Main Purpose of the Job
The Carers Officer will provide a coordinated, accessible and responsive short-break service for unpaid carers across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.
The postholder will act as a Single Point of Access for carers seeking short breaks, working closely with carers to understand their individual circumstances, identify their needs and arrange appropriate short-break opportunities.
The role will ensure that carers are supported to access meaningful breaks that can help maintain their wellbeing, reduce stress and isolation, and support them to continue in their caring role.
The Carers Officer will work closely with carers, families, volunteers, community organisations, statutory services and other partners to ensure that short-break provision is person-centred, flexible and responsive to individual needs.
Funded through Carers Trust Wales Shortbreaks Scheme, the role is fixed term until the 31st March 2029.
Knowledge and Experience
The postholder will be expected to have:
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A good general level of education and the ability to work independently and use their own initiative.
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Experience of working in a supportive, community or health and social care environment.
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Experience of working with unpaid carers and/or people requiring support.
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An understanding of the challenges faced by unpaid carers and the importance of accessing regular breaks and support.
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An understanding of carers’ assessments and the wider support available to carers.
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An understanding of safeguarding procedures, including the protection of vulnerable adults.
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Experience of undertaking assessments, identifying needs and developing appropriate support plans.
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Good communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with carers and partner organisations.
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Good organisational and administrative skills, including the ability to maintain accurate records and manage multiple short-break requests.
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The ability to work flexibly across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent and within community settings.
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Experience of using IT systems for recording, monitoring and reporting would be desirable.
Short Break Coordination
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Act as the Single Point of Access for short-break requests across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.
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Receive and respond to enquiries from unpaid carers and professionals regarding short-break opportunities.
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Engage with carers to understand their individual circumstances, caring responsibilities, preferences and support needs.
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Assess carers’ needs and suitability for short-break provision using the agreed assessment and referral processes.
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Work with carers to identify appropriate and meaningful short-break opportunities.
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Coordinate and schedule short breaks, ensuring that provision is delivered safely, appropriately and in line with the carer’s agreed needs.
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Liaise with staff, volunteers and partner organisations involved in providing short-break opportunities.
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Ensure that carers are kept informed throughout the referral and booking process.
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Identify barriers that may prevent carers from accessing short breaks and work proactively to find solutions.
Supporting Carers
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Develop positive and trusting relationships with carers, ensuring that they feel listened to, respected and valued.
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Provide information and signposting to other appropriate services where additional support is identified.
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Identify where a carer may require further intervention or support and make appropriate referrals.
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Notify safeguarding officers or relevant professionals where concerns are identified.
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Promote independence, choice and wellbeing by ensuring that carers have opportunities to access support that meets their individual circumstances.
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Recognise the diverse needs of carers and ensure that services are inclusive and accessible.
Promotion and Engagement
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Promote the short-break service across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.
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Develop effective links with GP practices, health and social care services, carers’ services, community organisations, voluntary sector partners and other referral agencies.
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Promote the service through social media, printed information, community groups, events and relevant local networks.
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Attend community events, meetings and partnership forums to raise awareness of the support available to carers.
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Develop positive relationships with professionals and organisations who may identify and refer carers to the service.
Follow-Up and Quality Assurance
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Undertake follow-up contact with carers following the provision of a short break to understand their experience and identify any further support needs.
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Obtain feedback from carers and use this to inform the ongoing development of the service.
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Ensure that carers’ experiences and views are captured and reflected in service development.
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Respond appropriately to concerns, complaints or issues arising from short-break provision and escalate these where necessary.
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Ensure that all services are delivered in accordance with Age Connects Torfaen policies and procedures.
Monitoring, Recording and Reporting
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Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of carers, referrals, assessments and short-break provision.
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Utilise CharityLog to record and monitor service activity and schedule short-break provision.
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Ensure that all information is recorded accurately, securely and in accordance with relevant data protection requirements.
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Prepare regular statistical information, reports and case studies for the Senior Management Team.
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Contribute to monitoring and evaluation of the short-break service against agreed outcomes and objectives.
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Provide information required by funders and partner organisations.
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Support the collection of evidence demonstrating the impact of short breaks on carers’ wellbeing and ability to continue in their caring role.
Partnership Working
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Develop and maintain effective working relationships with partner organisations across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.
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Attend relevant partnership meetings and represent Age Connects Torfaen & Hospice of the Valleys professionally.
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Work collaboratively with statutory, voluntary and community organisations to ensure carers receive appropriate and coordinated support.
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Contribute to the development of local short-break opportunities and identify gaps in provision.
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Support the recruitment, engagement and coordination of volunteers where appropriate.
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Escalate any issues, risks or concerns to the Development Manager or Senior Management Team as appropriate.
Service Delivery
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Provide a flexible service across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent, including working within community settings and undertaking a minimum of 6 home visits where appropriate each week.
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Provide direct support and engagement with carers as required by the service.
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Set up and sustain Carer support groups.
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Provide appropriate cover for short-break services to ensure continuity and smooth operation.
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Work flexibly to meet the needs of carers and the requirements of the service.
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Participate in relevant training, supervision and development opportunities.
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Keep up to date with changes to legislation, government guidance and local services that may affect carers and the delivery of the service.
Other Duties
To maintain engagement in partnership project with Hospice of the Valleys through attending meetings, recruitment of volunteers and promotion through social media.
Responsibility for ensuring that all work is consistent with the policies, procedures and direction of Age Connects Torfaen.
You may be required to undertake any other duties that may be appropriate and allocated from time to time following discussion.
You will need to comply with all Age Connects Torfaen Covid-19 regulations. Keeping up to date on changing government regulations applicable to our service users.
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Attend regular supervision and meetings with the Senior Management Team.
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Contribute to team meetings, service development and organisational planning.
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Maintain engagement with relevant partnership projects and initiatives.
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Ensure that all work is consistent with the policies, procedures, values and strategic direction of Age Connects Torfaen.
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Undertake any other duties that may be appropriate and reasonably allocated from time to time following discussion with the postholder.
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Maintain professional knowledge and understanding of issues affecting unpaid carers across Torfaen and Blaenau Gwent.
