Recovery Worker

The Littlemore Restore Cafe and Shop started up in 2013 in partnership with the Thames Valley Forensic Service with the purpose of providing a therapeutic environment and work-like setting for patients on the Littlemore Hospital site with little or no leave to the community. Although placement opportunities are prioritized for the forensic patient group, the service is not exclusively for forensic patients. We provide opportunities for people in the community with mental health problems as well as patients in the non-forensic wards, and residents in Response supported housing. The aim of the Littlemore Recovery Group is to enable people who use the service to build up their confidence and new skills, improve their self-esteem, feel encouraged and empowered to make decisions and choices whilst being supported to develop coping strategies and self-manage their mental health within a work-like environment. We provide a supportive environment that encourages members to feel a sense of purpose and to engage in meaningful activities.

We offer a flexible environment to enable members to work with times and days that are suitable for each individual, and we do encourage extending hours over time to build up resilience and self-effectiveness. All these factors help members (people who use our services) to feel equipped and ready to participate in voluntary work, paid employment or education.

Key Responsibilities

To support the overall day to day running of the recovery group in conjunction with group members

To monitor and support individual service users recovery journey, through creative and varied work activities involved in retail and catering

To support service users to develop transferable skills through practical work and social interaction

To involve service users in the development and delivery of the service

To involve service users in the development and delivery of their individual support

To implement effective risk management and ensure hygiene and quality control

To comply with the organisations relevant policies and procedures

Under the supervision of the Recovery Coordinator, the post holder will support the planning, training and supervision of recovery activities taking into consideration the needs of the recovery group with that of the cafe and shop as a business. As a team member they will be expected to undertake all aspects of the work of the project as decided by the group including on-site sales to the public of goods produced by the group and participation in running open days and other events.

The post holder will be provided with a tailor-made training programme covering all aspects of basic recovery work.

**Specific Responsibilities**:
1. To encourage service users to function independently and set positive, realistic goals for themselves as a means to improving their quality of life, by:
Empowering and involving service users in the running of the project

Fostering a climate of positive change within individuals and the group, working to support individuals to achieve agreed goals and action plans

Developing teamwork and encouraging the group and individual service users to take responsibility for tasks

Promoting the acquisition of skills through provision of a variety of tasks which service users can do to gain skills

Incorporating the use of information technology as appropriate

To liaise with the hospital wards and develop excellent working relationships with external organisations;
To work in partnership with and collaborate effectively with the forensic Occupational Therapists Increasing access to mainstream opportunities.

Providing impartial guidance and support to help people understand themselves and their needs, confront barriers, resolve conflicts, develop new perspectives and make progress.

2. To assist in maintaining and monitoring the effectiveness of the project

Keeping accurate and up to date records and accounts

Implementing and using systems to record service user progress

Helping to ensure that buildings on the site are properly maintained and to be involved in the care and maintenance of equipment/ stock used

Participation in staff and group meetings and any other relevant meetings

Liaison with other staff and outside agencies as appropriate.

3. To ensure compliance with all relevant Health and Safety legislation

Ensuring risk is assessed and managed

Ensuring awareness among service users and visitors of any potential hazards and ensuring that safety is maintained at all times

Instructing and training all those people involved in the project in relevant Health and Safety procedure

Ensuring Food Hygiene and Health and Safety standards are adhered to as per Food Safety Policy and national Health and Safety Regulations

Person Specification

Essential

A positive attitude towards people with mental health problems, in particular peoples ability to develop and change

Understanding of the obstacles and challenges faced by people with poor ment