Homeless Pathway Officers to work across Birmingham hospital sites, supporting the Discharge to Assess (D2A) model. You will play a pivotal role in improving health, well-being, and housing outcomes for individuals rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness. This position focuses on delivering early intervention, preventing repeated hospital admissions, and facilitating transitions to stable accommodation.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Referral and Assessment: Conduct comprehensive needs and risk assessments using a strengths-based approach, ensuring equality of opportunity for all Birmingham citizens.
2. Accommodation and Housing: Forge partnerships with housing providers, supported accommodation schemes, and private landlords to identify suitable housing solutions for clients. Support citizens in accessing temporary, supported, or permanent accommodation, ensuring that housing pathways are tailored to individual needs. Provide expertise on homeless legislation, housing rights, and available resources to empower clients in securing appropriate housing.
3. Collaborative Working: Liaise closely with the clinically led homeless team to integrate your support into the broader out-of-hospital care model. Facilitate multi-agency working by coordinating between housing, mental health, primary care, and substance misuse services. Representing the service and clients professionally in meetings, advocating for solutions that prevent homelessness and promote sustained housing stability.
4. Citizen Support: Deliver person-centred support to help citizens sustain tenancies and access wrap-around care. Educate clients about their housing rights, tenancy responsibilities, and available local support services. Be available to work as part of the mental house-based service when required, providing support directly to citizens within this setting to ensure seamless integration of the pathway model.
5. Reporting and Evaluation: Prepare reports and contribute to Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) by documenting outcomes and appraising service effectiveness. Provide accurate progress reports for key stakeholders, ensuring continuous improvement of the service.
Person Specification
Essential:
1. Knowledge and Skills: o In-depth understanding of homeless legislation and Birmingham Homeless Prevention Strategy 2017+. o Strong knowledge of housing pathways, including access to temporary, supported, and permanent accommodation. o Proficiency in IT systems (Word, Excel, Outlook) and housing management databases.
2. Experience: o Proven experience working with vulnerable individuals, particularly those at risk of homelessness. o Track record of successful collaboration with partner agencies, such as housing providers, health services, and support organisations. o Experience conducting needs and risk assessments for clients with complex needs.
3. Qualifications: o 5 GCSEs (or equivalent), including Maths and English. o Relevant training or certification in housing, social care, or related fields is advantageous.
4. Abilities: o Exceptional organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines. o Strong communication skills, including the ability to present cases and advocate effectively in multi-agency settings. o Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion in service delivery.
Desirable: Familiarity with Birminghams housing market and local service networks. Experience in delivering tenancy sustainment support. Knowledge of safeguarding practices and protocols.
Benefits: Comprehensive induction and ongoing learning and development opportunities. A chance to contribute to systemic change and improve outcomes for individuals at risk of homelessness
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