APPLICANT INFORMATION PACK SUPPORT WORKER (CASUAL) November 2017

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CONTENTS

1. Welcome

2. Background 3. Job Description and Personal Specification

4. How to apply for the post 5. Equal Opportunities Statement 6. Equal Opportunities and Diversity Monitoring Form

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1. Welcome

Dear Prospective Applicant Support Worker (Casual) Temporary Contract until 31 December 2018 Location of post – Yr Hafod, Denbigh Thank you for enquiring about the above post with Grŵp Cynefin. Enclosed is the information pack for your attention. Remember to include all the relevant information taking into consideration the requirements as noted in the personal specification. 1. Please read the personal specification carefully. 2. Please complete all sections of the application form. 3. Do not include your CV. We look forward to receiving your application to be returned by midday, Thursday 16 November 2017 for the attention of the Human Resources Team, Grŵp Cynefin, Tŷ John Glyn, 54 Stryd y Dyffryn, Dinbych, LL16 3BW If you need more information or further clarification, please do not hesitate to contact Osian Elis, Project Officer on (0300 111 2122). Yours sincerely Human Resources Team

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2. Background

Grŵp Cynefin Grŵp Cynefin is a charitable housing association established in April 2014 following the merger between Cymdeithas Tai Clwyd and Cymdeithas Tai Eryri. It therefore benefits from over 70 years of experience in caring for urban and rural communities and providing services that reach the local needs across North and Mid Wales. Following the merger Grŵp Cynefin employs over 200 staff with assets of around £300M. The Association operates from the main offices in Llangefni, Penygroes, Denbigh and Bala and provides excellent services to 4,500 homes. In addition to providing a wide range of housing services that meet local needs in the rural and urban communities of North Wales, Grŵp Cynefin also supports a variety of community initiatives to support the tenants.

GORWEL Gorwel is a business unit within Grŵp Cynefin. The main focus of Gorwel is providing support services in the areas of domestic violence and preventing homelessness. Gorwel is operational in three counties in North Wales and provides support for up to 500 service users a week employing 54 staff members. Gorwel projects include shelters, supported housing schemes, children and young people's services, support in the community and independent domestic violence consultants service. Gorwel’s Homelessness Prevention Services in Denbighshire include;

Mobile Support Plan to support individuals in the community in Denbighshire who suffer from mental illness. The plan supports 12 service users at any time.

(The term ‘service users’ refer to children, young people, adults and the elderly) This post offers an opportunity for individuals who are eager to develop a career in the prevention of homelessness, in a Welsh atmosphere where the working conditions are progressive and family friendly. More information…? Visit our website www.grwpcynefin.org

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3. Job Description and Person Specification

GRŴP CYNEFIN

JOB DESCRIPTION

SUPPORT WORKER (CASUAL)

Department: Gorwel

Accountable to Team Leader – Homeless Prevention

Responsible for N/A

Location: Denbigh

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE:

Provide effective support in relation to housing to Gorwel service users.

Support service users to re-build their lives and make decisions on their own future.

Provide support and guidance to service users in supported housing properties, sheltered housing and in the community.

The term ‘service users’ refers to children, young people, adults, older people and families

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Assess the needs of service users and assess the risks in accordance with the

policies and procedures of the project. 2. Explain the service users’ rights and their responsibilities in supported housing

properties, social housing properties or private properties. 3. Provide information to the project’s service users on relevant issues including

housing, welfare rights, legal aid, social services, educational institutions and debts and assisting them in filling in relevant forms.

4. Arrange relevant services required for the service user.

5. Carry out regular individual support plan with the service user discussing aims,

outcomes, choices and progress in accordance with the Supporting People Programme guidelines

6. Complete risk assessment and risk management plan that responds to the needs of service users.

7. Provide practical support in accordance with the Supporting People Programme: -

Feeling safe

Contribute towards their own, and others’, safety and welfare

Manage accommodation

Encourage healthy relationship

Feeling part of a community

Money and budget management

Taking part in education and learning

Research into work and volunteering opportunities

Health and welfare

Mental Health

Encourage a healthy way of living. 8. Give basic advice on dealing with debts and rights and ensure access / referral to

specialised agencies.

