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Candidate Information Pack

Activity Assistant – Storrington Club January 2018

Table of Contents

Message from the CEO

1.0 About Age UK Horsham District1.1 What we do across Horsham District1.2 Working with and on behalf of local older people

2.0 Governance

3.0 Activity Assistant – Dementia Club Person specification

4.0 How to apply

Appendix 1 – Job Description

Appendix 2 – Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

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Message from the Chief Executive Officer

The Charity team has worked with local older people for many years and certainly for the last 18 years we have provided a local Information and Advice service, with considerable success. For example we worked with local older people to help them collectively gain almost one million pounds annualised income in previously unclaimed benefits. That makes a difference to the lives of so many people living across Horsham District.

The current service involves first point of contact for older people, assessment and meeting needs, working in:

Benefits advice and support with applications; Social and personal needs; Housing options; Care and health.

The team have reached 682 people during the last six months which includes:

Home visits: 163 Phone/emails/letters: 519

The Charity team is a dynamic team and we are all working hard to make sure we have the systems, drivers and behaviours to support the need we have for a very flexible delivery model.

We want to be famous in Horsham District for:

Being the First Port of Call for Older People; Tackling loneliness by delivering a flexible and needs-led range of solutions; Being person-centred in everything we do.

If this is something that you are keen to be part of, we are looking forward to meeting you.

Sonia Mangan CEO - Age UK Horsham District

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About Sonia Mangan (CEO)

Sonia is not new to Voluntary Sector leadership. She has been Chief Executive Officer for an Age UK in the South Lakeland in Cumbria for eleven years, led a small team working with people with sight problems in the same area and latterly led a team of 200 staff, working across Cumbria with people with a range of mental health problems.

Her value is to make a difference and Sonia has a lot of experience of the needs and issues older people navigate as they move through their later life.

She started her career as a nurse and has worked in NHS management and private sector care home management. Recently, Sonia completed a Masters in Dementia Studies with the University of Stirling.

The charity plans to implement a three year strategic plan to achieve future goals:

Goal 1: Increase our impact Goal 2: Develop financial stability Goal 3: Work in Partnership Goal 4: Raise our profile Goal 5: Develop the internal capacity we need to deliver

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1.0 About Age UK Horsham DistrictAge UK Horsham District is an independent local charity (and company limited by guarantee) which is a full brand partner of Age UK. Age UK Horsham District is a local, independent charity. We are affiliated with the national charity, Age UK, as a brand partner. This means that we work together with Age UK and their 160 other brand partners in a spirit of collaboration and mutual support to achieve our common goals, this also entitles us to use their brand within our the geographical area of Horsham District.

Our VisionHorsham District is a place where everyone has the opportunity for good quality of life in later life.

Our MissionTo provide services and activities to promote and improve wellbeing and quality of later life in Horsham District

Our Values Integrity Professionalism Team Work Recognition Commitment

1.1 What we do across Horsham DistrictThe team of staff and volunteers at Age UK Horsham District work with, advise, provide practical support and crucial companionship to between 7,000 and 8,000 local older people every year. We do this through our essential services, many of which are free, and include:

Information and Advice is a free service providing essential advice, assistance and support to those needing help with a range of issues, including: finances, housing and health. This will be facilitated by the Community Officer Team as they provide expert advice to maximise income and benefits entitlements; in addition Advisory Volunteers will support lower level needs such as Attendance Allowance claims and Blue Badge applications, out in the community.

Home Visiting is a free service for the most lonely, isolated and vulnerable people. A volunteer is carefully matched to provide friendly companionship and support, offering a lifeline to the outside world. This support can help build confidence, improve mental well-being and encourage a sense of security and independence.

Help at Home signposts to reliable sources of help and support in the home, to enable the individual to remain independent and in their own home for longer.

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Home from Hospital and Relative Support is a free service for older people with no one to help them when they return home from an unplanned hospital stay. This service provides a support network upon discharge from hospital, enabling them to get back on their feet, improve their well-being and ensure they have the necessary means to access services and support to help them to continue living well. Support is also available to help families make informed choices about future care for their loved ones.

