Post: Carers Wellbeing Officer (Melton, Leicestershire)
Base: Hybrid working, with an expectation to work from VASL office in Market Harborough for a minimum of 1 day per week
Salary: £25,000 pro rata (based on a 37-hour working week)
Hours: 30 hours per week - over 4 days
Duration: The post is funded until 30.04.27 with possibility of extension, subject to funding.
Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL) is a local charity based in Market Harborough. We are seeking a compassionate and motivated individual to join our Support for Carers team.
A carer is someone who provides unpaid support to a family member, friend or neighbour who could not manage without their help. Caring can be rewarding, but it can also be isolating, emotionally demanding, financially challenging and have a significant impact on a person's own health and wellbeing.
Support for Carers Leicestershire provides countywide support through a dedicated telephone helpline, one-to-one support, carers assessments, support groups, community outreach and partnership working with health and social care professionals.
We are looking for a Carers Wellbeing Officer to identify, engage and support unpaid carers and deliver all aspects of the Support for Carers Leicestershire service. The role includes providing telephone support, completing carers assessments, facilitating a monthly carers support group and promoting the service within local communities.
You will join a welcoming, supportive and hardworking team and will be expected to demonstrate excellent organisational, communication and IT skills.
Main Responsibilities
- Respond to all carer referrals, including self-referrals and referrals from health, adult social care, VCSE organisations and other agencies.
- Provide compassionate, person-centred support, advice and information to carers who may be struggling with their wellbeing alongside their caring role.
- Complete carers assessments and develop appropriate support plans where required.
- Maintain accurate, timely and confidential records on the carers database and other monitoring systems.
- Facilitate and develop carers support groups, workshops and awareness sessions.
- Encourage carers to engage with local support groups, forums and services to help sustain their caring role and improve their wellbeing.
- Organise and attend promotional and outreach events to raise awareness of Support for Carers Leicestershire and identify hidden carers within the community.
- Work collaboratively with health and social care professionals and partner organisations to improve outcomes for carers.
- Act as a resource and point of contact for professionals seeking information and advice relating to carers' issues.
- Monitor and evaluate service activity and outcomes, contributing to statistical returns, reports and funding requirements.
- Promote the rights, wellbeing and voices of unpaid carers across Leicestershire.
Additional Requirements
- Play a full part in shaping the future of VASL by actively contributing to staff meetings, workshops and strategic discussions.
- Recognise and actively promote VASL's Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policies.
- Work in accordance with good practice principles and organisational policies and procedures.
- Comply with VASL's Health and Safety Policy and all relevant legislation.
- Maintain confidentiality at all times in accordance with GDPR and VASL's Confidentiality Policy.
- Attend training and development opportunities as required.
- Undertake any other reasonable duties commensurate with the post as directed by the Carers Service Manager.
Travel Requirement
The post holder must have regular access to a vehicle and be able to travel throughout Leicestershire. The role is a hybrid role with an expectation to attend the VASL office in Market Harborough at least one day per week and undertake outreach work across Melton, including running a monthly carers group in Melton Leicestershire and the wider county as required. Business-use vehicle insurance will be required,
Flexibility
Please note that the successful candidate will need to be flexible regarding the responsibilities and duties of the role in line with the ongoing needs of the service and funding requirements.
Person Specification
Criteria - Education & Experience
Essential
- Good standard of education.
- Experience of providing advice, information or support to individuals.
- Experience within the health, social care or voluntary sector.
- Clear, concise verbal and written communication skills.
- Good organisational and time management skills.
- Experience of maintaining accurate records and databases.
Desirable
- Experience of organising or facilitating meetings, events or support groups.
- Experience of working with carers, either professionally or through personal experience.
- Experience of completing assessments.
- Knowledge of carers' issues and relevant legislation, including the Care Act 2014.
- Awareness of services and support available across Leicestershire.
- Awareness of social media and website promotion.
Criteria - Skills & Abilities
Essential
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office packages and databases.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Excellent interpersonal and listening skills.
- Ability to manage a varied workload and prioritise effectively.
- Understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Awareness of and commitment to confidentiality and data protection.
- Ability to build positive relationships with carers, professionals and partner organisations.
Other Requirements
Essential
- Access to a vehicle and ability to travel across Leicestershire.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends when required.
Outline of Terms of Service
Accountability
The post holder will be accountable to the Carers Service Manager.
Duration
This post is funded until 30/4/2026 on a fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension subject to future funding. Every effort will be made to secure ongoing funding.
Working Hours
30 hours per week, normally worked over 4 days . Working hours will be agreed with the successful candidate; however, flexibility is required to meet the needs of the service. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.
Overtime is not paid; however, time off in lieu (TOIL) may be taken where additional hours have been agreed and worked.
Salary and Benefits
Salary is payable on the 20th of each calendar month.
Annual pay awards are subject to approval by the Trustee Board.
Expenses
Reasonable travel and other authorised expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with VASL's Expenses Policy. Travel between home and the designated work base is not reimbursed.
Equal Opportunities
VASL is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.
Appointment
Any appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent appointment. Applicants wishing to discuss any matters relating to criminal records before applying are welcome to contact VASL in confidence - [email protected]
Please note: We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 8 months
Pay: £25,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Additional leave
- Company pension
- Employee discount
- Health & wellbeing programme
Application question(s):
- Please send completed application form https://vasluk.sharepoint.com/:w:/r/Common/!Common/AA/CORE/HR/Recruitment/Carers%20Wellbeing%20Officer%20Melton%20District/Carers%20Wellbeing%20Officer%20Application%20Form.docx?d=wce5c89026c4049ea884b0818a172fdf2&csf=1&web=1&e=f7K2NS
- Do you have a current Driving Licence?
- Are there any restrictions on you taking up Employment in the UK?
- Please note any other employment that you would continue with if you were to be successful in obtaining the position?
- Please detail here your reasons for this application, your main achievements to date and the strengths you would bring to this post. Specifically, please detail how your knowledge, skills and experiences meet the requirements of this role:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Market Harborough LE16 7PA
