Homeless Support Worker

Permanent

Full Time (You will work on a 7-week rotation, with a mixture of early and lates between the hours of 7am - 8pm)

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. 

Bournemouth Housing First supports people who are homelessness across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch. This is a new service that starts in June, so this is an exciting opportunity to be part of the set up and implementation of this team.  

We have a new opportunity for a Homeless Recovery Worker to join us to work with people who are experiencing repeat homelessness and rough sleeping and who face multiple challenges.

This is a key role in which you will support clients and help 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.

Some of your duties will include: 

• Supporting your own caseload of clients and working with them on a one to one basis out in the community and in the clients homes. 
• Identifying their needs and putting together a support plan which is equally achievable and realistic for them
• Linking with outreach workers and other agencies to build rapport and trust with clients who are homeless in preparation for them getting their own accommodation
• Working with people to identify their strengths and talents, and encourage them to focus and build on these
• Helping clients to access the benefits they are entitled to claim
• Encouraging their involvement in personal progression in the form of education, training, employment activity or volunteering
• Helping them improve their practical skills in areas such as budgeting, shopping, cooking, housework and managing a tenancy
• Working with external partners to maximise the opportunities available to clients so that they can resettle in the community.
• Gaining knowledge and understanding of the Housing First principles and how Housing First uses a client-led approach 
• Working in accordance with the Health and Safety regulations and all policies and procedures
• Working flexibly across all areas of operation where required and prior notice given

What you will bring: 

Previous experience in this type of work is not essential but you will have a real passion for wanting to work with people who are homeless. Your values will match ours, you will be committed to helping others and enjoy the real job satisfaction that this brings. 

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.

You will need to hold a full driving licence with access to a car as you will be required to work flexibly across Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch locations. 

You will have: 

• 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

We reserve the right to close our adverts early if a successful candidate is found, so please submit your application as soon as possible. 

Staff benefits, support and development 

Our benefits include: 

• Pension with life cover 
• Generous holiday allowance 
• Extra mile awards for outstanding work 
• Work offers including discounted shopping vouchers, days out and holidays 
• Cycle to work scheme 
• Confidential employee assistance programme including access to counselling 
• Employee voice – our Staff Council 
• Recruitment referral scheme 

We support and develop our staff by providing: 

• A comprehensive induction and training programme 
• Management training 
• Trauma-informed care training 
• Specialist training, coaching and development opportunities linked to personal development plans 
• Access to accredited qualifications 
• Mental Health First Aid training and provision 
• Access to counselling psychologists via our Psychology Service 

If you love helping others and want to join our friendly team, we would love to hear from you!

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