We are looking to fill a full-time (35 hours a week) post and a part-time (25 hours a week) post to provide independent advocacy across Perth & Kinross for Adults affected by the Mental Health (Care & Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003; the Adults with Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000; and the Adult Support & Protection (Scotland) Act 2007; Unpaid Carers and Adults who have problematic Alcohol and/or Drug use.

The full-time post is in our Adults Team and the part-time post is also with our Adults Team, but supporting individuals with problematic Alcohol and/or drug use.

Independent advocacy is about ensuring everyone can access information regarding their human rights, helping them to understand and access the systems that affect them. We support them to have their voice heard within circumstances that affect their life.

At Independent Advocacy Perth & Kinross (IAPK), our advocates are completely independent from other Statutory and 3rd Sector Organisations that provide services to the people we support. We do not provide any other services other than independent advocacy. This means that we are as free as possible from any conflicts of interest.

We are committed to the individual’s voice and wishes being heard; we do not express our own view only that of the individual. Even when a person is considered not to have capacity, we still work to seek out that individual’s point of view.

For more information on the role and our Codes of Best Practice, please visit the website of our governing body, the Scottish Independent Advocacy Alliance.

Our Values:

- Human Rights: We recognise the essential dignity and inherent Human Rights of every person. We encourage those with power to respect rights and secure social justice.

- Independence: We are free from outside control, autonomous in our actions and remain uninfluenced in our work. We only provide Independent Advocacy.

- Partner-Led: We put the people we work with at the heart of our work. We are patient and skillful listeners who enable people to get their voices heard.

- Honesty: We act and communicate with openness, integrity and transparency at all times.

- Courage: We are proud to be champions of our Advocacy Partners and organisation. We support the right to challenge and are willing to question decisions and attitudes.

- Empowerment: We will work with our Advocacy Partners to enhance their capacity to have their voices heard, to make choices and to transform those choices into desired actions and outcomes.

As of 2024, we are reviewing our organisational values, as we are committed to ensuring these represent & support both our service users (referred to as our Advocacy Partners) and our employees. But we would ask all to still consider the above when applying for any IAPK role.

How We Support our Supporters:

As defenders of human rights, IAPK strongly advocates for supporting those whose role it is to support others, including all of our advocates, administration and management staff.

Mental Health:

IAPK has an Employee Assistance Programme which can offer therapeutic check ins. This offers a safe space for anything employees wish to discuss, ensuring further support within a role that will often interact with difficult circumstances.

We also understand that life doesn’t always go to plan, so IAPK offer and support Wellbeing Days, which can be fundamental in taking time for self-care.

Flexible Working:

We also support flexible working across all roles, so you can work with your line manager to find a routine that fits both your post and your individual life circumstances.

Experience & Growth:

IAPK look to support learning and growth within all roles, as we believe this is a key factor in job and life satisfaction. Thereby, various training opportunities, both mandatory and optional will be offered and encouraged throughout the year. Staff are also welcome to discuss futher training suggestions and/or desires with their line manager.

Workplace Pension:

IAPK offers a workplace pension which provides 4% employer contribution along with a 5% employee contribution. Staff are auto-enrolled onto this scheme following 3 months of employment.

Further Supportive Policies:

We understand that work is one of many parts of life, and so all of our working policies are written and reviewed to ensure they support the many facets of living, such as those pertaining to maternity/paternity & family life, illness/healthcare appointments, commuting, and expenses.

If you would like any further information, or have any questions regarding Reasonable Adjustments, just let us know.

Person Specification:

Prior experience as an advocate is not essential, but all candidates should have a passion for upholding people’s human rights, including their right to be heard, and a desire to proactively learn about Independent Advocacy.

For further details, please see the job description document attached.

The Supported Housing Worker role requires assisting in the management of the development thus ensuring the tenants are able to enjoy an acceptable standard of living in an environment which is clean, safe and friendly. You will be responsible for overseeing the wellbeing of the tenants and for assisting them in maintaining their independence.

As Housing Care Worker your role will involve working with our tenants to ensure they receive the support and personal care identified in their care plans. You will directly support tenants in their homes by providing individual advice, practical housing support assistance and personal care.

Both roles are to ensure that we are able to offer the best service to our tenants and make it possible for our tenants to continue enjoying as much independent living as they’re able.

As well as a competitive annual salary, our valued team also benefits from:

• competitive hourly rates of £12.25 - £12.50 per hour
• guaranteed rota hours working between 7.30am & 10pm
• generous annual leave entitlement
• a choice of pension scheme with employer contributions
• flexible working policies
• access to extensive paid training and development opportunities
• a supportive and inclusive culture.

