JOB DESCRIPTION
Post:Key Worker
Responsible To:Chief Executive
Reports To:Service Delivery Manager
Base:Belfast (Newtownabbey) or Enniskillen
Background to the project:
The EDGES project will provide an evidence informed, specialist ‘earlier intervention’ service for young people primarily between the ages of 13 – 17, who are on the ‘edge of care, custody and / or education.
These young people are coming to the regular attention of the police for non-offence related behaviour, and their attendance or behaviour in education indicates a need for intervention. They are also likely to be at risk of homelessness in later adolescence and to feature in the Not in Employment, Education or Training, (NEETS) population post compulsory school education.
Background to the role:
The Key worker will work directly with young people and their families/carers delivering 1-1 interventions as well as group work, and work alongside families to help improve relationships and positive coping strategies. The key worker will promote all aspects of the service to other agencies and individuals. Collaborative working with statutory and other voluntary and community services will be central to this role, as well as developing and managing a complex case load.
Main Responsibilities
Engage and supervise young people individually or in groups while undertaking project programmes, activities or while being transported to and from such.
Provide a crisis response to clients and their families/carers delivering appropriate person – centred interventions
Develop new and innovative methods of working with clients and their families/carers which are sensitive to their needs.
Work flexible hours to meet the needs of the organisation and this specific service.
Respond to crisis situations, this may include providing interventions through the evening, at weekend and/or providing residential support.
Develop and maintain good working relationships will Families and Carers responsible for client referred to the service.
Carry out detailed assessments of clients’ needs and support them appropriately, using validated tools prescribed by Start360
Develop care plans in agreement with each client based on identified need
Participate in conferences, courses and meetings organised/arranged by the organisation when required to do so.
Assist in identifying training of all staff and to help organise and deliver in house training.
Help the creation of a relaxed and friendly atmosphere which will maintain and enhance the quality of support to each client and maximise their opportunities for choice.
Help development and maintain effective communication links with statutory, community and voluntary organisations.
Act as a mentor and coach new members of staff, supporting and encouraging their personal and professional development.
Act as a mentor to identified clients, providing support in a non-threatening manner.
Be responsible for both personal and professional attitude and behaviour when interacting with fellow colleagues and service users.
Communicate effectively with other professionals who also provide services to clients.
Actively recruit and encourage clients’ participation in Start360’s diversionary activities.
Participate in minuted staff, team and project meetings on a regular basis
Provide monthly progress reports on all activities undertaken.
Keep accurate statistics of all clients whom Start360 provide a service.
General Responsibilities:
Employees of Start360 will be required to promote and support the mission and vision of the service and:-
At all times provide a caring service and treat those with whom they come into contact in a courteous and respectful manner.
Carry out their duties and responsibilities in a manner which assures clients, colleagues and public safety.
Demonstrate their commitment by their regular attendance and the efficient completion of all tasks allocated to them.
Publicise and promote the aims objectives of the organisation.
Adhere to all policies and procedure laid down with Organisations Staff Handbook
Develop processes through which young people can inform and shape the future development of Start360.
Evaluate the impact of all work undertaken with emphasis placed on reflective practice.
Contribute to the overall evaluation of the organisation.
Comply with Start360’s No Smoking Policy.
Carry out their duties and responsibilities with Health & Safety Policy Statutory Regulations.
Adhere to Equal Opportunities Policy throughout the course of their employment.
Ensure the ongoing confidence of the public in service provision.
Comply with Start360’s Code of Conduct.
Records Management
All Start360 employees are legally responsible for all records held, created or used as part of their business within Start360 including client, corporate and administrative records whether paper based or electronic and also including emails. All such records are public records and are accessible to the general public, with limited exceptions, under the Freedom of information Act 2000, the Environmental Information regulations 2004 and the Data Protection Act 1998.
Employees are required to be conversant with Start360’s records management and to seek advice about it if in doubt.
Pay and Terms and Conditions:
Salary:Pts 22 – 25 (£20,253 - £22,212)
Hours:Full-time (37 Hours per week) – this post will requireflexible working hours to meet the needs of the organisation and this specific service. This will include responding to crisis situations which may include providing interventions through the evening, at weekend and/or providing residential support.
Holidays: 25 days per year, this increases after 5 years to 27 and to 30 days after 10 years service. This also includes 12 statutory days, 1 birthday day and 1 Christmas Shopping day.
Probation:You will serve a probationary period of normally six months.
Waiting List:A waiting list may be compiled for any similar temporary or permanent vacancies that arise in the next 12 months.
Canvassing, either directly or indirectly, will be an absolute disqualification. We will review this Job Description and it may include any other duties and responsibilities we determine in consultation with the job holder. We do not intend to be rigid and inflexible but rather to provide guidelines within which the job holder works.
