JOB DESCRIPTION. Hampshire (covering Southampton, Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth) This post is subject to Adult Workforce Regulations

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION POST: LOCATION: ACCOUNTABLE TO: DBS CHECK: Senior Link Worker Hampshire (covering Southampton, Fareham, Gosport and Portsmouth) Service Manager (or nominee) This post is subject to Adult Workforce Regulations JOB PURPOSE: To contribute to the delivery and development of Link Worker services to Probation clients. The role will involve the assessment of clients who have been referred by the responsible officer, with a view to case working and/or referring onwards. The Senior Link Worker will hold a caseload of clients. They will assess and engage with clients, using assertive engagement techniques where necessary. They will develop an action plan in which they will work with the client to address and resolve issues which contribute to chaotic lifestyles. They will develop a local knowledge of available services which will enable them to refer on to the most appropriate agency in order to facilitate meaningful support. In addition they will have responsibility for managing the client management function of the Link Worker Team. This responsibility will be delegated by the Service Manager and will include regular supervision of team members, review of caseloads and taking overall managerial responsibility in the Service Managers absence. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: 1) To develop referral pathway which identifies people with chaotic lifestyles who have traditionally found it difficult to engage with support agencies 2) To inform and educate workers and agencies in this field regarding the nature of chaotic adults and help to develop and inform on good practice regarding the treatment and support of chaotic adults. 3) To assist in the development of all necessary literature for the Service. 4) To be responsible for a small caseload of more complex clients. 5) To provide support and practical help throughout problems order to assist clients out of a chaotic lifestyle, such as with benefits applications, housing issues and liaise with local support agencies as necessary. Job Description Senior Link Worker 1

2 6) To provide a prompt and accurate assessment of needs regarding clients current presentation. 7) To develop and improve strategies for remaining in contact with clients who are difficult to engage. 8) To develop clear action plans for each client including detailed risk assessment and management. 9) To be prepared to work in a flexible, reflective and non-dogmatic way as required to successfully engage with and respond to the client group. 10) To provide practical information and advice relating to issues such as budgeting, welfare benefits, addiction, employment, training, housing, health issues, etc. 11) To ensure that clients are positively involved in their own development. 12) To develop joint working protocols with agencies already working in these settings and to maintain good working relationships with all staff groups. 13) To liaise with local community services regarding suitable support for the client group and to help them improve the way they can respond to them, through training, professional support to caseworkers and developing information-sharing protocols. 14) Raise awareness of P3 services with relevant external agencies and in the community. 15) To ensure that referral information to Advisers and other Agencies is complete and accurate. 16) To contribute to the maintenance of monitoring and database systems including collecting, inputting and collating basic information on numbers, profile and outcomes of all referrals. 17) To keep clear and accurate records in accordance with P3 s record keeping policies and guidelines 18) Assist in the collection of data to inform KPI compliance 19) To receive line management from the Service Manager and work within P3 s risk and safety protocols 20) To attend staff support/team meetings with the as required. 21) Deal with complaints in accordance with P3's agreed procedures. TEAMWORK 22) To be an effective team player, with the ability to adopt a shared approach to both the casework and the developmental aspects of the job. 23) To support and motivate staff and volunteers within the service 24) Facilitate and lead staff discussions on individual client progress within the client Job Description Senior Link Worker 2

3 review structure to encourage all staff to think creatively and constructively about the work they are doing. In doing this, also facilitating the development of Link Workers skills through discussion and demonstration. MANAGEMENT 25) Assist in the induction of new staff and volunteers. 26) To motivate and support your peers. 27) Supervision of Link Workers when delegated by service coordinator 28) Take overall managerial responsibility for the service in the absence of the Service Co-ordinator 29) Be responsible for regular caseload reviews QUALITY 30) To ensure that all Operational Policies, Procedures and Statutory Regulations are implemented and observed at all times e.g. Confidentiality Policies, Health & Safety Policies etc. 31) To promote effective Client involvement in P3 activities wherever possible and appropriate, including collection of case studies. 32) Share responsibility for good Health & Safety practices, including participating in Risk Assessments, reporting to line management any matters of concern. 33) To fully participate in systems of Quality Assurance, performance indicators and outcomes. 34) To provide verbal and written reports to the Service Manager as required. DEVELOPMENT 35) To fully participate in the training programme. 36) Undertake the Staff Induction Programme, and assist, as requested, in the induction and training of new staff, students and volunteers. 37) Participate in staff meetings, supervision meetings, training, team development sessions and other meetings as required, reporting back to the team as appropriate. 38) Undertake development activities as necessary and appropriate to the role incuding. 39) Keep up to date with information relating issues such as welfare benefits, employment, training, addiction, housing etc. DELIVERING EQUALITY Job Description Senior Link Worker 3

4 40) Foster the equality, diversity and rights of others by ensuring people are respected and valued as individuals. 41) Promote the rights and needs of people who use P3 services in the community. 42) Work within the framework of P3 s equality and diversity policy at all times. OTHER 43) Undertake such other duties and specialisms, as may be required from time to time to maintain or enhance P3's services. 44) The employee may on occasions, and in necessary circumstances, be called upon to undertake work in other locations in order to ensure P3's obligations to clients are fulfilled. 45) Undertake all duties in accordance with all P3 policies and work towards their continuing development and implementation. All job descriptions are subject to periodic review. This job description covers the range of duties required. It is P3 policy, wherever possible, to reach agreement on changes. However, if this is not possible P3 reserves the right to change the job description in line with the needs of the organisation. Job Description Senior Link Worker 4

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6 PERSON SPECIFICATION Senior Link Worker Values Must be able to demonstrate the following values; A commitment to client involvement and empowerment. Promotion of equality of opportunity for people who have experienced oppression and disadvantage in their life opportunities. Recognise and value all aspects of diversity Understanding of and commitment to the importance of accessing training, learning and development opportunities Management practice that demonstrates leadership with a vision for continuous improvement. Essential Desirable Experience Able to demonstrate experience of: Professional experience of homelessness and or substance misuse services Relevant personal experience Experience of working with clients with complex needs Partnership and networking skills Risk assessment and management planning Job Description Senior Link Worker 6

7 Knowledge and Understanding Must have a sound understanding of the needs of people who use our services An understanding of the issues people with complex needs face Knowledge of issues surrounding alcohol and substance misuse Knowledge of benefits system Knowledge and understanding of housing provision Knowledge and understanding of external partner agencies Skills and Abilities Able to work on own initiative and prioritise workload Able to work as an integral member of a team Must be able to establish and maintain constructive relationships with a wide range of people including providers in external agencies Must demonstrate effective interpersonal and communication skills Ability to empathise and communicate effectively with young people both on a one to one and group work basis. Must have ability to maintain accurate client records Must be able to respond flexibly to the needs of service users Ability to use database systems and word processing and produce quality documents using a computer Confident user of computers including . Able to work flexible hours if required Able to take an effective leadership role and motivate staff Job Description Senior Link Worker 7

8 Qualifications There must be substantial evidence of commitment to personal and career development relevant to the post. Full Driving Licence Job Description Senior Link Worker 8