Recruiting a Support Worker to join our Homelessness and Complex Needs Service in Southwark!

£22,360 per annum, 40 hours per week plus 25 days Annual Leave, Pension schemes, Staff discounts, healthcare and more.

David Barker House is located on Blackfriars Road in the borough of Southwark is a 45 bed homeless complex needs hostel for single males only. Manor Place Hostel is located in Kennington area in the borough of Southwark which is a 34 bed homeless complex needs hostel for single females only. All our residents have shared facilities and are aged between 18 and 60 years old. We support them with a range of support needs from domestic violence, substance misuse, mental health and offending. We aim to enable vulnerable people to address their identified support needs as well as manage risks in order to allow customers to move on towards greater independence.

The service provides waking night cover as well as a team of staff Support Workers with a case load of around 8-12 customers depending of the needs of the service.

To enable and support vulnerable individuals with complex needs to address this while maintaining their tenancy with the long term goal of living in an independent setting by providing flexible and individually tailored support package. Working with excluded and hard to reach customers can be challenging however, with intensive support this challenge can be broken. You will need to be able to engage our customers in a non-judgmental way. You will also be responsible for dealing with emergencies that may arise during your shift whilst remaining calm and using initiative then writing up incident reports amongst other administrative tasks.

As a Support Worker, you will be working as part of a team as well as with external agencies such as London Probation Service, local substance misuse services, Mental health teams, and police amongst others. Sometimes customers may not be linked in with agencies when they enter the service, as a support worker it is part of your role to ensure they are receiving the correct support from agencies required. Ideally, you will have experience of working with vulnerable people or an understanding of the needs of homelessness. You will be required to support customers with managing their arrears; ensuring housing benefit is applied for as well as monitoring payments and acting appropriately if payments are suspended in order to ensure customer does not fall into any arrears.

You will be responsible for supporting the working shift pattern of the service which is a five week rolling rota which consists of working some weekends as well as long days.

Key Responsibilities:

- Undertake key-working responsibilities for a caseload assigned by the Team Leader/Manager

- Undertake initial and continuous assessment of needs and potential risks and agree levels of support and actions

- Create support/action plans for providing appropriate services based on the assessment and reflecting the services and resources available

- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation

- Develop and maintain links with all key agencies and service providers in the local community

- Empower customers to ensure they receive the service and benefits they are entitled to

- Undertake all administrative work and keep accurate and comprehensive tenant/customer records to professional standards

- Encourage and enable tenants to pay their rent and to ensure that rent accounts are managed effectively in conjunction with the Housing Management team

- Ensure that referrals are chased proactively so that properties which can be used to house those in need are filled as efficiently as possible

- Adhere to Look Ahead's Policies and Procedures

- Engage in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills

- Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as may be reasonably assigned

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

For more information or to apply please visit our webiste.

Recruiting a Specialist Support Worker to join our Mental Health service in Tower Hamlets!

£24,000 per annum, 40 hours per week plus 25 days Annual Leave, Pension schemes, Staff discounts, healthcare and more.

Tower Hamlets Adult Mental Health Rehabilitation House provides suitable accommodation and a therapeutic program to support people in their recovery and rehabilitation following a hospital admission for mental health problems. The service is founded on the principles of Recovery: Emphasis is placed on helping individuals to develop or rediscover their own unique skills and coping strategies and to positively use the resources that are available to them within their community and extended social networks. The house is staffed and run in a way that is sensitive to the diverse cultural needs of service users in Tower Hamlets. It also provides a high degree of privacy and a homely and welcoming environment to all who choose to use it.

The Bethnal Green Community Mental Health Team BG CMHT will also deliver complex NICE compliant interventions as required in partnership with Rehab.

The Rehab is a 24-hour service and staff operates on shifts: early 8-4: mid: 9-5 or 10-6, Late: 2-10pm. There are no sleep-in as service is managed by a Night Support Worker and a Concierge.

Specialist Support Worker will be required to demonstrate strengths in all the indicators set out in the relevant Look Ahead Competency Model. More specifically, the post-holder will:

- To provide intensive support (both practical and emotional) to people living in the Project
- To act as a positive influence on clients encouraging responsible behaviour and self reliance
- To support people in a way that maximises their self-sufficiency and enables them to live independently in their own homes
- To act as a resource co-ordinator and advocate in order that clients can make informed choices about how they live in the local community
- Agree the initial treatment/recovery plan with service user, including; clinical assessment, ensuring the health and wellbeing

Key Responsibilities:

Practice

- Undertake key working responsibilities for a caseload assigned by the Team Leader/Manager
- Undertake initial & continuous assessment of needs and potential risks & agree levels of support and actions
- Create support/ action plans for providing appropriate services based on the assessment and reflecting the services and resources available
- Provide structured support and guidance to other front line staff in their area of expertise, and to contribute to the relevant internal specialist forum
- Develop and maintain links with all key agencies and service providers in the local community
- Empower customers to ensure they receive the service and benefits they are entitled to
- Undertake all administrative work and keep accurate and comprehensive tenant/customer records to professional standards
- Encourage and enable tenants to pay their rent and to ensure that rent accounts are managed effectively in conjunction with the Housing Management team
- To adhere to Look Ahead's Policies and Procedures
- To engage in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills
- Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as may be reasonably assigned

