Expert by Experience

Quality & Involvement; Essex; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A community-focused organization is seeking an Expert by Experience (Thera East) to enhance the quality of care for individuals with learning disabilities and autism. This home-based role in Essex requires engaging with people to gather insights and improve support. Candidates must have lived experience and strong communication skills. A flexible approach to work is essential, making this a rewarding opportunity to make a difference.

Qualifications

• Must have lived experience of learning disabilities and/or autism.
• Able to engage effectively in various settings.
• Strong organizational skills required.

Responsibilities

• Observe and assess support from a personal perspective.
• Engage with individuals to gather feedback.
• Facilitate group discussions to improve care quality.
• Create detailed reports on findings.
• Collaborate with staff across departments.
• Attend meetings and training as required.

Skills

Lived experience of learning disability and/or autism

Strong communication skills

Passion for improving lives

Knowledge of support practices

Experience in delivering workshops

Ability to use technology

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Expert by Experience (Thera East)

Location: Home-based in Essex or Suffolk with travel across both counties

Contract: Relief, As and when required with a flexible approach to working hours and days

Salary: £12.21 per hour

Other Requirements: Must be willing to travel with your supporter or independently to carry out vital quality checks

About Us

The Quality & Involvement Team at Thera Trust are a peer led quality checking service, who provide vital feedback about the quality of care and support that people with learning disabilities and/or autism receive. We are looking for an Expert by Experience to join our team, using lived experience of learning disabilities and/or autism to help improve the quality of support for individuals within our Thera Companies.

In this role, you will be supported by a Quality & Involvement Supporter playing a vital part in ensuring the voices of people receiving support are heard and understood. You will receive the support you need from a dedicated Quality & Involvement Supporter to help you succeed in your role. Your supporter will help guide your work plan, ensuring that your role aligns with the broader goals of Thera Trust and the people we support.

Main Purpose of the Job

The role is designed for someone who has lived experience of learning disability and/or autism and is passionate about improving the quality of support people receive. You will gather valuable insights into the quality of support from a personal perspective, providing feedback and recommendations that help shape the care people receive. You will work on various projects across Thera Trust to enhance the services we offer by sharing your lived experience and knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

• Observe and report: Visit people in their homes to observe and assess what their support looks and feels like. Understand their perspectives and gather meaningful feedback to improve their experiences.
• 1:1 conversation: Engage with individuals receiving support and their family or carers to understand their experiences and feedback, building strong, trusting relationships.
• Facilitate workshops/Group Events: Lead and participate in group discussions with people receiving support to gather their thoughts on the quality of care and how it can be improved.
• Report writing: With the support of a Quality & Involvement Supporter, you will collect and record information, then create detailed reports that highlight your findings, which will be provided to the Thera Companies.
• Collaborate effectively with staff members across various companies and departments, fostering open communication and teamwork.
• Promote effective teamwork: Working jointly and effectively with staff members across various companies and departments, to achieve open communication and teamwork.
• Attend meetings/training: These may be virtually or in person as required.

Skills and Attributes

• Lived experience of learning disability and/or autism.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to engage with people in a variety of settings, using different communication methods.
• A passion for improving the lives of others and making a positive impact within the community.
• Knowledge of good and poor support practices, Person-Centred Approaches, adult safeguarding, and community inclusion.
• Ability to speak up for others and engage with new people.
• Experience in delivering workshops and strong organisational skills.
• Ability to use technology (Outlook, Word, Teams) and use a smart phone.

Why Join Us

This is a rewarding role for individuals passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with learning disabilities and autism. You will play an essential part in shaping the quality of care and ensuring that people’s voices are heard. With a flexible approach to work and the opportunity to work alongside a supportive team, this is an ideal role for someone with a strong sense of advocacy and empathy. We are committed to ensuring that people with lived experience are involved in improving services, and we value diverse perspectives in everything we do.

How to Apply

Via Application Form Link

OR

Please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and why you are the right fit for the role to [e-mail]

We look forward to hearing from you!