Recruitment Information
Education & Training Practitioner Bedfordshire
16.5 hours per week Fixed term until 31.3.2015
1 Introduction
Thank you for your interest in this role. You will find enclosed in this pack further information with the job description and person specification. I wanted to share in this introduction with you the work that we do and why this role is so important to us.
About Brook
Brook helps young people to make informed, active choices about their personal and sexual relationships so they can enjoy their sexuality without harm.
Brook services provide free and confidential sexual health information, contraception, pregnancy testing, advice and counselling, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and outreach and education work, reaching over 290,000 young people every year.
Becoming a Bigger, bolder, better Brook
Until 2011 Brook operated as a network of independent charities but we have now merged into a group of 17 subsidiary charities under a parent company. There are 13 centres in England and one each in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Jersey. We employ over 600 staff across the UK.
Brook’s Strategic goals
Across the UK at Brook, we have eight strategic goals, which we work towards in all of our services, these are:
• young people will be involved in all of our work • we will ensure we are a robust organisation that provides value for money • evidence, clinical excellence and a commitment to ongoing improvement will drive all our work • we will develop a strong Brook workforce including volunteers and trustees who are connected to and driven by our values • we will establish a framework for measuring and demonstrating evidence of impact • we will share our learning, knowledge and expertise with professionals • we will develop, maintain and establish strong relationships with a range of partners • we will develop a robust and sustainable funding and support base.
We have three key business areas;
Clinical and support services – including provision of contraception, testing and treatment for sexually transmitted infections and counseling. Recruitment information All roles will develop and Brook may change the role scope in consultation with the post holder Education and training – this is rights based and needs led. Education is provided for young people and training for professionals. Campaigning, lobbying and advocacy – to educate and influence young people, parents and carers, professionals, parliamentarians and other decision makers.
The following weblink shows the areas that we cover http://www.brook.org.uk/find-a-centre. The Ask Brook helpline is also available to all young people under 25 and provides a free and confidential telephone helpline 0808 802 1234, text information service and secure online enquiry service via www.brook.org.uk.
Education For Choice
Education For Choice (EFC) is a project of Brook and supports young people’s right to informed choice on abortion by: delivering workshops for young people; providing evidence-based information and resources; and training health and education professionals.
EFC calls for all young people to get accurate information and good quality education about abortion, and impartial support with pregnancy decision-making whoever they are, whoever they ask and wherever they go. Find out more at: http://www.brook.org.uk/professionals/about-brook/education-for-choice
Campaigns
Brook campaigns for sex and relationships education (SRE) to be fit for the 21st century through our Sex:Positive campaign. We know that young people want SRE that is relevant to their lives, focuses on relationships as well as sex, is honest about human sexuality and taught by professionals who are well prepared and confident. You can find out more about the campaign at www.sexpositive.org.uk.
In partnership with FPA we also run the XES – We Can’t Go backwards campaign, launched in response to reports of restrictions to contraception and sexual health services across the UK. Brook and FPA are calling on people in the UK to join the campaign and rate and share their experiences of contraception and sexual health services, good and bad, through the interactive online sexual health map. Find out more at www.wecantgobackwards.org.uk.
Resources for professionals
Brook produces a range of widely used and respected publications to inform work and understanding of sexual health and sex and relationships education for use by nurses, GPs, teachers, parents, youth workers and young people themselves on a broad range of sexual health issues. Find out more at www.brook.org.uk/shop.
The Traffic Light Tool guide to assessing sexual behaviours is our online safeguarding tool for all professionals working with children and young people. The tool is available online at www.brook.org.uk/traffic-lights, a PDF version can
Recruitment information All roles will develop and Brook may change the role scope in consultation with the post holder also be downloaded and it is also supported by training and consultancy packages from Brook trainers across the country.
Brook training, education and outreach services
Brook delivers high quality, affordable training for all professionals working with young people. Our expertise is developed from almost 50 years of experience working with young people and all our training is informed by their views and perspectives.
