Central is currently recruiting for two Specialist Project Workers, to work in the Westminster area. The service provides tenancy support for clients based in temporary accommodation. The service ensures clients are linked in with specialist services for their drug and alcohol support needs and their physical and mental health.
The successful candidates will be required to work 35 hours per week, working Monday - Friday, shifts between 8AM - 5PM. Temporary cover is required for approximately 2 months. The pay rate for this role is £18.99 per hour, with £2.86 holiday pay, totalling £21.85 per hour.
In this position, you will be expected to;
* Hold a caseload of 18 and carry out in-depth assessment of housing and support needs and risk levels. Based on these assessments, and input from other teams, provide housing advice, risk assessments, accommodation referrals and resettlement support to clients that are temporarily housed at this project
* Use knowledge of tenancy rights and responsibilities, support services, the benefits system, training & employment options and independent living skills to support clients in all aspects of resettlement, providing tenancy sustainment solutions that empower clients to take control of their lives
* Maintain positive and effective working relationships with teams within the local authority and other accommodation providers, including private rented landlords, to ensure a seamless service is provided to clients
* Be responsible for developing and implementing a range of group activities including resident forums, life skills education and pre-tenancy workshops
* Use skills in key working with clients with both mental health and substances issues to provide support through the appropriate pathways, or to support clients on their journey until they become ready to access relevant services
* Keep well informed of changes and developments to relevant housing legislation and benefit systems to provide clients with accurate and appropriate advice
* Working in a psychologically informed way, agree a support plan with every client that is regularly reviewed and monitored
* Engage with other teams at the organisation and externally to ensure that a holistic support service is delivered to all clients. Engage in multi-disciplinary team meetings to review cases and to update support plans
* Undertake health and safety checks of the building and report issues to the landlord and the Project Coordinator
To apply for this role, you must have;
* Experience of working with clients with complex and challenging health issues
* An awareness of the issues that face street homeless and vulnerable people
* Experience of housing advocacy work on behalf of homeless and vulnerably housed individuals
* Experience of assessing resident needs and delivering psychologically informed interventions to ensure resident needs are identified and met
* Knowledge and understanding the issues facing people through the resettlement and tenancy sustainment process
* Experience of working collaboratively with voluntary, statutory and private sector agencies.
* Knowledge of the main housing legislation, homelessness reduction act, and housing options (including the private rented sector) relating to homeless and vulnerably housed people
* In depth knowledge of the benefits system
* Experience of developing and delivering group work for clients
* Knowledge of the skills and attitudes needed to support clients within a psychologically informed framework
Candidates should confirm their interest as soon as possible, with interviews scheduled shortly after and the successful candidate expected to start as soon as possible.
Further requirements:
In order to register with Central Recruitment Services for temporary agency work, candidates must meet the following criteria:
* Current valid right to work in the UK
* Minimum 12 months’ of paid experience in a front line social care role within the last 3 years* (unless recruitment criteria states otherwise)
* A fully enhanced DBS registered on the DBS update service or willingness to apply for one through Central (at a cost of £60)
* Employment or education history to cover the last 5 years which can be verified through the referencing process
How to apply:
If you feel that you fully meet the above outlined criteria for this role and would like apply for this post, please forward your CV for consideration.
*Please note the outlined experience is the 'minimum' first stage criteria, and we will therefore be unable to consider your application unless you are able to demonstrate a relevant work history in line with this position