Community Sensory Officer

Community Sensory Officer

Job Title: Community Sensory Officer

Reports: Sensory Business & Activities Manager

Department:  YorSensory

Salary: £23,500 (pro-rata)

Hours: 21 Hours per week, Weds-Fri Fixed term (Sept 2024)

PURPOSE

You will work as an integral part of the Yorsensory team providing a range of services for people living in the City of York with a sensory impairment (hearing and visual).

In accordance with UK legislation and professional conduct standards you will carry out sensory impairment assessments holistically and with a person-centred approach, to establish where the YorSensory team could provide support to individuals living with a sensory impairment. You will deliver a range of services to individuals and groups in a variety of locations, including public and domiciliary. You will be able to demonstrate or issue appropriate equipment to customers and record all assessments and actions as required.

DUTIES WITHIN THE ROLE

• Working under the supervision and direction of the Sensory Business & Activities Manager conduct a range of sensory impairment assessments in relation to a wide range of customers with sensory needs.
• Manage and independently deliver own workload to meet team objectives and standard response times.
• Maintain awareness at all times of the holistic needs of customers and promote the maintenance and regaining of independence and raising any safeguarding concerns as appropriate.
• Refer customers to the Vision Rehabilitation Specialists where appropriate and report observations made, particularly any signs of deterioration or changes in circumstances.
• You will be required to undertake the role of duty worker on allocated days, responding to incoming enquiries from customers and professionals, triaging the case and creating a record on the internal and City of York MOSAIC system, ensuring accurate records and prompt response to the enquires.
• Where identified and required initiate and facilitate group work to respond to customer needs. This may involve setting up and running outreach sessions or supporting the trusts Outreach and Activities team.
• You will provide support to the volunteers as and when required.
• Motivate and encourage customers to participate in community groups wherever available.
• Provide advice, support and signposting for customers, their families and carers.
• Maintain accurate, comprehensive, and up to date records, both paper and electronic, in line with legal and departmental requirements.
• Represent the service at public events, engaging and sharing information about new developments and initiatives on a local level.
• Assist with the delivery of promotional activities and the Wilberforce Trust outreach service helping to raise awareness about sensory difficulties, Yorsensory and the wider Wilberforce Trust.
• Communicate effectively and professionally with all members of the multi-disciplinary team within and outside of the Wilberforce Trust.

Person Specification

Qualities/Knowledge

• To have a good knowledge of sensory impairment and or experience in undertaking assessments, providing services to people experiencing a wide range of difficulties.
• Experience in health and social care services or Assessment environment where provision of equipment may have been offered.
• Understanding of the needs of all the sensory pathways for vulnerable adults
• Knowledge of the Social Service and Health Environment
• An awareness of local authority funding mechanisms and alternative sources of funding
• Awareness of the Equality Act and principles of equal opportunities
• Awareness of safeguarding legislation
• Preferably an experience of services utilising customer contact databases

Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to use Microsoft Packages (e.g. Outlook, Word, Excel)
• Ability to problem solve and be flexible in approach to the role and be able to adapt to changing circumstances.
• Ability to work flexible hours depending on the demands of the role, when required
• Strong time management skills and ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Additional Responsibilities

• Keep up to date with mandatory training and professional development
• Actively participate in the appraisals, staff development sessions and team discussions.
• Comply with Wilberforce Trust policies and procedures.
• Always maintain the strictest levels of confidentiality following both legal and organisational requirements.
• Communicate, collaborate and work effectively with colleagues to meet the objectives of both the service and Wilberforce Trust.
• Travel when required to carry out the above duties (full driver’s license, appropriate insurance and use of own vehicle required).

Please note that this job description is not an exhaustive list of duties and that the individual may be asked to undertake extra responsibilities as directed but within the individual’s sphere of responsibility and competence in order to meet the changing needs of the service.

This job description forms the broad framework within which the post holder will undertake their duties and will be subject to regular review and possible amendments. It does not form part of the contract.

How to Apply?

To apply for this position please send an up to date CV and covering letter to applications@wilberforcetrust.org.uk