Full time, 37 hours a week. Working Monday to Friday, mainly working 9am to 5pm however flexibility is required to suit the needs of the clients.
£23,775 progressing to £25,027
Southampton Housing First supports individuals aged 16 and over, who have high support needs and a history of entrenched or repeat homelessness, to have a home of their own where they can regain stability, safety, and support. We work in partnership with the council and various housing associations to deliver intensive person-centred support and accommodation choices.
Our priority is to find safe, permanent housing that’s suitable for the client. Once housing is found our dedicated team provides intensive one to one support to enable clients to maintain their accommodation and achieve their goals.
If you love working with people and are looking for a role where you can make a real difference in the lives of those you support, then this is the role for you!
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
* You will have your own caseload of clients to support and will work with them on a one to one basis out in the community and in the clients' homes.
* You will identify their needs by listening to them and put together a support plan which is equally achievable and realistic for them.
* You will link in with outreach workers to build rapport and trust with clients who are homeless in preparation for them getting their own accommodation.
* You will support clients to attend appointments and act as a link for clients to engage in services with the aim to improve their physical and mental health.
* You will work with people to identify their strengths and talents, and encourage them to focus and build on these, with a view to affecting behavioural and lifestyle changes that are positive and sustainable.
* You will be conscientious in areas such as safeguarding and lone working.
* You will help clients to access the benefits they are entitled to claim.
* You will challenge harmful behaviours and play an active role in encouraging people to come inside from the street, or to play an active part in sustaining their accommodation.
* You will support them to manage and reduce alcohol and/or substance misuse.
* You will encourage their involvement in personal progression in the form of education, training, employment activity, or volunteering.
* You will help them improve their practical skills in areas such as budgeting, shopping, cooking, housework, and managing a tenancy.
* You will work with external partners to maximise the opportunities available to clients so that they can resettle in the community. Specifically working closely with the client’s property owners and Southampton City Council to ensure a successful tenancy.
* Maintain client records using relevant systems to a good standard.
* Work in accordance with the Health and Safety regulations and all policies and procedures.
* You will gain knowledge and understanding of the Housing First principles and how Housing First uses a client-led approach.
* You will be non-judgemental and work towards the clients' goals and not towards society's expectations.
* Attend supervision, appraisal, training, and meetings as directed which may be outside your normal working pattern.
* Work flexibly across all areas of operation where required and prior notice given.
* Any other reasonable task as requested by a member of staff.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING
Previous experience in this type of work is not essential but you will have a real passion for wanting to work with homeless people. You will receive support and training in understanding the key principles of Housing First but some prior research and understanding of the support model is desirable. Your values will match ours; you will be committed to helping others and enjoy the real job satisfaction that this brings.
* Clear verbal and written English.
* Good IT and keyboard skills.
* Polite, assertive manner, ability to self-motivate.
* Passion for working in a client/customer facing role.
* Knowledge of the benefits system and tenancy legislation.
* Have an interest and genuine concern for homelessness and related issues.
* Knowledge of voluntary and statutory agencies.
* Knowledge of best practice in supporting people with drug/alcohol and/or mental ill health issues, including realistic harm reduction approaches.
* Important: Driving licence and access to a car is essential for this role.
We reserve the right to close our adverts early if a successful candidate is found, so please submit your application as soon as possible.
We were formed in April 2001 through the merger of the Society of St Dismas (founded in 1962) and St Petroc Housing Association (founded in 1972). Both organisations shared a passion for housing and supporting vulnerable single people.
Our vision today is to give people who are homeless, vulnerable or in need of support, the opportunity to build a brighter future.
We have services in Berkshire, Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton, and Sussex.
We support 16-65 year olds. Our services include outreach to rough sleepers, supported accommodation (direct access hostels, move-on accommodation, and resettlement flats), day centres, community support, housing first and landlord support services.
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