Workshop Facilitator(Myplace)

APPLICATION PACK

JOB TITLE : /

Workshop Facilitator(MyPlace)

Fixed term to 31st December 2016

LOCATION :

West Sussex

HOURS :

/ 37 hours per week
REFERENCE : /

WF

SALARY :
(see FURTHER INFORMATION) / Starting salary :£19,875 per annum*
Rising to : £20,460 per annum*
Rising to : £21,129 per annum*
Top of the scale :£21,798 per annum*
CLOSING DATE : / Noon, Tuesday 10th May 2016
INTERVIEW DATE : / Tuesday 17th May 2016

FURTHER INFORMATION

All salary scales at Southdown include several points. This recognisesthe value of staff who we believe generally develop their skills through experience within the job and the Association. New staff are usually appointed at the bottom of the scale with further increments awarded in April with each year of service, until the top of the scale is reached.

This post requires you to hold a driving license valid for the UK and have access to a car for work purposes.

*plus essential car users allowance of £955 per annum, pro rata

Personal attributes required for Southdown

Housing Support and Mental Health staff

We are committed to providing excellent and reliable services to our clients and require staff to meet the high standards expected.

Frontline roles in our housing support and mental health services are diverse and at times demanding:

Workers carry a caseload of clients, who are dealing with challenging issues in their lives and are often experiencing emotional distress
Various client crises can occur throughout the working week, meaning workers often have to deal with several challenges at the same time
All of our contracts require workers to promptly complete documentation and input information onto databases
Workers need to be able to carry equipment, such as folders and laptops
Learning and development on the job requires workers to be open to and reflective upon feedback about their performance
All services are developing and require workers to adapt to changes in their roles

To be a frontline worker in Southdown you must be physically, emotionally and mentally able to carry out your role, and possess the personal resources to be able to manage the demands of your role effectively. This means being able to maintain a calm, positive and contained demeanour at all times with clients and colleagues, and being able to perform consistently with minimum disruption from unplanned absence or personal coping difficulties.

Having the ability to focus on solutions not problems, be open to change, be resourceful, flexible, motivated, and reliable, have good coping skills and be resilient to stress are all key personal attributes needed by our frontline workers.

In order to develop the skills required for the job we will expect you to reflect on your work, look at yourself and what you bring to your work and practice skills in a supportive environment in front of others (e.g. when being shadowed by your manager/a mentor or on training courses).

Applicants must take responsibility for their choice of role and have carefully considered if it is the ‘right’ job for them, and whether they have the necessary aptitude, as well as skills suitable for the job.

The Role of the Workshop Facilitator(MyPlace)

Key responsibilities

This is a rewarding opportunity for a skilled, creative and enthusiasticWorkshop Facilitatorto join the MyPlace Team. EmpoweringCare leavers and other vulnerable young people to overcome the challenges facing them, this newly developed role will be key in supporting their transition to independent living and creating a firm foundation for their future.

Your primary responsibilities will be to design and deliver a comprehensive life skills workshop programme and associated training and promotional materials aimed at clients accessing the MyPlace service. Alongside this you will provide intensive short-term support to a small caseloadof clients.

By participating inthe workshop programme and through face-to-face, telephone and/or email contact, clients will be supported holistically to identify and address their housing and support needs including financial capability, health, wellbeing and employment, which together will have a positive effect on their ability to successfully manage living in their own home.

Using a mentoring and coaching approach alongside practical support techniques, you will enable young people to develop lasting skillsto self-resolve their current difficulties and empowering them to deal with future situations with confidence whilst significantly improving their ability to manage independent living.

From the referral to assessment and throughout the duration of support you will work collaboratively with clients using a person-centred approach. You will help clients create personalised support plans with SMART outcomes that are meaningful to them.

You will meet with clients in the community and in their homes. To ensure clients have the best opportunity to achieve their support outcomes, you will both refer onto and liaise closely with other specialist organisations e.g. Probation, Police, Health and Social Services.

As a lone worker you will conduct and regularly review thorough risk assessments to keep clients and all staff safe. You will work in a variety of situations, some of which can be challenging, and will require you to have the confidence and ability to respond effectively to issues such as safeguarding adults at risk and child protection in line with organisational procedures.

Alongside the practical support you provide to clients you will maintain comprehensive records of all your support activity, meet the caseload targets and timescales set by managers and external funders, and participate in promoting our services by networking with relevant external agencies.

You will manage a complex and demanding workload which requires good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise effectively. A high degree of professionalism will therefore be required at all times to deliver and promote the quality and standards of the service.

Personal qualities

You will be confident at problem solving and must be both flexible and resourceful. Changes in housing, benefits and services require workers to be both adaptable and creative. Working with a wide range of vulnerable people in varying stages and types of crisis also requires high levels of motivation and resilience. To maximise the effectiveness of support, you will ensure you always empower and coach clients, prepare for sessions and remain outcome focused. From the start of support, you will be setting boundaries and managing expectations of what can be realistically achieved during the duration of support.

