Supporting and promoting positive living for people living with HIV Recruitment Pack + Family Life Project Outreach Worker December 2017
Welcome to the recruitment pack for the new Outreach Worker position with Positive Life. Funded by the Big Lottery Fund until 2021, this position offers the successful candidate an opportunity to contribute to the growth of the organisation and scope for personal and role development. Positive Life offers support services to all people affected by HIV in Northern Ireland and the border counties of the South of Ireland. We also offer information, education and awareness raising services. Positive Life is: the only HIV support service that works across the full range of communities and individuals in Northern Ireland; well respected and valued by clients, funders and partners; working hard to further develop partnerships across the sexual health and other community sectors to promote our work and reduce the stigma of HIV. This is an exciting time for the organisation. Previously known as The HIV Support Centre, we rebranded as Positive Life 5 years ago, and since then we have launched our new website and social media functions. Last year we completed a move to new premises which will facilitate the development of the + Family Life Project along with our other services. The current reviewing of our Strategic Plan reaffirms our commitment to the reduction of stigma surrounding those living with HIV, the reduction of HIV infection, and education and awareness raising. Our primary aim is to enable those people living with HIV to lead healthier, more fulfilled lives with dignity, equality and respect in addition to understanding and adhering to their HIV treatment. Right now we re recruiting for a highly motivated and creative individual to help us deliver on our objective to build a sustainable organisation and make long lasting changes for people living with HIV in Northern Ireland. Positive Life have been successful in securing a grant of 696,793 from the Big Lottery Fund s Reaching out Supporting Families programme to roll out this exciting + Family Life Project. We ll be working with families living with or affected by HIV across Northern Ireland with a focus on children under the age of twelve. Our aim is to improve their physical and mental wellbeing and help them cope with the impact of living with this long term condition. The project will involve working in partnership with Relate, Citizens Advice Northern Ireland and Belfast Group of Citizens Advice Bureau to offer a range of tailored support and activities to the whole family. This includes one to one and peer group support, individual & family counselling, child & family focused activities such as art therapy, family fun days, residentials and complementary therapies along with practical advice on matters such as budgeting and finance.
The project will also aim to challenge the stigma surrounding an HIV diagnosis by busting the myths and raising awareness about the issues faced by families living with HIV. It will work with statutory agencies and other community services to increase the support available to families. This pack is designed to give you background information about our work and the organisation and I hope you find it informative. It includes a job description and person specification along with guidance on how to complete your application. This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant and growing charity and to make a real difference to families affected by HIV. Thank you for your interest and good luck. Jacquie Richardson Chief Executive
Introduction Positive Life is a registered charity and is the only HIV charity which offers support services to all people affected by HIV in Northern Ireland and the border counties of the South of Ireland. Our organisation was founded in 1986 and has, due to increased demand, evolved and expanded over the years in the field of HIV support and services in Northern Ireland. We aim to support and empower everyone living with or affected by HIV, upholding the principles of dignity, equality and respect, through removing the stigma facing people who live with HIV, as well as seeking to prevent the spread of HIV through the provision of information, education and awareness. Services are provided both for people living with HIV, either recently diagnosed or living with HIV for some time; and for people affected by HIV - partners, carers, family members, friends or children of people living with HIV. Our new + Family Life Project will focus on families with children under the age of twelve. We work closely with the health and social care sector in Northern Ireland and anticipate expanding our relationships in this area to improve outcomes for the families we will be working for. The provision of on-going flexible support services are an important part of what we do and currently our services include: One to one support through counselling and our confidential telephone information & support service. Advice with housing, benefits, residency and other practical and financial issues. A range of complementary therapies including aromatherapy. A six week group programme for newly diagnosed people. Support groups. Daily drop in facilities & outreach support. Social activities. Health improving workshops on HIV and health issues & information up-dates. Return to work/learning skills programme. Developing the client base The organisation s ethos is that we are there for everybody living with or affected by HIV. We do not discriminate and are aware of the need to ensure that our services are culturally appropriate for the many different identities of people impacted by HIV. This includes members of the gay community, families, women and children as well as the growing numbers of people from the African community and others as yet unidentified from minority backgrounds in Northern Ireland. Over the next number of years we aim to further support our client base by continuing to improve the sensitivity of our services to the diverse needs of our potential clients and by building relationships with potential partners & referrers through an Asset Based Community Development approach.
