Outreach Disability Adviser - Redditch
DAISY Disability Support is an established disability services charity based in Worcester but covering the whole of Worcestershire. We support and empower disabled people and those living with long term health conditions across the county. We have an excellent reputation for the provision of high quality advice in a warm and friendly manner.
We are currently expanding our services in the north of the county which will be more accessible for our clients and will allow us to expand our service provision. We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic, dedicated and passionate individual to join our team and make a real difference to the community.
This role is presently for a fixed one-year term as it is a pilot project and are subject to funding reviews after one year. We are hopeful that if the pilot project is successful then further funding can be made available.
It is expected that the Outreach Disability Adviser will provide information, advice and support in relation to disability specific issues. This could include benefit entitlement checks, benefit form filling either face to face or by telephone, advising clients on outcomes and next steps, signposting to other agencies, referrals to support networks and agency partners where necessary.
This new post will involve working closely with the charity's chief executive and our Worcester based advisers to identify areas of support needed and to be developed and will help to recruit volunteers to expand the services we offer in Redditch.
Experience is not essential as we are willing to give training and ongoing support to the right person, but a background in disability support and/or advice provision would be welcome. Any initial training will take place in Worcester.
Ideally the ongoing training will provide skills, knowledge and experience which could lead to further opportunities within our organisation.
The Outreach Disability Adviser will play a crucial role in working with the charity's chief executive to develop the service that the charity offers to residents across Worcestershire and in line with our recent successful funding bid. The role will involve providing essential information, advice and support to our clients by reassuring and helping them to explore options available to support them, making referrals and completing forms where necessary.
Role Profile
· Attend at our outreach locations and offer advice and information to promote the charity and its outreach service.
· Meet with clients and using sensitive listening and questioning skills to understand their problems and to give them information and advice to empower them.
· To undertake benefits advice work in relation to disability specific benefits which will include but will not be limited to benefit entitlement checks, benefit form filling either face to face or by telephone, advising clients on outcomes and next steps.
· Research and provide up to date information on disability services and resources so our clients feel fully supported and are able to make informed decisions.
· Develop educational materials and resources on disability related topics.
· Speak with community organisations, our advice partners and third parties on behalf of the client to assist them in connecting with relevant organisations and partners.
· Ensure that any work reflects the supports our equality and diversity policy.
· Maintain records for the purpose of the charity's funding partners, professional body compliance, statistical monitoring and report preparation.
· To help and support the team where necessary in managing any referrals.
· Supporting clients with the completion of any forms that fall within the remit of the charity’s work eg welfare benefit forms such as Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence form, pension credit, disability living allowance, blue badges, bus passes, pension credit, carers allowance.
· Advising and supporting clients with referrals to other services.
· Signposting to other services.
· To ensure compliance with our professional AQS registration to complete all appropriate data and advice sheets and to maintain accurate client records
· To keep up to date with any changes in policies, procedures and undertake appropriate training.
· Liaise regularly with the Chief Executive and advisers to ensure that good quality feedback is produced and that any potential for improvements to the service is explored.
· To attend any meetings when required to do so.
· Prepare for and attend any supervision meeting, team meetings, staff meetings, training as appropriate
· Use IT for statistical reporting and recording of information for funding requirements as well as management information and for preparing reports to trustees.
· Ensure all work conforms to the charity's systems and procedures.
· Complete required training to comply with our quality approved processes.
· Carry out any task that may be within the scope of the post to ensure effective delivery and development of the service
Person Specification
1. An ability to commit and work within the aims, principles and policies of DAISY Disability Support.
2. An understanding of equality and diversity and its application to the provision of advice.
3. Ideally an understanding of welfare benefits legislation and experience of appropriate disability benefits such as Personal Independence Payment, Attendance Allowance, Pension Credit, Disability Living Allowance.
4. An ability to interview clients in an empathetic manner, using sensitive listening and questioning skills to understand the issues and help clients feel empowered with information.
5. An understanding that whilst gathering information to support clients the ability to keep meetings structured and controlled.
6. An understanding of the issues that are affecting the disability community society and their implications for the client and service provision.
7. An ability to navigate the wealth of information available by researching, analysing and interpreting information to be able to present information to clients, colleagues and partners.
8. An ability to work as a team with colleagues.
9. An ability to work well with outside partners and agencies to ensure the maintenance of the local network.
10. The ability to work independently but as part of a team.
11. Great communication skills, both written and oral.
12. Full current driving licence and use of a care.
Role Details:
Salary : to be agreed
Hours: 12 hours per week
Location: Redditch
Please apply by sending your cv with a covering letter to [email protected]
Work Location: In person
