Deputy Manager Homeless Health Peer Advocacy programme

Deputy Manager

Grade

Deputy Manager

Salary

£30,481.68 per annum

Reporting to

Project Group Manager

Location

Derry / Londonderry

Contract

Fixed term contract (2 years) This post is supported by the GF Trust

Scope of Responsibility

To Manage and oversee the development and delivery of Homeless Health Peer Advocacy programme (HHPA). The HHPA Deputy Manager will deliver an efficient and high-quality service to the participants in the Homeless Health Peer Advocacy Programme, evaluate outcomes and support peer-led initiatives. This role will oversee the line management of the Homeless Health Peer Advocacy Service which includes the support and supervision to the Peer Advocates.

Hours

Five days per week (35 hours), normally Monday to Friday. Some work during evenings and weekends will be required and time off in lieu applies for extra hours worked.

Key Areas of Responsibility

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

The Deputy Manager will support the Manager in the efficient, effective management of the project, and will work within the principle of harm reduction with a peer led viewpoint. In conjunction with the Project Group Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day running of your project, providing care and support to the particular project’s client group. To work in line with Trauma Informed Practice. The Deputy Manager may participate in the On Call rota.

STAFF

• Responsible for provision of staff and volunteer support, supervision and training and manage staff performance through probation, JARS and supervision.
• Recruitment of Homeless Health Peer Advocates.
• To be the main contact who will liaise with the internal/external agencies to promote recruitment of a sufficient number of participants to run the programme.
• To ensure that the Peer Advocates are inducted, trained and supported to adhere to all Depaul HHPA policies and procedures particularly those relating to Confidentiality, Code of Practice, Professional Boundaries, Equal Opportunities, Risk Management and Lone Working.
• To provide regular support to the staff in carrying out their tasks and empower individuals in the community to engage with health care supports.
• Facilitate relationships building so staff can work effectively in healthcare settings such as hospitals and with relevant other medical professionals.
• To provide support and supervision to the project workers, and volunteers as delegated by Project Group Manager.
• To assist in developing and delivering a relevant and in-depth induction programme for each new member of staff and volunteers.
• To assess the training and development needs of the staff in conjunction with the Local Management Team (LMT) and develop training opportunities for them in line with Depaul’s training programme.
• To assist in the recruitment and interviewing of service staff, relief workers and volunteers in conjunction with the line manager where appropriate.
• To maintain appropriate staff records.

VOLUNTEERS

• To assist in the development and training of the volunteers in the delivery of services to service users.
• Oversee the management and support of volunteer peer advocates within the project.

PEER TRAINING, SUPPORT AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT:

• To organise and facilitate HHPA team meetings on a weekly basis.
• To provide link in’s and line management support to all HHPAs in their role, and act as on-call support while HHPA’s on visits.
• In conjunction with Depaul’s Health Initiative: organise, support design, and facilitate HHPA training courses and additional training where needs arise.
• To support HHPA skills development, coordinate appointments/transport and provide cover for visits where necessary.
• To oversee, inform and collaboratively resolve with management any issue that appears to compromise any Depaul Policy, Procedure or practice.
• To inform line manager and escalate complaints by HHPAs and those receiving support if required.
• To adhere to all Depaul Policies and procedures.

SERVICE DELIVERY

• Provide reports to Project Group Manager or in their absence the Senior Service Manager and funders on developments and delivery of the project and ensure the programme is run to reflect the standards and ethos of Depaul.
• Knowledge and experience of trauma informed practice.
• Provide monthly and quarterly reports to ensure KPIs are being met.
• To represent the project internally and externally at development forums, conferences and keep informed of relevant changes to policies and procedures that are relevant to the development and success of the project (e.g. fundraising & communications).
• Working in collaboration with health programmes and other healthcare professionals which may include staff working in a healthcare setting.
• To attend Service Delivery Planning meetings as required.
• To build up good working relationships with other projects and agencies in the homeless sector and attend where possible relevant networks.
• To ensure that the practical needs of service users are met in relation to organisations standards and funders requirements.
• To ensure that all service users have regularly reviewed risk assessments and support plans.
• To ensure there is adequate cover on the staff rota at all times and cover shift(s) where necessary and in line with budget controls.
• To ensure that localised project procedures are regularly reviewed and the appropriate measures taken in light of the review if necessary or due to direction from central office.
• To ensure that the complaints procedure is well publicised and operated in accordance with policy. To actively seek feedback from service users and stakeholders regarding service provision.
• To assist in the development of the service’s annual strategic plan, taking into account the views of staff and service users.

