First Connect Co-ordinator (fixed term to 1 December 2019)

This exciting temporary post provides an excellent opportunity for someone who possesses the passion and commitment to work in a progressive organisation and help us achieve our vision - a world where everyone can love later life.

First Connect Co-ordinator (fixed term to 1 December 2019)

The main purpose of this role is to provide empathetic and sensitive emotional support to older people and when appropriate connect them to internal and external services thereby supporting independence and quality of life.

The main responsibilities of the role are:

• To build a trusting and supportive relationship with older people who have emotional support needs
• To ensure  a confidential and person-centred approach to assess need and secure appropriate interventions
• To enable older people to avail of appropriate  services provided by AgeNI and other statutory and community/voluntary agencies
• To work in conjunction  with other teams (internal & external) to develop links and partnerships with both statutory and voluntary agencies
• To advocate and represent the individual’s needs when liaising with statutory and voluntary agencies
• To ensure the individual remains at the centre of decisions and manage the expectations of the individual
• To actively seek to identify ways to achieve continuous improvement of the service
• To recruit, train and support a team of volunteers and to support informal and formal volunteering opportunities
• To  manage an effective and confidential system for service delivery
• To maintain clear records of work undertaken including assessment and review reports
• To provide data for use in service development process with Line Manager
• To participate in the development of evidence based practice
• To adhere to established policies and procedures.

Applicants must have the following essential experience:

• Experience of assessing and identifying the emotional, psychological and physical needs of older people
• Proven experience of  working within a  client centred context
• Experience of using a computerised recording system to record notes and data, and to produce reports on Word and Excel
• Significant experience of working in a similar environment

Applicants must have the following essential knowledge:

• Knowledge of person centred approach or innovative models of working with older people at times of lifestyle change
• Knowledge of the ageing process and a positive awareness of the diversity of ageing
• Up to date knowledge and awareness of community care and other issues affecting older people
• Knowledge and understanding of service provision for older people provided by statutory and voluntary agencies including social services and other health, housing providers and Age NI
• Knowledge and understanding of care planning and assessment best practice 

Applicants must have the following essential skills:

• Able to demonstrate excellent interpersonal and assessment skills
• Ability to work sensitively in difficult emotional circumstances with empathy, compassion and understanding
• A professional approach and ability to work independently, planning and delivering casework expectations to a high level.
• A commitment to team working and collaboration within and across Age NI
• Ability to communicate complex information in a range of formats
• Ability to analyse and provide creative solutions to problems
• Ability to manage a diverse caseload on a day to day basis

It is desirable that applicants have the following qualifications:

• Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health & Social Care Services (Adults’ Management) Wales & Northern Ireland (Desirable)
• Level 1 Nursing registered with NMC (Desirable)
• Professional Social Work qualification  recognised by the NISCC (Desirable)
• Professional Counselling qualification recognised by BAC (Desirable)

Applicants must have a full driving licence and access to a car for business purposes or access to a form of transport that will meet the travel requirements of the post.  The successful applicant will be subject to an enhanced Access NI check.

What Age NI can offer you:

Salary Scale: £26,876 - £28,290 per annum

Hours: 35 hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, with flexible working policy

Fixed Term Contract to 1 December 2019

Annual Leave: 26 days plus 12 Bank Holidays (pro-rata)

Health Shield Cash Plan

Age NI reserve the right to enhance the essential criteria to facilitate shortlisting.

For an applicant pack, please e-mail [email protected], apply online at www.ageni.org or telephone the People & Development team on 028 9024 5729.

Closing date for completed applications is 12 noon on Wednesday 24 April 2019.

Age NI is committed to recruiting fairly.  An application form enables us to compare applicants and for that reason we cannot accept CVs.  Age NI is committed to providing equal opportunities to everyone.