Ref: 24/08 Female Specialist Support Worker - Greater Manchester

Benefits: 25 days annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, employer’s contributory pension scheme, EAP scheme and other generous benefits

Imagine Independence is a leading third sector organisation, passionate about supporting people with mental illness, neurodiversity, learning disabilities, and behaviours that challenge to live as part of their community. Imagine exists to challenge the stigma that having a mental illness or learning disability still brings. Imagine supports people to live meaningfully by nurturing their individuality and recognising the power of small steps.

Every day, Imagines’ staff and volunteers generously share their experience, knowledge, and talents with the people they support. Through their focused dedication to Imagines’ mission, and the courage to challenge the status quo, people feel valued. They know they are making both the ‘everyday’ and the ‘extraordinary’ become possible for everyone. They walk alongside the people they have the privilege to serve, helping to transform lives, one day at a time. And they never give up.

Do you want to become part of this amazing organisation?

As a Specialist Support Worker, you will help to promote the health and wellbeing of those you support. This will include making sure women access the health services they need; have as healthy a diet as possible; and live in a home environment that supports their wellbeing. It is an interesting and rewarding role, where no two days are ever the same. This service needs people committed to delivering high quality, person centred support. Previous experience is desirable but not essential.

A good communicator, who can build valued relationships with others, you will be able to use your judgement and common sense to get the best possible results for each person you support. Your focus will always be on the person you are supporting, promoting their dignity, and ensuring the highest standards of confidentiality are maintained. If you want to make a difference for others every day of your working life, we would love to hear from you. If you would like an informal chat about the role, you can contact Elaine, Melissa or Sufiya on 0161 757 0821.

Job Description:

• Take part in helping women draw up their person-centred plan and follow the agreed action plan.
• Work in partnership with others to allow independence of choice.
• To act with integrity and to identify opportunities to celebrate achievements to allow a positive, respectful and trusting relationship to grow.
• Support women to improve their confidence and self-esteem.
• Support women to make informed choices around a healthy lifestyle including physical health and improving self-care.
• Support women to manage their own physical, mental health and wellbeing in a positive manner.
• Support women to meet their leisure, work, social, emotional and spiritual needs.
• Support women to access the community and taking part in community activities.
• Support women to manage finances to meet domestic responsibilities and personal aspirations.
• Provide advice and support with domestic tasks and practical issues such as dealing with neighbours and keeping their house clean.
• Support women to access other services.
• Support women who may have alcohol and/or drug issues.
• Support women to maintain the safety and security of their home.
• To prompt individuals and undertake personal care duties as required.
• To write up and record activities undertaken.
• To complete risk assessment in accordance with Imagine policy and procedure.
• To report any significant change in an individual’s health, behaviour or wider situation to a manager and liaise with clinical teams.
• To attend, as appropriate, case conferences, reviews etc.

Person Specification:

• Willingness to work towards NVQ Level 3 in Health and Social Care.
• Evidence of continued personal development.
• Experience of working with women either in supported housing and/or mental health or community setting.
• Appropriate transferable skills as relevant to the service specification.
• Experience of working with women who have multiple needs, either paid or voluntary.
• Good communication skills and the ability to liaise effectively at all levels.
• Ability to problem solve creatively.
• Good organisational and time management skills.
• Understanding and ability to implement and utilise relevant I.T. systems.
• Record keeping skills.
• The ability to develop and sustain empowering relationships with clients.
• An ability to act calmly in emergencies, respond professionally & responsibly to distress, disturbance and unpredictable and challenging behaviour.
• An understanding of the social inequalities that impact on women’s mental health and that can be further sustained within mental health and social care services and settings.
• An understanding of the multi-layered experiences of abuse and trauma that this client group may have endured - in child and adulthood within ‘the home’, community, criminal justice system and mental health system – and the ways in which these corrosive experiences have impacted on their mental health and their interaction with others.
• An awareness of child sexual abuse and its ramifications.
• Understanding of the benefits of social inclusion.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• To be committed to the ethos of team-working and be supportive of colleagues and other staff.
• Ability to motivate and encourage.
• A positive approach to feedback.
• A commitment to Imagine’s philosophy and organisation objectives.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and social inclusion.
• Flexible approach to working location and times, including evening and weekends.
• Drive and enthusiasm with a commitment to deliver.
• Belief in the possibility of positive change in, and recovery of, women experiencing multiple mental health difficulties.
• Commitment to the empowerment of clients in relation to both the personal care and support they need/receive and the regular review of the service’s model of care.
• A non-judgemental and patient approach.
• Genuine empathy and compassion for this client group and conveying this to women residents.

Imagine is a values-based recruiter and so it will be seeking to ensure that the successful candidate will align with the following:

• Meaningful Living: Using empathy to bring together diverse people and resources, to put the everyday within reach of everyone.

• Nurturing Individuality: Creating conditions that support people to be true to themselves and express their truth.

• Focused Dedication: Showing up each day hungry to do our best to learn and develop. We never give up on people.

• Challenging Ideas: Keeping our efforts real and centred on what matters most, we do not settle for the ordinary when better is possible.

• Generous Sharing: Giving of ourselves, our experiences and knowledge, to promote and provide a great service.

To download the full job description and person specification, please visit our website: https://www.imagineindependence.org.uk/work-with-us/

Completed application forms are to be returned either by email to recruitment@imagineindependence.org.uk or post to 25 Hope Street, Liverpool, L1 9BQ.

An enhanced DBS will be required for this post.

Closing date for applications: Ongoing (Post will be closed without notice when sufficient applications are received).

Imagine aims to be an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community

Under the Equality Act 2010 (Schedule 9, Part 1: general occupational requirements) we only require Female candidates at the present time.