Communications Jobs

Fixed term contract for 12 months, 35 hours per week
London

Are you eager to support a team to deliver an efficient customer focussed service?

The Retired Ministers Housing Society (RMHS) exists to assist retired and retiring ministers to meet their housing needs during retirement, aiming to provide appropriate housing suitable for long-term occupation. We maintain around 300 properties tenanted by retired ministers, arranging inspections and repairs.

In this role you will be responsible for the daily coordination of repairs and maintenance activities. You will be the central point of contact for our elderly residents, liaising with surveyors to ensure our programme of works and cyclical compliance checks are followed through and carried out promptly.

You are educated to A level standard, or equivalent experience, have excellent administration and ITC skills and are highly organised. You also possess good communication skills and can problem solve, dealing with issues in a calm and sensitive manner. Experience of repairs and maintenance in a housing environment would be a distinct advantage.

We can offer you a flexible and friendly work environment in a small team; hybrid working from Church House in London and from home is possible.

If you are interested in working for us and can meet the above requirements, please contact us/see our website for an application form (noting that we do not accept CVs).

Closing date for applications: 12 noon, Friday 2 August 2024   
Interview dates:  Friday 16 August 2024

Are you passionate about children’s mental and physical health? Do you want to positively shape and impact children’s lives and create healthy, happy humans? Do you believe it matters and it matters now?

Stormbreak supports children’s mental health through working with trusted adults and children to embed mentally healthy movement every day for every child.

At stormbreak, we work together to provide preventative, accessible programmes and services that support organisations, communities, trusted adults and the children in their care to embed mentally healthy movement every day, for every child and in doing so improve children’s lives. 

Stormbreak’s vision is to embed mentally healthy movement programmes and services that reach and help every child requiring support at a preventative level through education, health and social sectors. Stormbreak supports trusted adults that live with, work with, care for and support children to recognise, respond and regulate their mental health through movement.

Stormbreak has developed and delivered (face to face and digital) Together programmes for foster and adoption families guiding them to use mentally healthy movement to support the emotional health and wellbeing of their foster and birth children.

There is a growing need to support the mental, emotional and physical wellbeing of children in order to reduce the potential onset of long term mental ill health, mitigate escalation and prevent crisis point. Recent years have seen an unprecedented surge in demand for mental health care in children across the UK.

Looked after children are highly vulnerable to emotional and relationship difficulties, putting them at risk of long-term mental health issues and placement breakdown with their carers. 

Many foster parents struggle to cope with the emotional and mental health challenges of the children they look after.  If they cannot access support or do not develop the necessary skills and emotional capacity, this can lead to placements breaking down and more resulting mental health challenges for the foster children who can then feel even more unloved, uncared for and abandoned.

Primary Responsibilities:

• To support the stormbreak Together programme delivery (face to face and online). 

• To establish and collaborate with external project partners and stakeholders, e.g. local authorities, independent fostering and adoption agencies, residential care settings.

• To identify and develop partnership networks of local delivery partners/stakeholders and project beneficiaries including (but not limited to) local authorities, independent fostering and adoption agencies, residential care settings, health and education professionals, family support practitioners and other professionals to raise awareness and promote engagement in the programmes. 

• To support the ongoing development of programme delivery content and materials, including digital content.

• To support the digital development and implementation of the ‘stormbreak shine’ early opportunity intervention programme in children’s mental health and emotional health.

Knowledge/Skills:

Understanding of Social Care Sector: Deep understanding of the social care sector, including both independent and local authority fostering and adoption services. (Essential)

Effective Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with various stakeholders, including families, social care teams, and external partners. (Essential)

Teamwork: Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team to ensure seamless programme delivery and support. (Essential)

Safeguarding Knowledge: Rich and detailed knowledge of the breadth of issues affecting children in care and an unrivalled capacity to implement, develop and follow safeguarding policy and procedures to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants in the programme. (Essential)

Programme Management Skills: Proven ability to manage and deliver intervention programmes, both face-to-face and online, ensuring successful implementation and operation. (Essential)

High Relational Ability: Exceptional relational skills to build trust and effective working relationships with families, social care teams, and multidisciplinary partners. (Essential)

Evaluation and Reporting: Ability to contribute to project effectiveness through evaluation, insight monitoring, and impact report writing and dissemination. (Desirable)

Integrity, openness, professionalism, confidentiality and care.

