This is a great opportunity to join CAPS’ friendly, supportive Individual Advocacy team to provide individual advocacy to adults who are affected by drugs or alcohol in East Lothian and Midlothian. This service sits alongside our adult service of Individual Advocacy for people with mental health issues.

The focus of the work is the provision of independent advocacy – making sure that people’s views and wishes are heard. You will make sure people are informed about their options and their rights and assist people who use drugs or alcohol to redress power imbalances in their lives and in their interactions with services. Individual Advocacy is very rewarding work that makes a real difference. Full training will be provided.

This post will be subject to membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) Scheme. There will be a 6 month probationary period attached to this post. A mix of home and office working is possible but face to face working will be required.

Independent Advocacy Workers play a key role within the Advocacy Service, undertaking a range of advocacy roles which may include empowering, informing, enabling and representing people in a variety of settings. Advocacy Workers assist the C.E.O., Operations Manager and Advocacy Coordinator, and other team members in the achievement of the objectives of the Service.

Main Duties and Responsibilities

• To undertake advocacy work as directed by the Operations Manager. Visiting adults in their own homes, hospitals at agreed venues and travelling independently

• To assist in the processing, prioritisation of and response to referrals received by the Service.

• To maintain client and operational records as required and to maintain a high standard in all elements of reporting and communication.

• To undertake individual casework (and on occasions group casework), working alongside service users to promote self-determination and support their rights and to have their voice heard.

• To establish a supportive relationship with individual clients and provide an ‘independent voice’ on their behalf.

• To represent the views and wishes of the individual at a variety of formal and statutory meetings (e.g. Mental Health Tribunals, Adults with Incapacity Case Conferences) or in other contexts

Permanent Support Worker 35 hours Nightshift

Permanent Support Worker 17.5 hours

The Support Worker will provide a combination of personal care, care at home and housing support to people with dementia in their own homes. The post holder will be part of a dedicated team that will ensure that the highest quality of service is provided.

We are looking for a unique person who can support people with dementia, living within their own home in a Supported Living Service, personalised to the tenants needs.

Our support workers are our most important people as they provide front line support.

Our support workers help tenants to maintain skills and independence by providing support and care with all aspects of daily living.

Successful applicants will have a positive approach to dementia. You will also have good communication skills and a caring attitude. A willingness to learn and participate in training is essential. Relevant qualifications and/or experience of working with people with dementia is essential

The Supported Housing Worker role requires assisting in the management of the development thus ensuring the tenants are able to enjoy an acceptable standard of living in an environment which is clean, safe and friendly. You will be responsible for overseeing the wellbeing of the tenants and for assisting them in maintaining their independence.

As Housing Care Worker your role will involve working with our tenants to ensure they receive the support and personal care identified in their care plans. You will directly support tenants in their homes by providing individual advice, practical housing support assistance and personal care.

Both roles are to ensure that we are able to offer the best service to our tenants and make it possible for our tenants to continue enjoying as much independent living as they’re able.

As well as a competitive annual salary, our valued team also benefits from:

• competitive hourly rates of £10.50 - £10.88 per hour
• guaranteed rota hours working between 7.30am & 10pm
• generous annual leave entitlement
• a choice of pension scheme with employer contributions
• flexible working policies
• access to extensive paid training and development opportunities
• a supportive and inclusive culture.

We also have opportunities with our Trust Staff Agency - for employees who want to work across different locations, in various roles, with highly flexible hours to suit family commitments - it's a great opportunity with the same training and development that our other roles benefit from.

Previous experience working in social care or the housing sector would be an advantage but this is not always necessary. Our ideal candidate is someone with enthusiasm, a caring nature and willingness to learn as full training, support and ongoing development will be provided.