SWALLOW is a charity, based in Midsomer Norton, supporting teenagers and adults with learning disabilities.

Experienced individual required to support SWALLOW’s members into work and develop employment and trading opportunities within SWALLOW.

Job description for Work Skills Senior

Title: Work Skills Senior

Salary: £13.72 per hour

Hours of work: 15 hours per week

Days of work: To be agreed

Responsible to: Courses Manager

Responsible for: Work Skills Tutors/Support Workers, Employment Support Co-ordinator, Members in supported Employment.

Place of work: SWALLOW Office and across our service

Job Purpose:

The Work Skills Senior will provide management and leadership to the team responsible for supporting members into employment within SWALLOW, for all the work skills activities, apart from the SWALLOW cafes. They will be responsible for ensuring SWALLOW members get the opportunities to enhance their employability and to develop skills that will increase the likelihood to gain employment.

The Work Skills Senior will act as an ambassador for SWALLOW. They will be responsible for ensuring good communication to facilitate new referrals and joint working and promote the benefits of employing people with learning disabilities to employers and the local community.

Senior Responsibilities

Manage and co-ordinate the smooth running of SWALLOW’s Work Skills services, apart from the two SWALLOW cafes.
Develop and co-ordinate the trading operation of SWALLOW’s Work Skills services, including online sales and outside sales opportunities such as craft fairs and stalls.
Promote the benefits of employing people with learning disabilities to employers.
Work with other staff and external professionals to develop employment opportunities for SWALLOW members.
Develop clear employment pathways for SWALLOW members attending work skills sessions, including CV preparation and applications and interview training.
Together with the Courses Manager, deploy staff in a way that meets the needs of our members and maximises efficiency.
Gather feedback from members that attend our work skills courses
Support Employment Leaders in craft and horticulture Work Skills to carry out Risk Assessments for their individual groups/activities

Other Responsibilities:

To manage and oversee the support of individuals while they attend SWALLOW employment services.
To work within an anti-discriminatory framework
To encourage individuals to take responsibility for them selves
To follow all SWALLOW’s policies and procedures and maintain professional standards at all times to contribute to the maintenance of safety, security and confidentiality standards
To provide emotional support and advice to individuals and help them deal with their concerns, anxieties any disputes in a non-confrontational manner
Keep accurate records and complete all necessary paperwork to ensure excellent communication.
Participate in supervision and appraisal for self, and undertake self development by completing mandatory training.
To support relief staff, students and trainees in practical ‘shadow’ training shifts when probation period is successfully completed
Take on other tasks / duties for which you are competent and as deemed suitable by senior staff.

Person specification for Work Skills Senior

Essential qualities:

Empathy with people with learning disabilities and an understanding of their potential capabilities.
To be willing to listen to, respect, and respond to what people with learning disabilities say.
Organisational skills and the ability to plan ahead and manage your time.
To have a calm flexible approach and an ability to work as a member of a team as well as lone working.
To have good communication skills and be willing to liaise with SWALLOW members, other staff members of the team, parents and potential employers/supporters.
The ability to encourage and motivate people.
To have a good understanding of equal opportunities.
To be able to take responsibility and work on own initiative.
Experience of supervising and managing a team of staff.
Microsoft office skills including excel, outlook and word.
To have a full driving licence and a car available to use for work purposes.

Desirable qualities:

Some experience of working with people with learning disabilities in a training/supporting role.
To have the ability to communicate with people with learning disabilities in an accessible manner.
To have some knowledge of local area.
Some knowledge of legislation such as Health and Safety and Risk Assessments.
To have experience of being part of a user led organisation.
Have knowledge of the legislation involved in protecting vulnerable adults from abuse.
Ability to display conflict resolution skills and effective negotiating skills

Other information

General

All SWALLOW employees are expected to comply with statutory requirements and SWALLOW’s employment policies while carrying out their work. This post is one of continual development and the post holder will be encouraged to develop skills and capabilities, including participation in projects and training events. Accordingly, the range of duties and responsibilities outlined above may change from time to time to reflect the changing needs of SWALLOW. All employees and Trustee board members are CRB checked.

Equal Opportunities

The post holder must al all times carry out his/her responsibilities with due regard to SWALLOW’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

Performance Review

Overall performance will be formally assessed and reviewed regularly, with additional informal assessment taking place as necessary.

Health and Safety

All employees are subject to the Health and Safety at Work Act. The post holder is required to pro-actively comply with their duties as described by SWALLOW’s Policy and objectives for health and safety.

Confidentiality

All employees are required to work in a confidential manner in all aspects of their work.

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