLO in post one day per week.
- Support people with sight loss by identifying their needs.
- Signpost or refer service users, carers, family and friends to other services in the region.

Eye Clinic Liaison Officer Requirements:

- Experience of working with people with sight loss or a recent experience of working in a similar role, or other related health / social care role - this is essential.
- Qualification in rehabilitation studies, nursing, occupational therapy, optometry or significant health and social care qualification.
- Experience of delivering health or social care support services to adults and children.
- Communication and organisation skills, together with being a proficient user of databases and Microsoft Office packages.

About RNIB Royal National Institute of Blind People:

We're the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and we're here for everyone affected by sight loss. Working for us means working for one of the UK's biggest charities, supporting almost two million people living with sight loss in the UK.

RNIB is committed to being led by our customers (blind and partially sighted people), and one of the ways we do this is through active involvement and engagement in many of our work activities, including the recruitment of new members of staff.

RNIB is committed to being an Equal Opportunities organisation and we welcome applications from people with sight loss.

Location: Alder Hey Hospital, Liverpool, L14 5AB

Job type: Part Time, Permanent, 18 hours per week

Salary: £25,482 per annum Pro Rata

Closing date: Sun 6th October 2019
Interviews will be held: Wednesday 23rd October 2019

Appointment is subject to an enhanced DBS check for engaging in regulated work with children and adults with sight loss.

Please be aware that blind and partially sighted volunteers may be involved in the recruitment and selection process for this vacancy; including reviewing job applications and CV's, shortlisting and interviews and selection tests.

You may have experience of the following: Specialist Support Worker, Social Care, Social Worker, Nurse, Occupational Therapist, Healthcare Assistant, Healthcare Worker, Care Worker, Care Staff, Complex Needs, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, NFP, Not for Profit etc.

Ref: 89237

We are looking for dynamic, energetic and driven individual to join our client’s team as Services Manager.

Position: Services Manager (internal title - Operations Manager)

Location: London W10

Hours: 36 Hours each week

Salary: £42,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent

Closing Date: 30th September 2019

The need for youth services has never been greater, with issues such as serious youth violence, physical and mental health and well-being, barriers to education, training and employment on the rise; not just in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) but across London and beyond. 

The Role

The Operations Manager will ensure the achievement of all KPIs and commissioning standards within the organisations contracts and service provision for children and young people through:

• The line management of project leads to deliver KPI’s for services as well as monitoring and reporting quality and performance against agreed frameworks.
• Responsibility for and management of the planning, development and monitoring of services for children and young people.
• Providing advice and support to the Managing Director in relation to operational quality and performance.
• Reporting on service performance to the Board of Directors
• Your main duties and responsibilities will include areas such as:
• Managing the direct delivery of services for children and young people
• Financial Management/Policies
• Health and Safety
• Monitoring and measurement

About You

As Operations Manager you will have good judgement, be able to prioritise workload and make and execute sound decisions in a timely manner. You will be able to travel throughout the borough as required for the role and work evenings on occasions as required for the role.

You will:

• Hold a youth and community, social services, educational or equivalent qualification at degree level.
• Hold a relevant management qualification.
• Have experience of working within youth and community or educational fields.
• Have a track record of service delivery in a commissioned setting over at least 12 months.
• Have experience of implementing new funding and the associated systems and infrastructure.
• Have experience of budget management of at least £500k pa and understanding of income generation and cash flow.
• Be able to build partnerships and collaborations with like-minded organisations
• Have a good understanding of various delivery programmes

In return…

Our client has an ambitious mission, so it’s an exciting time to join them. Along with an excellent benefits package, they also offer career development and opportunities within the organisation.

About the Organisation

Our client is a Community Interest Company established to deliver youth support services in the RBKC. They provide a range of services to young people.

You may also have experience in areas such as Operations Team Leader, Operations Manager, Youth, Services

We have presently a fantastic opportunity to join one of our 16+ Homes located in Hammersmith, and make a real difference to our Young People’s live.

Located near Shepherd's Bush, we've got a team of seven and have up to ten residents at a time. We have a big lounge and a garden. Each room has a kitchenette area, so the residents can be self-contained. But they often like to come and use the communal areas and make the most of the pleasant atmosphere at our Hammersmith Home. We've been lucky to maintain a culture of independence and maturity, which makes it a lovely place to live and work.

The staff team support young people with development of social and life skills. We provide support and help with emotional issues and practical tasks in preparation for making transition from care to independent living and six weeks complementary outreach work after residents move on to independent accommodation.  

St Christopher’s has adopted Social Pedagogy as a way of working throughout the organisation. This approach is based on the belief that all individuals are inherently valuable and have the potential to achieve and make a positive contribution. As such our focus is on the wellbeing of each individual, aiming to provide shared learning experiences to support their growth, often in terms of their ability to live independently.

Our 16+ homes provide accommodation and support to 16-21 year olds. In line with Social Pedagogy these homes are young person led and involve residents in every element of decision making including;

• Creation of shared values for how they want their home to be.
• Involvement in recruitment of new staff,
• Shared reflection and agreement making opposed to penalty based consequences.
• Regular feedback between residents and staff regarding the running of the home.

Our aim is to create a bespoke package of support with each individual, based on their goals and working with social services and other external agencies to facilitate support.

We are seeking committed individuals with a passion for working with young people and the creativity to work in an empowering and consultative way with our residents towards achieving their goals.

About the Role

As a Support Worker you will have the opportunity of developing authentic relationships with residents, you will also have responsibility for making sure our residents are safe , providing support, liaison with other professionals and completion of support documents to record information. Throughout the shift you will have the additional support of an on call manager should you have any questions. Further to this you will be involved in team meetings monthly and will also receive monthly supervision.

Applicants should have:

• Genuine commitment to working and supporting Young People to achieve their full potential.
• An understanding of the issues facing young people
• The ability to cope effectively with challenging behaviour
• Good communication and team working skills
• Flexibility to work shifts, including weekends and bank holidays.

In return we offer:

• Salary £22,000 - £22,895, depending on qualifications and experience, rising incrementally to £25,468 based on performance.
• A friendly working environment, a fun, open and honest culture.
• 25 days holiday rising to 27 days after 3 years’ service, plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata.
• Industry Leading training programme including access to level 3 qualifications, children’s right and participation, CSE, empowerment, mental health and Social Pedagogy,
• Contributory pension scheme, Enhanced Maternity and Company Sick Scheme.
• BUPA Employee Assistance Programme, offering counselling, financial advice and legal support.
• Interest-free season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme.
• Discount shopping scheme at hundreds of retailers across the UK.
• Discretionary Funded Training Programs.
• Employee Awards based on performance and length of service.
• Fantastic opportunities to develop your career within our range of services.

Recruitment Process

At St Christopher’s we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people in our care. During the recruitment process you will be expected to complete an online application form to ensure we capture essential information to meet legislation, best practice and vetting requirements.

Applicants will ideally already be on the DBS Update Service; if this is not the case St Christopher's will carry out a DBS (police) check prior to starting.

Your online application must include a supporting statement addressing the criteria stated in the Person Specification.

For the full Job Description and Person Specification, please visit our website.

For more information or assistance during the application process, please contact recruitment(at)stchris(dot)org(dot)uk

Next Assessment days:

• 11th October 2019
• 28th October 2019

Closing date: 6th October 2019

We advise to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and this opportunity might be filled before the stated closing date.

St Christopher’s is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community as well as applications from candidates with care experience or experience of being a care leaver.