Job Application Pack
Thank you for the interest you have shown in working with
Fife Council…
Post - DEVELOPMENT WORKER (SKILLS & EMPLOYABILITY)
Vacancy Reference Number – DS/10/2008
Closing date – FRIDAY 28th March 2008 – 12 Noon
The application pack for this post comprises:
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Information Sheet
Development Services Information
Job Details
- Job Profile
- Person Specification
Terms & Conditions of Employment (Single Status)
Journey to Work
Living and Working in Fife
Job Application Form B
Please ensure you have all the information before completing your application.
Note about Application Forms
The Application Form is tailored to the type of post, so please complete the form included in
this pack.
To complete electronically, download and save the Word version form to your PC. The form
will expand as appropriate to allow you to complete it. You should then send it to the person
named overleaf either by e-mail or post.
A PDF File is also available for printing, completion and posting, if you can not access Word.
www.fifedirect.org.uk/jobs
DEVELOPMENT WORKER, V1, MAR 2008
RS71 * Fife Council Human Resources Section * 16 August 2007 * Issue Number 5.1
Information Sheet
How to apply
Applications should be made on the Fife Council Application Form included with this pack
and returned to Morag Jackson, Development Services, Forth House, Abbotshall
Road, Kirkcaldy, KY1 1RU, Development.services@fife.gov.uk by 12.00 noon on
FRIDAY 28th March 2008. IF RETURNING APPLICATION BY POST PLEASE ENSURE
CORRECT POSTAGE IS USED, AS WITHOUT THIS, WE WILL BE UNABLE TO ACCEPT
YOUR APPLICATION. Please note that, in the interests of equality, we do not accept
Curriculum Vitae (CVs).
Applications are encouraged by e-mail and will be acknowledged on receipt. If you have not
received confirmation within 48 hours please contact Morag Jackson on 08451 555555
Ext 47 38 07 to ensure that your email has been received. There is no need to send a hard
copy as well. You will be asked to sign your application form if invited to interview.
If you wish an acknowledgement of receipt of your printed application form, please enclose a
stamped addressed envelope with it.
Please note that you need to complete a separate Application Form for each post that you
wish to apply for. The Council advertises all vacancies on their website and via
JobcentrePlus and we do not keep applications on file for future vacancies.
Selection Process
It is intended that interviews for this post will take place on Monday 14th April 2008.
Before any firm offer of employment can be made, you will be asked to complete a Preemployment Health Screening Form and a Criminal Convictions Declaration Form. For
some posts, a Disclosure Scotland check will be required. Also, we are legally required to
ensure that you are eligible to work in this country and you will be asked to provide
appropriate evidence.
Information for applicants with disabilities.
If you require it, we will arrange to have the application form made available in other formats
such as tape, Braille or large print, but please let us know in plenty of time, as we may need
to ask for assistance from other agencies. Please contact us if there is any other assistance
you require.
Fifedirect website.
Fifedirect website contains information from Fife's public, voluntary and community
organisations and as such will provide you with a great deal of general information.
If you do not have access to the Internet at home or work, you can get free access at all Fife
Libraries.
Contacts
 If you have any queries about packs, forms or the application process, please contact :
Morag Jackson, HR/Payroll Co-ordinator on 08451 555555 Ext 473807.
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If you wish an informal discussion about the job, then please contact
Lucinda McAllister, Team Leader (Skills & Employability) on 08451 555555
Ext 40 67 42 or Lucinda.McAllister@fife.gov.uk
DEVELOPMENT WORKER, V1, MAR 2008
Information About Development Services
Development Services leads the Fife Council agenda for economic regeneration. It does this
by encouraging appropriate business development, assisting people into work and promoting
high quality development including a wide range of housing.
The Service is managed through 4 distinct portfolios:
Inclusion and Opportunities: Provides access to employment through a programme of
vocational training, Opportunity Centres and a range of initiatives to assist disadvantaged
groups into work.
Business and Strategy: Leads on economic development initiatives and strategic and local
planning policy, including Structure and Local Plans.
Development and Regeneration: Performs a range of functions relating to buildings
standards and safety, building warrants, planning applications and permissions, physical
regeneration and environmental projects.
