Job Description

Sessional Support Worker

Responsible to:Senior Support Worker

It is the Association’s intention that this job description is seen as a guide to the major areas and duties for which the employee is accountable. However, the employee’s obligations are bound to vary and develop, so the job description should be seen as a guide and not as a permanent, definite and exhaustive statement.

COLCHESTER YMCA OVERVIEW

The YMCA is a Christian organisation, committed to helping young people, particularly at times of need, regardless of gender, race, ability or faith.

Colchester YMCA is a registered charity incorporating a housing project providing 44 young people aged 16-25 withsupported accommodation. This group is made up of often very vulnerable and disadvantaged young people with a multitude of needs and issues. The housing programme aims to help young adults to make the transition to social and economic independence by offering a personal programme linked to housing. Our youth work programmes provide information, advice, guidance, and activities to promote the quality of life of the young people of Colchester.Colchester YMCA is committed to actively involving young people in matters that affect them.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

  • To provide first line support to residents.
  • To provide security and safety of the premises.
  • To provide support to staff who are working during your shift.
  • To carry out some admin tasks and other general duties as required.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

  • To be responsible for all aspects of resident and staff security whilst at work. This can include removing undesirable or banned persons.
  • To ensure that the buildings are secure i.e. internal and external doors and gates are locked/unlocked where necessary, and monitoring security cameras and CCTV system as and when necessary.
  • To ensure that the premises meet the requirements of the relevant Health & Safety standards.
  • To administer such first aid as is necessary and appropriate.
  • To ensure that the premises are evacuated in the event of potential hazards (e.g. fire) in accordance with the evacuation procedure.
  • To check and report any faults with the fire alarm system, fire extinguishers, smoke/heat detectors, etc; make the necessary report and liaise with outside bodies as necessary.
  • To carry out periodic checks of the living accommodation after 11pm. These checks are to ensure that noise and disruption in the living accommodation are kept to a minimum.
  • To check and secure the Activity Centre when appropriate.
  • To carry out periodic checks of the Activity Centre.
  • To ensure that Colchester YMCA House Rules are adhered to.
  • To offer essential first line help and support to residents with pressing and emotional issues, referring them where necessary to the on-call staff.
  • To seek the appropriate help in the cases of resident illness or injury, using the emergency services when necessary.
  • To take steps to address discipline issues if residents or their guests fail to meet the required standard of behaviour, and reporting these in the Communication Book.
  • To report all breaches of the Tenancy Agreement and to take such immediate action as necessary to deal with the problem.
  • To ensure that all weekend and holiday activities of the Association are running smoothly, taking action to rectify any problems.
  • To clean the reception foyer area, reception office, computer room and the disabled toilet as and when necessary (in the absence of the cleaner, during long weekends or if they become excessively dirty during the night shift).
  • To maintain the Communication Book as appropriate.
  • To make regular checks of the premises, as well as ensuring all repairs necessary are entered in the Repair Book and, when appropriate, take remedial action.
  • To ensure that the building is kept tidy, especially the reception foyer, computer room and both entrance areas.
  • To attend staff meetings on a regular basis (it is understood that this may not always be possible).
  • To make or receive a full hand-over to staff, making clear any events, action to be taken etc. from your shift.
  • To always act in the best interest of the Association, and to be fully ready for your shift. This would include being presentable to the public, both in appearance and attire.
  • To undertake any other duties that may be required to fully satisfy the post of Support Worker.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge and Experience
  • A relevant First Aid qualification
  • Previous experience of residential/non-residential support work

Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to work with minimum supervision.
  • Good communication skills.
  • Ability to understand and relate to the needs and concerns of the clients and young people in the community.
  • Ability to work in a team.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Ability to be flexible.

Discretion to act

  • Regular supervision with the Senior Support Worker or in their absence with the Housing Projects Manager.
  • To act within the adherence of the policies and guidelines agreed by the Board of Management (‘if in doubt, ask’ applies).

Environment

  • Challenging at times

LOCATION

This position is located at Colchester YMCA 159 Magdalen Street, Colchester, CO1 2JX

HOURS OF WORK

When required.

MINIMUM CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

  • Satisfactory References including CRB Check
  • Full UK driving license (dependant on distance from home to 159 Magdalen Street)

The Association is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity for all and is opposed to any form of less favourable treatment and harassment on the grounds of race, religious beliefs, creed, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origins, gender, marital status, parental status, age, sexual orientation or disability.

Signed:______Date:______

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YMCA Job Description – SESSIONAL SUPPORT WORKER December 2010