Liaison with Other Agencies

- To liaise with the referral agency to ensure that full information is given to enable a proper assessment to be made of future clients
- To work collaboratively with staff from the Tower Hamlets Rehabilitation and Recovery Service in performing joint assessment to determine the appropriateness of referrals to the service
- To advocate assertively to statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure that clients' needs are met
- To maintain good relationships with all involved professionals and agencies
- To maintain good liaison with the clients' immediate community and family
- To build up and maintain contact with a full range of community workers

Housing Management

- To explain the terms of the Tenancy Agreement and to ensure that clients understand all the services within the accommodation
- If clients are moving into independent accommodation, to help make the transition and setting up of their new home
- To take lead and responsibility in setting up ways of paying for rent, utilities, bills etc.
- To provide advice and help on future housing needs

For more information or to apply please visit our website.

Recruiting for a Support Workers to join our Homelessness Service in North Surrey!

£19,000 per annum, 40 hours per week plus 25 days Annual Leave, Pension Scheme, staff discounts, healthcare and more.

This generic floating support service offering tenancy support to residents of Runnymede, Elmbridge and Spelthorne. The service has six members of staff with a service capacity of 76 customers.

Job Overview:

To enable vulnerable people living in a variety of different tenures to manage their tenancies/ licences and move towards greater independence within the community by providing a flexible and individually tailored support package.

Key Responsibilities:

- Undertake key-working responsibilities for a caseload assigned by the Manager
- Undertake initial & continuous assessment of needs and potential risks & agree levels of support and actions
- Create support/ action plans for providing appropriate services based on the assessment and reflecting the services and resources available
- Develop and maintain links with all key agencies and service providers in the local community
- Empower customers to ensure they receive the services and benefits they are entitled to
- Signpost customers to support services that can help them address additional support needs such as mental or physical health, employment and education, adult social care, domestic abuse and family support
- Undertake all administrative work and keep accurate and comprehensive tenant /customer records to professional standards
- Encourage and enable tenants to pay their rent and to ensure that rent accounts are managed effectively in conjunction with the relevant housing provider
- Ensure that referrals are managed effectively and in line with the referrals procedure
- Adhere to Look Ahead's Policies and Procedures
- Engage in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills
- Work closely with the team and communicate openly
- Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as may be reasonably assigned

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

Person Specification:

- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Approachable and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
- Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
- Is essentially customer-focused
- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
- Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviours

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

- Up to NVQ Level 2/3 or equivalent or experience in the social care/charity sector

Desirable:

- Experience working in homelessness, housing or support/care

First round of telephone interviews will be taking place 5th October 2020.

Please note that we have the right to close any vacancy before the advertised closing date if we have received a high number of applications.

If your application for this role is unsuccessful, but we feel that you would be suitable for another role, we may contact you to discuss alternative opportunities. If this occurs you would not need to submit another application for the alternative role.

Look Ahead is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and adults at risk, and expects all employees, workers and volunteers to share this commitment.

Recruiting a Recovery Worker to join our Mental Health service in Islington!

GBP 22,360 per annum plus 25 days Annual Leave, Pension schemes, Staff discounts, healthcare and more working 40 hours per week. This is a 6 month fixed term contract.

Islington Crisis House offer 24/7 crisis accommodation to customers with mental health needs who require a high level of support, it is a 'high support fast stream' mental health service consisting of 12 units, with move-on expected within two weeks. This is a really great opportunity for anyone with clinical interest as the service is delivered in partnership with Camden and Islington MH Trust.

Job Overview:
Post-holders will be required to:
- Understand the concept of Recovery and apply those principles to develop an environment and service that enhances recovery
- Put the service-user at the centre of their support and promote optimism and hope for their increased independence
- Provide intensive support (both practical and emotional) to people undergoing a period of mental health related crisis
- Act as a positive influence on service-users encouraging responsible behaviour and self reliance to people residing in the Service
- Support people in a way that maximises their self-sufficiency and enables them to live independently upon discharge from the service

