JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:Carer Support – Welfare Rights Officer

LOCATION:Stirling Carers Centre

ACCOUNTABLE TO: Development Manager, Centre Manager & Board of Directors

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE POST:

We are looking for a dynamic and highly motivated person who will:

  • Undertake detailed casework for carers, particularly in relation to welfare rights & supporting carers complete Carer Assessments/Support Plans
  • Support carers to access any identified possible benefit entitlements, discounts and discretionary payments that may be available
  • Assist in the improvement and development of Stirling Carers Centre’swelfare rights support, to ensure that the service remains responsive to carers needs
  • Assist in creating an understanding within the community of all servicesprovided by Stirling Carers Centre including delivering raising awareness sessions to external agencies
  • Maintain expertise in relevant legislation particularly in relation to welfare rights and deal with high level complex issues arising for carers as a result of the welfare reform
  • Provide direct one to one support to carers through the undertaking of Carers Assessments/Support Plans, benefit checks, form filling, listening ear service or by any other relevant means that meets the needs of the individual carers we support
  • Work in partnership with statutory, voluntary and independent sector professionals to ensure carers are identified, supported and recognised as equal partners in care. In particular, this post will work co-operatively with other agencies and community groups to improve the provision, standard and accessibility of advice and information services for carers
  • Support the facilitation of and attend activity groups for carers, i.e.Coffee Morning, My Time Peer Support Group, etc.
  • Ensure that Stirling Carers Centre’s systems are maintained for case recording, statistics, follow up work and quality control

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Partnership Working

  • Develop new and existing working partnerships with professionals in the Stirling Council area to embed the need to identify unpaid carers into their working practice
  • Maintain close working relationships to ensure that carers receive accurate and high quality information, advice and support that aims to enhance their mental, physical health & well-being and their financial well-being
  • Work in partnership with GP Practices and support them to keep an up to date register of carers by obtaining regular statistical updates from Practice Managers.

Carer Support

  • Provide information on services available to unpaid adult carers.
  • Provide person-centred support tailored to meet the individual needs of carers by;

providing specialist advice and information to support carers in their caring role

undertaking benefit checks supporting income maximisation/financial inclusion

assisting with form completion

providing basic advocacy where necessary

providing one to one emotional support

undertaking Carers Assessments/Support Plans

supporting the facilitation of carer events/activities/groups

providing the opportunity for carers to be involved in the planning of new local services

Evaluation

  • Record all hidden unpaid adult carers identified including the uptake of support.
  • Record all requests for support and contacts with carers, using systems already developed by Stirling Carers Centre.
  • Review all cases to obtain and record any financial gains and positive outcomes that carers achieve as a result of support from the service.
  • Assist in conducting evaluations of services using feedback from carers and professionals.
  • Record feedback from all stakeholders.
  • Provide quarterly written reports on progress for Line Manager, Board of Directors and Funders as required.

Other

  • Prepare regular work plans for agreement by Line Manager.
  • Seek personal support and opportunities for self-development where appropriate.
  • Participate in regular team meetings with Centre staff.
  • Undertake any other duties necessary to further the aims and objectives of the Service.

The Carers Support Officer will receive support from Line Manager through regular performance review meetings.

Quality

Stirling Carers Centre is committed to high standards of organisational and operational practice. It operates a continuous quality programme in order to provide services of the highest possible standard.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONThe Specification should clearly describe the skills/abilities/personal qualities & physical attributes needed to undertake the duties of the post and provide the criteria for short-listing and assessment at interview.
POST: Carer Support – Welfare Rights Officer
LOCATION: Stirling Carers Centre

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS

(without which appointment cannot be made) /

DESIRABLE REQUIREMENTS

(optional criteria)
Relevant Experience
  • Experience in a similar supporting role
  • Up to date knowledge on Welfare Benefits, in particular Disability Benefits and ability to undertake benefits checksand maximise income for clients
  • Experience of using databases including inputting and extracting statistical data for reporting and monitoring purposes
  • Experience of Microsoft office packages especially Word, Excel & Access
  • Understanding and commitment to principles of confidentiality
  • Understanding and commitment to principles of Equal Opportunities and practice
/
  • A proven ability to engage directly and provide a person-centred service to support carers - understanding their specific needs and the types of information they require

Skills/Attributes
  • Excellent communication skills both verbal & written with a thorough attention to detail
  • Ability to co-ordinate and gather information from within a team setting
  • Ability to be proactive
  • Ability to use initiative, organise own workload and work unsupervised
/
  • Ability to provide a basic advocacy service for carers
  • Understanding of Community Care Legislation

Personal Qualities (e.g. Interpersonal skills, attitude)
  • A positive, enthusiastic and flexible attitude.
  • The ability to work as part of a team.
  • Good interpersonal skills, with the ability to liaise and work successfully with stakeholders at all levels.
  • A desire to develop professionally and take on new challenges
/
  • Understanding of the Voluntary Sector and a commitment to the needs of people with caring responsibilities and their families

Attainments (qualifications, education)
  • Diploma or equivalent

Physical Make-up (e.g. health, appearance, speech etc)
oPresentable appearance
  • Clear communicator
oGood attendance record
/
  • Good level physical health and fitness

Any Other Job Related Requirements (e.g. ability to work irregular hours, shifts)
  • Ability to drive and have access to a car.
oFlexibility with hours and travel is required and will involve some evening and occasional weekend work

Carers Forum Stirling Area t/a Stirling Carers Centre is a Company Limited by Guarantee No. SC165487 and Registered Charity No. SC020213