Brook provides, education and training in:
Condom distribution Chlamydia screening Sexual exploitation Boys and young men Sexual bullying Abortion: decisions and dilemmas Sexual health for people with a learning disability Supporting young people to safely navigate risk Confidentiality, the law, negotiation and consent Building self esteem and managing relationships.
In addition, Brook can develop tailored, made to measure training.
The UK Sexual Health Awards
Together with FPA we host the UK Sexual Health Awards celebrating and showcasing all the creative and innovative work that is taking place in sexual health every day. Find out more about the awards and who the winners for 2013 were at: www.uksexualhealthawards.org.uk.
Links and further information
You can find further information about our vision, mission, values and Strategic Framework here: http://www.brook.org.uk/professionals/about-brook.
CEO blog: http://www.brook.org.uk/professionals/blog
Twitter: @BrookCharity @BeSexPositive
Education and Training
Brook has three core areas of activity – Clinical & Support, Education & Training and Campaigning, Lobbying &Advocacy. Each has a critical role in delivering our mission. Our model is underpinned by a commitment to being locally responsive, the participation of young people, and to high quality and effective safeguarding of young people. We bring together the benefits of being a national organisation with strong local understanding, intelligence, partnerships and personality.
Recruitment information All roles will develop and Brook may change the role scope in consultation with the post holder Our education and training is designed for both young people and professionals. A combination of one-to-one and group work in schools and community venues, our work is designed around individual and group needs.
We support emotional development and the learning of core life skills for all young people, and have specific programmes and activities that target the needs of the most vulnerable young people, such as those who are sexually exploited.
Our training and consultancy work is both clinical and non-clinical, and is based on our everyday practice and almost 50 years’ experience of what we know works in improving outcomes for young people.
Area Director
Service Regional Manager/ Head Education & of Area Training Lead Operations
Education & Training Manager
Advanced Volunteer Practitioner Coordinator
Practitioner
Assistant Practitioner
The recruitment process
The role specification is at the end of this information. You can apply by completing our application form and return it to us at www.HRRecruit.org.uk by the closing date. If you are shortlisted we will contact you further with details of the selection process and dates.
To be considered for this role you will believe passionately in the rights of young people and have experience of working within Data Protection and Privacy laws. You must demonstrate a commitment to the aims, values and purposes of Brook and the young people in the communities in which we work and possess an open minded, customer focused attitude with a passion to make a difference
Recruitment information All roles will develop and Brook may change the role scope in consultation with the post holder Please be aware that this post is subject to a Disclosure and Barring check and clearance that is satisfactory to Brook.
What we can offer you
If you are added to the Bank we can offer a salary range of £20,638 - £22,903 per annum (pro rata) dependant on skills and experience; and a range of attractive company benefits including a matched contribution scheme (up to 4% employers contribution)
If you believe you have the right skills and abilities to do this job, we’d like to hear from you.
Role Specification
Education & Training Practitioner
Post: Education & Training Practitioner Reports to: Education & Training Manager Location: Dunstable Hours: 16.5 hours per week Fixed term: Until 31.3.2015
Recruitment information All roles will develop and Brook may change the role scope in consultation with the post holder Job Summary To develop and deliver innovative and effective work with young people. To empower all young people accessing Brook Education programmes to gain knowledge of personal development, health issues & supporting service, by employing motivational delivery techniques, with particular emphasis on ‘at risk’ groups as defined by the organisation.
Major responsibilities To provide young people with information, advice, guidance and support on sexual health, relationships and related issues.
To create an empowering, non-judgemental, positive, informal and welcoming atmosphere within Brook Education. To give emphasis to self- determination, assisting young people to make plans and decisions and to accept responsibility.
To deliver tailored educational programmes for individuals engaged in risk taking behaviour that will enhance their self-esteem and reduce risk- taking behaviours.
