About The Advocacy Project

We help marginalised and vulnerable people make effective choices about what happens in their lives. We also support them to speak up and help improve important services we all need. We want to make sure people across all age and care groups – including learning disability and mental health – can:

• voice their concerns

• understand their rights

• make effective choices about what happens in their lives

We do this through advocacy services which support people individually, and user involvement projects that help organisations improve the services they offer.

About the role

We’re searching for an exceptional Independent Mental Health Advocate (Forensic) to work in the medium and low secure forensic units at St Bernard’s Hospital in Ealing.

The role will have a strong appeal to advocates wishing to specialise in forensic contexts.

This role will provide independent advocacy for adults detained under forensic sections. You’ll also raise awareness of independent advocacy, including for people from minority ethnic communities. You’ll work as part of a team of independent advocates, reporting to the manager for the service.

Key responsibilities

• Provide a one-to-one advocacy service and undertake case work, writing accurate case notes and recording data on our system.

• Provide instructed and non-instructed advocacy where appropriate.

• Give information, support and signposting to inform and empower people on any issues about their treatment under the relevant legislation.

• Meet case-working standards, monitoring system requirements and the goals for our service, making sure everyone needing advocacy is referred into the service in the right way.

• Work within the location-specific engagement protocols, security, confidentiality and safeguarding policies (in addition to the Advocacy Best Practice Handbook).

• Actively promote self-advocacy throughout all work with patients where practical.

• Raise awareness of independent advocacy amongst patients.

• Keep your knowledge of legislation and policy up-to-date, including the mental health act, mental capacity act, care act, and local / national policy.

• Keep up to date with developments and good practice in independent advocacy (including different advocacy models).

• Develop good working relationships with key staff within health and social care services.

• Be an active member of the mental health service, contributing to service planning and providing cover for other colleagues when needed.

  General responsibilities

• Participate in team meetings and training.

• Participate in personal, team and organisational development.

• Contribute to monitoring reports.

• Keep to our policies, including health & safety, and risk regulations.

• Work to our mission, vision, and values.

• Carry out other projects and tasks as needed.

Person specification

Essential:

• At least two years experience of providing advocacy or supporting people with mental health conditions.

• Understanding of the issues faced by forensic service users with mental health conditions and issues relating to mental capacity.

• Sound knowledge of forensic mental health sections and services, including current issues in policy and practice; knowledge of health and social care practice and legislation.

• Experience of the principles and practice of advocacy and an understanding of different forms of advocacy.

• Ability to listen and build trust, to encourage people to express their own views and to represent clients’ self-defined interests.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills (written and verbal). Good at working with a wide variety of people including commissioners, service users and colleagues.

• Commitment to working within The Advocacy Project code of conduct, equality and safeguarding policies.

• Ability to work as part of a team and on your own initiative, to plan and prioritise your own workload.

• Willingness to promote The Advocacy Project and its services in line with our mission, vision and values.

• Commitment to ongoing professional development.

  Desirable:

• Knowledge and experience of advocacy under the Care Act, Mental Capacity Act (IMCA) and DOLS.

• IMHA qualification (or be studying for an IMHA qualification and committed to completing this within 6 months).

• Understanding of the Accessible Information Standard.

Benefits of working for us

We’re committed to providing an empowering, flexible and supportive working environment for all our staff.

Our employee benefits include 30 days annual leave (including up to 3 days between Christmas and New Year), participation in a pension scheme with 6% employer contribution, access to a free confidential counselling service, and an interest-free travel/bike loan.

All our staff are supported to learn and develop in a variety of ways, including a monthly lecture series where we invite sector experts to talk to our staff on topical issues.

We are a Disability Confident and Mindful Employer.

How to apply

Send your CV and a supporting statement explaining why you think you’re the person we’re looking for and how your experience meets the person specification.

Upload your application via our website.

Remember to get it to us by the deadline listed on page 1.

Project Worker

Fixed term contract until 31st March 21

30 hours per week

£23388 per annum / pro rata (Actual £18963)

Location Wythenshawe/Oldham with travel across Greater Manchester

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 130 years. We run local services that support children when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for children, every step of the way.

This role sits within our children and families directorate, which works to provide immediate one-to-one and group support for children who urgently need support. Your role will be to help us maintain and develop innovative practice to support our work in our services around the country.

