Project Development Worker

(Substance/Alcohol Misuse) – POSITION NOW CLOSED

Location:	TBC. Kirklees
Hours:	7.5 hours per week – Yr1. 22.5 hours per week – Yr2 – 4 Inc. 2.5 hours– Yr5.
Contract:	Fixed Term contract – subject to funding
Salary:	Band 5: £20,225 – £26123 per annum
Responsible to:	Responsible to: Project Board Supervision: Project Manager Reports to: Project Board
Main Role:	• The primary role is to develop and co-ordinate the capacity of substance users to contribute to their own welfare and recovery from substance related harms as part of an expanding programme of self-help activities. • To work proactively and effectively with commissioners, providers and other stakeholders who contribute to Kirklees substance misuse treatment system, to ensure that substance users are getting the best possible outcomes. • To assist in developing the capacity of the self-help organisation to become self-sustaining. • To support and manage the members of the self-help groups within The Project and the activities they are involved in. • To support and develop a team of volunteers to deliver engagement sessions and structured recovery programmes.
Principal Duties:	1) Take lead responsibility for establishing and/or developing a drop-in service for people with substance misuse issues in the Kirklees area. 2) To develop and manage a peer-support base, group activities and tiered up support groups to establish long-term opportunities for individuals to achieve and maintain their recovery. 3) To develop and coordinate a series of group sessions, courses and one-to-one interventions that facilitate the social and vocational inclusion of people moving on from the effects of substance use. 4) To nurture approaches that enable individuals affected by substance use to develop and recognise their skills and gain access to the educational, social, creative and vocational opportunities available to the wider community. 5) Maintain accurate and up to date records of client group attending the Day Programme. 6) To be proactive in the development of a network of support for the Recovery service in Kirklees, including the promotion of the initiative to communities, agencies and employers. 7) To flexibly engage people based on their level of receptivity and individual needs, acknowledging that even the same person may need different types of peer-based services at different points in their recovery process. 8) Work closely with the Project Manager and other key figures in the service user groups to ensure that developments are closely linked to identified needs and reflect the priorities of users. 9) To undertake joint supervisions of sessional workers and volunteers with the project manager. 10) To assist the Project Manager and work with the Service User group, KUF, to further develop the service user involvement network and increase the links and pathways into other networks, as a source of additional support and a further aid to recovery. 11) To attend relevant forums, networks and events to promote the project, access information and develop working relationships. 12) Assist in the provision of training and the production of the project’s educational literature. 13) Assertively support connections to community based, mutual self-help groups. 14) Attend training, conferences and meetings as appropriate or as requested.
Essential Criteria:	• Experience of working with substance/alcohol misuse issues and a clear understanding of the need for and ability to deliver quality services. • Experience of developing and delivering therapeutic support programmes including 12-step model • Knowledge of the issues facing substance/alcohol misusers including appropriate medical interventions, social care and health issues. • Ability to assess and care plan service users and formulate written reports as necessary. • Community based support practices. • Maintain professional boundaries and work effectively with partnership agencies. • Demonstrate skills to undertake administrative duties. • Confidence to work on own initiative as well as part of the team • Experience of contributing to project development.
And the ability to:	• Communicate confidently and effectively, verbally and in writing. • Respond flexibly to the demands of the post. • Understand and have a commitment to the principles of equal opportunity and diversity. • Employ a professional, empathetic and non-judgmental attitude towards service users. • Show commitment to facilitating positive outcomes for service users.
Desirable Criteria	• Professional qualification in substance misuse, counselling or social work and / or relevant experience. • Knowledge of models of Recovery • Access to own transport (essential). • Knowledge of local services and geography.
Specific DANOS standards:	AA6 Promote choice, well being and the protection of all individuals AA2 Relate to, and interact with individuals AA3 Support individuals to access and use services and facilities AA4 Promote the equality, diversity, rights and responsibilities of individuals AB1 Support individuals who are distressed AB2 Support individuals who are substance users AB3 Contribute to the prevention and management of abusive and aggressive behaviour AB4 Contribute to the protection of individuals from harm and abuse AB5 Assess and act upon immediate risk of danger to substance users AB8 Contribute to assessing and act upon risk of danger, harm and abuse AC1 Reflect on and develop your practice AC2 Make use of supervision AC3 Contribute to the development of the knowledge and practice of others AD1 Raise awareness about substances, their use and effects AD4 Develop and disseminate information and advice about substance use, health and social well-being AG1 Develop, implement and review care plans for individuals AG3 Assist in the transfer of individuals between agencies and services AH4 Support individuals to undertake and monitor their own health care AI2 Help individuals address their substance use through an action plan AI1 Counsel individuals about their substance use using recognised theoretical models AI3 Counsel groups of individuals about their substance use using recognised theoretical models AJ1 Help individuals address their offending behaviour AJ2 Enable individuals to change their offending behaviour BA3 Contribute to the development of organisational policy and practice BB1 Promote your organisation and its services to stakeholders BD3 Support the health and safety of yourself and individuals BE2 Receive, analyse, process, use and store information BE4 Supply information for management control BI5 Promote effective communication for and about individuals BI1 Develop productive working relationships BI6 Develop and sustain effective working relationships with staff in other agencies BI7 Participate in inter-disciplinary team working to support individuals
Notes:	This post is subject to a Criminal Records Bureau check at an enhanced level. Amendments: This description accurately reflects the present position; it may be amended and reviewed. Any change will be made following a proper period of consultation.