Key Accountabilities:
- To ensure recovery focused support plans are created, reviewed, evaluated and amended in accordance with changing needs, presenting risks and individual preferences in order to promote recovery
- Undertake keyworking responsibilities for a caseload assigned by the Team Leader/Service Manager
- To be flexible and responsive to the needs of service-users as directed by their personal support plan
- To provide recovery focused support to achieve personal goals/aspirations in partnership with service-users, family members and statutory agencies. To work with service-users on a one to one basis to achieve positive outcomes within the given service timeframe
- Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
- To treat all information - both verbal and written - in accordance with Look Ahead's policy on confidentiality
- Develop and maintain links with key agencies and service providers in the local community
- Demonstrate a commitment to the empowerment of service-users and a strong interest in co-production and promoting people's rights
- Use person centred tools to support recovery and development of service-users
- Communicate effectively with people who are in mental distress, including any who may be acutely unwell
- Support service-users to undertake domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure service-users enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Undertake all administrative work and keep accurate and comprehensive service-user records to professional standards.
- To engage in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills
- To advocate assertively to statutory and voluntary agencies to ensure that service-users needs are met and link with organisations to provide a range of engagement opportunities for service-users in the community
- To maintain good relationships with all involved professionals and agencies
- To maintain good liaison with the service-users' immediate community and family
- Work collaboratively with the service-user, their carers and care coordinators to plan for move-on and discharge from the point of the support commencing
- To attend and participate in weekly staff meetings, meetings with other professionals and in supervision and training as required
- To work with the staff team to achieve the aims and the objectives of the service
- To stay up to date with regard to development and research in the mental health field, housing support and in welfare benefits
- To exercise responsibilities under the current Health & Safety legislation and Equal Opportunities Policy as laid down or amended by Look Ahead Housing Association

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:
Essential:
- At least an NVQ Level 3 in Health & Social care, or equivalent
- Minimum of one years experience of support work with people with mental health related support needs

For the full job description, please visit the Look Ahead website.

Recruiting a Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities service in Tower Hamlets!

£22,360 per annum, 40 hours per week plus 25 days Annual Leave, Pension schemes, Staff discounts, healthcare and more.

The service accommodates three individuals on a ground floor, and suits people whom have mobility needs. Support is provided across 24 hours with various levels depending on the customers needs. There is a shared kitchen, lounge, garden, wet room and two toilets; however other shared communal facilities available within the block. The service has a person centred approach; this is always picked up by Auditors and Inspectors, it's mentioned within audits reports. The people whom live there choose and are supported to live the life that they want taking part in various activities within their community such as attending day centres, visiting their friends, attending church, participating in events and much more.

The service is supported by an amazing, compassionate and experienced team who have many years supporting people with Learning Disabilities and other Disabilities. The Manager has excellent experience in supporting people of various ages with Learning Disabilities and Autism, the Manager is also a Winner of the Great Britain Care Awards 2019.

As a Support Worker you will be expected to undertake duties and work as part of the staff team to support customers with daily support to achieve personal goals by using person centred approach. Work within a team to communicate, meet the service and Look Ahead objectives and responsibilities whilst working flexibly to respond to the needs of the customers.

This role will require either an experienced, skilled and compassionate person and or a person with great values and willing to learn in order to meet the role specific competencies for this position

Key Responsibilities:

- Work proactively with the team to handle the service caseload and support an effective team approach to meeting each customer's identified needs
- Contribute to a positive service environment, ensuring the service is supportive and a place of safety and stability for customers. This includes working flexibly and being proactively in delivering, reviewing and arranging effective support for emerging needs and risks in order to prevent escalating concerns
- Ensure Look Ahead Health and Safety policies and local protocols are adhered to at all times, to ensure the safety of the customers, colleagues, visitors, contractors and premises including responding to maintenance, fire and health and safety issues
- The ability to follow guidelines and use initiatives to manage, control and eradicate infections. For example following a thorough cleaning rota and completing all relevant checks such as living standards checks
- Deliver all aspects of support to enable customers to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. This may include practical tasks, delivering personal care, including but not limited to support with personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management and personal finances support as required
- Champion a positive local culture within the service
- Support customers to undertake domestic tasks, including practical assistance to ensure a high quality living environment that promotes customers' dignity, respect and allows customers to feel safe and welcome in their own home
- Participate in support planning, risk management and assessment of needs in line with support planning whilst supporting the team with case work management
- Work with customers to promote social inclusion to promote independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices.
- Involve customers in the design, development and delivery of the service through co-production
- Use appropriate communication including accessible information standards to ensure customers understands and can make informed choices.
- Report and support any observations relating to customers welfare
- Proactive development of links with local statutory and voluntary organisations to provide a range of engagement opportunities for customers in the community
- Shift lead, ensuring effective coordination of staff time so that all planned service and customer activities are attended to during the course of the shift
- Maintain a good standard of records and reporting as required at the project under the direction of the Managers
- Engaging in learning and development activities to increase knowledge and skills and share learning with customers and colleague
- Attend and participate in team meetings, customers meetings and participate in daily handovers
- Competent and or willing to learn the use of IT and its programmes
- Competent and or willing to learn the use of relevant systems, company policies and frameworks

For more information or to apply please visit our website.

Experienced Support Worker

Housing Plus Ltd

Brent, London, Greater London 

The salary for this post is £24,000-£27,000 pro rata and depending on experience.

Job description

Experienced Support Worker London (NW2/NW10) to work with 16-21 year olds. This position is ideally for 5 days although 4 would be considered. The role requires some flexibility.

Housing Plus Limited provides support to young people aged 16-21 who are transitioning to leaving care and live in our shared accommodation in North-West London. A significant proportion of the young people in our care are asylum seekers.

