Migrant Help is a leading charity that has been established for over 50 years and delivers a range of support and advice services to migrants across the UK. Our vision is for a global society that protects vulnerable migrants, treats them with respect and enables them to reach their full potential.

We are currently recruiting for 3 x VPRS Advisers as per the below;

2x Fixed Term Home-Based to cover Sheppey and with regional travel within Kent

1x Fixed Term Office-Based in Dover with regional travel within Kent

Scope of Role

The scope of this role is to work as part of the Migrant Help Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme (VPRS) to provide a professional support service to Syrian and other vulnerable families resettling in the UK. This includes the provision of support, advice and guidance in addition to providing assistance with the completion of any relevant support applications. There is a requirement that the post-holder will meet the changing local business needs and will re-prioritise work as necessary, working closely with key stakeholders. The post-holder will work consistently to ensure the continuous local development of the support service; they will ensure that all advisory processes and procedures are efficient, professional and consistent at all times. The post-holder is expected to contribute to the overall success of the Organisation in accordance with Migrant Help's aims, objectives, vision and values.

Essential Criteria:

• A good general level of education is essential
• Experience of assisting vulnerable client groups
• Working with people in sensitive and emotionally demanding situations is essential
• Experience of undertaking advocacy in a sensitive manner
• OISC Level 1 accreditation (or completion within 6 months of starting role)
• Experience working in a multi-cultural environment
• Experience of liaising and negotiating with other agencies on behalf of clients
• Ability to explain complicated information to clients using an interpreter.
• Ability to learn quickly and adapt to change
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Demonstrable problem solving, administrative and organisational skills
• A demonstrable ability to communicate effectively both in writing and verbally, including well developed letter writing skills
• Proven ability to prioritise and work on your own initiative whilst respecting boundaries.
• Ability to deal with deadlines and conflicting priorities
• Excellent computer skills, particularly of MS Office applications
• Flexibility and willingness to travel as required
• A compassionate and “can-do” attitude

Desirable Criteria:

• Ability to speak any additional languages (Arabic would be desirable)
• Experience of providing advice and information within frontline operations, for example, to victims of trafficking and/or asylum seekers and refugees
• Experience of working in the voluntary sector
• Experience of providing immigration advice
• Qualified Health and Social Care practitioner

Core Areas of Responsibility:

• Provide support to vulnerable clients liaising with multiple services and in various locations including:
• On arrival collect from airport and integrate into new home
• Provide integration support
• Provide a specialist advice service to clients in the Syrian Resettlement Programme, informing and advising on options and resources available to each particular case.
• Manage a case load offering appropriate individual support to clients with the aim of assisting them to live independently. Conduct regular pre-arranged meetings with clients and complete monthly integration plans
• Assist clients to make applications or be referred to services as appropriate, e.g. Job Centre Plus, Health and Social Services
• Advice may be given on immigration related matters within the scope of the relevant OISC accreditation
• Ensure clients know where and when ESOL lessons are held and encourage attendance.
• Participate in related activities with other partners and agencies, for the benefit of clients, e.g workshops, community meetings and visits with the aim of extending the network of assistance for clients to integrate fully
• To help arrange social activities and events
• Collect management information as required
• Work closely with other members of the team, advisers, administrative assistants, interpreters and volunteers
• Participate in regular team briefings / meetings.
• Provide telephone assistance during unsocial hours as and when required.
• Occasional supervision of any casual members of staff assisting with the service
• Any other reasonable duties assigned by the VPRS Team Manager as necessary

This post is subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check . The post-holder requires flexibility to work unsocial hours by prior arrangement, travel throughout their specified region and travel in the UK as required.

Please submit

1. Relevant CV

2. Detailed personal statement showing how you meet the specific requirements, skills and experience as outlined in the job description and person specification with special attention to the added value you could bring.

Successful internal applicants will move to Migrant help 2018 Terms and Conditions if they are not already on them.

Closing Date:  25 March 2020

As part of your role, it is important you operate within Migrant Help’s values:

Protection, Diversity, Equality, Partnership, Innovation and Excellence.

Migrant Help is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. 

Refuge Resettlement Worker

The Refuge Resettlement Worker will work as part of the Refuge Team providing advice and support to residents leaving the Refuge. You will undertake risk assessments, safety plans and identify support needs in relation to move on such as accessing benefits, setting up utilities, budgeting, ensuring safety measures are in place and to support them to maintain their tenancy.

Main duties:

• To provide 1:1 resettlement support to residents moving on from the Refuge
• To undertake regular risk assessments including DASH and develop and regularly review support and safety plans.
• To provide advice and guidance in relation to resettlement such as accessing benefits, debt management, setting up utilities, budgeting skills and maintaining a tenancy
• To accurately record all contact with clients and professionals in a timely manner on case management system
• To respond to general housing related enquiries from residents
• To liaise with partner agencies such as SBC Housing, Housing Associations, Landlords, Police, Children Services, Education etc
• To support those who cannot access refuge, those in temporary or emergency accommodation i.e. Male victims and those with complex needs.
• To provide additional support to Resident Support Advisors by welcoming new residents arriving into the Refuge, completing admission paperwork, undertaking health and safety tasks including a tour of the Refuge, showing fire exits, signing in/out process
• To answer the SWA 24-hour helpline, taking and/or receiving referrals into service, providing information to victims and survivors of domestic abuse and/or professionals
• To monitor access to the Refuge via the main entrance, ensuring authorised visitors only, taking appropriate action to remove or report any unauthorised visitors, ensuring residents and visitors sign in and out of the building
• To prepare routine reports, including basic statistical information relating to service activity, as required.
• To carry out general administration duties such as completing referrals forms, data entry, writing letters
• To uphold and apply the SWA Confidentiality policy at all times to ensure the safety of residents, staff and visitors
• To be a positive ambassador for SWA ensuring services are delivered to the highest of standards and that policies and procedures are adhered to at all times
• To attend appropriate training courses required for the post
• To contribute to continuous improvement in service delivery and meeting key performance indicators
• To attend SWA team meetings and supervision with line manager

Person Specification

Experience:

• A minimum of 2 years’ case work experience, providing proactive and emotional support, undertaking risk assessments and completing support plans
• Previous experience of working within a housing environment would be advantageous  
• Experience of working with individuals in crisis 
• Experience of working with confidentiality and adhering the professional boundaries
• Good level of numeracy, literacy and writing skills
• IT skills, in particular Office, Data entry

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• Knowledge of domestic abuse, the dynamics of power and control, and the impact of domestic abuse victims and survivors
• Knowledge of housing and resettlement related support needs
• A good understanding of other relevant legislation and guidance which affects domestic abuse victims and survivors, such as criminal, civil & family law, welfare, housing and immigration.
• Demonstrate excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Evidence of the ability to build and develop supportive relationships whilst maintaining professional boundaries
• Evidence the ability to make decisions and remain calm under pressure  
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills with an ability to manage conflict
• Ability to operate and maintain basic administrative and case management systems
• Demonstrate knowledge of the issues facing women and children experiencing domestic abuse
• Understanding of Safeguarding, both for children and adults
• Demonstrate a clear commitment to Equal Opportunities
• Understand confidentiality and GDPR

General:

• Full UK driving licence and access to own transport is essential for this post
• This post will be subject to an enhanced DBS check
• This vacancy is open to females only (Exempt under the Equality Act 2010, pursuant to schedule 9, Part 1)

Please can you also include a detailed cover letter with your CV on reasons you feel you would be suitable for this post. 

This is a great opportunity to join Branches Hostel. Why?  Because we are developing the range of services we provide to former rough sleepers and homeless people.  As a result, we are looking to recruit an exceptional person to join our Support and Resettlement Team.

We have a 27-bed hostel providing short-stay accommodation for people with multiple complex support needs including mental health and substance misuse. The candidate appointed will bring first rate communication skills, and a thorough knowledge of the specific support needs of former rough sleepers and homeless people. 

If you are interested, have a read through our recruitment pack. You’ll find all the information you need in there to decide whether this is the organisation for you and whether you have what we are looking for.

We look forward to talking to you about the role you can play in our future.

Closing date – Tuesday 24th March by 5pm.

Interviews – Tuesday 31st March and Wednesday, 1st April.

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

GBP 21,944 per annum, 40 hours per week plus 25 days Annual Leave, Pension schemes, Staff discounts, healthcare and more

Livingstone House is a 24 hour staffed 92 bed mix gender hostel, which provides short term supported housing for single homeless vulnerable people with Low to Medium support needs. Look Ahead provides the support function and Riverside provides the housing management and night concierge. The Service provides on average 5 hours of weekly support to customers who reside in the hostel with the aim to provide them with the tools to move on within a PRS Private Renting Scheme, within a community and live independently.

Key Responsibilities:

- To provide support to peers and management, being flexible and responsive and help bespoke support for each customer's abilities and aspirations
- To implement the principles of personalisation, as part of a local service plan.
- To help support your colleagues to maximise the customers' independence.
- To motivate customers to access educational and training opportunities and to integrate fully in the community
- To support up to 14 customers to sustain their tenancies
- To promote customer involvement in all aspects of your work
- To take on a project that will help assist the service move forward
- To work closely with peers/customers and lead on initial referral assessments, aiding their journey for betterment & lead on the resettlement of customers
- To maintain appropriate records to a sound standard in accordance with Look ahead's policies and procedures.
- To attend Case Conferences every 6 weeks where viable
- To attend provider meetings and update upon service delivery
- Working hours are either a 8am-4.30pm or a 1.30pm until 9.30pm on a rota basis which will includes weekends

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:

- Excellent communication and a team player
- Excellent customer relationship management
- Professional manner in everything that you do
- Proven experience of motivating, supporting customers or transferable skills than can complete this task and beyond.
- A essential willingness to work evenings, weekends and bank holidays on a shift rota basis
- Ability to think outside the box (Essential)
- Work upon your own initiative which is essential
- Lead upon assigned projects that are given
- Ability to hit the ground running which is key within a fast moving hostel daily environment.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

- Time management with is key in all area's
- Leadership
- Teamwork
- Communication
- Resilience
- IT skills

Desirable:

- Problem solving
- Ability to work under pressure
- Confidence
- Change management

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.

At Connection Support we are passionate about the professional and quality services that we provide. At the heart of what we do are the exceptional team of support workers, team managers, administrative support and volunteers, and we are currently looking for new people to join our team.

This service supports those who are long-term rough sleeping, who are not engaging with, or who have been serially excluded from, available services. These clients often need support to engage with other services and explore housing options to help break free from a life on the streets and move into suitable accommodation.

Our Mental Health Outreach Worker will take an assertive approach to meet clients with serious and enduring mental health difficulties through street work, assessing how best to support them and encouraging engagement including signposting and attending appointments with primary and secondary Mental Health services in Buckinghamshire.

The aim is to help them regain choice and responsibility for their lives.

Use of a vehicle is essential

Promoting equal opportunities and celebrating diversity.

“This organisation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults with care and support needs and expects all staff and volunteers* to share this commitment”*

For over 30 years the Complex needs hostel in Richmond has been SPEAR’s flagship accommodation service to those most in need. We currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Night Support Worker to join our enthusiastic and talented team providing 24 hour support to former rough sleepers who also experience some issues with substance misuse or mental health difficulty.

The hours of work will be from 9.45 p.m. to 8.15 a.m. and will be on a rota basis. For more information or to express interest please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Salary: £18,635 per annum-pro rata (full time salary £23,294) 

Hours: 30 per week

Contract Type: Permanent

Closing date: 25th March 2020

To apply, please submit your CV and the attached Application form.

Recruiting 2 Specialist Mental Health Recovery Workers to join our Mental Health service in Haringey!

£22,000 per annum, plus 25 days Annual Leave, Pension schemes, Staff discounts, healthcare and more.

This role is 40 hours per week on a shift-work basis which includes weekends and sleep-ins.

Look Ahead Provide 3 Recovery Houses, 24 hour/7 days a week, for those with mental health issues living in Barnet, Enfield and Haringey (BEH). The service offers various interventions and treatments within the acute care pathway, working with clinical teams in BEH to maintain and improve quality of life. The service is based on customers' needs and will only provide short-term accommodation of up to 14 days to those who do not require inpatient admissions. The successful applicant will be based at Fortis Green (Haringey Recovery House)

Job Overview:

As a Specialist Mental Health Recovery Worker you will require either an extra dimension of experience or a higher qualification level as determined relevant for the particular post.

You will:

- Understand the concept of Recovery and apply those principals 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 Responsibilities:

- To carry out holistic assessments and devise appropriate recovery focused support plans, and comprehensive risk assessments in full consultation with service-users, their families/carers and other agencies
- To liaise with the CRHTT and work collaboratively to ensure that full information is given to enable a robust assessment of service-users
- To ensure recovery focused support plans are reviewed, evaluated and amended in accordance with changing needs, presenting risks and individual preferences in order to promote recovery with an attitude of 'positive risk taking'
- Undertake key working responsibilities for a caseload assigned by the Team Leader / Manager
- 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 a given service timeframe
- 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, building capacity and skills within the team, and contribute to the relevant internal specialist forum
- Fully liaise with Mental Health professionals, including the CRHTT maintaining excellent relationships with them
- 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
- Knowledge and practical experience of using person centred tools to support recovery and development of service-users
- Providing support with daily living activities, including practical assistance where skills are not yet developed, to ensure that service-users enjoy a high quality of accommodation
- To lead groups and activities - offering a range of appropriate therapeutic and recovery focused interactions and activities
- Empower service-users to ensure they receive the service and benefits they are entitled to.
- Undertake administrative work and keep accurate and comprehensive service-user records to professional standards
- To adhere to Look Ahead's Policies and Procedures
- 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
- To maintain good relationships with all involved professionals and agencies
- To maintain good liaison with the service-users' immediate community and family
- To build up and maintain contact with a full range of community workers
- Work collaboratively with the Resettlement Worker 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 stay up to date with regard to development and research in the mental health field, in housing support and in welfare benefits
- To treat all information - both verbal and written - in accordance with Look Ahead's policy on confidentiality
- To exercise responsibilities under the current Health & Safety legislation and Equal Opportunities Policy as laid down or amended by Look Ahead Housing Association
- To act at all times in accordance with the aims, philosophy and practice of the project
- To undertake any other duties consistent with the basic objectives and duties of this post

