European Social Fund Lead Young Persons Mentor

EU funds: Investing in Wales

Dear Applicant

European Social Fund Lead Young Persons Mentor

Gofal is a mental health and wellbeing charity providing a range of services to support people who are experiencing or who have experienced mental ill health – something that will affect 1 in 4 of us in our lifetime.

Thank you for your interest in working for us and please find enclosed the following:

1)Information on Gofaland the post you have applied for

2)Job Description and Person Specification

3)Application Form

4)Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

The closing date for receipt of your application is 12:30pm, Wednesday 25th January 2017. Please do ensure you return your application by this date and time. Gofal cannot be responsible for any applications received late and any applications that arrive after the deadline will not be considered.

We will contact you as soon as possible after shortlisting to inform you of the outcome.

Interviews will be held on the 6th or 7th of February 2017.

Applications will be considered against the person specification and shortlisted candidates invited to interview.

We will contact you as soon as possible after shortlisting to inform you of the outcome.

Once again, thank you for your interest in Gofal and we look forward to receiving your application.

Yours sincerely

Anna Johnson

HR Administrator

About Gofal

Thinking differently about mental health and wellbeing

Gofal has been providing mental health and wellbeing services to people in Wales since 1990. We have come a long way since our first services opened in Bridgend, supporting the resettlement of people from the long stay psychiatric wards of Parc and Penyfai hospitals into homes in the community. We now operate across eleven local authorities in Wales and over 2,000 people use our services every year

Our Vision

Good mental health and wellbeing for all

Our Mission

To have a positive lasting impact in all that we do by

Working together to provide services that we can be proud of
Demonstrating outstanding practice in relation to staff mental health and wellbeing, learning and development
Challenging the way we all think about, talk about and respond to mental health and wellbeing in all areas of our lives
Using our profile, influence and voice to improve the lives of people living with or at risk of experiencing mental ill health
Increasing the range and reach of our services through targeted and sustainable business growth
Spending our money where it will have the maximum impact

Our Aspirations

Gofal aspires to:

Work with integrity and dignity
Inspire and support people to exceed their expectations
Develop a culture that is embracing and respectful of difference
Communicate honestly and openly
Be an organisation that is ambitious, creative and determined
Create environments that are collaborative, supportive and empowering
Be respected for our knowledge and expertise

EU funds: Investing in Wales

JOB DESCRIPTION

Post: European Social Fund Lead Young Persons Mentor

Reports to: Project Co-ordinator

Contracted Hours:37hrs per week

Salary: £21,462.50 per annum

Office Base:Cardiff or Barry (TBC)

Date: Until August 31st 2018

Holidays:

26 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

Holidays increase by 1 day for each year of service up to a maximum of 30

Pension:

Pension in the form of a money purchase pension scheme:

-5.5% paid if employee contributes 1%

-6.5% paid if employee contributes 2% or more

Other Benefits:

Income Protection

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Opportunities for flexible working

Training and personal development opportunities

BGTSS Blaenau Gwent TSS December 2016

Background:

The Out of Work Service (OOWS) is delivered in partnership between Gofal and NewLink Wales; across the Cardiff and Vale and Cwm Taf Health Board areas providing individualised mentoring and support for people who have been affected by Substance Misuse and/or Mental Health issues. We are now pleased to have extended this partnership to Drugaid who are supporting the extension of this service to those aged 16 -24. Gofal will be employing the Cardiff and Vale team, with Drugaid employing the Cwm Taf team. All employees will be line managed by Gofals existing Out of Work Service leadership team.

The OOWS complements and enhances existing treatment, support and care services, through the provision of additional mentoring support; that focusses on helping people to move on and thrive through inspiring self-confidence, nurturing self-reliance, developing new skills, acquiring qualifications and ultimately achieving economic independence through paid employment.

The Lead Young Persons Mentor will be responsible for the day to day line management and support of a small team working across Cardiff and the Vale and Cwm Taf Health Board areas, in delivery of the Out of Work Service for people aged 16-24. The post holder will contribute directly to service activity and hold a manageable caseload of young peoplewho are seeking education, training or employment.

The scheme has been supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government.

Job Purpose:

To co-ordinate the project services and team activities whilst managing a small caseload of participants.
To provide support and mentoring to direct line reports (Young Persons Mentors) in the implementation of a quality service.
To support the development of an inspired, committed and competent performance orientated workforce.
To comply with and maintain all necessary administrative and reporting systems.

Main Responsibilities:

Role Expectations:

Co-ordination of service:

1.To manage referrals into the service.

2.To liaise with the Project Co-ordinator and team to co-ordinate and manage the work of the service in line with its aims and objectives.

3.To provide regular reports on service performance

4.To work with the Project Co-ordinator and team to develop and implement good working practices.