This is a position suitable for an experienced key worker who is looking for the opportunity to take on some management responsibilities as well as holding cases. We are looking for someone who has a proven track record as an effective key worker and loves working directly with young people but who has also reached a time in their career where they feel ready to take on some management responsibilities and formally supporting less experienced staff. You will also need to be highly self-motivated and organised with good administration skills.

We are looking for an experienced support  worker with good people skills who is able to build rapport to support the young people in their day-to-day activities, to help them further their education or training and to prepare for independent living. The successful applicant will work in partnership in a multi-agency team to ensure the best possible outcomes for the young people as part of their pathway plan.

Working towards NVQ Level 3 or equivalent is an advantage. Alternatively, you should be able to provide evidence of significant relevant experience in a related field and of working with young people, including those who present challenges.  A local knowledge of North-West London and having easy access NW2/ NW10 would be an advantage.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, reliable, highly motivated person who is passionate about working with young people and able to work creatively and on their own initiative.

Housing Plus offers competitive rates of pay, professional supervision and appraisal and development opportunities.

The start date is immediate (allowing for notice periods, as necessary). Recruitment is on a rolling basis and will continue until a successful applicant has been identified. 

To apply for this role please send in your CV with a covering letter. Interviews are scheduled for 20th October with the opportunity to visit informally prior to this.

Please refer to the Job Description and Person Specification attached. Shortlisted applicants will be required to submit the application form attached at interview stage. 

Housing Plus is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and we expect all staff to share this commitment and all staff work to a code of conduct. Housing Plus operates stringent safer recruitment procedures. This post is subject to an enhanced disclosure application to the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Duties and Responsibilities

Support Work:

 To work in partnership with mothers/carers to identify children and young people’s support needs and to ensure those needs are met.

 To undertake needs analysis for each child and young person, to ascertain the level of support needed and the type of activities required to meet their needs.

 To develop and deliver a comprehensive programme of one-to-one and group therapeutic and play sessions, and shared activities within refuge.

 To provide school holiday play schemes in refuge.

 To supervise and accompany children and young people on trips and visits outside of refuge.

 To provide one to one support and family support with families living in the community.

 To seek approval of all programmes with the refuge manager and ensure that these are discussed with other relevant members of the staff team before implementation.

 To participate in the development of informative literature for women and children, including a children’s introduction pack, which is to be kept up-todate.

 To purchase/hire such equipment as necessary to undertake programmes within budgetary constraints and with approval from the refuge manager.

 To carry out appropriate methods of communication with women, children and young people living in refuge to keep them informed about opportunities and updates on work that is taking place, including house meetings.

 To carry out detailed monitoring and evaluation of all support work, and keep an accurate record of notes and comments in line with relevant legislation.

 To communicate regularly with mothers/carers about the work with their children.

 To support mothers/carers to enable them to meet the schooling, health and social care needs of their children.

 To link with health workers, schools, nurseries, social workers and to implement procedures for referral to other agencies

 To work with the BSWA floating support and resettlement teams to identify the needs of women and their children leaving refuge after being offered permanent accommodation.

 To advocate on behalf of children, where necessary, throughout adhering to Child Protection procedures.

 To ensure that Health and Safety records are kept up to date.

Administration:

 To work within BSWA’s administrative and financial systems.

 To ensure that adequate records are kept for all service users.

 To keep accurate records of financial transactions in line with BSWA’s procedures.

 To provide monthly reports to the Refuge Manager about work that has taken place, feedback from service users and produce statistical information about participation.

 To contribute to the preparation of reports for funders.

Communication:

 To ensure that all staff team members are aware of any matters that are relevant to the welfare and security of the refuges, staff, volunteers and service users by: o maintaining BSWA communication records o following safety procedures o attending team meetings.

 To attend support and supervision sessions with your line manager.

 To develop a professional working relationship with external agencies.

Premises and Equipment:

 To ensure that all play areas, equipment and activities comply with Health and Safety requirements, the Children Act and other relevant legislation.

 To deliver inductions and orientation to all children and young people entering the refuge.

 To offer support and training to volunteers and ensure that they are aware of all legal Health and Safety requirements.

Training:

 To deliver positive relationships and domestic violence awareness programmes in local schools and youth groups.

 To raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence on women and children and of BSWA services through the delivery of training and briefing sessions to agencies and community groups.

 To work alongside colleagues to organise in-house training and information sessions on a range of issues for service users.

General:

 To maintain the confidentiality of the women, children and young people using the service.

 To maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to the organisation. 

 To offer an equal service to all women and children regardless of age, class, culture, language, race, religion and sexual orientation, adhering to BSWA’s framework for equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

 To maintain an awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence on a national and local level with a particular reference to those related to working with children and young people.

 To work within BSWA and local multi-agency safeguarding procedures.

 To ensure the efficient use of resources at all times.

 To work within BSWA policies and procedures and demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethos of BSWA.

 To participate in the development and annual appraisal of a personal individual development plan with the line manager.

 To identify and attend training relevant to the post in agreement with your line manager.

