Project Leader – ‘Are you a little bit OCD?’
Thanks to funding from the mental health anti-stigma programme, Time to Change, we are launching a brand new East Midlands project. The Are you a little bit OCD? project will engage the public in conversation about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) through the use of a fun and quirky ‘sofa zone’ which will be set up in public spaces across the East Midlands, and we are now recruiting a project leader to manage this project.
Project Role:
Project Leader – ‘Are you a little bit OCD?’
Reports to:
Chief Executive
Location:
Home Based – Ideally located within the East Midlands
(Will be required to travel around the East Midlands at least four times a month, and occasional visits to other parts of the country for meetings.
Employment Type:
Employed part time, temporary contract.
Hours:
Part Time (21 hours per week) - Flexible working hours will be required.
Salary:
£12.02 per hour (£25,000 pro-rata).
Duration:
16 months fixed term until end of March 2015.
OCD-UK is recruiting for a highly motivated, dynamic and proactive individual to take the lead on a brand new project that is funded by Time to Change.
The Are you a little bit OCD? project will engage the public in conversation about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and stigma and discrimination of mental health problems through the use of a fun and quirky ‘sofa zone’ which will be set up in public spaces across the East Midlands (inc Lincolnshire, Rutland and Northants).
The project will see volunteers with first-hand experience of living with OCD engage passers-by in conversation, have a chat and try out a simple interactive quiz which will challenge perceptions about OCD and mental health problems. Through the conversation the passer-by will have the opportunity to learn how stigma and discrimination can impact on people with experience of mental health problems.
OCD is known to impact on a person’s education, career and relationships, sometimes with sad and tragic consequences, but OCD remains a term that is often used in a light hearted way, with people often referring to themselves as ‘a little bit OCD’. Such trivialisation can often add to the stigma that those that suffer with OCD sometimes feel, and this project aims to give the public a different perception about OCD and the discrimination and stigma that people with mental health problems face by simply changing the language that they use and avoid using terms like ‘I’m a little bit OCD’.
The project will recruit volunteers and provide them with the training and confidence to tackle stigma and misconception the public may have about OCD. OCD-UK will promote a wider positive message about OCD and mental health and encourage people to think and talk about OCD in a different way.
OCD-UK is a registered charity which works predominately with service-users, children and adults whose lives are affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Our primary objective is to provide direct support, both emotional and practical, through information and advice to access and use NHS treatment services.
We also work to improve awareness about OCD, both within the public sector and within the health sector. Our vision is one of a society where everyone affected by Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder should receive the most appropriate, and the highest quality standards of care, support and treatment.
Time to Change is England's biggest programme to end the stigma and discrimination faced by people with mental health problems. The programme is run by the charities Mind and Rethink Mental Illness, and funded by the Department of Health, Comic Relief and the Big Lottery Fund.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Main Purpose of role: To develop and deliver the new OCD-UK ‘Are you a little bit OCD?’ project.
Duties and Key Responsibilities
Develop and deliver the East Midlands ‘Are you a little bit OCD?’ project.
Working alongside the Chief Executive to develop and implement a positive campaign to change public perception about OCD.
Recruit, train and provide support to approx. 50 volunteers who will be expected to disclose their experience of OCD and other Mental Health problems and the stigma and discrimination they may have faced as a result.
Identify and train and support volunteer team leaders.
To establish and manage a regular project focus group of volunteers.
Manage the delivery and completion of at least 36 project events.
Manage logistics for events.
To manage the relationship between volunteers and OCD-UK.
To develop relationships with other organisations with an interest in OCD across the East Midlands.
To appropriately manage and monitor budget expenditure.
To produce monthly project reports for trustees and funders.
To liaise with the chief executive on a weekly basis, and report to the trustees once a quarter.
Other duties as required.
Other Duties and Responsibilities
Actively contribute to other OCD-UK projects where possible
Operate within organisational policies and practices
Undertake other tasks for OCD-UK as directed
Person specification:
Have an excellent understanding and knowledge about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (applications from those with first-hand experience of OCD are encouraged).
Excellent written and oral communication skills including speaking within groups.
Influencing, negotiating skills.
Experience of working with the general public.
Experience of managing other people, preferably volunteers.
Ability to manage your own workload, project plan and meet deadlines under pressure.
Research, analytical and report writing skills, preferably gained in a community environment.
Sensitivity in dealing with a wide range of people, especially groups with mental health problems, including OCD.
Experience of working within budgets.
Computer literate with experience of Word, Excel and Windows 7.
Full UK driving license
Note: This role may require the applicant to undergo an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
How To Apply
To apply for this role, please send a CV along with a covering letter outlining how you feel you can help OCD-UK deliver this project. Please send your CV and covering letter to ashley@ocduk.org
Closing date for all applications is midnight on Friday 22nd November 2013.
If you would like an informal discussion about this fantastic opportunity, please telephone Ashley Fulwood on 07917 207714.
We actively encourage applications from those with personal experience of OCD.
file: 
The Are you a little bit OCD? job description, funded by Time to Change
Tags:
Are you a little bit OCD?
OCD-UK
Awareness