The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service would like to invite applications for the post of Community Safety Advocate, based in Midlothian, East Lothian & the Scottish Borders.
This is a full-time opportunity on a temporary basis, working 35 hours per week.This is a full-time post however applications from individuals seeking to work on a part time, job share or flexible working basis would be considered.
Full details of the role and our recruitment process can be found in the attached information pack.
The Community Safety Advocate will be part of the LSO Area Community Action Team (CAT) with a requirement to assist in the delivery of the objectives outlined in the Prevention and Protection (P&P) Strategy and Local Fire Plan.Activities to be undertaken include identifying, engaging and educating individuals and communities at an increased risk of fire.
Partnership working will be a key element of the role in order to raise fire risk awareness and generate high value HFSV referrals.
Advocates will also be required to support thematic areas of work including road safety, working with children and young people, and engaging with older persons.
FUNCTIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES / KEY TASKS To support the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service (SFRS) in the delivery of the P&P Strategy andlocal Fire Plan(s)Generate Home Fire Safety Visit (HFSV) referrals, primarily for at risk individuals andcommunities, and where necessary, conduct HFSVsMaintain accurate records in relation to HFSVs, activities and partnership working via theCommunity Safety Engagement Toolkit (CSET)Work with LSO Area personnel to deliver appropriate fire safety initiativesIdentify individuals and communities at an increased risk of fire through interaction with fellowteam members, SFRS staff, partner organisations, community groups and the general public.Determine the most appropriate way to communicate with high-risk group members e.g.
agroup presentation or a joint visit with partner organisationsDevelop close working links with communities, organisations and target groups to raise theprofile of the SFRS and the objective of creating safer communitiesArrange and attend events, provide advice and deliver presentation to specific target groupsand associated partners on the issues surrounding domestic fire safety and other CSE prioritiesWhere relevant, support the SFRS' work with children and young people through the promotingand delivering fire safety in educational establishments, and assisting in the delivery of youthengagement activitiesRecognise and highlight individuals who are at risk due to other issues not relating directly toGenerate referrals to appropriate partner agencies and maintain accurate recordsVia presentations and appropriate mediums, provide information to SFRS personnel to raiseknowledge and understanding of specific target groups and ensure legacy issues are consideredfor the continuation of initiatives and engagement linksDevelop and agree action plans and provide regular reports on the progress of initiatives andassociated outcomes to the line manager.
Maintain accurate records of all activity andpartnership working, utilising CSET where relevantMaintain personal development training and support the sharing of good practice, skill andknowledge amongst CAT members across the Service Delivery AreaAlways represent the SFRS in a professional manner Essential Criteria:Candidates must have experience of working as part of a team, with excellent time management skills and sound communication skills, both written and verbal and must possess organisation and prioritisation skills with the ability to work with minimal supervision.
The candidate must be confident when delivering information to a large volume of adults and children as required by the role.The successful candidate must be proficient in the use of Microsoft Office applications – Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook.
Candidates will require to pass an ICAT basic and will be placed onto a series of courses including, Naloxone, fire skills, FSSE, Safeguarding training and other partnership courses relevant to the role.Applicants will be expected to travel across the LSO Area, and neighbouring LSO Areas (as and when required) and should have a flexible approach to working hours as occasional evening and weekend work may be required.Desirable Criteria: Experience of delivering presentations and communicating with a range of individuals and groups.Knowledge of safety issues relating to individual and communitiesKnowledge of home fire safety issuesExperience of working with members of diverse communities and groups including children and young people, older person and hard to engage individualsAwareness and understanding of key SFRS policies and proceduresA knowledge of the communities/networks/organisation and groups located within the LSO Area Salary on appointment will normally be at the lower salary point, with progression subject to regular review - in line with the SFRS performance appraisal arrangements.
A higher salary placing will be considered in exceptional circumstances subject to experience demonstrated.This post is subject to the provision of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exclusions and Exemptions) Scotland Order .
The successful candidate will be required to join the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme and will be required to carry out regulated work with adults and children.The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service is an Equal Opportunities employer and encourage applications from all sectors of the community.
In addition, we are committed to being a "Disability Confident Employer" and will ensure that all applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role are invited for interview.