Experience:

Experience with Looked After Children: Direct, recent experience in working with looked after children and supervising foster carers to effectively manage the unique challenges and requirements of these groups. (Essential)

Experience in CYP Mental Health Services: Proven experience working within Child and Young People (CYP) mental health service provision in education and social settings. (Essential)

Experience in Content Creation: Experience in creating, writing, and delivering engaging and innovative content in different media formats for CYP mental health. (Desirable)

Qualifications:

Qualified Social Worker: Must be a qualified social worker to effectively understand and manage the needs of the children and foster parents involved in the programme. (Essential)

Degree Level Qualification: A relevant degree to ensure a strong foundation of knowledge applicable to the role. (Essential)

Stormbreak is committed to being an equal, diverse and inclusive charity accessible for all. The aim is for our workforce, including our board of trustees, to be truly representative of all sections of society and our stakeholders, and for everyone to feel respected, valued and able to give their best. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and communities.

The Landmark Trust is seeking a new member of a successful Development team that raises philanthropic funding in support of our award-winning heritage conservation projects.

Our charity saves historic buildings in danger of being lost forever. We are passionate about heritage, conservation, crafts skills, and making precious places available for all to enjoy. We have an ambitious pipeline of new rescue projects across the UK – ranging from a WW2 control tower in Hampshire to a 1720s Palladian villa near Edinburgh – which depend on the success of our fundraising.

This is a key new role in a programme of philanthropic giving from trusts, foundations and individuals supporting capital appeals and other areas of Landmark’s work including the island of Lundy.By managing your own portfolio of supporters and prospects you will bring high standards of donor care to grow income and sustain long-term relationships.The role reports to the Development Manager (Major Gifts). Includes trusts prospect identification and research, writing compelling proposals, case studies and updates to demonstrate our impact. 

Newcomers say we're a friendly bunch who work hard, where everyone has a clear purpose, and we all pull together towards a common goal. We are a flat, agile organisation, proud and passionate about the work we do.

Some travel will be required for site visits, meetings, and events to engage supporters and prospects face to face with the Landmark Trust’s varied work throughout the UK.

Can you inspire and be inspired? Can you deliver great customer service? Are you looking for a chance to shine? We have fantastic opportunities for progression and development and the Freedom to nurture ideas and flair within a Framework of support to develop you.

At Barnardo's we believe in children, the funds we raise in store support the most vulnerable children and young people in the UK and now's your chance to play your part in this vital work. As well as maximising sales and profit in store you'll also ensure the very highest standards of presentation and customer services – your aim will be to make your store the best in town, for customers to visit and for your colleagues to work in.

You're an experienced people manager; you are creative and resourceful and can use this to generate customer, donor and colleague loyalty. You'll need to be well organised with great communication skills to lead your team of colleagues in store to maximise sales and profit and meet your stores targets.

In return you will work for one of the UK's largest charity retailers with benefits, including full training and development package, promotion prospects, pension and benefits.

Generating the money we need to make children's lives better is a truly fulfilling role so if you'd like to use your talent to make a positive difference then we would love to hear from you!

The full Job description and Person profile is available below. Please read this before applying to ensure that the job matches your skills and experience.

* As part of Barnardo's ongoing commitment to safeguarding, our retail recruitment process requires that successful candidates are asked to consent to a Basic criminal records check.

Interview Date: Where an interview date has been given in the advert, this will be the only date available. Please check this before proceeding with your application.

Please note due to the high volume of applications for some posts, this advert might close before the displayed closing date. We recommend that you apply for this role as soon as possible.

Are you an experienced philanthropy fundraiser wanting to use your skills to make a long-term impact on the lives of young people experiencing homelessness?

Charity People are partnering with Safe and Sound Homes (SASH) to find a Trust and Major Donor Lead to join the team to manage existing relationships with trusts and major donors, while developing new relationships within this space so that SASH can continue their essential, life changing work.

