Dear Applicant
Case Worker – Caerphilly Borough Supported Accommodation Project
Gofal is a mental health and wellbeing charity providing a range of services to support
people who are experiencing or who have experienced mental ill health – something that
will affect 1 in 4 of us in our lifetime. We also lobby and campaign to improve mental
health policy, practice and legislation and to increase public understanding and awareness
of mental health and wellbeing.
Thank you for your interest in working for Gofal and please find enclosed the following:
1) Information on Gofal and the post you have applied for
2) Role Expectations, Person Specification and Competency Framework
3) Application Form
4) Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form
The closing date for receipt of your application is 9am Monday 8th July 2013. Please do
ensure you return your application by this date and time. Gofal cannot be responsible for
any applications received late and any applications that arrive after the deadline will not be
considered.
Interviews will be held on Tuesday 23rd July 2013.
Applications will be considered against the person specification and shortlisted candidates
invited to interview. We therefore recommend that you read our Guidance notes (available
on our website) before you complete your application.
Shortlisting will take place on Wednesday 10th July 2013. We will contact you as soon as
possible after shortlisting to inform you of the outcome.
Once again, thank you for your interest in Gofal and we look forward to receiving your
application.
Yours sincerely
Jo Thomas
HR Officer
TYCW
Case Worker - Caerphilly Ty Oborne
June 2013
Gofal
2nd Floor, Derwen House,
2 Court Road,
Bridgend, CF31 1BN
Page 1 ofT:2101656 647722
E:[email protected]
www.gofal.org.uk
About Gofal
Thinking differently about mental health and wellbeing
Gofal has been providing mental health and wellbeing services to people in Wales since
1990. We have come a long way since our first services opened in Bridgend, supporting
the resettlement of people from the long stay psychiatric wards of Parc and Penyfai
hospitals into homes in the community. We now operate across eleven local authorities in
Wales and have a turnover in excess of £4million. We support over 2,000 people every
year, employing around 130 people.
Our Vision
Good mental health and wellbeing for all
Our Mission
To have a positive lasting impact in all that we do by:
 Working together to provide services that we can be proud of
 Demonstrating outstanding practice in relation to staff mental health and wellbeing,
learning and development
 Challenging the way we all think about, talk about and respond to mental health and
wellbeing in all areas of our lives
 Using our profile, influence and voice to improve the lives of people living with or at
risk of experiencing mental ill health
 Increasing the range and reach of our services through targeted and sustainable
business growth
 Spending our money where it will have the maximum impact
Our Aspirations
Gofal aspires to:
 Work with integrity and dignity
 Inspire and support people to exceed their expectations
 Develop a culture that is embracing and respectful of difference
 Communicate honestly and openly
 Be an organisation that is ambitious, creative and determined
 Create environments that are collaborative, supportive and empowering
 Be respected for our knowledge and expertise
TYCW
Case Worker - Caerphilly Ty Oborne
June 2013
Page 2 of 21
Gofal
Case Worker
Caerphilly Supported Accommodation Service
Location:
Ty Oborne office base – Caerphilly Borough
[with requirement for travel throughout Gofal areas of operation]
Salary:
£17,000 per annum (plus sleep-in payment).
Hours:
34 hours per week worked on a rota basis [shifts include evening,
night and weekend work]
Holidays:
26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
Holidays increase by 1 day for each year of service up to a maximum
of 30 days (pro rata).
Pension:
Pension in the form of a money purchase pension scheme:
- 4.5% non-contributory employer contribution
- 5.5% paid if employee contributes 1%
- 6.5% paid if employee contributes 2% of more
Other Benefits:
Income Protection
Life Assurance
Employee Assistance Programme
Opportunities for flexible working
Training and personal development opportunities
The Service
This post is within our Ty Oborne Supported Accommodation Project within Caerphilly
Borough. The role holder will provide support on a wide variety of issues to service users
within the project to promote and develop independent living skills along with managing
their own mental health and wellbeing. Support will take account of debt management,
budgeting and claiming benefits, as well as daily living skills, accessing education, training,
employment and improving physical wellbeing.
TYCW
Case Worker - Caerphilly Ty Oborne
June 2013
Page 3 of 21
GOFAL
Post:
Case Worker
Service:
Caerphilly Borough Supported Accommodation Service
Reporting to:
Project Co-ordinator
Office Base:
Ty Oborne office base – Caerphilly Borough
Date:
June 2013
Job Purpose:

Providing a range of social, emotional and practical support and assistance to
people with mental health and associated problems within the supported
accommodation project, to promote and develop their independent living skills
along with managing their own mental health and wellbeing.