 To participate in 24 hour on call cover and provide emergency cover where needed.

 To participate in multi-agency work.

 To undertake any other duties required by BSWA, which may arise incidentally, develop, or be assigned commensurate with the post. 

Recruiting a Night Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities service in Tower Hamlets!

£16,770 per annum, 30 hours per week plus 25 days Annual Leave, Pension schemes, Staff discounts, healthcare and more.

The service accommodates three individuals on a ground floor, and suits people whom have mobility needs. Support is provided across 24 hours with various levels depending on the customers needs. There is a shared kitchen, lounge, garden, wet room and two toilets; however other shared communal facilities available within the block. The service has a person centred approach; this is always picked up by Auditors and Inspectors, it's mentioned within audits reports. The people whom live there choose and are supported to live the life that they want taking part in various activities within their community such as attending day centres, visiting their friends, attending church, participating in events and much more.

The service is supported by an amazing, compassionate and experienced team who have many years supporting people with Learning Disabilities and other Disabilities. The Manager has excellent experience in supporting people of various ages with Learning Disabilities and Autism, the Manager is also a Winner of the Great Britain Care Awards 2019.

As a Night Support Worker you will be expected to undertake duties and work as part of the staff team to support customers with night support by using person centred approach and lone work. Work within a team to communicate, meet the service and Look Ahead objectives and responsibilities whilst working flexibly to respond to the needs of the customers.

This role will require an experienced, skilled, compassionate and confident person that's able to work using own initiative and adhere to Look Ahead policies and the service protocols.

Key Responsibilities:

- The ability and confidence to lone work and follow policies, procedures and protocols to ensure a quality service delivery and keeping everyone safe during the night. For example calling On Call, sharing facts only and keeping good levels of recording
- Work proactively with the team to handle the service caseload and support an effective team approach to meeting each customer's identified needs
- Contribute to a positive service environment, ensuring the service is supportive and a place of safety and stability for customers. This includes working flexibly and being proactively in delivering, reviewing and arranging effective support for emerging needs and risks in order to prevent escalating concerns
- Ensure Look Ahead Health and Safety policies and local protocols are adhered to at all times, to ensure the safety of the customers, colleagues, visitors, contractors and premises including responding to maintenance, fire and health and safety issues
- The ability to follow guidelines and use initiatives to manage, control and eradicate infections. For example following a thorough cleaning rota and completing all relevant checks such as living standards checks.
- Deliver all aspects of support to enable customers to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. This may include practical tasks, delivering personal care, including but not limited to support with personal hygiene, meal preparation, medication management and personal finances support as required.
- Champion a positive local culture within the service
- Support customers to undertake domestic tasks, including practical assistance to ensure a high quality living environment that promotes customers' dignity, respect and allows customers to feel safe and welcome in their own home
- Participate in support planning, risk management and assessment of needs in line with support planning whilst supporting the team with case work management
- Work with customers to promote social inclusion to promote independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices
- Involve customers in the design, development and delivery of the service through co-production
- Use appropriate communication including accessible information standards to ensure customers understands and can make informed choices
- Report and support any observations relating to customers welfare
- Proactive development of links with local statutory and voluntary organisations to provide a range of engagement opportunities for customers in the community
- Maintain a good standard of records and reporting as required at the project under the direction of the Managers
- Engaging in learning and development activities to increase knowledge and skills and share learning with customers and colleague
- Attend and participate in team meetings, customers meetings and participate in daily handovers

For more information or to apply please visit our website.

To develop and deliver structured support to children and young people in our refuges struggling with educational attainment including non-attenders. 

Duties and Responsibilities

Support Work:

 To work in partnership with mothers/carers to identify children and young people’s support needs in relation to their educational attainment and to ensure those needs are met.

 To undertake a needs analysis for each child and young person, to ascertain the level of support needed and the type of activities required to meet their needs.

 To develop and deliver a comprehensive programme of one-to-one and group sessions within refuge including homework clubs.

 To work with and encourage Children and young people to re-engage with learning and development

 To build confidence in children and young people so they can reach their ability to achieve and feel good about themselves through learning, reaching targets, and completing tasks.

 To liaise with schools and educational institutions to best support children in need.

 To provide school holiday play schemes in refuge.

 To supervise and accompany children and young people on trips and visits outside of refuge.

 To provide one to one support and family support with families living in the community.

 To seek approval of all programmes with the refuge manager and ensure that these are discussed with other relevant members of the staff team before implementation.

 To participate in the development of informative literature for women and children, including a children’s introduction pack, which is to be kept up-todate.

 To purchase/hire such equipment as necessary to undertake programmes within budgetary constraints and with approval from the refuge manager.

 To carry out appropriate methods of communication with women, children and young people living in refuge to keep them informed about opportunities and updates on work that is taking place, including house meetings.

 To carry out detailed monitoring and evaluation of all support work, and keep an accurate record of notes and comments in line with relevant legislation.

 To communicate regularly with mothers/carers about the work with their children.

 To support mothers/carers to enable them to meet the schooling, health and social care needs of their children.

