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Acacia is a registered charity 1122831

OPERATIONS MANAGER (South and Central Birmingham)

A NEW and challenging position in a fast expanding Christian charity based in Birmingham offering part-time flexible working

Acacia Family Support delivers Pre and Postnatal Depression support services to families across Birmingham. Applicants will have a passion for achieving the mission of Acacia and for developing the Ethos and Values of Acacia. You will work with the Head of Operations and Acacia’s Leadership Team. You will have vision, flair, strong leadership, management, team-working and networking skills. This post is funded by the National Lottery through the Big Lottery Fund.

Background to the post

Acacia Family Support is a registered charity and Company Limited by Guarantee. Established in 2004, it operates across Birmingham. Acacia’s mission is to: “ Improve the lives of mothers and families affected by pre- and post- natal depression (PND)” Mental health problems are common both during pregnancy and following childbirth, and can be very serious. Perinatal mental health has been recognised in recent years as a major public health concern. The most common perinatal mental health problem is postnatal depression (PND), with rates ranging between 13% in the first few weeks to 20% in the first year after the birth.

In response to this, Acacia Family Support has, for the past ten years, been running drop-in centres and delivering support services to women and families across North and East Birmingham affected by Antenatal and Postnatal Depression. Support services include:  Befriending Support – We run three drop-in centres with weekly befriending sessions, onsite crèche, baby massage and baby bonding sessions  Psychological Therapies – in particular Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Group work sessions delivered across Birmingham.  Acacia Dads – Postnatal depression support for fathers - Acacia Dads is a free support service for dads and other family members who feel they may need some extra help and support after the birth of a child or help in finding ways to support their partner who may be experiencing Postnatal depression.  A Telephone Helpline and individual support sessions (via email or telephone) Run and staffed by women who have themselves suffered and recovered from PND, Acacia is the only charity providing a dedicated PND Support Service across Birmingham. To date, most of our income comes from contracts with Birmingham’s NHS health services, in particular, contracts with Birmingham Cross City Clinical Commissioning Group (CCG),

The role of Operations Manager (South and Central Birmingham)

To date, we has secured funding to support families in North and East Birmingham however we have recently secured funding from the BIG Lottery to establish A NEW Postnatal Depression support service for families across South and Central Birmingham. We are therefore seeking a confident operations manager to establish, lead and manage the development of these services.

You will be responsible for setting up and delivering a first class postnatal depression support service to our beneficiaries in South and Central Birmingham. You will be a confident manager of people and will have at least 2 years management experience in the voluntary/statutory sector. Preferably with a background in mental health and establishing new projects, you will be a natural leader with excellent communication skills and the ability to inspire and motivate staff.

You will be leading and promoting the ethos and the values of Acacia which are motivated by Christian Faith. As such, there is a genuine occupational requirement that the holder of this post is a Christian.

£26050 pro rata – This is a part-time position, 25 hours per week (flexible). The postholder must be flexible in their ability to work and travel to/from multiple locations across Birmingham, mainly in South / Central Birmingham.

To obtain a Job Pack, please contact Janine or Kerry on 0121 301 5992 or email [email protected].

Closing date for applicants is Monday 24th March at 9am Interviews to be held w/c 31st March 2014 Operations Manager (South and Central Birmingham) Job Application Pack

ACACIA – Operations Manager - Service Delivery– Job Description.

Job Title: Acacia Operations Manager (South and Central Birmingham)

Main Function: Establish, lead and manage the development of new Post Natal Depression support service in South and Central Birmingham

Responsible to: Head of Operations – Service Delivery

Line Manager: Head of Operations – Service Delivery

Responsible for: Operational staff working in South and Central Birmingham including a project officer, group work staff and an administrator

Salary: £26,050 pro rata plus 5% pension

Hours: 25 hours p/week.

Based: Acacia Head Office, 5a Coleshill Street, Sutton Coldfield B72 1SD and multiple venues of service delivery across Birmingham.

Job Purpose

Working at all times in accordance with Acacia’s Mission, ethos and values, you will oversee all aspects of Acacia’s operations (service delivery).

Mission, Ethos and Values

There is a genuine occupational requirement (GOR) that the holder of this post is a practicing Christian.

