Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales
25,419 per year (pro rata)
Llanelli office /PPH
Part-time
Job Description Carer Officer – Hospital Discharge Support Service Job Title: Location: Salary: Carer Officer Llanelli office /PPH/ hybrid working £25,419 per annum pro rata Length of Contract: Fixed Term until 31 March 2026 Hours: 21 hours per week Pension: 3% Responsible to: Hospital & Community Discharge Service Co-ordinator DBS: Enhanced DBS required with Adult Barring Check Purpose of the role This post is part of a wider team working in hospitals across the Hywel Dda University Health Board area. To raise awareness and provide information, support and informal training / awareness sessions to Hospital Workers on the issues facing carers. To provide support to unpaid carers while the person they care for is in hospital. Main duties: Carer Awareness Training To work closely with all hospital-based teams to provide information and awareness of unpaid carers highlighting the issues faced by unpaid carers and raising awareness of the support available in Carmarthenshire. To include: o Adult inpatient areas o Community hospitals o Mental Health areas o Other groups / settings as appropriate To evaluate carer awareness sessions and training to hospital staff 1 To help hospital workers understand and improve carers’ (of all ages) experience of discharge / transfer of care. To be a point of contact for hospital staff, providing information and responding to carer related enquiries. Helping to identify unpaid carers earlier or more readily who might need support from the service To promote the Investors in Carers scheme to wards and hospital settings and support them to achieve the bronze level where appropriate Carer Support To listen to and understand unpaid carers and their circumstances providing tailored one-to-one support to help build on their strengths to identify what is most important to them. Provide carers with information including information on Carer Rights To provide one-to-one person-centred support to carers to enable them better to manage the impact of caring on their own health, financial and social situation. Signpost and / or make referrals to appropriate community-based services and organisations for further information and/or support as agreed with the carer. Work with the carer to develop a bespoke action plan to address the identified areas of need. Support unpaid carers to plan for hospital discharge, liaising closely with hospital staff and facilitating positive communications between hospital staff and the carer specifically enabling carers to have input to the patient’s care and discharge planning process. Visit unpaid carers in the community to help with the home end of discharge planning and post- discharge welfare checks. Make referrals for carers needs assessments and any other referrals to help the carer put things in place to maintain their own wellbeing and that of the person they care for. Be a point of contact for any queries or difficulties unpaid carers may be experiencing pre or post discharge. Support new unpaid carers with information and advice to help them adapt to their new or changed role Monitoring, reporting and administration Coproduce an action plan for Carers to help them achieve their identified outcomes and to demonstrate and record outcomes achieved for carers. To maintain accurate case records on our Customer Relationship Management data base. To assist in the preparation of information reports as required by Hywel Dda and external partners. To assist in collating carer feedback and information to evidence need for improvement of existing carers services and/or development of new services. Monitor carer progress in line with action plan, providing support to achieve identified outcomes. Monitor case records and statistics on our central database as required for the project. Complete your own timesheets, expenses forms and administration duties. Produce unpaid carer case studies and unpaid carers stories to highlight unpaid carers Issues and the difference made to unpaid carers. Team working/Networking and Liaison 2 To facilitate weekly drop-in information stands within the hospitals in order for staff and carers to readily access information and support To be aware of opportunities for new partnership working and help to develop clear protocols for joint working. To foster and maintain existing partnerships with a wide range of statutory, voluntary and community groups and forums across Carmarthenshire. To attend and participate in regular team meetings, reflective practice and wider organisational meetings. To represent CTCWW from time-to-time in events, meetings, etc. as required To provide team cover and continuity of services to carers to cover absence i.e. annual leave etc. To develop effective teamwork through informal and formal communication with colleagues To have a visible presence within the hospitals including during hospital visiting hours to facilitate ease of access to carers requiring support. This role might involve some evening and/or weekend work tbc. Evaluation and learning Share learning and insights from your practice to enable us to refine our approach to supporting unpaid carers. Link with equivalent Carer Officers workers based in Ceredigion & Pembrokeshire. Work in partnerships and feedback to Hywel Da University Health Board with any issues, barriers and best practice. General To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. To work at all times within the philosophy and policies and procedures of Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales, also complying with HDUHB policy at all times while working within a hospitals or health setting. To comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and with Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales policy, paying particular attention to the reporting of accidents, incidents and near misses. To respect personal choice and lifestyles of colleagues, carers, and people with care needs, ensuring that Equal Opportunity principles are applied at all times. To comply with the staff Code of Conduct. To undertake any other duties that may be considered commensurate with the level of the post. 3 Person Specification Post of: Carers Officer – Hospital Based Essential Desirable Qualifications Professional qualification and/or experience of working with supporting people or community development. Level 3 