We are currently looking for an experienced worker to join our dynamic, ambitious team.

A key part of this role will be your ability to engage with young people across 2 different services, one with young people who have been reported missing and secondly with young people who have experienced domestic violence.

[KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES]

In order to be successful in this role, you must have:

- Experience of working directly with vulnerable children particularly who are missing and in care of local authorities

- Significant experience as a counselling practitioner or working directly and therapeutically with children and young people.

- A relevant professional qualification

- Accurate IT skills and case recording

-Knowledge of safeguarding and Child Protection

[INFO ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY]

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer.

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Therefore, candidates applying for work in our CYP Directorate will be required to complete an “Employment history_template” document prior to interview. The fully completed document should be loaded by the candidate at the point of uploading your CV.

The closing date for applications is 29th July

Project Worker

Fixed term contract until 31st March 2023 with possible extension to 31st March 2025.

3 posts available: 2 x full time (37 hours per week) and 1 x part time (22.5 hours per week)

£23,388 per annum (pro rata for part time position) plus travel expenses

Location: West Mercia - Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin

This role sits within our Children and Young People Directorate in our Climb Diversionary Programme, working with children and young people at risk of exploitation. We are a new and friendly team who work to enable inspiring and impactful experiences that transform the lives of children and young people..

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Working across Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin you will work within a team that is committed to strengthening how the organisation best supports children and young people by accelerating new and innovative ways of working.

You will be able to demonstrate a key understanding and knowledge of child exploitation within a contextual safeguarding approach and be proactive and holistic in providing specialist support to children and young people who have experienced or are at risk of exploitation in order to reduce harm and develop resilience.

You will work to create an inclusive service that is child focused and led; leading on participation activities and drawing out learning from direct work to identify trends and patterns for review and improvement.

Key skills and competencies

-Ability to communicate with all stakeholders, written and verbally

-Ability to analyse data

-Ability to motivate and engage others

-Ability to manage professional boundaries

-Ability to plan and manage own workload, using your own initiative

-Working knowledge of relevant policy and practice relating to child protection and safeguarding of young people

-Working knowledge of models and methods for one to one and group work with vulnerable young people.

-Working knowledge of the issues impacting on young people affected by exploitation and those who go missing

-Relevant experience of working with young people from diverse backgrounds, 1-1 and in a group setting.

-Experience of supporting young people who are dealing with complex and sensitive issues

-Experience of delivering assertive outreach programmes to engage hard to reach young people

Information about the Children's Society

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer.

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

The closing date for applications is 12 midnight 26th July 2020

Interviews will be held on week commencing 10th August 2020.

Child Sexual Exploitation Support Worker

Permanent contract with provisional end date of funding of June 2021

37 hours per week .

£23,388 per annum

Location : Nottingham

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 130 years. We run local services that support children when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for children, every step of the way.

This role sits within our children and families directorate, which works to provide immediate one-to-one and group support for children who urgently need support. Your role will be to help us maintain and develop innovative practice to support our work in our services around the country.

[TYPE OF PERSON YOU'RE LOOKING FOR/ WHAT'S EXPECTED OF THEM]

We are currently looking for an experienced youth worker to join our dynamic, ambitious team.

A key part of this role will be your ability to provide specialist support to children and young people who have experienced or are at risk of sexual exploitation in order to reduce harm and develop resilience.

[KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES]

In order to be successful in this role, you must have:

-Ability to engage and build positive relationships with young people

- Ability to work in partnership with a range of agencies and individuals as part of the support plan

- Experience of working with young people who have experienced sexual exploitation

-Ability to keep accurate and up to date case recording

-Experience of safeguarding and child protection procedures

[INFO ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY]

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer.

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Therefore, candidates applying for work in our CYP Directorate will be required to complete an “Employment history_template” document prior to interview. The fully completed document should be loaded by the candidate at the point of uploading your CV.

The closing date for applications is 27th July.

YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP

Project Worker – Horsham 

Permanent Contract

37.5 Hours per week

£22,305 per annum

Want to be part of something amazing?  We are looking for passionate and committed people to join us.

As Project Worker you will take the lead on housing and support work alongside the Project Team to ensure that the requirements of the service specification are met: 

• To reduce and prevent rough sleeping 

• To promote and improve health and wellbeing 

• To minimise admissions to institutions such as hospitals, prison or residential care

• To reduce repeat homelessness.

