Jobs in Kelso and District, Scottish Borders

About Us:

Roxburgh and Berwickshire CAB is an independent charity providing advice, information and support to people across our community. We are a friendly team of staff and volunteers working over 4 locations (Eyemouth, Duns, Kelso, and Hawick) delivering a busy advice service. We strive to deliver a good quality service that meets the needs of our clients in a non- judgemental and confidential manner. We aim for individuals not to suffer through not knowing or understanding their rights and responsibilities or not being aware of the services available to them. We provide advice and options to our clients so that they can make informed decision and feel empowered to improve their personal circumstance.

Job description:

As an Advice Worker, you will have an interesting and rewarding role giving advice on a range of topics. You will work as part of a supportive team ensuring our clients receive a holistic service enabling them to exercise their rights and access the benefits and services they are entitled to. You will have the opportunity to advise across a number of areas, including: benefits, housing, debt, and employment etc.

Key Responsibilities

• Interview clients over the phone, and face-to-face to gather relevant information about their circumstances and identify the areas they require assistance with.
• Research advice areas to identify possible options for the client and explain these on a concise and understandable way, to allow the client to make an informed decision.
• Provide practical assistance to clients such as completing benefit calculations on their behalf and helping clients to contact other agencies.
• Identify social policy issues to feedback to the wider network to help benefit both local and national social policy campaigns.
• Negotiate with third parties on the client’s behalf to resolve issues they are facing, for example, with employers, benefit agencies, and landlords, etc.
• Coordinate with specialist advisors and projects within the Citizens Advice Bureau network to ensure clients receive support with complex issues.
• Refer clients to external agencies where the support required falls outwith our remit.
• Maintain accurate records through the case recording system.
• Identify areas for personal development and proactively explore training opportunities to continue your own personal development.
• Keep up to date on relevant legislation and case law relevant to the role.
• Uphold the principles of Roxburgh and Berwickshire CAB at all times.

Ark is a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism.

Ark supports people to live independently in their own homes providing everything from a few hours a week social and life admin support to 24/7 care supporting with personal care, medication, household tasks, attending appointments and leisure activities.

We have lots of opportunities across Scotland for our Support Worker roles. As we provide full training no previous is experience is required.

If you are enthusiastic about supporting people to live their best lives, then apply now to join our team!

Your main duties will include but not be limited to:

• Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable people.
• Communicate and work well with our supported people to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.
• Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.
• Updating and maintaining accurate records using a tablet on Arks Information Management system.

Previous experience of the following is an advantage but not essential as Ark will provide full training: Care Worker, Social worker, Home Carer, Case Worker, Care Assistant, Autism Support Worker, Personal Care Assistant , Social Care Worker.

View our job outline, find out what you working week could look like and hear from our current Support Workers on Arks website arkha.org.uk/work-with-us

Why Ark?

• No Previous Experience Required - Ark provide full training so no previous experience is required making our Support Worker roles the perfect place to start your career in Adult Social Care.
• Get a qualification while you work - Ark fully fund your SVQ2 in Health & Social Care which you complete with the support of our in house SVQ team.
• Employee Discounts - Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
• Career Progression -Over 75% of all Managers within Care & Support have been promoted internally.
• Employee Assistance Program - Arks Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
• Contracted hours to suit you-We have Full-time, Part-time and Relief Support Worker roles available at our services throughout Scotland.

In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:

• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata
• 4% Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Fully funded PVG & 1st year SSSC registration paid by Ark

Our employees told us in a recent survey that they stay with Ark because they believe in our values, we have supportive managers who continually appreciate their staff and they love making a positive difference in our supported peoples lives, helping them to achieve their dreams.

Ark would love to hear from you whether you are an experienced Support Worker or new to Social Care.