Central is currently recruiting for a Support Assistant, to work in the Croydon area. The 44 bed service provides support to homeless young people aged 16-22 with a range of support needs such as those associated with mental health, care leaver status, probation, ex-offending, domestic violence, learning disabilities and asylum seeking.
The successful candidate will be required to work 37.5 hours per week, working across Monday – Sunday on a rota basis, covering early (7AM – 3PM) and late shifts (2PM - 10PM). Temporary cover is required for approximately 2 - 3 months. The pay rate for this role is £13.15 per hour, with £1.59 holiday pay, totalling £14.74 per hour.
In this position, you will be expected to;
* Work with Support Worker/Mentor colleagues to support them with their caseload of clients
* Work with customers to create bespoke Staying Safe Plans which identify and address risks to help them to stay safe on a day-to-day basis
* Cover reception duties and tasks
* Support customers in effectively managing their tenancy agreements through rent payments, adherence to regulations, fostering positive neighbourly relations and maintaining cleanliness, safety and proper upkeep of facilities
* Collaborate with both internal and external resettlement support services to empower customers to identify positive 'move on' opportunities and develop the necessary skills to thrive independently beyond our services
* Ensuring customers can access the best levels of external and internal support including those available for benefits, financial, health, specialist services, employment and training opportunities, as well as local networks and events that empower them to make meaningful contributions to their community.
* Work with the team to ensure maximum occupancy in the services by clearing/sorting to make vacant rooms ready for new customers in a timely manner
* Use basic coaching/counselling skills to support customers and operate within a Psychological & Trauma-informed framework to achieve results
* Identify opportunities for customer involvement and collaborate with them to organise events and activities, encompassing breakfast/lunch-centred gatherings, educational and social events
* Support colleagues with cleaning duties
To apply for this role, you must have;
* Experience of working with and supporting people who have experienced homelessness to achieve a level of independent living
* Understand the principles of Safeguarding People and how these apply in the day-to-day role
* Experience of, or the ability to, work with software/in-house databases to keep accurate customer records
* Knowledge of resources available to people who have experienced homelessness including government benefits
* Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of people both orally and in writing
* Ability to utilise basic counselling and coaching techniques to support homeless people
* Good understanding and working knowledge of Microsoft Office including ability to send and receive emails/manage an inbox, create and update letters, reports and other documents in Word & Excel and use the Outlook diary confidently
Candidates must confirm their interest as soon as possible, with interviews scheduled shortly after and the appointed 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