You will work as part of a team including a Project Manager, a Deputy Project Manager, Project Workers, Project Assistants and Night Support workers to ensure we:

• use Psychologically Informed Environment practices, Trauma Informed Approach and restorative practice

• enable residents to articulate and achieve their ambitions and aspirations

• support residents to acquire the skills they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives

• identify, map and encourage the growth of each residents’ assets, strengths and talents.

The position comes with excellent benefits, including 27 days annual leave per annum (plus bank holidays), a company sick pay scheme, a life assurance policy of 2x your annual salary, a health and wellbeing cash plan, and a cycle to work scheme. Please download a job pack for more information about other benefits offered.

If you are an applicant interested in this post and would like an informal discussion having read the job pack, please contact Jake Rawlings (contact details on the job vacancy on our webpage). We will not respond to agencies. 

As part of our Safer Recruitment guidelines, we only accept applications completed on our application form. Due to Covid-19, we are not accepting paper copies of forms and are currently only accepting application forms submitted by email.

YMCA DownsLink Group welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We value diversity and promote inclusion, which we demonstrate through our activities, as well as in our policies and working practices. Reinforced by our culture and values, we seek to create an inspiring and inclusive place to work.

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 via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). 

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 28th July 2020 at 9am

Interview date: W/C 3rd August 2020

Please note that we do not accept CVs.

To apply, please download an Application Pack and an Application Form from YMCA DownsLink Group's website.

Project Worker - Missing From Home

Role is funded until end of March 2021

24 hours per week

£20,912 per annum (Actual £13,565)

Location: Wythenshawe and Greenheys Police Station

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 130 years. We run local services that support children when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for children, every step of the way.

This role sits within our children and families directorate, which works to provide immediate one-to-one and group support for children who urgently need support. Your role will be to help us maintain and develop innovative practice to support our work in our services around the country.

TYPE OF PERSON YOU'RE LOOKING FOR / WHAT'S EXPECTED OF THEM

We are currently looking for an experienced project worker to join our dynamic, ambitious team.

A key part of this role will be your ability to successfully engage with young people who go missing.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

In order to be successful in this role, you must have:

-Experience of working directly with vulnerable children particularly who are missing and in care of local authorities

-Experience of undertaking assessments of need and risk and planning interventions

-Significant experience of multi-agency working

-A relevant professional qualification

INFO ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer.

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. (including non-police vetting) We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Therefore, candidates applying for work in our CYP Directorate will be required to complete an “Employment history_template” document prior to interview. The fully completed document should be loaded by the candidate at the point of uploading your CV.

The closing date for applications is 18th July.

Victim Support is looking for a Young Person's Project Worker to work with young people who had been victims of gang related crimes in Islington as part of the Islington Gang Team (IGT)

Victim Support (VS) is an independent charity for people affected by crime in England and Wales. We work towards a world where people affected by crime or traumatic events get the support they need and respect they deserve.

The main purpose of the Islington Gang Team Young Victims Project Worker is to deliver a specialist service to all young victims living in Islington that are victims of gang related crimes.

The main duties and responsibilities of this role include delivering support to young victims of gang related crime, using appropriate service guidance and policy framework, both on a 1:1 basis and working in partnership with other professional colleagues in the Islington Gang Team (IGT). Our Young Victims Project Worker will develop and deliver innovative interventions to address the needs of children and young people, involving them in service design, delivery and evaluation. The role will also require you to develop good working relationships with partner agencies and complete monthly and quarterly reports for Victim Support and Funders.

Our Young Victims Project Worker must have in depth knowledge, understanding and awareness of the current issues for children and young people experiencing crime, gangs culture and serious violence. The successful candidate will have a proven track record of successfully delivering services for children and young people and successful youth engagement in a comparable role within a service-driven organisation, including knowledge of safeguarding issues relating to young people.

The post will be based in Islington Police Station, but you will also be required to work from Victim Support office in Islington. This is fixed term to 31/03/2021, with the possibility of extension following funding.

VS are committed to recruiting with care and to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Background checks, Police vetting and Disclosed Barring Service checks will be required.