Acacia Family Support is a Christian Faith Based organisation and it is our faith that commits us to serve others by aspiring to the principles and standards of excellence in community work, and to our values of Integrity, Diversity, Distinctiveness and Accountability.

You will be promoting the Christian ethos and values within the organisation and should do so by example. You will be leading staff and volunteers, and working with trustees, the majority of whom are Christian. It is the practice of Acacia staff, volunteers and trustees (those who are comfortable to) to share in Christian Prayer and Meditation before or during staff and trustee meetings and as a staff leader you will be required to lead these prayers and meditations from time to time.

The documents ‘The Acacia Mission’ and ‘Acacia Ethos and Values’ which you are required to lead, develop and promote, are attached to this Job Description and are considered an integral part of this Job Description.

Service development in South / Central Birmingham

 Establish, lead and manage the development of new PND support services in South and Central Birmingham  Manage new operational staff that are recruited for Acacia services in South / Central Birmingham.  Promote and publicise Acacia’s new services to relevant referral agencies in the area.  Oversee the implementation of appropriate referral, assessment and monitoring systems associated with new Acacia services in South / Central Birmingham.  Lead team meetings and individual supervision sessions for operational staff.  Work with Operational staff to problem solve specific issues associated with the delivery of Acacia’s support services.  To deal with general enquiries made to the service sensitively and provide a warm, welcoming and professional approach.  To maintain accurate up-to-date paper and  electronic records.

Clinical risk management

 To complete comprehensive assessments, risk assessments and develop packages of care that reflect beneficiaries needs  In conjunction with Acacia’s operational staff, conduct case management and oversee the detailed management of high risk cases and ensure the appropriate interventions, guidelines and procedures are followed.  Oversee the implementation of Acacia’s risk management procedures across the delivery area, ensuring all staff and volunteers are appropriately trained and understand the clinical risks involved in supporting families affected by Postnatal Depression.  Keep up to date with the latest clinical guidance (e.g. NICE guidelines) pertaining to Postnatal Depression and ensure all operational staff adhere to best practice in this area.  Work in partnership with Birmingham Healthy Minds, secondary and tertiary mental health services as well as Children’s services.  Ensure all operational staff and volunteers are aware of and follow Acacia’s policies and procedures. Review and update all procedures relating to the delivery of operational services.

Assessment of service users

 Working with the head of operations, assess new service users and follow Acacia’s assessment criteria.  Review service users mood and anxiety scores and ensure they are signposted to the appropriate Acacia (or other) service.

Data and Information management

 Working closely with Acacia’s business manager, ensure operational staff collect and submit the correct data on beneficiaries in accordance with Acacia’s monitoring and evaluation framework and the specific monitoring requirements of Acacia’s funders.  Ensure Acacia’s policies and procedures around data protection and confidentiality are followed by all operational staff at all times.

Raise awareness of Postnatal Depression amongst health professionals and other bodies

 To communicate and work in partnership with other key agencies concerned postnatal depression.  Prepare and deliver external presentations and when required, external training for other agencies.

 Raise awareness of Postnatal Depression and promote the work of Acacia Family Support at every opportunity in the day to day delivery of services.

General

The post holder will be expected to

 To work alongside the Acacia leadership team and other Acacia Operations Managers to develop and promote Acacia Family Support.  Maintain up-to-date knowledge of legislation, national and local policies and procedures in relation to Mental Health, Primary Care, and Employment Services,  Take responsibility for own health and safety and the health of safety of colleagues, patients and the general public.  Take responsibility for ensuring that legal obligations regarding information which is processed for both patients and staff is kept accurate, confidential, secure and in line with the Data Protection Act (1998) and Security and Confidentiality Policies.  .Undertake, by agreement, such other responsibilities that the Trustees consider appropriate and reasonable. Person Specification for Operations Manager – South and Central Birmingham – Acacia Family Support

Attributes Essential Desirable Training and Educated to A level or equivalent including Educated to degree level or equivalent Qualification Maths & English at GCSE relevant professional qualification. Relevant mental health training. Knowledge At least 2 years’ experience at managerial Management experience in mental and level in the voluntary or statutory sector health, health or the social care sector. Experience including the management of staff. Experience of clinical risk management Experience of setting up new projects and assessments. and/or services. Experience of working with clients A thorough understanding of mental illness. experiencing mild/moderate mental Understanding of clinical risk management health issues i.e. anxiety and and assessments. depression. Good working knowledge & understanding Knowledge of wellbeing scales as an of voluntary and statutory services available assessment tool for beneficiaries of to people, especially in relation to mental mental health problems. health. Experience of implementing new Good Knowledge of latest clinical guidance projects and services. e.g. NICE guidelines. Experience of collecting and maintaining Experience of working 1-1 with clients. data for monitoring and evaluation Experience of being part of a team, purposes. implementing new projects and services. Experience of monitoring and performance reporting. Experience of preparing and delivering training and workshops Knowledge of vulnerable adult and child protection issues.

