We currently have part time (16,22.5 or 30 hours per week) opportunities available in Surrey in our Independent Living Team. The team provides one-to-one/group support to older Deaf adults and those who have a learning disability and/or mental health condition. We provide training and monthly one-to-one supervision sessions. We also hold regular team meetings when you can get together with your colleagues to share experiences and ideas. This role requires you to be a car driver with access to a vehice you can use for work. 

We welcome applications from Deaf and hearing people (Sign language skills are essential  Makaton/BSL Level 1 or 2/Native user). 

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, two references and medical questionnaire. All have to be satisfactory to RAD. 

Closing date: Monday 2nd December 2019 . Interview date: Thursday 12th December 2019 (Interviews will be held in London) 

We currently have full (37.5 hours per week) or part time (16,22.5 or 30 hours per week) opportunities available in Essex in our Independent Living Team. The team provides one-to-one/group support to older Deaf adults and those who have a learning disability and/or mental health condition. We provide training and monthly one-to-one supervision sessions. We also hold regular team meetings when you can get together with your colleagues to share experiences and ideas. This role requires you to be a car driver with access to a vehice you can use for work. 

We welcome applications from Deaf and hearing people (Sign language skills are essential  BSL Level 2/Native user). 

This post is subject to an enhanced DBS check, two references and medical questionnaire. Allo have to be satisfactory to RAD. 

Closing date: Monday 11th November 2019 . Interview date: Wednesday 20th November 2019 (Interviews will be held in Colchester, Essex) 

We are recruiting a manager for a fun and lively home, supporting a group of fantastic young people with learning difficulties and to managing the dedicated team of support workers. This role is extremely rewarding and offers considerable scope for professional development.

The main purpose of the role is:

1. Responsibility for the day to day running of residential address
2. Plan the rotas and support the staff.
3. To support the adults to become independent and valued members of their local community, enabling and empowering them to reach their own potential..
4. To support these adults to implement their support plans and achieve the agreed outcomes set out in them.
5. To ensure the safety and wellbeing of all adults and staff and treat them with dignity and respect at all times.

This is a fulltime post, 36 hours per week.It involves shift work and a requirement to work one weekend in three. The days of work will be agreed on a monthly basis but the provision is for 24hour support for 365 days per year.

Person specification / Profile

Formal Qualifications
NVQ Level 3 in Health and social Care
Level 5 Diploma in Leadership for Health and social care. (or be prepared to work towards this qualification)
Experience
Minimum of 5 years experience of supporting either children or adults with a learning difficulty.
Experience of managing staff
Experience of working effectively with families and carers

Skills
Exceptional verbal communication skills with adultswith a learning difficulty, their families and other professionals
Ability to work collaboratively and flexibly with other professionals within the team and other agencies.
Ability to supervise staff and undertake appraisals
Good organisational skills
Ability to maintain budgets

If you are interested in applying please click the 'Apply button' and send your CV along with a covering letter outlining why you're suitable for the role.

Splitz Support Service deliver the Phoenix Project which includes Domestic Abuse support across Wiltshire and Sexual Abuse and Sexual Abuse and Violence support across Swindon and Wiltshire.

We are looking to recruit an enthusiastic and energetic Independent Domestic Violence Advisor to join our busy and passionate team. The role will support victims/survivors of domestic abuse, aged 16 plus, across Wiltshire.

You will provide direct support and advocacy for victims/ survivors of domestic abuse - assessed as being at high risk of further violence or abuse. This work will promote the empowerment of your clients to regain control over their lives. You will be required to work with key agencies and partners to reduce risk and improve safety for the clients that you support.

A full induction and training will be provided, along with line management support.

Please refer to our website for more details of this post.

Come join a new and innovative service! We have an excellent opportunity to join a leading charity as an Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate.

Position: Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate (IDSVA)
Location: Newham, London
Hours: Part-time, 33 hours per week. Monday to Friday plus on call rota
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £26,568 pro-rata rising to £27,480 per annum after 1 year 
Benefits: 25 days holiday per annum (for full-time positions) plus the option to buy an additional 3 weeks, Company Mobile Phone, Company Pension, Competitive Salary, Employee Discounts, Generous Holiday, Great Working Environment, In House Training, Laptop, Progression Opportunities, Recognised Qualifications, Travel/Season Ticket Loans.

