Job Title: Independent Supporter
Location: Stockport, Manchester, Bolton, Bury, Salford, Tameside and Oldham
Reports to: Independent Support Manager
TT Salary: £16,996 pro-rata
Hours: 24- 32 hours each week
Contract: Fixed term to March 2016
Nature of the Post
The Role of Independent Supporter (IS) is to provide help and support to families who meet Local Authority eligibility for and are undergoing the process of agreeing an Education, Health and Care plan (Single Plan). This is a new role and the IS worker is expected to provide support and information relating to the stages of the processes in manner that is impartial and professional at a pace and pitch of each family or young people aged of 16 and over.
In order to perform this role effectively and efficiently all post holders will be provided with Legal training relating the duties of Local Authorities to meet the holistic needs of a child or young person,between the ages of 0–25 and who has a disability or complex need,to improve educational opportunities, life outcomes and ensure that resources are provided and utilised effectively. The role of an IS Worker is crucial to increasing and improving the participation, choice and options for families and young people so that aspirations and independence can be achieved.
The Role includes supporting families to attend formal meetings with professionals involved in the Education and Care of their children and young people, to support the exploration of the options available to them in an impartial manner and to provide a level of help and support to enable families and young people (16 and over) to advocate for themselves throughout each stage of the process. The service provided by an appointed IS Worker is time limited; they will work with the family or young person until the Single Plan is agreed and signed off. Within this period it is expected that the IS Worker, under the direction of their Line Manager will source and offer a range of information relating to other support services available in order to ensure that families or young people are equipped to make informed decisions about all aspects of their lives now and in the future.
Job Purpose
- To provide support, help and advice and navigate families who are eligible for a Education, Health and Care plan through the planning process by providing them with support for a time limited period until each plan is agreed.
The post holder will be expected to:
- Provide accurate and up-to-date information to parents/carers in line with new legislation and local procedures, including:
- Children and Families Act 2014
- SEND Regulations 2014
- SEND Code of Practice 2014
- The Local Authority Transition Plan
- To manage a case load of families effectively by providing timely and appropriate support that meet the needs of the service and families/young people. This will require an ability to engage with families in home visits, telephone contacts, email and support in key planning meetings and reviews
- To provide information to parents/carers about the statutory duties that Local Authorities have for children and young people with special educational needs
- To support, empower parents and where appropriate signpost/link parents and young people to local services through the Local Authority Local Offer so that they can fully participate in the processes leading to the completion of their Education, Health and Care Plan (Single Plan)
- To facilitate the settling of differences of view through consensus and mutual agreement, providing information about disagreement resolution services.
- Safeguard children and vulnerable people throughout all aspects of their role and conduct
- To maintain accurate records in a timely, thorough and objective manner in line with the Data Protection Act using the Together Trust’s database system/s
- To be committed to the development and implementation of the changes required to meet the requirements of the SEND code of practice and the Children's and Families Act (2014) and the priorities set by each Local Authority area in which you work including the use and management of Individual Budgets and Direct Payments in the context of Education, Health and Care Plans
- To ensure that professional relationships with Assessment Review Officers and other statutory services are established and developed to offer the best for every family or young person. This will include Parent Partnerships, Parent and Young Peoples’ Forums Schools, health professionals, Social Care providers and Looked after Children services.
- To be an active Team member and take a role in the development of service quality and delivering positive outcomes for the service and those served.
Job Title: / Independent Supporter
Department: / Information Advice Support Service
Essential Criteria / Desirable Criteria / Assessed By?
Education/
Qualifications
(Skills attained through education or training) /
- A-Level, NVQ/QCF3 in Social Care or equivalent
- GCSE English (Grade A – C)
- Qualification in Special Educational Needs
- Advocacy experience
- An IAG qualification or experience
- Application
- Interview
- References
Proven Ability
(The knowledge skills and aptitudes needed for the job holder to perform the required job competently) /
- A thorough understanding of Children with Special Educational needs and their families Needs
- Skills/Experience of working with parents/carers and families from a variety of different backgrounds
- Ability to work co-operatively with others and be an active team member
- Effective communication skills
- Ability to work independently and to be accountable for work
- Adherence to accepted code of professional conduct
- Ability to respect, preserve and manage confidential information
- Ability to be and remain impartial whilst being family and young person centred in your approach
- A flexible/creative approach to working with parents
- Ability to effectively use a range of Information Technology systems (IT)
- Ability to act on direction and seek help when required
- An aptitude for learning and sharing knowledge with others effectively
- Experience of working with children/
- Experience in the voluntary sector
- Experience of working with statutory organisations e.g. Health Service, Children’s Services
- Ability to communicate in other languages e.g. Punjabi, Urdu, Turkish
- Knowledge of Special Educational processes/
- An understanding of the Legal context under-pining the Education Health and Care planning process
- An awareness of person centred approaches, planning and tools
- Application
- Interview
- References
Other Requirements /
- Flexibility in working hours, including occasional evening and weekend work
- Current Driving License, Access to a car and Business Insurance
Independent Supporter Role (July 2014)