Job Description

Job title:Group Facilitator

Reporting to:Team Leader

Location:Maidenhead and Windsor

Salary:£22,086 - £25,369

Working Hours:37hours per week

Key internal:Managers, staff, volunteers, mentors and service user reps

relations

Key external:Service Users, Staffin partner organisations, DAAT, GPs, other support relations services, CMHT, Probationand Police

Background:

SMART is a well established and highly regarded Charity providing high quality services to support and inspire recovery. Our innovative projects are designed to assist in transforming the health and wellbeing, prospects and opportunities of people, especially those with problems with drugs or alcohol.

In addition to successful delivery of services that inspire recovery and wellbeing, SMART continues to invest in creating a learning organisation that underpins the development of its staff team and effectiveness of the services it provides.

Main purpose of the job

To support the effective delivery of Substance Misuse Services, making a positive contribution to service user recoverythrough the delivery and continuous improvement of SMART Windsor and Maidenhead’s group work programme.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the post-holder are divided into three key areas of work:

1.Service user support

The post holder will effectively engage service users in the SMART group work programme and will:

  • Oversee the smooth running of the SMART group work programme (structured and unstructured) for the Windsor and Maidenhead service.
  • Facilitate and co-facilitate the SMART group work programme and ensure it is delivered to a high standard.
  • Continuously develop and improve the programme, taking into account service user, volunteer, staff and stakeholder opinions.
  • To ensure all unstructured group activities meet the needs of service users, such as Drop In.
  • Facilitate change by motivating the individual to achieve their goals and address those issues which may act as obstacles to progress
  • Establish strong working relationships with Service Users, supporting the Service User Forum.Oversee SMART Peer Support sessions, encouraging the promotion of all Mutual Aid (MA) options in the local area (using FAMA Model), building links with existing MA and opportunities to develop new MA options.
  • To deliver and develop an aftercare programme for service users in Recovery that effectively manages the individuals’ transition from the service, and includes a robust aftercare plan.
  • Deliver a life skills group and build local networks and social enterprises that support service userslong term recovery including move on to education, training and employment and volunteering.
  • Carry out risk assessmentsand manage risks to ensure the safety of those participating in all group activities.
  • Refer clients to other agencies to meet needs identified beyond the scope of the service.
  • Manage a caseload of clients on Recovery, transitioning from the service.

Other duties may include:

  • Carrying out assessments, identificationof priorities and ongoing need.
  • Providing information and advice, including harm minimisation and family support, as appropriate.
  • Support and effectively manage clients withinsubstitute prescribing clinics.

2.Service Support

The post holder will also contribute towards the services’ overall success and

development. This will involve:

  • Ensuring all work with service users is provided to the expected standards of the service within SMART's Quality Framework, completing groupwork audits as required.
  • Providing regular updates to their line manager on individual performance against service KPI's.
  • Ensuring service users have the opportunity to input in all aspects of service design and delivery -Communicating service user views and issues to their line manager as appropriate.
  • Contributing toward the development of a service environment that is safe and secure.
  • Working within the policies and procedures of the organisation and contributing to their development when appropriate.
  • Presenting a professional image of the service to all stakeholders in all work settings
  • Keeping up to date with changes in legislation and research relating to all aspects of Recovery.
  • Contributing to the overall development of the team and Recovery system.

3.Staff support

This post holder will be required to support each team member. This will include:

  • Respecting each others rights and conducting oneself in a manner expected of all professionals at all times
  • Contributing to the support of colleagues and reflecting on issues with the potential to impact on the team and individuals
  • Sharing knowledge to enhance the performance of the team

Person Specification - Group Facilitator

Listed below is the specification checklist which is used to shortlist candidates for this post. Evidencing your ability to meet criteria will be demonstrated in the first instance on the application form. If the criterion for short-listing is met you may also be asked to further demonstrate competency at interview.

Criteria / Essential / Desirable
Education and qualification
  • Substantial experience of structured and unstructured groupwork with substance misusers
  • Training or qualification in a relevant field (eg. Counselling, addictions, DipSW, criminal justice), equivalent of NVQ level 3 or above, or able to demonstrate the potential to achieve this level of qualification
  • Relevant training /qualification in Group Work facilitation
  • Range of work experience within the field of substance misuse
/ X / X
X
X
Skills and abilities
  • Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to engage with service users, colleagues and partners todevelop constructive working relationships
  • Excellent Group Facilitation Skills including relevant experience and understanding of group dynamics
  • Good Assessment and Recovery Planning Skills
  • Good and consistent written communication skills in relation to updating case notes, emails and basic reports
  • Ability to monitor and evaluate standards for qualityand apply standards to working practices.
  • Awareness of and ability to manage professional boundarieswhen working with service users
  • Ability to work under pressure in a potentially stressful environment and deal with challenging behaviours and situations
  • Good IT skills
  • Ability to organise tasks and work to deadline
/ X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Knowledge
  • Understanding of, and commitment to diversity practice
  • Willingness to keep up-to-date with substance misuse and any issues with the potential to impact on the client group e.g. Housing
  • Knowledge ofa range of approaches to Recovery for alcohol and drug Misuse
  • Knowledge of Motivational Interviewing techniques
  • Knowledge of Social Learning Theory and Cognitive Behavioural Theory in relation to Substance Misuse
  • Knowledge of Structured Intervention models such as ITEP Mapping
/ X
X
X
X
X / X
Qualities
  • Good team player
  • Positive attitude towards working with change both with clients and within the organisation
  • Self motivated and self aware with the ability to learn
  • Willingness to learn and receive training
/ X
X
X
X
Experience
  • Experience of working with working with substance users and delivering group work programmes
  • Experience of working within a multi-disciplinary framework
  • Experience of supporting volunteers in a substance misuse setting
  • Driving Licence and use of own car
/ X
X / X
X

All staff are expected to show commitment to the quality of service offered to service users and to demonstrate a thoughtful and considered approach to their problems. Honesty, reliability, use of initiative and the ability to establish good working relationships with clients, colleagues and other service providers are considered essential attributes.

Health and safety

All employees are subject to the Health and Safety at Work Act. The post holder is required to proactively comply with their duties as outlined in SMART CJS policy.

References

Appointment will depend on satisfactory references being obtained from present or past employers.

Security Clearance

All front line staff will need to have an enhanced DBS check to comply with the required regulations.

1

JD - Group Facilitator27 May 2015