Victim Support offers competitive rewards and benefits including pension and life assurance, 25 days annual leave (pro-rata), voluntary benefits such as season ticket loans, cycle to work scheme, and the opportunity to play a key role in a national charity providing world-class services to victims and witnesses and being a vital force for change.

Applications should be explicit enough to provide good evidence against the shortlisting criteria, which are marked in the person specification as A. In order to apply, please create a profile in our website (jobs section), complete and submit an online application form.

If you have the drive to make a difference within an organisation which makes a difference we look forward to hearing from you.

Victim Support is committed to providing an inclusive and supportive environment for our staff. We believe having a diverse workforce at all levels allows us to represent the communities we serve and connect better with people affected by crime. We welcome applicants from all communities and as part of our commitment to the we would particularly welcome applicants from BAME communities.

YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP

Bank Project Workers

Burgess Hill, Crawley, Horsham, Worthing, Guildford, Eastbourne

Varied shifts across all areas - please specify which area(s) on application

Sessional Contract 

£10.05 per hour

We are recruiting Bank Staff to work with a diverse group of young people, in our large Foyers (supported housing) and in our smaller Looked After Children’s Services. We are currently recruiting in:

Burgess Hill 

Crawley

Horsham

Worthing

Guildford

Eastbourne

YMCA DLG provide accommodation which houses young people aged 16 to 25 and provides specialist support to enable thriving lives. Working in a holistic manner, we adopt a psychologically informed approach to support young people to transition into independent living through a range of one to one and group activity.

Our teams take an asset-based approach to actively encourage young people into education, employment and training. As a service, we provide a safe and welcoming environment for young people, with their aspirations and desires always at the forefront of the support we offer. Overall, we seek to encourage and enable young people to become empowered by providing positive opportunities which allow them to learn and achieve the independent skills they need to live positive and fulfilling lives.

As well as managing their accommodation, we provide intensive housing management, signposting to other agencies and provide group work and activities that enable young people to achieve the skills they need to begin managing life independently.

A good understanding of the support needs and aspirations of young people we work with is desirable. 

You will help to keep our properties safe and secure throughout the day and night through different shift patterns (over a 7-day rota) across our services.

Burgess Hill – Looked After Children’s Service : We provide accommodation that is commissioned by West Sussex Council to provide 24-hour support to young people aged 16-18 years old.

Crawley Foyer : 40 bed Project providing supported accommodation for 16 – 25-year old’s the focus of the work is to help develop the young people’s skills and confidence through our More Than a Room support delivery so that they can move on from supported accommodation and live independently.

Horsham Y Centre : The Horsham Y Centre provides housing to 50 young people. The focus of the work is to help develop the young people’s skills and confidence through our More Than a Room support delivery so that they can move on from supported accommodation and live independently.

Worthing Foyer : Supported accommodation for young people aged 16-25. The foyer consists of 27 bedsits, complete with ensuite facilities, separated into 2 to 3-bedroom flats.

The focus of the work is to help develop the young people’s skills and confidence through our More Than a Room support delivery so that they can move on from supported accommodation and live independently.

Guildford : YMCA Guildford Foyer is YMCA Guildford’s supported housing project offering accommodation to 34 young people from Guildford and Surrey. The needs of these young people vary from low to high. However, all young people are treated as individuals and tailored support packages are offered to support them to become fully independent in the future.   We support young people to develop socially and personally in order that they may grow in confidence and learn to live more independently in communities in which they feel they can belong, contribute and thrive.

Eastbourne, Hailsham and Hastings commissioned services : YMCA DLG supported services provide safe accommodation and opportunities for young people who have been made, or are at risk of becoming, homeless. We offer a holistic support package and actively encourage residents into education, training, employment or voluntary work. Whilst living with us residents will gain many essential life skills and social skills, empowering them to move successfully into semi-independent or fully independent accommodation.
Across our Eastbourne, Hailsham and Hastings projects we house 61 young people across five properties. Three of the properties have staff on hand 24 hours a day, with housing concierge available at night. Two properties are dedicated to our move on options for young people, with visiting support and concierge at night.

