25 November 2009

Dear applicant,

RE: Application pack for the post of Client Support Worker

Thank you for your interest in Body Positive Cheshire & North Wales. We are pleased to enclose an application pack for you to complete. Please pay special attention to the person specification when answering the first section of the application form.

The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday 8th January 2010. Interviews will be held at our offices in Crewe on Thursday 28th & Friday 29th January 2010.

In order to keep our costs at a minimum, only those applicants invited to interview will receive notification from us.

Should you wish to discuss your application please do not hesitate to contact me. References will not be requested until an offer of employment is made.

May we wish you good luck with your application.

Yours sincerely

Paul Marsh

Operations Manager – Social Care

Body Positive CheshireNorth Wales

Job Description

TITLE:Client Support Worker

PAY:BPCNW Worker Grade

HOURS:Full time 37 hours per week

SALARY:NHS Agenda For Change £24,832 - £33,436

ANNUAL LEAVE:25 days (28 after 5 years) plus public holidays

BASE:Crewe or ColwynBay (negotiable) covering Cheshire & North Wales

RESPONSIBLE TO: Management Committee, Body Positive CheshireNorth Wales

REPORT TO:Operations Manager – Social Care

Main Responsibilities

  • To work under the direct supervision of the Operations Manager – Social Care covering the areas of Cheshire and North Wales with specific responsibilities to:
  • Respond to referrals both by telephone and face-to-face contact/home visits. Offering a one to one service to clients (direct service).
  • Co-operate with other agencies that may provide social care to people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.
  • Liase with other agencies who may provide social care to people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS by:
  • Developing working relationships
  • Encouraging good policy and practice
  • Making referrals when appropriate
  • Co-ordinate access to the full range of services offered & available to people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, including emotional support, access to drop-in, complementary therapies, counselling, information resources and the Hardship Fund.
  • Ensure, as far as possible, that the social needs of people living with or affected by HIV/AIDS, are met by the services available to them.
  • Keep records of services provided through structured systems of monitoring and evaluation. Write reports on service activity as required. Keep precise client care records on individual clients.
  • Carrying an on going case load of clients working with a range of presenting issue. Facilitated by one to one or group support sessions, or advocating on behalf of clients.
  • Provision of information relating to benefits and welfare rights. Assist with client applications to the DWP and other internal/external financial support services.
  • Attend training courses as identified through performance reviews and appraisals.
  • The Client Support Worker must hold a full driving license and have daily access to a car.
  • Evening and weekend work may be required for which time off in lieu will be given.
  • The Client Support Worker will work within all Body Positive Cheshire & North Wales’ policies, including those relating to Equal Opportunities and Confidentiality.
  • This role requires an extensive amount of travel; individuals must be willing to undertake travel across Cheshire & North Wales.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities

A non judgmental approach
  • Ability to relate to people from all sections of the community
  • Ability to work with & as part of a team
  • Commitment to Equal Opportunities
  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Ability to cope with stress
  • Ability to remain calm in difficult situations
  • Understanding of personal & professional boundaries
  • Diplomacy & tact (both in relation to members of the public and other professionals)
  • Communication skills- both written & oral
  • Persistence
  • Sensitivity
  • Assertiveness
  • Confidence
  • Enthusiasm and commitment to work
  • Dynamic and enthusiastic
  • Must be willing to do some evening & weekend work for which time off in lieu will be given.

Previous Work Experience

Experience of working in the voluntary sector and with volunteers and/or a background in social work or other related fields such as counselling.
  • Experience of the benefits and welfare system. Experience in case work and case management.
  • Experience of planning and/or implementing training.
  • Experience in advocacy and direct client support work.
  • Experience of networking and partnership working.

Client Support Worker

Application for Employment