1. family and parenting

JOB DESCRIPTION: ON-SITE SUPPORT WORKER
BACKGROUND
Living Springs is a Christian organisation that is passionate about bringing the love of God into the lives
of people during challenging periods of their lives. Originally founded in 1989 the work has developed
from supporting pregnant young women and single mothers to include couples and single parent fathers.
Today we support all these families through services that include residential care, care at home in the
community and housing support.
We have accommodation for 9 families at the Centre, either in the main Residential House or in the
Supported Accommodation apartments, with move-on accommodation in the community.
For many of our staff, our motivation is rooted in our relationship with God, and we are looking for the
right people to join our growing team and to deliver our dynamic range of services in line with our
Christian ethos.
Being an on-site Support Worker at Living Springs involves supporting and encouraging people to live
fulfilled lives and accomplish their dreams. Whether assisting with practical day to day tasks or helping
people to be more involved in the community, we support people in a person-centred way in line with our
values.
We are looking for a person with a heart to serve and build relationships, so while experience in a
support role is desirable, we are more interested in who you are rather than what you have done or your
qualifications.
Other aspects of the Charity’s work include:
Parenting courses: Practical guidance on childcare and child development is provided together with
advice about appropriate food and nutrition for children. Other areas offered are budgeting, basic first
aid, health and hygiene and family planning advice. This element of the work also includes direct work
on family dynamics.
Social work assessment: including community-based, in the supported housing or family home; Full
Parenting or Viability Assessment; Assessed Contacts.
Our Pregnancy Support Centre, in Stourbridge Town Centre, provides a confidential pre and post birth
support service offering free advice on options together with guidance on sexual health, lifestyle and
contraception.
We offer our staff valuable training, development and ongoing support and most importantly, the chance
to make a real and lasting difference to people's lives.
Applicants must have a live and active Christian faith, along with a commitment to put into practice the
Purpose, Ethos and Values of Living Springs. Good communication and problem solving skills are a real
advantage for this role.
For more details about Living Springs and this position, please visit www.livingsprings.co.uk
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Job title:
Responsible to:
On-site support worker (20 hours per week + additional support)
Centre Director
There is an Occupational Requirement for this post to be for a female.
Role purpose:
i)
ii)
iii)
iv)
In line with Living Springs’ Christian ethos, and adhering strictly to the Safeguarding Children
Policies, to pro-actively work with the existing staff team providing consistent, regular and
positive support
To encourage residents in the supported housing accommodation, helping to equip parents to
make good choices for themselves and their children.
To work with the staff and Community Support Worker to ensure a seamless and positive
experience for residents leaving Living Springs and returning to the wider community
To live on the premises and provide on-site assistance as and when required when no other
staff are available on site
Key responsibilities and accountabilities
• Provide support to residents in the Independent living flats in liaison with other members of staff. Tasks
may vary depending on the changing needs of individual residents and the Charity, but the Core Tasks
are listed below.
• Develop the ‘ministry’ aspect of this position in line with the Christian ethos of Living Springs and plan
and develop a social programme for residents alongside other staff and volunteers, including evening
events, tailored as a part of the overall ministry work of Living Springs.
• Maintain Living Springs’ child safeguarding procedures at all times.
• Ensure a full working knowledge of Living Springs’ Policies and procedures and to adhere to these at all
times.
• To actively participate in ongoing personal development and attend training as required.
• To provide out of hours on-site assistance as required.
• Maintain clear written and electronic records, including using and keeping up to date the charity's
software systems, and handle straightforward financial transactions competently
• Partner with other groups, volunteers and organisations in developing the work.
• Be committed to equal opportunities for all, regardless of their religion, race and personal
circumstances
• Able to be insightful and able to handle challenging situations
• Operate under the oversight and direction of Living Springs’ Trustees, Centre Director or CEO
• Attend staff meetings as required
Core tasks
This is not an exhaustive list and is subject to change to meet the varying needs of residents and the
charity
 To welcome and get all new residents settled in as appropriate
 Plan for the departure of residents to their next location, liaising closely with the Community
Support Worker
It is hoped that the job format would be an 80/20 proportion i.e. 80% person to person and 20%
other duties
 On occasions when the residential centre may not be full or have no licensees, the post holder
will be expected to fulfil the contracted hours by performing any such tasks the charity deems
appropriate. This may include administration or suitable household tasks, if there is no family
support work available
 To work with other groups, churches and organisations to make them aware of the facilities that
Living Springs can offer, so as to encourage and develop the use of our accommodation for
people wishing to consider alternative options to an abortion
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Be the first point of contact
Encourage volunteers to work alongside or “befriend” residents
Provide/arrange baby-sitting when required
Carry out regular weekday visits and ensure status, concerns or other requirements are recorded
in the appropriate locations, including on the charity's software systems
 Ensure apartments are prepared for new residents and actions taken, as required, on the
departure of residents
 Assist residents with their housing benefit claims and administration
 Help deliver a programme of cookery sessions
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Specific requirement of this position
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To offer support to residents in the Supported Accommodation in a personal emergency or if the
fire alarms sound.
April 2015
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