in Health and Social Care would be advantageous. Level 3: Advice & Guidance. Experience of providing support to individuals with health/social care needs Giving talks to small groups of people including carers and professionals Experience: Must be able to establish and maintain constructive relationships dealing with a wide range of people including Carers, family members, colleagues, hospital staff and individual service users while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries. Multi-agency and partnership working Experience of working with unpaid Carers. Knowledge: An understanding of the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014 and related legislation. Knowledge of statutory and third sector services and sources of support for unpaid carers in the area. Knowledge of Carers Rights within the Social Services and Wellbeing Act 2014 and Charter for Unpaid Carers Must have an understanding of the social care needs of people and those who care for them. Experience of person-centred support and promoting individual’s independence and wellbeing through this. To understand responsibilities of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection. An understanding of the health and social 4 care system and pathways to accessing statutory and third sector services Ability: Ability to work positively with other Welsh language skills desirable. agencies and develop strong partnership relationships with a wide range of people including individual partner providers in external agencies. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Excellent time management skills with ability to multi-task, prioritise and manage own case work. Can work independently and take initiative. Evidence of strong problem solving skills Must be able to keep accurate and concise Carer and service administration records in line with GDPR guidance. Must be computer literate. Must be car owner with full license and access to own car for travel for work purposes. Values: Those who use services being enabled to have greater opportunities to exercise their rights. This includes receiving the right care, at the right time in the right place. Promoting and exercising understanding of diversity and equality issues as barriers to social inclusion. Promoting Racial Equality and challenging institutional racism. To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable adults and children. Understanding the need for confidentiality. Promote dignity and respect. Able to demonstrate reliability and commitment. 5
Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales
27,514 per year (pro rata)
Carmarthenshire
Full-time
31st March 2028
JOB DESCRIPTION TITLE: Independent Professional Advocate SALARY: £27,514 per annum pro rata CONTRACT TYPE: Fixed Team contract until 31 March 2028 DBS: HOURS: Enhanced DBS required with Adult Barring Check 14 hours per week LOCATION: Carmarthenshire EMPLOYED BY: Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales RESPONSIBLE TO: Service Manager Main aims of the post This post will involve the provision of statutory Independent Professional Advocacy Services as defined under the Social Services & Wellbeing (Wales) Act as part of the 3 County Independent Professional Advocacy Service (3CIPA). 3CIPA is a collaboratively delivered service working in partnership with four organisations across West Wales. Advocacy support will enable vulnerable individuals to express their views, secure their rights and access essential information and services. Crucially, advocacy support will enable the individual to participate in, and have a voice, choice and control in decisions that affect them, particularly where the individual’s ability to communicate is limited for any reason. This role will primarily work with unpaid carers, however it could also include working with adults with physical disabilities and sensory impairment, and older people in a variety of settings, including; client homes, hospitals, residential care homes. A professional, client focused attitude is essential. Scope and accountability The post holder will: Be supported by the Carers Support Services & Development Manager Have a role in identifying individuals who may require Independent Professional Advocacy Work closely with the wider 3CIPA team, particularly the service lead to ensure smooth and timely advocacy provision is accessible to individuals meeting the criteria for Independent Professional Advocacy Travel expected throughout the county, with some out-of-county travel required, including to face to face appointments with clients of the service. Hybrid office/home based working otherwise Participate in the Three Counties Advocacy Network Duties to include Advocacy To provide confidential one to one advocacy, including to undertake the statutory advocacy role as set out in legislation, complying with systems for: o Referral – Prioritisation and Case load management including the maintenance of accurate records. o Monitoring and reviewing service provision that include quarterly and annual reports o Quality assurance and complaints To work within the principles of advocacy good practice and the Advocacy Charter To ensure that people using the service are able to assert their rights and are supported to self-advocate whenever possible. Encourage individuals to explore their potential to the fullest, push boundaries and safely manage risks to maintain or regain increased control over their daily lives To liaise, communicate and negotiate effectively with people accessing social care services, a range of health and social care professionals and family members. To support individuals and/or provide representation for individuals at key meetings such as assessment, care planning, MDT, CHC/DST, Safeguarding, etc. To signpost and refer on people for issues that do not fall within the scope of the advocacy role. To prioritise work to meet the needs of clients and decision makers. To implement work to promote equal opportunities in the services. To keep up to date with policy and legal changes relating to the services. To work within and comply with the contractual remit of the service, code of conduct, and Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales and 3 CIPA policies. Administration, Monitoring & Evaluation To record and update client records in a timely manner in accordance with 3CIPA requirements and in compliance with the Data Protection Act. To ensure the requirements