We also have opportunities with our Trust Staff Agency - for employees who want to work across different locations, in various roles, with highly flexible hours to suit family commitments - it's a great opportunity with the same training and development that our other roles benefit from.

Previous experience working in social care or the housing sector would be an advantage but this is not always necessary. Our ideal candidate is someone with enthusiasm, a caring nature and willingness to learn as full training, support and ongoing development will be provided.

Are you looking to take the next step in your social care career?

Do you want an opportunity to make a genuine and positive difference to people’s lives?

Then Autism Initiatives wants to hear from you!

We are near completion of an exciting, brand-new housing support service in the Granton area of Edinburgh.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with the supported individuals to make sure their move to their new home is as positive as possible, and help them to settle into their new homes, and live happily there. Not only will you be directly supporting autistic people to ensure they have a great quality of life, but you will be part of the team who develop this brand new service.

The Senior Support Worker (SSW) will support the management team in developing and maintaining the organisation’s standards relating to autism specific and person centred practices. Liaising with the organisation’s practice support team, the SSW will assist in the preparation of support and communication plans, ensuring consistent practices throughout support networks.

Benefits of working with us include:

• Competitive Salary
• Sleepover rate paid at £12.00 per hour
• 31 days Annual Leave Entitlement, including bank holidays
• Ongoing Learning & Development throughout your role
• Opportunity to undertake relevant SVQ qualification
• Career Progression Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Auto-enrolment pension scheme
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Medicash Healthcare Plan
• Eligibility to become a Blue Light Card Member for online & high street discounts

The Senior Support Worker will assist in the supervision and direction of the staff team and in maintaining the high standards of support in line with the organisation’s quality standards and mission statement. Knowledge of current legislation and regulations relating to the social care sector and the requirements of the Care Inspectorate is essential for this role. The post holder will also be expected to commit to on-call duties.

Given the nature of this role, successful applicants must register with the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme and Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) or equivalent regulatory body.

This is a truly rewarding role, with the opportunity for you to develop your skills and knowledge and fulfil your career aspirations.

Benefits:

• 29 days annual leave PLUS bank holidays, with up to 5 additional days for continuous service and option to buy or sell leave
• Gain professional qualifications and excellent training/development opportunities
• Flexible maternity, adoption, and paternity packages
• Pension with up to 7% employer contribution with included life assurance cover
• Staff discount portal and Blue Light Card eligibility with 15,000 national retailers discounts.

Vulnerable children in the UK need your help

Wherever you work in the Action for Children family, you'll be helping to change the lives of the most vulnerable children in the UK.

Last year, we helped more than 670,000 children and families across the UK. From direct work in communities to national campaigning, we are focused on making sure every child has a safe and happy childhood, and the foundations they need to thrive.

Why Action for Children?

Working here is more than a job. Everyone in the Action for Children family is passionate about protecting and supporting children. It's the sense of purpose that drives us every single day. Because we know that, when we work together, we can make a huge difference to bring lasting improvements to vulnerable children's lives.

A bit about the role

Our Gilmerton Road Short Breaks service offers care and support to children, young people, and their families, aged 5-18. Our children and young people have intellectual disabilities and behaviours that may cause distress. Our mission is to provide essential support and guidance, empowering each young person to achieve their potential and pursue positive outcomes. This commitment lies at the heart of our work.

In your role as Team Leader Residential, you'll lead, inspire and motivate the team to deliver meaningful support that changes children's lives. The Team Leader Residential is a dual role that is split between offering direct support to the young people while undertaking administrative and organisational tasks. You'll have responsibility for rota management, lead on shifts, support staff in their personal development and assist the Registered Manager with the day to day running of the service. Through the direct support, you'll be part of an exceptional team who work together to develop and deliver person-centred care and support plans.

Collaborating with the Registered Manager and fellow Team Leaders, your role involves fostering a supportive culture within our service to ensure staff deliver high-quality care during short breaks.

How you'll help to create brighter futures

Some key responsibilities of a Team Leader Residential role are;

• Providing direct line management to a team of residential staff to deliver high standards of care.
• Support staff team development through training opportunities, staff supervision, and multidisciplinary working.
• Leading shifts and working with the Registered Manager to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and organisational policy and procedure.
• Work to achieve positive outcomes for individual children and young people and contributing to the achievement of an outstanding, good or equivalent rating in external inspection including deputising in the absence of the Registered Manager.

Let's talk about you

• To be SSSC registered, HNC Social care & SVQ Children and young people (or equivalent) and SVQ4 in leadership and management or (willing to work towards).
• Previous experience of supervising staff and coaching and supporting staff to reach a competent standard.
• Significant experience of working with children and young people with Learning Disabilities.
• To be able to effectively and safely deal with children and young people with behaviours of concern.
• Good knowledge of Safeguarding and keeping young people safe.