21 October 2015
Dear Applicant,
Re:
Senior Worker - OLAC
Thank you for your interest in the above post.
Enclosed is a job pack containing the following:
o
Welcome to Applicants
o
Job Profile
o
Policy on the Recruitment of Ex Offenders
o
Guidelines for working with Young People and Vulnerable Adults
o
Aims & Purposes of the YMCA
I have also enclosed an application form for your completion. Please be aware that the closing
date for this vacancy is Monday 9th November 2015 at 9am, and the interview date is to be
confirmed.
Please return email applications to recruitment@ymcadlg.org or hard copies by hand or post
to Human Resources, Reed House, 47 Church Road, Hove, BN3 2BE.
When completing the application form, make sure you refer to the requirements of the role as
set out in the job profile, as short listing for interview rests on how well you meet these
criteria.
We look forward to receiving your completed application. If you have not heard from us within
2 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application was not successful on this
occasion.
YMCA DownsLink Group requires all staff and volunteers to be committed to
safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable
adults.
Successful applicants are required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure via the
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
Yours faithfully,
Emily Whiter
Recruitment & HR Systems Co-ordinator
Page 1 of 8
About Us
Thank you for your interest in this role and I hope you find this pack and our website answer
your questions. You probably will have heard of YMCA, the largest and oldest youth charity in
the world but you may not have heard about us. YMCA DownsLink Group (YMCA DLG) was
formed in April 2014, bringing together Guildford and Sussex Central YMCAs into one
organisation. So while we have a long heritage we are a young organisation and a new team of
Chair and Chief Executive.
We believe that we do really interesting and valuable work. Children, young people and
families are at the heart of our work with a particular focus on the needs of young people who
find themselves on the fringes of society and need support. We provide a wide range of
services including the provision of housing for some 513 people and providing them with
support. Last year we made a difference to the lives of over 10,000 children & young people in
a variety of ways.
We operate from locations across the South East with our Head Office in Hove. We are one of
125 YMCAs in the UK linked through YMCA England. As part of this federation of YMCAs, we
are each an independent, self-governing charity and YMCA England supports us by giving us a
national voice.
YMCA DLG has around 400 staff and 150 volunteers and our current turnover is £11.1m. On an
annual basis, we collect £4.5m in rent; make over 350 lettings each year and deliver housing
support contracts in excess of £2.5m. We also have a development programme with the HCA
to bring into management a further 100 units of accommodation over the next 3 years.
Vision
Our vision is of an inclusive Christian movement transforming communities so that all young
people can belong, contribute and thrive. You will need to demonstrate a commitment to our
Christian aims, but do not have to be a practicing Christian. We value diversity in our staff
team to reflect the people that we work with.
Values
We seek out – we actively look for opportunities to make a transformative impact on
young lives in the communities where we work, and believe that every person is of equal value
We welcome – we offer people the space they need to feel secure, respected, heard and
valued; and we always protect, trust, hope and persevere
We inspire – we strive to inspire each person we meet to realise their full potential in all
they do
We speak out – we stand up for young people, speak out on issues that affect their lives,
and help them to find confidence in their own voices
We support others – we are committed to the wellbeing of the communities we serve
and believe in the positive benefit of participation, locally and in the wider world
Page 2 of 8
Job Pack
Job Title
OLAC Senior Worker
Reporting to
OLAC Team Leader (Older Looked After Children)
Service Area
Housing
Location
Horsham & Crawley
Contract
Type
and
Employment Period
Permanent contract
Full time – 37.5 hours p/w
Shift work including some evenings and weekends
£25,948 (Band C Level 2)
Salary (FTE)
Job Purpose:
To provide intensive support to vulnerable young people housed temporarily in supported
accommodation in order that they have a positive experience in their placement. To utilise
evidence-based theories and frameworks to manage risks, identify support needs and to
contribute to a pathway plan so the young people develop a sense that they can belong,
contribute and thrive alongside other young people.
Responsibilities:

To provide intensive personal support to four young people who have been part of the
care system, who require a psychologically informed package of support to ensure a
safe environment from which to make progress towards independence.

To ensure that young people receive a thorough induction in to the property and
introduction to the staff team so that they understand the support they will receive and
the expectations of them.

To work dynamically with young people and professionals working with them to
complete a risk assessment and risk management plan in improve their chances of
securing more long term accommodation.

To participate in the care planning process with Social Workers, Intensive PA’s and
other professionals, to lead on integrating care plan / support plan goals as identified
by the young person.

To work alongside young people to become more responsible for their actions, to tackle
the barriers they face and to support their personal and social development as they
transition into adulthood.

To work with the Team Leader to role-model good practice in engaging positively and
assertively with young people and in support work generally, and to provide coaching
and informal training to existing staff where applicable.

To work alongside specialist workers to address needs relating to physical, mental and
sexual health, substance misuse and education.

To be pro-actively involved with the young person, the Team Leader and other agencies
to secure appropriate long term move-on accommodation.
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
To work as part of the team and take individual responsibility to work flexibly to cover
staff absences and other unforeseen circumstances.

