Casual Appropriate Adult - DGA13819

Dumfries and Galloway Council; Dumfries; On-site; GBP 17,000 - 22,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Vivup platform discounts

LGPS discounts

Cycle-to-Work scheme

My Money Matters support

Wellbeing Champions

Job summary

Dumfries and Galloway Council is seeking enthusiastic individuals to join our Appropriate Adult Service on a casual basis across the Dumfries and Galloway region. The role involves supporting people during police investigations and ensuring fair treatment for adults with communication needs.

Applicants should have experience working with adults with mental health issues, learning disabilities or neurodiversity.

Qualifications

• Experience working with adults who have mental health problems, learning disabilities, autistic spectrum disorder, dementia or similar.
• A social work/social care/health qualification would be an advantage.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide Appropriate Adult support during police investigations and related proceedings.
• Facilitate communication with police during interviews and wider legal proceedings.
• Maintain reliability and effective communication with clients and partner agencies.

Skills

Communication

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Social work qualification

Job description

This is a time of significant change for the Social Work Service in Dumfries and Galloway, with real opportunities to contribute to service delivery and development. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join us in delivering an Appropriate Adult Service in Dumfries and Galloway, working on a casual basis throughout the region.

Who are Appropriate Adults?

Appropriate Adults understand the importance of fairness in the justice system. They come from a variety of backgrounds, are trained to a national standard and have practical experience of working with people with communication difficulties.

What do they do?

Appropriate Adults support people to understand what is happening, and to be understood, during police investigations. They provide support to:

• people aged 16 years and over

with

• communication support needs due to mental health challenges, learning disability, personality disorder and/or other factors including brain injury, cognitive impairment and neurodiversity such as autism and ADHD.

Individuals should have some professional or voluntary experience in working with adults who have a mental health problem, learning disability, autistic spectrum disorder, dementia or similar. Relevant work experience in social work/social care/health care or related field is desirable. A social work/social care/health qualification would be an advantage.

In addition, previous experience of dealing with members of the public is essential in order to deal with the various complex situations with which the appropriate adult will need to undertake. Some imaginative and innovative ways of supporting clients may be required. Individuals will be able to communicate with people with at least one of the above conditions, will be able to facilitate communication with police during interview and wider police/ legal proceedings and be a good communicator.

Individuals will be reliable and have good written and verbal communication skills. National Training will be provided and will be completed prior to any Appropriate Adult work being undertaken to ensure that the appropriate adult will have a sound knowledge base from which to operate.

This post is considered as Regulated Work with Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.

A current driving licence is an essential requirement of this post. However, if you have a disability which precludes you from holding a driving licence consideration will be given if alternative transport can be arranged.

Requirements

With an exciting benefits package, working for Dumfries and Galloway Council supports you to invest in your own health and wellbeing. Employees have access to our bespoke Vivup platform with over 800 discounts on everyday essentials from top UK retailers, restaurants, utility providers and more. Employees also get access to membership of

The Local Government Pension Scheme (Scotland) exclusive discounts from local businesses, a Cycle-to-Work scheme, financial support from My Money Matters, and guidance from our trained Wellbeing Champions.

Here at Dumfries and Galloway Council we are committed to equality, diversity and equal opportunity with our values, which include treating everyone with dignity, fairness and respect, driving us to tackle inequality. We are looking for people that can bring different perspectives and experiences and especially welcome applications from those who are underrepresented in our organisation.

For further information please contact Elaine Grieve, Senior Social Worker or Donna Fisher, Team Manager, ASP/Mash Team 03033333001.