Personal And Family Support Worker Jobs in Manchester, Greater Manchester

In this role you will support adults living with mental health difficulties by providing trauma informed relational peer support, nurturing relationships which are mutual, explorative and share power, helping people to overcome the distress they experience and achieve the goals which are important to them.

You will be responsible for a case load of individuals who you will support either face-to-face or via telephone, on a one-to-one or group basis. You will engage empathically with those you support, providing positive emotional and therapeutic support, through a collaborative approach which focuses on individual strengths rather than deficits, enabling and promoting autonomy and self-care.

Due to the nature of the role, it requires applicants to have personal experience of mental distress to meet the job requirements.

You will work alongside clinical staff and staff from other VCSE organisations to form multidisciplinary team approach to collaboratively support individuals in the community. You will be supported by VCSE Coordinator, Operational Programme Manager and Clinical Lead. CPD opportunities are available and personal interests/skills will be supported to development and growth. You will also be involved in the on-going development of Peer Support Worker practice across the Service, including things such as training programmes and evaluations.

Key Responsibilities

· Work as part of a multi-disciplinary team, accepting referrals from the MDT for individuals who are identified as benefiting from support. Managing and prioritising your caseload, in accordance with the needs, priorities and any urgent support required. 

·Engage empathically with visitors in distress, providing positive emotional and therapeutic support, predominantly face to face but occasionally via telephone.

· Co-create personalised support plans alongside individuals, exploring their health and wellbeing needs, to support them to navigate their experiences of distress.

· Manage client data appropriately, ensuring records are accurately kept in line with our policies and procedures.

·Work closely with the VCSE Service Coordinator to support the development of the service across the project.

Supporting Clients

· To establish supportive and respectful relationships with people using the LW service, informed by trauma informed practice and recovery orientated approaches. 

·To support those people using the LW service to identify their strengths, personal interests, and goals, drawing on your mutual resources as peers and utilising a range of recovery tools, techniques, and experiences.

To share own personal experiences with those you support when therapeutically appropriate.

· To support people using the LW service to identify and overcome fears and within a relationship of empathy, trust and honesty, challenge negative self-talk and self-stigmatisation

·use own initiative, personal experience, and job-related training in deciding on the approach and interventions required when supporting individuals assigned to you.

Service Delivery

· To work effectively as part of a multi-disciplinary team, contribute to team meetings and MDT meetings to ensure continuity of care for people and to ensure their safety.

· To work with colleagues to develop and facilitate therapeutic groupwork.

· To liaise with carers, other health professionals, statutory and voluntary agencies to enable the recovery needs of people using the service.

·To raise awareness of recovery language with all staff/partners by modelling positive strengths based, non-discriminatory, non-jargon, trauma informed language in all areas of work.

·To support other members of the multi-disciplinary team in promoting a recovery orientated environment and in identifying recovery focused activities facilitating the sharing of information/education as required.

· Provide referral partners with timely updates about the support provide to ensure the support and care individuals receive is delivered collaboratively and well-coordinated.

· To comply with all training requirements aligned to this role including mandatory training. To actively identify training needs and be prepared to engage in any other training/development opportunities relevant to this role.

· To identify, report and manage any safeguarding concerns, in-line with the organisations policies and procedures.

Service Development

· Support the VCSE Service Lead with the delivery of the VCSE service as a whole, contributing to its ongoing improvement and development.

· Assist management in preparing quarterly monitoring reports outlining progress of the work, assessment of the project impact and outcomes, and key issues raised by members and other stakeholders.

·To motivate and encourage other people who use services and carers to get involved in the Service User and Carer Engagement Scheme and Volunteering Scheme if they show an interest in being involved.

General Expectations

· To be familiar with and carry out all duties and responsibilities of the post in accordance with the expectations set out in the Organisations and relevant Trust policies, procedures, protocols and guidelines.

· To avoid unlawful discriminatory behaviour and actions when dealing with the colleagues, people who use services, members of the public and all stakeholders.

· Carry out the role adhering to Bury Involvement Group’s values and Code of Conduct using a person-centred recovery orientated approach.

To actively participate in regular line management and clinical supervision, including group reflective practice, to identify personal developmental needs.