For more information or to apply please visit our website.

Fixed Term Contract for 12 Months

Closing Date: Midnight 29th March 2020
Interviews: TBC

The Living Well Network (LWN) Alliance is a unique partnership between health, adult social care and voluntary sector support delivering innovative mental health services for adults across Lambeth.  The LWN Alliance is responsible for all inpatient and community care services in the borough.

Funded through the Alliance, CLaSS is a 12-month pilot project which will improve outcomes for people with mental health needs receiving acute care in Lambeth. The team will oversee transitions of care into the community for patients whose discharge from hospital has been delayed;  support the entire Mental Health System to improve practice in managing crisis.

You will be working within a multi-disciplinary team made up of a clinical lead, social workers, voluntary sector support workers and administrative staff. In addition you will be supporting people in the community to avoid admission as well as ensuring that people with more complex needs can be discharged from hospital in a timely manner.

This post will give you the opportunity to build on your ability to carry out assessments, identify options, devise plans to achieve these and oversee a multi-agency problem solving approach with people who may have a history of difficulty maintaining accommodation while gaining experience in an exciting new service area

You will have:

• A commitment to supporting people to live in the least restrictive setting
• A high level of motivation
• Great communication and negotiation skills
• The ability to work effectively within a multi-disciplinary team
• Knowledge around practices relevant to achieving timely discharge.

As well as a great working environment we also offer:

• 6.5% employer & 1.5% employee contributory pension
• Development opportunities
• 29 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Reimbursement of the cost of annual eye test
• Season ticket/cycle loan
• Flexible Working
• EAP services

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief.

For more information and to apply please visit our website.

Do you have a genuine interest in supporting people to rebuild their lives?

About the role

Somewhere Safe to Stay (SStS) West delivers essential provision to seven west London boroughs and is at the forefront of efforts to prevent rough sleeping. After a successful pilot year SStS is moving into its second year providing intensive move on support to those at high risk of rough sleeping. Through their work with SStS many clients will be prevented from ever having to sleep rough.

We are looking for 3 Rough Sleeping Prevention Workers to join the team to work specifically with clients in temporary accommodation arrangements at risk of breaking down.

The Rough Sleeping Prevention Workers will:

• Work with clients across seven West London Boroughs; working rapidly to mediate and prevent accommodation from breaking down; and providing support to clients to find suitable alternative accommodation where this is not possible.

• Lead on triaging new referrals and

• Provide personalised case management helping clients to access suitable accommodation as quickly as possible.

• Work on developing relationships with landlords to secure access for clients and provide advocacy to home local authorities to support client reconnection where appropriate.

In this role you will work Monday – Friday (9am-5pm) largely in the community managing your own caseload and meeting with clients in convenient public locations.

.

What we’re looking for

These roles will suit those with experience of working at pace in a public facing environment. You will need some understanding of the issues faced by homeless or vulnerable people and the difficulties they experience in accessing services. If you have the ability to manage complex behaviours and motivate clients to achieve outcomes with a creative and person centred approach; great communication skills and the ability to manage your own time, and empower individuals to make positive changes we want to hear from you.

Above all we are looking for inspirational, committed individuals who have a genuine desire to support people to rebuild their lives.

What we offer

• Excellent Development and Growth Opportunities

St Mungo’s employees are encouraged to consider opportunities to develop new skills or progress including; secondments, internal transfers, application to new roles in the organisation or just to get involved in various projects happening within the organisation.

As a result last year 35% of our vacancies were filled by promotions. In 2019 we achieved We Invest in People Gold level accreditation and are one of just 3% of housing associations to achieve this standard; 82% of staff who took part in the IIP survey say St Mungo’s is a great place to work.

