Nafsiyat is recruiting a Community Link Worker

Job title: Community Link worker

Salary: £22,000 pro-rata

Hours/Working days: 1 day(7hrs)/week with the potential for more

– Specific day/hours to be negotiated

Contract type: Part-time permanent employee

Annual leave: 20 days plus Bank Holidays, pro-rata

Accountable to: Senior Link Worker

Base: Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre

Unit 4 Lysander Mews, Lysander Grove, London N19 3QP

– Potential for some online home working

About Nafsiyat 

Nafsiyat exists to reach those who are systematically failed elsewhere in society, isolated by skewed power dynamics which underly, and/ or intensify, the experience of mental ill health. Nafsiyat was established in 1983 by psychotherapist Jafar Kareem as a grassroots, community-based response to the need in North London-based BAME communities. We were the first therapy centre in the UK to take account of the cultural background of the patient and therapist and recognise its importance in therapy. We exist to ensure that the diverse religious, cultural, and ethnic communities in London can access culturally sensitive psychotherapy and counselling services; we also provide therapy in over twenty languages. Our staff and volunteers come from diverse cultural backgrounds.

Job purpose

As a community Link Worker, you will provide general advice, information, advocacy, and practical support to Nafsiyat’s clients. You will work closely with therapists, assess clients’ needs, identify any barriers that may prevent them from engaging with therapy and arrange appropriate referrals.

You will need to have excellent interpersonal skills to motivate, encourage, and empower clients to make informed decisions. Mental health awareness and good knowledge of local services in Greater London is essential. You will develop relationships with community organisations and statutory services and maintain up to date knowledge of services relevant to our client groups.

The successful candidate is likely to have relevant qualifications and experience in community work or social care and health.

Job description:

• – Ability of assessing individual issues and providing relevant information and support.
• – Engage, listen, and build relationships with clients of all backgrounds
• – Explore options, advice and support clients access appropriate services
• – Provide advocacy and arranged referrals and signposting to appropriate services
• – Support clients to develop and implement action plans to meet their needs
• – Maintain accurate records of all work undertaken, providing interim/annual reports for management
• – Pro-actively monitor and evaluate work
• – Provide support for clinical staff where necessary.
• – Always maintain clients’ confidentiality in accordance with data protection guidelines
• – Keep up to date with appropriate legislation and policies
• – Participate in monthly staff meeting where possible

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Desirable:

• – A degree, diploma or equivalent certificate in community work, social work or advice and guidance
• – Minimum of 2 years’ experience in community or related work
• – Ability to speak another language fluently and use it at work to support clients where applicable

Essential:

• – Proven ability of conducting one-to-one interviews assessing clients’ needs and identifying appropriate support
• – Experience of providing practical help, such as writing letters, making phone calls and form filling ability
• – Active listening skills as well as strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to relate to people at all levels
• – Experience of working with and supporting people who present concerning or challenging behaviour
• – Proven ability of networking and building links with clinicians, admin staff, external groups, and agencies
• – Ability to work on own initiative and as a member of a team
• – Well organised with proven ability to manage workload and cope with competing priorities
• – Experience of using Microsoft Office, e.g., Excel, Word, Outlook
• – Very good ability to maintain accurate and up to date records of clients and prepare reports
• – Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills
• – Willingness to carry out general administrative and ad hoc duties
• – Commitment to own personal development and take full advantage of training provided
• – Experience and understanding of the importance of maintaining confidentiality and data protection procedures
• – Experience of working and supporting people from diverse backgrounds always ensuring the delivery of fair and smooth service.

OTHER INFORMATION

Equal opportunities

The post holder must at all times carry out their responsibilities with due regard to Nafsiyat’s Equal Opportunities Policy.

Health & safety

The post holder is required to pro-actively comply with their duties as described in Nafsiyat’s Health and Safety Policy.

Confidentiality

The post holder is required to work in a confidential manner in all aspects of their work with regard to Nafsiyat‘s Code of ethics and practice, data protection and other relevant policies.

Regulated Activity

The duties of this post constitute a ‘regulated activity’ in accordance with the Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups Act and the Protection of Freedoms Act 2012s and subject to an Enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) and ‘barred list’ check.

HOW TO APPLY

Please send a current CV and tailored covering letter (no more than 2 pages) explaining how your knowledge, skills and experience match the requirements for this role as set out in the job description to recruitment@nafsiyat.org.uk by 5pm on Tuesday November 30^th.