Job Title:Network Coordinator (Falkirk Area)

EQUAL FUTURES

JOB DESCRIPTION

Reports to:Director

Salary:£20,000

Hours:Full time - 35 hours per week

Equal Futures is a family led organisation.

We support familieswho have a vulnerable relative, and individuals who are in need of support, to plan a safe and secure future as well as a good life today.

We do this by helping individuals build lifelong circles of support.

Where there are no natural supports, we look for and help people develop friendships, so that their network and circle is made up of friends, family and all the people who love and care for them.This also offers an opportunity for the person to develop relationships with new people who may be invited to join their circle.

This project has been supported by the Falkirk Change Fund Partnership Innovation Fund”.to develop circles and networks of support for Older people and Older carers in the Falkirk area.

We have also been awarded funding for a small project working with people with mental health problems.

Job Purpose

To develop circles and networks of support for Older People and Older Carers.

To develop circles and networks of support for individuals with Mental Health problems.

To be responsible for recruiting, training and mentoring Community Connectors

Establish effective working relationships with individuals, families, Community Connectors and staff of Equal Futures

To build our membership in Falkirk area.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

To nurture individuals and families and Community Connectors to turn hopes and dreams into a positive reality by gradually building an effective lifelong Circle and network of Support.

To act as a Community Connector to a small number of Circles of Support.

To have a monitoring role to ensure the circle of support around an individual is achieving its outcomes, and that the Community Connector is adhering to the work-plan for the circle.

To encourage and support individuals and families to be actively involved in Equal futures

Be responsible for the recruitment, training and support of Community Connectors.

To arrange and hold Future Planning Consultations with Individuals and their friends and families.

To liaise with Falkirk ILA and other interested organisations on developing and maintaining links for future development.

To keep up to date with the principles and techniques of person centred support and planning.

To observe Equal Futures policies and procedures.

To organise events to bring together members and Community Connectors.

To be involved in updating information such as the Information Pack, Future Planning Consultation, and promotional materials.

Equal Futures, 54 Manor Place, Edinburgh EH3 7EH

Tel: 0131 226 5454

Scottish Charity Number: SC033799

EQUAL FUTURES

PERSON SPECIFICATION

QUALIFICATIONS:

A qualification in social care, health, education or community development is desirable.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

It is essential that the post-holder has

•Minimum of two years work experience in a relevant field

•Experience of working with people with a range of disabilities

•Experience of working with people and families who require support
to enjoy a good life

•Knowledge of the challenges facing families who have a relative with a disability

•Experience of working with individuals and groups

•Experience of coordinating groups

•Experience in community networking and mapping

•Ability to work on own initiative

•A full driving licence and own transport

It is desirable that the post-holder has

•Experience of managing, training and supervising staff

•Experience of building community connections and developing social networks.

•Knowledge of the principles and practice of person centred planning

•Experience of lone working

SKILLS

It is essential that the post-holder can demonstrate:

•The ability to ask

•Good communication skills at all levels including face to face,telephone, written and aural skills, including people who use non-verbal communication.

•The ability to quickly and effectively build rapport with individuals of all ages, including individuals with a disability.

•The ability to advocate where necessary on behalf of those less able to speak up for themselves.

•An understanding of community networking and mapping and a capacity to find, create or build on community connections.

•Good group work facilitation skills.

•Competent problem solving and reasoning skills.

•Competent administrative and record keeping skills, including ability to write reports

•Well developed planning skillsprioritisation and organisational skills.

•Competent IT skills.

•Competent presentation skills

•Patience, tolerance and reliability

•An openness to new ways of working and the willingness to be flexible and responsive to change.

•Willingness to contribute to the further development of Equal Futures.

Salary and Conditions of Service

Salary: £20,000

Hours: 35 hours per week. The work may include evening and weekends. It is important to be able to travel regularly on Equal Futures business - Owner / driver essential. (Mileage reimbursed)

Holidays: 25 working days plus 10 public holidays pro rata.

Support/Supervision: The Director will provide regular support and supervision will be provided by an external consultant.

Notice period: 1 month

Duration:Contract for one year in the first instance.

Location: Hot desk based in Dundas Centre,Grangemouth

Disclosure Scotland

This is an excepted post under the terms of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and the successful applicant will be required to have an Enhanced Disclosure under Part V of the Police Act 1997, for the purposes of assessing suitability for positions of trust. Equal Futures undertake to treat all applicants for positions fairly and not to discriminate unfairly against the subject of a PVG on the basis of conviction or other information revealed.

Equal Opportunities

This appointment will be made in accordance with equal opportunities legislation and all applicants will be treated fairly, with respect and without bias. No applicant will receive less favourable treatment than others because of his or her gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, marital, family, racial group (which includes colour, race, nationality, national or ethnic origin) religion, disability, age.

Next Steps – How to Apply

Application for the post of Network Co-ordinator is by CV and supporting statement. Please send us your CV (maximum 4 sides of A4) and a supporting statement of no more that 2 sides of A4 paper, outlining your skills and experience which would make you suitable for the post of Network Co-ordinator with Equal Futures and letting us know why you are interested in the post and the organisation.

If you would like to have an informal discussion please contact Rhona McCallum, Network Co-ordinator or by email at

The closing date for applications is 16th July 2012. The interview date is likely to be the first week in August, so please advise if you will be unable to attend at that time.

Please returnall applications to:

Equal Futures,

54 Manor Place,

Edinburgh EH3 7EH

Marked CONFIDENTIAL

Or email

Please enclose a SAE if you wish to receive an acknowledgement.

Equal Futures, 54 Manor Place, Edinburgh EH3 7EH

Tel: 0131 226 5454

Scottish Charity Number: SC033799