 To link with health workers, schools, nurseries, social workers and to implement procedures for referral to other agencies

 To work with the BSWA floating support and resettlement teams to identify the needs of women and their children leaving refuge after being offered permanent accommodation.

 To advocate on behalf of children, where necessary, throughout adhering to Child Protection procedures.

 To ensure that Health and Safety records are kept up to date.

Administration:

 To work within BSWA’s administrative and financial systems.

 To ensure that adequate records are kept for all service users.

 To keep accurate records of financial transactions in line with BSWA’s procedures.

 To provide monthly reports to the Refuge Manager about work that has taken place, feedback from service users and produce statistical information about participation.

 To contribute to the preparation of reports for funders.

Communication:

 To ensure that all staff team members are aware of any matters that are relevant to the welfare and security of the refuges, staff, volunteers and service users by: o maintaining BSWA communication records o following safety procedures o attending team meetings.

 To attend support and supervision sessions with your line manager.

 To develop a professional working relationship with external agencies.

Premises and Equipment:

 To ensure that all play areas, equipment and activities comply with Health and Safety requirements, the Children Act and other relevant legislation.

 To deliver inductions and orientation to all children and young people entering the refuge.

 To offer support and training to volunteers and ensure that they are aware of all legal Health and Safety requirements.

Training:

 To deliver positive relationships and domestic violence awareness programmes in local schools and youth groups.

 To raise awareness of the impact of domestic violence on women and children and of BSWA services through the delivery of training and briefing sessions to agencies and community groups.

 To work alongside colleagues to organise in-house training and information sessions on a range of issues for service users.

General:

 To maintain the confidentiality of the women, children and young people using the service.

 To maintain confidentiality in all matters relating to the organisation.

 To offer an equal service to all women and children regardless of age, class, culture, language, race, religion and sexual orientation, adhering to BSWA’s framework for equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

 To maintain an awareness of the issues surrounding domestic violence on a national and local level with a particular reference to those related to working with children and young people.

 To work within BSWA and local multi-agency safeguarding procedures.

 To ensure the efficient use of resources at all times.

 To work within BSWA policies and procedures and demonstrate a commitment to the values and ethos of BSWA.

 To participate in the development and annual appraisal of a personal individual development plan with the line manager.

 To identify and attend training relevant to the post in agreement with your line manager.

 To participate in 24 hour on call cover and provide emergency cover where needed.

 To participate in multi-agency work.

 To undertake any other duties required by BSWA, which may arise incidentally, develop, or be assigned commensurate with the post

Recruiting a Specialist Support Worker to join our Mental Health Service in Tower Hamlets!

£23,000 per annum, 40 hours per week, plus 25 days Annual Leave, Pension Scheme, staff discounts, healthcare and more.

Tabard Court provides 24-hour support for men, aged 18-74, who have severe and enduring mental health needs together with a significant offending history. Many customers have led chaotic lifestyles and need support with medication and daily living skills. The service works in close partnership with key agencies, providing stability and a stepping stone to independent living for those moving from residential care, other supported accommodation, hospital or prison.

Specialist Support Workers work within a multi disciplinary team, providing support to customers with a range of mental health needs and who have had contact with the Criminal Justice System. This will include support with emotional, social, physical & domestic needs. You will be skilled in engaging both customers and stakeholders and have a good understanding of the needs and diversity of this client group. You will be able to demonstrate the ability to work in a therapeutic environment that at times can be challenging and provide quality, evidence based care and risk management strategies. You will be highly motivated and committed to continuous professional development. You will be the first point of contact and support for a patch of 4-6 customers, with the capacity to support additional customers when you colleagues are away from the service. You will work flexibly to respond to emerging needs and effectively address the needs of the customer group. This role will include shift working including: weekends, Bank Holidays, early & late shifts and sleep in duties.

Key Responsibilities:

- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer
- Specialist Support Workers support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where customers have not yet developed the skills, to ensure they enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, including maintaining a live document for each customer
- Carry out security duties to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
- Monitor the CCTV throughout the shift
- Enable customers to make full use of community facilities by providing support as directed
- Carry out support duties to enable customers to integrate into the community including e.g. accompanying the customer to attend benefit agency appointments and meetings, go shopping, to enquire at colleges about possible courses, to visit various public amenities
- Report any observations relating to customers welfare, taking a Relational Security approach to individual risk
- Adhere to all the policies and procedures of Look Ahead Care, Support & Housing plus those specific to the project including any statutory requirements
- Ensure Look Ahead Health and Safety policies and local protocols are adhered to at all times
- Maintain digital and physical records as required at the project under the direction of the management team
- Participate in team meetings/reviews and the general development of the service
- Liaise professionally and confidently with members of the multidisciplinary team, including forensic psychiatric consultants on the specific needs of individual customers
- Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as may be reasonably assigned

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

Person Specification:

- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Prefers working as part of a group or team
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Flexible
- Open to feedback and self development
- Has a practical and logical mind and is naturally well organised
- Thrives on change and enjoys dynamic diverse environments
- Is confident with high levels of self-esteem
- Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
- Enjoys social interaction and the company of others, joins in local activities to encourage customer involvement
- Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour

For more information or to apply please visit our website.