Closing Date: 2nd December

Interview Date: Interviews will be held as and when, the closing date may be brought forward so please don't delay your application. 

Newham Domestic and Sexual Violence Services delivers an Independent Domestic Violence Advocacy and Safety Planning service to men and women across Newham.

The Role

The service is based in Newham with co-locations across the borough. Working closely with key stakeholders such as the Police, local authority, social services and community groups, the aims of the service is to provide an integrated domestic abuse response to survivors of abuse to reduce risk and facilitate a life free from abuse.

As Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate (IDSVA) you will manage high profile / intensive case work, working within multiagency setting.

About You

As Independent Domestic and Sexual Violence Advocate, you will:

• Have knowledge of the support needs and support planning of victims experiencing domestic and/ or sexual violence, the Criminal Justice System, legal, statutory, regulatory and good practice requirements applicable to the provision of supported housing, legal remedies available to women experiencing domestic violence and of the relevant housing law and welfare benefits that apply to women and children using the service.
• Provide case working support to clients.
• Have experience of working within a multi-agency setting.
• Have awareness of risks associated with domestic violence in a working environment.
• Provide an out of hours on call service as part of the On-call rota.
• Have a willingness to mentor pool workers, students and trainees as required across the organisation.
• Have previous experience of using computer-based systems to accurately record work.
• Have excellent interpersonal, written and oral communication skills and ability to manage complex tasks in clearly defined time frames.
• Knowledge and understanding of safeguarding issues and ability to address them appropriately.

Section 7(2) b & e of the Sex Discrimination Act 1975 apply to this position – (Only Female Applicants Please).

In return…

Work for an organisation that offers a culture of learning and development, with access to an extensive range of learning and development opportunities as well as genuine career progression. In everything they do, they seek to be: respectful, genuine, dedicated, collaborative and courageous, so if these values resonate with you, please apply.

About the Organisation

This vibrant charity has been supporting and empowering vulnerable adults and children since 1970. Their approach is based on a single principle: in order to add real value to people’s lives it is essential that they work with them as equals. Their expertise and experience of working with people on their recovery journeys is valuable, and they believe this gives them a great deal to contribute.

Proud to be a Disability Confident employer.

You may also have experience in areas such as Independent Domestic Violence Advocate, Independent Sexual Violence Advocate, IDSVA, Case Worker, Advocate, Independent Domestic Violence Advisor, Domestic Violence Caseworker, Outreach Worker, Independent Victim Advocate.

Job Title: Independent Domestic Violence Advisor

Reports to: Community Services and Refuge Manager

Working Hours: 37 hours per week

Contract: Permanent (Subject to 6 months’ probation)

Salary: £23,000

Work Location: Swindon

Closing Date: Thursday 21st November at 5pm

Interview Date: Monday 2nd December

The role:

SWA is looking to recruit an IDVA to join their domestic abuse service in Swindon. This post will be based at our SWA offices; however, all work will be undertaken in the community.

As an IDVA you will provide a 1:1 domestic abuse service to victims, both female and male, who have been referred in that are looking for support to exit an abusive relationship or remain free from an abusive relationship. You will undertake and regularly review risk assessments, develop safety and support plans and assist victims with signposting into other relevant support services.

You will have strong communication skills and experience of partnership working, as the role will involve maintaining effective multi-agency relationships, attending MARAC and case conferences and adhering to statutory protocols and procedures. You will work to ensure safety, confidentiality and risk minimisation for victims of domestic abuse, supporting and enabling them to access services which maximise their safety and which support their emotional, physical, intellectual and social

About you:

We’re looking for a highly organised and self-motivated individual who is passionate about supporting victims of domestic abuse.  Ideally, you will have an in-depth knowledge of domestic abuse and its impact on service users and their children, and experience of working with victims who have experienced domestic abuse including strong casework management skills.  If you don't have direct experience of working in domestic abuse services, then you may have previous experience from a role working alongside or in partnership with domestic abuse services or holding a caseload and offering support in another area.   A friendly, flexible ‘can do’ attitude is essential for this role, which will also need to work within a multi-agency, partnership environment to secure the very best outcomes for our service users.

About the organisation:

SWA is a domestic abuse service for residents living in the Swindon area. Our service operates 24 hours a day and 365 days a year, including the operation of a 24hr helpline. We support both female and male victims of domestic violence and abuse within the community and safety and support advice is provided from our IDVA’s. We also provide emergency refuge accommodation to females and their children, who are fleeing their homes due to the violence and abuse.

How to apply:

To apply for this position, we are accepting a CV and detailed cover letter telling us why you would be a good fit for this role and working within this organisation. Please note we will only accept detailed letters. Please also follow the job description which is attached. 

*This post is open to female applicants only as being female is deemed a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.  

Volunteer and Activities Coordinator

Kingston Centre for Independent Living (KCIL) is a small charity based in Kingston-upon-Thames. We have been campaigning for the rights of disabled people for over 50 years.

KCIL are seeking to develop an exciting new role within our organisation that will focus on creating opportunities for our service users to explore new hobbies and interests. We are looking for someone to develop and facilitate a timetable of social activities and classes with the support of a small team of volunteers. This post is a 12 month fixed term contract at 21 hours per week (with a possibility of extension).

We are seeking to recruit a dynamic, pro-active and enthusiastic part-time individual to join our team. Our ideal candidate will have experience in recruiting and managing volunteers and facilitating groups. We seek someone who has a good understanding of equality and diversity, equal opportunities and service user involvement.

Main Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be responsible for working alongside the KCIL’s service users to develop opportunities within the local community with the aim of increasing peer support and wellbeing as well as reducing isolation and loneliness.

• To develop a timetable of social activities within the local area
• To recruit, induct, manage and develop volunteers
• To be responsible for the day to day running of social activities, clubs and classes, including rotas, managing expenses and record keeping
• To regularly consult with our service users and gather feedback on the social activities, ensuring that they inform service delivery
• To be proactive in developing groups and activities that reach out to people in the local area who may not otherwise access KCIL’s services and that develop KCIL’s local profile
• To produce performance reports for the CEO regarding volunteer recruitment and monitoring of social activities, clubs and classes
• To attend regular team meetings, supervision and any training that may be required

Benefits

•Salary - £27,027- £29,969 (pro rata)

•Pension scheme

•25 days’ holiday per annum (pro rata)

This post is for 21 hours per week. Days are negotiable and we are ideally looking for someone who can be flexible with working early evenings should this be required on an ad-hoc basis. The successful candidate will be willing to travel in and around the London Borough of Kingston-upon-Thames and other local areas if required.

This role is subject to an enhanced DBS check

Closing date: 27th November 2019

KCIL is a disability confident employer and we would practically welcome applications from disabled people.

Please note we do not accept CV's. All applicants must complete an application form to be considered for shortlisting.

Support Worker

We are one of the largest learning disability charities in the UK, supporting 2,900 people through our friendly, supportive, creative and diverse teams.

As a supported living worker at Hft you’ll be supporting adults with learning disabilities to live the best life possible at Sunnyside and Schoolview , a double bungalow complex within a 5 minute walk of Abingdon town. In this caring and creative role, everything you do will enable people to have choices about their own lives, creating flexible services that meet people’s needs and always looking for the best way of doing things.

Salary: Up to £21,575

Hours: Permanent, Various hours available
Location: Abingdon, Oxfordshire

What we Offer

Apprenticeships - gain a fully funded Level 2 Diploma in Health & Social Care whilst earning. Hft Plus benefits package (discounts and rewards across shops, restaurants, gym membership and days out), 20 days holiday (plus 8 bank holidays) increasing to 25 days after first year, contributory pension scheme and life assurance, an Employee Assistance Programme, annual staff award schemes, access to award winning training and development

You don’t need experience of support work or any special qualifications for this job - you’ll get plenty of training along the way. Having the right values and wanting to make a difference to enable people to live a more fulfilling and independent life is what matters most. You will need to have good listening skills and a practical, caring approach. You also need to have basic level IT skills to be able to use a computer to record information about people you will be supporting.

Having a driving license is desirable.

Closing date: Thursday 19th December 2019

STRICTLY NO AGENCIES PLEASE.

You may have experience or an interest in the following: Support Worker, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Learning Disabilities, Social Care, Voluntary Sector, Mental Health Worker, Healthcare Assistant, Care Staff, Community Development, Care Worker, Supported Living, Vulnerable People, Social Worker, Not for Profit, NFP, etc.

