Dumfries and Galloway Council, NHS Dumfries and Galloway and third and independent sectors;
working together to provide better health, support and care services for older people.
Job Description
Post:Community Development worker, developing Time Banks
Responsible to:Regional Coordinator, Lifecare
Hours: 22 hours
Location:Annandale and Eskdale, Dumfries and Galloway
Salary:£18,000 - £20,000 pro rata
The Post
Lifecare is being funded by the Putting You First Change Fund to employ a Local Timebanking Coordinator to promote and develop Time Banks in the Annandale and Eskdale area. The post is funded until 31st March 2015.
Working with the Time Banking Steering Group, the job involves talking to people, groups and organisations in the Annandale and Eskdale area, spreading the word about Time Banking and getting people to join and become active members. The post-holder will 'broker' time exchanges between members, maintain policies and procedures on behalf of the Time Bank and evaluate the impact it is having.
Aims of the Post
- To work with a group of stakeholders to raise awareness and attract participation in time banking in Annandale and Eskdale valley.
- To launch Time Banks inAnnandale and Eskdale, all led by Time Bank members.
- To identify individuals who would want to be members of the Time Banks, motivate them to take part in the Time Bank and co-ordinate and monitor Time Bank exchanges.
- To monitor and evaluate all Time Banks Annandale and Eskdale.
- To work towards the Time Banksbecoming sustainable.
- To ensure that the ethos of the organisation and its values and beliefs are upheld at all times.
The Values of Inclusion
All the work carried out by Lifecare is underpinned by a strongly held set of values and beliefs known as the Values of Inclusion. This philosophy, where all people, regardless of ability, are seen to be citizens of worth, drives us in our mission to support people who are isolated or at risk of isolation to take power and control in their own lives. Our work is about justice, empowerment, relationships, trust and support. In addition we seek opportunities throughout the organization for people to be included as equals.
The foundations of work with individuals, parents and families:
Relationships with, and all work alongside parents, families and individuals is based on openness and honesty.
The people we work with, including children, parents and families, are at the centre of the process and their welfare is paramount.
It is essential that when entering into the relationship with a person, parent, couple or family thatwe do so without making assumptions or having made preconceived judgments.
Work with individualsand parents should seek to empower by valuing and building on their existing gifts, strengths, knowledge and experience.
Cultural diversity and the different needs of men and women must be respected; entitlement, equality and inclusiveness are of fundamental importance to those who work with individuals and parents.
Our standards are exacting and are measured against what would be good enough for you and the people you love.
The Main Duties and Responsibilities of the post are as follows:
- To lead an innovative project ensuring it develops and grows and is led by Time Bank members.
- To manage Time Bank members who wish to be involved in the running of the Time Bank.
- To help organise and attend regular Time Bank social events.
- To work directly with all other stakeholders.This will include: Putting You First project team, professional practitioners, voluntary organisations, informal community support, volunteers and citizens of Annandale and Eskdale.
- To empower Time Bank members by providing a platform through which they can have their voice heard and to actively listen and clarify understanding, respecting cultural and social differences to communication.
- To make and maintain links with other relevant organisations, making connections and contributions where appropriate at training events, meetings and conferences, and developing organisational membership of the Time Banks.
- To monitor and evaluate the progress of the work undertaken and ensure objectives are being achieved.
- The Health and Safety of each Time Bank member is of paramount importance. You will be expected to work within agreed guidelines and to report any concerns immediately.
- To behave with sensitivity, confidentiality, integrity and respect for all those you come in contact with in relation to this project.
- You will be expected to work with the policies and practices (including data protection, confidentiality, child protection, vulnerable adults and lone working policies) of the organisation.
- To provide training, support, supervision and development for all team members involved in the project.
- Regularly report to the Steering Group achievement of the outcomes.
- To seek further funding as required extending the life of the project.
Person Specification
The person specification describes the qualities that we will be looking for when selecting an applicant for the post. Use the person specification when you are completing the form to highlight your relevant skills and experience.
Essential Criteria
- Degree level or equivalentexperiences in community development.
- Experience of managing teams (at least one year).
- Experience of community development work.
- To have knowledge of Time Banking, co-production, social capital and person centred approaches.
- To have experience of working closely with people at risk of social isolation including people with learning difficulties and/or mental health issues and carers.
- To have an understanding of the barriers that cause people to be socially isolated and a passion to make sure that people feel valued and included.
- To be a reliable and responsible person who can work consistently to support Time Bank members.
- Experience in supporting others to learn and to learn to change.
- Excellent presentational skills, both written and oral.
- Experience of engaging and maintaining positive relationships with people in the community at all levels and good networking skills.
- Excellent time management, planning and organisational skills.
- Creativity, the ability to find solutions and overcome barriers with positivity and enthusiasm.
- Computer literate, with an understanding of databases, spreadsheets and project management tools.
- Supervisory and reflective practice skills with team members that you have supported.
- To build and maintain a friendly and respectful working relationship with Time Bank members and to offer support without taking control.
- Skills in monitoring and maintaining high quality standards.
- To have effective, assertive communication skills and the ability to communicate with people who do not speak, using the widest creative means.
- Ability to work flexible hours, which include evenings and weekends.
- To have a full drivers license with access to a car, or a car and driver.
- Local knowledge of Annandale and Eskdale.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience of Time Banking.