Developing Health and Independence
JOB DESCRIPTION
Job Title: Brokerage and Information Support WorkerNJC Scale Point: NJC Pt 22 – 26 (£19,621-£22,221 pro rata)
Hours: 15 Hrs per Week
Annual Leave: 26 days plus statutory & bank holidays plus 1 additional day after each year of service, up to a maximum of 31 pro rataLocation: South Gloucestershire, Kingswood (or any other location your employer may reasonably requests)
Pension: Contributory pension scheme (employers contribution 7% to a minimum 3% contribution from employee)
Accountable to: Personalisation Services Team Leader
Principle Purpose of the Job
The Brokerage and Information Service works directly with service users to facilitate choice, independence and improved wellbeing in planning individual care. The worker will be involved in developing, implementing and reviewing, with the service user, mutually agreed support plans designed to meet realistic objectives, whilst planning for risk. The worker will provide support and information to identify appropriate services and community resources that will meet planned outcomes and make best use of the allocated personal budget.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
Operational Duties
1. To provide information, advice, guidance and support to a caseload of Brokerage and Information Service users. Advising on and facilitating flexible approaches to independent living and encouraging the development of existing skills and personal support networks.
2. To work with care managers, other professionals and partners to clarify the individual assessment of need and negotiate an agreed written support and spending plan.
3. To work collaboratively with service users, their carers and advocates to develop person centred support plans which are sensitive and responsive to lifestyle, culture, aspiration, skills and need, and are creative in their identification, and use, of community resources.
4. To ensure that information, advice and support is offered in the communication method preferred by the service user and that communication support needs are accommodated, in consultation with carers and advocates as required.
5. To provide support in implementing a package of care designed to meet outcomes within an agreed budget, including guidance on managing budgets and employment of care providers as necessary.
6. To review support plans and agree and implement any changes as directed by the service user and/or their carers and advocates.
7. To assess risk factors relevant to the agreed support plan. Develop and implement a risk management plan to include alternative or ‘back-up’ arrangements in the event of any difficulties.
8. To build a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of available community resources; to assist with identifying and accessing the most appropriate service for the individual service user.
9. To mediate and work to resolve any problems or issues that arise from the implementation of the support plan.
10. To build effective working relationships with the service user, their families, carers and advocates, ensuring that consultation is sensitive and appropriate.
11. To promote the service and build effective working relationships with partner and referring agencies, community resources and services.
12. To carry out any other duties relevant to the role.
Organisational Responsibilities
1. To perform as part of the DHI team, attending and participating in regular team meetings and to attend appropriate training courses.
2. To work in accordance with the DHI Lone Working policy and procedures.
3. To participate in regular support and supervision with the Personalisation Services Team Leader
4. Participate in the planning processes and contribute to the establishment of DHI’s business plan.
5. To work with the Personalisation Services Team Leader in the periodic review of service policies and procedures.
6. At all times adhere to relevant legislation, good practice and policies and procedures, including Child Protection, Safeguarding Adults, Health and Safety, Confidentiality and Equality and Diversity.
Monitoring and Administration
1. Maintain accurate records and produce written reports of work as required.
2. To carry out all necessary administration in relation to casework task including monitoring
NB. This job description contains only the main accountabilities relating to the post of and does not describe in detail all the duties required to carry them
Developing Health and Independence
Brokerage and Information Worker
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Essential:
At least one year’s experience of working with service users who have specific individual needs e.g. learning difficulties, visual or hearing impairments, disabilities or mental health conditions.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to be responsive and sensitive to a wide range of communication needs by utilizing personal skills, available aids and support.
Ability to demonstrate up to date and pragmatic knowledge of welfare, benefits and disability issues, rights and legislation.
Ability to demonstrate skills with which to build and maintain effective working relationships with statutory, voluntary and other relevant organisations, families, carers and advocates.
Ability to demonstrate a commitment to person centred support planning and skills to empower service users to make choices which encourage improved wellbeing, independence and dignity.
Demonstrable ability to identify and liaise with statutory, voluntary and community services relevant to this client group.
Experience of effectively assessing and managing risk
Ability to maintain information systems and keep accurate records using effective IT skills (including MS Word and Excel)
Ability to demonstrate an understanding of, and commitment to, anti-discriminatory policy and practice and the Social Model of Disability.
Self-direction, judgement and versatility in managing a caseload and prioritising work tasks.
NVQ level 3 or above in Advice and Guidance, or a commitment to achieving this qualification
A flexible approach to working hours in alignment with the Working Time Regulations
A current UK driving licence and ability to travel throughout South Gloucestershire
Job Description & Person Spec November 2011