An innovative Village Agent scheme, based on tested models from other rural communities across the UK – a village agent is a single point of contact in a community for local older people and families, local groups, public sector colleagues and the business sector; they work on what is important to help us all to live independently in later life.

Local day-clubs and clubs for people with dementia, where those over 50, their families and carers can receive support, enjoy social activities and interaction.

1.2. Working with and on behalf of local older peopleInvolvement and seeking and listening to the views of local older people, including:

Participating in National Campaigns

Influencing our MPs and local government

Informing local media

Linking with Horsham District Older Peoples Forum and using every opportunity to work with the many local organisations and decision-making groups, to ensure that our people and communities are equipped to make the most of later life.

For further information about our work visit www.ageukhorshamdistrict.org.uk

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2.0 Governance, Structure and ManagementAge UK Horsham District (AUKHD) was registered as a charity in 1983. It was established under a Memorandum of Association and is governed by its Articles of Association. The directors of the company are also the charity trustees and Board is diverse and represents people from across Horsham District to reflect and represent the rural/urban dynamic of the district.

New employees joining AUKHD undergo a comprehensive induction and training available via Age UK, nationally and locally. The Community Officer Team and quality of advice is governed by Age UK National Quality standard and the Horsham team will receive guidance, support and updates to social policy and quality through these channels. On a day-to-day basis, operational support will be provided by the Managers.

The charity employs 30 members of staff, 150 volunteers and 50+ local self-employed people to deliver its work. The day to day responsibility of the Charity’s operation is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer.

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3.0 Activity Assistant – Dementia Club We are currently looking to recruit one person to the role of Activity Assistant within our Dementia Club Team. Age UK Horsham District provides dementia clubs across the district which enables carers to have respite.

The charity is in a period of transition with our existing strategy coming to an end. The Trustees working with the management team, staff and volunteers, our partners and local older people will be reviewing our proposition locally.

With the help of our partners here in Horsham District we want to be famous for being:

• The first port of call for older people• Person-centred• An organisation that works with older people and offers practical and emotional

support that tackles loneliness.

We are looking to recruit one Activity Assistant with proven experience working with older people ( ideally with dementia.) You should be used to working with a small team and be able to contribute effectively with ideas and skills that will enhance the programme of activities at the club. You will also be expected to attend regular team meetings.

Role Summary

To assist the Club Coordinator in providing a high quality service To undertake all duties as in the job description in a professional manner To attend team meetings and training as required

For full details, please refer to the job description at the end of this pack –Appendix 1

Working Hours

The Activity Assistant will work 7 hours per week, to cover 9am – 4pm. Any out of pocket expenses incurred in delivering the services will be reimbursed. On occasions there may be courses or training days linked to the service or strategy which may extend beyond these core hours for which time will be compensated.

Salary

The Salary for this role is £13,195 per annum, for full-time working. This salary will be pro rata for part-time working.

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4.0 How to ApplyApplications need to include:

A covering letter explaining:

o a) Why you wish to be an Activity Assistant with AUKHD o b) How will your skills and experience make a difference and add value

The completed AUKHD application form – see separate Word document(Please kindly note that we do not accept CVs)

Completed Equal Opportunities form (Appendix 2)

If you wish to enquire more about this opportunity, please call the Clubs Manager on 01403 751329

Please email your completed application to:

[email protected]

Or post it to:Activity Assistant Application

Clubs ManagerAge UK Horsham District

Lavinia HouseDukes Square

HorshamRH12 1GZ

Deadline for applications: Noon on Thursday 25th January 2018

Interviews: Friday 2nd February 2018

Age UK Horsham District welcomes applications regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, disability, sexuality or religion.