· To attend and contribute to any meetings required as part of this role whether this be internal multi-disciplinary meetings, and/or meetings with external agencies.

· The post holder is required to understand systems that govern confidentiality such as Caldicott, the Data Protection Act, and GDPR and to understand the limits of these systems in terms of sharing information to minimise harm to visitors and others.

· Not to communicate to anyone, inside or outside the Organisation, information relating to people who use services, staff, contractors or any information of a commercially sensitive nature, unless done in the normal course of carrying out the duties of the post and with appropriate permission.

· Maintain high standards of quality in record keeping ensuring information is always recorded accurately, appropriately and kept up to date in accordance with national and organisational policies and within the scope of the Peer Support Workers responsibility.

· Shared responsibility for security of the building and for the safekeeping of confidential notes and information. 

· Undertake personal training as may be required to keep up to date and fulfil the professional requirements identified for this job description.

· To access only information, whether paper, electronic, or, in another media, which is authorised to you as part of the duties of your role.

· To undertake any other reasonable duty, when requested to do so by an appropriate manager.

There will be an expectation to travel across the Borough working across different sites. There may also be the occasional expectation to travel across the Pennine Care Foundation Trust footprint to attend meetings/training.

Diversity

•We are an inclusive organisation that celebrates diversity and welcomes everyone – all talents and backgrounds. BIG strives to make sure that every applicant is assessed solely on the basis of personal merit and qualifications, regardless of gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or maternity, marital or civil partner status, gender reassignment, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, disability or age.

· It is Bury Involvement Group’s policy to make reasonable adjustments if necessary and possible to enable workers with disabilities to undertake the above tasks

Safeguarding

•At Bury Involvement Group, we aim to provide an environment which is safe for all the individuals who use our service and the staff and volunteers who work for us. We have a zero-tolerance approach to the abuse of adults with care and support needs. We aim at all times, to work in a way that is consistent with our philosophy, as a person centred, service user led organisation. Our aim, always, is to promote the dignity and empowerment of the people we support and provide a consistent, warm, empathic and respectful service. To mitigate the risk to the people who use our service, from potentially unsuitable candidates, involvement within the Organisation will be subject to an acceptable DBS disclosure.

Working Conditions

• Contact with visitors to the service who may be highly distressed.

• Use of computer for data entry and undertaking relevant office work.

• Liaison with wide range of Health and Social Care professionals, daily.

• Frequent telephone calls including mobile phone calls, daily.

• With reasonable adjustments made, the post holder will be required to use a keyboard, computer screen, and telephone. The role may involve occasional light lifting and carrying files around the office.

This job description is not exhaustive but is intended to give an overall picture of the role. Other duties within the general scope of the post may be required from time to time. The duties of the post and job description can be reviewed through the supervision process. 

Do you have a demonstrable track record in complex case management and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team on cases involving Domestic Abuse?

If so, The Drive Partnership are recruiting a DAPO Triage Worker for London. 

The Triage Worker sits within the Triage Team in the pilot area, working alongside the Triage IDVA. The Triage Worker will focus on all aspects of the case relating to the Perpetrator in cases where the perpetrator has been referred to the team for an assessment of suitability for a Positive Requirement during an application for a DAPO.

 Respect is a pioneering UK domestic abuse charity, leading the development of safe, effective work with perpetrators, with young people who are abusive and with male victims. Respect supports frontline organisations across the UK, so that together we can end domestic abuse. Respect has seen rapid growth over the last few years, and we now have 50+ staff and have ambitious plans for further growth and influence. This role is based within the Drive Partnership and is part of the pilot for the roll out of the positive requirement element of the DAPO’s.   

We particularly welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and across all protected characteristics, particularly from people from the following under-represented groups:   

• Black and minoritised people   

• Disabled people   

   We welcome and support applications from those who have personal experience of domestic abuse. 

Do you have a demonstrable track record in complex case management and working as part of a multi-disciplinary team on cases involving Domestic Abuse?

If so, The Drive Partnership are recruiting a DAPO Triage Worker for London. 

The Triage Worker sits within the Triage Team in the pilot area, working alongside the Triage IDVA. The Triage Worker will focus on all aspects of the case relating to the Perpetrator in cases where the perpetrator has been referred to the team for an assessment of suitability for a Positive Requirement during an application for a DAPO.