To attend regular Reflective Practice Supervision; to develop observant practices, and
to improve strengths-based approaches and helping strategies.

To be aware of the wider Housing Department and have an understanding of how the
high support accommodation team fits in.

To be part of and contribute to the YMCA DLG staff team, attending meetings, training,
supervision and other opportunities as appropriate.

Along with other staff to be responsible for the safety and security of the building and
to record all such contacts on the organisational database.

To adhere to all the organisational policies and procedures including Equal Opportunities
and Diversity, Safeguarding, Information Sharing, Lone Working, Professional
Boundaries and other relevant policies.

To carry out from time to time any other appropriate duties as directed by the Line
Manager to support and promote the work of YMCA DLG in accordance with the post
holders capabilities.
Nature and Scope:
The post holder will hold a small case load of young people placed in our accommodation as
part of YMCA DLG contract with WSCC Children’s Services Post 16 Team. The post holder will
be expected to work with young people, social workers and other professionals to build
resilience and effect behaviour change utilising a range of intervention models including
Resilience Therapy Framework, Motivational Interviewing, Brief Solution Therapy, Restorative
Justice and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.
The post holder will work closely with the Team Leader to report on cases for contract review
meetings and provide other additional information for Commissioners when required to do so.
The post holder will work with the Engagement Co-ordinator to ensure the young people are
able to participate in the hostel life and engage in activities alongside other young people that
will increase the likelihood of engaging in meaningful occupation in future.
The post holder will be expected to support the practice of service user participation within the
housing projects in line with the organisation strategic objectives around participation and
service user involvement.
The post holder will be working with the most challenging and vulnerable young people in our
accommodation projects, and will bring additional skills that equip them to positively impact
these young people.
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Knowledge, Job Related Skills, Qualifications & Experience:
EXPERIENCE
Substantial, demonstrable experience of working with young
people aged 16-25 who are vulnerable or in need of support
A proven track record delivering high quality support and
demonstrable success helping people achieve positive outcomes
Experience of support or pathway planning in partnership with
young people and key professionals involved in their care
Experience of assessing and managing risk and dynamically
intervening to diffuse difficult or challenging behaviour
Experience of working within a housing setting with people who
are homeless or insecurely housed
SKILLS & ABILITIES
Ability to engage, motivate and inspire young people and to
empower them to be involved in decision-making in their lives
Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability
to adapt interpersonal styles according to audience and need
Excellent administrative and organisational skills to manage
competing, conflicting demands and ensure deadlines are met
Word processing and computer literacy skills
Ability to record interventions, collate information, analyse data
and produce reports when required
Ability to work some unsociable hours shifts; including some
evening and some weekend working
Ability to provide some out of hours On Call support which can be
tailored and flexible according to personal situations
Able to drive – full clean license and access to a car
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
Basic education including GCSE’s or equivalent
Any professional relevant qualification such as Social Work, Youth
Work, Housing, Psychology, Counselling, Social Care
A broad range of short training courses appropriate to working in
support and or with young people
KNOWLEDGE
Knowledge psychologically informed interventions e.g. Brief
Solution Focused Therapy, Resilience Framework, Motivational
Interviewing, Restorative Justice, Emotional Intelligence and CBT
Understanding of service user participation in a supported housing
project or is similar services
Working knowledge of issues effecting young people including
mental health, substance misuse and offending
Understanding of and ability to adhere to professional boundaries
Understanding of pilot projects and the need to be adaptable
A working knowledge of young people’s support providers locally
and of national and county level legislation around young people
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Essential
Desirable
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Key Competencies
Desirable behaviours that demonstrate how the post holder will carry out the role:
 Planning and Organising Activities
The post holder will be expected to organise and prioritise their workload, juggle the needs
of service users and professionals and prioritise conflicting demands.
 Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving
The post holder will be expected to identify and resolve problems as they arise using
solution-focused and strengths-based approaches and identify tools for change where
needed and maintain a positive, self-reflective approach at all times.
 Interpersonal and Relationship Building
The post holder will work positively with partner organisations to develop and maintain
effective working relationships. They will build strong, respectful and trusting relationships
with residents and provide a high level of support at all times. They will work closely with
others within the organisation to provide the best possible service for young people.
 Communication Skills
The post holder will be expected to communicate effectively with residents, the team and
partner agencies whilst maintaining clear professional boundaries at all times.
 Leadership
The post holder will role model pro-social behaviour and offer advice, guidance and training
to all staff in the projects and to volunteers working alongside them.
 Customer Focus
The post holder will be open and encouraging of feedback and assist residents to
participate and make a positive contribution to the service. They should be open to
feedback about service delivery as this is a pilot service. They should be flexible,
approachable and responsive when dealing with all stakeholders of the service.
 Strategic Thinking
The post holder will be expected to have a good general understanding of the purpose and
