Participation Officer

Are you an excellent communicator with a strong commitment to listening to the voice of Ark tenants and the people we support? Are you are passionate about challenging discriminatory attitudes and promoting equal opportunities for involvement? We have an amazing opportunity for you to explore.
We are looking for a dedicated individual to join our team as a Participation Officer.
As Arks Participation Officer you will have the opportunity to develop and deliver Arks participation strategy, building on previous work and developing an Ark-wide comprehensive approach to participation and citizenship, that addresses issues of service, tenancy, environment and influence.
You will promote participation activity both internally (e.g. newsletters & easy read materials) and externally (e.g. social media & Arks Website). You will support people with disabilities and long-term conditions, both individually and in groups. You will also develop and share material for local supported people’s groups on relevant issues and developments (e.g. the Health and Social Care Standards, Self-directed Support, and human rights) as well as working in partnership with Learning and Development colleagues to develop and promote co-training approaches with the people we support.
This role provides you with a platform to contribute to the community in a meaningful way, and make an impact on people's lives.
The ideal candidate will have:
• Knowledge of how to support effective participation.
• Experience of liaising/consulting with self advocates.
• The ability to be respectful to and communicate effectively with people, and to ensure that written material is accessible to people with a range of additional needs.
• An awareness of methods for promoting the confidence of people with learning difficulties and others who may feel excluded, and assist them to have a voice.
At Ark, we embrace flexibility and diversity in work arrangements and welcome applications from individuals seeking part-time opportunities or those interested in working less than the standard 37 hours per week. Although this is a full-time post, as an agile employer, we prioritise work-life balance and offer hybrid working opportunities where you can split your time between the office, Ark services offices and home. If you're passionate about contributing your skills and expertise in Participation whilst working flexibly, we encourage you to apply.
Does this sound like the perfect fit for you ?
Find out more, download the Job Outline and apply at www.arkha.org.uk/work-with-us .
Please note this post will include travel across Ark services to attend supported peoples meetings at local Ark services.
Why Ark?
Hybrid Working: Enjoy the flexibility of splitting your work week between working from home, Arks services and our Main Office in Edinburgh.
Flexible Working Times: Not a 9am - 5pm person. Arks allows you to flex your start & finish time in agreement with your line manager. This role could potentially include some evenings and occasional weekends.
Employee Assistance Program: Arks Employee Assistance program (EAP) gives all employees access to counselling sessions. There is also support available through weekly webinars and the EAP Website & App.
Employee Discounts: Employee Discounts Portal with 1000s of discounts on your favourite brands including Supermarkets, Cinema Tickets, Gym Membership and Holidays.
In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:
• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata
• 4% Contributory pension scheme
• Cycle to Work Scheme
Ark is a major provider of Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disability, mental health issues, dementia and autism. As a housing organisation, we are one of the smaller providers. Our aim is to ensure that those who use our services get the very best out of Ark to enable them to live a good life and to provide the best quality of housing to our tenants, some of whom we provide support to.
Please apply online or contact the HR team on 0131 447 9027 or at HRteam@arkha.org.uk quoting the job reference.
CVs will not be accepted
Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 17th March 2024.

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme