Carers Network Engagement Worker
Job Description
Job Title: Carers Network Engagement Worker
Accountable to: Head of Services
Responsible to: Assistant Head of Services
Reporting to: Carers Network Coordinator
Location: Gaddum Centre, Manchester
Salary: NJC Scale Point 23, £21,268
Hours: 35 hours per week
Term: Initially 6 months fixed term contract (with possible
extension dependant on funding)
Interview Date: 19th January 2018
Job Summary
The role of the Carers Network Engagement Worker is to support the Carers Network Coordinator in the development and delivery of the Manchester Carers Network Hub (MCNH).
The Carers Network Engagement Worker (CNEW) will actively support Voluntary Community Social Enterprise (VCSE) organisations and local communities in building capacity and in identifying community assets, which could provide activities and support for carers.
The role will report to the Carers Network Coordinator
The role will have responsibility for the development and production of a newsletter capturing information from all Care Network Providers, to an agreed timescale and update of Manchester Carers Network website.
Job Purpose
· To support the development of a proactive Manchester Carers Network Hub to raises carers’ issues and needs across Manchester
· To identify and engage with community groups and outreach activities in Manchester providing access to information and advice to carers within localities.
· To support and enable carers and former carers to participate in the design and development of carers’ services.
· To identify and recruit Community Carers Champions as volunteers in localities and settings across Manchester
· To support the progress on work plans of Manchester Carers Network
Roles and Responsibilities
Specific areas of responsibility
· Engagement with Carers
· Engagement with other VCSE Organisations
· Engagement with Communities
· Organisation of events
· Awareness raising
· Community Carers Champions
· To support the Carers Network Coordinator in developing Manchester Carers Network with;
o Maintaining and updating the information bank (database) of knowledge skills and resources.
o Coordinating and sharing expertise and experience within Manchester Care Network Providers and other organisations to support capacity building.
o Further development of the Network hub – e.g. A dedicated telephone line with effective answering system to respond to calls and a Single Point of Contact (SPOC).
· To work closely with a range of diverse community groups and organisations to ensure identification and support of carers.
· Liaise with, work alongside existing support groups, and facilitate the development of further groups.
· Using appropriate networks to raise awareness of carers’ needs within VCSE organisations.
· To identify other VCSE organisations across Manchester apart from Care Network Providers who support carers and their families.
· To ensure the involvement and consultation of Carers in the development of future projects & activities.
· To help promote the Manchester Carers Network online, via social media and the website, with support from the PR & Communications Lead and other Greater Manchester Carers Network partners.
· Compile and distribute MCN newsletters to an agreed timescale identifying further outlets for dissemination to reach previously unidentified carers.
· To organise National Carers Week, open days and other promotional activities for Manchester Carers Network and support wider Greater Manchester carers events.
· To keep up to date with carer related developments in government and local authority policy, and in all other organisations working with carers.
· Work with the Carers Network Coordinator to devise innovative ways of engaging with carers, health and social care professionals.
· To keep abreast of developments locally and nationally in relation to Carers.
· To promote and raise awareness of the work of Manchester Carers Network Hub.
Additional Duties and Responsibilities
· Maintain a general understanding of the work of the whole organisation, and attend staff meetings/events.
· Adhere to Gaddum Centre’s Safeguarding Policy and report any concerns regarding an individual’s safety.
· To undertake and maintain Risk Assessments for area of work in the programme.
· Promote the work of Gaddum Centre and safeguard its good name and reputation at every opportunity.
· Promote Gaddum Centre events and activities
· To adhere to Gaddum Centre Policies and Procedures.
· To be aware of personal safety and security when carrying out work.
· To maintain privacy and confidentiality in line with Gaddum Centre’s policies and procedures.
· To respond to enquiries and calls coming into Manchester Carers Network Hub in a professional and knowledgeable way.
· All other duties reasonably associated with the role associated with the role.
The details contained in this job description, particularly the principal accountabilities reflect the content of the job at the date the job description was prepared. It is inevitable over time the nature of individual jobs will change; existing duties may be lost and other duties added without changing the general character of the duties or the level of responsibility entailed. Consequently, this job description may be revised from time to time.
Carer Network Engagement Worker
Person Specification
Criteria / Essential / Desirable / AssessedQualifications / experience / Maths and English GCSE at grades C or above (or equivalent qualification).
At least two years’ experience of working within the VCSE sector and or with carers specifically.
Evidence of continuous professional development.
Experience of providing support to voluntary community social enterprise organisations.
Experience of creating and developing newsletters and using social media / Educated to degree level or holds an appropriate professional qualification or equivalent relevant experience.
Experience of networking with VCSE organisations and creating new partnerships
Experience of delivering training to professionals.
Experience of coordinating and organising promotional activities
Experience of maintaining and updating databases / Application /interview/
documents
Skills and abilities / Excellent verbal, written communication and negotiation skills.
Excellent presentation skills.
Experience of report writing.
Ability to work in multi-disciplinary settings and working in partnership with other professionals, agencies/organisations and a range of stakeholders.
The ability to understand relevant legislation relating to carers.
The ability to communicate with a wide range of people.
General IT competence, including word-processing and databases.
Very well organised, able to prioritise and plan own work; take responsibility in decision making, and work to meet deadlines. / The ability to build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders.
Experience of presenting information in a variety of formats for different audiences. / Application/Interview
Knowledge / A robust understanding of Safeguarding.
Understanding and awareness of the needs of adult carers and their families.
Knowledge of statutory services.
Knowledge of structure of community care, health and voluntary sector.
Knowledge of issues affecting carers and carer related development in government and local authority.
An understanding of Equality and Diversity duties in the workplace.
Understanding of, and demonstrable commitment to, ensuring equal opportunity. / A good knowledge of agencies, organisations and professionals within Manchester.
An understanding of contracts, monitoring and reporting.
An understanding of non-statutory advocacy.
An understanding of mental health and wellbeing. / Application/Interview
Values and Personal attributes / A commitment to Gaddum Centre values.
A commitment to equality and diversity.
A non-judgemental attitude.
Flexible and positive work ethic.
The post holder must display integrity, honesty and good judgement. / Knowledge of Gaddum Centre and its services. / Application / Interview
Other requirements / Ability to travel independently across Manchester.
Flexible approach to working hours and ability to work unsociable hours (evenings and weekends) to meet the needs of the service. / Use of own car / Application / Interview
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