Personal Independence Coordinator

Job description

Are you passionate about supporting vulnerable people in Ashford? Do you have good local knowledge and understanding of the local area? Do you have knowledge of resources available to older people in Ashford? Do you have the experience to support people to live independently? We are looking for 2 Personal Independence Coordinators to provide direct support to people over 55 in the Ashford area (including Ashford Rural areas) to help them improve confidence, access services and promote their independence? It is a hybrid position with the majority of work being in Ashford and possibly one day per week at Age UK HBW.

Personal Independence Coordinator (PIC): working for The Personalised Independence Programme (PIP) Ashford and Canterbury

Working Hours: 9:30am – 3:30pm

30 hours per week

£12.62 per hour

Mileage Paid: 45p per mile

Job Description

Purpose of the Job

This is an innovative role which forms part of the charity’s Integrated Care Team which has been developed to improve the coordination and quality of personalised care interventions and health outcomes for individuals, their carers and families. The service offers up to a maximum of 12 weeks intensive, free support to those that need help to remain independent and improve their health and wellbeing. The service is commissioned by NHS Kent & Medway and is led by a Service Manager on behalf of the NHS, while you will be employed by the appropriate Age UK organisation attributed to the programme. The post holder will offer a consistent supportive presence, avoid duplication of service provision by other agencies and ensure that care and support is personalised and timely.

You will work within the Ashford and Canterbury NHS K&M areas to support older people referred by a range of partners, including GP’s, social care and community nursing. This role will focus on supporting people registered with GP practices in Ashford.

Main Responsibilities

· To visit individuals at home to undertake person centred assessments (Guided Conversations).

· To ensure each person (client) is supported to live the life they wish to, to the best of their abilities, keeping their lifestyle goals at the forefront of their care planning

· To work with clients to co-develop a goal directed, individually tailored Action Plan. This may involve liaising with relatives, carers and other agencies/ services as agreed with the individual, to ensure an integrated and personalised approach to care and support.

· To monitor/update individuals Action Plans and submit to GP Practices in order to contribute to shared care planning.

· To assist the individual to build social networks and participate in their chosen activities such as carer support, peer support, exercise, activity and cognitive stimulation opportunities, and/or enabling them to pursue new and old hobbies.

· To inspire and motivate individuals to make healthier lifestyle choices by entwining options such as physical activities, healthy eating and, long term, condition peer support into their action plans.

· To liaise with other community services to make appropriate links on behalf of individuals.

· Understand and maintain a good working knowledge of the range of support services on offer e.g. assistive technology, equipment, specialists services e.g. hydration, dementia care, police, social care, therapy, handyperson, health trainers, peer support groups

· To establish positive relationships and communication with referrers and colleagues across broad ranging services.

· To introduce (where appropriate) and work alongside volunteers as part of the support team.

· To monitor clients to identify any deterioration in health and wellbeing to highlight any patterns or triggers. Raise alerts as necessary.

· To undertake Community Assessor Training in order to be able to order basic assistive technology and equipment in order to improve the safety and independence of clients.

· To report on outcomes and client satisfaction using agreed tools at agreed time periods

· To accept referrals for the programme and work with colleagues to ensure clients receive the service promptly.

· To maintain accurate records and reporting information. Submitting this to the PIP Service Manager within agreed time frames.

· To attend Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings within GP practices in order to accept referrals, feedback on support being offered, raise concerns and provide non-medical contributions.

· To report issues that could have a positive or negative impact on service delivery or quality to the PIP Service Manager.

· To ensure that client and carers’ information remains confidential and that all equipment and documentation is treated and stored within the employing Age UK’s Policy and procedures.

· Adhere to NHS Information Governance.

· To undertake such other duties which are consistent with the responsibilities of this post as required by the PIP Service Manager.

· To work within all policies and procedures of the employing Age UK and report any concerns to the Service Manager or Chief Officer in their absence.

Working Conditions:

· It is essential that the post holder has a current driving licence with appropriate business use insurance and access to a car. Daily travel to home visits will be required. Travel expenses will be paid according to the local employing Age UK policy and procedure.

· The post will involve lone working, visiting people in their own homes, including exposure to dealing with difficult and emotional circumstances/situations. You will be expected to follow procedures as laid out in a Lone Working Risk Assessment.

· To plan and manage all the tasks involved in a way that allows efficient service delivery. This will include having a regular presence at the office base.

· It is essential that the post holder is prepared to work with clients, GP practices and local Age UKs across the Ashford, Canterbury, Herne Bay & Whitstable (HBW) and Faversham areas.

Person Specification- This details the experience, skills, knowledge, personal qualities and qualifications required for the post.

Knowledge and Skills

Essential

· Personalised care and support planning skills

· Knowledge of self-care and self-management opportunities

· Understanding of issues affecting cognition and communication

· Appreciation of how long-term health conditions may impact on individuals, their carers and families

· Ability to report and provide information verbally and in writing

· Ability to lone work and manage a diverse caseload

· Ability to work as part of a team

· Ability to communicate effectively and have good interpersonal skills in potentially unpredictable environments

· Ability to show respect, understanding and sensitivity to other people’s situations, perceptions and feelings

· Self motivated and enthusiastic

· Educated to NVQ Level 2 or equivalent

· Computer skills (including the use of Word, Excel, Internet searches, email and electronic calendars)

· Willingness to undertake any training identified as necessary to ensure the best quality of service for clients

Desirable

· Understanding the role of prevention and voluntary sector activities

· Experience of working with volunteers

Disclosure & Barring

This post is subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Reports to: PIP Service Manager

Employer: Age UK Herne Bay & Whitstable (HBW)

Place of Work: NHS Kent & Medway areas with an office base at the local employing Age UK HBW – this role will be hybrid working with a blend of in-office and remote working

Hours of work: 30 hours to be worked over 5 days as agreed with the Service Manager (core hours 9:30 – 3:30 but some flexibility required)

Holiday: 28 days to include all bank holidays (pro-rata)

Pension: We operate a workplace pension scheme

Salary: £12.62 per hour

Contract: Fixed term contract until end of March 2025 (with possibility of extension)

Age UK HBW is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £12.62 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

• Company pension
• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Experience:

• support worker and admin skills: 1 year (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Full Driving Licence

Work Location: Hybrid remote in CT6 6LE based at Herne covering Ashford.

Application deadline: 7th July ‘24.

We reserve the right to close this advert before the deadline.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: £12.62 per hour

Expected hours: 30 per week

Benefits:

• Discounted or free food
• On-site parking
• Work from home

Day range:

• Monday to Friday

Shift:

• Day shift

Education:

• GCSE or equivalent (preferred)

Experience:

• Support worker: 1 year (preferred)

Language:

• English (preferred)

Licence/Certification:

• Driving Licence (preferred)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Herne Bay (working in Ashford)

Application deadline: 07/07/2024