Resources: Provides generic administrative services to the other portfolios, including IT
systems, Service Planning, Performance Management, Finance, Customer Service, Human
resources and Office location management.
Our key strategic objectives are laid out in the Corporate Improvement Plan.
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Regenerate Major Town Centres in Kirkcaldy, Dunfermline, St Andrews and
Glenrothes.
Improve the Economic Performance of Fife.
Promote Fife more effectively.
Raise Skills Levels and Access to Opportunities.
Improve the Quality of Our Local Surroundings.
Regenerate Targeted Local Communities.
Enhance Partnerships with the Voluntary Sector.
Information About the Skills & Employability Team
Skills and Employment Programmes:
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Providing a range of training programmes for youths and adults
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Arranging work placements
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Supporting learners to progress into work/training
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Supporting and assisting the development of Community based training
organisations
DEVELOPMENT WORKER, V1, MAR 2008
JOB PROFILE
JOB TITLE:
DEVELOPMENT WORKER (SKILLS & EMPLOYABLITY)
SERVICE:
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
LOCATION:
FIFE WIDE
RESPONSIBLE TO:
TEAM LEADER (SKILLS AND EMPLOYABILITY)
GRADE/SALARY:
FC7 (£21,625 – £27,481)
JOB PURPOSE
To work proactively with those experiencing multiple and complex barriers which currently
excludes them from accessing and sustaining employment and training opportunities. To
provide intensive on-going support to individuals and groups including pre-vocational and
vocational training. To design and deliver direct training as required.
To liaise and work closely with Council Services and Employers, to match their needs with
the individual in an employability environment. To ensure targets set by the funding bodies
are met and maximum financial returns are achieved.
MAJOR JOB ACTIVITIES
The listing of activities below describes the range of duties and responsibilities appropriate to
the level of this post.
Direct Support/assessment/Training of individuals & Groups 65%:
One to one guidance work with clients to assist them in reviewing awareness, aspirations and
circumstances relating to opportunities for progression towards learning, training or work.
Recruiting and selecting clients including referrals from Careers Scotland, Job Centre Plus, Triage
and others agencies.
Arranging appropriate induction for clients to Council/Service/Employer/Programmes
Undertake initial in-depth assessment of individuals’ skills/training and employability needs and
create a personal action/training plan.
Provide skills training for clients, delivered in an appropriate and safe environment including
training centres, project sites and other designated areas (indoors/outdoors). This includes initial
and on-going assessment against national standards.
Carry out workplace induction including advising of fire instructions, Health & Safety rules
and rules of workplace environment.
Maintain a ‘live’ caseload and carry out regular reviews with clients to monitor progress
towards agreed goals & enforce disciplinary procedures where necessary.
DEVELOPMENT WORKER, V1, MAR 2008
Provide advice, guidance & advocacy including referring clients to relevant helping and
specialist agencies.
Facilitate referral of individuals for work placement as a step towards employment.
Tracking and provision of aftercare support to all clients entering employment or training with
Fife Council & external employers.
Design and deliver training, e.g. motivational, job search/employability skills and support
development of occupational skills as determined by the local labour market.
Ensure that all training sites/establishments implement and maintain the relevant legislation
and policies at all times. Carry out risk assessments on all indoor/outdoor training areas and
placements.
Supervise and assist clients during skills training to ensure training objectives and tasks are
achieved to appropriate standards and agreed timescales.
Liaise with external/internal Customers to discuss feasibility and specification of potential
training projects, estimating and ordering materials.
Plan daily workloads for clients, arranging transport to project sites when required.
Coach and mentor clients to assist with training/learning interventions appropriate to
individual needs.
Networking, liaison & partnership working 10%:
Working closely with colleagues within the Development Services and the wider Opportunity
Centre Network to ensure its full range of services are accessible to all clients.
Liaise on an on-going basis with specialist agencies and key intermediaries such as Health
Professionals, Social Workers, Careers Scotland, and Job Centre Plus etc to generate
referrals and provide a well rounded service to meet client needs to help sustain training
opportunity.
Play an active role in establishing a network of local contacts that can assist clients with
progression and/or specialist help if required.
Contribute to and where appropriate, influence the development of targets reflected in
Community Learning Plans in conjunction with your Lead Officer.
