Casual Appropriate Adult – DGA08003 Casual/Relief

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Casual Appropriate Adult
Dumfries and Galloway Council
£10.48 per hour

This is a time of significant change for the Social Work Service in Dumfries and Galloway, with real opportunities to contribute to service delivery and development. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join us in delivering an Appropriate Adult Service in Dumfries and Galloway, working on a casual basis.

Who are Appropriate Adults? 
Appropriate Adults understand the importance of fairness in the justice system. They come from a variety of backgrounds, are trained to a national standard and have practical experience of working with people with communication difficulties.

What do they do?
Appropriate Adults support people to understand what is happening, and to be understood, during police investigations. They provide support to:
•    people aged 16 years and over
with
•    communication support needs due to mental health challenges, learning disability, personality disorder and/or other factors including brain injury, cognitive impairment and neurodiversity such as autism and ADHD.  

Individuals should have some professional or voluntary experience in working with adults who have a mental health problem, learning disability, autistic spectrum disorder, dementia or similar. Relevant work experience in social work/social care/health care or related field is desirable. A social work/social care/health qualification would be an advantage. 

In addition, previous experience of dealing with members of the public is essential in order to deal with the various complex situations with which the appropriate adult will need to undertake. Some imaginative and innovative ways of supporting clients may be required.  Individuals will be able to communicate with people with at least one of the above conditions, will be able to facilitate communication with police during interview and wider police/ legal proceedings and be a good communicator. 
Individuals will be reliable and have good written and verbal communication skills. Training will be made available to ensure that the appropriate adult will have a sound knowledge base from which to operate. 

This post is considered as Regulated Work with Vulnerable Children and/or Protected Adults, under the Protection of Vulnerable Groups (Scotland) Act 2007. From 28 February 2011, preferred candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme or undergo a PVG scheme update check prior to formal offer of employment being made by Dumfries and Galloway Council.

Applicants who have been resident outside the UK within the last 5 years, if offered a position, in addition to a Disclosure Scotland Check, will be required to provide a completed police record check from the police authority in the country or countries in which they were resident.

A current driving licence is an essential requirement of this post. However, if you have a disability which precludes you from holding a driving licence consideration will be given if alternative transport can be arranged.

For further information please contact Sharon Geddes or Caroline Ronaldson on 030 33 33 3001.