Advice Support Jobs

Job Title: Employment Consultant (South Wales)

Location: Home-based with significant travel across South Wales

Salary: £31,270 FTE

Hours: 22.5 hours per week (0.6 FTE)

Contract: 2 years fixed term with possibility of extension

Would you like to be inspired every day in a highly rewarding role? Whether it’s the veterans we support, your colleagues or the other services that we collaborate with, you will be working with an exceptional group of people.

At the Poppy Factory, we help armed forces veterans with health conditions to find meaningful and sustainable employment after service. This often means overcoming significant barrier to employment. Our aim is to empower veterans, help them to recognise their unique skills and give them the confidence to move forwards in their career.

As an Employment Consultant, you will be assisting veterans across South Wales back into work. Based at your home, but with extensive travel, you will help with application materials, overcome challenges, and connect with employers. You will also work alongside professionals in other services such as health or welfare to ensure that the veterans have access to all the support they need to overcome barriers to gain and retain employment.

What do we need from you?

• Empathetic and effective communicator. You will be comfortable building rapport and trust with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• A collaborative mindset. You will enjoy working as part of a team with colleagues based across the UK who support each other in what can sometimes be a challenging role. You will also work closely with many other organisations for the benefit of the veterans you will be supporting.
• Motivation and commitment. It takes hard work, tenacity and time to help people reach their employment goals. You will sometimes be helping people in challenging circumstances who need intensive support to move forwards.
• Adaptability. This is hugely varied role and no two days are the same. You will often need to balance competing priorities or quickly shift focus depending on the needs of the people you will be supporting.

Why should you apply?

• A chance to give back to our armed forces and make a positive and lasting impact to the lives of veterans and their families.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including generous holiday and pension contributions.
• A welcoming and empowering culture, with regular opportunities for team connecting and shared learning throughout the year.
• Variety in the role, a mix of travelling in your area, home working and occasional visits to the historic Poppy Factory in Richmond, London
• The opportunity to develop your region and build relationships with employers and other support services that best meet the needs of the people you’re supporting.
• Be part of an iconic charity with a 100+ year history

This is a part time post, and we are happy to discuss a variety of working patterns that best suit the successful applicant such as 3 full days a week or 4/5 shorter days. We encourage candidates to contact us to discuss if they have any questions before applying.

For further information, including the full job description for the role, please refer to the candidate pack.

How to apply

To apply for this position please prepare your CV and a covering letter clearly outlining how you meet the essential criteria in the person specification as set out above and submit via the online application process. Please address your covering letter to Kirsty Gronow, Service Delivery Manager.

The closing date for this vacancy will be 27 May 2024. Please note, we cannot accept late or incomplete applications. Only applications submitted through the online process will be considered.

No agencies please.

Equality & Diversity

We are committed to equality, valuing diversity, and promoting inclusion within our workforce, including the volunteers who give their time to us.  We work to maintain an environment where the needs and aspirations of all employees are met, irrespective of characteristics protected under the legislative framework of the Equality Act 2010. We expect everyone to understand and accept their personal responsibility to recognise and value differences and the unique contributions that people make to the way we deliver our work.

As an equal opportunities employer our commitment is to take positive measures to recruit people from underrepresented groups, and we actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. As a Disability Confident employer, we offer a guaranteed interview for any job applicant with a disability who meets the essential criteria for the role. Please indicate in your covering letter if you wish to be considered under this scheme. We are also happy to discuss reasonable adjustments to the application or interview process to accommodate disabled candidates.

Additionally, we offer a guaranteed interview to veterans of the UK armed forces or members of the Reservist forces who meet the essential role criteria. Please make it clear in your application if you wish to be considered on this basis. Please note, to be eligible for consideration under this scheme your application must demonstrate that you meet the essential role criteria as set out in the person specification.

We are a family friendly employer and happy to discuss flexible working.

Are you up for the challenge!

Are you self-motivated, organised, empathetic, able to work independently and think on your feet, then you might want to consider joining a small team of like-minded people.

Our Carer Liaison Workers work within both local NHS Trusts (BRI and Southmead Hospitals), where they make a real difference, supporting adult carers – those who care for others who can’t manage without their help, when the person they care for goes into hospital.

You would provide information, advice and support, enabling carers to navigate their way through the intricacies of the hospital journey, whilst liaising with health and social care professionals to ensure the carers voice is heard and their needs are supported, including during discharge planning.

You would also work with hospital staff to improve their knowledge and experience of supporting carers, through development work and training.

You’ll be joining the team at a pivotal time for our charity. Having recently secured our core statutory income for the next 3 to 5 years we’re now looking to use that as a launchpad to grow and develop new and existing services.

We are looking for dynamic and creative individuals with proven experience in :-

• Information and advice work, including providing support and advocacy to individuals.

• working with individuals needing emotional and practical support.
• working in or with a health or social care environment.

