Relief Housing Support Worker

**Job Description: Relief Housing Support Worker**

**Job Department**:......Housing Support Worker.....................................................................................

**Location**:.................................Inverness

**Background**:New Start Highland is a dynamic and evolving organisation which creates opportunities for transformation in people’s lives. New Start offers a range of services including a Housing Support Service for people moving from homelessness in the wider community as many tenancies fail at an early stage due to a lack of support. This service also assists people who are having difficulty maintaining an existing tenancy.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual, with a proven track record and the skills and attributes required to work within New Start Highland as part of a team of support workers.

Purpose of Post

Service users will be people who are Housing Association, The Highland Council or private tenants and require support to take up or maintain their tenancy or who are homeless and in the process of seeking a tenancy.

The Housing Support Worker will:

- Assist in assessment of support needs and development of individual support plans;
- Ensure effective delivery of a support programme targeted to peoples’ needs, developed in consultation with the individual;
- Support people to develop the skills they require to manage their tenancy;
- Signpost individuals to appropriate support services and support them in making contact with these agencies;
- Deliver a cohesive support service which will achieve positive outcomes for people experiencing housing related challenges.

Accountability

Housing Support Manager

Team Leader

Housing Support Worker

Work

Responsible for
- Contributing to needs assessment of individuals;
- Consulting with individuals over their support needs, agreeing goals, planning how these will be achieved and meeting regularly with the individual to support them to achieve desired outcomes. This will include reviewing progress of individuals in a planned way and, as required, referring them to other support services;
- Delivering a flexible, person-centred service to people experiencing housing related challenges.
- Supporting new tenants through the transition of taking up their tenancy - including practical arrangements such as ensuring the tenancy agreement is signed, that utilities are connected and referral to other services if required;
- Supporting people to develop constructive relationships and the knowledge and practical skills which will help them maintain their tenancy - including engaging with official agencies, such as benefits agencies and housing services.
- Working constructively with other agencies, enhancing existing and developing new partnerships in the delivery of support;
- Providing advocacy on behalf of clients in dealing with official bodies as required;
- Ensuring all New Start values, policies and procedures are adhered to in a consistent manner;
- Maintaining suitable systems and procedures that will ensure record keeping is of a high standard in line with The Highland Council, The Care Inspectorate and New Start Highland requirements;
- Undertaking any other duties appropriate to the post;
- Acting within the values and culture of New Start and with the responsibility and professionalism expected;
- Ensuring compliance with New Start policies and procedures and relevant Health and Safety regulations. Also contributing to risk assessments and working procedures;
- Complying with Health and Social Care Standards and SSSC registration requirements.

Working Relationships
- Develop and maintain positive working links with partners, statutory and support agencies and other teams within New Start Highland.

Key Results
- Ensure all clients receive outstanding support to enable them to progress with their lives;
- Ensure that excellent outcomes are achieved;
- Model the delivery of the Housing Support Worker function to an exemplary standard;
- Achieve Housing Support Service targets.

Conditions

There are 32 days holiday per year, inclusive of public holidays (pro-rata for PT hours) The hourly rate is £11-£12. There will be an opportunity to participate in a contributory pension scheme. This post requires PVG Scheme Membership.

**Person Specification**

Job Title

Housing Support Worker

Department

Housing Support

Location

Inverness

Reports to

Housing Support Manager

GRADE

x Support Worker

TYPE OF POSITION:
Relief

**GENERAL DESCRIPTION**

The Housing Support Worker will support individuals who have needs related to maintaining their tenancies. They will assist people to develop the knowledge, abilities, skills and confidence to manage their tenancies independently.

**CORE SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES**

SKILLS & KNOWLEDGE

Essential
- Exceptional ability to relate to people;
- Awareness of good practice in supporting people;
- Knowledge of issues leading to homelessness;
- Clean driving licenc