The Role - we are looking to recruit a Night Housing officer for Bedford, working on a 4 on 4 off shift pattern 6pm - 6am.
As a Night Housing Officer you will be a part of a friendly and dynamic team which is passionate about delivering the highest standards in support to residents, including the advocation of their rights. You will be driven by a desire to create equality of opportunity for our disadvantaged and vulnerable clients, whilst at the same time focused on helping them to take accountability and be responsible for their behaviour and decision making. We provide our colleagues with a supportive workplace, trusting in them to make most effective use of their time in delivering the aspirations of both the company and its clients. You will have the opportunity also to build a rewarding career within the not-for-profit sector, enhancing your own skills and attributes whilst making a difference to the lives of others.
We work in an entirely non-judgmental way, including supporting people with experience of rough sleeping and homelessness, the criminal justice system, substance misuse and people fleeing violence.
Our housing includes shared accommodation (HMOs) and self-contained apartments coupled with personalised support plans that prepare our clients to eventually live independently.
Key Responsibilities:
* Keep the buildings and people safe during the night - being based at a central location, and visiting properties in the Bedford area to support the team where appropriate.
* Visits to properties in the Bedford area to do nightly checks on residents.
* Write up case notes, recording the nature of contact with residents or with professionals regarding residents.
* Liaise with health professionals to ensure positive outcomes for the clients including Drug and Alcohol, Probation, Primary and Secondary Care etc.
* Support clients to develop and practice necessary skills to live independently; including making a budget, making benefit claims, obtaining ID, opening a bank account etc.
* Provide remedy and mediation, as necessary, with residents within property to manage disputes and/or incidents of anti-social behaviour.
* Manage any breaches of Licence Agreement via the enforcement process,
* Liaise with the Police to provide access to property, as necessary.
* Provide access to property and supervise contractors when on site undertaking works.
* Collect payments by residents towards the cost of their utilities on a weekly or monthly basis, as relevant to their circumstances.
* Participate in the delivery of our Reach for the Stars mindset and empowerment programme.
* Prepare properties for habitation, including room cleaning, as necessary, sourcing furniture and room dressings, and providing essential living items, as required.
* Report any maintenance issues in a timely fashion and undertake minor maintenance, where appropriate and safe.
* Meet and induct new clients into property, complete necessary paperwork, including Licence Agreement, collect evidence as proof of receipt of benefits and all other necessary documentation to support the resident during their stay.
* Ensuring a safe and secure environment that promotes opportunities for our clients to develop independent living skills, including making meaningful use of time.
* Assist residents to obtain independent accommodation, when ready, by applying to the Housing Register or searching the private rented sector.
* Report any safeguarding concerns / incidents to the DSL on the day and complete internal incident reporting paperwork.
* Take responsibility for own learning by identifying continuous professional development opportunities as well as attending all mandatory company training.
* Attend at and participate in regular one-to-one performance reviews with your line manager.
* Undertake any other duties commensurate with the role, as requested.
Success Attributes:
Our people prioritise the team over self and share in our values. Our people work selflessly towards helping others achieve in their ambitions; recognising the greater good for society in making a positive impact in our clients' lives.
Essential Personal Attributes:
* Experience of working within a similar role with people who might present with a multitude and/or complexity of need
* Ability to de-escalate situations; conflict management and resolution
* Knowledge of policies and procedures, including Safeguarding and Health & Safety
* Good literacy skills and experience in report writing and record keeping
* Good communication and interpersonal skills
* Must be able to commit to working early, late and at weekends on a rotational basis
* Must be willing to participate in the Standby (call-out) Rota and attend call-outs, as necessary
* Driving Licence, access to a vehicle and relevant business insurance to drive for work purposes
* Preparedness to supply an Enhanced DBS certificate and disclosure, as necessary
Desirable Personal Attributes:
* Knowledge of housing support and homeless prevention
* Basic maintenance skills
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £28,392.00 per year
Benefits:
* Company events
* Company pension
* Employee mentoring programme
* Health & wellbeing programme
* On-site parking
Work Location: In person