NB Shortlisting will be undertaken on the basis of the enclosed person specification, so please address all criteria listed in the person specification when completing your CV.
Information about our Night Support Service
First Housing Aid and Support Services supports individuals and families who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless.
The Night Support Service was set up in 2009 and continues to work in and around the city centre area of Derry/Londonderry with people who are street drinkers and are sleeping rough. The service provides a conduit for individuals who are sleeping rough to access accommodation from all hostel providers within the city. The service also enables links to be made to day shelter within De Paul Haven Day Shelter, located on John Street, for those people who would otherwise continue to drink on the streets.
The service works with people who are sleeping rough, persons with addictions and those who need support to access services focused on safety, security and harm minimisation.
The principle aims of the service is
· Provision of active street rescue services focused towards combating street homelessness and rough sleeping in the Derry/Londonderry area.
· Patrol in and around known hotspots for drinkers in the city and to complement the services provided by hostels.
· Provision of practical and emotional support for clients who are marginalized and distressed by their addiction.
· To enable service users to get home safely and ensure tenancy sustainment within the community.
· Reduce the visible presence of people who are drinking on the streets and ensure that they use the services of De Paul Haven Day Shelter.
· Reduce rough sleeping in the city.
· Help to minimise anti-social behaviour associated with drinking on the street.
Work in partnership and provide a multi-agency response to needs of those who find themselves in crisis through addictions.
FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Street Outreach Support Worker
Reports To: Deputy Manager
Purpose & Objectives:
To aim to end street homelessness in the city of Derry/Londonderry by providing a high quality, responsive and cost-effective street outreach service that meets the needs of people who are sleeping rough and those engaged in associated street culture within the areas.
To act in a professional, proactive capacity that will contribute to the strategic objectives of the organisation in enhancing the well-being of its service users through a network of support.
Location: Based at 23 Bishop Street, Derry/Londonderry; working within and around the city centre area
Salary £24,696 per annum
Hours of Work 37.5 hours per week (full time) shift rota basis
Probationary Period 6 months
Annual Leave 5 working weeks, exclusive of bank and customary holidays
Sickness Scheme 3 working weeks contractual pay in any 12 month rolling period under current terms and conditions of employment
Pension Company pension available, further details available on request
MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. Develop, build and maintain effective relationships with people who are homeless and those engaged in associated street culture within the area. These relationships will be either through referral or on a direct street engagement basis.
2. Assess on an individual basis the risk and needs of each service user.
3. Ensure a plan of support is developed for each individual presenting in crisis.
4. Develop effective liaison with other agencies ensuring appropriate pathways are established and agreed with accommodation providers, benefit agencies, Day Shelter Services, drug and alcohol services/workers, etc to ensure best outcome for the service user.
5. Assist statutory agencies in profiling the population of people who are sleeping/drinking on the streets.
6. Contribute to effective team working and ensure professional joint working relationships with managers and staff from other agencies.
7. Assist in the collection of statistical information on the work of First Housing Night Support Service to reach deadlines as directed by the Deputy Manager.
8. To participate in recording and reporting systems regarding daily events in view of clear communication requirements.
9. To work alongside other relevant agencies such as City Centre Initiative, Social Workers, General Practitioners, Policing Services, Housing Services in the delivery of support services to the client.
10. To carry out appropriate procedures and protocol that deal with high-risk behaviours, decision making and conflict situations.
11. To maintain written case management files under support structure systems.
12. To carry out enhanced monitoring and evaluation of vulnerable individuals who have been identified as 'at risk', and ensure that such adults are reported to the appropriate agencies as a vulnerable person/s.
13. To carry out regular health and safety checks as part of daily working activities. Notifying line management of any areas of concern.
14. To carry out observation and vigilance skills regarding any sudden health deterioration of service users.
15. Liaise with relevant bodies to enable partnership working that focuses on the health and future support needs of service users.
16. To use databases and other electronic management systems focused on service provision improvements and quality outcomes, which will include secure remote access to third party systems such as that of the NIHE.
17. To actively carry out audits of street activity and rough sleeping as directed by the Funder Housing Executive, and Supporting People
18. Any other duties appropriate to the post.
RELATIONSHIP WITH FIRST HOUSING
· To be an active team member, supporting colleagues, being prepared to receive support as necessary and contribute fully to team workload.
· To participate in staff meetings as required.
· To participate in staff development and review.
· To attend training as identified and required in relation to personal and professional development.
· To comply with the policies and procedures in place that meet with health and safety legislation.
· To respect our policy of promoting equality/valuing diversity.
· All staff members are required to adhere to the implementation of recording and monitoring procedures as set out within the 'Supporting People' Quality Monitoring Tool.
· To ensure adherence to Northern Ireland Social Care Council standards of conduct and practice (where NISCC registration is required)
PERSON SPECIFICATION
Qualifications / Education / Training:
* Minimum of three GCSE's at grade C or above (or equivalent) including English Language
* A relevant recognised qualification in health and social care or related field (minimum NVQ level II or equivalent)
* A current driving licence (2 years +) and have access to a car
* First Aid Certificate (Desirable)
* Health and Safety Certificate (Desirable)
Experience:
* At least two years recent experience of working with rough sleepers/outreach work in the field of additions/mental health or working with vulnerable homeless people with addictions/mental health
* Ability to work with challenging behaviour
* The post holder must be able to demonstrate a good attendance/performance work record
* Ability to deliver concise recording systems and reports
* Ability to work effectively and meet deadlines
Knowledge:
* Knowledge of the support needs of individuals with alcohol misuse issues
* Knowledge of Adults at Risk, protection from abuse policies and procedures (Desirable)
* Knowledge of the work of the statutory, voluntary agencies associated with young people/Homelessness (Desirable)
Skills & Competencies:
* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
* Competent in the use of IT software
* Flexible, approachable and can work under pressure
* Able to work both independently and as part of a team.
* Willingness to take managerial direction.
* Excellent organisational skills and ability to prioritise workloads to deliver within agreed deadlines
Personal Attributes:
* Ability to retain confidence and discretion.
Other:
* No health problems which would adversely affect ability to carry out all the duties of the post.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £24,696.00 per year
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Casual dress
* Sick pay
Application question(s):
* Have you a minimum of three GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent) including English Language?
* Have you a relevant recognised qualification in health and social care or related field (Minimum NVQ level II or equivalent)?
* Are you registered with, or are willing to register with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC)?
* Have you IT skills?
* Have you at least two years recent experience of working with people who are sleeping rough/outreach work in the field of addictions and mental health/or experience of working with homeless people who are vulnerable who need support with addictions and mental health?
* Do you hold a driving licence and have access to a car?
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person