HEALTH AND SAFETY

• To ensure that Health and Safety standards are met within the project in accordance with the Health and Safety policy and procedures.
• To assist the Project Group Manager in fulfilling responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the furnishings and fabric of the property to a high standard and initiating the necessary repairs that may be required.
• To attend joint management meetings in Project Group Manager’s absence.
• To ensure all incident and accident are managed and reports completed as per DPI policy and procedures.
• Responsible together with the PGM and the LMT for ensuring the project operates as defined by the organisations Health and Safety Statement.

FINANCE

• Ensure that all local financial procedures are implemented and adhered to.
• To ensure that expenditure is within the project’s budget, in conjunction with Local Management Team (LMT).
• Be involved in financial planning for project, manage the project budget with LMT, prepare monthly payroll and ensure cash procedures are followed.

TEAM WORK

• To chair and assist the manager in arranging and conducting weekly team meetings and review days and in their absence take the lead role in this.
• To ensure that an effective team approach is maintained.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• In conjunction with your Line Manager to continuously develop the role to ensure that all tasks are being undertaken in an effective and appropriate manner which meets the strategic aims and objectives of Depaul.
• To ensure that all Depaul policies and procedures are being adhered to, particularly those relating to Health and Safety, Code of Practice, Confidentiality and Equal Opportunities.
• In conjunction with the Local Management team (LMT) and the PGM ensure service policies and procedures are established and operating correctly and communicated to teams.
• To undertake your role in a professional manner maintaining a high-quality standard of work, and to always work in accordance with Vision, Mission and Values of Depaul.
• Responsible for overseeing health and safety obligations- Ensuring health and safety standards are always upheld.
• To ensure the programme and participants are aware and adhering to GDPR regulations.
• Responsible for the financial expenditure and budgets of the HHPA programme. Prepare monthly payroll and ensure cash procedures are followed.
• Develop/manage an operational and well-functioning team and ensure team meetings along with external meetings where required are undertaken.
• Run/participate in the planning and delivery of team days and review days as required.
• Oversee the management and support of staff & volunteers within the project.
• Carry out project appraisals and report findings to the senior service teams.
• Represent Depaul externally with a wide range of other voluntary agencies, statutory partners and other funders as agreed with the Senior Services Manager.
• Undertake any other duties that may be required which are commensurate with the role in consultation with the manager.

The above list is not exhaustive; additional areas of responsibility both in relation to tasks and direct reports may be added over time.

Person Requirements

• An understanding of why people become homeless, their presenting health needs and the barriers to accessing health services.
• Experience of risk management systems and working within a process of risk reduction/control as part of the daily operations of the programme.
• Capacity to engage with and gain the trust of participants.
• An understanding of the benefits of peer programmes and the ability to support and motivate participants to work in innovative ways.
• Ability to deliver training to volunteers and staff.
• Experience of the challenges involved in lone working and how this may impact on the training needs of Homeless Health Peer Advocates.
• Knowledge of the statutory and voluntary sector resources and referral pathways to health care.
• An interest in peer led initiatives, research and a commitment to supporting HHPAs into further education and employment opportunities.
• Ability to be a flexible, participating and co-operative member of a team.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing and good listening skills.
• Ability to use initiative, apply sound decision-making skills and to make rapid assessments of the needs of HHPAs and participants.
• Ability to act calmly in emergencies and respond in a professional manner to challenging and stressful situations.
• Ability to liaise effectively with staff at all levels as well as outside agencies and to advocate on behalf of HHPA and participants.
• A good knowledge of Health and safety and risk management systems.
• Strong organisational, administrative and data collection skills including experience in report writing or policy development.
• Strong sense of advocacy and commitment to health equity and social justice.

Attitude:

• A commitment to and an understanding of equal opportunities and diversity issues.
• A belief in the value and potential of peers working in the area of health and homelessness.
• Respect for the values and beliefs of Depaul and the founding partners.
• To work professionally with clear boundaries at all times.

Access NI

This Post is subject to an Enhanced Access NI check. Having a criminal record will not necessarily debar you from working with Depaul. This will depend on the nature of the position, together with the circumstances and background of your offences or other information contained on a disclosure certificate.

NISCC

This post is subject to NISCC registration, if you do hold a valid registration this must be completed within your probationary period.