• Experience of working in partnership with other organisations.

There’s lots more we could tell you, but why not apply and come and see for yourself.

Closing date for applications …Thursday 6th June 2024 @ 5pm …Interviews W/C 17th June 2024.

Documents required are:

· Introduction

· Job Description & Person Spec.

· Impact report

Established in 1983, BRISTOL MISSING LINK (incorporating Next Link and Safe Link) is a leading provider of women’s support services in Bristol.

We have rewarding opportunities available for Female Mental Health Crisis Workers to join our Crisis Teams based in Bristol. You will join us on a full time maternity or permanent contract working on a rota system and in return, you will receive a competitive salary between £26,132 – £26,861 and benefits.

We have the following positions available:

1. Crisis Worker – 37.5 hours (North Team: based at the Southmead Hospital)

2. Crisis Worker – 37.5 (South Team: based at Petherton Resource Centre)

In return for joining us, we will offer you:

§  Up to 30 days annual leave (depending on length of service)

§  3 extra holidays including International Women’s Day

§  Excellent development and training opportunities

§  Employer pension contribution (minimum 5% of your gross salary)

§  Mindful Employer Plus Scheme

§  Cycle to Work Scheme

§  Long Service Awards

§  Wellness Awards

*** Please look at our Employee Benefits Leaflet ***

About the role:

As our Mental Health Crisis Worker, you will be part of the Crisis Service working with and supporting men and women. This involves working with and alongside organisations within the Bristol Mental Health Partnership. This is a hub and spoke service with a 24 hour hub (providing a full crisis service across the city). You will therefore be required to work on a rota system including regular evenings and weekend working and must be able to drive and have access to an appropriate vehicle. You will be based at Southmead Hospital where the North Crisis Team is located.

The role is focused on providing a range of interventions to assist with daily health, social care and wellbeing needs to reduce the crisis, build resilience and improve wellbeing. You will be employed by Missing Link and seconded into our Bristol Mental Health Partnership and will therefore be operationally managed by AWP.

Key duties and responsibilities of our Mental Health Crisis Worker:

§  Build trusting and collaborative relationship with the service user

§  Work closely with carers, families and children and other services directly involved with service users, carers if appropriate

§  Carry out role adhering to Mental Health Bristol Partnership’s policies, procedures, values, code of conduct and current legislation using a Recovery orientated, psychologically informed, equalities based approach

§  Co-produce, update, implement and review a crisis plan, relapse prevention and other self-management tools

§  Implement the recovery plan and inform any review, working jointly with the Assessment and Recovery Team Recovery Navigator/Care Co-ordinator, in partnership with service users in line with best practice.

§  Coordinate support, refer and liaise effectively with all professionals, agencies and other parties involved in service user’s support in order to deliver the crisis support package

§  Enable delivery of the crisis and recovery plans and to enable service users to make informed decisions about their mental wellbeing, maximising their independence and providing advocacy role where appropriate

§  Provide specialist support to women using the service and advice and guidance to other team members regarding women’s mental health issues

§  Promote and facilitate service user involvement and inclusion within Mental Health Bristol and the community in line with Mental Health Bristol Partnership objectives

§  Manage caseload, documentation and time effectively, ensuring up to date, clear and accurate record keeping in line with MHB policies, making best use of supervision, training and staff development

§  Collaborate with other team members to maximise service performance, meet targets and Service Level Agreements and promote effective communication and teamwork

§  Maintain hope and optimism for the individual with high expectations for recovery. Use lived experience (if appropriate) to positively support the individual’s recovery

This is not an exhaustive list of your duties and outlines the general ways in which it is expected you will meet the overall requirements of this post.

What we are looking for in our ideal Mental Health Crisis Worker:

§  Experience working with people with mental health needs, or people with complex and multiple needs (for example, homelessness, alcohol/drug dependency, long term conditions, domestic abuse and sexual violence)

§  Experience of support planning and managing risk assessments

§  The ability to maintain hope and optimism for the individual with high expectations for recovery

§  Manage caseload, documentation and time effectively, ensuring up to date and clear record keeping in line with policies and procedures

§  A current, full driving licence and access to an appropriate vehicle is essential

How to apply

Please download the application pack from our website and complete the application form. Please submit your application by 9am on 29th May 2024. Please do not send CVs. Interviews will be held week commencing 03 June 2024.

People living with Parkinson's value the services and opportunities Parkinson’s UK provides, delivered by committed and skilled colleagues, volunteers and partner organisations. Following an investment of 1.5 million we have the opportunity to build on the quality and reach of our community services. 

We’re looking for someone with first level NMC registration, who has a highly specialised knowledge of Parkinson’s, and recent experience of supporting a wide range of people with Parkinson’s from diagnosis to end of life within health and social care settings. 

About the role 

You’ll provide expert nursing advice, support and information on Parkinson’s and related conditions to people contacting Parkinson’s UK national helpline. 

