Homeless Outreach Practitioner
Do you have an understanding of homelessness, alcohol and health related issues, and experience of working with adults in an addictions, housing or social care setting? All you need is the perfect environment to put your skills to great use. Welcome to Aquarius as a Homeless Outreach Practitioner.
Right now, one of our partners, Aquarius Action Projects, is looking for a Homeless Outreach Practitioner to join their team. Solihull Integrated Addiction Service (SIAS) is a partnership between four organisations jointly responsible for the delivery of the drug, alcohol, homelessness and gambling services, in the Borough of Solihull. We offer services for adults who use or are affected by substance use, homelessness and gambling.
The housing service covers support for clients who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless, as well as a more structured longer term floating support service to enable clients to maintain their tenancies.
Your challenge? As a Homeless Outreach Practitioner you will be working with clients who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. You will understand the barriers clients face accessing accommodation, recognising that secure and stable housing is key to recovery and the ability to engage in treatment is impacted by those experiencing homelessness. Working in various locations, including advice surgeries in community settings, home visits/outreach visits and office-based, the role entails reaching out to hard to engage clients.
Experience of supporting clients in finding accommodation and supporting to prevent those at risk of becoming homeless is essential. The role will involve working closely with the local authority, health services, adult social care and other service providers in the borough.
We are looking for an energetic and confident self-starter, you will have a qualification in health/social care, youth and community work (e.g. NVQ Level 3 or above, DipSW, Mental Health Nursing, Counselling, Addiction Studies). Alternatively, we’ll consider candidates with experience of working in the substance misuse and housing and homeless field with a commitment to complete NVQ Level 3 Health and Social Care. As well as good knowledge of alcohol/drug and health related issues, you're used to liaising with voluntary and statutory agencies and health professionals and comfortable engaging with clients in a variety of service delivery settings.
What’s more, you have a flexible approach, a commitment to the principles of confidentiality and excellent record keeping and Microsoft Office. You will need to be able to work flexibly in terms of working hours to support your clients.
Due to the nature of the role, a driving licence and access to a car is desirable.
In return, you can expect some great benefits, including 32 days' holiday, contributory pension scheme and employee assistance programme, plus exceptional professional development and training opportunities.
This is a permanent full-time role requiring the post holder to work 37 hours per week.
To apply, please visit our website and send a CV and covering letter explaining why you feel you are right for the role.
This is a rolling recruitment process. Candidates will be interviewed as and when they are shortlisted.
We are committed to increasing our diversity and we would welcome applications from those with lived experience and/or who are from a BAME background.
Aquarius is part of Recovery Focus, a national group of charities highly experienced in providing specialist support services to individuals and families living with the effects of mental ill health, drug and alcohol use, gambling and domestic violence. We know that recovery can look and feel very different to each and every one of us. But we also know that if we provide the right support, at the right time, we can inspire recovery nationwide and that recovery is possible for everyone.