objectives of YMCA DLG and to understand their role in achieving strategic goals formed by
the YMCA and local initiatives.
 Team-working and Co-operation
The post holder will work with others to achieve team goals and objectives, and
demonstrate a co-operative flexible attitude and positive approach to new challenges.
They will work in a mutually supportive environment where individual’s strengths and ideas
are recognised.
 Integrity and Ethical Behaviour
The post holder will understand the Christian aims and purposes of YMCA DLG and its
values, including a commitment to equality and diversity, and to improving the lives of
young people, children and families.
Page 6 of 8
Policy on the Recruitment of Ex-Offenders:
YMCA DownsLink Group actively promotes equality of opportunity for all, with the right mix of
talent, skills and potential, and applications are welcome from a wide range of candidates.
We undertake not to discriminate unfairly against any applicant on the basis of a criminal
record or other information revealed. Criminal records and other information will be taken into
account for recruitment purposes only when they are relevant.
We select all candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications and experience. We
ask all applicants called for interview to provide details of their criminal record. Depending on
the nature of the position applied for, YMCA DownsLink Group may request details of your
entire criminal record or only of ‘unspent’ convictions as defined in the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974.
We request that this information is sent under separate, confidential cover to a designated
person within YMCA DownsLink Group and we guarantee that this information is only seen by
those who need to see it as part of the recruitment process. We would point out that for the
successful candidate, this information will be verified by requesting a Disclosure 1 statement
from the Disclosure and Barring Service before the appointment is confirmed.
Failure to reveal information that is relevant to the position sought could lead to withdrawal of
an offer of employment or subsequent dismissal.
We ensure that all those in YMCA DownsLink Group who are involved in the recruitment
process have been suitably trained to identify and assess the relevance and circumstances of
offences. We also ensure that they have received appropriate guidance and training in the
relevant legislation relating to the employment of ex offenders e.g. the Rehabilitation of
Offenders Act 1974.
At interview, or in separate discussion, we ensure that an open and measured discussion takes
place on the subject of any offences or other matters that might be relevant to the position.
For those positions where a Disclosure is required, application forms and guidance notes will
contain a statement that a Disclosure will be requested in the event of the candidate being
made a conditional offer of employment.
We undertake to discuss any matter revealed in a Disclosure with the person seeking the
position before withdrawing a conditional offer of employment.
Having a criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with YMCA DownsLink
Group. This will depend on the nature of the position and the circumstances and background of
any offences. However, as the nature of the YMCA DownsLink Group’s work brings its
employees & volunteers into contact with young people (those under 18 years old) and/or
vulnerable adults, a criminal record or other information which makes an application
unacceptable for a position of trust will render the applicant unsuitable.
As an organisation using the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) Disclosure service to assess
applicants’ suitability for positions of trust, this policy complies with the DBS Code of Practice.
1
Applicants for certain positions who are made a conditional offer of employment will be subject to a criminal record
check – known as Disclosure – from the Disclosure and Barring Service
Page 7 of 8
Declaration of Criminal Background & Guidelines for
Working with Young People and/or Vulnerable Adults
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 sets out to help people who have been convicted of a
criminal offence and have not been convicted again in a specified period. This period is known
as a rehabilitation period. Once a rehabilitation period has expired and no further offending has
taken place, a conviction is considered to be ‘spent’. Once a conviction is spent, the convicted
person does not have to reveal it or admit its existence in most circumstances.
The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 (Exceptions Order) gives some exemptions from the
Act, whereby details of ‘spent’ convictions have to be declared. One of these exemptions is
working with young people and/or vulnerable adults. When recruiting people to work in such
positions of trust an employer is entitled to ask for details of all convictions, spent and
unspent.
If you are invited to an interview please bring with you a completed Declaration of Criminal
Background Form which is enclosed in this application pack. It asks for details of spent and
unspent convictions, cautions, reprimands and final warnings. You should complete the form
and place it in an envelope marked ‘Private and Confidential’, addressed to the Interview
Panel. Your name should be clearly stated on the front.
The information relating to criminal convictions will only be seen by the interview panel if we
are considering offering you employment. If you wish to discuss the information that you have
given, please mention this to an interviewer. Having made its selection, the panel may wish to
discuss any information given with you. Having a conviction will not necessarily bar you from
consideration for the post. Criminal records will be taken into account only when they are
relevant to the position for which you are applying. The information you provide will remain
confidential.
If you are made a conditional offer YMCA DownsLink Group will apply for an Enhanced DBS
Disclosure depending on the nature of the job.
The DBS offers organisations a means to check the background of job applicants to ensure that
they do not have a history that would make them unsuitable for the post. DBS Disclosures are
provided by the Disclosure and Barring Service, an executive agency of the Home Office.
Enhanced disclosures provide details of a person’s criminal record including convictions,
cautions, reprimands and warnings; they also contain details from lists held by Government
departments of those considered unsuitable for this type of work. Organisations using the DBS
process must comply with the Code of Practice, a copy of which is available on request.
If you have any queries, please speak to a member of the HR team.
Page 8 of 8