February 2015
PERSONNEL SPECIFICATION
Factor / Essential Criteria / Method of Assessing the criteriaOnly those applicants who state clearly on their application form that they have the required level of qualification/ experience will be considered for interview.
Qualifications / Hold / working towards a recognised professional qualification in a related field (e.g. social work, youth work, psychology, or a health related discipline) / Application Form
Experience /
- A minimum three years full time experience working with young people
- Experience and expertise in using appropriate interventions for young people and/or adults at risk of suicide
- Experience and expertise in supporting young people and/or adults in crisis due to mental health issues
- Experience and expertise in supporting young people and/or adults affected by substance misuse issues
- Experience and expertise in individual case management
- Experience and expertise in group facilitation
- Experience of needs assessment, and design and delivery of person-centred interventions
Skills and Abilities / Knowledge and understanding of complex issues facing young people, and experience of providing support in these areas
Knowledge and understanding of the importance of family intervention, and experience of providing support in this area
Effective communication skills both oral and written, including the ability to be diplomatic, polite, firm and tactful
Computer literacy using Microsoft Office including Word, Excel and Powerpoint
Good organisational skills and be able to prioritise
Ability to work under pressure, adapt and respond to changing demands and time deadlines.
Current full driving licence (valid for use in the UK)
(This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by Start360, which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post / Interview
Interview
Application/Interview
Application Form
Interview
Interview
Application
Health Requirements / Acceptable attendance record
General good health to meet the demands of the post / Application, interview and references
Additional Factors / A positive attitude towards young people and their experiences
Willingness to work with all genders, creeds and races
A commitment to personal development
Willingness to work unsocial hours / Interview
Applicants please note: Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out above, using the information given on the application form. You should therefore address the requirements when completing the application form, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. Appointments are subject to verification of appropriate qualifications.
EDGES - BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The EDGES project(Edge of care intervention service) will provide an evidence informed, specialist ‘earlier intervention’ service for young people primarily between the ages of 13 – 17, who are on the ‘edge of care’, custody and / or education.The service will operate in the Enniskillen and Newtownabbey areas.
These young people are coming to the regular attention of the police for non-offence related behaviour, and their attendance or behaviour in education indicates a need for intervention. They are also likely to be at risk of homelessness in later adolescence and to feature in the Not in Employment, Education or Training, (NEETS) population post compulsory school education.
The support provided by Start360 will be community-based and will ensure that a partnership approach is taken with all relevant local organisations. Our ‘toolkit’ of supports will be tailored to each young person and their family, based on our mission that ‘change starts here’.
Young people referred into EDGES will also have access to a range of other supports provided by Start360’s other services in the areas of health, employability and justice.
To find out more about the work of Start360, visit
Start360 - BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Start360 is Northern Ireland’s leading provider of support services to young people, adult offenders and families in the community. We provide a range of services and interventions in the areas of health, justice and employability. We have an excellent track record working with young people and adults in partnership with the statutory, voluntary and community sectors, providing support for people through an extensive range of skill-based programmes and services.
Start360 was previously known as Opportunity Youth – we celebrated our 21st Birthday in April 2014 by launching our new brand which better reflects our wide range of services.
To read more about our work, visit
Our mission and commitment:
"Change Starts Here”
Our Services
We offer a range of innovative programmes and services, which can be easily adapted to meet specific issues faced by young people, including drug/alcohol misuse, mental and emotional health, barriers to employment or achievement, or lack of confidence and self-esteem. Sessions are always delivered in a way that is enjoyable and interactive, whilst being grounded in a sound learning framework.
Our key programmes and services include:
Advocacy representing and discussing young people’s views
Counselling offered to young people with more complex emotional or mental health support needs
Diversionary Activities/Residential Experiences providing young people with opportunities to participate and improve their personal, social and life skills
Groupwork educating young people and/or adults, helping them to understand and engage with each other
Mentoring & Group Mentoring Tailored an experienced youth worker assists young people to make positive lifestyle and employment choices
Our Expertise
Since our establishment in 1993, our experience has enabled us to develop skills in various ways:
A proven track record in designing, developing and delivering an exceptional range of practical support
Experienced, qualified and skilled staff practitioners in all areas of youth work
A carefully developed, unique methodology based on the proven benefits of peer education
A focus on support, care, and self-development
A keen understanding of young people’s varied and often complex needs
Our Senior Team
The Senior Management Team at Start360 is:
Anne Marie McClure (Chief Executive)
Clare O’Reilly(Finance Manager)
Cara McHugh (Corporate Services Manager)
Stephen Barr(Service Delivery Manager)
Kathleen Grego(Service Delivery Manager)
Clare Connolly(Service Delivery Manager)
Marie Wright(Service Delivery Manager)
Ronan McGinley(Service Delivery Manager)
Zoe Anderson(Communications Manager)
Our Partners
Over the years we have worked closely with a variety of organisations from the public, private and voluntary and community sectors. These have included Health and Social Care Trusts, the Department for Employment and Learning, the Northern Ireland Prison Service, the Youth Conference Service, the Probation Board of Northern Ireland, numerous regional training organisations, further education colleges, schools, community groups and youth clubs.