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Appendix 1

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE Activity Assistant

BASED AT Trinity Hall, Storrington

HOURS 7 hrs per week (plus team meetings)

POSITION REPORTS TO Club Coordinator

JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY To ensure members of the Dementia Clubsreceive appropriate care and positive experiences; including social interaction and activities in a stimulating and safe environment. The club caters for older people living with a diagnosis of dementia

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Services:

To assist senior staff in the provision of safe and stimulating activities for all members; engaging all abilities and adapting activities to their needs

To assist in ensuring a hot two course meal is provided at lunch time and healthy snacks are provided during the day.

To ensure members are able to move around safely between activities and rooms

To attend to members needing help with personal care e.g. toilet needs

To attend to members on arrival and departure from the club.

To prepare the room for the arrival of members and to ensure the building is clean and tidy at the end of each session

To attend and support members on special events and outings.

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KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: (continued)

People:

To brief and guide volunteers, where necessary as directed by the senior staff, ensuring that all members have positive experiences.

To attend the daily morning staff meeting and discuss the activity schedule, with the club coordinator as required

To ensure services are maintained in the event of staff/volunteer absence.

To implement Health and Safety Policies and Procedures; to ensure that risk assessments carried out by the coordinator are adhered to at all times

To attend training, and keeping up to date with developments.

To attend regular Team meetings led by the Dementia Services Manager

To maintain daily contact with the club coordinator as required.

Finance and Administration:

To handle daily petty cash e.g. lunch and membership fees

To adhere to Quality Assurance standards and to comply with Age UK national standards and guidelines

To comply with the Policies and Practices of Age UK Horsham District as set out in the Staff Handbook

To organise, promote and participate in fundraising activities and events.

To update client records and files as appropriate.

Community:

To promote the services and activities of Age UK Horsham District within the district

To liaise with other Day Centre providers; benefiting from sharing good practice.

To develop good working relationships with key voluntary organisations, e.g. Citizens Advice, statutory authorities and other key agencies in the Horsham District.

To conduct any other duties as required by the Day Centre Deputy Manager which are commensurate with the responsibilities of the post.

Sustainability:

To actively protect the environment by increasing recycling rates; saving energy and promoting sustainability in our plans and actions

NOTE: The post holder will be subject to an enhanced DBS check

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PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job title: Activity Assistant

Criteria:- E=Essential

D =Desirable

Experience

Experience of working with older people

Experience of planning activities and craft projects

Enabling a person to gain self-esteem and improve their quality of life

E

D

D

Skills

Good organisation and communication skills

A knowledge of first aid is desirable, but training will be given

Ability to assist older people with activities of daily living

An understanding and appreciation of health and safety regulations

A knowledge of food hygiene

An ability to contribute towards producing a home cooked hot two course lunch as required

E

E

D

D

D

D

Competencies/Dementia

To have an understanding for those with Dementia

An understanding of social care, that is relevant to the individual in a meaningful way

Patience and a sense of humour

To be able to create a positive, meaningful active day

An understanding of the need for discretion and confidentiality

E

E

D

D

D

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Appendix 2Age UK Horsham District welcomes applications regardless of gender, age, ethnic background, disability, sexuality or religion. Please ensure that you also complete the Age UK Horsham District equal opportunities form.

Equal opportunities Monitoring Form

Please help us by completing this form. We use this information to monitor the effectiveness of our equal opportunities policy. Your answers will be treated as confidential. This form will be filed separately from your application.Name and the job applied forName: Which role have you applied for?

Are you: Male Female (please circle)Do you have: Dependent children? and/or Other dependents

Your ethnic originHow would you describe your ethnic origin?Ethnic origin refers to members of an ethnic group who share the same cultural background and identity. These categories are approved by the Commission for Racial Equality.Black African Black Caribbean

Bangladeshi Black other (please specify)

Chinese Indian

Pakistani White

Any other ethnic group (please specify)

Do you consider yourself to be disabled? (please circle) Yes No

If “Yes” please give details of any special equipment or arrangements that would help you to do your job most effectively.

Signature: Date:

Thank you for completing this form

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equal opportunities - ageuk.org.uk web viewnew employees joining aukhd undergo a comprehensive...

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