You’ll empower people affected by Parkinson’s, their families, friends and carers to live lives that are as fulfilling as possible whatever that means to them; and that they feel able to take an active role in their treatment and become their own advocate in health and life, wherever possible.

What you’ll do:

• Provide expert telephone nursing advice, support and information on Parkinson’s, signposting clients to appropriate internal and external resources as necessary.

• Develop and update professional knowledge of all aspects of Parkinson’s and Parkinsonism to ensure that the information and advice provided is accurate and based on best available evidence.

• Undertake national helpline work to ensure cover across the helpline’s working hours and in line with guidance and as part of a dedicated team.

• Maintain your own knowledge of the work of the charity and other health and social care providers.

What you’ll bring:

• Ability to provide information on Parkinson’s medications without prescribing or recommending specific drugs. 

• Knowledge of the importance of raising safeguarding concerns.

• Experience of providing telephone support, including use of active listening and questioning skills, and demonstrable digital competence, including online case management systems

• Ability to cope with challenging or emotional situations and/or people. 

• Able to work collaboratively and in partnership with others. 

This is an exciting time for Parkinson’s UK and we would love you to join us!

Please apply by sending us your CV, together with a detailed supporting statement which will fully demonstrate how you meet all the criteria of the role, as stated in the "What you'll bring" section of the job description.

The successful candidate will be required to: 

• Provide their own broadband service with a minimum download speed of 2Mb 

• Have a confidential space in which to work

• Provide occasional cover on Saturdays and/or Bank holidays

We are also ideally looking for someone who can work every Friday - but this is not mandatory and please still apply if this wouldn’t suit you. 

This role will require an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. You’ll be required to apply for one; refusal to do so will result in the offer being withdrawn.

Anyone can get Parkinson’s. It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.

Location: Home or office (Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire) working available. This role is available fully remotely.

Hours of work: This role is offered between 15 and 36.25 hours per week. This will be discussed with candidates at the interview.

Contract: This is a temporary position. Because of the uncertainty of the availability of funding, the Company cannot at this stage confirm exactly how long this will be for and cannot guarantee you any minimum or maximum period of employment.

*Candidates should be able to start as soon as possible and no later than 29 May 2024

About the role

The Welfare Scheme Assessor will be a part of a small, but committed team with big ambitions that works cohesively and effectively together to get things done.

You’ll be an important and valued member of the team and, with the support of North Lincolnshire Citizens Advice, will be responsible for ensuring client focused outcomes are met in a pressurised environment.

You’ll be the first point of contact for residents applying for support from the welfare assistance scheme. You’ll offer applicants a holistic assessment designed to maximise household income, reduce expenditure and build greater financial wellbeing.

You’ll enable people to move as quickly as possible to problem resolution and to manage their essential needs so they are less likely to fall into debt and manage cost of living increases.

You’ll be responsible for making decisions on applications for financially based welfare support and will administer funds to households who would otherwise struggle to buy food or pay essential utility bills or meet other essential living costs.

You’ll enable people to take control of their financial wellbeing and signpost them to local statutory services and community groups that provide practical, social and emotional support. 

What we offer our staff

We provide an employee assistance scheme managed by LifeWorks. Benefits include:

• 24/7 - 365 telephone helpline
• LifeWorks online support website
• LifeWorks app
• 6 sessions of face to face counselling per issue – unlimited issues per annum
• Employee legal helpline
• Consulting services – financial, debt advice, housing, relocation, parenting, eldercare, work performance, health and wellness advice and much more
• Childcare and eldercare matching service
• Savings on everyday purchases and life events
• Access for family members and dependants – excluding counselling and legal advice

Annual leave: Annual leave is 25 days from 1st January to 31st December, plus 8 bank holidays. We offer additional long service leave of 5 days after 4 years of employment

How to apply:

The recruitment process and how to apply You should submit:

1. A CV no longer than two pages
2. Cover letter detailing how your skills and experience will help you in the role. 

Applicants will be assessed and interviews offered on a rolling basis. 

Coeliac UK currently has an exciting opportunity for a Admin Support and Assistant, to join our team in High Wycombe, with the option to regularly work from home by agreement with your line manager. You will join us on a part time, temporary 12 months contract . In return you will receive a competitive salary of £12,000 - £14,000 per annum.

For over 50 years Coeliac UK has been helping people with coeliac disease and other gluten related conditions live happier, healthier lives. Striving for better gluten free food in more places, providing independent, trustworthy advice and support to the gluten free community, and funding crucial research to not only manage the impacts of gluten, but also find the answers to coeliac disease.

The Admin Support and Assistant role:

An interesting and varied role. Employed by Coeliac UK to provide administrative support for the International Society for the Study of Celiac Disease (ISSCD) and assistance to the ISSCD Board, the Executive Officer and the ISSCD committees.

