AGEUKCHESHIRE
JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:Residential Placement Officer
DATE WRITTEN:May 2013
RESPONSIBLE TO:Enablement Services Manager
Primary Purpose:The Residential Placement Officer will provide information, advice and technical assistance to individualswho wish to pursue a residential placement after being discharged from hospital. The post holder will work closely with the health and social care teams at Leighton Hospital and the Independent Living Team at Age UK Cheshire.
Main Duties
- To provide detailed information, advice and support to older patientsat Leighton Hospital (and their family and friends) who wish to move into a residential or nursing home following discharge from hospital.
- To support the older person to reach a decisionand respond to their wishes.
- To respond in a timely manner to referrals/enquiries from older people, their families, social workers and agencies relating to finding and funding long term care.
- To work closely with health and social care professionals, other agencies and families where appropriate to achieve the most appropriate outcome for the older person.
- To facilitate placements, budget for and commission packages of support in line with the older person’s choices.
- To ensure that information, advice and assistanceis provided inaccordance with agreed protocols,procedures and qualitystandards.
- To maintain accurate,up-to-date records.
- To undertake clerical and administrative duties required to service the post
- To participate in relevant meetings
- To report regularly to the Enablement Services Manager andto produce reports as and when required.
- To promote the service and assist the Enablement Services Manager in developing support services that will meet the needs of older people.
- To assist the Head of Charity Services and Enablement Services Manager in determining future development of the service.
- To keep abreast of developments locally, regionally and nationally which relate to this role.
- To work according to the standards required by the contract, the Advice Quality Standard and the policies and procedures of Age UK Cheshire.
- To promote the wider services of Age UK Cheshire and to assist in any fundraising activities organised by Age UK Cheshire
- To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Chief Executive.
Residential Placement Officer
PERSON SPECIFICATION
ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:1 / Experience of working with/supporting older
people
2 / Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to work as part of a
team.
3 / Ability to understand financial and other records
4 / Ability to plan and prioritise a work load
5 / Understands the challenges facing older people who wish to
access and remain in residential care settings
6 / Excellent verbal, written and negotiation skills
7 / Good IT skills including use of databases, Microsoft suite,
Excel, Word, E-mail and internet
8 / Experience of networking with partner agencies and internal
departments
9 / A commitment to empowering older people to have choice and
control over their own lives
10 / Minimum of five ‘O’levels/GCSE’s (or equivalent)
11 / Excellent organisational skills and ability to work on own
initiative and under pressure to tight deadlines
12 / Clear understanding of the importance of confidentiality and
equal opportunities
13 / Be able to travel across Cheshire for work requirements
DESIRABLE CRITERIA:
1 / Knowledge and understanding of current care legislation
as it impacts on older people
2 / Knowledge of the structure and organisation of local and
health authorities
3 / Experience of working within the voluntary sector
4 / Use of a vehicle for work related travel
AGE UK CHESHIRE
RESIDENTIAL PLACEMENT OFFICER
(This information does not constitute part of a contract of employment).
BACKGROUND
Age UK Cheshireis funded by Cheshire East Councilto provide a Residential Placement Serviceat Leighton Hospital, Crewe. The Residential Placement Officerwillwork closely with health and social care professionals at the hospital and with the Independent Living Team at Age UK Cheshire. The main focus of the role is to support patients, their families, friends and carers by providing information, advice and support to people who require all levels of residential care regardless of their financial circumstances. The Residential Placement Officer will provide advice and information on all available options and negotiate budgets and commission packages as required.
Visits will predominantly cover the Cheshire East area but other visits within Cheshire boundaries may be required.
The successful applicant will be employed and line managed by Age UK Cheshire, but will mainly be based at Leighton Hospital in Crewe and will have a nominated contact there.
Funding for this post is currently confirmed until the end of March 2014. Continuation of the service after this date will be subject to securing further funding.
Hours: This is a full time post working36.25 hoursper week.
Salary: £17,153 per annum
Travel: The nature of the job will require travel across Cheshire. A full driving licence and use of a car is an advantage. Travelling expenses will be paid for travel incurred in the course of duty (paid at Inland Revenue dispensation rate – currently 45p per mile).
Holiday Entitlement: Five weeks leave p.a. (excluding Bank Holidays) rising after 5 years continuous service by one day per year (pro rata) to a maximum of 6 weeks leave after 10 years.
Contract: All new staff members are subject to a six month probationary period. One month’s notice is required to terminate employment by either side i.e. the employee or Age UK Cheshire. During the probationary period, one week’s notice is required by either side.
Pension: Age UK Cheshire has a stakeholder pension scheme in place for eligible employees.
Health Care: After the 6 months probationary period staff will automatically join the Age UK Cheshire’s Health Care Cash Plan and will be entitled to receive healthcare benefits.
Childcare Vouchers: After the 6 months probationary period staff will have the option to make use of the Age UK Cheshire Childcare Voucher scheme (available to eligible staff whilst in receipt of salary).
Criminal Disclosure: The post holder will be subject to police checking by the Disclosure and Barring Service (Enhanced Disclosure + Barring List).
Age UK Cheshire is a Mindful Employer and positive actions will be taken to ensure that people will not be excluded from working for Age UK Cheshire because of their age, race, ethnicity, faith, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, physical or mental health.
Closing Date for Applications: Friday 19th July 2013