Ref: 90446

37.5 hours per week – the service operates between 8am and 5pm Monday to Friday, but actual working hours will be determined by the needs of the service

HMP Humber with outreach to other prisons in the Contract Package Area

Closing date: 15 December 2019 at 11.30pm

Are you someone who thrives in a fast-paced, challenging environment and won’t be fazed in a custodial/prison setting? Join us at HMP Humber as an Offender Resettlement Worker and you could be instrumental in turning around often chaotic lives.

Shelter deliver an Integrated Through the Gate service in prisons across Humberside, Lincolnshire and North Yorkshire, working closely with offenders and a range of other agencies to provide a holistic service that assesses individual need so that prisoners are fully supported up to and following release.

About the role

You will play a critical role as part of a team working to rehabilitate prisoners and reduce reoffending rates. Delivering a resettlement service either within HMP Humber  or via outreach to other prisons, your role will include completing resettlement plans for each offender and delivering induction, group work and pre-release planning. Carrying out housing, finance and debt interventions and co-ordinating other pathway interventions by managing referrals to appropriate providers is also a key part of the role.

About you

A prison environment is unique and not everyone is suited to working within it. You’ll need to be resilient, calm and have the stamina to deal with often challenging and volatile situations. You’ll enjoy working in a fast-paced, high churn, target driven environment and be creative when it comes to problem solving.

Experience of providing advocacy on behalf of clients to other agencies and authorities is essential, as is a proactive, client-focused and collaborative approach, great relationship building skills, respect for others' opinions and the ability to deal effectively with change. You’ll need an understanding of housing law and debt advice and of the main issues affecting offenders and homelessness. You’ll also need to be able to use MS office applications as keeping accurate records is a critical part of the role and can make the difference between someone keeping or losing their home.

Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, cycle to work scheme and an employee assistance programme.

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services. And we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We're here so no-one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own.

Safeguarding is everyone’s business. Shelter is committed to protecting the health, wellbeing and human rights of those we support, and enabling them to live free from harm, abuse and neglect. All our staff will be expected to observe professional standards of behaviour and conduct their work in line with our Safeguarding Policies.

At Shelter, we welcome and encourage applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, gender, ethnicity, religion and sexual orientation. We also encourage applications from people, who have been homeless or have been at risk of homelessness. We are facing diverse problems, so need diverse people to tackle them.

Shelter does not accept unsolicited CVs from external recruitment agencies nor accept the fees associated with them.

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

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

Luton Road is a supported living project for adults with learning difficulties in Plaistow, East London. The service operates on a 24-hour rota to provide a variety of support to eleven customers whenever it is needed. The staff are skilled at working with people who have communication difficulties, as well as those who need support with personal care.

Job Overview:

Support Workers provide support to customers to help them develop the life skills they require to meet the assessed needs of the customers of the service. In some services, this will include providing physical, domestic, emotional and social care. 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.

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. In some services, this will include delivering personal and physical care as appropriate
- 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
- Participate in the support planning and risk management, as facilitated by the lead Support Worker
- 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
- 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 records as required at the project under the direction of the Support Workers/management
- Participate in team meetings/reviews and the general development of the service
- 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

Skills, Knowledge and Experience:

Essential:

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

Desirable:

- Experience in working with people with Learning Disabilities and Autism

Interviews will be taking place week commencing 9th December 2019.

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.

Support Worker

You will join our client as a Support worker to support 4/5 young people in their care.

Support Worker Responsibilities:

You will follow individual care plans for the young people with the aim to help them move onto independent living in the future. You will support with their therapy, plan social and leisure activities, give medication and complete associated paperwork. You will be supported by a multi-disciplinary team including Nurses, Psychologists and Psychiatrists to ensure our client achieves the best possible outcomes for young people.

Support Worker Requirements:

You do not require any previous experience for this role. You should be IT literate as there is a requirement to update online care records. Be flexible with the ability to work a 7 day rota, completing early and late shift patterns alongside 1 sleep ins (usually 1 per week) for which an additional payment is made. Having a driving licence is not essential but it is beneficial to help transport young people to appointments and activities.

Our client is an equal opportunities employer who values diversity and positively encourages applications of all ages from all sections of the community. As an employer they are also committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health and well-being of all staff.

About Our Client:

Our client provides residential services for young people and young adults aged 16-30 years old who have been discharged from psychiatric inpatient stays or secure children’s homes. Their aim is to support the young people using an innovative therapeutic approach and least restrictive practice to enable them to live in a non-secure community setting and to achieve their individual goals in preparation for transition to adult life. Our client's “no restraint” policy allows for more respectful and thoughtful relationships with young people and avoids traumatisation and consequent escalations in risk.

