We are The Forward Trust (formerly RAPt and Blue Sky), the social enterprise with charitable status that empowers people to break the often interlinked cycles of crime and addiction to move forward with their lives. For more than 25 years we have been working with people to build positive and productive lives, whatever their past. We believe that anyone is capable of lasting change. Our services have supported thousands of people to make positive changes and build productive lives with a job, family, friends and a sense of community. The Camau CRS Accommodation service has been commissioned by Her Majesties Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS) and is delivered across Gwent, South Wales and Dyfed Powys by Forward Trust. The Camau Service offers support to individuals who have been allocated a Rehabilitation Activity Requirement as part of their Community Supervision Licence or Post Sentence Supervision and also offers support to individuals who have been remanded into custody whilst awaiting trial or sentencing and who have been referred to our service for housing assistance. Camau accommodation probation service - Forward Trust We believe and are committed to providing opportunities to all people including those with ‘Lived Experience’ we encourage applications from all background including those in recovery from addiction, co-dependency or gambling, have experience of previous offending or homelessness. In this role you will be assisting the Camau Senior Operations Manager and Team Leaders to deliver a comprehensive and meaningful range of housing focused interventions to improve housing options and prevent homelessness. You will be assisting the Camau Service Manager and Team Leaders to implement a robust contract delivery strategy in line with the Forward Trust Business Plan. Ensuring that a holistic service is delivered safely to our service users in line with individual and team targets outlined by the Service Manager. Working closely with your colleagues you will discuss and share best practice and fully engage with risk assessment processes to deliver a high-quality service safely. Main duties will include: Working directly with individuals remanded into custody whilst awaiting trial or sentencing who have been referred to the service when entering Prison establishments to and address any urgent housing priorities to prevent homelessness on release from custody andto improve housing options once they have received a custody or community sentence. Work closely with Probation colleagues and prison resettlement teams to achieve improved housing options for people referred to the service. Delivering 1-2-1 and group housing interventions to people referred to the service including housing training sessions on finding accommodation, managing and sustaining accommodation, moving on, and being a good tenant. Actively engage with team objectives to implement and achieve strategic objectives and project specific target outcomes. Take an active role in the implementation and achievement of team objectives. Build strong relationships with Forward colleagues, and make full use of the support offered by, Line Management and Head Office functions. Liaising with landlords as appropriate during the process including arranging viewings and tenancy agreements, negotiating rent amounts and terms. Support individuals to identify suitable affordable properties in the private rented sector to meet the needs of the service users, including sourcing rooms in shared houses, House of Multiple Occupation, studios and 1 bedrooms. Keep regular contact with local authority housing support teams, housing portal website / on line resources, Registered Social Landlords, Local Authority Support Staff, landlords, agents and charitable organisations providing accommodation options within your region for delivery. Develop relationships and maintain relationships with new and existing accommodation providers, landlords and agents who accept people claiming Universal Credit and Housing benefit. Ensure properties are Rent Smart Wales registered and meet health and safety and property standards and legal requirements through health and safety checks relating to the provision of energy performance certificate, smoking and carbon monoxide monitors fitted and tested and gas safety certificate. Good knowledge of the Housing and Welfare Benefits systems. Experience of providing advice services to clients on welfare benefits and housing/re-housing etc. Experience of assessing adults in need of support around housing and social support and/or substance misuse. Experiencing of constructing support plans / action plans with service users in need of housing support to support them in maintaining their tenancy. A thorough knowledge of the needs of service users who are experiencing homelessness, are in abstinence based recovery or have other complex support needs impacting on their ability to make positive changes and build productive lives. Experience of working effectively with adults experiencing multiple disadvantages; unemployment, homelessness, mental ill health, substance use. Training opportunities and career development Flexible working Season Ticket Loan Scheme Cycle to work scheme Crisis Loan Scheme Electric Car Scheme Access to Blue Light Card 3 x wellbeing days (pro rata'd for part time employees) 25 days (rising to 30 with length of service) Annual Leave plus Bank Holidays Contributory Pension Scheme – Employer matched contributions of up to 6% in the first two years’ service and up to 9% thereafter Death in Service Payment (2x annual salary) Critical Illness Insurance (subject to qualifying criteria) Role Criteria Below is a list of the criteria required to apply for this role; please address each of these points in your application. Criteria Requirement E Essential Criteria D Desirable Criteria Criteria Measure A Application I Interview T Test Knowledge, Skills and Experience Good knowledge of the Housing and Welfare Benefits system E A/I Experience of providing advice services to clients on welfare benefits and housing/re-housing etc. E A/I Experience of assessing adults in need of support around housing and social support and/or substance misuse E A/I Experiencing of constructing support plans for clients in need of housing support to support them in maintaining their tenancy E A/I Working within Data Protection Act / GDPR guidelines E A/I A thorough knowledge of the needs of clients who are in abstinence based recovery or experiencing homelessness, or other complex needs of this client group E A/I Experience of working effectively with adults experiencing multiple disadvantages; unemployment, homelessness, mental ill health, substance use E A/I A high standard of telephone skills and demonstrative ability to show sensitivity and tact in dealing with confidential matters E A/I Good oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate professionally with a diverse range of clients and customers including those who may be vulnerable and/or displaying challenging behaviour E A/I Ability to deal fairly, sensitively and pragmatically with people from all levels and from a diverse range of background, including people who may be vulnerable E A/I Self-starter and team player. E A/I Excellent attention to detail. E A/I Strong skills in IT and communication E A/I Proven experience in a resettlement environment E A/I Excellent understanding of the challenges caused by homelessness especially in London gained from either a hostel, supported housing or housing options capacity E A/I Good understanding of the benefits system, universal credit, local authorities and the Homeless Reduction Act and experience of advocating for service users/clients with complex needs and within homelessness E A/I Excellent case management skills E A/I Tenancy Sustainment training experience E A/I Demonstrable experience of developing and maintaining partnerships E A/I Experience in administrating, collecting and analysing data E A/I Excellent written and verbal communication skills E A/I Good understanding of lettings procedures and health and safety requirements, relating to decent homes and property standards. D A/I Understanding of HMO legislation and guidelines and knowledge of sourcing and procurement of properties D A/I Prison clearance D A/I Teaching, coaching or training qualification D A/I Personal Attributes Proactivity – Quick thinking with a high level use of initiative E A/I Resilience – Solves problems, takes learning on board from mistakes to aid personal and professional growth E A/I Adaptability – Can work in fast-paced changing environments E A/I Confidence – Has confidence in own abilities, has good eye contact and able to communicate clearly and concisely E A/I Team Work – Works in harmony with colleagues to deliver results E A/I Open to Feedback - Open to constructive feedback in order to further develop E A/I Innovative – Continually searching for better ways of working E A/I Qualification Level 3 Certificate (or ability to be working towards) in Housing Practice (QCF) E A/I Possession of (or ability to be working towards) a recognised qualification on Information, advice and guidance, minimum Diploma Level 3, or similar/equivalent. 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