Group Activity Worker

Location: Skelmersdale/Ormskirk

Temporary, 11 hours per week - Weekends

Salary: £11.44 per hour

Closing date: 12th July 2024

About the Organisation:

Founded in 1987 by a courageous survivor of domestic abuse, our client's charity originally began as the West Lancashire Women’s Refuge.  Their services have developed over the years and they now offer a comprehensive range of services to women, children and men affected by domestic abuse.  By providing a safe and supportive environment, our client empower survivors to take control of their lives and rebuild their sense of self and well-being.  They provide vital support and services to survivors of domestic abuse, as well as raising awareness and promoting education in the community. By focusing on all aspects of domestic abuse they have a wide-ranging impact on the issue and help to create a safer and more supportive environment for all individuals in West Lancashire.

As an independent charity, our client remain committed to empowering survivors and fostering a community free from domestic abuse.

Their mission is to build hope and confidence with people affected by domestic to live a future without fear.

What they do

Our client currently provide the following services:

Temporary 24-hour refuge accommodation and support for women and their children

Outreach and resettlement support for families being rehoused.

Advice and support for males affected by domestic abuse.

Counselling

Group work programmes

24-hour helpline

A drop in and information centre

Healthy relationships schools project

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

As a Group Activity Worker, you will be based within their refuge accommodation and be responsible for planning, organising and leading a range of therapeutic activities for families.  The activities will be designed to help improve their physical and mental health.  The role will involve working alongside the residents to ensure that the activities are varied, enjoyable and tailored to their needs.  

Planning, Organisation and Delivery:

• Develop and implement a diverse schedule of activities involving residents in the planning to ensure it meets their needs and interests.
• Ensure activities promote social interaction, physical activity and emotional well-being
• Lead and supervise activities, ensuring participants are engaged and supported.  Adapting to suit individual needs
• Provide one to one support to residents to encourage engagement and ensure inclusion
• Conduct risk assessments for activities and implement appropriate safety measures

Monitoring and Evaluation

• Maintain accurate records of activities, attendance and participant progress
• Use appropriate monitoring tools to evaluate activities

Collaboration and Communication:

• Communicate effectively with participants, and other staff members
• Report any concerns or issues to the appropriate supervisor
• Participate in training and development opportunities and attend staff meetings

Other Responsibilities:

• Act in accordance with the policies and practices of The Liberty Centre.
• Comply with all aspects of health and safety policies including being aware of the fire regulations and to take the appropriate action when necessary.
• Ensure that professional boundaries and confidentiality are always maintained when working with families, staff and external partners.
• To demonstrate and promote the organisation’s ethos, vision and values.

In addition, other duties at the same responsibility level may be interchanged with or added to this list at any time.

Due to the sensitive and confidential nature of the work, the successful applicant will be required to undertake a Disclosure and Barring check.

The role will be based at their refuge accommodation.

Person specification

Qualifications

Desirable:

• Safeguarding adults and children training          

Experience                             

Essential:

• Experience of planning and delivering a variety of group activities
• Managing risk and implementing safeguarding policies and procedures
• Experience of record keeping and evaluation      

Desirable:

• Experience of working with women and children who have experienced domestic abuse         
• Experience of working in the voluntary sector                                                    

Knowledge and skills

Essential:

- An understanding of domestic abuse and the effects

-  Excellent verbal and written communication skills           

-  Ability to demonstrate empathy, compassion, and sensitivity when working with individuals who have experienced trauma      

-  Ability to work in a non-discriminative way, and promote equality of opportunity             

-  Ability to manage stress and maintain personal well-being while supporting clients   

-  Able to work using own initiative and as part of a team            

-  Demonstrate skills and knowledge of confidentiality and maintaining professional boundaries

-  Ability to use basic Microsoft Office packages                 

Desirable:                     

-  An understanding of trauma informed and strength-based approaches                                                                     

Personal Qualities                             

Essential:

-  Reliable and a good time keeper                                    

-  Personable and approachable    

-  Positive and supportive attitude towards others

- Willingness to learn and be flexible in approach to meet the needs of the organisation                            

Other (including special requirements)                              

Essential:

- Able to work some evenings and weekends.       

You may be expected to conduct yourself in other ways and undertake different duties which are reasonable in the opinion of organisation. Your job profile is not limited and may be modified as necessary to meet the needs of the business.