The Trainee is a member of a service delivery team, working alongside frontline staff taking on a small case load to work with people who use our services.

The Trainee role is an entry level role which will give the post holder training and practical work experience opportunities to develop the level of skill desired to progress to an Assistant Support Worker post.

The Trainee will have two 6-month placements providing direct support to service users working with the individual project teams. The level of support will vary depending upon individual ability, stage of Traineeship and the functions of the project teams hosting the placement.

A key element of the Trainee’s role will be to take on a small case load of service users as part of their development. The caseload will vary depending upon the particular project but will be specifically allocated on the basis of enabling learning and achievement in the areas of the Trainee core competencies. The service users will be allocated by the Trainee’s line manager and will take into account the developing capabilities and capacities of the individual Trainee, alongside the clients’ needs and risk assessment.

1. Spending time with service users, supporting on-going caseloads, identifying activities that will support them and facilitate their journey towards enablement and recovery

2. Maintaining and supporting links made into community programmes and resources

3. Ensuring that the required paperwork and monitoring is completed including the updating of case files and support plans to the standards set out by Thames Reach and the agreed requirements of the Service Commissioner

4. Contributing to the provision of timely and accurate information, reports and analysis to Lead Manager or Senior Practitioner, as they may find necessary for the proper management of Thames Reach services

5. Contributing to the regular review and continual improvement of the effectiveness of service delivery, involving service users and other stakeholders in this process

6. Contributing to the successful implementation and completion of the tasks in the annual workplan

7. Maintaining good working relationships with colleagues in other Thames Reach teams as appropriate as well as external teams/services and agencies

8. Contributing to the meeting of the targets in the areas of Education, Training and Employment / move on of service users, maximising service user involvement and other Key Performance Indicators

9. Undertaking various tasks which will assist in the delivery and continued development of the service, under guidance from their line manager and other staff members. These areas of work will enhance the Trainee’s professional development as well as add value to the service provision

10. Contributing to Thames Reach achieving the highest standards and effectiveness in service delivery to service users

a. A strong commitment to providing a high standard of service to a range of vulnerable people

b. A good understanding of own motivation and a keen interest in working with people with complex needs, including alcohol and drug dependency and or mental health issues

c. Understanding of the need to maintain professional boundaries with service users

d. A thoughtful approach to equal opportunities and diversity

e. Demonstrable ability to use own initiative, being resilient including taking responsibility for own learning and professional development

f. Ability to communicate effectively with a variety of people in different situations and as part of a team.

g. Good written and verbal communication skills with the potential to present information to a wide audience as well as good IT skills and confidence with using Microsoft office 

h. Honesty, reliability and flexibility with a commitment and ability to sustain a 12-month placement