Energy Awareness Support Worker Doncaster, England
Job description
Would you like to be part of a vibrant and committed staff team who provide a comprehensive range of services aimed at maximising, achieving and maintaining independence for Disabled People and those living with Long Term Health conditions? Do you get a kick out of looking to make financial savings for yourself and others? Do you enjoy researching to reduce energy bills and, at the same time, explore how you can make positive changes that will help to save our planet?
If so, you may be interested in these exciting new opportunities:
Live Inclusive is recruiting an Energy Awareness Support Worker to work across the Rotherham Borough
22.5 hours per week £22,594* pro rata, fixed term until 28 February 2025
* Currently under review
Live Inclusive has successfully applied for a Grant from the Energy Redress Fund for a 2-Year Energy Advice Service for the Boroughs of Doncaster and Rotherham.
Inclusive Energy Advice Project
The aim of the service is to enable and empower people with disabilities and long term health conditions to manage their energy usage in their homes. With our support we’ll improve our customers’ ability to manage their utility bills and, ultimately, improve their financial security. Live Inclusive is focused on advising and supporting our customers to address their everyday challenges for themselves. This builds confidence and increases independence once more.
We will deliver this service through a variety of ways: home visits; meeting in community venues, such as libraries and cafes; or via telephone, WhatsApp, video call; and email, for example.
Our Recharge Energy Advice Project will work alongside our existing services and cross-refer where possible.
The role is varied and includes: One-to-one support for individuals; workshops (during the current climate these will be webinar-based); community engagement to raise awareness. We will work closely with our partners in the Voluntary, Community Sector; Local Authorities, and other stakeholders. Careful monitoring and evaluation will be important.
Selection will be based on Live Inclusive's values: We are looking for candidates with some form of 'lived experience of disability/health conditions'; who are passionate about supporting individuals/carers to increase their level of independence; build confidence and self-esteem.
We are seeking individuals with excellent interpersonal and strong organisational skills; a sound understanding of ways in which to assist people with individual needs, and can do so with energy and enthusiasm.
City & Guilds Level 3 Award in Energy Awareness is desirable, however, not essential. Provided you are keen to develop your skills and experience; we can fund this training and qualification. Please note, this is in the terms of our Grant Agreement.
What we offer
Pension Scheme: 5% of salary
Annual Leave: 28 days per year plus statutory bank
holidays, pro rata
How to apply
To find out more and obtain an application pack, please contact: [email protected] or 01302 592400.
Closing date: 5 pm 16 June 2023
Interviews: w/c 19 June 2023
Interviews may be conducted via video-link or in person. Details of the interview will be provided when you are shortlisted
About Live Inclusive
Live Inclusive was first established in 1995 (originally known as the South Yorkshire Centre for Inclusive Living (SYCIL). We support individuals with disabilities and long term health conditions to achieve greater independence, choice and control in their lives. We are advocates of the social model of disability, which emphasises the role that society plays in enabling or disabling people’s ability to participate in civic life... things that many of us take for granted. We operate in Doncaster and Rotherham and have contracts delivering Social Prescribing (a sub contract with Voluntary Action Rotherham) that works to enable patients to become more independent and to engage with their local community. We also provide Benefits Advice and Information. In addition to this, we are commissioned by the Rotherham NHS Integrated Care Board (ICB) to support people who have a neurological condition or who have suffered a brain trauma. This Recharge Energy Advice Project is being relaunched, thanks to the Energy Redress Fund, who are funding this project for the next 2 years.
About Recharge Energy Advice Project
This year we’re experiencing unprecedented increases in energy/living costs and know we’ll be needed more than ever. Local Doncaster fuel poverty rate for 2020 was 18.8% compared to the England average 13.2%. Rotherham is just slightly less, though also remains above average. We have been providing Energy Advice for just over 2 years now and have built up our networks and expertise in the field. Thanks to the Energy Redress Fund we will be able to continue this invaluable work across Doncaster and Rotherham.
With this Energy Redress funding, we able to expand our services by helping customers to:
- Manage their energy bills; provide guidance on tariffs; use of energy comparison websites (when possible); teach them how to switch providers and register with Priority Services.
- We will support customers to identify the most appropriate method of payment, and help them to budget to ensure they can pay their bills.
- We will ensure they understand the various schemes available, such as: Warm Homes Discount Schemes; Cold Weather payments.
- We will also supply each household with 8 LED Energy Saving Light Bulbs and other small energy saving products.
In addition to this:
- We will also be raising awareness at Community Events and introduce activities within our Peer Support Groups.
- We have a successful track record of working with organisations, extending our reach and, together, delivering successful outcomes, eg the Social Prescribing Services in Rotherham, Doncaster and Rotherham Food Bank. We will also be working with the Energy Team at DMBC and RMBC.
In summary, we want to enable our customers to have greater understanding of their energy bills and their financial security. In turn, we aim to increase their confidence and self-esteem. With our help, we want them to feel positive about the actions they’ve taken.
Specific duties:
Provide individuals with an initial assessment to identify specific needs/behavioural habits relating to energy use and agree, with the customer, an individual action plan.
Work with individuals to develop their confidence and understanding of their energy use; and how they can gain greater control in managing their Energy bills.
Support individuals to use comparison websites, when the energy market stabilises once more.
Develop strong links with other organisations, including VCS organisations and local agencies, including Local Authorities and the National Energy Action (NEA) Network.
Coordinate a small number of Volunteers who will support this service.
To support the Community Engagement Worker to establish workshops/training and facilitate sessions on Energy Usage that our customers would find useful, ie use of comparison websites/switching providers.
When appropriate, refer to other agencies as part of the action plan. For example the Energy Teams at the Local Authority who can provide specialist support.
Regularly monitor and review the plan with the service user and, if appropriate, the referring VCS Adviser.
General requirements
Completing monthly reports and reporting activities to the Chief Executive, including potential energy savings made by clients as a direct result of our intervention.
Ensuring that time sheets and records are kept, and that service user records are adequately maintained and stored safely.
Liaising with other Live Inclusive staff members and outside agencies to provide referral and signposting for Service Users where appropriate.
To attend staff meetings and other meetings as required.
In addition they will be required to:
Undertake the City & Guilds Level 3 Energy Awareness Qualification, if you have not already gained this qualification. Please note this a requirement within our grant agreement and will be fully funded.
Understand and comply with Live Inclusive’s Policies and Procedures; including:
· Equal Opportunities philosophy, especially as this applies to disabled people.
· Health & Safety policy and legislation.
· Data Protection Policy under GDPR regulations.
To carry out any other reasonable duties within the overall function commensurate with the grading and level of the responsibilities of the post.
In order for the Organisation to achieve its goals, all staff are expected to work co-operatively, contributing to the performance of other functions as appropriate..
Personal Qualities
In addition applicants will be expected, both in the cover letter and at the interview, to illustrate energy, enthusiasm, reliability, patience, determination and imagination.
This Job description is for information and guidance only. It is not intended as a definitive statement.
Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 20 months
Part-time hours: 22.5 per week
Salary: £22,594.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Flexitime
Schedule:
- Flexitime
- Monday to Friday
COVID-19 considerations:
We supply face masks, hand gels and antibacterial wipes. We expect employees to ensure COVID-19 safe practices as we work with clinically vulnerable people. Instruction will be provided.
Experience:
- supporting people in the community: 2 years (preferred)
- Energy Advice: 1 year (preferred)
Licence/Certification:
- Driving License (preferred)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Doncaster DN1
Application deadline: 16/06/2023
Reference ID: LI/PT/06/23
Expected start date: 03/07/2023
