Carers Assessment Worker (Pilot project)

Post: Carers Assessment Worker (Pilot Project)

Base: Hybrid working, with regular attendance at the Market Harborough office and community venues across Leicestershire.

Salary: £25,000 pro rata (based on a 37-hour working week)

Hours: 1 post of 28 hours per week and 1 post of 18 hours per week

Duration: The post is funded until 31.08.27 with possibility of extension, subject to funding.

Voluntary Action South Leicestershire (VASL) is a local charity based in Market Harborough. The Support for Carers team is launching an exciting new Carers Assessment Pilot in partnership with Leicestershire County Council.

We are looking for enthusiastic and compassionate individuals to join our team as Carers Assessment Workers. The role will focus on supporting unpaid carers and undertaking statutory carers assessments in line with the Care Act 2014.

This is a unique opportunity to be part of a new service designed to improve outcomes for carers across Leicestershire, ensuring they receive the support, information and recognition they need in their caring role.

You will join a welcoming, supportive and hardworking team and will be expected to demonstrate excellent organisational, communication and IT skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Undertake carer's assessments in accordance with the Care Act 2014.
• Engage with unpaid carers by telephone, online and face-to-face where appropriate.
• Explore the impact of caring on a person's wellbeing, health, employment, relationships and daily life.
• Identify carers' strengths, outcomes and support needs.
• Develop support plans and recommendations following assessments.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records using electronic recording systems.
• Manage a caseload of carers and ensure assessments are completed within agreed timescales.
• Provide information, advice and guidance on services, benefits, community support and carers' rights.
• Work closely with Adult Social Care, health professionals and community organisations to achieve positive outcomes for carers.
• Participate in regular supervision, training and professional development.
• Contribute to monitoring and reporting requirements associated with the pilot project.
• Promote the work of Support for Carers Leicestershire and raise awareness of carers' issues.

What We're Looking For

We are looking for people who:

• Are passionate about supporting unpaid carers.
• Have excellent listening, communication and interpersonal skills.
• Can build rapport and have sensitive conversations with people from a wide range of backgrounds.
• Are confident working independently and managing their own workload.
• Have strong organisational and record-keeping skills.
• Can use IT systems and maintain accurate records.
• Understand the importance of confidentiality, safeguarding and professional boundaries.
• Are willing to undertake training in carers assessments and the Care Act 2014.

Desirable Experience

• Experience of working with carers, vulnerable adults, health and social care services or community support organisations.
• Knowledge of the Care Act 2014.
• Experience of assessment, support planning or case management.
• Understanding of the challenges faced by unpaid carers.

What We Offer

• The opportunity to be part of an innovative new pilot project.
• Comprehensive induction and training.
• Regular supervision and support.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• The chance to make a real difference to the lives of unpaid carers across Leicestershire.

Outline of Terms of Service

Accountability

The post holder will be accountable to the Carers Service Manager.

Duration

This post is funded until 31.08.2027 on a fixed-term contract, with the possibility of extension subject to future funding. Every effort will be made to secure ongoing funding.

Working Hours

1 post of 28 hours per week and 1 post of 18 hours per week. Working hours will be agreed with the successful candidates; however, flexibility is required to meet the needs of the service. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required.

Overtime is not paid; however, time off in lieu (TOIL) may be taken where additional hours have been agreed and worked.

Salary and Benefits

Salary is payable on the 20th of each calendar month.

Annual pay awards are subject to approval by the Trustee Board.

Expenses

Reasonable travel and other authorised expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with VASL's Expenses Policy. Travel between home and the designated work base is not reimbursed.

Equal Opportunities

VASL is an Equal Opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified individuals regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals with lived experience of caring.

Appointment

Any appointment will be subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Having a criminal conviction will not necessarily prevent appointment. Applicants wishing to discuss any matters relating to criminal records before applying are welcome to contact VASL in confidence - [email protected]

Please note: We reserve the right to close the advert early if we receive a high volume of applications.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 10 months

Pay: £25,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Additional leave
• Company pension
• Employee discount
• Health & wellbeing programme

Application question(s):

• Are there any restrictions on you taking up Employment in the UK?
• Please note any other employment that you would continue with if you were to be successful in obtaining the position?
• Please detail here your reasons for this application, your main achievements to date and the strengths you would bring to this post. Specifically, please detail how your knowledge, skills and experiences meet the requirements of this role:

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Market Harborough LE16 7PA