The general objective of the ISSCD is to promote scientific knowledge, education and quality of care in the field of coeliac disease and gluten-mediated human diseases in general and everything related or conducive to this in the broadest sense.

Coeliac UK supports the work of the ISSCD as objectives are aligned.

Key responsibilities of the Admin Support and Assistant:

• Processing new ISSCD Membership applications and update the ISSCD membership database
• Drafting copies for the ISSCD members’ e-newsletter and other communications
• Preparing the ISSCD email schedule working with the Executive Officer and the ISSCD’s support agency based in the Netherlands
• Monitoring the ISSCD generic email accounts and respond accordingly
• Arranging ISSCD meetings
• Preparing agendas and papers for ISSCD Board meetings
• Drafting minutes of ISSCD meetings
• Providing admin support to the ISSCD committees as required
• Assisting with filing and record keeping of ISSCD activities and key documents

Essential experience, skills and knowledge required for the Admin Support and Assistant role:

• Positive and confident
• People person
• Proactive and flexible approach
• Strong team player
• Unflappable, ‘can do’ attitude
• Educated to GCSE standard including Grade C or above in Maths and English
• Confident speller with good command of the English language
• Self-motivated and able to work without close supervision, once provided with guidance
• Knowledge and understanding of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)
• Familiar with the different social media channels and creating posts for engagement, desired but not essential
• CRM and website content management experience desired but not essential.
• Competent use of Microsoft 365; Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook
• On occasions willing to work outside usual hours to accommodate international meetings (different time zones)

If you would like to be considered as our Admin Support and Assistant, please apply now with your CV and cover letter. For your application to be considered, please combine your covering letter and CV into a single document for uploading purposes. We’d love to hear from you!

We're seeking an enthusiastic individual to provide a comprehensive administrative service to a busy front line advice centre.

1. To help provide an effective free advice and representation service for people largely living or working in East London or elsewhere within England and Wales.

2. To provide a comprehensive administrative service to a busy front line advice centre. This comprises responding to enquiries through both telephone, email and face-to-face, ensuring that each enquirer is assessed for suitability for our services, specifically with a view to Legal Aid funding, booking clients for legal advice appointments and signposting those we cannot assist directly.

3. You will be working closely with our Housing Team and provide some support to other legal area teams.

Knowsley Carers Centre, a network partner of the Carers Trust, is a registered charity providing information, support, advice, and a voice for carers living and caring in the Borough of Knowsley.

Knowsley Carers Centre is a growing charity, established in ~October 1997 to support the borough's 16000 unpaid/family carers.

A highly motivated and experienced person is required to identify and support unpaid carers.

Proven experience of the sector and an understanding of unpaid carers’ issues are essential along with the ability to work independently.

Job Purpose: To find and assist Carers in the Knowsley area by providing advice, information, drop-in sessions, facilitating support groups, home visiting, training and a variety of other methods highlighted by Carers in Knowsley.

Duties and Responsibilities

Information and Support

All staff are expected to be familiar with the range of services and events provided by Knowsley Carers Centre.

The Carers Support Officers specifically: -

1) Provide Carers with advice and support to improve the quality of their lives and the person they care for:

This will include:

a) Completing current procedure for Carers’ Assessments and to support Carers through the Assessment process.

b) Offering Carers the opportunity to take up other services offered by KCC such as coffee mornings and Holistic Therapies.

c) Providing an empathetic and supportive ear to Carers about the difficulties they may be experiencing. Remind carers that we are here to provide a listening ear and offer our counselling service if appropriate.

d) To signpost Carers to relevant voluntary and statutory organisations.

2) Keep up-to-date with services, benefits and organisations relevant to Carers.

3) To assist in the promotion of the work of the organisation by use of media, talks, presentations, displays etc.

4) Make links with relevant statutory and voluntary organisations.

5) Use any of the above opportunities to identify hidden Carers and

Casework

1) Work on behalf of Carers both by phone and in writing to help them to obtain the services they need.

2) Make home-visits as necessary to carry out this aspect of the work and initial support to new carers via home visit with the agreement of line manager.

3) Liaise with other advice/advocacy organisations to develop and maintain referral systems.

4) Complete all the necessary administrational tasks related to the role including updating all contacts on the database.

Groups and Events

1) Setting up, administering and facilitating Carers Support Groups.

2) Organise outings and events for Carers. To liaise with the manager to raise small funds to assist with one to one support or group support.

3) Work with other members of the Knowsley Carers Centre staff team to plan, organise and facilitate special events and activities e.g. During National Carers Week.

Administration and Monitoring

1) Complete contacts on the database for every interaction with each carer. All phone calls, drop ins, home visits letters, emails and texts to have a separate contact.

2) Ensure attendees at group events whether in house or at another venue complete the signing in sheet. Complete the register for these events on the database if requested to do so. 

3) Add names to waiting lists for trips and events following the standard procedure. Make appointments for carers to attend holistic therapies following the standard procedure.

