Branching Out sessional worker brief

Background to the Branching Out project

Branching Out offers a wide range of woodland activities for people with mental health problems in the NHS Glasgow, Lothian and Forth Valley areas. Groups of up to twelve clients meet once a week for 10-12 weeks to take part in bushcraft, conservation, environmental art, woodworking and health activities. Progression on to community based activities is encouraged via a joint awards ceremony where certificates in attendance, tool use and the John Muir Discovery Award are presented alongside signposting of local volunteer and physical activity opportunities.

Previous client groups have included mental health employment services, mental health resource centres, recreational therapy and inpatient secure forensic services. Facilitating staff from referring services also accompany patients.

Each session runs for three hours, and all necessary transport, waterproof clothing, wellie boots, tools and equipment are provided to clients. See www.forestry.gov.uk/branchingout for more information.

Self-employed contractors are required to lead and assist with Branching Out groups in the Greater Glasgow area on a sessional basis.

1. Branching Out leader

Shadow/assist the Branching Out Programme Manager with one Branching Out group in May (see below for details on this role) and lead up to 3 Branching Out groups from the week beginning 23^rd May 2011. There are likely to be further groups starting in September.

Each group will run for 10-12 weeks. In addition, there will be one day paid preparation time in May, and a day for the awards ceremony in July/Aug.

Each group will run for three hours in woodland sites around Glasgow, generally 12-3pm. Branching Out tools and equipment can be borrowed if required.

Responsibilities:

-          Work out of Hamilton FCS office on a self-employed sessional basis

-          Lead Branching Out groups, adhering to Branching Out policies and procedures

-          Create woodland activity timetables adhering to usual Branching Out activity requirements and John Muir Award criteria (sessional worker input will also be provided for tai chi, environmental art and willow weaving)

-          Prepare activities, including gathering materials, preparing and checking equipment and risk assessments

-          Lead for health and safety on site, including appointed first aider

-          Keep register of attendance, tool use and John Muir Awards for each group

-          Maintain/clean FCS equipment as required, reporting breakages etc

-          Provide own transport for self and equipment (incldunig waterproofs for group and tools) from Hamilton office to sites on days leading groups. Milagae will be paid at 40p per mile from Hamilton, which will include giving lift to Assistant if required.

-          Help prepare for awards ceremonies including taking and labelling photos and creating/giving presentation.

-          Assist with evaluation if required (helping clients fill in questionnaires)

-          Abide by FCS diversity and vulnerable adult protection policies when out on site (copies to be provided)

-          Notify any last-minute changes to bus company/sessional workers/mental health services if required

-          Report back any problems/concerns to Branching Out Programme Manager

Requirements

-         Recent experience of practical countryside management, or in the land-based sector.

-         Recent experience of working with volunteers, community groups and/or vulnerable adults.

-         Experience of leading conservation and bushcraft activities would be beneficial

-         Excellent verbal communication skills and a good listener.

-         Have, or obtain before contract starts:

-         Membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme (the new equivalent of the CRB scheme)

-         Public liability insurance. This must include being insured to teach tool use and fire lighting.

-         Valid first aid qualification (2 days minimum)

In addition, the successful contractor will be offered a free place on the new pilot Branching Out training course running 16^th-18^th May (Central belt, location TBC) and a free place on the Scottish Mental Health First Aid course on 20-21^st April (Hamilton).

2. Branching Out Assistant role

Assist with up to three Branching Out group in May from the week beginning 23^rd May 2011.

Each group will run for 10-12 weeks. In addition, there will be a half day paid preparation time in May, and a day for the awards ceremony in July/Aug.

Each group will last for three hours in woodland sites around Glasgow, generally 12-3pm.

Responsibilities

-          Work out of Hamilton FCS office on a self-employed sessional basis

-          Assist with all elements of Branching Out fieldwork, including risk assessments, gathering materials before session, cleaning equipment after sessions, liaising with services and ensuring adherance to Branching Out policies and procedures

-          Lead some individual Branching Out activities where client groups are divided into two.

-          Potential to lead full sessions in the absence of the Branching Out leader (sickness or holiday cover).

Requirements

-         Recent experience of practical countryside management, or in the land-based sector.

-         Recent experience of working with volunteers, community groups and/or vulnerable adults.

-         Experience of leading conservation and bushcraft activities would be beneficial

-         Excellent verbal communication skills and a good listener.

-         Have, or obtain before contract starts:

-         Membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups scheme (the new equivalent of the CRB scheme)

-         Public liability insurance. This must include being insured to teach tool use and fire lighting.

In addition, the successful contractor will be offered a free place on the new pilot Branching Out training course running 16^th-18^th May and may be able to take part in a free Scottish Mental Health First Aid course.

Applications

-         Max. two page CV showing relevant skills, experience and qualifications.

-         Charge you would wish to make for your services (daily rate), making it clear if this is for leading or assisting with groups.

Applications:

Kirsty Cathrine
Branching Out Programme Manager
Forestry Commission Scotland, Bothwell House, Hamilton Business Park
Hamilton, ML3 0QA
Tel: 01698 368557
Mobile: 07825 826403

Or via email at kirsty.cathrine@forestry.gsi.gov.uk

Feel free to contact Kirsty if you require any further information.

Closing Date: Thurs 31^st March 2011.