Job Summary
We currently have a vacancy for a Case Officer based at our Barrow Office
The position is a vital role at the heart of the Charity, providing wide ranging holistic support for older people. Our team of Case Officers deal with a significant number of requests for support, and as such this exciting position will be fast paced, varied and ultimately very rewarding. This position offers opportunity for progression and development with the organisation for the right candidate.
Duties
- To deliver services as defined by the workstreams assigned to you by your line manager, ensuring all established standards of delivery are maintained thereby providing quality information, advice, support and advocacy services.
- To travel across South Cumbria, usually within a set geographical area, to undertake home visits to older people to assess their needs effectively. To complete challenging, holistic and thorough casework to a high quality.
- To identify, through the use of a holistic ‘Compass’ assessment, any health, wellbeing, financial and social needs of an older person, over and above their initial presenting issue. These needs may vary in complexity and nature and include working with older people with mental health needs and self-neglect.
- To effectively assess risk and create, review and evaluate responsive and tailored action plans in conjunction with older people in order to successfully overcome barriers to independence and to reach their identified goals.
- To communicate effectively with older people, their families and carers, through the use of guided conversations and appropriate questioning techniques.
- To be able to work efficiently under pressure, manage a significant caseload and prioritise tasks accordingly through effective time management. To have a good understanding of the Welfare Benefit system and the benefit application process, including guiding clients through benefit reconsiderations and the appeal process.
- To have a good awareness of older people’s mobility requirements in order to assess suitability of relevant aids and adaptations, advise accordingly and signpost as necessary, to ensure the safety of clients within their home environment.
- To demonstrate a clear understanding of energy awareness, fuel debt and fuel poverty. To help provide older people with comprehensive advice and support regarding energy efficiency
- To have a comprehensive awareness of local statutory, voluntary and community support services, and effectively refer into these services as appropriate to the needs of older people, as part of the identified action plan.
- To demonstrate an understanding of money management and to help provide older people with debt management support.
- To accurately create and maintain detailed records of all client casework, events and other activities in line with the established Age UK South Cumbria standards.
- To provide a high-quality and informative first point of contact telephone service for older people requesting support from the organisation through our local Helpline team.
- To engage in a continual process of skill development and self-guided learning.
- To provide flexible working options for Age UK South Cumbria by supporting the team in the delivery of other work streams, as and when needed or requested by your line manager.
- To assist with specific themed or seasonal initiatives as and when requested by your line manager, ensuring all project data is recorded and reports produced in the required timescales.
- To work effectively within the office environment, maintaining effective professional relationships and to actively participate in all delivery team and organisational discussions and meetings, providing operational information and perspectives on relevant topics.
- To actively support in relevant volunteer training and recruitment programs and ensure that all volunteers enjoy a safe, supported and enriching work experience.
- To have knowledge and experience of data protection policies and procedures and adhere to the Age UK data protection policy.
- To have knowledge of IT systems and knowledge of recording information effectively and to a high standard on existing IT system.
- To be aware of document handling and recording documents to existing standards and guidelines.
- To have knowledge of Health and Safety procedures and always adhere to Age UK South Cumbria’s Health and Safety policy.
- To support the process of working together by ensuring that all other officers are appraised of any initiatives or events that may impact on their work streams or provide alternative delivery or promotional opportunities.
- To actively participate in the process of “supervision”, the frequency of which will be set by your line manager.
- Requirements:
- Experience of direct client contact in an information, advice, advocacy and client support capacity.
- To have knowledge of IT systems and experience of recording accurate case notes effectively and to a high standard on existing IT system.
- Understanding of the common and current issues affecting older people living in our local rural communities.
- Ability to work flexibility across a number of workstreams in a fast-paced environment.
- Using effective listening, observation and communication skills to build relationships.
- Ability and experience of assessing risk to inform a tailored and person-centered action plan
- Ability to manage own time effectively and maintain high standards of attention to detail
- Experience of working collaboratively with other professionals and organisations.
- Sound understanding and use of Microsoft office suite.
- Experience of visiting older people in their own homes in order to assess needs holistically
- Good understanding of the welfare benefits system, reconsiderations and appeals process.
- Experience of working with people with disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity for individuals who are passionate, forward thinking and have a genuine willingness to learn, develop and progress.
There are five weeks paid holiday per year, plus public holidays and an additional day off on your birthday. A health benefit scheme and pension scheme is available for staff after completing a probationary period of six months.
It is essential that all applicants have a full, clean UK driving licence & the use of their own vehicle. Parking permits for parking next to the office are also paid for this position as the role will include regular travel around South Cumbria to visit older people at home.
Please contact us on 01539 728118 or via email [email protected] for an application pack. An application form must be submitted for your application to be considered.
PLEASE NOTE - Previous applicants need not apply
Pay: £24,897.00-£28,446.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