To provide support and mentoring to Support Workers in the implementation of
support plans

To comply with and maintain all necessary administrative and reporting systems
Role Expectations:
Service User Support Work
1.
To lead on assessment of needs of individuals referred to the projects, obtaining
additional information as necessary.
2.
To effectively manage and maintain one’s own case load to ensure that an effective
service is delivered to service users in crisis.
3.
To work with the service user and, where relevant, to draw up support plans to meet
identified needs and ensure support is delivered in line with the support plan.
4.
To review progress and relevance of risk assessments and support plans and
update accordingly to ensure that risk is managed effectively, monitored on a
regular basis.
5.
To involve service users in the development, running and evaluation of the service.
6.
To liaise with other agencies with and on behalf of service users as part of planned
support, to include participation in joint meetings and case reviews ensuring
collaboration and effective support planning.
7.
To support service users to access information and advice in order that they are
able to make informed choices in matters that affect them to promote their
independence.
Colleagues Support and Mentoring
1.
To provide support and advice to colleagues in their delivery of support to
individuals, where required.
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Housing Management
1.
To ensure all health, safety and security procedures are followed.
2.
To maintain an environment that is homely and safe.
Administrative Requirements
1.
To keep accurate notes of all support provided in line with funding requirements.
2.
To ensure that risk assessments, support plans and reviews are maintained up to
date.
3.
To ensure all relevant information is shared with colleagues and other services as
appropriate.
4.
To ensure all project communication methods are used appropriate and effectively.
5.
To ensure that IT systems are used effectively and in line with organisational
procedures – eg. Use of e-mail and database systems.
6.
To provide all relevant information to head office and external organisations as
required.
Organisation Expectations
To carry out all duties in a manner that reflects Gofal’s Aspirations:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
Work with integrity and dignity.
Inspire and support people to exceed their expectations.
Develop a culture that is embracing and respectful of difference.
Communicate honestly and openly.
Be an organisation that is ambitious, creative and determined.
Create environments that are collaborative, supportive and empowering.
Be respected for our knowledge and expertise.
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Gofal
Person Specification
Post: Case Worker – Supported Accommodation
Essential
Experience
Experience of working in the health and
social care field, providing support,
assistance and advice to individuals
experiencing mental health and associated
problems.
Experience of working with people to
enhance and promote independent living
skills.
Experience of providing support to people
living in supported accommodation and/or
the community.
Qualifications and skills
Qualification relevant to the work – ie NVQ
Level 3 Health and Social Care
Full current driving licence and access to
your own transport
Ability to communicate in Welsh
IT skills including basic word processing
and use of databases to input information
Knowledge and Understanding
Mental health problems and how they can
affect an individual’s life
The range of mental health services
available
Ways to enhance individual and
independent living skills
The welfare benefits system and how to
apply for the various benefits
How health and social care services can
contribute to people’s lives
Ways to involve service users in the further
development of the project
Competencies
Role model behaviours of integrity and
dignity to other team members
Support the team to deliver at its best
Role model behaviours underpinned by
respect of difference
Adapt communication to the audience
Desirable
Assessed
through

Application/
Interview

Application/
Interview

Application/
Interview








Application

Application

Application
Application/
Interview
Application/
Interview
Application/
Interview
Application
Application/
Interview
Application/
Interview
Application/
Interview