Salary £38,826 per annum
Contract: Permanent, 37 hours per week but happy to look at condensed, part time and reduced hours, so please let us know what you are looking for.
Based: Hybrid, in York and from home (1 day per week in the office minimum, SASH are based at the University Science Park)

Excellent benefits: 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays, 5% pension contributions, enhanced maternity leave and shared paternal leave, parking permit.
Culture: Collaborative, healthy, happy and both life and family-friendly

About the charity:

Safe and Sound Homes (SASH) is a charity that has been helping vulnerable young people experiencing homelessness since their inception in 1994. They cover York, North Yorkshire and East Riding, and have two types of approaches in order to achieve their aim of making a lasting difference to each young person, so they will never have to experience homelessness again.

SASH offers short-term, immediate help at the time of crisis through their Nightstop programme, and longer-term intervention through their Supported Lodgings scheme, where young people are provided accommodation in the homes of volunteer hosts.

About the role:

You'll account manage and steward existing trust donors and identify and build relationships with new prospects who have the capacity to support at a higher level. You'll collaborate with members of the Senior Management Team to create compelling funding proposals, and work with the wider communications team to develop engaging proposals.

About you:

This brilliant opportunity would really suit a skilled and collaborative relationship builder.

To apply for this role, we'd love to see you showcasing:

• Experience in Trust and Foundations Fundraising or statutory bid writing
• Experience working with major donors and high net worth individuals and the ability to secure major gifts
• Demonstrable experience of developing and maintaining relationships with partners and/or supporters that ultimately generate income

Most importantly, you'll be passionate about positively impacting the lives of young people experiencing homelessness, not only when they are in crisis, but longer term, providing them with the skills and knowledge they need to live independently.

If you're excited about this role like we are, please send a profile or copy of your CV to Priya Vencatasawmy at Charity People who will fill you in on next steps.

Deadline to apply: Only because this role has been previously advertised, we'll be accepting applications on a rolling basis. If you feel this disadvantages you in any way, please contact Priya at Charity People and she'll do her best to ensure you don't miss out.

Charity People actively promote equality, diversity and inclusion. We match charity needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we know greater diversity will lead to even greater results for the charities we work with.

We are looking to recruit an Assistant Designer to join our team based in London. You will join us on a full-time, permanent basis, and in return, you will receive a competitive salary of £29,500 per annum.

The Royal Air Force Museum is a national museum, a Government non-departmental public body (NDPB) and a registered charity, with two sister sites at London and Midlands. Our purpose is to share the RAF story, past, present and future – using the stories of its people and our collections in order to engage, inform and inspire. Our Vision is to inspire everyone with the RAF story – the people who shape it and its place in our lives.

We have two public sites (London and Midlands) and a stored collection (Stafford). Our trading company and active fundraising supplement Grant in Aid which comes through the Ministry of Defence.

The Royal Air Force Museum is a Carbon Literate organisation and as such promotes Carbon Literacy.

Purpose of the Assistant Designer role:

The Assistant Designer will support the Exhibitions and Interpretation department to develop and deliver graphic design across the Museum, working closely with the Designer. They will design both permanent and temporary exhibition graphics, as well as designing wayfinding signage for the Museum sites and supporting wider Museum departments with design requests, such as events marketing materials.

The Assistant Designer will support the delivery of the Museum’s Midlands Development Programme, developing and delivering graphic design for exhibition updates and wayfinding graphics, as well as supporting co-creation activities with local communities.