Client involvement

Fully involving clients is at the heart of every Southdown service. As part of a client’s support, you will consistently ensure clients’ voices are heard and encourage clients to participate in the development of the service. You will discuss the importance of their views on a regular basis and ensure clients’ opinions and contributions are utilised and recorded. You will strive to give clients the opportunity to communicate and share their ideas in a way that is suited to them. As well as working day-to-day with a person-centred approach, you will actively promote client consultation and involvement through variety of mediums, such as proving feedback, responding to surveys, attending client forums, and contributing to newsletters.

Digital inclusion

We have fundamentally changed the way we engage with clients, striving to leave a legacy of skills so they feel digitally empowered and socially included. You will help clientstaketheir first steps into the digital world, learning how to set up email accounts, use various search engines, use social media websites and encourage them to explore the internet based on their needs and interests. You will help clients make the most of the digital equipment they own, look into affordable options and provide practical support so that clients have the confidence to use their new skills in any setting.

Continuing professional development

You will have excellent opportunities for personal and professional development. Regular supervisions give you a chance to discuss caseload related issues, identify any training/learning needs, and future career progression. From the initial induction, through the excellent mentoring programme to continued peer and managerial support, you will find professional development is at heart of the Southdown's work ethic. Champions roles, client involvement leads, mentoring or staff rep are just some of the chances to develop your role or area of interest.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE:Workshop Facilitator(MyPlace)

ACCOUNTABLE TO:Team Manager

WORK LOCATION:West Sussex

OFFICE BASE:Worthing

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

To contribute to the effective delivery of Southdown Supported Housing Services in West Sussex, working in partnership with key stakeholders and with co-location into District/Borough Housing Teams where required.

To design and deliver an age appropriatecomprehensive life skill workshop programme to vulnerable young people aged 16+ who may be leaving care, are homeless, are at risk of becoming homeless due to issues relating to their vulnerability or who have a history of repeat homelessness.

To manage a small caseload providing practical support, coaching and mentoring to enable clients to identify and achieve individual outcome focused goals which will increase long term resilience and aid sustainable independent living.

To assist clients to access, prepare and plan for a move into independent accommodation or to maintain existing accommodation, placing emphasis on the development of key independent living skills and being a responsible tenant to support long term tenancy sustainment.

To empower and encourage client independence usingcoaching and mentoring alongside a range of support interventions which may include one to one support, group work and peer support groups.

To enable clients to develop skills, build effective routines and grow strong support networks which will meet any ongoing needs once support ends.

To process referrals, carry out assessments, manage capacity and a fluctuating caseload in a flexible way and support clients effectively to deliver positive outcomes.

MAIN DUTIES WITHIN THE JOB
Key tasks:

In collaboration with the West Sussex Management Team, design a workshop programme to enhance the development of life skills for 16+ year olds (including key elements such as budgeting, health and wellbeing, employment, e-safety andliving independently).

To organise and deliver the workshop programme in community settings including identifying suitable venues, organising publicity and all other administrative tasks.

To develop workshop materials such as information packs and workbooks that are engaging, accessible and appropriate to meet the particular needs of people using the service.

To contribute to the development and delivery of client workshops offering skills and knowledge conducive to long term independent living and tenancy sustainment.

To prepare bespoke reports and case studies, maintain client files and appropriate recording in line with internal data protection procedures

To deal effectively with challenging and chaotic behaviour and establish clear boundaries for a positive support environment between clients and professionals involved in support.

To seek feedback on the effectiveness of the workshop programme and promote client involvement in programme design and delivery.

Ensure clients understand their rights and responsibilities as a tenant, the practicalities of moving into a property, neighbour disputes and/or other anti-social behaviours and expectations around being a good citizen

To manage a small, dispersed caseload of clients across a designated geographical area of West Sussex assessing the needs of referrals to plan and deliver a personalised package of support to deliver measurable, outcome focused interventions within agreed time scales

To prioritise and manage own workload to deliver the workshop programme and manage support, travel and administration effectively whilst delivering outstanding performance outcomes for the service

To support clients to develop more realistic expectations and positive coping strategies for day to day situations which enable them to become more confident and assertive when dealing with professionals and/or difficult situations

To support clients to maximise their income,develop strong budgeting skills and address any benefit issues

To support clients toaccess medical services (e.g. GP, dentist) and developkey daily living and home management skills (e.g. hygiene, meal planning and shopping)

To encourage and support clients to develop aspiration for work and/or learning, identifying, maximizing and facilitating opportunities for meaningful engagement in work, learning and day time activities with a particular emphasis on young people identified as NEET.

To mentor, support and coach clients to facilitate personal growth, to encourage greater social inclusionand maintain a positive outlook.

