Job description

To provide direct support to participants on the NOW Community Opportunities Service by delivering a programme of daily activities to increase independent living and social skills. The post holder will ensure a variety of opportunities and will work closely with other departments including Employment and Training Services.

1. Provide person-centered support to participants on the Community Opportunities Service.
2. Support participants within classroom and outdoor venues.
3. Encourage individuals to engage in opportunities and build independence skills.
4. Promote Volunteer opportunities for group members.
5. Build on existing external networks/relations and develop new ones to increase range of activities and networks available to participants.
6. Route train participants to increase independence skills.
7. Actively promote NOW Group Services and products.
8. Work effectively with NOW Group Services to provide a full range of support, optimizing positive
progression for participants.
9. Ensure organisational, team and individual annual KPIs are met.
10. Undertake any training as deemed necessary by Senior Management and to carry out any other duties
as deemed appropriate to the post by Senior Management.
11. Ensure accurate record keeping of participant attendance, retention and progression in compliance with organisational data protection and confidentiality policy.
12. Contribute to NOW Group self-evaluation and quality improvement planning processes, ensuring continuous improvement in all areas of practice.
13. Comply fully with NOW Group's 'Organsiational Approach to Safeguarding' ensuring that knowledge and skills in this area are kept up to date to ensure the safety and well being of participants. This includes the notification to Senior Management of any untoward incident / accident involving either staff or participants, and the recording and reporting of any such incident / accident to the appropriate authorities.
14. Proactively identify risks in relation to participant safety and carry out general and individual risk assessments as appropriate, ensuring risk management procedures are followed.
15. Ensure the implementation and observance of Health and Safety Regulations.
16. Contribute to the monthly activity/financial monitoring returns as outlined by funders.
17. Maintain accurate financial records required for expenses and funder requirements.

Key Internal Relations

The Community Support Officer will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to ensure that support is relevant to the needs of the individual participant. Key internal relationships include:

• Transition Co-coordinator
• Transition service colleagues
• Trainers
• Family Service colleagues

Key External Relations

• Relevant participant stakeholders including parents/carers, social workers as appropriate
• Referring organisations
• Organisations providing activities/placements e.g. Arts Groups, Community Forums, Businesses

We would particularly like to encourage applications from, disabled, Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates, as these groups are currently unrepresented.

Requirements