Seasonal Caseworker

Job Description

The post holder will be responsible for the following:

·        Providing a specialist advice and advocacy service to the homeless guests of our services, which include partner day centres and night shelters over the winter season

·        Employing creative thinking and practices to ensure that guests are supported and motivated to achieve their goals

·        Attending appointments with guests occasionally when needed

·        Referring and signposting guests to accommodation providers, health services and other relevant internal and external support services, as necessary

·        Maintaining good communication with the Managers of our partnered Drop-in Centres, Glass Door colleagues and local statutory and non-statutory services

·        Attending meetings with the casework team, external service providers and partner organisations when required

·        Collating statistics and outcome measurements of the casework service for both internal and external use

·        Maintaining a well-organised and easily accessible administration system for the casework programme in line with relevant legislation (e.g. GDPR)

·        Managing a small casework budget

·        Undertaking any other duties to aid the good running of the project, as required by the charity

Person Specification

Essential

·        At least one year experience of working one-on-one with -- and assessing the needs of -- homeless people or similar disadvantaged client groups

·        Empathetic attitude to homeless and vulnerably-housed people

·        Up-to-date knowledge of the welfare issues and legislation affecting homeless people

·        Knowledge of relevant support services available to homeless people, particularly in West London

·        Confident approach to, and experience of, dealing with challenging behaviour

·        Ability to maintain good relationships with colleagues and external service providers

·        Highly organised with strong time-management skills

·        Ability to keep clear and up-to-date case records

·        Ability to work independently and take the initiative to make important decisions

·        Flexible and supportive team member with excellent communication skills

·        Ability to adhere to and implement Health & Safety, HR and operational policies

·        Understanding of and commitment to Equal Opportunities

·        For night shelter caseworkers, willingness to work a minimum of one evening per week

Desirable

·        Ability to speak Polish, Romanian or other Eastern European languages

·        Experience of working alongside volunteers