5.To liaise with other service providers to ensure active referral pathways into the OOWS. This shall include working closely and developing excellent working relationships with community, statutory and voluntary organisations within the area.

Participant caseload Work

Promote engagement of young people 16-24 years who are NEET onto a range of in-house and external programmes aimed at the advancement of Employment, Education and Training.
Undertakeassessments of barriers to employment, education and training that uncovers existing achievements, skills and strengths, interests and goals as well as barriers.
Develop and implement individual action plans to overcome barriers: outlining strength based goals and actions to achieve outcomes, with referral to, and liaison with specialist community, statutory and voluntary provisions where required to assist the individual in overcoming identified barriers.
Monitor and track individual progress, providing up to date information in line with ESF requirements.
Provide transitional ‘Soft Landing’ support for participants who enter into employment or other structured activity after leaving the OOWS service.

People Management and Leadership

1.To promote a culture which puts service user needs and interests at its centre and aims to be inclusive of all stakeholders.

2.To motivate and inspire staff to achieve the outcomes of the service.

3.To ensure accountabilities and responsibilities are clear for all line reports.

4.To provide effective line management, support and supervision for direct line reports, ensuring they work within set guidelines and meet objectives.

5.To demonstrate and support high levels of autonomy for all service staff.

6.To ensure proper implementation of relevant policy, procedure and systems across the area of responsibility.

7.To ensure compliance with all legal and regulatory requirements.

Administrative Requirements

To produce and maintain accurate project information in compliance with ESF funding requirements.
Monitor and track project activity against outcome targets
To ensure all relevant information is shared with colleagues and other services as appropriate.
To ensure all project communication methods are used appropriate and effectively.

Organisation Expectations

To carry out all duties in a manner that reflects Gofal’s Aspirations:

1.Work with integrity and dignity.

2.Inspire and support people to exceed their expectations.

3.Develop a culture that is embracing and respectful of difference.

4.Communicate honestly and openly.

5.Be an organisation that is ambitious, creative and determined.

6.Create environments that are collaborative, supportive and empowering.

7.Be respected for our knowledge and expertise.

Person Specification: Lead Young Persons Mentor

Essential / Desirable
A successful track record of providing direct support to individuals aged 16 – 24 from vulnerable or marginalised groups. / 
A thorough understanding of the barriers to training, education and employment faced by people affected by mental health and/or substance misuse. / 
A proven competence of working within the field of youth work, education, training or employability / 
Experience of supporting people with substance misuse and/or mental health issues. / 
Lived experience of substance misuse or mental health issues. / 
An understanding of current legislation and policy in relation to substance misuse and mental health for people aged 16 - 24 / 
Experience of working in an ESF funded project or similar. / 
The ability to compile, maintain and complete accurate written records. / 
Experience of working in partnership with a wide range of support and development services. / 
A demonstrable ability to promote self-directed learning and development. / 
The ability to promote and support the attainment of recovery capital for those affected by substance misuse and/or mental health, in terms of training, skills, volunteering and employment. / 
Knowledge of ESF Evidence and Compliance Requirements. / 
Excellent literacy, numeracy and ICT skills with a close attention to detail. / 
Able to work on own initiative / 
Able to manage a caseload of individuals with differing needs. / 
An understanding of employability, education and training pathways and models of mentoring / 

Applicants will be required to demonstrate evidence of competency at levels 1 &2; please refer to the Competency Framework.

Competency Framework

Gofal aspires to:Work with integrity and dignity

Level 1: Demonstrate integrity and dignity in all interactions with others

Maintain appropriate personal boundaries in all interactions with service users, colleagues and external contacts
Express opinions genuinely and honestly, while being mindful of the impact on others
Take responsibility for reflecting on own behaviours
Maintain confidentiality and be trustworthy in relationships with service users and colleagues
Bring to the attention of line managers, any situations where standards of integrity or dignity are believed to have been breached.
Make every effort to deliver on commitments made.

Level 2: Role Model behaviours of integrity and dignity to other team members

Give feedback to colleagues where behaviours are noticed which do not demonstrate integrity or dignity
Help others to understand their responsibilities to act with integrity and dignity
Actively seek feedback to understand own personal impact on others, and use personal insights.

