Part Time Case Worker Pathways to Employment Flexible Support Fund

Dear Applicant

Part Time Case Worker– Pathways to Employment Flexible Support Fund

Gofal is a mental health and wellbeing charity providing a range of services to support people who are experiencing or who have experienced mental ill health – something that will affect 1 in 4 of us in our lifetime.

Thank you for your interest in working for Gofal and please find enclosed the following:

1)Information on Gofal and the post you have applied for

2)Role Expectations and Person Specification

3)Application Form

4)Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form

The closing date for receipt of your application is9.00 am, Thursday 9th June 2016. Please do ensure you return your application by this date and time. Gofal cannot be responsible for any applications received late and any applications that arrive after the deadline will not be considered.

Shortlisting will take place on 9th June 2016. We will contact you as soon as possible after shortlisting to inform you of the outcome.

Interviews will be held onFriday 17th June 2016.

Applications will be considered against the person specification and shortlisted candidates invited to interview.

We will contact you as soon as possible after shortlisting to inform you of the outcome.

Once again, thank you for your interest in Gofal and we look forward to receiving your application.

Yours sincerely

Vicky Alexander

HRAdministrator

About Gofal

Thinking differently about mental health and wellbeing

About Gofal

Thinking differently about mental health and wellbeing

Gofal has been providing mental health and wellbeing services to people in Wales since 1990. We have come a long way since our first services opened in Bridgend, supporting the resettlement of people from the long stay psychiatric wards of Parc and Penyfai hospitals into homes in the community. We now operate across eleven local authorities in Wales and over 2,000 people use our services every year

Our Vision

Good mental health and wellbeing for all

Our Mission

To have a positive lasting impact in all that we do by

Working together to provide services that we can be proud of
Demonstrating outstanding practice in relation to staff mental health and wellbeing, learning and development
Challenging the way we all think about, talk about and respond to mental health and wellbeing in all areas of our lives
Using our profile, influence and voice to improve the lives of people living with or at risk of experiencing mental ill health
Increasing the range and reach of our services through targeted and sustainable business growth
Spending our money where it will have the maximum impact

Our Aspirations

Gofal aspires to:

Work with integrity and dignity
Inspire and support people to exceed their expectations
Develop a culture that is embracing and respectful of difference
Communicate honestly and openly
Be an organisation that is ambitious, creative and determined
Create environments that are collaborative, supportive and empowering
Be respected for our knowledge and expertise

Gofal

Part Time Case Worker

Location:Blackwood office base plus various community settings in Gwent

Salary:£18,685pro rata per annum.

Contract:12 month contract to June 2017

Hours:18.5 hours per week.

Holidays:26 days annual leave plus bank holidays.

Holidays increase by 1 day for each year of service up to a maximum of 30 days.

Pension:Pension in the form of a money purchase pension scheme:

-4.5% non-contributory employer contribution

-5.5% paid if employee contributes 1%

-6.5% paid if employee contributes 2% of more

Other Benefits:Income Protection

Life Assurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Opportunities for flexible working

Training and personal development opportunities

The Service:Pathways to Employment provides a specialist service to people with mental health needs, assisting them to access or retain employment, access education and vocational opportunities, or re-discover skills and abilities that they may have lost. We do this by identifying and pursuing relevant training and offering support and mentoring to individuals relating to work opportunities. Using the Workstar Outcome model, we focus on aspirations, strengths, experience and the re-learning or development of new skills. To support this work, we have developed a number of positive relationships with employers and training providers to ensure that we can meet individual needs and support people on their journey of recovery.

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P/T Case Worker Pathways to Employment Flexible Support Fund

May 2016

Gofal

Role Expectations

Post:Part Time Case Worker.

Service:Gwent and Pathways to Employment Service Flexible Support Service

Reporting to:Senior Case Worker

Office Base:Blackwoodofficebase plus various community settings in Gwent

Date:May 2016

Job Purpose

To directly deliver employment related support to people
To provide social, emotional and practical support to people with mental health and associated problems.
To comply with and maintain all necessary administrative and reporting systems.
To build links and opportunities with other work based organisations.

Role Expectations:

Support Work

To carry out work star assessments with service users to identify support needs and develop a personalised support plan with jointly identified outcomes..
To effectively manage and maintain one’s own case load to ensure that an effective service is delivered to service users.
To provide information to, and work with Case Workers/ Line Management in reviewing progress and support plans.
To regularly carry out and review risk assessments as and when necessary due to the changing needs of the service user.
To provide a range of social, emotional and practical support as outlined in support plans.
To meet the needs of service users in group and individual settings.
To support service users to access information and advice in order that they are able to make informed choices in matters that affect them.
To develop opportunities with organisations and businesses to support individual’s in achieving their aspirations and goals.