Location: Warrington

Job type: Part time, Permanent, 20 hours per week

Salary: £9.54-£10.43 per hour dependent on experience.

Benefits: 28 days holiday including bank holidays rising to 35 days with increased years service, Paid 2 week full induction before you start, Opportunity to complete your Level 3 Lead Adult Care Worker qualification, Excellent career progression, Paid enhanced DBS check, Enhanced Company Pension Scheme, 24 hr Employee Assistance Programme and counselling, Free onsite parking, Life Assurance, Online discounts, Refer a friend scheme where they pay £500 for every friend you refer, Annual paid Summer and Christmas parties, Length of service awards.

Closing date for applications: Wednesday 18th December, 2019

You may have experience of the following: Support Worker, Charity, Charities, Third Sector, Social Care, Voluntary Sector, Healthcare Assistant, Care Staff, Care Assistant, Community Development, Care Worker, Vulnerable People, Social Worker, Not for Profit, NFP etc.

Ref: 90323

Recruiting Support Workers to join our Young Peoples service in Tower Hamlets!

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

Mile End Young People Services in Tower Hamlets consists of four accommodation-based services plus visiting and floating support. Jeremiah House is a standalone scheme for nine young people leaving care. Mile End Road service has 16 units which provides a first stage response for young people with a range of complex needs. Both buildings offer 24/7 support to customers. Whilst Whitehorse Lane and Brokesley Street are designed for a lower level service. Powesland Court offers 3 units of self-contained accommodation as a further step down. We also support up to 30 young people within the community in their own homes within our floating support service.

Job Overview:

Support Workers 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.

This role is working full time 40 hours per week on shift pattern basis and include sleep-ins.

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
- Day to day instruction/ supervision of Assistant Support Workers/domestic staff/Personal Support Assistants where appropriate
- 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:

- 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:

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

Desirable:

- Experience working with young people

Interviews will be taking place week commencing 16th December 2019.

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.

Outreach Worker – Housing First Project

Hours

37.5 hrs

Monday-Thursday 8.30-4.30 however some unsocial hours and weekend work will be required. This will typically involve a regular 5am-1pm Friday or a late finish no more than once a week. Bank Holidays may be worked on a rota basis for which time in lieu may be taken.

Annual Leave

25 days plus 8 Bank Holidays

Salary

£20478 pa

Probationary

Period

6 months

Reporting To

Housing First Team Leader

Conditions of Employment

As contained in NOAH Enterprise’ s Statement of Terms and Conditions of Employment and Staff Handbook

Background

NOAH Enterprise has been delivering services to vulnerable people throughout Bedfordshire since 1987 and has established and embedded the single trusted adult model. This means that each service user can begin to trust one person as they get to know them, and this trust allows recommendations and support options to be taken up.

You will be committed, compassionate, resilient, caring, have common sense and be empathetic to the needs of those among the most deprived. You will work with people who may be chaotic, may have mental health and addiction issues but need your help and support.

Throughout your work you will have considerable autonomy and significant periods of time lone working, enabling you to make a personal difference to people’s lives. You will have excellent time-management, prioritisation, motivating, organisational, inter-personal, and administrative skills. You will be competent in IT and communication, have the ability to build relationships with people from many nationalities and organisations and a commitment to help those in need. You will be persistent and undaunted in the face of seeming adversity.

Job Purpose

• You will provide on a 1-1 basis, support for the living and lifestyle needs of a group of 8 carefully selected homeless people with complex needs who have been allocated independent accommodation within Luton on the Housing First Pilot.
• To provide and coordinate, within daytime hours and with crisis telephone advice out of hours, specialist welfare service support where needed.
• To provide lifestyle and education to clients who have experienced repetitive homelessness to actively reduce the risks of eviction and abandonment. Promote independence and understanding of primary health service access to reduce the use of emergency services.
• To work with NOAH management to coordinate delivery of grant funds allocated for the project to transform flats into homes and to provide for the personalisation needs that will help people feel a sense of connection and safety.
• To innovate and work creatively to source additional material, items and technical expertise from the wider community in Luton such as other grants, corporate donors and corporate social responsibility team building days in order to help clients transform their flat into a home.
• The Housing First Service aims include:

• Supporting people who are homeless with multiple and complex needs to access suitable accommodation.
• Developing new approaches to working with people with multiple and complex needs.
• Supporting service users to improve their health and wellbeing.
• Supporting service users to engage with services to meet their health and social care needs that are non-emergency.
• Supporting service users to build resilience, develop their social capital within the local community and support recovery.
• Supporting service users to develop independent living skills to live more independently in the community and sustain their accommodation.

