Independent Living Advisor (Direct Payments)

A charity job 100% focused on helping people get what they need

This is a full-time role in a well-established charity that would really suit someone who wants to make a difference to disabled and elderly people.

Ruils is a user-led charity based in the Richmond and Wandsworth boroughs that supports disabled children and adults and the elderly to live independently, be part of their community and to live life to the full. We support disabled people to take control of their care and support, by helping them to employ their own Personal (care) Assistant (PA). A PA may help someone to get up in the morning, get ready for work or leisure activities and/or help around the house.

We are looking for an enthusiastic results driven person who is eager to learn and develop.

You will be someone who:

• Works in a person-centred way.
• Has great communication skills and really enjoys communicating with others.
• Has experience of understanding what is required and can think creatively to solve problems.
• Has some experience of equal opportunities and what that means to real people every day.
• Is numerate and computer literate and can use Word and Excel to a high standard.

What you are doing now:

• You might be working for or volunteering in a similar charity.
• You may be a graduate looking to get in to the charity sector.
• You may be working in social care for a Borough or district council.
• You might be working as a Link Worker but would like to be able to work with clients longer term.
• Or you may have the skills we need from some other combination of work and volunteering.          

Main Duties include:

• Helping disabled and elderly people to live independently by employing a PA to support their needs.
• Helping clients to set up and manage their social care budget.
• Encouraging, supporting and advising clients with any issues that may arise when they have a PA.
• Facilitating the DP Peer Support Group to ensure clients feel supported.
• Developing links and professional relationships with Social Work teams.
• Working with agencies to set up support for clients who may not wish to employ a PA directly.
• Assisting in the development of training and other resources to support employers to manage their DP and PA relationships.

What we can offer you:

• A vibrant and interesting work environment – every day is different.
• An experienced and supportive leadership team.
• Training and development opportunities.
• Flexible working.
• Kind and caring colleagues who work as a team.
• A cycle to work scheme.
• A wellbeing programme including an employee assistance programme (EAP).

We welcome applicants from all walks of life, training and mentoring is provided.

We actively encourage applications from disabled people and people with long term health and mental health conditions.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme in that we will guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post. Please state in a cover letter if you wish us to consider you for this guaranteed interview scheme.

Click the Apply button to apply in writing with a cover letter and stating your current salary to Viv Sage our HR Consultant at Better Talent.