• A Diverse and Inclusive Work Place

At St Mungo’s, equality, diversity and inclusion are central to the organisation's values and how we work. We are proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion and have 7 great Diversity Networks to support clients and staff from different backgrounds so they are able to be their best selves. Our Networks include: BAME, Carer’s and Parent’s, Lived Experience, LGBTQIA+, Disability Awareness, Irish and Women’s Action.

• Pay and Other Benefits

St Mungo’s is proud to pay client facing staff above average for the sector. We run a cycle to work scheme and also offer season tickets loans to all staff.

St Mungo’s contribute 4% of your gross annual salary, and you are able to enrol in the Defined Contribution scheme following a successful probationary period in which the employer contribution is 6%.

What we do

At St Mungo’s our vision is that everyone has a place to call home and can fulfil their hopes and ambitions. As a homelessness charity and housing association, our clients are at the heart of what we do, and in 2019 we supported nearly 30,000 people who were either homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Our staff are crucial to making this happen.

How to apply

To find out more and apply please go to the St Mungo’s careers page on our website. 

To view the job description and guidance on completing your application form, please click on the document available tab at the top of the advert page on our website.

Closing date: 10am on 14 April 2020

Interview and assessments on: 28-29 April 2020

It is a requirement for this post that an enhanced DBS disclosure check will be undertaken for the successful candidate.

Please be advised that all appointments will be made on St Mungo’s current standard Terms and Conditions (T&Cs); this also applies to any internal candidates.

Penrose is recruiting for talented, ambitious and caring staff to help deliver a major new pan-London service supporting people with personality disorders to resettle in the community and lead happy, healthy lives, free from crime.

As part of the Offender Personality Disorder (OPD) pathway, Penrose will be providing supported accommodation for 12 men and 4 women across three residential sites in Lambeth, Lewisham and Redbridge. Working in partnership with NHS England and HMPPS and receiving referrals from the National Probation Service, we will support men and women in the pathway being released from prison, secure healthcare settings or moving on from Approved Premises. Our 24-hour service will provide far more than a roof over people’s heads; it will offer a base for a range of 1-1 and group interventions, delivered by our teams and by external partners, that will equip residents with the skills and confidence to move on safely into independent living.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a real difference supporting some of the most complex people in the criminal justice system and helping make communities safer. We are looking for experienced staff who have the skills and ability to support and engage residents with a non-judgemental attitude within an enabling environment.

Your Role:

Your role will be based in Redbridge supported housing accommodation sites with possibility to work across locations.  We have day shifts as well night shifts available.

Duties: 

• To be creative in involving the service users in meetings which ensures they remain at the centre of the discussion and make choices and decisions.
• To support service users to achieve their goals, in line with their support plan.
• As part of service users support plan, to liaise with external professionals, e.g. GP’s, probation officer, Care Coordinators etc.
• Understanding of Risk Management within a Criminal Justice environment
• Facilitate and or support group sessions
• Ensure there is genuine engagement with the service users using appropriate methodologies and interventions
• Provide / arrange for various advice, advocacy and or information to service users in relation to physical health matters, substance misuse welfare benefits, education, employment and training, life skills and any other identified support needs.
• To positively respond to service users who may need assistance, seeking the support of the appropriate manager if necessary, in emergencies.
• Assist the staff team in managing security and safety, health & safety, maintenance, rent/charges collection, arrears and void control.
• Assist service users with arrangements for moving into the property, ensuring benefits are applied for, utilities connected, maintenance problems resolved, and that the property is properly furnished.
• Liaison with Agencies and Local Community
• Ensure timely information sharing with Offender Managers and other key stakeholders to support robust risk management and positive resettlement outcomes
• To undertake administrative tasks as part of regular duties ensuring that these are completed accurately and in a timely manner.
• Ensure Service Users receive a high quality and responsive service.
• Communicatee effectively.
• Promote and encourage best practice in HSE.

Excellent communication skills and being able to develop strong working relationships will also be crucial to this role. You will have a passion for working with people with experience of the criminal justice system and/or with other marginalised groups, and a belief that everyone can turn their life around regardless of past or present circumstances.

Why work with us?

Excellent core and on-going training aligned with personal development plan

• Access to employee assistance programme
• Medi-cash which includes the following:
• Discount gym membership
• Routine eye tests, glasses and contact lenses
• Dental treatment via NHS or Private
• Physiotherapy, Indian Head Massage and a range of other therapies
• 25 days holiday increasing to 26 days after 2 years and increasing 1 day per year up to 30 days annual leave
• Life Assurance

All successful applicants will be required to undertake an Enhances DBS and provide employment references covering 3 years period including one from your most recent employer.

Candidates must demonstrate an understanding of the issues relating to equal opportunities in service delivery and provision and to actively promote ways of eradicating racism, sexism, and other forms of negative discrimination though the group’s policies and procedures.