• Reducing the use of acute emergency services, such as A&E, ambulance call-outs and fire and rescue service.
• Reducing repeat homelessness.
• Contributing to the reduction in rough sleeping.
• Contributing to the reduction in the use of temporary accommodation

Main Duties

• To promote and provide clear information about the Housing First Project to other organisations and to work in close partnership across different agencies to share information to reduce rough sleeping in Luton.
• To deliver some on street outreach work in Luton to meet prospective candidates and assess their suitability for the project.
• To assist with receiving and managing new referrals onto the project both from external and internal sources and to maintain communication with the referrer.
• To attend the Housing First Operations Group and Caseload group to support the processes of assessing eligibility, prioritisation and allocation.
• To work with the new tenant to prepare them for embarking on an independent tenancy, communicating their responsibilities whilst also providing reassurance and advice.
• To support the new tenant to work with the housing officer to develop between them a strong and positive relationship which can withstand future tensions.
• To support the new tenant with all administration around setting up and equipping their new home incorporating their personal choices where possible.
• To support the new tenant with completing the 2 support plans on inform within week one and then to renew these at scheduled intervals every 12 weeks.
• To assist the clients to access primary health care services to help stabilise any health and wellbeing concerns or addictions if they are interested in this support.
• Build trust and relationships at a pace suitable to them, learn about their lives, their background and their ongoing needs. Where appropriate offer expertise and advice to tackle some of the barriers in their lives such as housing, benefits, employment, relationships and health.
• Use motivational interviewing techniques to support people to explore their own lifestyles and choices and to reflect on whether they are interested in recovery.
• To provide the clients with opportunities and choice to receive free support in decorating their homes with the assistance of corporate volunteering teams.
• To maintain keywork contact in person or by phone at least every other day with every client on their caseload and deliver a personalised approach allowing the client choice in the way that they engage with NOAH.
• To use the inform system to record every support intervention which is delivered.
• To provide opportunities and facilitate visits to places to encourage clients to live their own lives and to express their personalities and individuality and reduce social isolation.
• On an ongoing basis to help to manage their personal safety including undertaking persistent, assertive outreach such as on-street visits at any stage where eviction or abandonment seems to be approaching in order to give the client every opportunity to retain their home.
• To work with the local communities and neighbours to promote positive communication and understanding in order to reduce ASB and maintain property infrastructure.
• Monitor improvements and regressions and support the NOAH management in delivering comprehensive monthly reports to update commissioners of the current situations, trends, challenges and success that the project has witnessed.
• To support the NOAH management to ensure excellent quality and robust evidence is available to demonstrate the effectiveness of the Housing First Pilot. Working alongside the University of Bedfordshire team to audit this work and promote continuation of the project through a robust exit strategy which will ensure continuity of funding and the opportunity for project expansion.
• Submit written reports as required

General Duties/

Requirements

• Act as a NOAH Enterprise representative always and in a manner befitting a representative of the organisation.
• To work as part of the wider NOAH welfare team which includes supporting the work of the welfare centre as well as the on-street outreach workers.
• Identify opportunities to improve the level of service NOAH offers to service users.
• Take a responsible approach to your personal development – manage and update own skills base to ensure quality service delivery and engage fully with all training offered.
• As part of the NOAH welfare staff team you will be required to be part of an on-call rota and take occasional phone calls from service users requiring out of hours advice.

Administration

• All duties to be carried out in accordance with the policies and procedures of NOAH Enterprise
• Attend any meetings, seminars, training sessions as requested both on and off NOAH Enterprise premises
• Supporting the wider welfare centre team with Bank holiday and Christmas openings by contributing to this rota.
• Act as a NOAH Enterprise ambassador always representing the organisation in a manner befitting the charity
• The post holder may from time to time be asked to undertake other duties as specified by the Chief Executive or Head of Welfare Services. Permanent changes to the job description will only be made in negotiation with the post holder.

Christian Ethos

The work of NOAH Enterprise is founded upon a Christian ethos and it is expected that the post holder will respect this ethos