Participation Worker Full Time

PARTICIPATION WORKER FULL TIME

CONDITIONS OF SERVICE

JOB TITLE:Participationworker

LOCATION:South Eastern Area

RESPONSIBLE TO:Team leader

SALARY:NJC pts 24 – 26 (£21,962 - £23,398)

HOURS:37.5 Hours per week (including evenings)

FIXED TERM:Fixed term contract until 30 September 2018

LEAVE:25 days per annum(pro Rata)

PROBATIONARY PERIOD:3months

BUDGET RESPONSIBILITIES:Petty cash and small programme budget

Travel Expenses

Responsibility is on the employee to ensure that when using the car in the course of business, that proper insurance cover is acquired, and that the car is maintained in a roadworthy condition. A mileage allowance will be payable by VOYPIC towards expenses.

Pension

VOYPIC does not operate an occupational pension scheme but will make a contribution of 6% towards the premiums of whichever scheme you may chose which is held in your own name.

TOIL

There is no entitlement to overtime payment to reflect the requirements of the post. However you are entitled to receive time off in lieu for hours worked in excess of your normal working week.

Equal Opportunities Policy

VOYPIC is an equal opportunity employer. The aim of its policy is to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of nationality, race, ethnic origin, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, religious belief or political opinion, nor should they be disadvantaged by conditions or requirements which are neither justified nor relevant to the job. It is the responsibility of all staff to ensure a harmonious working environment in which the dignity of all employees and services users is respected.

PARTICIPATION WORKER

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB PURPOSE: Working within a multi-disciplinary team you will assist in the development of the ‘Speaking Up, Leading Out’ programme.

This programme aims to:

1. Build the capacity of children in care and care leavers and support their leadership development

2. Improve relationships between children in care and their support networks through the facilitation of a Family Time programme for foster families and the development of a resource pack for schools.

MAIN TASKS AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Establish and sustain a participation structure in the HSCT
Develop a publicity/recruitment campaign to successfully engage children and young people in the project, irrespective of placement type
Develop and co-ordinate user led participative programmes with care experienced children and young people
Provide a range of personal development and capacity building programmes to children and young people of all ages and abilities
Facilitate group programmes for foster families using the SEAL approach (social and emotional aspects of learning)
Support children and young people to design and develop a resource pack for schools working with children in care
Support children and young people to evidence their leadership journey through the Youth Achievement Award Scheme
Assist in the evaluation of the project’s impact on children and young people
Contribute to the development and maintenance of a project advisory group
Support children and young people to participate in VOYPIC’s policy advocacy work
Proactively engage with the HSCT to promote awareness and increase uptake of the service by carers, parents, and professional staff
Engage, and work in partnership with relevant professionals supporting the development and implementation of the project
Encourage and support the involvement volunteers in the project
Maintain efficient recording systems for the programme

Present written and verbal reports on progress to stakeholders egHSCT personnel, funders, advisory group, and Board of Directors as required
Assist in the dissemination of information through writing publications, making presentations etc to relevant stakeholders

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Consolidate and increase the opportunities for children and young people’s involvement internally and externally
Contribute to own supervision
Comply with and implement VOYPIC’s policies and procedures.
Participate in staff meetings/ other relevant meetings as appropriate
Participate in continuing professional development
Contribute to the activities, promotion and development of VOYPIC as an agency working on behalf of children and young people
Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role

This job description is not definitive or restrictive and will be subject to periodic review.

PARTICIPATION WORKER

PERSON SPECIFICATION

ESSENTIAL

EXPERIENCE

Diploma/Degree in Social Work, Diploma/Degree Youth & Community Work plus at least two years’ experience of working directly with vulnerable children and young people in a group setting, in a paid capacity.

Relevant 3rd Level qualification and at least fiveyears’ experience of working directly with vulnerable children and young people in a group setting, in a paid capacity.

AND

Experience of the design and delivery of group work including personal development and capacity building programmes.
Experience of participative practice
Sound knowledge of policy and practice relating to looked after children and care leavers

KNOWLEDGE & VALUES

Knowledge and experience of safeguarding and child protection policy and procedures
Knowledge of group work processes
An awareness of issues facing children in care and aftercare
A commitment to and experience of user involvement in the planning and delivery of services
A commitment to VOYPIC’s values and principles
A commitment to children’s rights

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Practical experience of IT
Excellent group work skills
Ability to co-work on various projects
Good planning and organisational skills
Ability to effectively network within sector and build strong relationships
An ability to scan, digest and re-present information in a user friendly format to young people
A willingness to contribute to own supervision and development.
An ability to manage own time effectively
Ability to strongly advocate and influence on issues related to children and young people who are, or have been, in care

CIRCUMSTANCES

Hold a current driving license and have access to a vehicle. This criterion may be wavered, if a disability prohibits driving. In this case, please demonstrate how you would meet the mobility requirements of this post.
An ability to travel independently through N.I, ROI and UK.
Ability to work unsocial hours usually two evenings a week including weekends as required.

NB: These criteria may be enhanced to aid shortlisting

For each of the essential criteria, candidates are expected to provideevidence of how they meet the specific requirements. The panel cannot draw inferences from the material supplied so clear evidence must be stated if the candidate is to be deemed to have met the essential criteria.