Team Working

To seek advice and support from Line Manager as necessary in delivery of support.
To assist in the development of specific work based skills groups such as CV writing.
To liaise with other agencies with and on behalf of service users as part of planned support.
To attend and participate in team meeting.
To attend and participate in local community events to promote the service.

Administrative Requirements

To keep accurate notes of all support provided.
To ensure all information is kept up to date and accurate.
To ensure all relevant information is shared with colleagues.
To ensure all project communication methods are used appropriate and effectively.
To ensure that IT systems are used effectively and in line with organisational procedures – e.g. Use of e-mail and database systems.
To provide all relevant information to head office and external organisations as required.

Organisation Expectations

To carry out all duties in a manner that reflects Gofal’s Aspirations:

Work with integrity and dignity.
Inspire and support people to exceed their expectations.
Develop a culture that is embracing and respectful of difference.
Communicate honestly and openly.
Be an organisation that is ambitious, creative and determined.
Create environments that are collaborative, supportive and empowering.
Be respected for our knowledge and expertise.

Gofal

Person Specification

Post: Part TimeCase Worker – Pathways to Employment Flexible Support Fund

Essential / Desirable / Assessed through
Experience
Experience of working in the health and social care field, providing support, assistance and advice to individuals /  / Application
Experience of working with people affected by mental health problems /  / Application/ Interview
Experience of working in the education, volunteering and employment field. /  / Application/ Interview
Qualifications and skills
A recognised relevant qualification or willingness to obtain one /  / Application
Effective communication skills, both verbal and written. /  / Application/ Interview
Full current driving licence and access to your own transport /  / Application
Ability to work alone and on one’s initiative /  / Application/ Interview
Ability to communicate in Welsh /  / Application
IT skills including basic word processing and use of databases to input information /  / Application/ Interview
Ability to understand the importance of positively managing risk. /  / Application/ Interview
Ability to work as part of a team /  / Interview
Ability to make informed decisions /  / Interview
Knowledge and Understanding
Knowledge of issues related to confidentiality /  / Application/ Interview
How mental health problems can affect an individual’s life /  / Application
How people may become discriminated against because of their difference and how this may manifest itself. /  / Application/ Interview
The welfare/housing benefits system and how to apply for the various benefits /  / Application
How health and social care services can contribute to people’s lives /  / Application
Ways to involve service users in the further development of the project /  / Application/ Interview
Competencies
Role model behaviours of integrity and dignity to other team members /  / Interview
Support the team to deliver at its best /  / Interview
Role model behaviours underpinned by respect of difference /  / Interview
Adapt communication to the audience /  / Application/ Interview
Identify the best outcomes, solve problems and overcome barriers to achievement /  / Interview
Identify new opportunities to seek and share experience with others /  / Interview
Proactively identify own development needs and take action to meet them /  / Application/ Interview

Applicants for the post of Part Time Case Worker Pathways to Employment Flexible Support Fundwill be required to demonstrate evidence of competency at levels 1 and 2; please refer to the Competency Framework below.

Competency Framework

Gofal aspires to:Work with integrity and dignity

Level 1: Demonstrate integrity and dignity in all interactions with others

Maintain appropriate personal boundaries in all interactions with service users, colleagues and external contacts
Express opinions genuinely and honestly, while being mindful of the impact on others
Take responsibility for reflecting on own behaviours
Maintain confidentiality and be trustworthy in relationships with service users and colleagues
Bring to the attention of line managers, any situations where standards of integrity or dignity are believed to have been breached.
Make every effort to deliver on commitments made.

Level 2: Role Model behaviours of integrity and dignity to other team members

Give feedback to colleagues where behaviours are noticed which do not demonstrate integrity or dignity
Help others to understand their responsibilities to act with integrity and dignity
Actively seek feedback to understand own personal impact on others, and use personal insights.

