Head of Department (12)

Schoolsweek; East Hampshire, Greater London; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job description

Job description: Independent end-point assessor for Adult Care Worker (Level 2) and Lead Adult Care Worker (Level 3) End Point Assessments

About Pearson

Pearson is the world's leading learning company, with 35,000 employees in more than 70 countries working to help people of all ages to make measurable progress in their lives through learning. We put the apprentice at the centre of everything we do, because wherever learning flourishes, so do people. Find out more about how we can help you and your learners at qualifications.pearson.com

Overview of the independent end-point assessor role

Government has introduced a requirement that all apprenticeships contain an end-point assessment (EPA) which is a holistic assessment of the Knowledge, Skills and Behaviour (KSBs) that have been learnt throughout the apprenticeship. This is to make sure that apprentices meet the rigorous standard set by employers and are fully competent in the relevant occupation. Pearson must provide employers with the confidence that completing an apprenticeship means an individual is fully job-ready and that all apprentices, following the same standard, are assessed consistently, regardless of where they are undertaking their apprenticeship or who they are doing it with.

An independent EPA means that those making a decision on the competency of the apprentice have nothing to gain from the outcome of the assessment. To maintain independence within the scope of this EPA, an independent end-point assessor (IEA) can only undertake end-point assessments of apprentices, with whom they have no conflict of interest. This means they must be independent of the registered apprenticeship training provider at which the apprentice completed their on-programme element, and must not have been involved in the on-programme training, assessment, or line management of such apprentices.

The end-point assessments will be conducted onsite, or remotely, on dates agreed with employers and/or providers if appropriate. Independent end-point assessors will record and submit the EPA outcomes, with clear justifications for the grading decisions. EPA activities will be quality assured by Pearson quality assurance representatives.

IEAs for these EPAs will be qualified IQAs that meet the occupational profile of the apprentices they are assessing and will be trained, standardised and approved to operate as IEAs. The IEAs will undertake EPAs in line with the associated apprenticeship assessment plan, and the materials provided by Pearson. Please see the below Key Accountabilities and Person Specification sections for further details.

Key Accountabilities:

• Take part in regular training and standardisation activities, associated with the role of independent end-point assessor for this EPA
• Maintain and provide evidence of ongoing, relevant Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
• Assess the performance of candidates in accordance with published assessment and grading criteria and procedures, ensuring overall standards are maintained
• Follow the protocols set out in Pearson's specifications, assessment materials and quality assurance protocols, relating to the EPAs
• Maintain service-level agreements with regards to responding to EPA planning, operational activities, reports and submissions of assessment outcomes
• Report all risks and issues encountered during the end-point assessment to Pearson, including any suspected malpractice/maladministration
• Ensure all EPA reports and assessment evidence are high quality and recorded accurately
• Support Pearson, if necessary, with any appeals from apprentices, regarding assessment decisions
• Allow additional time for travel, when making EPA arrangements
• Raise any conflicts of interest, including in relation to the independence of assessment
• Ensure that any personal actions are completed, as required by Pearson
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of Pearson's end-point assessment activities

Person Specification

Occupational Profiles:

Lead Adult Care Worker

A Lead Adult Care Worker will make a positive difference to someone's life when they are faced with physical, practical, social, emotional or intellectual challenges. A Lead Adult Care Worker will be expected to exercise judgement and take appropriate action to support individuals to maintain their independence, dignity and control. By providing leadership, guidance and direction at the frontline of care delivery a Lead Adult Care Worker will be instrumental in improving the health and wellbeing of those receiving care and support. Lead Adult Care Workers will in some circumstances have delegated responsibility for the standard of care provided and may supervise the work of other care workers. This exercising of autonomy and accountability means leading and supporting others to comply with expected standards and behaviours. Lead Adult Care Workers may work in residential or nursing homes, domiciliary care, day centres or some clinical healthcare settings. As well as covering Lead Adult Care Workers this standard also covers Lead Personal Assistants who can work at this senior level but they may only work directly for one individual who needs support and/or care services, usually within their own home.

Adult Care Worker

To work in care is to make a positive difference to someone's life when they are faced with physical, practical, social, emotional or intellectual challenges. Adult Care Workers need to have the right values and behaviours, developing competencies and skills to provide high quality compassionate care and support. They are the frontline staff who help adults with care and support needs to achieve their personal goals and live as independently and safely as possible, enabling them to have control and choice in their lives which is at the heart of person centred care. Job roles are varied and determined by and relevant to the type of the service being provided and the person supported.

Adult Care Workers may work in residential or nursing homes, domiciliary care, day centres, a person's own home or some clinical healthcare settings. This standard covers both Adult Care Workers and Personal Assistants. Personal assistants do the same job as an Adult Care Worker and work directly for one individual usually within their own home. Working with people, feeling passionate about supporting and enabling them to live a more independent and fulfilling life is a rewarding and worthwhile job that provides excellent career opportunities.

1 Profiles drawn and adapted from Apprenticeship Standards for Lead Adult Care Worker and Adult Care Worker which were approved 21st July 2016, references: ST0006-02 and ST0005-02. Usage under the terms of the Open Government Licence. Visit www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/doc/open-government-licence

These are the personal attributes and behaviours expected of all Lead Adult Care Workers and Adult Care Workers carrying out their roles

• Care - is caring consistently and enough about individuals to make a positive difference to their lives
• Compassion - is delivering care and support with kindness, consideration, dignity and respect
• Courage - is doing the right thing for people and speaking up if the individual they support is at risk
• Communication - good communication is central to successful caring relationships and effective team working
• Competence - is applying knowledge and skills to provide high quality care and support
• Commitment - to improving the experience of people who need care and support ensuring it is person centred

Background and Experience (essential):

• Current relevant occupational competence within the workplace
• Knowledge and understanding of the adult care sector
• Qualified with a relevant health and social care qualification at or above the level they are assessing (Level 3 or above for this IEA role)
• IQA qualified, assessor qualification
• Experience of leading meetings/structured interviews/discussions
• Experience of complying with quality assurance/regulatory requirements
• Evidence of commitment to maintaining CPD, in line with new apprenticeship requirements and the EPA specialism

Essential others

• Only UK based candidates will be considered for this role due to requirements
• Minimum of two working days during the week will be required for EPA role.

Background and Experience (desirable):

• Current DBS
• Knowledge of prevent & safeguarding

Skills & Knowledge (Essential)

• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal skills, including the ability to effectively respond to conflicts
• Ability to understand and respond to the individual needs and circumstances of employers/apprentices
• Sufficient and relevant technical knowledge of the adult care sector and the role of the lead adult care worker and adult care worker
• In-depth knowledge of the associated apprenticeship standard, assessment plan, specification, assessment instruments and recording tools
• Ability to assess, free from bias
• Ability to assess and report risks
• Ability to meet deadlines

Other requirements

Any applicant undertaking this role will be expected to:

• Have personal IT equipment capable of running Pearson required software
• Have a suitable broadband connection, Microphone, Headphones and a webcam
• Have a personal and secure email account
• Have a postal address in the United Kingdom or Republic of Ireland, Guernsey, Jersey Isle of Man
• Have the right to work in the UK
• Allow additional time for travel, when making EPA arrangements

Note: Please indicate your most recent or relevant Adult Care experience in Step 3 Occupational section of the form. If your sector is not listed please contact the recruitment team on associate.pearson.com.

Also please note that Pearson is currently recruiting for selected pathways only, pathways selected within the vacancy preference section of the form which are not current vacancies will not be considered.