To provide a safe and confidential environment that is inclusive of all young people and conducive to learning.
To work co-operatively with the Education and Training teams, Brook colleagues and other professionals to identify the needs of young people in relation to sexual health and relationships.
To develop links with other agencies involved with young people to ensure that services are accessible to young people.
To represent Brook Education at public events, conferences, meetings etc.
To monitor and evaluate work as required, keep secure written and statistical records of work undertaken and provide reports as required.
To create and collate appropriate measures of progress for the purpose of evaluating the short and long term impacts of all education work.
To undertake duties as delegated from time to time, to ensure the smooth running of the projects in consultation with the Advanced Practitioners.
To attend all Brook Education and Training supervision and team meetings as required.
To work to Brook policies & procedures, including the Protecting Young People Policy.
To maintain up to date knowledge of relevant social policy relating to young people and sexual health issues.
Recruitment information All roles will develop and Brook may change the role scope in consultation with the post holder Other To ensure a healthy and safe working environment for clients and other staff whether in an office, education and training venue or outreach environment
To work as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
To work within Brook policies and guidelines, including those within the Protecting Young People Policy and Equal Opportunities Policy.
To attend regular meetings within the Area and nationally to assess progress and agree future plans and targets.
To attend internal & external meetings as appropriate.
To undertake relevant training and development as requested.
Undertake such duties not included in the job description as are reasonably requested by your manager.
This job description and person specification may be subject to review from time to time in consultation with the post holder.
Brook is committed to equality in employment and service delivery and all staff are expected to actively promote equality and diversity in all aspects of their work.
Person specification
The successful applicant will have the following experience;
Essential 3 years relevant experience
Has experience of the issues affecting young people, particularly vulnerable or excluded groups
Has experience of developing and managing projects management including planning, implementation and evaluation
Has excellent communication skills, especially with young people and excluded groups
Understands the importance of maintaining Brook’s confidentiality policy for young people and the legal provisions in the Data Protection Act.
Recruitment information All roles will develop and Brook may change the role scope in consultation with the post holder Is able to network and build sustainable working partnerships with other agencies and key stakeholders
Is able to organise own workload and work without direct supervision
Maintains strict confidentiality concerning all Brook matters
Has experience of the issues affecting young people, including young men and other hard to reach and excluded groups
Is committed to working in an anti-oppressive way and striving to create equal opportunities for young people
Has knowledge of social and situational factors influencing young people’s sexual health and relationships
Knowledge and understanding of the law/guidance relating to advice and treatment offered to under-16’s
Has excellent communication skills, especially with young people, including young men and other hard to reach and excluded groups
Understanding of equality and diversity principles
Desirable A relevant professional qualification e.g. degree or diploma
Has a current clean driving license and use of own vehicle (work related mileage will be paid if authorised)
Personal characteristics Commitment to the aims, values and purposes of Brook and the young people in the communities in which we work.
A partnership-orientated, open minded, customer focused attitude with a passion to make a difference.
Stronger leadership conviction with the ability to inspire multi-discipline professional staff within a service.
A ‘hands on’ approach and a ‘can do’ attitude
Proactive, initiative taker
Resilient and able to work under pressure.
Ability to be flexible in terms of working hours, including evening and weekend working from time to time.
Recruitment information All roles will develop and Brook may change the role scope in consultation with the post holder Communication and interpersonal abilities
Excellent networking and negotiation skills.
High degree of integrity, tact, diplomacy and brand spirit.
Attention to detail and accuracy is essential.
Excellent interpersonal and communications skills.
Ability to work at all levels internally and externally.
Ability to prioritise conflicting priorities and deliver to deadlines.
Key relationships (internal and external)
Area/Directorate Management Teams.
Nurse Managers.
Education and Training Staff
Staff across the Area.
Staff in other directorates
Recruitment information All roles will develop and Brook may change the role scope in consultation with the post holder