Gofal aspires to:Inspire and support people to exceed their expectations

Level 1: Support colleagues to deliver at their best

Role model positive and constructive behaviours to service users and colleagues
Share knowledge, skills and learning to help others to be at their best.
Work in a way that supports and promotes the wellbeing of others.
Participate openly and constructively in team meetings
Work co-operatively with others, supporting colleagues to deliver their best to service users
Actively engage in own supervision and appraisal, preparing and participating fully
Maintain high quality standards in file and record keeping
Notice and acknowledge great contribution from others

Level 2: Support the team to deliver at its best

Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to change
Support colleagues in managing the emotional impact of their work
Actively seek out information to share, which will help the team in its work
Take a role in mentoring team members who need help or support
Actively suggest ideas for improvement for the team
Bring the great contribution of colleagues to the attention of others

Gofal aspires to: Develop a culture that is embracing and respectful of difference

Level 1: Demonstrate respect of difference in all interaction with others

Have a reputation for being a great listener
Demonstrate a commitment to the value of equality and respect for diversity
Show an awareness of the different needs of people from different backgrounds, cultures and life

experiences

Seek to understand the perspective of service users through genuine interest and questioning
Demonstrate an open mind with people who may have a different viewpoint.
Use language which is positive and non-judgmental towards others

Level 2: Role model behaviours underpinned by respect of difference

Give support to others where they may be finding it difficult to deal with issues of equality or

difference

Share experiences and knowledge which can help others embrace difference in their work and lives,

and take every opportunity to learn more about equality issues

Challenge behaviour which does not demonstrate a respect of difference
Work to resolve conflict where it is observed

Gofal aspires to:Communicate honestly and openly

Level 1: Communicate in a clear and concise way

See communication as a two way process, actively seeking out communication, as well as actively listening to the message delivered.
Use a communication style which is appropriate to the listener
Use words appropriately, communicating in language which matches the organisation’s values.
Using observation, be able to judge the listener’s response and adapt communication accordingly.
Use written and IT based communication to explain key points clearly and effectively, and in appropriate detail.
Role model honesty and openness in communication with others, using genuine care in the delivery of messages and challenging colleagues to do the same.

Level 2: Adapt communication to the audience

Think in advance about the most effective way to deliver the message, and adapt communication accordingly.
Simplify complex messages where necessary, so that others can understand key points.
Use a variety of communication methods with confidence, and understand where each is most effective.
Represent the organisation externally, and be able to speak confidently about its work.
Deliver difficult messages with honesty and compassion.

Gofal aspires to: Be an organisation that is ambitious, creative and determined

Level 1: Work with a flexible and adaptable approach to achieve agreed outcomes.

Bring energy, passion and excitement into all your work
Demonstrate dedication and commitment to the team objectives
Have a commitment to ‘never giving up on a person’, even when they are challenging to you
Use available time to achieve the best possible outcomes, and be flexible where priorities change
Stay enthusiastic and remain positive through setbacks
Work with colleagues and service users to come up with creative solutions
Face change with a positive and constructive approach
Ask for help and support where it is needed to ensure own wellbeing
Use mistakes as a way to learn for the future

Level 2: Identify the best outcomes, solve problems and overcome barriers to achievement.

Actively try out different approaches to tackling problems
Generously share ideas for service improvement and better ways of working
Build an outcome focus into all aspects of work
Support service users and colleagues in positive risk taking, allowing them to overcome barriers and

achieve the best outcomes

Help colleagues to deal with changes they may be facing in a way which is right for them
Demonstrate resilience when facing challenges, seeking and using the support which you need

Gofal aspires to:Create environments that are collaborative, supportive and empowering

Level 1: Work effectively in partnership with others

Build strong and constructive relationships with colleagues and service users
Build and maintain trust with service users and other individuals outside the organisation
Seek out contacts in other teams within the organisation, to share learning, support and experience
Be seen as a strong representative of the organisation with external contacts, and actively build

networks which can help in delivery of service

Work positively through difference of opinion to get to the best outcome

Level 2: Identify new opportunities to seek and share experience with others

Identify contacts inside and outside of the organisation who can support partnership working and

collaboration

Share contacts across the organisation, where it may help other teams to develop their service
Encourage other team members to make their own contacts inside and outside of the organisation
Take an active part in organising events which encourage others to come together to support and

share experience

Gofal aspires to: Be respected for our knowledge and expertise

Level 1: Regularly discuss own development needs with line manager, and attend training events identified.

Take responsibility for seeking out knowledge and finding out information to help own learning.
Take an active part in own development, working with your Line Manager to identify your development needs.
Attend all training programmes identified, participate fully and discuss the learning with your Line Manager afterwards.
Reflect on new learning, and how to use it for the best outcome of service users.

Level 2: Proactively identify own development needs and take action to meet them.

Identify any areas in your own performance where you need further development, and understand how best to get the training or experience you need.
Actively seek out others who may have the knowledge or skills you require, and ask for support for your learning.
Clearly understand the link between your learning and delivery of the best outcome for service users.
Take on development which is stretching and challenging, where it will have the best results on your own performance.
Show a passion and commitment for keeping updated with new information which impacts on your own performance and delivery of standards.