Job Pack for the role of:Life Coach (Supported

Housing)

Closing Date for Applications:9am, Monday 12th July 2021

Thank you for your interest in working for YMCA Heart of England as Life Coach.

This job pack aims to tell you everything you need to know to apply for this position. The pack also tells you more about us as an organisation, and what our heartbeat is as a Christian values-driven charitable business. We’d love to receive your application if you think you have the right skills and experience for the role, if you share our values, and if you want to contribute to our mission.In this pack you’ll find:

An overview of YMCA Heart of England (you can find out more on our website)

Instructions on how to apply for this post A Job Description and Person Specification for this post.

You’ll also find the following as separate documents that you need to complete and return with your application:

Essential Information form Declaration of Criminal Convictions form Equal Opportunities Policy monitoring questionnaire

If you have any questions about this post or the application process, please contact us at recruitment@ymcaheartofengland.org.uk or call the HR team on 0121 477 4644 extension 148 or 115. This is also the email address to use to send us your completed application documents.

We look forward to receiving your application.Yours faithfully

Melanie GallivanHuman Resources Manager

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About YMCA Heart of England

YMCA Heart of England is a Christian charity working with people, especially the young, regardless of faith, race, ability or gender. We are proud to be affiliated to the national and international YMCA movement who provide advice, representation and support to us, but we're also an independent charity with our own Board of Trustees and responsible for our own finances and operations. We are committed to behaving as a values-based business with our values firmly rooted in our Christian ethos, and we are actively working to ensure our values are reflected in every aspect of our corporate life and service delivery.

Formed from the merger of YMCA Birmingham and YMCA Coventry and Warwickshire in 2020, since 1849 we've been serving the people of the West Midlands in a variety of ways from locations across Birmingham, Solihull, Coventry and Warwickshire. Today we:

Provide nearly 340 homes in supported accommodation, predominantly for people under 35 who have been homeless, helping them to live independently.

In addition, we provide around 60 flats of general needs accommodation for when they no longer need the intensive support the YMCA typically provides

Provide affordable childcare from two nurseries, trying to give children the very best start in life.

Deliver open access youth work and a number of bespoke youth work programmes for young people aged 11-19

Offer community and conferencing facilities for hire. Deliver training and professional qualifications, both to our own young

people, but also to professional organisations, sharing best practice. Operate a social enterprise coffee shop (Eden – more than coffee)

Looking to the future, we have ambitious plans to expand our existing activities and develop new services to benefit young people and local communities across our area of operation.

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Our Mission and Values

Everything we do is focused on delivering our mission, which is: To inspire young people to discover their potential so that they can live life in all its fullness.

The way we operate and behave is guided by five values, rooted in our Christian ethos:

Inspire: We inspire people to be the best they can be through their experience and interaction with us.

Believe: Our faith means that we believe in people’s potential and have confidence for a positive future.

Excellence: We seek excellence and deliver quality services by setting high standards and going the extra mile.

Compassion: We serve others with compassion and kindness in order to transform lives and communities.

Integrity: Our ethos supports us to challenge ourselves and others to do the right thing at all times.

All our staff and volunteers are expected to reflect these values in the way they work and behave, and managers are expected to ensure that those in their area(s) of responsibility work and behave in accordance with these values.

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How to Apply for a Post at YMCA Heart of England

At YMCA Heart of England, we want to make applying for jobs as straightforward for applicants as possible, whilst also ensuring we can select the best people for our organisation and doing all we can to safeguard children and vulnerable adults within our services by following the practices of safer recruitment.To apply for a post at YMCA Heart of England, you need to send us the following by post or email before the closing date:

A completed Essential Information and Declaration form (includes information essential for processing your application and our Equal Opportunities monitoring form which is used for monitoring our commitment to equality and diversity).

A copy of your CV, which must include the following information: Your personal information (name (including any previous names),

address and contact details) A full list of all your qualifications and relevant training you have received A full employment history, including employer’s details, start and end

dates, the post you held, duties you were responsible for, and why you left.

Details of at least two referees, one of which must be your current or most recent employer, indicating in what capacity they know you. If you do NOT wish us to contact any of your referees prior to you being offered a post, please make this clear on your CV.

A covering letter in which you explain clearly why you are applying for this opportunity, and why you believe you are an excellent candidate for this role. This is your opportunity to tell us how you meet the Person Specification, giving suitable examples from your previous work or life experiences of how you do this. Your covering letter will be the main way we shortlist, so make the most of this opportunity to shine, but make sure you are truthful as if you are appointed as a result of giving false or misleading information, the offer of employment will probably be rescinded.