Recruiting Bank Support Workers to join our Young People and Adult services across Kent!

The services are based in Dover, Folkestone & Hythe, Ashford, Maidstone, Tonbridge & Malling, Tunbridge Wells, Sevenoaks, Swale, Gravesend and Dartford.

£10.75 per hour plus Pension scheme. This role is working a zero hour contract.

Look Ahead is a specialist housing association and provider of tailor-made care, support and accommodation services. We support thousands of people across London and the South East with a diverse range of needs, helping them to make individual choices, achieve goals and take control of their own lives. With over forty years in social care under our belt, we are experts through both practice and understanding. Today, we are proud to be the trusted partner of over 30 local authorities and health trusts, providing specialist support and care services for over 7,000 people every year with a wide range of needs.

Overall Purpose

Bank Support Workers have the ability to accept any shifts available on an ad-hoc basis across all of Look Ahead's specialisms. Bank Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. They will work with customers to promote social inclusion and alongside other members of the team to promote independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices. Within Learning Disability services, this will include providing physical, domestic, emotional and social care. Within Mental Health and Homelessness services they will enable vulnerable people living in a variety of different tenures to manage their tenancies/licences and move towards greater independence within the community by providing a flexible and individually tailored support package. While carrying out activities, Bank Support Workers should deal with all customers, visitors and staff in a professional and appropriate manner and report to Look Ahead staff and management any observations relating to customers' welfare.

Key Responsibilities

- Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and administrative responsibilities
- Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers
- Conducting key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
- Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
- Proactively manage risk and safety both in and outside of their physical living environment
- Support customers to undertake all domestic tasks wherever possible, including practical assistance where they have not yet developed the skills, to ensure customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Undertake all administrative work and keep accurate and comprehensive tenant/customer records to professional standards
- Report any observations relating to customers welfare
- Develop and maintain links with all key agencies and service providers in the local area to provide a range of engagement opportunities for customers in the community
- Enable customers to make full use of community facilities by providing support as directed
- Carry out support duties to enable customers to integrate into the community including e.g. accompanying the customer to attend benefit agency appointments and meetings, go shopping, to enquire at colleges about possible courses, to visit various public amenities
- Empower customers to ensure they receive the service and benefits they are entitled to
- Engage in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills
- Ensuring Look Ahead Health and Safety policies are adhered to at all time and to uphold all health and safety responsibilities within relevant policies and local protocols
- Adhering to all other Look Ahead's policies and procedures
- Encourage and enable tenants to pay their rent and to ensure that rent accounts are managed effectively in conjunction with the Housing Management team
- Ensure that referrals are chased proactively so that properties which can be used to house those in need are filled as efficiently as possible
- If a need arises, deliver all aspects of support to enable a customer to develop independent living skills as appropriate to the individual needs of the customer. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- Carry out security duties to ensure the safety of the customers and premises
- Monitor the CCTV throughout the shift
- Undertake any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as may be reasonably assigned

For the full job description, please visit the Look Ahead website.

Oxfordshire Youth and Response have a bold new vision for the Young People’s Supported Accommodation in Oxfordshire, a brand new service model combining the power of youth work with safe and quality homes; where young people, aged between 18 and 24, are supported to develop healthy and positive bonds with their housemates and communities.

The Positive Activities Youth Worker will play an essential role within this new ground-breaking service in Oxfordshire. You will passionately believe in the potential of all young people to achieve their goals and provide positive activities which motivate, inspire and engage young people living in supported accommodation. For these young people, the weekends can be a time of uncertainty, lack of structure and support, which can lead to engaging in risky activity. Your job will be to organise and deliver a group activity that appeals to young people and encourages them to build on their strengths and strengthen relationships with their housemates. Young people will be based in Witney, Bicester, Banbury, Oxford City, Didcot and Abingdon.

Our commitment to Inclusion and Diversity
OY is striving to build a team that is truly inclusive. We warmly welcome applications from marginalised groups, particularly people of colour, trans and non-binary people and disabled people. Your potential to learn and grow in the role is important to us, so even if you don’t have 100% of what we are asking for, we want to hear from you. Appointment will be made on merit alone.

Recruiting a Support Worker (Until 31st March 2021) to join our Young People Service in Lambeth!

£22,360 per annum, 40 hours per week, plus 25 days Annual Leave, Pension Scheme, staff discounts, healthcare and more.

Lambeth Accommodation Based Young Peoples Service consists of 5 different properties across the borough providing support to 32 young people, aged 16-21. Each property contains between 5 and 9 units and are a mix of self-contained flats and shared facilities. Customers receive support for up to 2 years. There are 2 staff offices; one at Trent Road in Brixton and one at Wolfington Road in West Norwood. Support Workers will have a caseload of customers across the various properties for which they are responsible and will provide support to help them develop the life skills they require.