Gofal aspires to:Inspire and support people to exceed their expectations

Level 1: Support colleagues to deliver at their best

Role model positive and constructive behaviours to service users and colleagues
Share knowledge, skills and learning to help others to be at their best.
Work in a way that supports and promotes the wellbeing of others.
Participate openly and constructively in team meetings
Work co-operatively with others, supporting colleagues to deliver their best to service users
Actively engage in own supervision and appraisal, preparing and participating fully
Maintain high quality standards in file and record keeping
Notice and acknowledge great contribution from others

Level 2: Support the team to deliver at its best

Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to change
Support colleagues in managing the emotional impact of their work
Actively seek out information to share, which will help the team in its work
Take a role in mentoring team members who need help or support
Actively suggest ideas for improvement for the team
Bring the great contribution of colleagues to the attention of others

Gofal aspires to: Develop a culture that is embracing and respectful of difference

Level 1: Demonstrate respect of difference in all interaction with others

Have a reputation for being a great listener
Demonstrate a commitment to the value of equality and respect for diversity
Show an awareness of the different needs of people from different backgrounds, cultures and life experiences
Seek to understand the perspective of service users through genuine interest and questioning
Demonstrate an open mind with people who may have a different viewpoint.
Use language which is positive and non-judgmental towards others

Level 2: Role model behaviours underpinned by respect of difference

Give support to others where they may be finding it difficult to deal with issues of equality or difference
Share experiences and knowledge which can help others embrace difference in their work and lives, and take every opportunity to learn more about equality issues
Challenge behaviour which does not demonstrate a respect of difference
Work to resolve conflict where it is observed

Gofal aspires to:Communicate honestly and openly

Level 1: Communicate in a clear and concise way

See communication as a two way process, actively seeking out communication, as well as actively listening to the message delivered.
Use a communication style which is appropriate to the listener
Use words appropriately, communicating in language which matches the organisation’s values.
Using observation, be able to judge the listener’s response and adapt communication accordingly.
Use written and IT based communication to explain key points clearly and effectively, and in appropriate detail.
Role model honesty and openness in communication with others, using genuine care in the delivery of messages and challenging colleagues to do the same.

Level 2: Adapt communication to the audience

Think in advance about the most effective way to deliver the message, and adapt communication accordingly.
Simplify complex messages where necessary, so that others can understand key points.
Use a variety of communication methods with confidence, and understand where each is most effective.
Represent the organisation externally, and be able to speak confidently about its work.
Deliver difficult messages with honesty and compassion.

Gofal aspires to: Be an organisation that is ambitious, creative and determined

Level 1: Work with a flexible and adaptable approach to achieve agreed outcomes.

Bring energy, passion and excitement into all your work
Demonstrate dedication and commitment to the team objectives
Have a commitment to ‘never giving up on a person’, even when they are challenging to you
Use available time to achieve the best possible outcomes, and be flexible where priorities change
Stay enthusiastic and remain positive through setbacks
Work with colleagues and service users to come up with creative solutions
Face change with a positive and constructive approach
Ask for help and support where it is needed to ensure own wellbeing
Use mistakes as a way to learn for the future

Level 2: Identify the best outcomes, solve problems and overcome barriers to achievement.

Actively try out different approaches to tackling problems
Generously share ideas for service improvement and better ways of working
Build an outcome focus into all aspects of work
Support service users and colleagues in positive risk taking, allowing them to overcome barriers and achieve the best outcomes
Help colleagues to deal with changes they may be facing in a way which is right for them
Demonstrate resilience when facing challenges, seeking and using the support which you need

Gofal aspires to:Create environments that are collaborative, supportive and empowering

Level 1: Work effectively in partnership with others

Build strong and constructive relationships with colleagues and service users
Build and maintain trust with service users and other individuals outside the organisation
Seek out contacts in other teams within the organisation, to share learning, support and experience
Be seen as a strong representative of the organisation with external contacts, and actively buildnetworks which can help in delivery of service
Work positively through difference of opinion to get to the best outcome

Level 2: Identify new opportunities to seek and share experience with others

Identify contacts inside and outside of the organisation who can support partnership working and collaboration
Share contacts across the organisation, where it may help other teams to develop their service
Encourage other team members to make their own contacts inside and outside of the organisation
Take an active part in organising events which encourage others to come together to support and share experience

Gofal aspires to: Be respected for our knowledge and expertise

Level 1: Regularly discuss own development needs with line manager, and attend training events identified.

Take responsibility for seeking out knowledge and finding out information to help own learning.
Take an active part in own development, working with your Line Manager to identify your development needs.
Attend all training programmes identified, participate fully and discuss the learning with your Line Manager afterwards.
Reflect on new learning, and how to use it for the best outcome of service users.

Level 2: Proactively identify own development needs and take action to meet them.

Identify any areas in your own performance where you need further development, and understand how best to get the training or experience you need.
Actively seek out others who may have the knowledge or skills you require, and ask for support for your learning.
Clearly understand the link between your learning and delivery of the best outcome for service users.
Take on development which is stretching and challenging, where it will have the best results on your own performance.
Show a passion and commitment for keeping updated with new information which impacts on your own performance and delivery of standards.