Respect is a pioneering UK domestic abuse charity, leading the development of safe, effective work with perpetrators, with young people who are abusive and with male victims. Respect supports frontline organisations across the UK, so that together we can end domestic abuse. Respect has seen rapid growth over the last few years, and we now have 50+ staff and have ambitious plans for further growth and influence. This role is based within the Drive Partnership and is part of the pilot for the roll out of the positive requirement element of the DAPO’s.      

We particularly welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and across all protected characteristics1, particularly from people from the following under-represented groups:   

• Black and minoritised people   

• Disabled people   

   We welcome and support applications from those who have personal experience of domestic abuse. 

Job Title: Marking and Communications Officer
Salary: up to £32,000 per annum
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday to Friday
Type: Permanent
Location: Cheadle Hulme, SK8 6RQ, on site role
Close date: 20th September 2024

Do you have a passion for storytelling and digital communications?
Are you ready to make a difference to the lives of others?

We are looking for a talented individual to join our team as Marketing and Communications Officer.

As Marketing and Communications Officer, you will create compelling content for our website, social media, and e-communications.

Additionally, you will engage with our audiences on socials and contribute to website development, including SEO and analytics.

If you're ready to make an impact in the digital realm, this position is for you!

About Seashell

Here at Seashell, we offer specialised care and education for children and young people facing severe, profound, and complex challenges such as learning difficulties, disabilities, sensory impairment, communication disorders, and Autism.

With over 200 years of dedicated service as a recognised charity, Seashell Trust stands as a pillar of expertise and support for those in need.

Located in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, our Trust encompasses the Royal School Manchester (RSM), Royal College Manchester (RCM), as well as outreach health and family services and residential homes, all designed to provide a nurturing and safe environment.

Our exceptional facilities, which include gardens, forest school, swimming pools, hydro pools, bike tracks, and sports fields, set Seashell apart as a truly unique and inclusive learning institution.

What you’ll be doing:

Reporting into the Digital Marketing and Media Manager you’ll be responsible for the delivery of digital marketing and communications, website content and press.

You’ll help to directly build brand awareness and grow our fundraising and services which will transform the young lives of those with the most complex disabilities.

Seashell is mid transformation!

Our site is continuously growing and developing, we’re currently undergoing works to build a brand-new Royal College Manchester, so the demands of our site are ever changing, with a lot of external contractors on site.

We're looking for a Seashell Ambassador with a true passion for our charity and a commitment to expanding our impact for the children and young individuals we support. Join us in creating positive change!

What you’ll need for the role:

• Knowledge of the public, charity, education or care sectors, with a focus on fundraising
• Proven experience in the delivery of marketing and communications materials
• Experience of working with website content management systems and social media management software
• A history of developing and delivering effective communications across a range of social media platforms
• Ability to write high quality marketing communications copy that is engaging, informative, interesting and has story telling at its heart
• Skilled at producing photographic and short film clip content
• · A keen eye for design with a high level of creativity
• Proficient in the preparation, scheduling and engagement with social media across platforms using management dashboards
• Adept in the use of image manipulation software, email marketing systems and automation platforms
• A degree or qualification in communications is not essential but would be beneficial.
• We’re looking for a motivated and results driven marketing officer, to embrace and drive change and improvement through effective communication.

*Please request a full copy of the Job Description by contacting a member of our team.

Think this role sounds like the right fit? Apply now and our recruitment team will be in touch.

What we can offer you:

Our detailed 2-week induction program ensures that all Seashell employees gain the essential knowledge to work within our amazing setting. With our commitment to ongoing training and development through appraisals and supervisions we encourage career progression and development throughout the business.

Other benefits include:

• Use of our on-site gym, fitness classes, and state of the art swimming pool
• Free membership to the Trusts inclusive gym, fitness centre and swimmingpool
• Access to a range of onsite fitness classes including yoga, Zumba and more
• Discounts on cinema tickets, high street shopping, travel, days out and more Private Health Care – through Benenden giving access to 24/7 GP, physiotherapy, medical treatments, mental health support including counselling service, cancer support, care planning and social care advise.
• Life Assurance (3x Annual base salary) subject to terms and conditions
• Cycle to work scheme
• Free on-site parking
• Employee recognition and reward Summer and Winter events.
• Paid Enhanced DBS

How to apply:

Please upload your CV to apply. As part of our safer recruitment policy, you will be

asked to complete a Compliance Application Form, and successful candidates will

be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check (no cost) and full references will be

taken.