Liaise with local employers to facilitate appropriate work placement or vacancy matching
opportunities and maintain up to date knowledge of local labour market opportunities.
Tracking & Follow-up 5%:
Maintain contact with clients who have moved on to ascertain outcomes and identify
requirements for further support.
DEVELOPMENT WORKER, V1, MAR 2008
Promotion & Marketing 5%:
Participate in events to promote awareness of and incentives for engaging in learning,
training and employment.
Deliver awareness raising sessions on training and employment opportunities to groups e.g.
Careers Guidance staff, schools, employers and other agencies.
Produce ‘success story’ case studies, press releases and other relevant publicity as
required.
Contribute to the creation of publicity materials which highlight the services on offer and
ensure the media used is appropriate to the target groups.
Attend meetings, conferences and other relevant events to promote the work of
Development Services Inclusion & Opportunities Portfolio as required.
Monitoring & Administration 15%:
Maintain appropriate and accurate client information systems.
Produce action plans/training plans and update as required.
Comply with QMS procedure.
Maintain records of other work activities in accordance with service guidelines.
Compile reports as required.
Ensure contract profiling, timesheets, learner files are updated and accurate.
Create and maintain system for checking college invoices and associated claimable
documentation.
Supervisory Responsibility
The post has no supervisory responsibility for staff.
The post holder does have to supervise clients in their caseload when undertaking face to
face training & delivery.
Supervision Received
The post holder will be expected to work with minimal supervision on a day to day basis in a
number of geographical areas, supported by their Lead Officer.
DEVELOPMENT WORKER, V1, MAR 2008
QUALIFICATION REQUIRED
The minimum qualification required is an SVQ Level 3 or equivalent e.g. Advice and
Guidance, Learning & Development, Business & Administration or a recognised Trade
qualification. TDLB Units D32/33 or A Unit or equivalent.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
Moderate experience and a proven track record of supporting a wide range of clients who
face barriers to employment and training.
Have excellent communication and presentation skills and be able to demonstrate selfmotivation and a proactive approach to working with partners and ‘hard to engage’ groups.
A team worker with the ability to develop effective networks and establish and sustain
positive working relationships with others.
OTHER INFORMATION
Completed application forms should be returned to Development Services, Forth House,
Abbotshall Road, Kirkcaldy, Fife, KY1 1RU and marked "Private & Confidential - Application
Form for Ref: DS/10/2008 Enclosed".
The Head of Services reserve the right to allocate other duties of equivalent grade and status
as determined by the workload of the Service and to move staff permanently and temporarily
to a different office location.
DEVELOPMENT WORKER, V1, MAR 2008
DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
DEVELOPMENT WORKER (SKILLS AND EMPLOYABILITY) - PERSON SPECIFICATION
ATTRIBUTES
ESSENTIAL
DESIRABLE
METHOD OF ASSESSMENT
Experience
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Moderate experience and a proven track record of supporting a wide range of
clients who face barriers to employment & training
Application Form
Interview
Education,
Qualifications and
Training
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SVQ level 3 or equivalent e.g. Advice & Guidance, Learning & Development,
Business & Administration or a recognised Trade qualification.
TDLB Units D32/33 or A unit or equivalent
Satisfactory Disclosure Check
Working knowledge of Vocational Qualifications.
Effective communication skills -oral and written.
Relate to and motivate clients.
Experience of working with employers in relation to client placement.
Relate to employers and to help employers assess their employment needs.
Innovative and developmental in approach to service delivery.
Work with minimal supervision on a day to day basis.
Travel within Fife to maintain an efficient portfolio.
Application Form
Certificates
Skills, Abilities and
Knowledge (General)
Skills, Abilities and
Knowledge (Specific)
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Interpersonal and
Social Skills
Health & Physical
Attributes
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Assess clients in terms of job readiness
Maintain a live caseload & carry out regular reviews.
Deliver services in line with contract profile & standards e.g. timesheets,
financial information, management information.
Provide advice, guidance & advocacy for clients.
Provide appropriate support to clients to help them make the transition to
employment to provide aftercare support to all clients.
Design & deliver training to help fulfil contract targets
General knowledge & understanding of the barriers facing those disadvantaged
in the job market.