9. Deal with any dispute between service users.

10. Assist service users in the project to establish a positive relationship with their relatives

11. Ensure that the property, including the rooms, are tidy and clean at all times.

12. Cynnal offer cymorth cyntaf a llyfr damweiniau.

13. Delio gydag anghydfod o fewn y prosiect.

14. Yn gyfrifol am weinyddu arian mân y prosiect.

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12. Encourage and support service users to take part in or arrange community

activities

13. Have knowledge of legislation relevant to homelessness, including child protection and vulnerable adults

14. Provide specific reports on relevant issues, e.g. court reports, case meetings

15. Deal with administrative work related to the post and keep relevant records,

including monitoring work

16. Participate in the 24 hour on-call service

17. Participate in sleeping in duties.

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CORPORATE RESPONSIBILITIES:

Service Delivery: Complete the work to a high standard, on time and within budget.

Respond to internal and external customers promptly and professionally.

Provide advice and support to colleagues/customers.

Present regular reports within the responsibilities of the post.

Comply with all policies and any relevant legislation.

Performance: Contribute towards achieving Key Performance Standards successfully.

Work towards the aims and objectives of Gorwel/Grŵp Cynefin and support the development of the organisation.

Policies and Procedures:

Work in accordance with all Gorwel/Grŵp Cynefin policies and processes.

Ensure that policies and processes are consistent with legislative and regulatory requirements and good practices.

Review and suggest improvements to policies to support continuous improvement

Financial and Budgetary

Contribute to managing budgets effectively.

Other

Effectively represent Gorwel / Grŵp Cynefin externally through conveying a professional and positive image at all times.

Commitment to tenant participation in all aspects of the work.

The above Job Description is not a fully comprehensive list of the duties and responsibilities of the job. There is a requirement to undertake other duties within the post’s salary scale from time to time in discussion with the Manager. The job description will be reviewed regularly and in accordance with the requirements of the service. Any proposed changes will be discussed with the post holder.

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PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Act in accordance with the values of Gorwel/Grŵp Cynefin.

Respect Work towards integrity in an open, honest and transparent way by ensuring accountability towards tenants, the wider community, customers and colleagues.

Excel Focus on the customer and seek value for money by committing to meet our customers’ needs including everyone being responsible for excelling in their position through going beyond expectations, learning from mistakes and celebrating successes.

Accomplish Commitment to the success of the organisation and contribute to the community achievements. Have a clear vision, targets and leadership together with ambitious efficiency, determination and keeping promises. Seize opportunities and achieve sustainable growth and development through innovation.

Cooperation Work together to achieve common objectives, which are based on shared values . Respecting each other and sharing ideas.

Promote the Welsh Language and Culture

Take pride that Grŵp Cynefin is an organisation that promotes the Welsh language through answering the needs of local housing, community development, providing employment opportunities and provide the opportunity to work through the medium of Welsh by committing to protect the Welsh culture.

Concentrate on the tenants

Design our services, products and communications to meet the needs and aspirations of all our customers in order to ensure the highest quality of service delivery and promoting an open, honest and consistent relationship with the tenants and other customers.

Innovation Look for new opportunities, be creative, experimental, aware of the risks and take advantage of technology in an appropriate way. Respond to change. Successfully innovate through strong and effective partnerships.

Sustaining Local Communities

Support and develop communities, local cultures and identities, and sustainability as an integral part of the work. Be aware of the environment and sustainability.

Commitment to customer service and investing in communities Commitment to tenant participation, quality and continuous improvement Ability to respect confidentiality Ensure the confidentiality, security and integrity of data Promote and act in accordance with the Health and Safety Policy Promote equality and diversity in all aspects of the work.