Any application that arrives after the closing date will NOT be considered, so please make sure you allow enough time for postal applications to arrive, and don’t leave email too late in case of any problems such as a loss of internet or mobile access at the critical time.

Please be aware that we take the safeguarding of children, young people and vulnerable adults extremely seriously, and all posts will be subject to the highest level of DBS check that is permissible for that role.

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JOB DESCRIPTION

Job Title: Life Coach

Responsible to: Directly: Team LeaderIndirectly: Housing Services Manager

Responsible for: Directly: N/AIndirectly: N/A

Job Purpose

The Life Coach is responsible for the delivery of a needs led service for the welfare of tenants, developing and maximising their potential, personal growth and development. To effectively manage an assigned caseload to provide housing related support to tenants to enable them to maintain their tenancies and to achieve their aspirations for independent living. The duties will be determined by the individual needs of the tenant being supported. The context in which support is provided may vary according to the users’ needs and may include site-based support, housing management and support, and housing management support only.

Duties

1. To work with an agreed caseload of tenants to provide a programme of support in accordance with the Association’s ethos and values, legislation and good practice. Duties include, but are not limited to:

a. Interviewing potential tenants, assess their suitability to be accepted into the scheme and to carry out appropriate viewings once an offer has been made to an applicant(s).

b. Ensuring that residents are informed and, where necessary assisted, to access appropriate welfare benefits, health, welfare and other support service participating in a multi-agency approach as necessary.

c. Ensuring that claims and applications to relevant bodies are made for benefits and move on accommodation, liasing with other housing, health and social care professionals, benefits, welfare and advocacy agencies, and other landlords as appropriate.

d. Identifying tenants individual support needs, through consultation and agreement with the tenant/resident (and, where appropriate, their Social Worker). To ensure that all relevant agencies are involved in the support plan process to avoid duplication of support offered.

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e. Developing and implementing suitable individual support plans to ensure that identified support needs are met. To ensure a realistic support package and comprehensive resettlement programme is structured taking account of the service user’s own identified needs and aspirations. To ensure that a support plan is in place one week after move-in for each tenant.

f. Providing high quality one to one support through regular key work sessions with tenants, helping the tenant to understand and overcome any barriers they have to moving forward.

g. Encouraging and supporting tenants to live as fully and independently as possible within the local community, providing information, emotional, organisational and practical support and training as appropriate.

i. Supporting and participating in life and social skills work, e.g. employment, education and training, personal hygiene, family mediation and activities.

j. Encouraging residents/tenant to participate and share responsibility for the day-to-day management of the accommodation and to attend tenant meetings as required. To work alongside tenant and participate in activities as appropriate.

k. Co-ordinating or signposting any additional support, tenants may require by liaising with internal colleagues and external agencies in relation to maintaining their accommodation.

l. Organising and supporting tenants who are preparing to move-on to greater independence through the move and resettlement into their new home.

m. Ensuring that YMCA Heart of England’s strategy for tenant involvement is consistently implemented and ensures that all tenants have a voice and are empowered to use that voice both individually and as a group.

2. To ensure tenants understand their Licence / Tenancy Agreement(s), their rights and obligations, and report any breaches to the Team Leader or line manager. Duties include, but are not limited to:

a. Taking responsibility for ensuring that accommodation charges and rent are paid by tenants and income maximised.

b. Monitoring non-payment of rent and taking action in line with the agreed policy and procedure on arrears. To provide debt counselling where appropriate.

e. Liaising, consulting and actively supporting tenants’ meetings, encouraging participation in decision making processes. To arrange/participate in tenants’ meetings, as and when required.

g. Keeping voids to a minimum by ensuring applicants are sourced to move in and the property is cleaned, prepared and ready to let in the quickest time possible.

h. Keeping up to date with issues and legislation relevant to housing and support, welfare benefits.

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3. At all times to act in accordance with the ethos and values of the association and the general standards expected of all employees of YMCA Heart of England, including

a) To respect and promote the association’s Christian ethos and uphold its values, namely: Inspire: We inspire people to be the best they can be through their

experience and interaction with us. Believe: Our faith means that we believe in people’s potential and have

confidence for a positive future. Excellence: We seek excellence and deliver quality services by setting

high standards and going the extra mile. Compassion: We serve others with compassion and kindness in order to

transform lives and communities. Integrity: Our ethos supports us to challenge ourselves and others to do

the right thing at all times.b) To promote a caring, helpful and unbiased attitude towards all employees,

service users, trustees and members of the general public, and to maintain an impeccable standard of honesty and professionalism in all such dealings;

c) To uphold at all times the principles of equality and diversity and to report any discriminatory or abusive behaviour to your line manager (or if necessary, Senior Management) so that appropriate action can be taken

d) To adhere to YMCA Heart of England’s Health & Safety, Equal Opportunities and all other policies and procedures, and to contribute as required to their review and development

e) To carry out any other duties not detailed in this Job Description, but in line with the overall purpose of the role, as directed by your line manager

f) To promote the activities of YMCA Heart of England in a positive way to all staff, service users, other organisations and the general public.