Key responsibilities of our Assistant Designer include:

• Designing and managing production of exhibition graphics, wayfinding and signage at both Museum sites, including permanent and temporary exhibitions 3
• Supporting Museum departments with graphic design production as required, working closely with the Communications and Marketing, Retail, Learning and Engagement, Visitor Experience and Development teams
• Responding to graphic design helpdesk requests in a timely manner
• Ensuring signage at both public sites is up to date, liaising with the Visitor Experience teams
• Upholding the Museum Style Guide in all graphic design • To ensure that graphic design is accessible for all visitors
• Ensuring all projects are delivered within agreed budgets to defined deadlines to the highest quality standards of display and interpretation
• Testing new ideas and ways of engaging wider audiences with Museum stories and collections through innovative graphic design

What we are looking for in our Assistant Designer:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in graphic design
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office, Adobe Creative Suite and other 3D and 2D design software
• Displays enthusiasm around activities, adopting a positive approach when interacting with others, and motivating team members
• Uses experience and knowledge of standard practices, procedures or customs to evaluate problems and make appropriate decisions/provide appropriate advice
• Is able to organise own activities to deliver to expected standards and targets.
• Demonstrates pro-activity in seeking opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and experience within own area
• Understands the Museum’s purpose, vision and strategic objectives, and how their own role, their team and other teams within the Museum, supports their achievement.

 Closing date for applications: 11 August 2024

 Interviews will take place on: 21 August 2024

If you think you have what it takes and want to be part of this exciting journey, please visit the jobs page on our website for further information. Join us in delivering our purpose and achieving our vision, ensuring that the Royal Air Force’s story continues to enrich and inspire current and future generations. We would love to hear from you!

The Helen Bamber Foundation (HBF) is a specialist UK charity which provides expert care and support survivors of torture, trafficking and other extreme human cruelty. We work with hundreds of clients every year from all over the world.

The expertise of the Foundation is renowned in the field. Through the Model of Integrated Care, HBF offers survivors access to an individually tailored programme of specialist therapy, medical advisory services, legal protection including providing expert medico-legal documentation, welfare and housing support, and creative and skills activities within an integration programme. Survivors of human trafficking benefit from HBF’s counter-trafficking programme of support.

The Role

This is an opportunity to join HBF’s specialist multi-disciplinary team, working alongside experts in asylum and immigration law, and trauma-informed ways of working. The purpose of this role is to lead on HBF’s legal and policy work as it relates to our survivor of trafficking clients alongside our Director of Policy. The Counter Trafficking Legal and Policy Specialist will split their work between HBF’s legal and policy teams – spending three days on legal work and two days on policy work, while also liaising with the multi-disciplinary team to manage client needs and ensure expert collaborative working.

Equal Opportunities

 HBF is an equal opportunities and Living Wage employer. We are committed to attracting and recruiting diverse candidates as we are keen to make sure that our staff, trustees, volunteers and ambassadors reflect the communities we serve and the wider community we work in at every level within the organisation. Therefore if you are a refugee and meet at least 50% of the criteria we will guarantee that you will be longlisted for an interview.   We particularly welcome applications from Minority Ethnicities.

As is the nature of work in this sector, the role will expose the postholder to traumatic and distressing material and, whilst they will be supported by their line manager and the surrounding team, they should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of the self-care principles needed to manage working in an intense work environment and be able to collaborate in the dissemination of those principles to other members of the team.

Please note that the successful candidate will be offered the job subject to suitable references and an enhanced DBS check. If appointed, you will be required to give your consent to HBF to receive regular updates on your criminal records status throughout your employment.

Please submit an up-to-date CV and covering letter by 11.59pm on Sunday 4th August. Your application should outline your relevant skills and experience, as well as how your previous experience that matches the listed responsibilities and person specification. Interviews will be held in the weeks of the 5th and 12th August.

Please state in your covering letter when you would be available to start the role. The start date for this role is September 2024.

For any queries about the role, please direct them to Kat Hacker, Director of Legal Protection & Client Services.

We regret that we can only respond to applicants who make it to the interview stage. No agencies.

Collaborating with joint Senior Responsible Officers (SROs), the Programme Director (PD) will play a role in leading, shaping and contributing to the implementation of the national TMSFA programme. They will maintain oversight of, and coordinate all, programme activity ensuring successful delivery of expected improvements, benefits and outcomes. 

As PD, they will partner with internal and external stakeholders to drive forward successful delivery of the national transformation programme ensuring alignment to overall objectives and priorities set by the TMSFA collaboration.  They will be the change expert, partnering with the SROs and all MS Centres, in the design and implementation of large-scale change programmes that supports the future care model, improves quality of patient care, improves patient and staff experience, enables continued cultural change, improves efficiency and productivity of clinical pathways and services.