Skills Ability to work in a fast moving, challenging and changing environment, with the ability to prioritise work and work to deadlines. Ability to effectively line manage staff. Ability to work within a team, fostering good working relationships. Awareness of professional limitations and an understanding of where to find appropriate advice. Being motivated in their work. Regard for others and respect for individual rights of autonomy and confidentiality. The ability and skills to act as an advocate for a new service. Excellent planning and organisational skills for caseload management. Skills in self management, including time management. Proven ability to communicate clearly in difficult and complex situations. Able to communicate well with a variety of people using a variety of mediums. Skills cont. Evidence of continuing professional development. Willingness to be flexible and adaptable. Experience of organising your own workload, prioritising work and working to tight deadlines with minimal supervision. High level of computer literacy and excellent knowledge of Microsoft Office in particular Word, Excel and Email Good communication and listening skills together with a high standard of written communication. Personal Creative thinker. Commitment to personal development qualities Strategic thinking and problem-solving Understanding of the effect of abilities. depression on family life Excellent Inter-personal, IT and written Sense of humour communication skills. Good networker and team player. Enthusiastic and motivated. An effective leader of a team Ability to work on own initiative, planning and prioritizing workload Act with discretion and retain confidentiality. Flexible, calm under pressure Uphold the values of Acacia

Other Has a living faith accredited by a Trinitarian Full clean driving licence Christian Church . Travel will be required regularly across Birmingham. Strong commitment to Equal Opportunities and experience of implementing good practice in Equal Opportunities A Commitment to Acacia’s aims and objectives including its Christian ethos and Articles of faith Able to maintain a healthy life-work balance Ability to work within a pressured environment with calmness, tolerance and empathy in a professional manner Acacia Ethos and Values

Ethos

The ethos of Acacia is the motivation for all our work. It is the reason why we do what we do. The ethos of Acacia is centred on the two great commandments of the Lord Jesus: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind”, and “Love others as much as you love yourself.”

We are inspired by the message, life and example of Jesus through which God’s unconditional love for all people is expressed. We seek to work together living out a lifestyle of love, truth, justice, mercy and forgiveness according to His teaching.

We express love for our triune God together through worship, prayer and obedience to His word, we express love for others through our faith in Jesus Christ and His love which compels us to serve others.

It is through our love and relationships with each other and those we seek to serve, that we practice our ethos.

Values about Governance

Integrity and Authenticity We believe that our mission and purpose to love and to serve others is indissolubly linked with how we operate internally in governance. What we do in community is rooted in who we are in governance. The love and care with which we serve others should be authenticated by the same love and care which we have for each other.

Transparency We are openly a Christian faith based organisation seeking to serve the whole community and to work alongside other organisations of faith or no-faith for the common good and recognising their role within communities. Our ethos and values statement is freely available and is an essential part of all our recruitment procedures.

Diversity We believe that we have a duty to retain our Christian distinctiveness by recruiting those who are committed to Christ’s teaching of love for God and others. However we also want to embrace the values of inclusivity and diversity by welcoming and involving, where appropriate, those of other faiths and those of none.

Christian Distinctiveness We are committed to maintaining our distinctively Christian ethos by appointing Christians as staff and volunteers to those positions which have been agreed require Christians to fill them.

Accountability All we have and all we are given comes from God. We believe that in governance we should exercise wisdom, integrity and responsibility in using the resources entrusted to us. Values about People

Equality We affirm that all people have equal value in God’s creation. We stand for respect and freedom for everyone and tolerance and understanding between people of different opinions.

Discipleship Our service and work for others teaches us about ourselves and our relationship with God.

