At a Glance
- Tasks: Support young carers with advice, guidance, and social opportunities in Aberdeenshire.
- Company: Join VSA, a local organisation dedicated to supporting carers and their families.
- Benefits: Enjoy remote work, a competitive salary, generous leave, and personal development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the lives of young carers while working in a supportive community.
- Qualifications: Experience with young people and knowledge of carer legislation is essential.
- Other info: Flexible hours and a driving license are required for home visits and community engagement.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 43200 ÂŁ per year.
VSA currently have an exciting opportunity available to join our Aberdeenshire Carers Service as a Carer Advisor working with Young Carers and their Families across Aberdeenshire (North Aberdeenshire). This will be a Full-time, Permanent position and in return, you will receive a competitive salary and benefits.
VSA's Aberdeenshire carers service supports adults, children, and young people who care for someone living in Aberdeenshire. The advantage of our information and support is that we are a local based organisation. We have an in-depth understanding of the people of Aberdeenshire and take a localised approach to all our information and carers services. We are also network partners with the National Carers Organisations, Carers Trust and Coalition of Carers which keeps us briefed with all matters relating to unpaid carers.
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Working from Home (however this role will include home visits to Carers and their families as well as community engagement sessions/drop ins, which will be delivered in and around the localities this role supports). A drivers license and access to your own transport is essential for this role.
Work Pattern: Monday to Friday
Locations to be Covered: North Aberdeenshire - Fraserburgh, Peterhead, Mintlaw and Ellon areas
We offer our staff fantastic benefits including:
- Company pension
- Employee assistance programme
- Generous annual leave
- Refer a friend programme - Receive ÂŁ225 when you introduce a family member or friend to VSA
- Investment in your personal development and career through our learning and development programmes
- Gain recognised SCQF Qualifications
- Access to our employee discount scheme
About the role: You will make an effective contribution to the provision of appropriate information, advice, support, guidance and access to services and social opportunities for young carers in Aberdeenshire, according to their changing needs, working both on an individual and group work basis. You will also support the carer in preparing a Young Carer’s Statement in accordance with relevant carers legislation.
Responsibilities of our Carer Advisor will include:
- Work alongside young people referred to service and establish impact of their caring role & complete young carers statement.
- Raising awareness of the role undertaken by people as carers, their statutory rights & their needs, amongst those professionals who plan and manage services.
- Collating and disseminating information on services available locally, and providing an information resource giving details of such services which can be safely accessed by young carers, and understood by them.
- Work within a designated School Cluster group/locality giving talks to young people in schools and youth groups to raise awareness of carers’ issues and to provide information about services available to young carers.
- Advising, guiding and supporting young carers both on a one to one and group basis, taking on an advocacy role when required.
- Facilitating group activities, social and training/educational events as determined by the needs and wishes of the young carers.
- Investigating the nature and extent of on-going unmet needs of young carers, and determining ways of meeting these needs in accordance with available resources.
- Regularly reviewing needs of young carers in the light of changing and evolving circumstances, ensuring that support and information given is relevant and appropriate.
- Exploring and developing effective communication and informal networks amongst a wide range of individuals, including young carers, volunteers, groups and agencies.
- Any other tasks which may arise from time to time, provided they are reasonable and within the post-holder’s capabilities.
What we are looking for in our Carers Advisor:
Qualifications/Training/Education:
- Awareness and understanding of the role of unpaid carers
- A qualification in Community Work, Social Work, Nursing or Teaching
- Relevant post qualifying training e.g. safeguarding
- Awareness and knowledge of current legislation relating to Children and Child Protection issues e.g. the Children’s Act (Scotland) 1995, and to Disability issues e.g. the Disability Discrimination Act 1995.
Experience:
- Experience of working with young people and youth issues.
- Relevant post qualifying training e.g. Safeguarding & Child Protection.
- Experience of working with carers.
- Ability to relate to young people.
- Well developed interpersonal skills e.g. communication, listening, counselling and negotiating skills.
- Good organisational skills.
- Insight when dealing with conflicting demands.
Personal Qualities:
- Ability to use own initiative.
- Self-reliance, and ability to work under pressure.
- Appreciation of Community Care issues.
Other Job Requirements:
- Flexible approach to working hours- availability to work evening and weekend (on a planned basis).
- To ensure the protection of children and vulnerable adults whilst adhering to current legislation and national/local policies and guidelines.
- Observe Safeguarding & Child Protection Policy as per Agency procedures and adhere to Child Protection guidelines.
- Observe Adult Support & Protection Policy as per Agency procedure and Aberdeenshire H&SCP Adult Support & Protection Procedures.
- Full and Clean Driving License and access to a vehicle.
If our Carer Advisor role sounds like you, then click “Apply” below and start your career journey with VSA today!
Carer Advisor (Young Carers - Aberdeenshire) employer: VSA
Contact Detail:
VSA Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Carer Advisor (Young Carers - Aberdeenshire)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of young carers in Aberdeenshire. Research local organisations and resources that support young carers, as this knowledge will help you demonstrate your commitment to the role during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of youth work and community services. Attend local events or workshops related to caring and youth issues to build connections and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience working with young people and how it relates to the responsibilities of a Carer Advisor. Think of specific examples where you've made a positive impact, as these will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of relevant legislation, such as the Children’s Act and Disability Discrimination Act. Being able to articulate how these laws affect young carers will demonstrate your preparedness for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Carer Advisor (Young Carers - Aberdeenshire)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Carer Advisor position. Familiarise yourself with the specific needs of young carers in Aberdeenshire and how your skills align with these.
Tailor Your CV: Customise your CV to highlight relevant experience and qualifications that match the job description. Emphasise your work with young people, community engagement, and any relevant training or certifications.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for supporting young carers. Use specific examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your understanding of their needs and how you can contribute to VSA's mission.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application materials. Check for spelling and grammatical errors, and ensure that all information is clear and concise. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism.
How to prepare for a job interview at VSA
✨Understand the Role of a Carer Advisor
Make sure you have a solid grasp of what a Carer Advisor does, especially in relation to young carers. Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description, such as supporting young people and preparing Young Carer’s Statements.
✨Showcase Relevant Experience
Prepare to discuss your experience working with young people and any relevant training you've undertaken, such as safeguarding or child protection. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully supported young carers in the past.
✨Demonstrate Strong Interpersonal Skills
Highlight your communication, listening, and counselling skills during the interview. You may be asked to role-play scenarios or answer situational questions, so think about how you would approach various challenges faced by young carers.
✨Research Local Resources
Since the role involves providing information about local services, it’s beneficial to research the resources available in Aberdeenshire. Being knowledgeable about local organisations and support systems will show your commitment to the community and the role.