Are you passionate about working with older people and do you have ambition to contribute to system change?

Are you creative in your working approach?

If so, this role may be the perfect opportunity for you.

About the programme

The Edinburgh Resilience Programme, inspired by the Edinburgh Wellbeing Pact, works with people aged 60+. We work holistically to support clients to; discharge from hospital, access suitable housing, food, energy security and welfare. We encourage social connections to enable them to live well within their local community and have more good days. We are funded by the Edinburgh Health and Social Care Partnership.

About the role

Partnership working will be central to this role. You will work autonomously in the community, providing one-to-one holistic support to people aged 60+ living in Edinburgh. You will also actively participate in research activities with our partners and the people we support to shape the vision for this project.

About you

We are looking for someone who is good at building trusted relationships with people. You should be positive, able to work on your own initiative, and be innovative and flexible in providing support.

Knowledge of challenges faced by older people and experience of working with them will be important. Experience of carrying out assessments and/or being involved in research would also be an advantage.

How we will support you

You’ll be part of a small team, led by a supportive manager. There will be great opportunities for you to learn and develop, while sharing your skills and experiences. You will have access to wider Cyrenians support, including our learning and development programme, and staff wellbeing services.

About us

At Cyrenians we tackle the causes and consequences of homelessness by taking a Public Health Approach to Homelessness Prevention. We take a values-led and relationships-based approach to delivering all our services.

You can find out more about our impact and our values online.

Website: cyrenians.scot

The Practitioner for Youth Services plays a crucial role in delivering practical and emotional support to empower young people through a strength-based trauma informed approach, enabling them to make informed choices about their lives. The service aims to evidence and monitor the progress of young individuals through regular assessments, ensuring their safety and well-being. Additionally, the role involves supporting young people in various aspects, such as housing benefit applications, understanding housing options, accessing education and employment opportunities, and connecting with community resources. The service is dedicated to delivering a supportive environment and seeking feedback from young people to continuously improve the quality of the service.

The Behaviours we expect is someone who will demonstrate:

• Initiates conversations and activities with the people supported, adjusting their approach to meet individual need. Demonstrating the importance of proactive engagement with individuals and adapting communication styles.
• Adaptable to changing circumstances and adjusting support plans when needed. Will use feedback to improve and enhance the quality of support provided.
• Adheres to the SSSC (Scottish Social Services Council) Codes of Conduct, Health and Social Care Standards and Care Inspectorate requirements.
• Respecting confidentiality, boundaries, and privacy. Recognises and addresses any potential conflict of interest.
• A person with good judgment and communication skills who will make informed decisions that involves critical thinking and problem-solving skills, especially in situations that require navigating challenges or conflicts with people who use our services.
• Taking accountability for your actions, decisions, and the outcome of support provided.
• Transparent about actions, decisions, and processes, including open communications with people we support and colleagues across the organisation.
• Constructively questions colleagues on best practices and provides feedback. Clear and respectful communication with young people and colleagues.
• Actively listening to understand and respond appropriately to individual needs.
• Collaborates effectively with colleagues, healthcare professionals and colleagues to contribute towards a positive and supporting team environment.
• Recognises when a colleague is facing challenges and proactively offers support without being prompted.
• Can demonstrates a problem-solving mindset, as it involves identifying issues and taking initiative to address them.
• Paying close attention to individual needs, preferences, and support requirements.
• A person who can accurately document and report information.
• Typically spends less than 1 hour per shift on administrative tasks and demonstrates the importance of focusing on direct support and are effective when recording.
• Takes calculated risks and can handle crisis situations in the service when they arise.
• A person who can remain composed under pressure and has the capacity for quick thinking and problem resolution in high-pressure situations.
• Can lone working in the service, other services or in the community.
• Builds positive relationships with people supported while managing expectations and boundaries. Using feedback to improve and enhance the quality of care provided.
• Respecting the dignity, autonomy, and independence of individuals we support. Involving individuals in decision making about their support.
• Role modelling that demonstrates a positive regard, respect, and kindness towards those receiving support
• Take an active role in continuous improvement by identifying areas for enhancement, participating in training and education, and contributing to the overall improvement of the service.
• Is engaged in learning opportunities, sharing learning, and putting learning into practice. Emphasises a commitment to personal and professional growth and a culture of shared knowledge.
• Prioritise the safety and well-being of people we support and will follow safety protocols and guidance.

The person needs to:

• Attend and participate in monthly reflective practice groups.
• Attend and participate in monthly team meetings.
• Attend, prepare for and action monthly case management meetings.
• Evidence training and development undertaken to meet SSSC requirements.
• Participate and contribute to debriefing of significant incidents and near misses.
• Take responsibility for scheduling and preparing for supervisions, case management meetings and appraisals.

To apply for this job, you must have:

• Minimum qualification of SVQ Level 2 in Health and Social Care or have at least 2 years relevant experience in a social care setting with young people.
• Knowledge of trauma informed practice and ways of working.
• Membership of the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme.
• Registration with SSSC and meet requirements.
• Be able to use IT effectively including management systems, databases, and Microsoft 365

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Free parking
• Health & wellbeing programme
• On-site parking
• Referral programme
• Store discount

Schedule:

• Weekends only

Licence/Certification:

• SSSC registration (required)

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 for the role of Team Leader Residential 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.

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.

The applicant will support Black and Minority Ethnic women, their children (if any), and young people who are experiencing and/ or fleeing domestic abuse due to their sexuality and/ or gender identity.

The applicant ideally have a minimum of 2 years’ experience of working with Black Minority Ethnic (BME) communities. Must have good knowledge and understanding of equalities issues and the issues affecting BME and/ or LGBT women, children, and young people; understanding of the legislative and cultural issues surrounding domestic abuse, honour-based abuse such as forced marriage and female genital mutilation, and their effects on Black Minority Ethnic women, their children, and young people.

The applicant must have a minimum of SVQ Level III in Social Care or relevant qualification such as degree in Social Work or Community Education. All the above posts involve unsocial and flexible hours including evenings and weekends. Successful applicants will be subjected to disclosure checks through the PVG Scheme. ‘Women only need apply for these posts under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010’.

The post holder ideally be a bilingual speaker in one of the BME community languages.