Eastbourne, Hastings and Bexhill transitional housing : We provide transitional housing for 165 young people aged 18 to 35, across 29 sites in Eastbourne, Hastings and Bexhill
Funded by Homes England under the Empty Homes programme, the scheme enables us to lease empty properties from private landlords and refurbish them to a good standard, to provide affordable and safe accommodation for young people in housing need. Aimed at young people who are not quite ready to live completely independently we manage the lettings and deal with any issues that arise.
We manage a range of properties including studio flats, one to three-bedroom flats and four- and five-bedroom houses. We also manage a nine-bedroom property made up of studio flats and rooms with shared communal facilities.

While there are systems in place to support you, a substantial part of the role includes the ability to lone work. Therefore, we will require someone competent and confident when working alone and somebody who is able to understand and work with complex and challenging behaviour appropriately.

This can be challenging yet very rewarding work that helps young people to belong, contribute, and thrive - please have a look at our website.

The position comes with excellent training and development opportunities.

YMCA DownsLink Group welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We value diversity and promote inclusion, which we demonstrate through our activities, as well as in our policies and working practices. Reinforced by our culture and values, we seek to create an inspiring and inclusive place to work.

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 via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). 

Closing date for applications: Please note this is a rolling advert and applications are reviewed on a monthly basis. 

Interview date: Interviews arranged on a rolling basis.

Please note that we do not accept CVs.

To apply, please download an Application Pack and an Application Form from YMCA DownsLink Group's website.

Sessional Project Worker

Hours are not fixed, to be called on as and when required

£23388 per annum / pro rata - £12.16 per hour sessional

Location Wythenshawe/Oldham/Stretford

The Children's Society has been helping children and young people in this country for over 130 years. We run local services that support children when they are at their most vulnerable and in desperate need of help. We're there for children, every step of the way.

This role sits within our children and families directorate, which works to provide immediate one-to-one and group support for children who urgently need support. Your role will be to help us maintain and develop innovative practice to support our work in our services around the country.

TYPE OF PERSON YOU'RE LOOKING FOR/ WHAT'S EXPECTED OF THEM

We are currently looking for an experienced worker to join our dynamic, ambitious team.

A key part of this role will be your ability to engage with young people in a variety of settings, including 1:1 support and group work.

KEY SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

In order to be successful in this role, you must have:

Experience of working directly with vulnerable young people and an understanding of the issues they face

Experience of multi agency working

Strong assessment and evaluation skills

Accurate recording skills

INFO ABOUT THE CHILDREN'S SOCIETY

The Children's Society runs over 100 local services that help thousands of young people who desperately need our support, and we campaign to get laws and policies changed to make children's lives happier and safer.

Every day we're changing the lives of children in this country for the better - and with your help, tomorrow we can be there for even more.

The Children's Society is committed to safeguarding and protecting the children and young people that we work with. As such, all posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have a range of policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and safer working practices across our services.

Therefore, candidates applying for work in our CYP Directorate will be required to complete an “Employment history template” document prior to interview. The fully completed document should be loaded by the candidate at the point of uploading your CV.

The closing date for applications is midnight on 16 July 2020.

Interviews will be W/C 3rd August.

Centre 33 is looking to recruit an Engagement and & Support Project Worker, with significant practical experience of working with young people and providing practical support and guidance, as part of the Centre 33 'Someone To Talk To' service in Cambridge.

You will be part of a team providing an open access 'one stop shop' offering information and on-going support to young people (aged 13-25), about how to make informed choices about their wellbeing, health & finances.

You will have wide-ranging and demonstrable experience of working with a complex case-load, assessing risk and need, and partnership working.

You will be working primarily from our Cambridge hub but may offer cover support on an ad hoc basis across Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.

 A driving license and use of a car is essential for this post.

Your role will be to deliver excellent, safe, impactful and responsive services to young people while developing good local relationships with other organisations.

By listening to local young people, and local partners, and sharing your findings with the Someone to Talk to team you will support Centre 33 to embed and develop a more impactful service in line with the organisation’s strategic plan.

Usual working hours: Thursday & Friday 10-6pm and Saturday 9:30am-2pm (20.5 hours per week).

However during induction period this will be:

 Wed & Thurs 10-6pm and Friday 12-4:30pm

This is a new role within a newly created team at SN. Your time will be split between supervising and supporting the Welcome Workers and carrying out the Welcome Worker role.

The Welcome Team will be the new 'front door' to our specialist services for survivors of violence and sexual abuse. The team will be the first point of contact for many survivors accessing our services.

