Crossroads Care

Job Description

Young Carers Project Deputy Manager

Job Title:Young Carers Project Deputy Manager

Responsible to:Project Manager

Hours:37 hours per week, variable to meet the needs of the Project

Salary:£18,500 to £20,500 per annum

PROJECT BACKGROUND

Crossroads understands the complex issues that affect Young Carers and how those issues can impact on their lives. Our Young Carers Project was established 13 years ago and supports approximately 200 Young Carers between the ages of 5 – 18 in the Maidstone and Malling area. The project provides specialist support through regular group meetings and activities throughout the year, especially during school holidays. Our weekly club nights give Young Carers a chance to reduce their isolation and improve confidence and self-esteem. They take part in fun and exciting activities and most of all meet other children who are experiencing the same difficulties. Our club evenings include targeted workshops on subjects that are important to Young Carers, addressing their issues in an age appropriate manner. The club improves social and emotional development and encourages pride in the value of their caring role. We relieve stress on Young Carers by providing regular respite trips and holidays, which without our intervention, many would not experience.

MaIN Responsibilities

The postholder will work closely with the Young Carers Project Manager andcontribute to the management of service delivery by:

  • supporting the Manager to run regular Young Carers club nights and deputise in the Manager’s absence.
  • attend multi-agency meetings and case conferences and maintain good working relationships with professionals who are involved with Young Carers.
  • deliver a range of age appropriateand targeted activities and workshops.
  • maintain positive contacts with families who may be experiencing a range of physical or mental ill health
  • carry out assessments within the homes of Young Carers
  • provide supervision and support to volunteers within the project
  • deliver a range of activities making efficient and effective use of the resources available to the organisation and within the allocated budget
  • making referrals to other agencies as appropriate
  • reporting the need for an investigation into any reported accident / incident to the Project Manager.
  • Adhere to organisations policies and procedures relating to children and young people at all times.
  • Maintaining a database

Quality

  • To work with the Project Manager to ensure compliance with relevant regulatory requirements and quality assurance standards.

New OPPORTUNITES

  • To be proactive in seeking additional funding through small grants programmes by developing and submitting fundingapplications.
  • develop and deliver new and innovate workshops addressing need
  • To identify the training needs of volunteers and have an input into the development of the training plan.

Promoting YOUNG CARER ISSUES

  • To represent Crossroads and Young Carers both locally and nationally as required.
  • When required support the Young Carer Manager with the promotion of Crossroads by attending presentations and talks to local groups and organisations on the role and work of the organisation.

This job description is provided to assist the post holder to know their principal duties. It may be amended from time to time in consultation with you without change to the level of responsibility appropriate to the grading of the post.

Person Specification

Post of: Deputy Manager

Essential / Desirable
Experience of:
  • youth work
  • maintaining boundaries within group dynamics
/
  • experience of partnership working with other agencies
  • experience of monitoring, measuring and evaluation of evidence and outcomes

Skills & Abilities
  • Good communication skills
  • Good literacy and IT skills
  • Good people management skills
  • Ability to conduct risk assessments
  • Ability to assess situations and agree service delivery
  • Ability to work as part of a team
  • Ability to make decisions
  • Ability to manage resources effectively
  • Excellent customer care skills
  • Car owner/driver
  • Physically fit and energetic
  • Flexible working to suit the need of the project
  • Able to demonstrate a passion for working with young people
/
  • Appropriate qualification in Youth Work
  • Hold a current Minibus drivers licence

Knowledge
  • A working understanding of safeguarding as it affects children
  • Good understanding of Health & Safety legislation
  • A knowledge of and a commitment to equal opportunities
/
  • An understanding of Young Carers’ issues

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