JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Information & Advice Caseworker
ACCOUNTABLE TO: Information Services Co-ordinator
LOCATION: Hartford / Ellesmere Port (Cheshire West Casework)
DATE: March 2015
Primary Purpose:
To assess need and provide information and support to enable members of the public to access services that will maintain their independence and well-being.
Caseworkers assist in developing and delivering the Social Welfare Advice service for older people in Cheshire.
Main duties:
1. To address referrals and meet clients at Age UK Cheshire’s offices, at outreach venues or in their own homes across Cheshire West and Chester using agreed protocols to undertake a holistic assessment of need, including a full welfare benefits check and case work as necessary.
2. To provide information and support to enable clients to access services that meet identified needs, and promote their independence and well-being.
3. To ensure such information is accurate and up-to-date, taking due consideration of relevant legislation and issues such as confidentiality, Data Protection and client consent.
4. To encourage older people and their carers to make use of information to be able to make positive changes in their quality of life.
5. To advocate for older people when requested to do so and a need is identified.
6. To ensure that the information obtained during appointments and home visits allows for effective follow up referrals to take place, avoiding the need for repeat visits wherever possible. This includes ensuring that appropriate forms are completed accurately and in a timely fashion in order to achieve the best outcome for clients.
7. To ensure that case records are thorough and properly maintained, including follow up and outcomes for monitoring purposes, and adhere to Age UK Cheshire’s policy on confidentiality and client consent and the requirements for Data Protection at all times.
8. To promote and publicise the service in creative ways to ensure that other organisations and clients are aware of the service. This will include giving talks and presentations (some of which will require flexibility in hours of work).
9. To identify social policy issues affecting older people, and communicate these to senior staff on a regular basis.
10. To develop and maintain effective working relationships and referral systems with a broad range of service providers who will deliver services to clients as appropriate to identified need.
11. To be an active part of the team and to undertake clerical and administrative duties required to service the post.
12. To work across both Cheshire Local Authority boundaries if required.
13. To attend appropriate training and supervision sessions as required.
14. To work according to the standards, policies and procedures held by Age UK Cheshire as also required by the contract and specialist quality marks held by the organisation, especially in relation to confidentiality, data protection, equality and diversity, health and safety and lone working policies and procedures.
15. To raise the profile of Age UK Cheshire and older people in the voluntary and statutory sector and within the community in general.
16. To promote the services of Age UK Cheshire and to assist in any fundraising activities organised by Age UK Cheshire.
17. To undertake any other reasonable duties as requested by the Chief Executive and Information Services Coordinator.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential Criteria:
· Experience of dealing with the Public
· Knowledge of the Welfare Benefits system
· Case Recording Skills
· I.T. Skills including Microsoft word processing, databases, internet and e-mail
· Clear understanding of the issues affecting the lives of older people and their carers
· Clear understanding of the difficulties faced by disadvantaged groups in accessing services
· Good organisational skills including information, resources and time management
· Excellent interpersonal skills
· Effective communication skills, both written and oral
· The ability to travel freely across Cheshire (ideally use of own transport for business purposes)
Desirable Criteria:
· Experience of working in a busy office environment
· Experience of home visiting
· Experience of promoting services
· Knowledge and experience of Information and Advice
· Local knowledge
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION
INFORMATION & ADVICE CASEWORKER
Background
Age UK Cheshire was formed in 1983 and we have been providing services for older people in the Cheshire area since this time.
The project was established in 2004 and seeks to enable older people, living in their own home, to find the help they perceive they need, to live in the way they wish, thereby reducing the need for earlier higher level health and social care services, including admissions into hospital/residential services.
Staff are based in Ellesmere Port and Hartford offices and consist of an Information Services Co-ordinator, Caseworkers and Support Officers. The project is funded by Cheshire West and Chester Council via a contract held by Cheshire West CAB delivered in partnership with ourselves and DIAL West Cheshire.
The aim of the project is:-
· to work with the client to make an assessment of their needs
· to encourage and enable the client to access services available in their area
· to provide all relevant information and support to assist the client to achieve the desired outcome
· to assess and monitor the health and well being of the client
· to evaluate quality and suitability of services
This vacancy is based at the Hartford offices.
Hours : part time, 30 hours per week. Occasional evening or weekend work to support organisational promotional events or service delivery will be required.
Salary : £14,336 per annum.
Travel: The nature of the job will require travel across Cheshire and candidates must be able to meet this requirement. Travelling expenses will be paid for travel incurred in the course of duty (mileage 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 are subject to a six month probationary period. Four weeks’ 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 an automatic enrolment workplace 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 (was CRB) Enhanced Disclosure + check of Adults Barred 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: 5pm Monday 25th April 2015
Registered Charity No. 1091608
Registered Charity No. 1091608