You will have significant experience of working with vulnerable or traumatised individuals and experience of supervising or mentoring staff or volunteers in a role working with vulnerable people.

We have offices in both Brighton and Eastbourne and your working location can be negotiated. Travel may be required throughout East Sussex.

YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP

 
YMCA WiSE (What is Sexual Exploitation) Project Worker 
Working across West Surrey
Fixed Term until 31st March 2021 with anticipated extension
37 Hours per week
£27,140 per annum

YMCA DownsLink Group’s WiSE Project is an innovative, award winning project working with children and young people experiencing or at risk of sexual exploitation; as well raising awareness of Child Sexual Exploitation and other forms of Child Criminal Exploitation.

We are looking for a Project Worker who is experienced in supporting vulnerable children and young people who may have experienced abuse or trauma, to join our successful team in Surrey which is funded by Surrey PCC. We anticipate the role to be further extended.

The Project Worker will hold a caseload of children and young people who have been identified as being at significant risk of, or victims of sexual exploitation, with the possibility of some cases being victims of criminal exploitation as the project evolves.  You will undertake one-to-one work to increase their understanding of sexual and criminal exploitation and develop their knowledge and skills to enable them to have safe, healthy relationships. It is essential that applicants can evidence relevant experience.

The project worker will work collaboratively with other professionals to support interventions which keep children and young people safe, disrupt the activity of perpetrators and where possible, lead to prosecutions.

The successful applicant will be co-located with the Surrey Police Exploitation Team in Guildford Police Station, but with opportunities to work from Guildford YMCA or from home. The role involves significant time lone working whilst supporting children and young people in the South West and North West quadrants of Surrey, with travel across Surrey and further afield as required.

Line management and case support will be provided by YMCA DLG.  YMCA WiSE staff receive regular 1-to-1 clinical supervision and group Reflective Practice Supervision.

This role will involve frequent travel and it is essential you hold a current driving licence and have access to your own car.

This is challenging yet rewarding work and requires an absolute commitment of the staff.

The position comes with excellent benefits, including 27 days annual leave per annum (plus bank holidays), a company sick pay scheme, a life assurance policy of 2x your annual salary, a health and wellbeing cash plan, and a cycle to work scheme. Please download a job pack for more information about other benefits offered.

If after reading the job profile you have questions about the role, please contact Charlotte Amor, WiSE Project Manager (contact details on the job vacancy on our webpage).

As part of our Safer Recruitment guidelines, we only accept applications completed on our application form. Due to Covid-19, we are not accepting paper copies of forms and are currently only accepting application forms submitted by email.

YMCA DownsLink Group welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We value diversity and promote inclusion, which we demonstrate through our activities, as well as in our policies and working practices. Reinforced by our culture and values, we seek to create an inspiring and inclusive place to work.

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 via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS). In addition the successful applicant for this role is also required to clear Police vetting. 

Closing date for applications: Tuesday 21st July 2020 at 9am

Interview date: 28th and 29th July 2020

Please note that we do not accept CVs.

To apply, please download an Application Pack and an Application Form from YMCA DownsLink Group's website.

YMCA DOWNSLINK GROUP

Bank Project Workers

Burgess Hill, Crawley, Horsham, Worthing, Guildford, Eastbourne, Brighton & Hove

Varied shifts across all areas - please specify which area(s) on application

Sessional Contract

£10.05 per hour

We are recruiting Bank Staff to work with a diverse group of young people, in our large Foyers (supported housing) and in our smaller Looked After Children’s Services. We are currently recruiting in:

1. Burgess Hill
2. Crawley
3. Horsham
4. Worthing
5. Guildford
6. Eastbourne
7. Brighton & Hove

YMCA DLG provide accommodation which houses young people aged 16 to 25 and provides specialist support to enable thriving lives. Working in a holistic manner, we adopt a psychologically informed approach to support young people to transition into independent living through a range of one to one and group activity.

Our teams take an asset-based approach to actively encourage young people into education, employment and training. As a service, we provide a safe and welcoming environment for young people, with their aspirations and desires always at the forefront of the support we offer. Overall, we seek to encourage and enable young people to become empowered by providing positive opportunities which allow them to learn and achieve the independent skills they need to live positive and fulfilling lives.

