Support Worker - Modern Day Slavery

Job Organisation
Palm Cove Society was established in 2007 to support vulnerable individuals. Since then we have supported refugees, unaccompanied asylum seekers, victims of domestic violence and survivors of Modern Day Slavery. Currently we support victims of domestic violence and provide support through our outreach service and at our accommodation sites to survivors of modern slavery, supporting clients across West and North Yorkshire and the Humber.

As an organisation we are committed to lifelong learning and all our staff receive regular training in a wide range of topics. We also provide access to an Employment Assistance Programme for all our staff and to well being courses and sessions. The organisation has a structured progression path for staff who wish to develop further.

Job/Role Summary
Our Resident Advocacy Workers act as advocates for our clients who are survivors of modern slavery; supporting them to address and overcome any social, personal, physical or mental health issues they may experience and empowering them with daily routines and activities.

This may include assisting clients with gaining access to benefit entitlements, health care provision, move on accommodation, educational services and any other identified areas of need or personal goals for the client. Ultimately the support we provide our residents with leads them to successfully integrate into the community and go on to lead successful healthy lives both whilst living at Palm Cove Society and in their life beyond.

Working Environment
Itis a requirement that the post holder can work independently in both an office and community setting. The post holder needs to be aware of and adhere to security procedures to facilitate effective risk management strategies that ensure the safety of self and others.

The post holder is also required to be pro-active in developing professional networks and links with relevant external statutory and non-government organisations (NGO’s). In addition, on occasion, there may be a requirement to accompany a resident to London or another city.

RAWs may be exposed to highly sensitive and confidential information, which has the potential to be distressing and traumatic for both self and other members of staff. They therefore require the ability to be reflective regarding practice and to engage in relevant team meetings, and where appropriate access support and supervision from senior members of staff in order to look after their own wellbeing.

The role requires the ability to sit and concentrate for prolonged periods to undertake necessary research, preparation and administrative work in order to support clients effectively. Clients are encouraged to walk to appointments and for their wellbeing and the role will include accompanying clients on walks and appointments. The role includes lone working.

Person Specification
Education
Good verbal and written command of the English language
GCSE’s A* to C in Maths and English or equivalent

Knowledge &Experience
Ability to plan and prioritise own workload
Demonstrate an awareness of safe practice when lone working
Experience of:
working with a vulnerable client groups e.g asylum seekers and refugees.
partnership / multi-agency working
working autonomously
prioritising own workload
working with confidential information.

Understanding of difficulties experienced by:
asylum, refugees and migrants
individuals fleeing domestic abuse
victims of modern slavery and human trafficking
individuals fleeing forced marriage or honour-based violence
unaccompanied asylum seekers leaving the care service

Skills & Abilities
Emotionally intelligent

Excellent written and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate findings effectively.

Ability to:

· empower, but also advocate for vulnerable individuals

· empathise and seek solutions to problems faced by vulnerable victims.

· analyse, interpret and compare a range of options in order to meet a clients needs.

· recognise and work with a range of physical and common mental health problems and signpost clients to the relevant medical professional or service.

· cultivate professional working relationships with vulnerable victims and the local population.

· cultivate and maintain effective communications with external agencies.

· research and evaluate information

· use own initiative

· remain calm, yet assertive in challenging work situations and support service users in crisis situations.

Ability to work effectively as part of a team

Ability to use a computer effectively, including the use of MS Word, Outlook and Internet Explorer.

Safeguarding & Adult Protection
Palm Cove Society are committed to the elimination of any form of abuse and harassment by any individual whether they are residents, employees, volunteers, mentors, students or visitors.

It is an essential part of all roles at Palm Cove Society for staff to follow our Safeguarding and Adult Protection procedures to protect those who are vulnerable and at risk either to / or from others and the wider public.

Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS)
The post holder will be working with vulnerable men, women and children and will therefore be required to undergo an enhanced disclosure & barring service (DBS) check in order to ensure the safety of all clients, service users and staff. If at any time, an employee is convicted or charged with a crime or offence which could affect the safety of the clients and organisation, then Palm Cove Society is within its rights to ask for full disclose regarding such issues. If an applicant knows or suspects that their DBS will contain records of any type, this must be disclosed at the interview stage.

Confidentiality
Attention is drawn to the confidential nature of information surrounding all residents and their circumstances. As such a breach of confidentiality will be taken seriously and actioned appropriately by Senior Management. All staff must adhere to strict rules and procedures to ensure that confidentiality of client information is maintained at all times.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: £23,000.00 per year

Day range:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person