COSA Coordinator

This is a new post at Respond and has been designed to build on the CoSA (Circle’s of Support and Accountability) project that has been running now for 2 years. You will manage a number of adult and young people’s circles. You will work with external agencies, ensuring that this thriving project continues to grow. You will be responsible for training and supporting a growing team of volunteers who are integral in helping us to deliver the project.

Job Description

Job title:COSA COORDINATOR

Salary:£27,500

Working hours:28 hours per week

Reporting andAccountability:Senior CoSA Coordinator

Responsibilities for post

  1. Assist in the implementation of risk assessments for appraisal of suitability for Circle referrals.
  2. Be responsible for the coordination of a number of Circles, from receiving the referral to ending the Circle.
  3. Be available to work flexibly; including regular evening Circles and trainings.
  4. Assist in the recruitment and training of CoSA volunteers in accordance to training program co-designed by Circles UK and Respond
  5. Liaise between clients, carers, circle volunteers and clients’ therapists at Respond
  6. Attend any necessary meetings of other professionals or carers with regards to clinical issues arising from treatment
  7. Attend supervision, line management and other project meetings at Respond
  8. Manage record keeping relating to Circles and client work
  9. Participate in any required COSA training, forums and events
  10. Ensure that all work is undertaken in accordance with Respond’s Child Protection guidelines and polices
  11. Provide talks and seminars to other professional agencies or community groups about the CoSA and volunteer work of Respond
  12. To help develop and maintain links with local community groups and other organisations, including corporate partners and businesses in order to recruit volunteers
  13. To help develop and maintain links with external training providers for the progression of volunteers
  14. To monitor and review volunteer placements to ensure volunteers receive sufficient support and achieve their goals.
  15. To help develop good practice policies and procedures in volunteer management and ensure Respond’s Volunteers are fully trained in these practices
  16. To help design and disseminate a range of marketing materials in accessible formats to promote Respond and its volunteering programme
  17. To attend and/or organise events, such as volunteer fairs and community events, to promote Respond’s CoSA volunteering programme
  18. To help ensure the funding requirements are met and that the impact of the work is recorded, monitored and evaluated
  19. To work to Respond’s policies and procedures, particularly in regard to Equal opportunities, Child Protection and confidentiality.
  20. To practice within the codes of conduct and ethics as set out in the Respond’s handbook

This job description is a guide to the tasks of the post only. The post holder is required to undertake such other tasks as are reasonably requested by the Senior CoSA coordinator. The post will require flexibility including out of office work within the community in London and thesurrounding area.

Contract: Contract until 1/4/16 subject to further funding.

Probation period: 6 months.

Deadline for applications: 3/2/14 (5pm). Apply either by e-mailto

by post to: Helen McGowan, Respond, 3rd Floor, 24-32 Stephenson Way, London, NW1 2HD

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Job title:CoSA Coordinator

Essential:

  1. A qualification in youth work, probation, social care, social work, psychology, counselling or psychotherapy or relevant equivalent experience
  2. At least 2 years experience of working with vulnerable people preferably people with learning disabilities
  3. Experience of managing volunteers
  4. Experience of working with people who display sexualised or sexually harmful behaviours in any setting or an understanding of why people with LD may display SHB an a capacity to develop the relevant skills set* or move it to desirable?
  5. Experience of working with victims of abuse and/or exploitation either as a mental health or a social care practitioner
  6. An interest in the principles of restorative justice
  7. Experience of facilitating groups and complex meetings involving clients, network members and professionals
  8. A demonstrable understanding of the effects of trauma and abuse upon people with learning disabilities
  9. Experience of developing effective working relationships with statutory bodies such as Health, Social Services, Probation etc.
  10. Experience of working independently and as part of a team.
  11. Understanding of professional boundaries and the need to implement and maintain them with vulnerable client groups.
  12. The ability to communicate sensitive issues to a range of audiences including clients, families, volunteers and professionals
  13. A commitment to professional development and the ability to keep up-to-date with relevant issues surrounding the work of Respond.
  14. Proven commitment to the principles and practise of equal opportunities.

Desirable:

  1. Previous experience and knowledge of Circles of Support and Accountability
  2. Experience of working with sex offender treatment programmes
  3. Experience with various risk assessment models for people who display sexually harmful behaviours
  4. Experience of setting up and/or running projects involving volunteers
  5. Familiarity with legal and social policy with regards sexual offenders

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