Service Delivery A model has recently been initiated which aims to develop a coherent and explicit pathway across all our services. This will enable clients to better identify their needs and issues and chart their progress; it will provide staff and volunteers with a shared focus for their efforts and it will enable the organisation to monitor the impact of its work with evidence for funders and other stakeholders. Monitoring and evaluation Positive Life has a systematic approach to monitoring and evaluation of client progress and service impact. Continually reviewing our Strategic Plan, we aim to ensure continuous improvement through a robust framework for service delivery, awareness raising, lobbying and campaigning, advocacy, community engagement policy work etc. that will help us achieve our overarching vision to reduce the stigma surrounding HIV in NI. Over the coming years we aim to: Sustain our package of services centred around one to one support with practical and emotional issues along with counselling, life coaching and aromatherapy to address the health needs of people living with HIV. Sustain the provision of social opportunities and events including group activities, events and outings which tackle the isolation of people living with HIV. Develop the confidential telephone helpline service to address prevention and remote support for individuals, exploring ICT options for service provision. Explore new services and activities: life coaching, work with couples, and re-establish the testing service. This will include a HIV Rapid Testing Service with pre and post counselling support. Sustain awareness work to address myths around transmission, educate people about the realities of living with HIV and to address misinformation and stigma that people living with HIV face on a daily basis. Develop advocacy work to provide a voice for people living with HIV and a constructive mechanism for lobbying service providers and policy makers. There is currently no provision for such work in Northern Ireland and we aim to be the leading advocates in this area. Develop stronger external relationships and partnerships with voluntary and statutory sexual health providers. Continually review governance to ensure the stability of the organisation and the optimum management and structural arrangements for our mission and clients.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION Guidance for Completing your Application Form We have identified a number of areas of competence required for Positive Life s new + Family Life Outreach Worker and these are in the Person Specification we have provided for you below. When completing your application it is imperative that you provide specific information in describing what you have done to demonstrate how your knowledge skills and experience meets each of the criteria. We recommend that your description includes each of the following: (i) (ii) (iii) (iv) (v) (vi) your role at the time with dates the nature of the situation you faced and when it took place; the task you faced the action you completed and how this shows the competence we seek the final result of the task your contribution to the final result. It is helpful for the panel if you present your responses in a clear and concise format. Applicants who simply state that they can meet the criteria, reword the criterion or job description and do not provide clear supporting evidence will not be considered as having demonstrated that the criterion is met. For the purposes of short-listing for, please be aware that the panel will only see part B of your application form they will not see your personal information or employment history. They will make their decision to on the basis of how well candidates address specific criteria contained in the person specification. These criteria are: Section 2 criterion a, c & d; Section 3 criterion a & f; Section 4 criterion b; and Section 5 criterion a, b & c In the event that a large number of candidates fulfil all the minimum requirements, the panel reserves the right to include criterion 1a & 2B & e in the first instance, and further enhance some or all of 2a, 2c & 2d in the second. CVs will not be accepted and you must not change the format or layout of the form. Only information included on the 9 pages of the formal application form will be considered. If your application goes to more than 9 pages, only the first 9 will be considered. Please also note that application forms should be completed in black ink, either in your own hand-writing using capital letters, or type-written in font size 12 minimum. Illegible applications or those which do not comply will not be short-listed. Finally, please ensure that your application form is signed and that the monitoring form is enclosed / attached with your application. For e-mailed applications a typed signature is sufficient and you will be asked to sign a hard copy should you be invited for. Incomplete applications will not be considered.
RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE CLOSING DATE FOR RECEIPT OF COMPLETED APPLICATIONS 12 noon on Wednesday 10 th January 2018 APPLICATIONS RECEIVED AFTER THIS TIME WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED SHORTLISTING Monday 15 th January 2018 INTERVIEW ONE INCLUDING PRESENTATION Monday 22 nd January 2018 INTERVIEW TWO (TBC - if required) START DATE ON OR BEFORE 5 TH MARCH 2018 Unfortunately it will not be possible to re-arrange the recruitment process. Applicants need to ensure that they will be available for on the dates indicated.
Job Description Location: Reports to: Accountable to: Based in our Belfast Office at Derryvolgie Avenue with travel throughout Northern Ireland +Family Life Project Officer Chief Executive Salary: 23,398 Hours: 35 hours per week worked flexibly to include regular evenings and Saturdays Main purpose of job: This role will be involved in setting up and on-going co-ordination of a range of needs-led social, support and information services focusing on families with children under 12 living with or affected by HIV in Northern Ireland. The post holder will contribute to our work with all stakeholders, both internal and external to the organisation. The role will involve extensive service user engagement, concentrating their efforts on work to promote the best possible outcomes for the child. They will also act as the co-ordinator and main contact for the project Community Champion Volunteers. They will be required to take a pro-active hands on approach, working as part of the services team, regularly assisting in the delivery of our drop-in services. Key results areas Family Engagement Volunteer Engagement Group Facilitation Outreach Development Service Monitoring Working Practices Key duties and responsibilities: 1. Family Engagement: to work alongside the Project Officer (i) To implement Positive Life s assessment processes to ensure appropriate child focussed family-centred service planning. (ii) To provide one-to-one family engagement to ensure that the needs of the children are met. (iii) To liaise with project partners to ensure access to and delivery of a range of services for clients, while encouraging independence. (iv) To co-ordinate activities in line with the +Family Life Project targets. (v) To establish a +Family Life Service User Forum to ensure to ensure user-led identification and development of services appropriate to meeting the needs of families with children under twelve. KPI Families reporting an increased ability to cope with the impact of an HIV diagnosis as measured by Positive Life s service monitoring tools.
2. Volunteer Engagement (i) To work with the Project Officer to recruit Community Champions as agreed with the Big Lottery and in line with Positive Life policies. (ii) To ensure training provision appropriate to ensuring that Community Champions have capacity to deliver on the advocacy and education elements of the project. (iii) To provide day-to-day support appropriate to ensure a well-motivated Community Champions team. (iv) To support volunteer activity, raising any issues or concerns with the Project Officer. (v) To work with Service Support Assistant to ensure appropriate administration of Volunteers engagement. KPI Numbers of Community Champion Volunteers involved in the +Family Life Project. 3. Group Facilitation (i) To facilitate peer group work, encouraging user attendance through support where appropriate. (ii) To effectively facilitate group meetings, ensuring opportunities for participation to empower service users. (iii) To facilitate service user ownership of group decisions and planning to identify and implement appropriate activities. (vi) To provide one to one support sessions, facilitating referral to alternative services where appropriate. (vii) To facilitate group and residential support for +Family Life s service users. KPI Families reporting increased ability deal with the issues surrounding an HIV diagnosis as measured by Positive Life s service monitoring tools. 4. Service Support & Development: to work alongside the services team (i) To apply an asset based community development approach to develop appropriate access to a range of services for families with children under 12 living with and affected by HIV across NI (ii) To develop community networks to promote awareness of and access to all Positive Life s services and the +Family Life Project. (iii) To develop community networks to promote awareness of and access to Positive Life s services as relevant. (iv) To undertake awareness raising and education activities to challenge stigma and bust the myths around HIV. (v) To build links with local family, children s and other mainstream services, establishing agreed referral and information sharing processes. KPI Families reporting improved community integration as measured by Positive Life s service monitoring tools.