About Seashell Trust

We provide a caring environment that is safeguarded and committed to promoting

learning, respect and independence, as well as dignity for all of our students.

We value our employees and recognise the need to recruit, retain and develop highly

skilled and committed talent who share our vision and values!

We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities. We are an inclusive

employer and welcome all applications.

Disabled candidates who meet the minimum criteria on the person specification will

be guaranteed an interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments for an

interview, please highlight this to our Recruitment Team in advance.

This charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children,

young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this

commitment.

Our vision is for the children and young people in our care to be safe, happy and to

achieve the best possible outcomes so that they are valued and valuable members

of their communities.

Health Poverty Action (HPA) acts in solidarity with poor and marginalised communities in their struggle for health and social justice, recognising these injustices are often rooted in colonialism and imperialism (both historical and ongoing) and have strong racial and gender dimensions.

We develop and implement locally rooted and culturally appropriate solutions to improve health for communities in 10 countries across Central America, Asia and Africa. Alongside these global programmes, we campaign to change the unjust policies and practices that push people into poverty and destroy their health and tackle the powerful vested interests that sustain them.

As Partnership Officer, you will be the critical driver of growing our partnerships fundraising and ensuring that more people worldwide are able to realise their right to health. 

• Job purpose: To help grow unrestricted income for Health Poverty Action through community and corporate partnerships. 
• Location: Home-based, within commuting distance to London for events and meetings. 
• Salary: £26,095 rising in length of service increments to £29,832. 
• Responsible to: Head of Fundraising 
• Annual leave: 25 days per year, plus the time between Christmas and New Year, plus bank holidays.

How to apply: Download and complete the application form available on our website.

This helps ensure fairness and consistency and is also a demonstration of your interest in the role; therefore, we will only consider those applications who use the application form. 

Closing date: Wednesday, 2 October 2024 at 11:59 PM BST 

Interview dates: Monday, 14 October and Tuesday, 15 October 2024 

Your key responsibilities will be flexible. You’ll manage your workload and set objectives, priorities and deadlines with the Head of Fundraising. Your work will include: 

• Partnerships Fundraising: You’ll lead and grow our partnerships fundraising portfolio by nurturing existing relationships and identifying new prospective partnerships. You will prepare proposals, pitches, and reports based on key funding needs, and implement stewardship plans to retain support, maximising partnership value. 

• Community Fundraising: You’ll manage community-based fundraising efforts, including coordinating with other organisations. Develop new community fundraising initiatives and engage volunteers, working to maintain an established network of volunteers which support community fundraising activities.

• Events Fundraising: You will manage our fundraising events, including the London Marathon. This will include recruitment, resourcing, relationship-building and supporting our event participants in their fundraising efforts. We are also excited for you to develop and oversee other innovative and profitable one-off events. 

• Fundraising Management: You will monitor and report on fundraising activities, manage relevant website pages, and ensure effective administration and record-keeping. You’ll need to stay abreast of industry trends and react accordingly to maximize opportunities. 

• What else? We encourage you to be aware of all of Health Poverty Action’s work and any key developments which may affect it. When representing Health Poverty Action, you should communicate our work in a professional and passionate way. 

At Health Poverty Action we celebrate diversity and promote equality and inclusion amongst all our staff and everyone we work with. We actively support and encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. We are particularly keen to hear from ethnic minority candidates.  

As HR Business Partner, you will play a strategic role, acting as a partner to the senior leadership to enable us to deliver as effectively as possible to people with ME. Many of our 35 colleagues have direct experience of ME and, as an ME organisation, we work hard to ensure that we provide reasonable adjustments and support to enable them to make the valuable contributions they do. You will work closely with the Management Team to drive this work. You will need to develop a deep understanding of the organisation and our work, build strong, effective relationships with our colleagues and bring expertise to the various HR functions and strategic business support areas.
 