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Person Specification – [Life Coach]

Criteria Essential DesirableAlignment with Ethos and ValuesGood understanding of, and genuine respect for, the ethos and values of YMCA Heart of England.

X

A wholehearted commitment to working and conducting self in accordance with the ethos and values of YMCA Heart of England.

X

A wholehearted commitment to promoting the association’s Christian ethos and to upholding its values within your area of responsibility.

X

Good understanding of, and commitment to, the principles of equality and diversity.

X

SkillsExcellent numeracy and literacy skills. XThe ability to listen and communicate effectively. XThe ability to deal with difficult situations in a calm and competent manner.

X

The ability to work well under pressure, cope with crisis situations, and meet deadlines.

X

Excellent administrative, recording and reporting skills. XThe ability to work well with colleagues as an effective member of the team.

X

The ability to work to instructions and prioritise your own workload independently using your own initiative.

X

The ability to work in and adapt to a changing work environment.

X

Have a flexible and solution orientated approach to work.

X

PC literate, familiar with Microsoft packages such as Word, Excel and Outlook or similar packages.

X

The ability to multitask, effectively organise your time and plan ahead.

X

Work on a rota with varied shift patterns and work weekends.

X

KnowledgeKnowledge of Safeguarding and current legislation. XA working knowledge of welfare benefits, particularly Housing Benefit.

X

An understanding and experience of the needs of people with support needs.

X

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Knowledge of external bodies associated with or affiliated to supported housing.

X

Current in depth knowledge of housing issues and legislation, particularly relating to issues around homelessness.

X

A thorough knowledge of Health and Safety and risk assessment requirements.

X

A working knowledge of the issues faced by disadvantaged or vulnerable people.

X

ExperienceA minimum of 12 months’ experience of working people who are homeless or at risk of losing their accommodation.

X

Experience of working with socially disadvantaged groups of people within a supported environment.

X

Experience of working with people who have support needs (This may include care of family members, voluntary work or paid employment)

X

Experience of lone working and dealing with challenging behaviour.

X

Experience of working within a residential setting or in a supported housing environment.

X

Experience of report writing and completing statistical reports.

X

Experience of working in and handling stressful situations.

X

Experience of working within a fast-paced environment. XQualificationsEducated to a good general level of education, equivalent to GCSE Maths/English or equivalent.

X

NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care or willing to work towards qualification.

X

NVQ in Advice and Guidance diploma or willing to work towards qualification.

X

Chartered Institute Housing (CIH) qualification or willing to work towards qualification.

X

First Aid & Food Hygiene Certification. XUK / EU Driving Licence or the ability to travel to other sites.

X

Applicant Essential Information & Declaration

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Please submit this form with your CV and covering letter. Any applications received without this form completed will NOT be considered.Your name:Post applied for:PART 1: ESSENTIAL INFORMATIONNational Insurance numberDo you need a Work Permit before you can be employed in this country? If Yes, please provide details below.

Yes / No

Can you provide evidence of your right to work in the UK? Acceptable evidence of right to work in the UK can be found here

Yes / No

Do you hold a current UK Driving licence (if listed as a requirement in Person the Specification)?

Yes / No / N/A

Do you have a suitable vehicle available and insured for business use (if the role requires you to work across YMCA Heart of England locations)?

Yes / No / N/A

PART 2: RELIGIOUS BELIEFS / AFFILIATION

Please note, you are not required to complete this section unless the Person Specification indicates that there is an occupational requirement for the post holder to have a personal commitment to the Christian faith, as per the Equalities Act 2010 Schedule 9. What are your religious beliefs?

If you attend a place of worship, please give details

If you are involved in Christian-related activities, please give details

PART 3: DECLARATION OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All Criminal Record Declarations will be treated in the strictest confidence and will only be shared with the HR department and relevant recruitment panel members.

If the post you are applying for is ‘exempt’ from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 you are required to declare any spent and unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings that are not "protected" (i.e. filtered out) as defined by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions) Order 1975 (as amended in 2013) You can find more information on telling potential employers about a criminal record by visiting https://www.gov.uk/guidance/telling-people-about-your-criminal-record.

