Reg Charity No 1128565

POST SPECIFICATION

Title: Case Worker - Place Based Prevention Programme

Employer: Age UK Carlisle and Eden

Reporting to: Quality and Support Manager

Responsible for: Handling client cases directly and the delivery of services / referral of clients to other agencies to address particular needs

Hours: 37.5 hours per week (to include occasional weekend cover)

Salary: Entry level NJC 19 (£18376 per annum)

Contract: This position is offered as a temporary contract until 31st March, 2019 but may be extended further

Pension: Company pension scheme

Location: 20 Spencer Street, Carlisle, CA1 1BG

Leave: 20 days plus bank holidays

Review: This post is subject to a six month probationary period.

Purpose of the post

As part of the third sector contribution to Cumbria’s health and social wellbeing system, to work with clients aged 18 and above to retain or regain their independence within the local community. Delivery of services through the Case Worker role should improve the quality of life for those in receipt of those services and thereby help to reduce demand on Cumbria County Council Adult Social Care services and on NHS acute and community health provision. In particular, the Case Worker will:

·  Support clients to engage with their local community and develop and maintain social networks.

·  Provide a range of low level support interventions to improve the clients’ overall wellbeing and resilience.

·  Act as the lead professional when appropriate to do so.

Key job tasks of the Case Worker

·  To use the complete Compass system, the assessment methodology – using a guided conversation approach - and on-line services to ensure clients’ range of needs are identified and a holistic service provided.

·  To deliver services through an individual casework approach and as identified by the Compass process. Services provided by the Case Worker may include

- a wide variety of information, advice and advocacy on issues relating to the clients’ well-being and life choices

- advice on welfare benefits – information on entitlements, support with applications, appeals and tribunals

- advice on debt and money management

- advice on housing issues

- face to face support and other interventions to reduce social isolation and create improved opportunities for social engagement

- providing a range of practical support including ‘home from hospital’ style services / low level support in the home for those leaving hospital or at risk of hospital admission – or for those needing this style of support to remain safe and confident in their home

- undertaking trusted assessor work to identify the need for – and facilitate provision of - equipment and aids to assist with the clients’ daily lives allowing them to maintain independence in their home

- referring in to other agencies as required to meet the needs of the person being supported

·  To have a comprehensive understanding of services available in the geographical area within which they are working.

·  To work closely and maintain regular contact with partner agencies from the third and public sectors and keep abreast of developments across Adult Social Care and health.

·  To become proficient in the use of the Compass software and ensure information is recorded to the highest standard and updated in a timely manner.

·  To maintain an excellent knowledge of data protection policies and procedures and ensure data recording, management and document handling are consistent with required standards.

·  To actively support the Volunteer Co-ordinator and relevant volunteers in training, recruitment and ensuring that volunteers enjoy a safe, supported and personally satisfying work experience.

·  To participate in a rota of ‘on call’ duties outside of normal office hours as required.

·  To provide, as required, any additional information to the PBS Managed Service Provider (MSP) in the preparation of accurate monthly and quarterly reports on service activity levels

·  To attend, as required, regular PBP partnership meetings with the MSP to share ideas and experience and help identify any gaps in service provision.

Job Working Circumstances

·  Working with vulnerable adults.

·  Working with diverse client groups.

·  Unpredictable demands and disruption to planned work.

·  Some lone working.

·  Regular home visits completing compass assessments - through a guided conversation approach - and delivering interventions.

·  Travel around Cumbria.

·  Full driving licence required with access to own car for business use.

Continuous Personal Development

The Case Worker will be required to work with his/her line manager to identify areas for further training and development, undertaking relevant courses and qualifications as required.

Health and Safety

The post holder is required to carry out the duties in accordance with (PBP Provider’s) Health and Safety policies and procedures.

Diversity

The Case Worker is required to have due regard to equal opportunities at all times, and to work in a fair and reasonable manner towards all people, ensuring service standards are maintained for all cultures.

CASEWORKER PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL / DESIRABLE
Knowledge of the role of Statutory Services in the provision of services to older people / Experience of working with people on a one to one basis
Ability to identify provision of services within rural areas /
Experience of monitoring and evaluation
Good Communication skills. /
Experience of working with older people
Knowledge and ability to source and retrieve information / Good knowledge of the rural area of Carlisle and Eden district.
Empathy with and understanding of the needs of older people
/
Good IT skills
Good standard of education and good written and verbal presentation skills / Experience in referring and signposting clients to appropriate services
Good team member
/ Experience working within the third sector
Ability to support volunteers within their day to day roles / Knowledge around welfare benefits and current changes with legislation
Full driving licence and use of a car, willing to travel to rural / isolated areas. / Experience of Trusted Assessor style work
Ability to carry out an holistic assessment via a guided conversation approach and experience of using ‘Compass Assessments’

PBP Case Worker Post Specification April 2017 V1