In Touch Support Worker – The Jane Moore Trust

We are currently seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic In Touch Support Worker to join our In Touch Team.

The In Touch project is partially funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and the In Touch Support Worker post is for a 2-year period. Reporting to the In Touch Manager, the postholder will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team offering a flexible and responsive aftercare service for young people and young adults as they prepare for transitions such as moving on to independent living.

What you’ll do:

● Build trusting and positive relationships with young people, working towards agreed outcomes and strategies.
● Be a source of emotional support and guidance, supporting mental health issues.
● Advocate for young people’s needs and interests, helping them connect with their community.
● Assist with practical tasks as needed, promoting independence and life skills development.
● Relationship and family work.
● Support in emergency and crisis situations.

Benefits enjoyed by our workforce include:

● Annual salary benchmarking.
● Access to a well-developed comprehensive training programme, including Dyadic Developmental Practice.
● Generous annual leave entitlement.
● Additional annual leave based on length of service.
● Free confidential employee assistance programme.
● Refer a Friend Bonus Scheme.
● Access to our group pension scheme.
● Access to private healthcare
● Enhanced sick pay
● Enhanced Maternity Pay
● Paid Bereavement Leave

Job Purpose

Reporting to the In Touch Manager, the postholder will work as part of a multi-disciplinary team offering a flexible and responsive aftercare service for young people and young adults from across Scotland.

Ensuring that the young people aged from 15 years to 23 years have a full range of support, guidance and practical assistance available to them at the right time as they prepare for transitions such as moving on to independent living, the postholder will provide services such as: befriending; advocacy; counselling and advice; mental health support; relationship and family work; support in emergency and crisis situations.

Key Responsibilities and Tasks

● Develop long-lasting, positive relationships with young people, working towards agreed outcomes and strategies.

● Provide direct support to meet the needs of each individual using social media platforms, one-to-one meetings and telephone support.

● Provide a range of services that are flexible and responsive that meet the changing needs of each individual in a professional and consistent manner.

● Participate in a 24-hour emergency service to offer support and advice to young people, either by telephone or in person, depending on the needs of the situation.

● Develop links and networks with local authority services across Scotland on behalf of young people.

● Develop partnerships with families, agencies and organisations to ensure effective planning for each young person referred to the project.

● Be familiar with the relevant legislation, national guidance and initiatives which relate to care leavers.

● Ensure the welfare of all young people using the project and follow the appropriate Child Protection and Protection of Vulnerable Adults procedures, where necessary and appropriate.

● Ensure each young person’s journey is responded to with creativity and flexibility, in line with the overall vision, mission and values of the service.

● Participate in support and supervision sessions and annual review with the In Touch Manager.

● Participate in ongoing personal development and training.

● Assume responsibility for any other tasks consistent with the nature and status of the post.

● Effectively complete any tasks that may be deemed appropriate by the In Touch Manager.

Person Specification

Essential

● Able to demonstrate experience and a commitment to working with young people who have challenging behaviour and experienced trauma
● Related child care, youth work, CLD or education qualification
● SVQ Level 3

Skills/Training

● Physically and mentally fit
● Highly motivated with demonstrated commitment and enthusiasm
● A caring attitude and a genuine interest in the rights and welfare of young people
● Mature, trustworthy and reliable
● Able to work on own initiative
● Excellent interpersonal and team-working skills
● Highly effective written and verbal communication skills
● Ability to build and sustain highly effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders
● Strong negotiation and influencing skills
● Ability to represent the organisation at all levels
● Excellent planning, prioritising, organisational and time management skills
● Ability to manage resources
● Ambitious, creative and innovative in approach
● Strong conflict management and resolution skills
● Able to work under pressure and adapt to change

Qualities

● Strong values with demonstrable commitment to improving outcomes for looked after young people and young adults
● Ability to work as part of a team and present as an excellent role model to young people and young adults
● Self-motivated with ability to respond to competing priorities and work under pressure
● Flexible and adaptable approach in dealing with changing circumstances
● Methodical, well-organised and able to meet deadlines
● Confident, highly motivated, honest and reliable
● Ability to think strategically and creatively
● Ability to adapt and cope with the pressure of change
● Sound knowledge of working with young people and the factors involved in supporting and
enabling young people to address their specific difficulties
● Highly professional attitude and presentation, understanding and maintaining confidentiality
● Able to reflect on one’s own practice and adapt and change

Desirable

● Experience of employability, further education and training sector
● Experience of working with mental health in young people

Special Requirements

Eligible to work in the UK Full Clean UK Driving Licence, with the use of a relevant criminal convictions vehicle, with own business insurance cover.

Closing date for applications is Monday 3 June 2024 at 12pm.
Interviews will take place on Tuesday 11 June 2024.