Lead responsibility for drafting and maintaining SMART action plans, within agreed time scales, working collaboratively with clients (and if appropriate other key professionals) to identify and agree individual goals, actions required to address their needs and achieve key outcomes.

Lead responsibility for effective risk management, ensuring a full risk assessment and risk management plan is in place within agreed time scales at all times - where appropriate input from referrers and other key professionals involved with the client may be sought.

To assess needs of referrals and plan and deliver a personalised package of support to deliver measurable, outcome focused interventions within agreed time scales.

To promote client consultation and involvement to all clients, supporting and facilitating the ongoing development of Peer Support Networks to assist with long term independence

To contribute to other agencies reviews of clients support needs in agreement with Team Manager

Lead responsibility for making appropriate referrals to other specialised agencies

To assist clients to identify long term support options following their successful move-on from Southdown Services where appropriate

To participate in the interview, recruitment, support and supervision of Peer Support Volunteers

Retain a flexible and imaginative approach to service provision and an understanding of key trends affecting our core client groups

To contribute to the effective promotion of services both within Southdown and externally to current and potential stakeholders

Other generic tasks:

To observe the quality of standards within the service and abide by policies and procedures
To adhere to all of the policies set by Southdown - specifically, Equal Opportunities,

Confidentiality, Data Protection, Safeguarding Children & Adults, Integrity at Work

To ensure the health and safety for yourself and the client whilst working
To be able to set clear boundaries and work within the confines of the professional role
To attend appropriate training and provide feedback as appropriate
To participate in supervision as set by Southdown’s’ supervision policy
To participate in team meetings as required
To participate in any office duty cover systems as required by managers
To be able to work flexibly to meet the needs of clients

*This is a developing service and post holders should be aware that their Job Description may change to meet future service development needs.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Workshop Facilitator (MyPlace)
West Sussex

Essential / Desirable
Experience
Experience of developing and delivering training, workshops and/or facilitating group sessions with young people aged 16-25 / 
Experience of working in a supported housing or a community setting with vulnerable young people aged 16-25 / 
Experience of delivering front-line support to care leavers and vulnerable young people aged16-25 or working age adults with mental health needs, substance misuse issues and/or other support issues / 
Experience of liaising effectively with other professionals / 
Experience of lone working / 
Experience of supervising volunteers / 
Experience of encouraging and motivating disengaged and challenging clients / 

Knowledge

Knowledge and understanding of the issues and challenges facing care leavers and vulnerable young people aged 16-25 / 
Knowledge and understanding of issues surrounding homelessness and those threatened with or experiencing homelessness in relation to securing accommodation in social, private rented sectors or supported housing/ hostels. / 
Knowledge of issues and processes relating to a wide range of housing options and tenures including social, supported and private sectors / 
Up to date knowledge of the role played by Statutory Services in relation to specific client groups e.g. care leavers and offenders / 
Understanding of the underlying principles of peer support and ability to promote and drive forward initiatives within a service / 
Knowledge of a wide range of services available to specific client groups in West Sussex / 
Awareness of welfare benefits and interaction with housing costs / 

Skills

Ability to design and deliver a workshop programme to enhance the life skills of care leavers and vulnerable young people aged 16-25 / 
Able to deliver flexible and individual support packages tailored to each service user, taking into account motivation and ability level; adapting the delivery method and pace accordingly / 
Ability to fully prepare a client for move-on and resettlement into an independent tenancy using creative education methods and tools / 
Excellent IT skills with ability to enter and update accurate and succinct data on databases, online and using Microsoft Office packages / 
Able to learn new software & use portable equipment (e.g. tablet) competently with appropriate training / 
Resilience to deal with a complex caseload of clients with multiple needs and conflicting priorities / 
Able to work autonomously in both office and community settings, with excellent time management and organisation skills to pro-actively managing workload and time / 
Ability to assess support needs and compile action plans for each client / 
Ability to assess risk with a client and to agree a risk assessment and management plan. / 
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in a variety of situations e.g. workshop materials, contact with clients, liaison with other agencies, report writing and case studies / 
Understanding and awareness of data protection and confidentiality issues. / 
Ability to provide training and support to volunteers / 

Values and Personal Attributes

Understanding and personal commitment to the values, standards and aims of the organisation. / 
Belief in the promotion of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice. / 
Commitment to the promotion of clients’ rights and client empowerment. / 
Confidence to deal with emergency situations when necessary. / 
Personal resilience to be able to manage conflicting demands, pressures and priorities of the role effectively. / 
Commitment to training and personal development / 

Specific Requirements

Able to work service hours which are generally 9 -5 Monday to Friday with flexibility to work occasionally outside these core hours. / 
Able to drive and have use of car for which mileage and essential car user allowance will be paid / 
Ability to deliver an outreach service requiring travel to and from a designated geographical work location / 
Able to work to the Smoke Free Workplace policy / 
Able to carry reasonable sized files and equipment e.g. laptops / 