Key Duties

People & Culture Strategy

• Work with the senior leadership to deliver the People and Culture and the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Plans that enables the delivery of organisational goals
• Drive consistency of the implementation of the Plans
• Work with the senior leadership to review data, analyse trends, providing data-driven solutions/decisions to support cultural development. Use ongoing analysis to test the effectiveness of People and Culture interventions and processes within the organisation
• With senior leadership, manage talent and succession planning

Human Resource Management

• Provide first point of contact HR advice and support to colleagues and line managers, ensuring all instances are recorded appropriately
• Manage the compliant use of, and be first point of contact for, colleague queries on the HR IT System (currently BreatheHR)
• Support HR investigations and line managers with grievances, disciplinaries and other similar matters, recording meeting minutes and agreeing next steps.
• Liaise with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB; provides insurance and employment legal advice) on complex HR cases that require external input, either on behalf of or alongside relevant line manager(s)
• Oversee all HR policies and procedures, being guided by relevant internal data and industry best practice, and ensuring they are regularly reviewed
• Complete all required administrative tasks for new starters and colleagues leaving the organisation
• Processing and managing of maternity, paternity, and adoption in line with policies and best practice
• Running of monthly HR reports, to include sickness auditing and dissemination of relevant data to CEO and line managers, if required
• Scope, plan and book/deliver appropriate training across the organisation and for individual employees where necessary
• Managing the recruitment lifecycle, which is to include advertising of vacancies, screening of applicants, interview diary management, referencing and document checks, onboarding coordination
• Manage and administer all changes to contractual terms and conditions with appropriate paperwork disseminated to relevant parties
• Oversee HR support for volunteers, including Trustees and Sub-Committee Lay Members
• Oversee the organisation ‘Wellbeing Weekdays’ programme (a monthly programme to support colleague contact and wellbeing)
• Support change management processes

Business Support/Compliance  

• Contract management for Employee Assistance Programme
• Contract management for IT

Are you an experienced accredited IDVA with experience in a multi-agency?

If so, the Drive Partnership is looking for a DAPO Triage IDVA in Manchester. 

The Drive Partnership was formed by Respect, Safe Lives and Social Finance, is working to transform the national response to perpetrators of domestic abuse. 

The Triage IDVA will work as part of the Triage Team in their pilot area, reporting to the Triage Team Leader and working alongside the Triage Worker. They will be responsible  for supporting and presenting the voice of the victims and their children in cases where  the perpetrator has been referred to the team for an assessment of suitability for a Positive Requirement during an application for a DAPO.

They will be responsible for attempting to contact the victims to carry out the relevant safety checks, risk assessments and provide advocacy during the assessment stage and make onward referrals for further support for the victim. They will capture the voice of the victim as part of the overall assessment for a positive requirement and feed their views and any relevant information about risk or need into the overall recommendation. The IDVA’s work and expertise will ensure that the risks and needs for both the Perpetrator and Victims/families are considered so that a co-ordinated and individual intervention plan can be created when appropriate and safe to apply as part of the DAPO.

Location: Home working with travel to attend meetings in London, York and Manchester and visit Communities run by the Trust in Hertfordshire, Gloucestershire, Yorkshire, and Worcestershire.

Salary: c.£80,000 per annum

Contract: Permanent, full-time hours

Camphill Village Trust, the charity that supports adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental ill health support, is seeking a Director of Fundraising to drive significant income generation through a sustainable funding model to enable the Trust to deliver its long-term objectives.

Established in 1954, Camphill Village Trust’s vision is to be a national leader in Social and Green Care Integration, enabling more adults with learning disabilities, autism and mental health challenges to live healthy, active and independent lives. Their historical focus on enabling potential for people with support needs through farming, organic horticulture and enterprise centred on nature and traditional skills, continues today - valuing everyone’s contribution, enabling personal pathways to development, celebrating the changing seasons and respecting the rhythm of natural life.

The Fundraising Director will work to the Chief Executive and in collaboration with the Executive Management Team, Senior Leadership Teams and wider Board and stakeholder groups. The role will be responsible for developing and leading the Trust’s Fundraising and Communication Strategies to enable and deliver significant growth in the Supporter base, Income Generation and Brand positioning of a national charity providing Learning Disability and Mental Health Services in a Green Care Context.
The successful candidate will be joining a charity with a strong history and reputation for donor-centric (friends) fundraising, currently raising over £5m per year and a huge potential to unlock stewardship, potential and growth.