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MAIN JOB CONTACTS:

Internal: All members of Staff External: Service Users, members of the public, Local Authority’s Housing Officers,

Supporting People Staff, Staff from the Housing Benefits Department, Social Services, Environmental Health Department and Public Protection Department, Officers from Registered Social Landlords, Age Concern, Private Landlords, Citizens Advice, local Councillors, specialised Agencies, care and support Providers, emergency services, the Police, Mental Health Team.

NORMAL WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Visits to properties in the community and supported housing units. (hostel, shelters)

Work at a desk in an office.

External meetings, in partners, participants and customers’ offices and in seminars and similar.

Travel to meetings / training.

In accordance with the nature of the scheme, it may include – o Standard office hours including antisocial hours from time to time o Rota hours 7 days a week including sleeping-in duties

Be part of the ‘on-call’ rota as required.

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PERSON SPECIFICATION SUPPORT WORKER (CASUAL)

All criteria are essential unless specified desirable (D)

Education and Qualifications:

A Level (2+)

Qualification in support work or social work

NVQ Level 3 (National Vocational Qualification)

BTEC National Diploma or/and

BTEC ONC (Ordinary National Certificate)

City & Guilds Level 3

Or equivalent to relevant qualification, training or experience

Professional Experience: Extensive experience in the field of support and supported housing – mainly homelessness and domestic violence.

Knowledge and Skills:

Knowledge and understanding of support in relation to housing.

To listen and not judge

Can work well as part of a team.

Possess skills for problem solving.

Can use Information Technology to carry out the work.

Full current driving license and use of suitable vehicle. Bilingual (Welsh and English) at the following levels or higher (D): Understanding: Able to follow routine conversations involving work, in both languages between fluent speakers Speaking: Able to converse in some detail regarding routine work issues in both languages. Reading: Able to read routine and technical material with a dictionary, in both languages. Writing: Able to draft routine material, with editing assistance, in both languages.

Leadership and Management: Able to work effectively with a focus on results Commitment to providing excellent customer services Possess a style to work in partnership Represent the Association in a firm and professional manner

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Summary of Terms and Conditions Support Worker (Casual)

Contract Type: Temporary – casual up to 31 December 2018

Salary: £9.39 per hour Sleeping in allowance: £60.00 On call allowance: £12.00

Holidays: Equivalent to full time (37 hours a week) 20 days + 8 bank holidays. Holiday entitlement will be based on the actual number of hours worked.

Travelling: Occasional Car User 45p per mile

Pension: Grŵp Cynefin offers pension provision through the Social Housing Pension Scheme (SHPS)

Probation Period: 2 months

Working hours and organisation of work:

Monday - Sunday

In accordance with the nature of the scheme, it may include – rota hours 7 days a week including antisocial hours and sleeping-in duties.

Sick Pay: Occupational sick pay scheme implemented.

DBS Check (where applicable)

This post has been excluded from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as part of the staff recruitment process, the successful candidate will be required to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

As Grŵp Cynefin is exempt of the effects of this Act, the successful candidate will be required to disclose all offences he or she has been cautioned or convicted of even if they would be considered spent convictions according to the Act and usually wouldn’t have to be disclosed. If the successful candidate does not disclose an offence and that Grŵp Cynefin discovers that an offence has been recorded against him or her, the employment contract will be terminated immediately and with no further resolutions.

4. How to apply for the post

Complete the enclosed application form and return it for the attention of the Human Resources Team, Grŵp Cynefin, Tŷ John Glyn, 54 Stryd y Dyffryn, Denbigh, LL16 3BW or e-mail a copy of your application form to swyddi@grwpcynefin.org

5. Equal Opportunities Statement

Grŵp Cynefin accepts the legal requirements of the Equality Act 2010 along with other legislation and its implications. Procedures are in place to overcome direct and indirect discrimination.

Grŵp Cynefin’s policies are regularly monitored and reviewed to ensure that individuals are treated fairly.

6. Equal Opportunities and Diversity Monitoring Form

We kindly ask you to complete the enclosed Equal Opportunities and Diversity Monitoring Form and return it with your application.

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