Caseworker

Location - West London.  Hybrid role up to two days per week can be working from home.  At least three days per week on site.

Reporting to Co-Heads of Casework

Hours - 35 hours per week Monday to Friday

We have two roles available - one is permanent and the other is a fully funded three year contract.  

The post holder would be responsible for:

* Providing specialist advice and advocacy service to the homeless guests of our services, which include Partner Day Centres and Night Shelters throughout the winter season.

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

* Attending appointments with guest occassionally when needed

* Referring and signposting guests to accommodation providers, health service 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 servicce for both internal and external use.

* Maintaining a well organised and easily accessible administration system for the casework programme in line with relevant legislation (eg GDPR)

* Managing a small casework budget

* Undertaking any other duties as required by the charity.

Person Specification

Essential:

* At least one years experience of working one-on-one and assessing the needs of homeless people or similar disadvantaged client groups

* Empathic 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

* Experienced and competent in MS Office packages

* 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

* This post will require an enhanced DBS check prior and during employment.

Desirable

* Ability to speak Polish, Romanian or other Eastern European languages
* Experience of working alongside volunteers

Other
* Ability to work flexibly and at various sites, as required
* Eligibility to work in the UK
* To be able to adhere and work within Glass Door’s safeguarding policy and procedures
* To participate in meetings, supervision meetings and in any trainings as required
* To be responsible for own’s professional development