4) Write up case studies and other reports as requested by line manager.

5) To be primarily self-servicing including word processing letters, keeping appropriate records of work undertaken, write reports and complete monitoring forms.

6) All of the above are necessary for management to produce statistics and other monitoring reports to comply with funders requests outlined in the main contract and other sources of funding.

General Tasks

1) To work as part of a team contributing to the smooth and effective running of Knowsley Carers Centre.

2) To produce articles for the Carers Centre newsletter and to distribute

to various establishments around Knowsley.

3) To attend and actively participate in regular supervision, team meetings and annual appraisal sessions.

4) To undertake relevant training and staff development activities as required.

5) To undertake occasional evening/weekend work where necessary.

6) To undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the Centre Manager.

7) All employees are expected to read and abide by the organisations policies and procedures.

Benefits of working for Knowsley Carers Centre:

22 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year (pro rata)

Bonus 3 days of annual leave per year over the festive period (subject to Trustee approval)

6% Workplace Pension Scheme with The Pensions Trust

Knowsley Carers Centre, a network partner of the Carers Trust, is a registered charity providing information, support, advice, and a voice for carers living and caring in the Borough of Knowsley.

Knowsley Carers Centre is a growing charity, established in ~October 1997 to support the borough's 16000 unpaid/family carers.

A highly motivated and experienced person is required to identify and support unpaid carers.

Proven experience of the sector and an understanding of unpaid carers’ issues are essential along with the ability to work independently.

Job Purpose: To find and assist Carers in the Knowsley area by providing advice, information, drop-in sessions, facilitating support groups, home visiting, training and a variety of other methods highlighted by Carers in Knowsley.

Duties and Responsibilities

Information and Support

All staff are expected to be familiar with the range of services and events provided by Knowsley Carers Centre.

The Carers Support Officers specifically: -

1) Provide Carers with advice and support to improve the quality of their lives and the person they care for:

This will include:

a) Completing current procedure for Carers’ Assessments and to support Carers through the Assessment process.

b) Offering Carers the opportunity to take up other services offered by KCC such as coffee mornings and Holistic Therapies.

c) Providing an empathetic and supportive ear to Carers about the difficulties they may be experiencing. Remind carers that we are here to provide a listening ear and offer our counselling service if appropriate.

d) To signpost Carers to relevant voluntary and statutory organisations.

2) Keep up-to-date with services, benefits and organisations relevant to Carers.

3) To assist in the promotion of the work of the organisation by use of media, talks, presentations, displays etc.

4) Make links with relevant statutory and voluntary organisations.

5) Use any of the above opportunities to identify hidden Carers and

Casework

1) Work on behalf of Carers both by phone and in writing to help them to obtain the services they need.

2) Make home-visits as necessary to carry out this aspect of the work and initial support to new carers via home visit with the agreement of line manager.

3) Liaise with other advice/advocacy organisations to develop and maintain referral systems.

4) Complete all the necessary administrational tasks related to the role including updating all contacts on the database.

Groups and Events

1) Setting up, administering and facilitating Carers Support Groups.

2) Organise outings and events for Carers. To liaise with the manager to raise small funds to assist with one to one support or group support.

3) Work with other members of the Knowsley Carers Centre staff team to plan, organise and facilitate special events and activities e.g. During National Carers Week.

Administration and Monitoring

1) Complete contacts on the database for every interaction with each carer. All phone calls, drop ins, home visits letters, emails and texts to have a separate contact.

2) Ensure attendees at group events whether in house or at another venue complete the signing in sheet. Complete the register for these events on the database if requested to do so. 

3) Add names to waiting lists for trips and events following the standard procedure. Make appointments for carers to attend holistic therapies following the standard procedure.

4) Write up case studies and other reports as requested by line manager.

5) To be primarily self-servicing including word processing letters, keeping appropriate records of work undertaken, write reports and complete monitoring forms.

6) All of the above are necessary for management to produce statistics and other monitoring reports to comply with funders requests outlined in the main contract and other sources of funding.

General Tasks

1) To work as part of a team contributing to the smooth and effective running of Knowsley Carers Centre.

2) To produce articles for the Carers Centre newsletter and to distribute

to various establishments around Knowsley.

3) To attend and actively participate in regular supervision, team meetings and annual appraisal sessions.

4) To undertake relevant training and staff development activities as required.

5) To undertake occasional evening/weekend work where necessary.

6) To undertake any other duties as reasonably requested by the Centre Manager.

7) All employees are expected to read and abide by the organisations policies and procedures.

Benefits of working for Knowsley Carers Centre:

22 days annual leave plus bank holidays per year (pro rata)

Bonus 3 days of annual leave per year over the festive period (subject to Trustee approval)

6% Workplace Pension Scheme with The Pensions Trust

Who are we?