The PD will proactively look ahead and gather relevant information to inform the future direction of the transformation effort.  They will have an external lens through which to identify national and international world class standards of healthcare and engage with others to accelerate adoption of appropriate best practice.  In doing so, they will effectively engage and involve MS experts from across the MS Centres and beyond including international MS experts and those from Pharma.  They will ensure that resources from a range of disciplines and professional areas such as clinical, operational, digital, change, communication, HR, finance and external suppliers are in place to support the transformation programme.  They will provide regular assurance to the joint SROs / Transform MS board relating to progress and outcomes to inform strategic decision making and will provide regular updates to all stakeholders to ensure there is a common understanding of progress and outcomes. 

An opportunity has arisen to provide support in our weekly groups for young people aged 13-19 who are experiencing emotional or mental health difficulties. The groups are an informal, fun, confidential space where young people can meet and chat with other young people, take part in feel-good activities and receive helpful information and tools. There are two groups a week, one on Thursdays in Tunbridge Wells between 4.30pm-6pm and another in a venue in Tunbridge Wells or Tonbridge, details to be confirmed.  

We are looking for a Sessional Support Worker to assist with the delivery of the groups. The postholder will work closely with the Reachout Youth Coordinator to help plan and deliver the groups and provide support to group members. You will have experience of working with young people and an understanding of mental health conditions. You will have excellent communication and listening skills, be positive, warm and welcoming and able to deal confidently with challenging situations.

The role is for 5 hours per week. Most of your time will be spent at the groups in their 2 different locations, with some time being spent helping to plan activities, attend monthly supervision, and/or other relevant meetings outside of the groups.

We offer:

· 25 days annual leave entitlement per year pro rata, with incremental increases capped at 30 days after 10 years’ service (plus bank holidays)

· An additional day of leave on your birthday and another over the winter period

· A fully supportive working environment with regular supervision

· Flexible days and hours where possible, to be arranged

· Access to our Employee Assistance Programme, a confidential 24/7 telephone advice and counselling service

· Ongoing training relevant to your role, and access to various courses through Charity Consortium Learning

· Pension contributions of up to 4% of your salary

Please read the job description and person specification below before applying.

How to apply

Please email a CV and supporting statement (maximum of 2 sides of A4) that clearly outlines your suitability for the role making sure you have addressed the criteria listed in our person specification to Leigh Attwood by 10am on Friday 2nd August. CV’s sent without a supporting statement will automatically be discounted. Interviews will be held in person, in Tunbridge Wells on Thursday 22nd August.

Please note the role will be working with vulnerable young people so an enhanced DBS check will be required, in addition to evidence of your right to live and work in the UK without restrictions.

Mental Health Resource is committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion and we want this to be reflected in the diversity of the people we employ. Applications are therefore welcomed from all backgrounds and identities.

If you have access needs or require reasonable adjustments as part of the recruitment process, please let us know.

Charity Registration No: 1049854.

We are seeking a highly organised Children and Young Person’s Specialist Exploitation Caseworker to work in the St Pauls and Moors Estates in Cheltenham.

The postholders will combine their lived experience of overcoming similar barriers to the client group and their professional experience to provide crucial guidance, support, and mentorship to children and young people who are being, or at high risk of being exploited. 

Through 1:1 mentoring, you will ensure children and young people are equipped to think critically, assess risk, and make better life choices. You will also support them to overcome personal challenges and achieve personal goals. The resulting mindset shift and confidence makes them more resilient to the risks of becoming involved with substance misuse and/or supply; gangs; exploitation and violence.

We positively encourage applications if you have had personal adverse experiences that make you and ‘expert by experience’. This could include experience of the criminal justice system, having served a prison sentence, experience of gang involvement, county lines and criminal exploitation. You will need to demonstrate how your lived experience supports your ability to carry out the role to the benefit of the clients we work with.