for internal and external monitoring and evaluation are met. To maintain accurate records and administration systems and contribute to the efficient running of the service. To record inputs, outputs and outcomes in accordance with 3CIPA procedures. To identify issues of importance raised by individuals using the service from their views and experiences and promote these through relevant means e.g. service user groups, planning meetings etc. To actively participate in and contribute to team meetings, supervision sessions and staff appraisals as arranged. Accountability To seek guidance and support from management staff when needed. To record movements in outlook calendar and provide relevant information to Service Managers as requested. To work closely with the client in accordance with the Advocacy Code of Practice and Advocacy Charter and any other agency procedures. Working with others 2 To attend team meetings & planning meetings with colleagues. To liaise with service providers, relatives and others engaged with/working with service users as part of the advocacy role. To develop positive, professional working relationships with other agencies and with referrers. Project Development To work with the service manager and assist in achieving the Advocacy Quality Performance Mark To publicise and promote the work of the organisation and the development of advocacy, including innovative models of advocacy. To undertake training as necessary including accredited training in order to provide independent advocacy. To take responsibility for own development including completion of the Independent Advocacy Qualification to Diploma Level within the first 18-24 months of commencing employment General To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. To work at all times within the philosophy and policies of Carers Trust Crossroads West Wales. To comply with the Health & Safety at Work Act 1974 and with Crossroads Care policy, paying particular attention to the reporting of dangerous situations. To have a commitment to developing quality by the implementation the quality evaluation tools along with any other standards set by Carers Trust and 3CIPA. To respect the personal choice and lifestyles of colleagues, carers, and people with care needs, ensuring equal opportunity principles are applied at all times. To comply with the staff Code of Conduct. To undertake any other duties that may be considered commensurate with the level of the post. PERSON SPECIFICATION 3 Desirable Experience of providing either informal or formal advocacy Experience of attending multi- disciplinary meetings Experience of supporting individuals through the safeguarding process Experience of raising both informal and formal complaints Experience of undertaking risk assessments and supporting positive risk management Welsh language skills desirable. Essential Experience Experience of establishing and maintaining constructive, professional relationships with a wide range of people including Carers, family members, colleagues, hospital staff and individual service users Experience of supporting individuals in relation to assessment of needs and accessing appropriate services Experience of speaking for or negotiating on someone’s behalf (this could be in an informal setting) Experience of working within a person-centred manner establishing ‘what matters to me’ Experience of working within an equal partnership with an individual to establish, monitor and achieve client focused outcomes Using this approach, promoting individual’s rights, choice, independence and wellbeing Skills and abilities Ability to practice safely and establish and maintain appropriate professional and personal boundaries. Ability to work positively with other agencies and develop strong partnership relationships with a wide range of people including individual partner providers in external agencies. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to negotiate and influence others to achieve agreed outcomes Excellent time management skills with ability to prioritise workload and multi-task. Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines Can work independently and take initiative. Is a flexible team player, valuing the strength of team members and its collective achievement Must be able to keep accurate and readable Carer and service administration records. Good IT skills and ability to use a range of Microsoft packages Able to work flexibly with occasional out of hours session i.e. weekends, evenings. Must be car owner with full license and access to own car for travel for work purposes. 4 Knowledge An understanding of the health and social care system and pathway to services A good understanding of the Social Services and Wellbeing (Wales) Act 2014 and related legislation. A clear understanding of the role of an independent advocate and the Advocacy Charter Knowledge of both statutory and third sector services and sources of support for individuals in the area. Understanding or experience of the complex issues surrounding a range of care and support needs, the network of community services and the need for advocacy. To understand responsibilities of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable adults and children. Understanding of Health & Safety in the workplace. Understanding of the importance of confidentiality and data protection and GDPR legislation. Must have understanding of equality issues facing people with health, care or support needs Qualifications A good standard of education, a professional qualification and experience of supporting vulnerable individuals in a health and social care setting. City & Guilds Level 3 Diploma in Independent Advocacy or a commitment to achieve this within 18 months Values Those who use services being enabled to have greater opportunities to exercise their rights. This includes receiving the right care, at the right time in the right place. Promoting and exercising understanding of diversity and equality issues as barriers to social inclusion. Promoting equality and challenging Level 3 Diploma in Health and Social Care Level 3 Diploma in Advice & Guidance. 5 inequality. To be committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of vulnerable adults and children. Understanding the need for confidentiality Promote dignity and respect. Able to demonstrate reliability and commitment. Has a positive, solution focused attitude with the ability to overcome barriers 6