As well as managing their accommodation, we provide intensive housing management, signposting to other agencies and provide group work and activities that enable young people to achieve the skills they need to begin managing life independently.

A good understanding of the support needs and aspirations of young people we work with is desirable.

You will help to keep our properties safe and secure throughout the day and night through different shift patterns (over a 7-day rota) across our services.

Burgess Hill – Looked After Children’s Service: We provide accommodation that is commissioned by West Sussex Council to provide 24-hour support to young people aged 16-18 years old.

Crawley Foyer: 40 bed Project providing supported accommodation for 16 – 25-year old’s the focus of the work is to help develop the young people’s skills and confidence through our More Than a Room support delivery so that they can move on from supported accommodation and live independently.

Horsham Y Centre: The Horsham Y Centre provides housing to 50 young people. The focus of the work is to help develop the young people’s skills and confidence through our More Than a Room support delivery so that they can move on from supported accommodation and live independently.

Worthing Foyer: Supported accommodation for young people aged 16-25. The foyer consists of 27 bedsits, complete with ensuite facilities, separated into 2 to 3-bedroom flats.

The focus of the work is to help develop the young people’s skills and confidence through our More Than a Room support delivery so that they can move on from supported accommodation and live independently.

Guildford: YMCA Guildford Foyer is YMCA Guildford’s supported housing project offering accommodation to 34 young people from Guildford and Surrey. The needs of these young people vary from low to high. However, all young people are treated as individuals and tailored support packages are offered to support them to become fully independent in the future. We support young people to develop socially and personally in order that they may grow in confidence and learn to live more independently in communities in which they feel they can belong, contribute and thrive.

Project Eastbourne, Hailsham and Hastings commissioned services: YMCA DLG supported services provide safe accommodation and opportunities for young people who have been made, or are at risk of becoming, homeless. We offer a holistic support package and actively encourage residents into education, training, employment or voluntary work. Whilst living with us residents will gain many essential life skills and social skills, empowering them to move successfully into semi-independent or fully independent accommodation.
Across our Eastbourne, Hailsham and Hastings projects we house 61 young people across five properties. Three of the properties have staff on hand 24 hours a day, with housing concierge available at night. Two properties are dedicated to our move on options for young people, with visiting support and concierge at night.

Project Eastbourne, Hastings and Bexhill transitional housing: We provide transitional housing for 165 young people aged 18 to 35, across 29 sites in Eastbourne, Hastings and Bexhill.
Funded by Homes England under the Empty Homes programme, the scheme enables us to lease empty properties from private landlords and refurbish them to a good standard, to provide affordable and safe accommodation for young people in housing need. Aimed at young people who are not quite ready to live completely independently we manage the lettings and deal with any issues that arise.
We manage a range of properties including studio flats, one to three-bedroom flats and four- and five-bedroom houses. We also manage a nine-bedroom property made up of studio flats and rooms with shared communal facilities.

Brighton & Hove – St Patrick’s: St. Patrick’s provides 29 units of accommodation for single homeless people and rough sleepers in five- and six-bedroom flats with shared kitchen/lounge and bathrooms, and a night shelter accommodating up to 15 people, including a limited number with dogs.  The service provides a 24-hour accommodation-based assessment and support service and operates 365 days a year.  The night shelter part of the service is provided under a sub-contract by the Churches Night Shelter Project.

While there are systems in place to support you, a substantial part of the role includes the ability to lone work. Therefore, we will require someone competent and confident when working alone and somebody who is able to understand and work with complex and challenging behaviour appropriately.

This can be challenging yet very rewarding work that helps young people to belong, contribute, and thrive.

The position comes with excellent training and development opportunities.

As part of our Safer Recruitment guidelines, we only accept applications completed on our application form. Due to Covid-19, we are not accepting paper copies of forms and are currently only accepting application forms submitted by email.

YMCA DownsLink Group welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We value diversity and promote inclusion, which we demonstrate through our activities, as well as in our policies and working practices. Reinforced by our culture and values, we seek to create an inspiring and inclusive place to work.

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 via the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).

Closing date for applications: Please note this is a rolling advert and applications are reviewed on a monthly basis.

