Role: Triage Support Specialist - Homeless Service Users Support
Hours: 40 hours per week (5 days x 8 hours) Monday to Friday, with occasional flexibility to work outside these hours to meet the needs of the business
Salary: Starting: Up to £33,000 per annum (depending upon experience and/or qualifications), with the opportunity to earn up to £35,000 p.a. upon successful achievement of specific performance and/or developmental objectives
Job Ref: 08/TSS/10.24
Who Are We?
Queens Quarter Housing Limited is a provider of accommodation and support services for single homeless clients and is based in the South Belfast area. We work with our stakeholders N.I.H.E and Supporting People to provide Dispersed Intensively Managed Emergency accommodation and support services for individuals with multi-complex needs. Utilising the multi-disciplinary approach to the provision of support, we seek to promote positive and lasting outcomes for our Service Users as they work towards permanent resettlement in the community.
What will I be Doing?
The Triage Support Specialist is a crucial role in our organisation, focused on providing targeted and effective support to single homeless Service Users and facilitating access to healthcare, benefits and permanent housing. This position is instrumental in maintaining a case management process with a focus on addressing needs and risk through comprehensive assessments and support plans in line with Supporting People requirements. The role requires a collaborative, multi-disciplinary approach demanding strong communication and organisational skills. Due to the multi-complex needs of our Service Users an empathetic and compassionate approach is essential.
Part 1: Job Description
1. Referrals: receive and process authorised referrals to the service, efficiently gathering pertinent background information and personal history to allow for timely placement decisions.
2. Induction: implement QQH Service User induction procedures, ensuring that all essential paperwork is completed.
3. Risk Assessment and Case Management: Employ the traffic light system to evaluate and manage risks associated with Service Users, ensuring timely and appropriate interventions in line with Supporting People guidelines.
4. Support Plans: draw up and implement, in conjunction with Service Users, support plans to manage their physical and mental health and wellbeing.
5. Keywork: develop a positive professional relationship with assigned Service Users, arrange regular face-to-face meetings to assess, monitor and update support requirements.
6. Intensive Housing Management: Facilitating housing arrangements, ensuring compliance with the Supporting People framework.
7. Benefits Advice and Advocacy: Offer expert guidance on social security and other benefits, assisting Service Users in navigating the benefits system and advocating on their behalf with various agencies.
8. Service User Consultation and Engagement: Actively involve Service Users in decisions related to their support and living conditions, adhering to a policy of transparent consultation as mandated by Supporting People.
9. Move-on Accommodation Strategy: Develop individualised strategies to prepare Service Users for transition to independent living, aligning with Supporting People guidelines.
10. Resettlement Support: Offer guidance and support for Service Users transitioning out of the hostel, ensuring a smooth and sustainable move to more permanent housing.
Please note this is not an exhaustive list of duties or responsibilities. The full job description is contained in the application pack, which is available on our website.
Part 2: Person Specification:
The successful candidate must meet the following Essential Criteria:
1. Right to Work Verification: Candidates must present valid documentation confirming their right to work in the UK.
2. Enhanced Background Check: Applicants are required to complete a satisfactory Enhanced AccessNI check and must not be listed on the Vulnerable Adults (Regulated Activity) Barred List.
3. Educational and Professional Background: Candidates must have a minimum of 2 ‘A’ level pass grades/HND qualification or equivalent, and have a minimum of 3 years’ direct experience as a Support Worker, or of providing support to Service Users in settings with vulnerable populations, such as homeless support environments.
4. In-Depth Legislation Knowledge: A comprehensive understanding of the Supporting People legislation and framework in Northern Ireland.
5. Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to provide effective SU support, including one-to-one engagement, crisis management and active listening.
6. Computer Literacy: Proficiency in Microsoft packages, particularly Outlook, Word, and Excel.
7. Empathy: Demonstrable empathy for the challenges faced by homeless individuals.
8. Teamwork and Multi-Agency Collaboration: Proven ability to work effectively with internal teams and various external services (e.g. community organisations, healthcare providers and government agencies).
9. Data Management and Compliance: Competence in managing data and adhering to legal and regulatory requirements.
10. Professional Development Commitment: A commitment to on-going professional development in alignment with Supporting People standards.
It is preferable that the successful candidate meets the following Desirable Criteria:
1. Additional Relevant Qualifications: A degree in Social Work, Health & Social Care, Psychology, Criminology or other related field; further certifications or qualifications in areas relevant to homelessness, social work, mental health, or crisis management.
2. Experience in Crisis Intervention: Prior experience in handling crisis situations, particularly in settings involving vulnerable populations.
3. Innovative Problem-Solving: Proven track record of creative problem-solving in challenging environments.
What Do We Offer?
Salary: Up to £35,000 per annum.
Benefits:
* 6 weeks of annual leave
* WorkPlace Pension
* Access to a confidential Employee Wellbeing & Counselling Programme
* Provision of a staff uniform
* Structured induction programme
* Paid lunch breaks.
How do I apply?
You may obtain an Applicant Information Pack and download an Essential and Desirable Criteria Evidence Form and Fair Employment Monitoring Form from our website.
Please return your:
* Up to date C.V.
* Completed Essential and Desirable Criteria Evidence Form
* Completed Fair Employment Form
by email to hr@queensquarter.com, or delivered by hand or by post to Queens Quarter Housing, 151 University Street, Belfast, BT7 1HR by 12 midnight on Sunday, 17 November 2024.
If you have applied to QQH within the last 12 months, and have been unsuccessful, a new application will not be considered unless any subsequent work or voluntary experience during that period is immediately relevant to our job description.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Pay: Up to £35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company pension
* Health & wellbeing programme
* Referral programme
Physical Setting:
* Sheltered housing
Shift:
* 8 hour shift
Application question(s):
* Have you experience working as a Support Worker with the homelessness sector?
Education:
* A-Level or equivalent (required)
Work Location: In person
Application deadline: 17/11/2024
Reference ID: 08/TSS1/10.24
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