Key Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Delivery specialist Exploitation 1 to 1 casework and mentoring to identified at risk young people up to the age of 25 years and their families.
• Establish and maintain positive relationships with children and young people to provide emotional support, guidance, and mentorship. 
• Address individual needs and challenges, utilising personal experiences, local knowledge, professional skills and St Giles casework and mentoring materials to offer support and intervention. 
• Assist children and young people in setting and achieving personal life goals. 
• Woking alongside statutory organisations such as YST and Collaborate with professionals to support and develop strategies to minimise the risk to young people. 
• Support client’s attendance to youth court as and when required. 
• Maintain a trauma informed approach, that recognises and responds to trauma and amplifies the voices and experiences of children and young people.
• Develop positive, pro-social attitudes, behaviour and social skills with children and young people. 
• Safeguard, protect and promote the welfare of children and young people. 
• Provide guidance on resolving interpersonal issues. 
• Maintain open and effective communication with mentees, professionals, parents/carers and partners. 
• Maintain accurate records (including case notes and engagement data) of interactions, progress, and outcomes in line with St Giles delivery protocols. 
• Use data to assess the effectiveness of interventions and make adjustments as needed. 
• Support in the collation of evaluative data (in line with project protocols). 
• Promote inclusivity and equity in your role. 
• Attend relevant training and workshops to enhance mentoring skills and professional knowledge.

In your application, please demonstrate how you meet the person specification criteria marked with (A) 

• Relevant direct or indirect experience of the criminal justice system or lived experience of the issues facing the client group (i.e. involved in gangs, county lines and/or knife crime). (A) 
• Experience of working positively with socially excluded children, young people or adults and able to engage successfully despite ‘challenging’ behaviour. (A) 
• Knowledge of the challenges and issues facing vulnerable young people. (A) 
• Understanding and demonstration of professional standards and accountability. 
• Empathetic and understanding attitude toward young peoples' needs. (A) 
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and active listening skills. 
• Experience of working collaboratively with multi-agency partners. (A) 
• Commitment to promoting inclusivity and equity. 
• Excellent record keeping and experience of using case management databases. (A) 
• Outstanding organisational skills. 
• Total commitment to excellent safeguarding practice and understanding of professional boundaries. (A) 
• Emotionally resilient. 
• Commitment to upholding St Giles core values. 

In return, you can expect a competitive salary, generous leave allowance, staff pension, flexible working, a mentoring programme, an advice and counselling service, clinical therapist sessions, life insurance (4 x annual salary), duvet days, season ticket loan, employee perks programme, eye care voucher and much more.

As an organisation that works with children and adults at risk we are committed to safeguarding, protecting and promoting the safety of our clients. For this role, successful candidates must undergo an Enhanced DBS check with adult/child barred list, on the basis that the post involves contact with vulnerable Children and Adults, in accordance with Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (1974). 

We are an equity and inclusion confident employer. We welcome all applications, and we particularly encourage applications from people of the global majority (black, brown, multi- heritage) and those who identify as disabled, neuroexpansive, neurodiverse, with any protected characteristics and/or social barriers or challenges. We value the empowering and informative impact that all lived experiences and diversity of thought can offer the organisation.

St Giles will guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria set out in the Job Description for the vacancy.

To apply click the apply button.

Closing date: 11p.m. Sunday 18th August 2024.

At Future Woodlands Scotland our mission is to restore threatened woodland habitats, enhance urban green spaces and support research and innovative thinking. Our aim is to help create a Scotland where trees and native woodlands are thriving for wildlife, communities and climate. 

We have successfully completed a three-year pilot, raising the profile of native woodland restoration and creation in Scotland and embarked on a new £10 million programme to improve Scotland’s cities through urban forestry. We now have bold ambitions to scale up our work across Scotland by developing new and innovative ideas and approaches that have the potential to significantly enhance and expand Scotland’s native woods.

As Fundraising Manager, you'll lead the development and delivery of our fundraising strategy. You'll play a vital role in enabling our growth and building on our successes so far through building and nurturing trusted relationships.

Interviews will be held on 9th September 2024 either in person in Edinburgh or online.

This post is home-working (preferably from Scotland).

