Responsible To: Registered Manager LEAD MENTOR JOB DESCRIPTION Main Purpose of the Job: To assist the Registered Manager in achieving the aims and objectives of the Statement of Purpose. To support and manage the staff team to enable them to meet the needs of the children and young people. To undertake direct work with children and young people as appropriate. To ensure each shift is planned and resources allocated. To work in partnership with other professionals to achieve optimum outcomes for young people. To offer supervision and support to staff in line with National Minimum Standards and as directed by the Registered Manager Equal Opportunities: All young people are equally entitled to have their needs met in a fair and balanced way. Lead Mentor s are responsible for promoting equal opportunities for all and for challenging any behaviour or practice which discriminates against any young person or colleague on the grounds of race, religion, disability, age, gender, sexual orientation or any other perceived difference. Duties & Responsibilities To manage a staff team through: Providing supervisory control and direction in relation to staff duties and responsibilities. Taking responsibility for planning shifts and ensuring their smooth running when on duty. Providing consultation and informal advice and support to staff in relation to day to day matters. Offering 1:1 supervision to staff in line with National Minimum Standards Contributing to team and staff meetings to facilitate good communication and staff development Ensuring staff work within the Home s policies, procedures and National Minimum Standards requirements
To meet the needs of children through: Overseeing all aspects of the home in the absence of the Registered Manager Ensuring that each member of staff is aware of each child s care plan and their responsibilities for its implementation Ongoing oversight of all work completed by Mentors on shift Supporting Mentors in ensuring that all Review, Planning or Professionals Meeting reports are completed within timescales. Attending childcare reviews and planning meetings to provide information and achieve best outcomes for young people Undertaking direct work with young people, building positive relationships, promoting empowerment and acting as an appropriate role model to build self esteem and encourage achievement. Maintaining accurate written records in logs, continuation sheets and files both to record information and enable regular monitoring and evaluation to take place Chairing children s meetings and facilitating consultation with young people generally Acting as an appropriate adult at PACE interviews Supporting young people to attend and engage in education, appointments, recreational and social activities and to take an active interest in their achievements and social development and to support young people in the classroom when required. Encouraging young people to engage in independence tasks around the home appropriate to their age and level of understanding to promote their life skills. Maintaining accurate, up to date written records in logs, continuation sheets and files both to record information and enable regular monitoring and evaluation to take place Ensuring that the primary care of young people is met with regards to their needs and wishes. Acting as a Key Worker for a young person as designated by the Registered Manager and to ensure that your Key Child s records are maintained up to date. Facilitating consultation with young people, their families and involved professionals. Working within the Therapeutic framework of the home and maintain professional boundaries at all times. Ensuring that Therapeutic and Care plans for young people are strictly adhered to Maintaining appropriate routines, limits and boundaries for young people Sharing information appropriately in-line with confidentiality
General Responsibilities: To assist the Registered Manager in the implementation of all aspects of the Statement of Purpose To ensure that safe working practice is maintained at all times To drive company vehicles subject to policies and procedures To ensure that own vehicle is maintained appropriately and has an up to date tax disc and MOT certificate. To ensure appropriate Business Insurance cover on own car to enable transport of young people. To work on a rota basis according to the needs of young people To demonstrate an ongoing commitment to continuous professional development and attend all training as identified. To keep abreast of legislative changes and best practice To ensure that resources are allocated appropriately and financial records are accurately maintained under the direction of the Registered Manager To receive supervision / Appraisal in line with National Minimum Standards and to take responsibility for personal development and progress of individual training needs To work at other Crystal Care homes as required in meeting the needs of the business. To maintain a professional profile outside of work and not engage in any activity or conversation that may bring the company into disrepute To carry out all other reasonable tasks as directed by the Registered Manager Reviewed January 2014
LEAD MENTOR PERSON SPECIFICATION Essential Qualifications Diploma / NVQ 3 in caring for Children and Young People Sound educational background Knowledge & Skills Good working knowledge of National Minimum Standards, Children Act and other relevant legislation Team Building Skills Active Listening Skills Mentoring skills Good awareness of Equal Opportunities Ability to communicate both verbally and in writing at all levels Understanding the needs of traumatized and abused children including managing challenging behaviour Excellent organisational skills Ability to self motivate Ability to further develop knowledge through training and development Experience Previous experience of working in a residential setting with young people with challenging behaviour Previous experience at Senior Care level (Team Leader / Senior RCW / Deputy Manager, etc) Desirable A professional Therapeutic qualification Diploma Level 5 in Leadership & Management Strong understanding of the needs of abused and exploited young people. Experience of working with sexually abused and / or exploited young people. Personal qualities An ability to interpret and respond appropriately to a range of emotions Seeks appropriate assistance when limits of own capabilities are
Skills & abilities Circumstances & Health and behaviors. An ability to adapt and respond positively to changing patterns and work situations. High level of emotional awareness in both self and others. Able to use initiative and act in a confident, selfdirected and resourceful way to identify and resolve difficulties. Views the needs and welfare of service users as paramount. Committed to the principle of personal development for both service users and staff. Able to contribute to safer caring by promoting a culture of openness. The ability to communicate effectively with children and young people, families, colleagues and external agencies. Effective and efficient recording skills. Must be available for shift working (including sleepins ) Health and physical wellbeing must allow for: reached. Confronts difficult issues or setbacks straightforward and honestly. Has a good understanding of the social work task and of their and the services role within that context. Recognise the importance of team working and participates effectively and constructively in its functioning. Skills in assessment, planning, recording and decision making.
Reviewed January 2014 - Safe holding and physical intervention - All driving duties (including driving for long periods) - Physical activities with the children and young people