5. Service Monitoring (i) To maintain all client records in accordance with all Positive Life policies and procedures. (ii) To maintain activity records and provide monitoring information for use by Positive Life. (iii) To undertake service evaluations and reviews as and when directed to ensure the continued quality of service provision. (iv) To fully support the on-going development of organisational policies and procedures. KPI Achievement of delivery targets to deadlines as agreed with the Big Lottery Fund. 6. Working Practices The post holder will be expected: (i) To work in a flexible manner and as part of the staff team to support all of Positive Life s services. (ii) To work at all times in line with the organisation s corporate objectives and role. (iii) To be willing to undertake other duties as reasonably requested to ensure the effective delivery of the role to meet organisational needs. (iv) To work in a way that is consistent with the philosophy and values of Positive Life. (v) To work in a way that promotes equality of opportunity and meets high standards of anti-discriminatory practice. (vi) To operate at all times in a way that is consistent with Positive Life s legal responsibilities in general, including health and safety legislation and guidance, and specifically the Equal Opportunities policy. (vii) To promote the aims, principles, policies, interests and well-being of the organisation and protect its integrity and reputation. (viii) To actively participate in learning and self-development to ensure currency of personal skills in relation to the needs of the job. KPI Demonstrable behaviours consistent with the philosophy and values of Positive Life. Summary of Main Terms & Conditions (i) This post is subject to an Access NI check. (ii) The starting salary for the post will be 23,398. (iii) The annual leave entitlement commences at 25 days and Positive Life recognises 11 customary holidays in the year. (iv) Positive Life operates a flexible working scheme subject to organisational needs. (v) Positive Life provides for Level 2 of the Foresight Health Cash Plan with Westfield Life. (vi) Positive Life operates auto-enrolment in the independently run NEST workplace pension scheme. From the date of permanent employment, you will become eligible to become a member of the scheme to which both you Positive Life will make a contribution. This job description is not exhaustive and serves only to highlight the main requirements of the post holder. The line manager may stipulate other reasonable requirements. The job description will be reviewed at least annually and may be subject to change.
Person Specification In the event that a large number of candidates fulfil all the minimum requirements, the panel reserves the right to include criterion 1a & 2b & e in the first instance and further enhance and further enhance some or all of 2a, 2c & 2d in the second. Criterion / Desirable Assessed by 1 - Qualifications a A third level qualification relevant to the post. Desirable Application form and documented evidence. 2 - Experience a A minimum of two years full-time experience in a role supporting families with children under age twelve in a social care setting. Application form, & references b A minimum of one year s full-time experience of supporting and motivating Volunteers to meet Project aims. Desirable Application form, & references c A minimum of two years full-time experience in a role that included facilitating group work. Application form, & references d A minimum of two year s full-time experience of work using a community development approach. Application form, presentation, & references e A minimum of one year s full-time experience of monitoring service delivery against agreed targets. Desirable Application form. 3 - Skills & Knowledge a A proven ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing and over the telephone with individuals and with a wide variety of organisations and audiences. Application form, presentation, & references b A good understanding of the issues faced by people living with or affected by HIV. Presentation, and references c A proven ability to earn and maintain the trust of those people in contact with Positive Life Services including clients and referral agents. Presentation, and references d A proven ability to work as part of a team. Interview and references e A proven ability to work on own initiative, prioritise work and deal with challenging situations. Interview and references
f A proven ability to be administratively self-sufficient using computer software with good organisational skills. Application form, and references 4 - General a A commitment to understanding and working to Positive Life aims, values, principles, confidentiality and equal opportunities policies. Presentation and b A commitment to continuing personal development. Application form and c A confident disposition and professional approach with an ability to establish the trust of those with whom you have contact. Presentation and d An ability to meet deadlines and work well under pressure. Presentation and 5 - Personal Circumstances a Driving licence and access to vehicle with the ability to travel across NI to meet the requirements of the post. Application form and b An ability to attend meetings, events and activities outside of traditional office hours as relevant to the work of the Project and within the remit of the post. Application form and c A flexible approach to work. Application form and