The Job

The welfare of our dogs is very important to us. We have a no-kennel policy, and all our dogs live in the homes of volunteer puppy Socialisers until they are about 18 months old.  We are committed to providing quality training and support for all our dogs and the volunteers who look after them.

This role requires someone with the skills, experience, and passion to take responsibility for organising and monitoring the Assistance dog training team. The successful candidate will ensure that the team of Assistance Dog Trainers develop our puppies and young dogs to ensure they receive the highest standard of socialisation and training, thereby maximising their chances of becoming a Medical Alert Assistance Dog. They will also play a role in the training and development of less experienced members of the team.

Reports to: Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare

Specific Responsibilities

• To oversee the day-to-day activities of the Assistance Dog Trainers, carrying out 121’s, annual reviews, etc.
• To oversee the preparation of and to deliver in accordance with the dog pick-up schedule for the MAAD programme
• To support puppies or young dogs when required
• To carry out the 6-month, 12-month, and final assessments of dogs
• Assist with the training and development of Trainee Assistance Dog Trainers and less experienced Trainers which may include acting as a mentor
• To liaise with the Health and Welfare Coordinator on any health issues regarding puppies and dogs within the Assistance Dog Training Scheme
• Support the Assistance Dog Trainers with potential matches for a particular client or clients and dog, and to report this progress regularly in Dog and Client matching meetings
• Highlight to the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare in a timely manner, if you feel a dog is not reaching the appropriate standard or may be more suitable for another role. Detailed evidenced reasons why, must be supplied
• If and when required, to stay away from home, supporting Assistance Dog Trainers with their puppies and volunteers who are based in our regional areas
• To liaise with the Dog Supply Advisor on puppy intake
• To oversee the rehoming of withdrawn puppies and dogs from the Socialising Scheme

Socialiser Recruitment

• To monitor and when necessary, highlight to the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare a shortage of Puppy Socialisers.
• Assist in the recruitment of new volunteer Socialisers

Other

• To support the Head of Canine Supply, Training and Welfare with the annual Trustee reports
• Update the Harlequin CRM database in a timely fashion to ensure accurate and up to date training, veterinary and health records
• Support the charity’s fundraising, communications and volunteering teams as required, specifically in relation to your area
• From time to time, you may be required to have a dog live with you for additional training for a set period
• Share best practice with colleagues across the charity
• To be familiar with ADUK and ADI regulations, ensure that you adhere to these standards with regards to behaviour, obedience, welfare, and branding
• To liaise with and provide support for Volunteers who may operate as part of the Medical Alert Assistance Dog Department or charity as a whole

Other tasks or ad-hoc duties agreed with your line manager required to ensure the successful running of the charity.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to demonstrate high-quality judgement and a proven track record in relation to the following:
• Dog training matters including the analysis of temperaments, appropriate training methods, and requirements necessary to maintain public confidence in assistance dogs.
• Solutions to training and behavioural problems.
• Assistance Dog Training including the ability to assess each person’s preferred learning style and adapt as appropriate your training approach, the specific programmes to be followed,
• Welfare and safety and appropriate time for referral to others.
• Appropriate support to apprentices
• Dealings with other staff, clients, and members of the public
• Strong and clear teaching and instructing skills.
• Ability to plan work, be organised, and ensure that time is utilised effectively for yourself, colleagues, and Socialisers.
• Ability to communicate effectively and appropriately with a wide range of people internally and externally. This will include clients and their families, fosterers, other professional service providers, members of the public, the media, managers, and other colleagues.
• High level of IT literacy and report writing skills including experience of using Microsoft-based programs such as Outlook, Word, Excel, Internet Explorer, and Power Point.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

Practical knowledge in the following areas:

· AD(UK) and ADI regulations.

· Basic theory of practical dog training.

· Law in relation to dogs.

· Knowledge of medical conditions relevant to puppies between 8 weeks and 2 years of age.

· Dog and human psychology.

· Health and safety implications of dog and socialiser handling. Some experience of assisting with the training and development of less experienced colleagues

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

• You should be supportive of the charitable aims of Medical Detection Dogs and capable of working as part of a team, as well as being able to motivate yourself.
• You should be adaptable and positively embrace change by not only being flexible towards the ideas of others but also putting forward ideas to colleagues. This will involve creativity in problem-solving and making appropriate responses to new ideas and unexpected situations.

