Young Carers Co-ordinator - Fixed Term Contract/Secondment until 31st March 2017 Salary: Scale band 7 £2,504 p.a.

4 hours per week on Saturday mornings (included 45 minutes planning & resource gathering)

Job share will be considered.

There may also be Casual hours available (as and when required on various days and times), and full and part-time hours in school holidays, especially the summer.

If you would like to discuss what is available in more detail please contact Rebecca Hobbs (Young Carers Development Worker). Portsmouth City Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and young people, and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. It is also committed to promoting quality childcare across the City that works to improve outcomes for children.

DBS Disclosure at Enhanced level will be required prior to any offer of employment and this post is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

Every post is subject to PCC and Portsmouth Safeguarding Children's Board safer recruitment procedures.

Who we are (the project)

The Young Carers project is part of a wider Young Carers service in the city. Young Carers are young people who care for somebody at home. It could be a brother or sister with a disability, a parent with a drug or alcohol problem, or perhaps a grandparent with a long-term illness. Our groups aim to give Young Carers a break from their caring role, a chance to leave their problems behind and just have time to act like a Young Person and have fun.

What is the role?

You will be responsible for the overall co-ordination of the Young Carers Saturday group; with responsibility for supporting and managing a team of Project Workers and Volunteers.

You will facilitate activity sessions for a group of Young Carers aged 8 to 14 years and you will need to have the ability to establish effective relationships with Young People; working with them in developing a programme of activities and carrying out these activities whilst ensuring a safe, friendly, relaxed environment.

You will need to keep a record of the attendance at the group for evaluation purposes and keep the line manager informed of any issues/developments concerning the group and work with the line manager when appropriate for planning etc. To participate in supervision as required by the line manager.

To ensure that the department's Confidentiality Policy is upheld. Observe the duty to all Health and Safety rules and to take all reasonable care to promote the health and safety of oneself and others, and knowledge of child protection.

Who is the person?

You need to:

1. Have experience of working with Young People in a Play scheme or Youth Work setting

2. Be aware of the issues surrounding Young Carers and their needs.

3. Have strong planning and organisational skills to ensure timescales and tasks are achieved in a timely and effective way.

4. Have the skills to manage the team in providing a safe, fun, friendly & relaxed atmosphere.

5. Be an effective team member.

6. Initiate and build relationships with Young People.

7. Be able to empower Young People.

8. Be an active listener.

9. Be committed to and have an understanding of equal opportunities issues including service provision.

10. Have excellent communication skills verbal and written & ability to maintain accurate written records.

11. Have knowledge of Child protection issues & confidentiality policy, Equal Opportunities and Health & Safety

12. Have experience of supervising staff, identifying training needs and promoting development

13. Ensure the safety of Young Carers and staff at all times.

Closing date: end of Thursday 3rd November 2016. Applications received after this may not be considered. Practicals to be held on the morning of Saturday 12th November & the evening of Monday 14th November 2016. Interviews to be held on Monday 14th November and Wednesday 16th November 2016.

How to apply: Please see attached documents at the bottom of the job page and ensure you fully read and follow the guidance.