Job Overview:

Support Workers will provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. They will work with customers to promote social inclusion and alongside other members of the team to promote independent living, encouraging customers to maximise their skills and choices. The rota will include 8.00 - 16.00 and 14.00 - 22.00 shifts as well as weekends.

Key Responsibilities:

- Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers
- Working proactively with other members of the team to handle the service caseload and administrative responsibilities
- Supporting key customers to set personalised goals in the form of a Support Plan
- Conducting regular key work sessions that are innovative and engaging in order to achieve Support Plan goals
- Ensuring ongoing assessment and management of risks associated with customers within an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
- Proactively manage risk and safety both in and outside of their physical living environment
- Providing support with daily living activities, including practical assistance where skills are not yet developed, to ensure that customers enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- Proactive development of links with local statutory and voluntary organisations to provide a range of engagement opportunities for customers in the community
- Involving customers in the design, development and delivery of the service
- Empowering customers to ensure they receive the service and benefits they are entitled to
- Encouraging and enabling tenants to pay their rent and ensure that rent accounts are managed effectively
- Ensuring Look Ahead Health and Safety policies are adhered to at all time and to uphold all health and safety responsibilities within relevant policies and local protocols
- Adhering to all other Look Ahead's policies and procedures
- Engaging in learning and development activity to increase knowledge and skills
- Undertaking any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as assigned by the Team Leader/ Manager

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

Person Specification:

- Non-judgemental, respectful and person centred in approach
- Ability to maintain boundaries
- Ability to be a positive role model
- Ability to engage with and form positive relationships
- Ability to convey empathy and warmth to Young People
- Desire to continue professional development
- High degree of emotional intelligence

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:
- Good written and oral communication skills and good recording and report writing skills
- Ability to engage with and form professional relationships with professionals from across a variety of agencies
- Ability to appropriately manage challenging situations and conflict
- Ability to use evidence based approaches to the delivery of direct interventions to Young People e.g. social pedagogy model

Desirable:

- Experience working with young people in supported accommodation setting
- Good knowledge of local area it's amenities and services

For more information or to apply please visit our webiste.

Recruiting for a Support Worker to join our Learning Disabilities service in Redbourn!

£19,334 per annum, 40 hours per week plus 25 days Annual Leave, Pension schemes, Staff discounts, healthcare and more.

Linden Road provides 24-hour support to two customers in Redbourn. Supported living registered care, these gentlemen have learning disabilities and Autism, requiring a high level of support and care to meet their individual needs. The service comprises of two bungalows with offices and sleep in rooms for staff, located near Redbourn village, close to Harpenden and St Albans. Linden Road in Redbourn supports 2 gentlemen living in their own bungalows with everyday life skills.

The service provides a 24/7 support service, with an emphasis on choice and control, enabling customers to achieve greater independence, improved quality of life and integration into the wider community.We are looking some someone who is able to build supportive, trusting relationships with customers and create a positive atmosphere. You need to be able to provide a flexible, personalised and responsive support service that is tailored to each customer's abilities and aspirations.

This will include a willingness to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis. Customers need support with daily living activities, including practical assistance, cooking, feeding, cleaning and personal care. The role will also require you to maintain appropriate records to a professional standard in accordance with Look Ahead's policies and procedures. If you have experience working with and motivating customers whilst being calm and resilient to challenging behaviour, then please apply for this role.

Key Responsibilities:

- This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.
- Building supportive, trusting relationships with customers and creating a positive atmosphere
- To provide a flexible and responsive support service that is tailored to each customer's abilities and aspirations
- Providing personalised support with daily living activities, including practical assistance to support customers to independent living
- Supporting customers to maintain a healthy environment, including cleaning their accommodation and maintaining good personal hygiene
- Willingness to drive the customers' Motability vehicles on a 1/2/3 to 1 basis, however a driving license is not essential
- To maintain appropriate records to a professional standard in accordance with Look Ahead's policies and procedures
- Ensuring Look Ahead Health and Safety policies are adhered to at all time and to uphold all health and safety responsibilities within relevant policies and local protocols
- Adhering to all other Look Ahead's policies and procedures
- Undertaking any other duties consistent with the grade and nature of the post as assigned by the Team Leader/Manager

This is not an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time and is subject to change in accordance with the needs of Look Ahead.

Person Specification:

- Exudes a warm friendly presence and open behaviour
- Is respectful, articulate and sensitive in style of communication
- Excellent communication and teamwork skills
- Excellent customer relationship management and ability to lone work
- Proven experience of motivating and supporting customers
- Is fundamentally calm and resilient, does not let emotion adversely affect them or obscure their judgement
- Is motivated towards excellence and improvement of personal performance with a can do attitude
- Ability to cope positively with challenging and diverse behaviour
- The ability to think creatively to work with the staff team to provide a variety of community activities for our customers
- A willingness to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis.
- A willingness support the customers in various community activities, such as swimming, walking, going to the church etc.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

- NVQ Level 2 or equivalent or experience within charity/social care sector

For more information or to apply please visit our website.