Interview date: Interviews arranged on a rolling basis.                                                                           

RFEA and Walking With the Wounded (WWTW) are looking for a highly motivated self-starter with knowledge of the Armed Forces and Ex-Services charity network and the ability to understand the challenges more vulnerable veterans must overcome, particularly those who have entered the Criminal Justice System. This person will be home based travelling extensively around the Cambridgeshire region to provide face to face support to veterans within their home locations and partner organisations premises.

Project Nova is a support programme for Veterans primarily identified in Police Custody but also with referrals from core police and partner organisations from within the community, it is focussed on early intervention, support and diversion at point of contact with the Police or partner organisation in order to prevent re-offending and a potential prison sentence. Project Nova is jointly delivered by RFEA and WWTW and working in partnership with the NHS Liaison and Diversion Teams, Police custody suites, Police response officers, HMPPS and partners within the community.

The successful applicant for this role will have a track record of delivering high quality results, with a strong beneficiary focus and be capable of working independently to targets and deadlines. Strong communication, IT and organisational skills are essential along with mentoring and coaching. Experience & knowledge of the criminal justice system, local government agencies and the ability to develop a network of contacts are also required, along with a clean driving licence. NVQ Level 4 in Advice and Guidance (Or willingness to work towards) along with a good understanding of the employment market and vocational training are highly desirable, but not essential as training will be given.

Specific Responsibilities

Engagement

• Support the National Nova Manager to create and maintain strong working relationships with referring organisations in the Cambridgeshire Area, including the Police and NHS Liaison and Diversion.
• Receive details of referrals from the Nova Client Advisors, or directly.  If referrals are received directly share information with the Nova Client Advisors.
• Engage with veterans face-to-face for the initial visit and as necessary throughout their engagement with Project Nova, following the Case Management Guidance, RFEA Policies and the Project Nova Procedures.
• Register each Nova Veteran’s details on the CRM and obtain consent to share their data with organisations in the support network and any further information required by the Project Nova registration.
• Undertake a comprehensive needs assessment with each Nova Veteran.

Case Management

• Provide emotional support to veterans through regular contact whilst they are engaged with Project Nova.
• Establish a care coordination plan with each Nova Veteran that provides for support from within RFEA and Walking with the Wounded and with the organisations in the Nova area support Network.
• Work with families to ensure their effective participation in the Criminal Justice System, with other statutory services and with the support network.
• Keep clear records for each case on the CRM.
• Record the veteran’s journey on Outcome Star
• Ensure confidentiality, the family is a separate case to the veteran, who is also supported by Project Nova. 
• When the Nova Veteran is ready, develop their employability and suitable opportunities for employment either, directly using RFEA employability tools and working with local employers or, through the wider RFEA or Walking With The Wounded.
• Project Nova is an active intervention. Close cases once the progress of Nova Veterans has reached its full potential, identifying long term social contact, formal or informal, in every case.

Person Specification

Essential Competencies

• Highly motivated and independent, capable of working remotely across a wide geographical area.
• Resilient and able to work with individuals with complex needs and cope with the rigors that arise from working with veterans in the criminal justice system.
• Commitment to working with each veteran without prejudice and in an equitable manner, including those who are arrested for violent or sexual offences.
• Experience of working with people using a mentoring or coaching approach to engage and support the individuals we work with to change their lives.
• Highly organised with strong IT skills and experience of using CRM systems.
• Strong communicators with veterans, referring organisations and within the Project Nova Team sharing information on cases with Team Leaders and Nova Client Advisors.
• Excellent team players who will contribute to a diverse and dedicated team.
• Driving licence and use of own car.
• Be able to pass NPPV Level 2 Police vetting and Enhanced DBS
• Provide presentations to Cambridgeshire NHS Liaison & Diversion service Police and Partners when required.

Desirable Competencies

• NVQ Level 4 Advice & Guidance or willingness to work towards this at charity expense
• Experience of working with the Criminal Justice System.
• Experience of working with the Armed Forces community

This role is 'Home Based' around the Cambridge area and is offered initially on a one year fixed term contract, 35 hours per week with a starting salary of £26,000 rising to £27,500 after six months plus additional employee benefits.

To apply please submit a covering letter and applicable CV. The closing date is Wednesday 29th July 2020. Interviews will take place in August for immediate start depending upon required notice periods.

Applicants will be required to undertake an Enhance DBS Disclosure and Police Vetting.