Interview


Interview
Interview

Application/
Interview
Interview

Identify the best outcomes, solve problems
and overcome barriers to achievement

Identify new opportunities to seek and
Interview
share experience with others
Proactively identify own development needs 
Application/
and take action to meet them
Interview
Applicants for the post of Supported Accommodation Case Worker will be required to
demonstrate evidence of competency at levels 1 and 2; please refer to the Competency
Framework below.
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Competency Framework
Gofal aspires to: Work with integrity and dignity
Level 1: Demonstrate integrity and dignity in all interactions with others
 Maintain appropriate personal boundaries in all interactions with service users, colleagues and
external contacts
 Express opinions genuinely and honestly, while being mindful of the impact on others
 Take responsibility for reflecting on own behaviours
 Maintain confidentiality and be trustworthy in relationships with service users and colleagues
 Bring to the attention of line managers, any situations where standards of integrity or dignity are
believed to have been breached.
 Make every effort to deliver on commitments made.
Level 2: Role Model behaviours of integrity and dignity to other team members
 Give feedback to colleagues where behaviours are noticed which do not demonstrate integrity or
dignity
 Help others to understand their responsibilities to act with integrity and dignity
 Actively seek feedback to understand own personal impact on others, and use personal insights.
Gofal aspires to: Inspire and support people to exceed their expectations
Level 1: Support colleagues to deliver at their best
 Role model positive and constructive behaviours to service users and colleagues
 Share knowledge, skills and learning to help others to be at their best.
 Work in a way that supports and promotes the wellbeing of others.
 Participate openly and constructively in team meetings
 Work co-operatively with others, supporting colleagues to deliver their best to service users
 Actively engage in own supervision and appraisal, preparing and participating fully
 Maintain high quality standards in file and record keeping
 Notice and acknowledge great contribution from others
Level 2: Support the team to deliver at its best
 Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability to change
 Support colleagues in managing the emotional impact of their work
 Actively seek out information to share, which will help the team in its work
 Take a role in mentoring team members who need help or support
 Actively suggest ideas for improvement for the team
 Bring the great contribution of colleagues to the attention of others
Gofal aspires to: Develop a culture that is embracing and respectful of difference
Level 1: Demonstrate respect of difference in all interaction with others
 Have a reputation for being a great listener
 Demonstrate a commitment to the value of equality and respect for diversity
 Show an awareness of the different needs of people from different backgrounds, cultures and life
experiences
 Seek to understand the perspective of service users through genuine interest and questioning
 Demonstrate an open mind with people who may have a different viewpoint.
 Use language which is positive and non-judgmental towards others
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Level 2: Role model behaviours underpinned by respect of difference
 Give support to others where they may be finding it difficult to deal with issues of equality or
difference
 Share experiences and knowledge which can help others embrace difference in their work and lives,
and take every opportunity to learn more about equality issues
 Challenge behaviour which does not demonstrate a respect of difference
 Work to resolve conflict where it is observed
Gofal aspires to: Communicate honestly and openly
Level 1: Communicate in a clear and concise way
 See communication as a two way process, actively seeking out communication, as well as actively
listening to the message delivered.
 Use a communication style which is appropriate to the listener
 Use words appropriately, communicating in language which matches the organisation’s values.
 Using observation, be able to judge the listener’s response and adapt communication accordingly.
 Use written and IT based communication to explain key points clearly and effectively, and in
appropriate detail.
 Role model honesty and openness in communication with others, using genuine care in the delivery
of messages and challenging colleagues to do the same.
Level 2: Adapt communication to the audience
 Think in advance about the most effective way to deliver the message, and adapt communication
accordingly.
 Simplify complex messages where necessary, so that others can understand key points.
 Use a variety of communication methods with confidence, and understand where each is most
effective.
 Represent the organisation externally, and be able to speak confidently about its work.
 Deliver difficult messages with honesty and compassion.
Gofal aspires to: Be an organisation that is ambitious, creative and determined
Level 1: Work with a flexible and adaptable approach to achieve agreed outcomes.
 Bring energy, passion and excitement into all your work
 Demonstrate dedication and commitment to the team objectives
 Have a commitment to ‘never giving up on a person’, even when they are challenging to you
 Use available time to achieve the best possible outcomes, and be flexible where priorities change
 Stay enthusiastic and remain positive through setbacks
 Work with colleagues and service users to come up with creative solutions
 Face change with a positive and constructive approach
 Ask for help and support where it is needed to ensure own wellbeing
 Use mistakes as a way to learn for the future
Level 2: Identify the best outcomes, solve problems and overcome barriers to achievement.
 Actively try out different approaches to tackling problems
 Generously share ideas for service improvement and better ways of working
 Build an outcome focus into all aspects of work
 Support service users and colleagues in positive risk taking, allowing them to overcome barriers and
achieve the best outcomes
 Help colleagues to deal with changes they may be facing in a way which is right for them
 Demonstrate resilience when facing challenges, seeking and using the support which you need
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Gofal aspires to: Create environments that are collaborative, supportive and
empowering
Level 1: Work effectively in partnership with others
 Build strong and constructive relationships with colleagues and service users
 Build and maintain trust with service users and other individuals outside the organisation
 Seek out contacts in other teams within the organisation, to share learning, support and experience
 Be seen as a strong representative of the organisation with external contacts, and actively build
networks which can help in delivery of service
 Work positively through difference of opinion to get to the best outcome
Level 2: Identify new opportunities to seek and share experience with others
 Identify contacts inside and outside of the organisation who can support partnership working and
collaboration
 Share contacts across the organisation, where it may help other teams to develop their service
 Encourage other team members to make their own contacts inside and outside of the organisation
 Take an active part in organising events which encourage others to come together to support and
share experience
Gofal aspires to: Be respected for our knowledge and expertise
Level 1: Regularly discuss own development needs with line manager, and attend training events
identified.
 Take responsibility for seeking out knowledge and finding out information to help own learning.