The Trust is seeking an inspiring and ambitious professional with a proven track record in senior-level fundraising and the skills, passion and experience to lead the Trust into a position which results in voluntary income moving from £5M to £10M through delivery of step change strategies for Voluntary Income Generation and Communication. Candidates must be collaborative leaders with proven experience of leading and managing multi-disciplinary fundraising teams and in transformation and change. They will also have experience in influencing policy and decision making (governance) at a range of levels, as will be a strong networker and public speaker used to driving networking opportunities that evidence outcomes and impact.

This is an exciting time to be joining the charity in its 70th anniversary year as they embark on a bold plan to shape a new long-term future for adult social care within vibrant and thriving community settings.

CLOSING DATE: Monday 30th September, 9am.

Job Title: Experienced Associate Independent Investigating Officers (IOs) for Stage 2 Complaints (This role sits within our Independent Person for Complaints (IPC) service)

Contract: Associate

Hours: Variable, according to demand for services/caseload and role in investigation

Salary: £25.25 per hour (50% professional rate for travel plus expenses)

Location: Associate Independent Investigating Officers for Complaints primarily work from home. Some travel may be required as part of an investigation – location will vary according to the referral received from the Local Authority. Cases will be allocated to Associate IOs living locally to the referring authority, wherever possible.

About Coram

Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.

We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.

Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity, founded by Thomas Coram in London, helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.

About the Role

We are seeking additional experienced Associate Independent Investigating Officers (IO) for Complaints, to increase our capacity to respond to referrals from Local Authorities to provide an independent element to the formal Stage 2 investigations under the Children Act 1989.

The IO will lead investigations, and will give the complainant (who may be a child, young person or adult) the opportunity to express their view, ensure the child or young person’s rights and best interests are at the centre of the investigation and that the investigation/review process is open and transparent. They write a report on the investigation/review, which is submitted to the referring agency.

The Job Description document sets out the expectations for an Associate Independent Person for Complaints (IPC) who is approved by Coram Voice. IPCs are independent, freelance and responsible for their own work. Nevertheless, IPCs are accountable to the organisation for their professional standards and are expected to comply with Coram Voice Code of Ethics and Practice Guidelines.

Please Note: the nature of associate work means that we cannot guarantee a regular amount of work, and complaints will be allocated dependent on the associate’s availability, location and the needs and demands of the individual case. Investigation work takes place Monday to Friday within working hours. This position is not suitable for applicants who already work or have commitments more than two days within the working week.

To apply for this role, please click on the 'apply now' button below to complete the application.

Closing Date: Please note this is a rolling recruitment campaign

Interview Date: TBC

Coram is an equal opportunities employer and we believe a diverse workforce enables us to improve the services to the children and families we help. We are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from all sections of the community we seek to support. This includes those from, Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds, those that identify as LGBTQ+, those with disabilities, those with lived experience of care, those with neuro-diversity, and those from other groups who are underrepresented at Coram.

If applicants feel comfortable, we would encourage them to draw on lived experience as well as professional experience in their personal statement as part of their application.

We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Registered Charity No. 312278.

Are you an experienced accredited IDVA with experience in a multi-agency?

If so, the Drive Partnership is looking for a DAPO Triage IDVA in Manchester. 

The Drive Partnership was formed by Respect, Safe Lives and Social Finance, is working to transform the national response to perpetrators of domestic abuse. 

The Triage IDVA will work as part of the Triage Team in their pilot area, reporting to the Triage Team Leader and working alongside the Triage Worker. They will be responsible  for supporting and presenting the voice of the victims and their children in cases where  the perpetrator has been referred to the team for an assessment of suitability for a Positive Requirement during an application for a DAPO.

They will be responsible for attempting to contact the victims to carry out the relevant safety checks, risk assessments and provide advocacy during the assessment stage and make onward referrals for further support for the victim. They will capture the voice of the victim as part of the overall assessment for a positive requirement and feed their views and any relevant information about risk or need into the overall recommendation. The IDVA’s work and expertise will ensure that the risks and needs for both the Perpetrator and Victims/families are considered so that a co-ordinated and individual intervention plan can be created when appropriate and safe to apply as part of the DAPO. 

