Support Worker

**Full time, 37 hours a week, occasional requirement to work weekends.**

**Permanent**

Are you looking for a challenging and rewarding role where you are able to empower people every day to develop their skills and move towards independence? Do you enjoy working in an environment where every day is different to the next? Then this could be the role for you.

You will work with some of the most complex clients who may have multiple needs and have struggled to break the cycle of homelessness. You will love supporting others and helping them to progress and achieve their goals. Your positive attitude towards your work and your team will help to contribute to a great working environment. You will have a calm and personable manner and be resilient to potentially difficult situations. You will have excellent organisation skills and an ability to work alone and as part of a team. This in turn will promote mutual respect, dignity, stability, confidence and self -worth in the clients.

**Main Responsibilities**
- You will have your own caseload of clients to support and will work with them on a one to one basis out in the community and in the clients homes.
- You will identify their needs by listening to them and put together a support plan which is equally achievable and realistic for them.
- You will link in with outreach workers to build rapport and trust with clients who are homeless in preparation for them getting their own accommodation.
- You will support clients to attend appointments and act as a link for clients to engage in services with the aim to improve their physical and mental health
- You will work with people to identify their strengths and talents, and encourage them to focus and build on these, with a view to affecting behavioural and lifestyle changes that are positive and sustainable
- You will be conscientious in areas such as safeguarding and lone working.
- You will help clients to access the benefits they are entitled to claim.
- You will challenge harmful behaviours and play an active role in encouraging people to come inside from the street, or to play an active part in sustaining their accommodation.
- You will support them to manage and reduce alcohol and or substance misuse.
- You will encourage their involvement in personal progression in the form of education, training, employment activity or volunteering.
- You will help them improve their practical skills in areas such as budgeting, shopping, cooking, housework and managing a tenancy
- You will work with external partners to maximise the opportunities available to clients so that they can resettle in the community. Specifically working closely with the client’s property owners and Southampton City Council to ensure a successful tenancy.

Please see attached job description for a full list of job responsibilities.

**Attributes & Values**

Previous experience in this type of work is not essential but you will have a real passion for wanting to work with homeless people. You will receive support and training in understanding the key principles of Housing First but some prior research and understanding of the support model is desirable Your values will match ours, you will be committed to helping others and enjoy the real job satisfaction that this brings.
- Clear verbal and written English
- Good IT and keyboard skills
- Polite, assertive manner, ability to self -motivate
- Passion for working in a client/customer facing role
- Knowledge of the benefits system and tenancy legislation
- Have an interest and genuine concern for homelessness and related issues
- Knowledge of voluntary and statutory agencies
- Knowledge of best practice in supporting people with drug/alcohol and/or mental ill health issues, including realistic harm reduction approaches

Driving licence and access to a car is essential for this role.