Homeless Support Worker

**PART TIME - 24hrs - Weekend Only**

**HCC Social Inclusion - Dene Court**provides accommodation and 24/7 support for up to 18 clients with complex and high-level support needs. There is also capacity to provide one emergency bed which is accessed via the Council.

Our aim is to provide person-centred support to our clients, empowering them to gain the life skills they require to move on to more independent living. We also work with a range of agencies to maximise the support and opportunities for clients.

Although this can be a challenging role, it’s also very rewarding. This is an exciting role, where no two days will be the same, you will take part in various tasks, such as running client activities and life skills projects. If you love working with people and want to make a difference in the lives of those you support, then please apply

**JOB PURPOSE**

To lead on the case management of clients and be part of a team that supports them in keeping them safe and helping them achieve their goals.

To provide people with homes and specialist support so they feel more valued and secure, and ready to take the next steps.

**MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES**
- To assess the needs of each client, helping to develop their individual support plan to achieve their goals
- To produce and regularly review comprehensive client-based risk assessments
- To manage a caseload of clients on a one-to-one basis
- To support clients to gain and/or maintain accommodation or achieve outcomes defined by the service specification
- To engage with local authorities, health providers and other agencies, creating and maintaining constructive working relationships to maximise the opportunities available to clients
- To lead on client activities to help them gain practical life skills and encourage their engagement with the running of the service
- To support clients with managing their finances, paying rent, managing arrears and accessing benefits
- To encourage and signpost clients to the local community and to resources relevant to their aspirations including education, training, employment activity or volunteering
- To support clients in trauma informed and psychologically informed ways
- To adhere to safeguarding responsibilities, following our safeguarding policy and procedure
- To help maintain health and safety, ensuring clients, visitors and buildings are safe in accordance with Health and Safety regulations, policy and procedures
- To provide basic first aid assistance until help arrives (full training is provided)
- To work confidently and efficiently when lone working
- To maintain accurate records on our client management system and ensure these are stored in line with GDPR
- To maintain confidentiality
- To represent the organisation in a professional manner
- To carry out any other reasonable duties required in the interest of the organisation

**ROLE REQUIREMENTS**
- This role will require an Enhanced with Barred List(s) disclosure and barring service check is a requirement for this role. This would be completed on appointment of the role
- This role will require you to work with clients on a one-to-one basis
- This role will require you to work nights and/or weekends
- This role will require you to lone work

**ESSENTIAL CRITERIA**
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
- Clear verbal and written English
- Good keyboard skills for data inputting
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Excel and Word
- Confident and assertive manner
- Ability to self-motivate as you will work on your own
- Effective team working
- Ability to respond calmly to crisis
- Deal promptly with and effectively react to challenging situations
- Have an interest and genuine concern for homelessness and related issues

**DESIRABLE CRITERIA**
- Experience of managing a caseload of clients
- Understanding of risk assessment and person-centred, outcomes-based delivery
- Understanding of the support needs of people experiencing homelessness or those with complex needs
- Knowledge of voluntary and statutory agencies, housing regulations and the benefits system

We were formed in April 2001 through the merger of the Society of St Dismas (founded in 1962) and St Petroc Housing association (founded in 1972). Both organisations shared a passion for housing and supporting vulnerable single people.

Our vision today is to give people who are homeless, vulnerable or in need of support, the opportunity to build a brighter future.

We have services in Berkshire, Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and Sussex.

We support 16-65 year olds. Our services include outreach to rough sleepers, supported accommodation (direct access hostels, move-on accommodation, and resettlement flats), day centres, community support, housing first and landlord support services.