Home-based in NHS SW Region with occasional visits to our office in London.

Ataxia UK is looking for a skilled and dedicated Specialist Ataxia Nurse for our new community-based nursing service, focused on supporting individuals with ataxia in the South West of England. The role is a significant development in expanding access to expert and joined-up ataxia care for the ataxia community, particularly in regions currently underserved by neurologists with expertise in the ataxias. 

As a Specialist Ataxia Nurse, you will provide personalised, face-to-face, and remote support to patients, assisting them in navigating the NHS and social care systems. Your responsibilities will include supporting patients during medical appointments, coordinating essential therapies such as physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, and building strong relationships with healthcare professionals to enhance understanding and treatment of ataxia. Additionally, you will contribute to the development of resources and information for the ataxia community. 

We are looking for an experienced nurse with a background in neurology or chronic disease management and a strong commitment to patient advocacy. The ideal candidate will be a clear communicator, capable of working independently while collaborating effectively with multidisciplinary teams. Your role will be vital in ensuring that individuals with ataxia receive timely and appropriate care, helping them to manage their condition and maintain their quality of life. 

Contract:  Permanent, part time  

Salary:  £18,963 - £22,050 per annum (£27,089 - £31,499 FTE) 

Location:   Homebased within Oxfordshire or Warwickshire 

Closing date:  Tuesday 24 September 2024 

Interview dates: 1 & 3 October 2024  

The Regional Adoptions Facilitator will be instrumental in streamlining our adoption services to maximise the number of horses we can help by 2026! 

More about the role

As Regional Adoption Facilitator, you'll collaborate with centre-based Adoptions Coordinators to swiftly execute the Blue Cross strategy, focusing on efficient horse adoption services, including home direct placements. You'll oversee the post-adoption process in your region, ensuring smooth ownership transfers after successful loan periods to expedite horse rehoming and optimize space for new cases.

Each day you will be conducting thorough home checks and visits—both in-person and virtually—for borrowers to uphold welfare standards and address any issues promptly. Collaborating with the Rehabilitation, Trainer, and Behaviour Advisor (RTBA), you'll manage challenging horse behaviours to support successful home placements. You'll also facilitate home direct rehoming initiatives, making critical decisions to match horses with suitable owners based on your expertise and ensuring ongoing support post-adoption.

To expand our impact, you'll recruit and manage a network of volunteers, including a regional volunteer manager, for home direct assessments and checks. This includes coordinating visits and appointments, fostering partnerships with external charities aligned with our home direct efforts.

Providing excellent client experiences is essential, ensuring every interaction covers all necessary information for successful matching and adopting horses into loving homes.

This is a home-based post with extensive travel. The nature of the post will require the coordinator to demonstrate considerable flexibility in arranging their work schedule and time allocation. This will include some weekend and evening work. Due to the nature of the charity’s work, it may be necessary to exceed these hours when the workload demands. The Regional Adoptions Facilitator will be required to use their own car in carrying out their duties and will be reimbursed for business mileage as appropriate. 

This is a part-time role working 26.25 hours over four days per week on a rota which includes weekends and bank holidays.  This role involves extensive travel covering areas such as Warwickshire, Nottinghamshire and across to Norfolk. 

 For a more detailed look at the role and its requirements, please see the attached job description.

About you

As this role requires coverage across specific regions, candidates must reside in either Warwickshire or Oxfordshire. You are an excellent communicator with experience in client-facing roles within horse-related environments. Your knowledge of horse welfare and riding will ensure successful adoptions. You can quickly absorb and record information while engaging with clients and stakeholders.

Client-focused and decisive, you handle pressure well and challenge risk-averse decisions using evidence-based methods. You follow set processes, adapt to new methods, and aim to improve horse welfare by maintaining high standards in the adoption process.

Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential. You remain professional and approachable, handling difficult situations calmly. You are open-minded, adaptable, and able to communicate effectively with customers and colleagues.

Your skills allow you to assess support levels for horses and borrowers, identifying and addressing underlying issues. You support borrowers in maintaining high welfare standards.

