Information about our Floating Support Service
The Floating Support Service for Older People, Strabane, will work within the Objectives of The Homelessness Strategy Ending Homelessness Together. The objectives which focus on service delivery are as follows:
* To deliver support tailored to each individual that reflects their needs and maximises their full potential for independent living. The approach used will be Risk Assessment, Needs Assessment and Support Planning Processes with defined tangible outcomes.
* To use the full breadth of our experience and knowledge of delivering housing related support services to deliver on outcomes appropriate for the identified client group.
* Ensure fair access and appropriate support reflective of the needs of a diverse community pertaining to age, ethnicity, religious preference, gender, sexuality, or disability.
* Work with a broad range of other specialist agencies to deliver a Risk Assessment, Needs Assessment and Support Plan that focuses on outcomes under key strategic drivers such as: Economic Wellbeing, Being Healthy, Staying Safe, Enjoying and Achieving and making a positive contribution.
* Work within the Framework of the Supporting People Quality Assessment Framework
The service requires the delivery of appropriate and sustainable housing support services that meet the unique individual needs of older people who will include single homeless and vulnerable individuals who may have support needs which may impact on their ability to maintain their accommodation. This may include living with physical/mental ill health issues, social isolation, lack of support networks, debt and budgeting advice, addictions, support in securing appropriate benefits, advocating with other parties. This is not an exhaustive list.
The Service will endeavour to support its client group to:
* Economic wellbeing – ensuring all benefits that service users are entitled to are received, links to employment, help with job search, and budgeting
* Enjoying and achieving – service users partake in activities, education and/or training
* Being healthy – service users are provided with information in relation to healthy eating, risks of alcohol/drug misuse, encouraged to exercise, have are registered with a GP, looking after both physical and mental health
* Staying safe – service users are informed about sexual health; mental health and the risks associated with domestic violence and know where to seek help if needed. Attending to matters relating to Health and Safety to ensure environment is safe and secure
* Making a positive contribution – service users are signposted to help with parenting, education, training, help with seeking work, volunteering opportunities and becoming involved in activities/groups
FIRST HOUSING AID & SUPPORT SERVICES
JOB DESCRIPTION
Title: Floating Support Worker (Older People)
Reports To: Senior Floating Support Worker
Purpose & Objectives:To implement a floating support service to vulnerable people (55+ years) who are or have been experiencing housing difficulties and related issues.
To deliver the service in line with the Supporting People Quality Monitoring Tool ensuring the project works within an ethos of continuous improvement.
To act in a professional, proactive capacity that will contribute to the strategic aims of the organisation in enhancing the well-being of its service users through a network of support.
Location: Based in Derry/Londonderry or Limavady (working from home) with travel required within the Western Health and Social Care Trust area
Salary £12,513.46 per annum
Hours of Work 19 hours per week
Probationary 6 months
Period
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, details on request
MAJOR TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
1. To form relationships with vulnerable people referred to the service, assess their needs and obtain their inclusiveness on how the service should be run.
2. To tailor individual holistic responses to the collective family and individual needs of clients on health awareness, harm reduction, emotional, psychological, social and housing factors, at all times implementing on the organisation's Adults at Risk Policy.
3. Monitor service users' housing and support needs as well as reviewing plans to take account of any change.
4. Provide service users with information and encouragement to help them integrate into the local community.
5. Assist service users in sustaining and maintaining their tenancies.
6. Offer support to avail of appropriate benefits to service users, ensuring that income is maximised in view of effective home management.
7. Offer advice and assistance in dealing with practical matters throughout their accommodation. (ie Arranging gas and electrical services, acquiring essential furniture etc.)
8. Negotiate service delivery and advocate on behalf of tenants to ensure that services are provided by statutory or voluntary health and support agencies as appropriate.
9. Visit service users regularly, building a relationship of trust, understanding and support.
10. Assisting in the resolution of neighbourhood disputes and problems, liaising with the Housing Executive and other relevant agencies when relevant.
11. To monitor repairs, advocate for service users and make referrals for aids and adaptations.
12. To assist in the preparation of leaflets/literature which describe the work of the Floating Support Service for prospective service users and profiling of service.
13. To maintain written case management files.
14. To attend regular staff meetings with direct line management.
15. To provide regular reports and updating on current issues to the Service Co-ordinator.
16. To develop links with voluntary and statutory agencies for the effective delivery of appropriate support and housing management.
17. To work alongside referral agencies such as N.I Housing Executive, Probation Board N.I., Foyle Health & Social Services Trust and other potential referring bodies.
18. To carry out assessment in regard to service user progress and provide information to other engaged bodies and organisations with the inclusiveness of the user.
19. To expand upon opportunities to develop an effective service.
20. To promote co-operation and understanding among community agencies and neighbourhoods, attempting to breakdown the negative attitudes that are prevalent against homeless families and vulnerable adults.
21. To provide statistical reports and analysis of recipients availing of the service.
22. To use databases and other electronic management systems focused towards service provision improvements and quality outcomes, which will include secure remote access to third party systems such as that of the NIHE.
23. To carry out other duties appropriate to the post as may be required.
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
Floating Support Worker, Older People (FSWOP.R06.01)
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 equivalent (NVQ level III)
* A valid driving licence and access to a car. (if disability prohibits driving, the applicant must be able to organise suitable alternative arrangements)
Experience:
* Minimum of 2 years recent experience providing support to families and singles over 18 years old in particular those substance misuse issues, mental health issues and those at risk of offending behaviour
* (providing support to over 55 years old, desirable but not essential)
* Working with people that are homeless or those leading an unsettled lifestyle
* Assessment interviewing
* Managing a caseload
* Providing a frontline service to the public
* The post holder must be able to demonstrate a good attendance/performance
* Ability to deliver concise recording systems
* Ability to work effectively and meet deadlines
Knowledge:
* Knowledge of the support needs of vulnerable individuals
* Knowledge of Adults at Risk/ Child Protection Policy and Procedure (Desirable)
* Knowledge of the work of the statutory, voluntary agencies associated with Homelessness
Skills & Competencies:
* Excellent interpersonal and communication, particularly able to work with the public
* Competent in the use of IT software such as word-processing, databases, internet and e-mail
* 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
* Ability to work with challenging behaviour
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: Part-time
Pay: £12,513.46 per year
Expected hours: 19 per week
Benefits:
* Additional leave
* Enhanced paternity leave
* Sick pay
* Work from home
Application question(s):
* Do you have a Minimum of three GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent) including English Language?
* Have you a Mmnimum of 2 years recent experience providing support to families and singles over 18 years old in particular those with substance misuse issues, mental health issues and those at risk of offending behaviour?
* Have you a valid driving licence and access to a car. (if disability prohibits driving, the applicant must be able to organise suitable alternative arrangements)
* Have you IT skills?
* Do you have NVQ Level III (or equivalent) in Health & Social Care OR relevant equivalent qualification in Social Work, Community Work or Housing Care?
Language:
* English (preferred)
Work authorisation:
* United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: Remote