 Take an active part in own development, working with your Line Manager to identify your
development needs.
 Attend all training programmes identified, participate fully and discuss the learning with your Line
Manager afterwards.
 Reflect on new learning, and how to use it for the best outcome of service users.
Level 2: Proactively identify own development needs and take action to meet them.
 Identify any areas in your own performance where you need further development, and understand
how best to get the training or experience you need.
 Actively seek out others who may have the knowledge or skills you require, and ask for support for
your learning.
 Clearly understand the link between your learning and delivery of the best outcome for service users.
 Take on development which is stretching and challenging, where it will have the best results on your
own performance.
 Show a passion and commitment for keeping updated with new information which impacts on your
own performance and delivery of standards.
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APPLICATION FORM
Application for the post of: Case Worker – Ty Oborne
Closing date for the receipt of application forms is: ___________________________________
This page will be removed from the application form before shortlisting, to enable us to shortlist
candidates anonymously. Therefore please avoid using your name, elsewhere on the application.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
Surname
First Names
Address
(including postcode)
Contact Telephone
Number
E-mail address
REFERENCES
At least one of your references should be a present or most recent employer, tutor, volunteer work
supervisor etc. If your most recent employer is not in a similar field but you have worked with a
vulnerable client group within the last 5 years then we will also require a reference from this
organisation.
References will be requested after interview and Gofal reserves the right to contact any previous
employer.
Name________________________________
Name________________________________
Address: ______________________________
Address: ______________________________
______________________________________
______________________________________
__________________Postcode____________
__________________Postcode____________
Telephone no: __________________________
Telephone no: __________________________
E-mail: ________________________________
E-mail: ________________________________
Relationship to yourself: __________________
Relationship to yourself: __________________
WELLBEING
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Gofal is committed to equality of opportunity and welcomes applications from all. When shortlisting
applicants, the information used is that which relates to the person specification. Gofal upholds the
commitments of the Disability Symbol. Where applicants meet all essential criteria then if a
disability is declared an interview will be guaranteed and that applicant will not be further assessed
against desirable criteria.
The Equality Act, 2010 defines a disability as:
“A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a
person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities.”
With reference to the above statement do you consider yourself to have any disabilities:
YES / NO (please delete as appropriate)
If YES, please highlight any additional support or special arrangements you would require if you
are shortlisted and invited to interview.
Are you subject to any restrictions which would prevent you from taking employment in the United
Kingdom? (Documentary Evidence will be required) YES/NO (please delete as appropriate)
If YES please provide details:
CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS
Gofal aims to promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills and potential
and as such welcomes applications for employment from a diverse range of candidates, including
those with criminal records.
Due to the nature of our work with vulnerable adults, some posts at Gofal are exempt from the
provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act and as such will request information on all
convictions including those that would be deemed to be ‘spent’ under this act. Checks are made
with the Disclosure and Barring Service and any offer of employment is made subject to receipt of
a satisfactory Disclosure.
A criminal record or conviction is not necessarily a bar to employment with Gofal and each case
will be decided on the individual circumstances.
The above is the policy statement of Gofal, if you wish to see our full procedure then please do
contact the office in confidence and a copy will be sent to you.
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ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
How much notice are you required to give? _____________________________
How did you hear of this post? Please specify ______________________________
Are you to your knowledge, known to any Trustee or employee of Gofal? YES / NO* (please
delete as appropriate)
Details: _______________________________________________________
I confirm that to the best of my knowledge the information given in this application is true and
correct. I understand that if any false information is given it may result in the withdrawal of an offer
or termination of employment should I be appointed.
Signed __________________________________ Date: ________________
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EDUCATION
(Including secondary, further and vocational education)
Dates
Establishment
Qualifications and Grades
OTHER TRAINING ATTENDED
Dates
Course Details – Title and length of course
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EMPLOYMENT
Please provide details of your work history, both paid and unpaid, in chronological order. Please
ensure that you do not leave gaps unaccounted for. Gofal reserves the right to contact any of your
previous employers
DATES
PAID
OR
UNPAID
EMPLOYER
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Ty Oborne Case Worker
June 2013
POSITION AND DUTIES
REASON FOR LEAVING
Page 14 of 21
SUPPORTING STATEMENT
Please use this section to provide your supporting statement which should address the criteria
outlined in the person specification. The information provided in this section helps us to determine
who to invite for interview. Before completing it you may find it useful to read our Guidance
Document for Applicants available on the recruitment section of our website www.gofal.org.uk.
Please attach additional sheets if required.
Please note that we do not accept CV’s in place of this section.
Supporting Statement of Applicant
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DRIVING
Do you hold a current driving licence?
YES/NO
Do you have your own transport, which you would agree to maintain and insure for work purposes?
YES/NO
WELSH LANGUAGE
Do you speak: Welsh as a 1st language  2nd language  do not speak Welsh 
Thank you for completing the application form, please return by post or e-mail by the
stated closing date.
By post:
HR Department, Gofal, 2nd Floor, Derwen House, 2 Court Road, Bridgend, CF31 1BN
Or by e-mail to:
[email protected]
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
MONITORING FORM
Gofal is striving to ensure equality in its employment policies and as part of this; we are monitoring
our recruitment practices. This will help us to identify areas of under-representation in our work
force and to assess areas where action is required.
Your co-operation in completing this form would be greatly appreciated. We should stress that any
information you give will be strictly confidential to the personnel section.
If you do not wish to answer any question (s) this will not affect your application in any way.
Post Applied For…………………………………………
Date……………………….
Where did you see this post advertised…………………………………………..………………
Thank you for your time and co-operation in completing this form.
1.
SEX
Are you :