DIAL Barnsley is a local user-led organisation which, through the provision of advice and support, aims to address poverty and social exclusion for disabled people, their families and carers in the borough of Barnsley. Established in 1985 our services have developed to meet the needs of service users. We attribute the longevity and success of our organisation to our ethos which is to ‘See the person first’ 

We are a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. 

What do we do?

Our core advice services include:

• telephone information, advice and guidance

• regular face to face welfare benefit advice sessions in communities

• independent advocacy support for people wishing to make complaints about their health and social care 

• home visits and support to address fuel poverty/energy efficiency

The advice team is rare and unique as they are representative of the people they serve. Most of our paid advisors have long-term disabilities or health problems and personal experience of the financial and other barriers disabled people face each and every day. They are a shining example to the people they speak with on a daily basis and are truly inspirational.  Everyone’s attitude is down-to-earth but professional, knowledgeable, non-patronising and their commitment is unequalled.

The advice service is complimented by other enabling services focussing on people supporting each other:

• community support groups providing social contact and activities 

• digital peer support group for people to come together

• volunteer opportunities

Overview of the Role

As a Welfare Benefits Support Worker, you will play a crucial role in assisting individuals in making benefit claims and accessing the support they need. You will join a busy team that supports thousands of disabled people and carers across the borough and specifically provide a bespoke home visiting service to our most vulnerable clients.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

1. Benefit Claims Assistance:

   • Provide guidance and support to individuals in understanding their eligibility for various welfare benefits, including Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, and Attendance Allowance.

   • Assist clients in completing benefit application forms accurately and efficiently.

   • Stay updated on changes to welfare benefit regulations and policies to provide accurate information to clients.

2. Home Visiting Service:

   • Conduct home visits to assess clients' needs and provide personalised support in accessing welfare benefits.

   • Develop tailored action plans in collaboration with clients to maximise their benefit entitlements and improve their financial stability.

3. Client Empowerment and Education:

   • Empower clients through education about their rights and responsibilities within the benefits system.

4. Working within our Team

• Liaise with colleagues in order to provide the best possible advice to all clients

• Attend team meetings

• Undertake appropriate training

• Work with our Communications Lead to share the impact of the service

As an Employment Coach with our Employcare Project you will be supporting unpaid carers living in Manchester; providing support and coaching in order for them to re-enter paid employment or voluntary roles.  The successful candidates will manage a small caseload of carers and provide them with 1:1 support, helping them overcome barriers to employment and training.  You will be responsible for supporting them through every stage of their journey, enabling participants to address their barriers and realise their aspirations.

This role is subject to a Basic DBS check.

For any queries regarding the role, please do not hesitate to get in contact for an informal discussion.

We are recruiting for 1.5 full-time equivalent roles, but are open to a mixture of parttime hours, so please put in your application how many hours you are interested in.

In your application, please outline how you meet the ‘Essential Criteria’ for this role. This is outlined in the ‘Person Specification’. If you don’t meet all the criteria, don’t worry, we still welcome your application and you can always get in touch with us for a formal chat if you have any questions.‘Desirable criteria’ are things that would help you in this role but are not essential. If you don’t meet these criteria, please still apply. You can use examples from your personal life as well as your professional experiences when completing the application.

Applications for this role close at 5pm on Tuesday 28th May, with interviews scheduled for the W/C 10th June.  We may close this vacancy early if successful candidates are appointed, so please apply as soon as possible.

Why work with us?

At Gaddum we are all committed to living our values; in all areas of our work we are supportive, empowering, professional, innovative and diverse.  Our teams are passionate about working together to support and empower individuals and their communities.  You will receive a full induction and training for your role and ongoing support from your colleagues and managers via supervisions, 1:1s and team meetings. 

All employees at Gaddum have access to an Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme and an online rewards/savings platform.  Our standard holiday entitlement is 25 days per annum plus bank holidays, with additional leave entitlement for your birthday and for wellbeing in the winter.

Everyone has the right to request flexible working from day one because we recognise the importance of a healthy work/life balance and our standard working week is only 35 hours.

Gaddum is a Living Wage Employer and we are proud to have the Investors in People Silver Award.  For a full list of our awards and accreditations, please visit our website. 

How to apply

Applications should be made via the attached Application Form and submitted via email.  Full details can be found on our website.

Gaddum is proud to be a Disability Confident Level 2 Employer; if you need any support completing your application or require alternative arrangements, please get in contact. 

Gaddum is dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment where every individual, regardless of background, feels valued and empowered to contribute. We celebrate diversity as a catalyst for innovation and growth and are committed to creating a workplace that thrives on varied perspectives and mutual respect.

As part of our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, Gaddum undertakes anonymous recruitment by removing identifiable information from applications forms during the shortlisting process.

Main purpose of job: To work in the Navigator team supporting individuals who have or are experiencing sexual violence and or sexual abuse. As a first contact worker, you will act as a gateway to both specialist counselling and advocacy services and additional specialist support services in Essex. You will use your considerable experience to provide a high-quality telephone information and support service.