Knowledge of responsibilities under equalities legislation & commitment to
promote equality & diversity.
Team worker
Communicate appropriately with a wide range of clients e.g. age, ability, social
background, disability, etc.
Develop effective relationships with employers and those from other agencies.
Ability to provide an effective and continuous service.
DEVELOPMENT WORKER, V1, MAR 2008
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Ability to transport
clients & materials
within Fife
Application Form
Interview
References
Application Form Interview
References
Interview
References
Interview
References
Pre-employment Health
Questionnaire
Terms and Conditions of Employment (Single Status)
Pay Method
Every 4 weeks by electronic funds transfer
Hours
36 hours p.w - a flexi scheme is in operation
Leave
24 days annual leave rising to 29 after 5 years continuous service
8 fixed public holidays per annum (based on full time employment)
Sick Pay
As per National Terms and Conditions, up to 6 months full pay and 6
months half pay after 5 years service.
Pension
Employee
Benefits
A Pension Scheme is in operation.
Fife Council has a benefits package for employees which we believe is
one of the best and most comprehensive around. As well as such long
standing benefits as a final salary pension scheme, flexible working
options and a range of training and development opportunities we offer
the following benefits:
Discounts scheme – a wide choice of discounts on goods and services
(both local and national) via a brochure and website including high
street/supermarket shopping, holidays/travel, health, leisure and
entertainment
Sports and Leisure Discount scheme – substantial savings at Council
leisure and sports facilities including gyms, swimming pools, golf and
bowls
Childcare Voucher scheme – savings of up to £1000 a year through tax
and NI reductions when purchasing vouchers via gross pay
Bike To Work scheme – savings of up to 40% on a bike and safety
equipment package of up to £1,000
Healthcare – for employees and their families we offer contributory
Healthcare plans providing support for everyday expenses such as dental
and optical treatments/products and diagnosis and medical treatments
(where NHS waiting lists are too long), cancer support and health
information services (e.g. 24hour GP consultation service)
Financial related benefits – such as preferential rate mortgages, loans,
affinity/credit cards and car and home insurance and the services offered
by the Tay Valley Credit Union
For further information on the benefits available please go to:
www.fifedirect.org.uk/fcemployees and search under “Employee Benefits”
DEVELOPMENT WORKER, V1, MAR 2008
Human Resource Policies
Fife Council has a number of employment policies in place including:
Equality of Opportunity
Occupational Health
Recruitment and Selection
Violence at Work
Temporary Employment
Smoking (see below)
Fair Treatment at Work (grievances, bullying
and harassment)
Counselling
Support for Employees Experiencing Domestic
Violence
HIV/Aids
Induction
Employee Development
Flexible Working Hours
Job Sharing
Career Break
Alcohol and Substance misuse,
Attendance Management
Compassionate Leave
Adoption Leave
Maternity and Adoption Support Leave
Special Leave
Time Off for Trade Union and Public Duties
SMOKING POLICY
The Council operates a smoking policy which prohibits smoking in all shared areas eg offices,
depots, cars, canteens. We have some designated smoking areas but not all employees have
access to them.
NOTE
The Terms and Conditions have recently been negotiated under the Modernising Employment
programme, referred to as Single Status. Further details are available on www.fifedirect.org.uk
DEVELOPMENT WORKER, V1, MAR 2008
Journey To Work
 Have you experience of a mental health problem?
 Want help with the application process for a post with Fife Council?
 Would you benefit from some support even after you start work?
 Are you unemployed and live in Fife?
Then ‘Journey to Work’ can provide free, independent and confidential support through the whole
process of applying for a job with either NHS Fife or Fife Council and, if successful, for the first few
weeks after starting work.
The service is provided by Fife Employment Access Trust (FEAT) a well-respected voluntary
organisation with 10 years experience of supporting people with mental health problems into
employment.
FEAT is independent of Fife Council and the fact that someone has received support will not
adversely affect the recruitment outcome.
For more information on the support available or if you would like to take advantage of the service
contact:
Fife Employment Access Trust
www.f-e-a-t.co.uk
Tel: 01592 749880
Email: feat@f-e-a-t.co.uk
(Please do NOT email completed applications form to FEAT)
DEVELOPMENT WORKER, V1, MAR 2008