Support Worker

(Assessment and Referral)

Closing date:26 April 2020 at 23:59

Aim of the role: Assessment and referral of customers.

Salary:£23,690 per annum

Location: Central Croydon

Contract: Fixed term till 30 October 2020

Hours: 37.5 hours per week on a 7 day rota. Working on shifts which includes early mornings, late, evening and weekends and occasional nights.

Benefits:

As part of your employment package with us, we offer:

• a competitive salary, comprehensive training and development programme, 

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing each year to 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays after 5 years

• option to buy or sell annual leave up to one week’s annual leave

• a health cash plan providing cash back towards healthcare bills and other wellbeing benefits

• occupational sick pay

• contributory group pension scheme

• free life assurance

• cycle to work scheme and season ticket loans

About the Role

Evolve Housing + Support are recruiting for an exciting, new project in Croydon called the  Somewhere Safe to Stay hub (SStS). The Hub will act as a short-term assessment and sleep space for those both at risk of immediate rough sleeping and as a response to those verified as rough sleeping in London Borough of Croydon. It will divert those at immediate risk of rough sleeping and provide “Somewhere Safe to Stay” with intensive move on support.

About You

As an Assessment and Referral Support Worker you will support people accessing the Staying Safe Hub to identify their appropriate housing options, and to access this quickly to prevent homelessness or rough sleeping. You will carry out initial assessment and address immediate needs for people presenting at the Hub ensuring access to health care where necessary, and that basic needs are met. You will identify housing options and the most appropriate pathway, and complete the necessary referral forms, housing applications, benefits forms or other processes in order to effect resettlement. You will act as the link between the people we work with and a range of local authority, community and voluntary sector providers.

A+R Support Workers will spend much of their time based at the Hub, however you will be expected to travel between sites for training and within the local community to support the people we work with. We recognise that working with people who are disengaged and vulnerable can be very stressful. On top of one to one meetings with your line manager, we offer access to an employee assistance programme and regular facilitated reflective practice sessions.

About Evolve Housing + Support

Evolve is a leading homelessness charity in London, providing housing and support to over 2,000 people each year.  Our aim is to help children, young people and adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness to become independent and resilient.  We believe in building on people’s strengths, aspirations and goals to help them break the cycle of homelessness.

We offer a programme of support tailored to meet people’s individual needs, including housing, employment and skills training, mentoring and counselling. We work with young parents and children at risk of exclusion to build the skills and resilience that can help prevent homelessness. We campaign to end street homelessness. We build affordable homes to help people move on to an independent life.

Your application

Evolve Housing + Support is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all sections of the community, including people who have experienced homelessness themselves.

Please ensure that your answers give a clear outline of how your application meets the criteria for this job.

Support Worker

Assessment and Referral

Role Profile

Job title:

Support worker

Department:

Operations

Reports to:

Team Manager or Team Leader

Location:

See advert

Hours:

37.5 hours comprising of shifts with a rolling rota.

Typical shift pattern (may be subject to some variation dependent on the needs of specific services):

5 days a weeks over 7 days rota (including weekends and nights

About Evolve

Evolve is a leading homelessness charity in London, providing housing and support to over 2,000 people each year.

We believe in building on people’s strengths, aspirations and goals to help break the cycle of homelessness and help them move forward with their lives.

We offer a programme of support tailored to meet people’s individual needs, including housing, employment and skills training, mentoring and counselling. We work with young parents and children at risk of exclusion to build the skills and resilience that can help prevent homelessness. We campaign to end street homelessness. We build affordable homes to help people move on to an independent life.

Our mission is to help children, young people and adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness reach their potential, and move on to live happy, fulfilled lives.

Job description

Overall aim

You will support the people accessing the Staying Safe Hub to identify the appropriate housing option and to access this quickly to prevent homelessness or rough sleeping. You will engage with and empower them to:

• Identify immediate needs for people presenting at the Hub ensuring people access health care where necessary and have basic needs met

• Identify their housing needs and the most appropriate option/pathway

• Complete the necessary referral forms, housing applications, benefits forms or other processes in order to effect resettlement

• Support people to move to the next step in their housing pathway

  You will act as the link between the people we work with and a range of local authority and community and voluntary sector providers.

  What to expect

  A+R Support Workers will spend much of their time based at the Hub, however you will be expected to travel between sites for training and within the local community to support the people we work with.

  We recognise that working with people who are disengaged and vulnerable can be very stressful.  On top of one to one meetings with your line manager, we offer access to an employee assistance programme and regular facilitated reflective practice sessions.