The support you deliver will help individuals on their pathway to wellbeing, recovery, and social inclusion through building trusting and collaborative relationships. You will guide users to make informed decisions about their own wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources/interventions.

You will work within a team of first contact navigators under the supervision of a service lead. You will be highly motivated and dedicated, have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision.

Start date:As soon as possible (subject to Enhanced DBS Check and satisfactory references).

Salary:£24,496 - £26,845 per annum.

Contract: This contract is until 31st March 2026, with the potential to extend if funding is continued.

Hours: 35 hours per week.  

Place of work: CARA premises in Colchester and some remote home working if a suitable environment is available.  Some travel to other locations in Essex may be required, particularly during the induction period.

Holiday: 25 days per year, plus additional closure days between Christmas and New Year.

To apply: Please complete the application form, which can be downloaded from our website, explaining how your skills and experience relate to the person specification.

Application deadline:  Tuesday 11th June 2024, 10am

Interviews:  Tuesday 18th June 2024

Start date: Immediate, subject to receipt of satisfactory references and enhanced DBS check.

Mandatory Training Dates: To be confirmed.

This post is restricted to women applicants under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1

Job Description

The First Contact Navigators play a central role in the CARA team, ensuring that our service users and other agencies receive a high-quality service from the moment of first contact. You will work as part of a wider team of First Contact Navigators across Esse and the post liaises with clients, the CARA team and external agencies, providing advice, support and information.

The First Contact Navigator will engage with individuals who are experiencing, or who have experienced, sexual violence and or sexual abuse who require information, signposting and short-term support.  You will be the first contact and conduct first meetings, managing your own caseload and co-ordinating personalised support for individuals on their pathway to wellbeing. You will have strong communication, interpersonal and negotiation skills with the ability to work under minimal supervision. You will support people who use CARA services to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, maximising their independence and engaging in appropriate community or clinical resources. You will work collaboratively with service users, the CARA team and other professional agencies to navigate and coordinate services.  

The main responsibilities of the post are:

· To act as a first point of contact for new referrals and enquiries, providing information, emotional support, advice and signposting.

· To complete first contact calls and assessments with clients over the telephone.

· To ensure information about new referrals/enquiries is accurately recorded on CARA’s database in real time.

· To work collaboratively and build trust with service users, agencies, personal and professional support networks to collate relevant information to effect individualised support requirements.

· To assess and engage service users not currently engaged in appropriate specialist sexual violence services.

· To seek and respond to referrals from a variety of internal and external sources.

· To assist survivors and relatives/supporters of survivors in understanding the range of resources and services available to them.

· To support service users to engage effectively with appropriate services to meet their individual needs and aspirations.

· To work as a link between clients, CARA staff and external agencies, ensuring appropriate information is passed on.

· To work closely with the Essex-wide team of First Contact Navigators and Information and Referral Coordinators to ensure effective referral processes across Essex.

· To act as a point of contact for external agencies making referrals to CARA, answering queries about our referral process.

· To cover the enquiry line and the office phone and deal with enquiries as required.

· To pro-actively promote CARA’s services to external agencies, ensuring they are aware of our referral procedures.

· To contribute to development of promotional information, to ensure information about the referral process is clear and accessible.

· To attend regular team meetings and to work with colleagues to further the objectives of CARA.

· To adhere in full to all CARA’s organisational policies and procedures, including safeguarding procedures.

· To report to the Service Development Manager, Head of Operations, CEO and Trustees as required, including the production of regular written reports.

· To be administratively self-servicing.

· To undertake any other related activities as required by the Head of Operations, CEO or the Chair of the Board of Trustees.

· To take on new client, office and administration responsibilities as CARA develops.

About CARA

CARA (Centre for Action on Rape and Abuse) works with victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse, providing independent, specialist support and promoting and representing their rights and needs. 

CARA is a registered charity working with adults of all genders, young people and children from across mid and north Essex.  We have a head office in Colchester and outreach premises in Braintree, Chelmsford, Clacton-on-Sea, Great Dunmow and Harwich.  We also provide remote services.

CARA seeks to be an inclusive organisation that actively encourages, supports and values diversity amongst both our service-users and our workers.  We wish to create a culture in which discrimination, in all its forms, is recognised and addressed.

You can read more about CARA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion here. We encourage and welcome applications from candidates from diverse backgrounds.

About Synergy Essex

CARA is part of Synergy Essex – the Essex Rape and Sexual Abuse Partnership. We work closely with SERICC Rape and Sexual Abuse Specialist Service and Southend-on-Sea Rape Crisis (SOS Rape Crisis) to deliver the contract for the Office for the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner for Essex for services for victims and survivors of sexual violence and child sexual abuse across Essex.