Trustworthy and proactive, you approach your work enthusiastically. Your problem-solving mindset helps you find solutions and prioritize decisions with attention to detail.

Resilient and emotionally intelligent, you support clients and colleagues empathetically. Motivated, flexible, and dependable, you provide exceptional service to Blue Cross horses and customers, managing your workload effectively both independently and as part of a team.

Knowledge, skills, and experience 

• Demonstrable understanding and experience of matching considerations for horses and homes. 
• Full driving licence with access to their own vehicle 
• Minimum BHS Stage 4 or acceptable equivalent qualifications or experience 
• First class knowledge and practical experience in the care and management of a range of horses and their environment, their needs and conditions 
• Proven practical experience of the assessment of horses, riders and their environments 
• Experience of assessing riders and analysing ridden horse behaviour 
• Practical knowledge of horse behaviour and training 
• Excellent communication skills with experience of building relationships and rapport with customers
• Experience of working with the general public with the proven ability to deal with people in a variety of circumstances 
• Significant experience in delivering high level customer service in a fast paced and often emotional environment.  
• Good IT skills and experience of using a variety of computer packages 
• Excellent administration and organisational skills 
• Good questioning skills with the ability to gather information and distil the important points. 
• Proven decision-making ability.  
• The ability to demonstrate, understanding and apply our Blue Cross values. 

Although not essential, it would be great if you also had: 

• Experience working with volunteers. 
• Client relationship management experience. 
• Understanding of safeguarding issues

How to apply 

Please apply via our website and complete the online application process before the closing date on Tuesday 24 September 2024. 

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early should we receive an overwhelming response.  

Blue Cross benefits

Our people are the most important part of delivering our purpose. If it were not for their amazing efforts and commitment, we would not be able to make the difference that we do today.  

In return, Blue Cross wants to ensure we provide you with the best working environment we can. We want you to be happy working for us and will do everything we can to make sure you are.  

Our generous benefits package includes:  

• Full time equivalent of 38 days holiday rising to 43 with service (including Bank Holidays) 
• Programmes for physical and mental wellbeing support 
• Free access to GP via MetLife- 24/7 GP services, private prescriptions and more for you and your family  
• Free physiotherapy advice and face to face intervention 
• Health cash plan 
• Unlimited access to an employee assistance programme 
• Pension scheme with enhanced employer contribution  
• Professional fees paid with Continuing Professional Development and personal development support. 
• Life assurance  
• 20% discount on Pet Plan pet insurance  
• Enhanced family friendly policies  
• Recognition scheme  
• Annual volunteer days 
• Charity worker discounts across a variety of retailers

To read more about the benefits Blue Cross has to offer, please visit the 'why work for us' page on our website. 

About Blue Cross

Blue Cross is a national charity that has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. 

Every month we help thousands of pets and their people by providing veterinary care, expert behaviour advice and find homeless pets loving families. We also offer education for future generations plus pet bereavement support for those who have lost their beloved pet companion. 

We love the ways that pets can make such an amazing difference to the people they live with and we offer lifelong support and advice to help that unique relationship thrive. With your support we can give back to more pets and their families who need our help. 

Pets change lives. We change theirs.
 

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion 

We believe that every pet should enjoy a healthy life in a happy home, and we always seek to recruit the best people who share our values and commitment so we can continue to help and support pet owners across the UK to achieve this. 

At Blue Cross, we want you to feel that you belong, without the need to hide any part of who you are.  

Diversity and inclusion at Blue Cross means creating a workplace where all people, regardless of gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, nation or country of origin, disability, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds are welcome, respected, supported, and have access to equal opportunities.   

We are working hard to reflect the world we live in and the communities we serve at every level of our organisation. As much as we have made positive advances, we consider diversity and inclusion to be a work in progress – a continual commitment that remains a priority for all of us.  

Our values    

Our values define the way we do things. We use them every day to guide us, and to make sure we put people and pets at the heart of everything we do.  

Compassionate: We listen, we are non-judgmental, we are kind and caring to the pets and people we encounter, and we offer support in difficult times  
 

Courageous: We make brave decisions, embrace change, and encourage innovation, ensuring we always act with integrity – doing the right thing even when no one is looking