Male
Female

Prefer not to say
1a.
GENDER IDENTITY
Is your gender identity the same as the gender you were assigned at birth?


Yes
No

Prefer not to say
Do you live and work full time in a gender opposite to that assigned at birth?


Yes
No

Prefer not to say
2.
AGE
My age is:-……………………….

3.
Prefer not to say
RELATIONSHIP STATUS
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Are you:-







Single
Married
Divorced
Widowed
Co-habiting
Civil Union
Domestic partnership

Prefer not to say
4.
DISABILITIES
The Equality Act, 2010, defines a disability as:
“A physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a
person’s ability to carry out normal day-to-day activities”
Do you consider yourself to have disabilities?


Yes
No

Prefer not to say
Please specify:








Physical impairment
Sight loss or partially sighted
Hard of hearing
Deaf (non BSL user)
Deaf BSL user
Learning difficulties
Mental and emotional distress
A health condition e.g. HIV, multiple sclerosis, cancer

Prefer not to say
5.
MENTAL HEALTH
Do you have your own lived experience of mental ill health?


Yes
No

Prefer not to say
Do you have experience of providing care/support to a friend or family member experiencing
mental ill health?

Yes
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6.

No

Prefer not to say
SEXUAL ORIENTATION
I would describe myself as:-




Bisexual
Gay
Heterosexual
Lesbian

Prefer not to say
7.
ETHNIC ORIGIN
I would describe my ethnic origin as:WHITE






British
English
Scottish
Welsh
Irish
Traveller
Any other white background, please write…………………………………………………..….
MIXED



White and Black Caribbean
White and Black African
White and Asian
Any other mixed background, please write in…………………………………………………..
ASIAN, ASIAN BRITISH




Indian
Pakistani
Bangladeshi
Chinese
Any other Asian background please write in……………………………………………...……
BLACK, BLACK BRITISH
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

Caribbean
African
Any other black background please write in………………………………..…………………..

Prefer not to say
8.
RELIGION OR BELIEF
I would describe my religion or belief as:
Buddhist

Christian

Hindu

Jewish

Muslim

Sikh

Any other religion or belief (please specify)…………………………………………

No religion

9.
Prefer not to say
LANGUAGE

Welsh
 as a 1st language  as a 2nd language

English
 as a 1st language  as a 2nd language
Any other please specify (include
BSL)………………………………………………………………………
 as a 1st language  as a 2nd language

Prefer not to say
Please return with your application:
By post:
HR Department, Gofal, 2nd Floor, Derwen House, 2 Court Road, Bridgend, CF31 1BN
Or by e-mail to:
[email protected]
This form will be immediately separated from your application form and it will not be seen by the
recruitment panel.
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