JOB DESCRIPTION

1.Job Title:Business Adviser (RAISE)

2.Responsible to:Project Manager

3.Responsible for:Providing an advisory service to new, existing and potential entrepreneurs from disadvantaged background under ERDF programme

4.Salary:£18,000-25,000pro rata per annum

5.Place of Work:SWEDA

6.Hours of Work:Full/Part Time

8.Length of Contract:This is a temporary position until 31/12/2018 which may be extended subject to continuation funding being secured.

JOB PURPOSE

To provide an advisory service to new, existing and potential entrepreneurs from disadvantaged background to aid and support them in the establishment and sustainability of their own businesses.To work with, and effectively manage, a portfolio of clients arranging, monitoring, reviewing and evaluating their programmes of support.

To support the RAISE Project Manager and work as part of the team contributing to the delivery of targets of the ERDF RAISE project.

DUTIES

  1. To conduct interviews with clients once they are referred to SWEDA and to provide a one to one IAG initial assessments and draw up individual LearningPlans agreements with client and completing paperwork to contractual and quality requirements.
  2. To manage a caseload of clients and to provide them with advice and guidance with regards to sustainable self-employment orbusiness development.
  3. To deliver workshops to small and large groups in business development/employability skills.
  4. To familiarise yourself with all relevant ERDF RAISE policies and procedures, including procedures for State Aid, Sustainable Development and Equal Opportunities etc, implementing them consistently in you work.
  5. To motivate clients, to ensure attendance of the programme and to ensure that clients are equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to set up, develop and grow their businesses.
  6. To refer clients to appropriate agencies if SWEDA is unable to meet the need and /or additional needs outside the scope of the RAISE project are identified.
  7. To complete the necessary contract monitoring documentation and to ensure that customers’ files are maintained in line with contractual and quality compliance requirements.
  8. To update information on the SWEDA management information system as required by contractual and quality standards.
  9. To collate and file information and providereports or statistical data as required.
  10. To adhere to the IAG policies and procedures at SWEDA to ensure quality support for clients. To undertake staff training on IAG Policies and procedures.
  11. To foster the long term relationships with employers and businesses to create effective relationships with the local business community, public, community and voluntary sector organisations in order to secure job placements, voluntary work and employment opportunities.
  12. To make presentations to existing and potential entrepreneurs and to represent SWEDA at meetings.
  13. To maintain up-to-date knowledge of the local labour market and sector developments.
  14. To achieve individual weekly and monthly targets as set by the Project Manager.
  15. To undertake progress reviews with clients, ensuring SMART targets are set and paperwork is completed as required.
  16. To attend meetings and events that relate to the services being provided by SWEDA as required by the Line Manager
  17. To work to MATRIX and other quality standards as required by the company.

Staff Management

To participate in Staff Development, Appraisal and Training as required.

To be familiar and comply with SWEDA’s Personnel policies and procedures and office code of conduct and the Staff Handbook

To manage self development and own performance and to provide effective support for your colleagues.

Other Duties

To ensure equality of opportunity both in service provision and employment, having regard to the needs of the diverse communities we serve.

To have knowledge of the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act (2006) and to comply with this legislation at all times.

To ensure that your own actions and those of your team reduce risks to health and safety and to work in line with the company’s policies and procedures with regards to Health and Safety.

To comply with legislation andSWEDA’s policies and procedures including Data Protection andComputer Security.

To participate in exit and leaver process as required.

General

To work in a collaborative and co-operative manner in support of the organisation’s business objectives.

The duties of the post may change and develop from time to time in the light of new legislation, SWEDA Polices, organisational developments and social trends. Such developments will be monitored in conjunction with the Business Manager and will be reflected as necessary in the job description.

To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grading of the post subject to reasonable adjustments The Equality Act.

I AGREE TO THE ABOVE JOB DESCRIPTION

SIGNED: ______DATE: ______

PRINT NAME:______

PERSONAL SPECIFICATIONS

Essential Requirements:

Universal

  1. Demonstrate a commitment to the aims and objectives of SWEDA in supportinglocal Employment and Enterprise Initiatives.
  2. Demonstrate the ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers, other professionals and service users.
  3. Demonstrated ability to relate to a multi-cultural client group and an understanding of the issues on service users.
  4. Demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to implementing the principles of equality of opportunity, anti-discrimination practices and anti-oppressive practices and working within these principles.
  5. Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to SWEDA including the confidentiality of clients using the service.
  6. Demonstrate an awareness and understanding of Health and Safety issues related to this post.

Post Specific

  1. AProfessional Qualification at NVQ Level 3 or equivalent or higher, with relevant experience.
  2. A proven track record of working with disadvantaged people.
  3. Previous experience of conducting face to face interviews and completing employment & skills plans.
  4. An ability to create effective relationships with the local business community to secure job placement, voluntary work and employment opportunities.
  5. Experience of making face to face presentations to businesses.
  6. Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to communicate at all levels.
  7. Ability to complete necessary paperwork and maintain files to quality standards.
  8. Confidence in use of Microsoft word, excel and access to compile reports and monitor statistical data.
  9. Ability to support client’s IT needs.
  10. Ability to support clients’ Business Planning, Budgeting, CVs, etc.
  11. Ability to positively address and challenge inappropriate and negative behaviours and attitudes
  12. Ability to respect and respond to the diverse needs of disadvantaged customers.
  13. The ability to work on own initiative but also as part of a team.
  14. Target orientated and able to work under pressure.

Desirable

  1. Training qualification
  2. Experience of working in the voluntary sector