THE ROLE: Full-time (37.5 hours per week) / Permanent / Job description and application pack are available to download from our website

Our mission is to help children and young people have a fair chance to be who they want to be. We do this by providing a safe home, increasing life skills and self-confidence, and improving emotional wellbeing and mental health.

Our Brighton & Hove Services provide supported accommodation for 50 young people at risk of homelessness across two sites. Lansworth House is one of our 24-hour supported housing projects offering high and medium levels of housing-related support for young people aged of 16- 25, with 20 bedspaces and shared communal facilities. We provide support to our residents to help them build essential life skills, identify their goals and work towards aspirations so that they can move on to enjoy fully independent futures. Each Support Worker holds a caseload of residents and meets with them weekly to build a support plan and help them achieve their goals. 

In delivering the role, you will work on a rota shift pattern, ensuring young people at the service have non-judgemental, objective, and supportive staff during the day. You will work with the Managers and the wider housing team to provide effective day to day management of our accommodation project. This includes delivering one to one sessions and group work sessions to assist residents to develop personally and socially in order that they grow in confidence and move towards independence. You will help to contribute to a great working environment, with a calm, yet assertive manner, being able to handle potentially difficult situations. You will also support young people to safeguard themselves against abuse and risk.

Based on site, this role is on a seven-day rolling rota, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays. There is a small amount of lone working, but you will get to know the team and project, along with extensive training prior to starting on a rota.

ABOUT YOU: We know that there are great candidates who will not fit everything described, or who have important skills we have not mentioned. If that is you, please do not hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

This is a dynamic and varied role; you will be passionate about being involved in the support and growth of young people. Ideally, you will have knowledge and experience of working with young people, knowledge of housing and welfare benefits, along with an awareness of all aspects of safeguarding.

You will enjoy working in a fast-paced environment, working in a client facing role, with the ability to self-motive to drive to deliver an outstanding service. You will already have clear verbal and written communication skills, good IT, and keyboard skills. In addition, you will have the ability to de-escalate volatile situations and manage challenging behaviour appropriately.

CLOSING DATE: 2 June 2024 at midnight.We reserve the right to close this advert early if a successful candidate is found, so please submit your application as soon as possible. Successful candidates will already have the right to live and work in the UK.

An inclusive workplace - We are committed to policies and practices of equity, diversity, and inclusion and to supporting our people to make sure our culture is consistent with this commitment. We encourage applications from people from all sections of the communities that we serve. 

Accessibility - If you require assistance or have questions regarding the application process, please contact us.

YMCA DLG requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and to respond proactively to safeguarding concerns. Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure (including the Children’s barred list and the Adults’ barred list) via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS.)

Young Lives vs Cancer (YLvC) help families to find the strength to face everything cancer throws at them.

Citizens Advice Hammersmith and Fulham working in partnership with the national charity YLvC delivers a pioneering project via multi channels (telephone/email/web) providing advice to families of young people affected by cancer.

The project is expanding and we are recruiting a Welfare Rights Benefits Adviser and a Housing Adviser.

The project requires dynamic advisers who can sensitively, engage with families in an often difficult time. Reassure them in terms of options and steps they can take to address the welfare rights/housing issues they are experiencing. Knowing they have options to consider gives them reassurance in a time of uncertainty.

Working with the YLvC team who are located across the UK, advice provided by the project Advisers will also support YLvC social workers, to better help the families and young people accessing the charity support.

Housing Adviser - YLvC-Hgs1
Hours: 22. 5 hours per week equivalent to three days per week
Location: Hammersmith and Fulham Potential hybrid delivery on completion of probationary period
Salary Range: £31-£33k (pro-rata full time salary)
Type of Contract: Fixed Term one year from appointment (extension subject to performance)
 

Welfare Benefits Adviser - YLvC-Wel1
Hours: 15 hours per week equivalent to two days per week
Location: Hammersmith and Fulham Potential hybrid delivery on completion of probationary period
Salary Range: £31-£33k (pro-rata full time salary)
Type of Contract: Fixed Term one year from appointment (extension subject to performance)

What we can offer you:
We value our people and can offer a supportive culture within a high performing and award winning organisation. 86% of our workforce recommend us as a place to work. We are committed to being an inclusive employer and workplace to represent the diverse communities we serve. We are committed to increasing our diversity and whatever your background, we welcome your application. We offer an attractive remuneration package with excellent terms including:

• Generous holiday entitlement starting at 25 days per year (in addition to bank holidays) and rising to 30 days with long service
• Learning, development and personal growth opportunities
• Mental health and Well-being support helpline

We will consider applicants who apply for Welfare Benefits Advisor and Housing Advisor roles combined in one full-time post.

We interview on a rolling basis and therefore reserve the right to close the applications earlier if suitable candidates are found, so encourage early applications.

To find out more please visit our website via the apply button
Closing Date: Thursday 16th May 2024