  We provide training to enable you to do your work and build your capabilities.  We will set out a personal development plan with you to ensure you are supported to succeed in your role.

  Support work is challenging, exciting and at times frustrating.  You will need to be prepared to cope with inevitable conflict and setbacks.  Results are usually long term rather than immediate, so patience and perseverance are essential. Your resilience and creativity will be assets in this role.

Key responsibilities

Supporting our customers

• Taking part in a rota to provide 24/7 cover to ensure the Hub is safely staffed

• Work with customers to identify their housing needs through meaningful assessment, identifying and assessing risk to ensure they are able to stay safe.

• Create resettlement plans alongside customers by identifying the most appropriate housing pathway.

• Establish supportive and professional relationships with customers and dealing effectively with unpredictable and challenging situations in a professional and sensitive manner.

• Ensure daily actions are followed up and that ensure that resettlement plans are carried out.

• Liaise with external partners, including accessing appropriate statutory and voluntary services, following up on referrals and resettlement plan and advocating for customers.

• Ensure fair access through assessing the suitability of referrals, based on the criteria of the project.

• Encourage and support customers to raise complaints, comments and suggestions.

Health and Safety

• Ensure customers have up to date information on Health and Safety, and Fire Safety within the Hub environment.

• Ensure customers are given information on the Hub policies including substance use, smoking and visitors policy.

• Be fully aware of, and working within Health and Safety legislation.

• Carry out regular Health and Safety inspections of the Hub and surrounding grounds, taking immediate action to remedy health and safety defects and alerting the appropriate people in line with Health and Safety Policies.

• Report any maintenance issues to the appropriate people and keep a record of maintenance requests and work.

• Maintain a safe, welcoming environment at the Hub.

• Conduct locality checks and patrols and work with the other services on the site to monitor and address Health and safety issues or anti-social behaviour.

Administration

• Complete records on customer database (Salesforce) to deadlines.

• Keep timely and accurate records including customer files, monitoring information etc.

• Provide written reports and information as requested.

• Be aware of, and adhering to, all relevant financial procedures.

• Maintain personal records on the HR database.

General

• Ensure Evolve’s Equality and Diversity Policy and Code of Conduct are actively promoted and adhered to in all areas of work, and that services are accessible to all individuals.

• Work within the GDPR framework.

• Attend and fully participate in one to one meetings, annual reviews, team meetings and all training provided.

• Engage with colleagues and management to fully support the effectiveness of the team.

• Work across other locations, and attending training and meetings on other sites, as required.

This job description provides an indication of the roles and responsibilities for the post of Support Worker, but should not be construed as an exclusive list of the duties that the post holder may be asked to undertake.

All Evolve employees must also be aware of, and adhere to, all Evolve policies and procedures.

Evolve reserves the right to amend this role profile as necessary, after consultation with the post holder, to reflect changes to the role.

Person Specification

Experience and qualifications

• Experience of supporting vulnerable people to achieve resettlement, provision of housing advice or experience of rapid assessment and referral work.

Knowledge

• An understanding of the reasons why people become homeless and the needs and challenges they face

• Knowledge of safeguarding issues and how they apply in day to day work

• Knowledge of statutory and voluntary resources available to homeless people including an understanding of housing and welfare benefits

Skills and abilities

• Ability to document clear records and to evidence outcomes achieved with customers

• Ability to engage with customers to complete housing assessments and identify move on plans

• Ability to support customers to navigate swift resettlement and access a number of services

• Ability to work inclusively, as part of a team, and to give and receive support and constructive feedback and also to lone work when required

• Ability to manage time and multiple priorities effectively and take individual accountability for meeting deadlines

• A level of self-awareness in respect of personal resilience and a commitment to engaging in activities to support your own wellbeing

• Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, demonstrating a good standard of written and spoken English

• Competent in using Microsoft word, excel and inputting to database

Are you passionate about working directly with people from marginalised communities on a 1-to-1 basis? Would you relish the chance to build relationships with young prison-leavers as part of an award-winning small charity in East London?

Switchback Mentors go into prisons to directly engage young men and continue that intensive support after release in the community. This is a unique opportunity to build positive, motivational relationships with a small caseload of young prison-leavers through-the-gate, enabling each Trainee to build a stable, rewarding life. You will receive sector-leading training, professional development and supervision from a cutting-edge resettlement charity recognised by the Longford Prize as “a beacon of hope at a time of chaos”.

If you are someone with experience of working directly with people with complex needs and looking for a unique opportunity to work in a truly person-centred way (no tick-boxes here!), we want to hear from you. Please see the full job description in the PDF document linked below.

