Support Worker

**We are looking for a Part-Time Support Worker for 15 hours per week (over 3 days)**

**JOB PURPOSE**

To reduce the risk of homelessness and offending behaviour for individuals housed within properties managed by Ability to Change. This will be achieved by meeting the needs identified within their support plan and risk assessments. The successful post holder will provide individualised packages of support including expertise in lifestyle skills and support, housing and welfare benefits, and employment to assist people to successfully exit the service and maintain independent accommodation.

**The following list serves to illustrate the scope and responsibilities of the post and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of duties. You will be expected to perform different tasks as necessitated by the development of this role as the practice develops, and the overall business objectives of the practice change.**

**RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES**
- To provide practical and emotional ‘housing related support’ and advice as necessary to enable the Service Users to manage their temporary accommodation.
- Promote independence through supporting Service Users to develop the necessary skills to live independently, and to access training, education, and work.
- Design and deliver an effective support plan with the Service User identifying any risks and/ or individual needs, and review and update regularly.
- Outcomes and outputs achieved should be recorded, monitored, reviewed, and updated regularly and accordingly.
- Maintain contact on a regular basis with Service Users in accordance with the requirements of the service. This includes maintaining a professional relationship and being a good role model to service users.
- Actively engage with Service Users in decisions that affect them, informing them of their procedural and representational rights, ensuring they have input in shaping the nature of services delivered to them through involvement activities.
- Identify and maintain focus on achievement of the desired outcome for Service Users. Ensuring the Service User is assisted to prepare for and participate in suitable opportunities.
- Develop relationships/liaise with appropriate external groups/agencies in support of Service Users’ needs and requirements. This includes maintaining professional relationships and appropriate confidentiality of information.
- Work with colleagues and coordinate activity across the team, including attending meetings, to ensure the service is achieving its aims.
- Respond to internal or external complaints promptly, challenging any anti-social behaviour and reporting any risks.
- Maintain up to date records and produce relevant reports as required. This includes inputting information to appropriate systems as per contractual and Ability to Change requirements and producing required evidence and reports in a timely manner.

**GENERAL**
- Engage fully in regular supervision with your line manager.
- Adhere to Ability to Change Health and Safety policies and procedures at all times and comply with legislation and statutory duties and data controls protocols.
- Act in line with, promote and carry out all responsibilities with full regard to Ability to Change Equality and Diversity Policy.
- As necessary, and in addition to the above, undertake other activities commensurate with the nature of the post.

**PERSON SPECIFICATION**

**EXPERIENCE**
- Experience of working within a multi-agency approach.
- Experience of working with ex-offenders/single/homeless and/or vulnerable people that have multiple and complex support needs, such as substance misuse and mental health issues.

**SKILLS AND ABILITIES**
- Working knowledge of the housing and benefit system and relevant housing legislation.
- An understanding of the needs of people who have experienced the criminal justice system, including people of ethnic minorities, and demonstrate an understanding of and support the principles of advocacy.
- Ability to identify support needs and develop support plans to address individual needs.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills and basic numeracy with an ability to work with people at different levels and from diverse backgrounds.
- The ability to work effectively, use your own initiative sometimes with limited supervision or in a pressurised environment, and an ability to liaise with a wide range of organisations.
- Good I.T skills and able to use Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and an understanding of the need to keep comprehensive, accurate records including performance against targets.
- A willingness to work flexibly and responsively to meet the needs of the service.

**Job Types**: Part-time, Permanent
Part-time hours: 15 per week

**Salary**: £13.50 per hour

Schedule:

- Day shift

**Experience**:

- working within a multi-agency approach: 1 year (required)

Work Location: In person