Well-being We believe in the holistic well-being for all people. Well-being of mind, body and spirit should characterise our lives as volunteers, staff and trustees, and our desire for all those we serve.

Potential We believe that every one should have the opportunity, and should be encouraged, supported and challenged to develop educationally and holistically, realising their full potential and thus make a full contribution to society and community.

Values about the way we work

Commitment to each other In working together to deliver the work of Acacia we endeavour at all times to trust one another, being patient and forbearing. Through listening, understanding, thought and careful response we are able to support each other and to confront difficulties carefully and with compassion.

Interdependence Each person has his or her unique part to play and contribution to make to Acacia and to the work of Acacia. We believe that together through exchange of views and through prayer, each person can realise their potential and make their contribution to the Acacia community, and to society and the communities we serve.

Community We believe that successful delivery of our mission happens when people feel they belong and have a valued role, where inclusive community and a family atmosphere are fostered. Recognition of the Acacia Mission, Ethos and Values

Although Acacia has a Christian Faith basis, Ethos and Values, Acacia respects the differing faiths, abilities and backgrounds of others. We welcome those with differing faith, culture, abilities, to work with us and to contribute to the Acacia service. We have a commitment to promote understanding and co-operation between people of different faiths and cultures in local communities. We ask that all who work and volunteer for Acacia similarly recognise and respect the Acacia Ethos and Values.

I understand and support the Acacia Objective and Mission. I understand and respect the faith basis and Ethos and Values of Acacia.

I will always represent Acacia Family Support positively to people who use the service, and to members, supporters, funders and other agencies, and in such a way as to not detract from its faith basis, ethos and values.

Signed ______

Name (printed) ______

Date ______Employee Application Form Operations Manager (South and Central Birmingham)

Please print personal details.

Name ______

Current Occupation ______

Address ______

______Postcode:

Phone: Day ______Evening ______

Mobile No ______E-mail ______

Please read all questions first and answer in appropriate boxes

Please list briefly Your Employment History – with the most recent first: Organisations you have worked for full and part time, including relevant voluntary and unpaid work, Dates of employment, Job Title, Reason for leaving.

Please list briefly Your Qualifications and/or appropriate Training for this post with the most recent first.

Please tell us of Special Interests and Skills that you have including interests away from your work responsibilities:

Please include with your application a personal statement – this should be on separate sheets of paper (no more than 2 sides of A4) Drawing on your knowledge, experience, skills and abilities, please explain how you meet the points on the Person Specification, and what makes you suitable for the job as explained in the job description. You should take this opportunity to give examples of work (paid or voluntary) you have done to demonstrate your abilities. ACACIA recognises the great responsibility in working with children and vulnerable adults. To protect these people, and to protect you our employees, we will be required to obtain a disclosure check through the Criminal Records Bureau if you are offered an appointment. We will also offer you appropriate training as and when necessary.

As a preliminary for this please complete the following:

How long have you lived at the address given overleaf? ______

If less than 12 months, what was your previous address? ______

______

Have you ever been convicted of a criminal offence, or are you at present the subject of criminal charges? (NB Disclosure of an offence may be no bar to your appointment) (state YES or NO)______

If YES what was the nature of the offence? ______

______and date? ______References:

Please give the names and addresses and telephone numbers of two people who know you well, who would be able to give you a reference and comment upon your suitability for the work you are applying for. (Do not choose a close relative, and at least one referee must be outside ACACIA, preferably a senior manager in your current or previous employment). Please ask their permission first, and tell us if they are related to you.

1. Name 2. Name ______

Address Address ______

______

______Postcode ______Postcode ______

Telephone Telephone ______

Email: Email: ______

Job Title Job Title ______

Relationship to you Relationship to you ______

Please note : A third reference must also be provided by applicants, from a Christian Church or Community leader – please attach on a separate sheet Declaration

I confirm that to the best of my knowledge the information given in this employment application form and any attachments is true and correct and can be treated as part of a subsequent contract of employment.

Signature ______

Name (printed) ______

Date ______

If you are registered disabled or you consider yourself as having a disability and require support please state the support we should provide if you are called for interview:

______

Please return your completed application form (by post or by email) by Friday 22nd November 2013 to:

Janine Isherwood , Acacia Family Support, 5a Coleshill Street, Birmingham B72 1SD. [email protected]

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