Provision of Community Support to people who are D/deaf, living with hearing loss, or are deafblind

Descriptions

Wrexham County Borough Council is looking to commission community support for people who are D/deaf or living with hearing loss, or are deafblind. This service will commence on 1 April 2018.The focus of the service will be to provide practical support and advice to children and adults with hearing loss, deafblind (dual sensory loss) and people who are profoundly deaf (member of the Cultural Deaf Community who use British Sign Language as their first language), as well as signposting to other services.At this stage, we are merely asking for expressions of interest in order for us to identify the way forward in procuring this service.Aims and objectives:To support and complete assessments with people who are D/deaf or living with hearing loss or are deafblind to maintain their independence, ensure social inclusion and safety in their own home, and to provide equipment and technical support.To provide advice and information, and an advocacy, service, which links into the Deaf Support Group that meets weekly in Wrexham Town Centre.Service provision will be underpinned by a person-centred approach on listening, understanding how each person communicates, and being able to communicate with him or her.Outcomes•People who are D/deaf or living with hearing loss or are deafblind are able to receive appropriate advice and equipment in their preferred language e.g., British Sign Language, sign-supported English and Deafblind manual;•The issue and use of equipment will assist people to overcome their hearing loss and improve their wellbeing•People who have a severe hearing loss or communicate by British Sign Language are able to be signposted to workers who can communicate with them in their preferred language instead of attending offices where staff members’ ability to communicate effectively and resolve difficulties or issues is limited.Referrals:Anyone referred to the service must be offered an appointment in a timely fashion.When and where the service will be provided:The existing provider provides support within the Purchaser’s Disability Team, currently based at Greenacres, Rhosddu Road, Wrexham, for 2 days a week, however, service provision is not limited to this timescale and the Purchaser is prepared to discuss alternative suggestions as to the hours provided per day or the number of days worked.The Information and Advice Worker attends the Deaf Club each week to provide advice, information and advocacy.Services to be provided:Currently, the service is provided by 2 posts with specialist communication skills, for a total of 18 hours per week:1 - a Technical and Support Officer for people who are D/deaf or living with hearing loss or are deafblind, completes an assessment and provides equipment for people with hearing loss;2 - an Information & Advice Officer who has direct access with people who are profoundly deaf and who communicate via British Sign LanguageShould a potential provider have an alternative model for provision of the service, this is acceptable, providing that a total of 18 hours’ work is carried out and that the person or persons carrying out the work is/are suitably qualified.Post-holder/s’ Requirements:Essential QualificationsThe Technical and Support Officer will need, as a minimum:•A good standard of education and literacy skills•NVQ level 3 (Care Award) or willing to work towards this qualification•Signing skills•Signing skills to BSL level 2 or be willing to work towards this qualification•CACPD Level 2 Certificate in communicate with DeafBlind people or be willing to work towards this qualificationKnowledge and Experience•A good awareness of the needs of people who are Deaf, have a dual sensory loss (DeafBlind) or Hard of Hearing and the ability to support them in their own home or community•Commitment to the values and principles of the Social Model of Disability•The ability to apply knowledge, following training, on the relevant legislation and guidance Social Services and Wellbeing Act (Wales) 2014 and Framework of Action for Wales, 2017-2020, Integrated Framework of Care and Support for People who are D/deaf or living with Hearing Loss.Please note that TUPE may apply to this service.TimescalesSubject to annual funding being available, the contract will run for 3 years with the option to extend it for a further 2 years in yearly increments.Should you be interested in this service, please register your interest on Sell2Wales no later than 12 noon on Tuesday 23 January 2018.NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at http://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=75539.