Values & Behaviours

There are a few key values that we believe are important in the workplace:

• Respect
• Cooperation
• Honesty
• Fairness

Based on the values listed above, we encourage the behaviours below in the charity:

• Respectful communication
• Cooperating with others
• Honesty in all interactions
• Fairness in decision making.

 Benefits

• Sick Pay
• Health Cover
• 26 days holiday, increasing with service.
• 5% Employer Pension Contribution
• Life Assurance
• Free On-site parking

Finally, the successful candidate will also be expected to:

• Hold a full UK Driving Licence
• Provide proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK.
• Undertake a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Work some evenings and weekends

To support the Director of Finance in overseeing the effective operation of the Finance department, including budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and financial controls, while fostering a culture of financial accountability and continuous process improvement. To work with budget holders and any other members of the management team to support the optimization of financial resources by being a champion for Value for Money, and working to ensure individual contracts are financially viable.

To provide financial management support to the business units of the organisation, including but not limited to:

• · Budget setting, including leading on the annual rent setting process
• · Production of monthly management accounts
• · Taking a business partnering approach with budget holders
• · Support contract owners with financial modelling and determining actual spends
• · Support with financial statements preparation and external audit
• Line managing the Finance Team

Do you want to work with a leading advocacy charity organisation supporting those in need?

Do you have experience of working or volunteering in welfare, support or health and social care and are looking for a new challenge?

Are you keen to make a difference to people who want to be heard?

Then come and join us here at VoiceAbility.

We are looking for a new Advocate to join our team in Warwickshire on a fixed term contract. We are seeking applicants who have transferable skills, a willingness to learn and a desire to help those in need of support.

About us

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

About the role

We have an exciting opportunity for an Advocate to join our team covering Warwickshire. Your role will require you to travel to locations such as clients’ homes, hospitals, care homes and within community settings across the area to meet with clients and professionals. You will be home based for administration; therefore, access to your own transportation and a suitable home internet connection is essential. 

About you

Desirably you will have some experience of working in advocacy, or providing welfare, supporting, or caring for Adults or young people who have support needs, ideally for those with a variety of communication needs, mental ill health, physical health issues, or barriers to accessing education and support.

You should have worked or volunteered in health, social care, welfare, support services, education or young person’s services, or advice and guidance.

How will you make a difference?

You will be responsible for ensuring the individual’s wishes, feelings, beliefs, needs, and values are met to create positive outcomes for the people you support.

You will support people to speak up for themselves and grow in confidence, equip them to understand and exercise their rights and options, and will assist them in the decision-making process relating to their care, treatment, and support.

You will work resourcefully and collaboratively with the individuals you support.  You’ll be creative in your approach to empower our clients by ensuring you meaningfully explain people’s options and rights to them.  You’ll support individuals to fully participate in decisions affecting them and will make sure they have their voices heard. 

Professional Development?

You will have plenty of opportunities to enhance your professional abilities and you will make a real difference every day.

Benefits:

• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays pro-rata
• 5% employer pension & 3% employee contribution
• Salary sacrifice pension scheme
• Separate Life Assurance Cover
• Staff discount scheme including retail discounts, entertainment, holidays etc
• Discounted Gym Membership; Employee Assistance programme
• Supportive working environment fostering a good work/life balance
• Support with continuous professional development

Equality and Diversity

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact HR for further options.

How to apply

To apply for this role please sign up for a recruitment account by clicking the apply button on this page. Follow the instructions to create your account, upload your CV, and complete our short application form.

Important Dates:

Closing date for applications; Midnight on 18 August 2024 however, VoiceAbility reserve the right to withdraw this vacancy before this date.

Don’t forget to read the person specification so you can tell us about yourself and how your skills, abilities and experiences match the criteria outlined in the person specification.

Hint: you can use work, personal and/or voluntary experiences, and examples to tell us why you should be our next Advocate.

We look forward to hearing from you.