About Switchback

Switchback is an award-winning charity helping young Londoners to find a way out of the justice system and build a stable, rewarding life they can be proud of. We provide intensive one-to-one support on both sides of the prison gate alongside real-work training after release, supporting 18-30 year-old men (Switchback Trainees) to make real, lasting change.

What you’ll get when you work for us:

At Switchback we offer a 35-hour week alongside 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays). After two years employment, your holiday will rise year on year to 30 days. In addition to this, you can also access a holiday buy-back scheme to purchase 10 additional days of holiday. We offer flexible working, childcare vouchers and a generous maternity/paternity leave package.

Switchback has an autoenrollment pension scheme and an employer contribution of 5%. In addition to on-the-job training, you will also have access to a training budget so you can grow in your role. Other perks include an employee referral bonus of £200.

Our offices are based a stones throw from the bustling area of Spitalfields Market and Brick Lane, resulting in great choices for lunch as well as post-work drinks and shopping. We have great transport links with overhead and underground train station, Liverpool Street, 5 minutes walk away as well as London buses and other underground stations.

We really care about our team, which is why we have lunch together on Mondays, a number of fun team bonding days throughout the year and finish work at 4.00 on a Friday. Last but not least an impressive  selection of tea, coffee, milk and biscuits are always provided!

How to apply

Please make sure you read the full Job Description (pdf) linked below. To apply, click 'apply' and upload your CV (2-page max) along with your 1 page (max) cover letter outlining why you are a good fit for this role with clear reference to the person specification in the Job Description. Please refer to the Being A Switchback Mentor document for more information. Please note incomplete applications will not be considered.

We also encourage you to complete the recruitment analysis form which will be separated from your application and treated as confidential, a link to this form can be found on the person specification.

Switchback is committed to diversity in all that it does and strongly encourages applications from every part of the communities we serve, particularly people from BAME backgrounds and those with lived experience of the criminal justice system. All appointments are made on merit.

**Please note: due to Coronavirus, interviews and starting date for this role may be subject to delay**

We are looking for a talented, passionate and ambitious Service Manager to lead our Lewisham services, driving continuous improvement and supporting people experiencing mental health issues towards positive, sustainable change.

Equinox Lewisham work across 6 sites and providing high, medium and low residential and floating support for service users who have been diagnosed with mental health conditions. Our clients include those who have a forensic history and those who may be coming into contact with mental health services for the first time via Early Intervention Services.

We offer step-down supported accommodation and continue to support individuals as they move through our service into lower-support accommodation and onto independent living within the community.

As the Service Manager you will have responsibility for all aspects of managing the service efficiently and effectively. You will give overall leadership, direction and guidance to a team of 10 staff as well as volunteers to enable the provision and development of high-quality services in line with the Social Interest Group’s Mission, Values and Strategy.

You will have experience of managing and motivating staff, holding them accountable whilst ensuring they are equipped with the skills and support to thrive. You will have the resilience to address challenges and the strategic vision to maximise the effectiveness of the resources at your disposal.

You will maintain a culture of learning and development through supervisions, appraisals and continuing professional development processes. You will ensure a coaching approach to line management is implemented throughout your team and adopted by frontline staff when supporting service users.

You will be responsible for contract compliance, supporting your team to ensure they meet or exceed contract performance targets and achieve positive outcomes for their service users. You will be responsible for reporting our performance to our commissioners and executive team in a clear and timely fashion, taking swift action to address any areas of underperformance. You may also be required to contribute to reports to Penrose’s Board of Trustees. The role requires some experience of designing or delivering improvement plans and creating a wider culture of continuous improvement.

Knowledge of mental health, excellent communication skills and being able to develop strong working relationships with your team, commissioners and other key stakeholders will be vital to the role. You will have some interest in both policy and business development, working with the Head of Services to identify and secure new sources of income. An understanding of budgeting and financial reporting will be helpful as you ensure your service is delivered within budget.

You will have a passion for Service User Involvement, enabling and empowering our clients to meaningfully input to the design and delivery of the service. You will possess a belief that everyone can turn their life around regardless of past or present circumstances. You will have an ability to motivate and inspire, and a keen eye for detail.

Although the role will predominantly work normal office hours, some flexibility to cover evening and weekend shifts will be required.

What we offer in return

• Excellent core and on-going training aligned with personal development plan
• Access to employee assistance programme
• Medi-cash which includes the following:
• Discount gym membership
• Routine eye tests, glasses and contact lenses
• Dental treatment via NHS or Private
• Physiotherapy, Indian Head Massage and a range of other therapies
• 25 days holiday increasing to 26 days after 2 years and increasing 1 day per year up to 30 days annual leave
• Life Assurance