Have you ever received any convictions, cautions, warnings or bind-overs? If yes, please provide details of offences below, including dates

YES / NO

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Have you ever been disqualified from working with children or vulnerable adults or subject to any other sanctions imposed by a regulatory body? If yes, please provide details of the disqualification / sanctions, including dates.

Important: All posts are subject to the highest permissible level of check with the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)– this is a check to see whether you have a criminal record. Where relevant to the role, we will ask for a DBS check that includes the child or adult barred lists. The barred lists allow the DBS to keep a record of people who are not permitted to work in a regulated activity with children and/or vulnerable adults. It’s a criminal offence for a person to work with a group from which they have been barred from working, and offenders will be reported to the DBS

YES / NO

Are you currently registered with the DBS Update Service?This service reduces the need for employees to reapply for repeat DBS checks and enables employers to check, with your permission, your DBS status online.

YES / NO

If yes, please provide the date you registered with the DBS Update Service (Please note: All YMCA Heart of England staff are required to subscribe to the DBS update service once an offer of employment has been made)

PART 3: DECLARATION

I confirm that the information I have given on this form is complete and correct and I understand that any false information could result in my application being rejected or, if appointed, in my dismissal from employment. I understand that any offer of employment is subject to a further DBS status check in line with YMCA Heart of England Recruitment Policy and Procedures.

I also declare that I am not on a DBS Barred List and that I will notify YMCA Heart of England immediately if I do become barred in the future.

I further declare that all information provided in my application for this post (including my CV and cover letter) is true, and I understand that any false information could result in my application being rejected or, if appointed, in my employment being terminated.

Signed: Date:

Print Full Name (in capitals):

Equal Opportunities Policy Monitoring

As part of our commitment to living out our values in every part of YMCA Heart of England, we are committed to the active promotion of equal opportunity, both in the provision of services and as an employer. To help with this, we monitor the

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characteristics of those applying to work for us to enable us to ensure that the way we recruit doesn’t unintentionally exclude potential candidates.

To help us do this, we would be grateful if you could complete our Equal Opportunities Policy Monitoring questionnaire. Human Resources will remove the questionnaire from your application before shortlisting takes place and those selecting candidates for interview will not have access to this information.

We use this information to review compliance with our policies on equal opportunity in relation to recruitment. We will use this data to inform our statistics on the representation of the categories of individual as shown above. We will treat all personal information in line with current data protection legislation and our data protection policy. For more information on how we use the information you have provided, please see our privacy notice which can be found on our website: https://ymcaheartofengland.org.uk/privacy-and-cookies/.

In order that we can process this information and to comply with data protection legislation, we require your consent. You are not required to give your consent; you acknowledge that any consent given is freely given. Your job application is not dependent on your giving consent to our processing of this data.

Including your signature below will signify your consent to our processing of this information. Once you have given consent, you may withdraw it at any time by contacting recruitment@ymcaheartofengland.org.uk or by calling the HR team on 0121 477 4644.

Signed: Date:

Print Full Name (in capitals):

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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES POLICY MONITORING QUESTIONNAIRE

For all questions, please put an ‘X’ in the box that applies to you.

Post Applied for:Gender: Male Female Prefer not to

say Prefer to self-identify as

Age: 16-20 21-30 31-4041-50 51-60 61+Prefer not to say

Sexual Orientation:

Heterosexual/straight Gay LesbianBisexual Prefer not to say

Prefer to self-identify as

Do you have any disability that may affect your employment?If yes, please give details below:We ask this question to enable us to consider any reasonable adjustments that we can make, either to the recruitment process itself or in employment, in order to assist you.

Yes / No

What is your ethnic group?Please put an ‘X’ in ONE box below:

White – BritishWhite - IrishWhite – Other white background Please

specify:Black or Black British - AfricanBlack or Black British - CaribbeanBlack or Black British – Other Black background Please

specify:Asian or Asian British - BangladeshiAsian or Asian British - IndianAsian or Asian British - PakistaniAsian or Asian British - ChineseAsian or Asian British - Other Asian background Please

specify:Mixed – White and Black CaribbeanMixed – White and Black AfricanMixed – White and AsianMixed – Other Mixed background Please

specify:Other Please

specify:Prefer not to say

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Where did you first hear about this role?

YMCA Heart of England website Facebook

Twitter LinkedIn

Job Board/Recruitment Website (please tell us the name of the site)

Other (please specify)

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