Carers Information and Advice Worker

**Hours per week**:37 hours, full-time, permanent position

**Location**: Newcastle upon Tyne (flexible working in place)

**Salary**:NJC scale 17-20, starting salary £28,769 - £30,295

**Why work at Newcastle Carers?**

**Our vision is to improve the** **quality of life for carers of all ages and help them overcome their challenges.**

Working at Newcastle Carers is more than just a job. We are a team of passionate people dedicated to supporting carers of all ages. Our values incorporate every aspect of our work: Empowering, Inclusive, People-Focused, and Empathetic. We know that by working together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of unpaid carers in Newcastle.

Do you share our passion and want to join us to make a real difference in the lives of unpaid carers in Newcastle?

**A bit about the role**

The primary role of a Carers Information and Advice Worker is to support adult carers in overcoming the barriers that they face within their caring role. A carer is someone who looks after a family member or friend due to illness, disability, mental health illness or addiction. 3 in 5 people become carers at some point in their lifetime. This role will provide emotional, practical and advocacy support to carers in Newcastle, working with them to ensure they have all the information and advice needed.

You will proactively collaborate with relevant organisations in Newcastle to identify, inform and support carers. This role will focus on supporting carers who are currently unemployed, reducing barriers to employment, improving confidence and empowering carers to access services.

**Key responsibilities**
- Providing unpaid carers in Newcastle with information and advice specific to their needs, communicating effectively to ensure they are heard and valued.
- Providing emotional support and advocacy to carers.
- Identifying and working with groups of carers who are under-supported.
- Empowering carers to access other services in their local area, with a focus on unemployed carers.
- Work in partnership with relevant organisations to ensure carers have access to appropriate support and to raise the profile of Newcastle Carers, encouraging new referrals.
- Carry a caseload and maintain accurate records using Newcastle Carers IT systems (training will be given).
- Register new carers using Newcastle Carers ‘Outcome Ladder’ conversation tool to carry out an informal assessment of their needs.
- Help to identify the training needs of unemployed carers.
- Follow the organisation’s policies and procedures, e.g. safeguarding policy.
- Attend appropriate training and provide formal feedback to other staff.
- Undertake any other reasonable requests for work as directed by the Leadership Team.

**Person Specification: Knowledge, Experience and Skills**
- Experience working with a wide range of people.
- Educated to NVQ Level 3 or above (or equivalent qualification or experience).
- Confidence in using IT systems, preferably with experience of using Microsoft 365, including Word, Excel, Teams and Outlook.
- Experience facilitating/running group sessions
- Experience managing a varied and challenging workload, including carrying a personal caseload.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to develop and maintain constructive relationships.
- Knowledge and experience of working practices within various settings, e.g. Health, Social Care and Education.
- Strong commitment to equality and diversity. A person who recognises, respects and values difference.
- Ability to keep accurate records, including recording case notes on an online database.
- Knowledge and understanding of the voluntary and community sector.
- Committed to being Empowering, Inclusive, People-Focused and Empathetic in line with Newcastle Carers values.
- Be a strong team member in a supportive team, with the ability to work independently.

**How to apply**

**Salary**: £28,769.00-£30,295.00 per year

**Benefits**:

- Company pension
- Health & wellbeing programme
- Sick pay
- Transport links

Schedule:

- Flexitime
- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person