Please contact Start360 for further information on our services.
APPLICATION FOR EMPLOYMENTPost: / Key Worker / Applicant Ref: / KW/0215______
Closing Date: / 20th February 2015 / Vacancy Ref: / KW/0215
Please complete this application form using black ink or type. All sections of the form must be completed and be legible. Non-completion of any section of the form may result in rejection of your application. A continuation sheet can be used unless otherwise stated. CVs are not accepted and will not be considered unless otherwise stated. If requested, application forms can be provided on disc or in large print. Applications received after the closing date and time will not be considered. Canvassing will disqualify.
Personal DetailsTitle: (Mr, Mrs, Ms, Miss, Dr etc)
Forenames:
Preferred Name:
Surname:
Home telephone number:
Mobile telephone number:
Preferred contact telephone number:
Email address:
Home address:
Home address continued:
Town:
County:
Postcode:
National Insurance Number:
Referees
Please name two referees (not relatives) at least one of whom should have knowledge of your present work and be in a supervisory/managerial capacity. (Please note that one of these references needs to be from your previous employer).
Referee 1 / Referee 2Name: / Name:
Job Title: / Job Title:
Organisation: / Organisation:
Address: / Address:
Town: / Town:
Postcode: / Postcode:
Contact Tel No: / Contact Tel No:
Email: / Email:
Can we contact this referee immediately without prior arrangement with you? / Yes
No / Can we contact this referee immediately without prior arrangement with you? / Yes
No
Education (eg GCSE / O-Level / A-Level / NVQ / Secretarial etc)
Please give details of any qualifications you have obtained below. If putting forward an equivalent qualification please provide the type of qualificationand date awarded. If you believe your qualification is equivalent to the one required, the onus is on you to providethe panel with details of modules studied etc, so that a decision can be made.
Year / Qualification / Subject / Mark or GradeFurther Education (eg HND / Degree / Masters)
Degree/Diploma/Certificate / Result and Date Obtained / Exams to be taken
Membership of Professional Bodies (eg Nursing, Social Care, Management, CIPD, Finance, Teaching)
Professional Body / Level / Registration No / Expiry Date
Employment Record
Bearing in mind the post you are applying for, please give details of all posts you have held since leaving full-time education, starting with the most recent. Use additional paper if necessary.
Employer 1 (Present or most recent post)Name of Organisation
Address: / Annual earnings & benefits:
Type of business: / Reason for leaving:
Position Held: / Notice period required:
Main Duties
Dates of Employment / From: / To:
Employer 2
Name of Organisation
Address: / Type of business:
Position Held:
Reason for leaving
Main Duties:
Dates of Employment / From: / To:
Employer 3
Name of Organisation
Address: / Type of business:
Position Held:
Reason for leaving
Main Duties:
Dates of Employment / From: / To:
Employer 4
Name of Organisation
Address: / Type of business:
Position Held:
Reason for leaving
Main Duties:
Dates of Employment / From: / To:
Employer 5
Name of Organisation
Address: / Type of business:
Position Held:
Reason for leaving
Main Duties:
Dates of Employment / From: / To:
Employer 6
Name of Organisation
Address: / Type of business:
Position Held:
Reason for leaving
Main Duties:
Dates of Employment / From: / To:
Continue on separate sheet if necessary …..
Essential CriteriaAs part of the application process you are required to provide specific examples of how you meet the essential criteria. The information you provide will be used for shortlisting so please answer the question as fully as possible. Try to be specific and answer all parts of the question. Failure to provide sufficient information/detail may mean that your application will not be shortlisted.
Criteria 1: Hold / working towards a recognised professional qualification in a related field (e.g. social work, youth work, psychology, or a health related discipline)YES NO
If ‘yes’, please provide details below:
Criteria 2: A minimum three years full time experience working with young people in a similar role
YES NO
If ‘yes’, please provide details below:
Criteria 3: Experience of using working with and using interventions the following areas:- suicide, mental health, substance misuse
YES NO
If ‘yes’, please provide details below:
Criteria 4: Experience in the following areas:- Individual case management, group facilitation, needs assessment and person centred interventions
YES NO
If ‘yes’, please provide details below:
Criteria 5: Do you have acurrent full driving licence (valid for use in the UK)?
(This criteria will be waived in the case of applicants whose disability prohibits driving but who have access to a form of transport approved by Start360, which will permit them to carry out the duties of the post)
YES NO
If ‘yes’, please provide details below:
Please tick which location you are interested in: