Job summary
An exciting new post for a Senior Vocational Advisor has become available within Cardiff and the Vale mental health services, working jointly between Headroom Early Intervention in Psychosis Service and Rehabilitation and Recovery Services.
We are looking for an enthusiastic, self-motivated Vocational Advisor to assist mental health service users in obtaining secure employment opportunities. The successful candidate will be experienced in user focussed support, and be passionate about supporting service users to realise their potential, and achieve their own individual goals. The role would entail developing links and networks with voluntary organisations, employers and training providers, as well as working closely with the job centre, to meet the ambitions of service users. An important aspect of this role will include offering ongoing tailored support to service users to maintain work placements. The successful candidate will have an individual role, but be working collaboratively within a supportive, wider multi-disciplinary team.
We strive to be an inclusive service for staff and service users and welcome applications from anyone who meets the criteria, including people with lived experience of mental health issues and regardless of age, sex, gender identity, disability, race including colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or any other protected characteristics.
Main duties of the job
The post holder will provide opportunities to develop wider support to people who have experienced mental health conditions and wish to engage in vocational activity. This includes the provision of initial assessment, vocational profiling and on-going support to people who have experienced mental health conditions to gain and retain employment. Close liaison with employers and relevant agencies will be required including Job Centre Plus, Work Programme Providers, local education establishments, training providers, voluntary sector groups, User Groups and clinical teams throughout the Adult Mental Health Service.
The ability to speak Welsh is desirable for this post; English and/or Welsh speakers are equally welcome to apply.
About us
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board is one of the largest Integrated Health Boards in the UK, employing over 15,000 staff, providing over 100 specialist services. Working across 6 hospital sites, we have a diverse range of career opportunities to offer. Serving around 500,000 people living in Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan, we are focused on the health and care needs of our local population whilst working with our partners to develop regional services.
Our mission is "Caring for People, Keeping People Well", and our vision is that every person's chance of leading a healthy life should be equal. As an organisation we are unashamedly ambitious for our population's health, rising to the challenges of today and tomorrow through our 10-year strategy, Shaping our Future Wellbeing. We are contributing to a healthier Wales with great emphasis placed on innovation and improvement, learning from around the world and leading the way in clinical research. Partnership working is strong at Cardiff and Vale, and we work closely with our staff and our community.
Cardiff, the thriving Welsh capital, is a fantastic city to live and work in with an abundance of sports, arts and cultural attractions. Situated to the west of Cardiff, the Vale of Glamorgan offers a combination of beautiful Welsh countryside and a dramatic natural coastline. Whether city life or rural living, Cardiff and the Vale offers the best of both worlds.
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac
Job description
Job responsibilities
You will be able to find a full Job description and Person Specification attached within the supporting documents or please click Apply now to view in Trac
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- First level degree or equivalent.
- Training in the 'Individual Placement & Support' model of Supported Employment or equivalent.
Desirable
- Job Coach Training.
- Mental Health First Aid Training.
- Assist Training.
Experience
Essential
- Working with people who have experienced serious mental illnesses.
- Supporting people who have experienced serious mental illnesses into paid, open employment or employment-related activity.
- Supporting and promoting the independence and social inclusion of people who have experienced serious mental illnesses.
- Liaising effectively between organisations and/or individuals to ensure good communication and/or deal with conflict.
- Liaising effectively between organisations and/or individuals to ensure good communication and/or deal with conflict.
Desirable
- Experience of mental health problems either personally or as a carer.
- Involvement with carers and families.
- Supervision/management of junior staff.
- Experience of supporting people to access volunteering opportunities.
Skills
Essential
- Self-management of workload and the ability to work on own initiative.
- Effective communication skills (written and verbal).
- Presentation skills
- Teaching skills.
- Ability to adapt personal presentation according to different workplaces and situations.
- Diplomatic negotiation skills to resolve conflict and arrive at satisfactory solutions.
- Ability to work independently and to seek appropriate advice.
Desirable
Special Knowledge
Essential
- How serious mental illnesses impact upon clients' ability to function socially and in employment.
- Welfare benefits system and the welfare reform agenda especially in relation to returning to work from a financial perspective and the various supports available.
- Systems and structures within the mental health service to ensure rapid access to services when necessary.
Desirable
- Equality Act.
- Health & Safety at Work Act.
- The constraints and priorities of a range of employers, their expectations of you, your service and the people you represent.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Clear motivation to enable people with serious mental illnesses to succeed in open employment.
- Commitment to team work.
- Commitment to the principles and practice of equal opportunities.
- Ability to represent individuals in a positive and constructive way, including those who may present particular challenges.
- Adaptable and flexible approach.
- Non-judgemental approach and the ability to work with, and on behalf of, people from a variety of backgrounds and lifestyles.
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel independently within a defined geographical area.
Person Specification
Qualifications
Essential
- First level degree or equivalent.
- Training in the 'Individual Placement & Support' model of Supported Employment or equivalent.
Desirable
- Job Coach Training.
- Mental Health First Aid Training.
- Assist Training.
Experience
Essential
- Working with people who have experienced serious mental illnesses.
- Supporting people who have experienced serious mental illnesses into paid, open employment or employment-related activity.
- Supporting and promoting the independence and social inclusion of people who have experienced serious mental illnesses.
- Liaising effectively between organisations and/or individuals to ensure good communication and/or deal with conflict.
- Liaising effectively between organisations and/or individuals to ensure good communication and/or deal with conflict.
Desirable
- Experience of mental health problems either personally or as a carer.
- Involvement with carers and families.
- Supervision/management of junior staff.
- Experience of supporting people to access volunteering opportunities.
Skills
Essential
- Self-management of workload and the ability to work on own initiative.
- Effective communication skills (written and verbal).
- Presentation skills
- Teaching skills.
- Ability to adapt personal presentation according to different workplaces and situations.
- Diplomatic negotiation skills to resolve conflict and arrive at satisfactory solutions.
- Ability to work independently and to seek appropriate advice.
Desirable
Special Knowledge
Essential
- How serious mental illnesses impact upon clients' ability to function socially and in employment.
- Welfare benefits system and the welfare reform agenda especially in relation to returning to work from a financial perspective and the various supports available.
- Systems and structures within the mental health service to ensure rapid access to services when necessary.
Desirable
- Equality Act.
- Health & Safety at Work Act.
- The constraints and priorities of a range of employers, their expectations of you, your service and the people you represent.
Personal Qualities
Essential
- Clear motivation to enable people with serious mental illnesses to succeed in open employment.
- Commitment to team work.
- Commitment to the principles and practice of equal opportunities.
- Ability to represent individuals in a positive and constructive way, including those who may present particular challenges.
- Adaptable and flexible approach.
- Non-judgemental approach and the ability to work with, and on behalf of, people from a variety of backgrounds and lifestyles.
Other
Essential
- Ability to travel independently within a defined geographical area.
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
Employer details
Employer name
Cardiff and Vale University Health Board
Address
Across 2 sites, Avon House, Penarth and Park Lodge, Whitchurch
Penarth / Cardiff
CF64 2EZ
Employer's website
https://cavuhb.nhs.wales/ (Opens in a new tab)
