About us
Changing Lives is a nationwide charity helping people facing the most challenging of circumstances to make positive change - for good. We believe that everyone deserves a safe home, a rewarding job and a life free from addiction or abuse. We know that given the right support, anyone can change their life for the better.
Our services across the country help thousands of people each year who are experiencing a wide range of complicated challenges, including homelessness, drug and alcohol addiction, unemployment, involvement with the criminal justice system, sexual exploitation and domestic abuse. By focusing on their strengths, potential and opportunities, we support the people we work with to overcome their problems and live safe, successful, independent lives.
Our charity is powered by over 600 passionate colleagues who bring a diverse and inclusive environment for our colleagues to grow. We are proud to say that many have actual lived experience of the challenges faced by those we support. We are looking for committed and compassionate professionals to join our team, who share our enthusiasm for changing lives.
About the Service - Housing & Homelessness Services
A safe home is the solid base from which you build your life. We support people who are experiencing homelessness, or at risk of becoming homeless, as well as providing specialist accommodation and outreach services for rough sleepers, veterans, survivors of domestic abuse, women and young people.
Accommodation to us doesn’t just mean a roof over your head and shelter from the elements. It needs to be a welcoming and flourishing environment, offering opportunities for all those we support to feel comfortable and develop. You can make a difference and support people on their journey towards a brighter future. At Changing Lives, we offer a home rather than just a shelter.
About the Job
You will be part of a team that works to support people identified within the Starting Point team. The team work to empower people and through the support offered we endeavour to inspire people to improve their health and wellbeing by accessing support, helping to build personal and social capital, connections and resilience.
The purpose is to provide the initial point of contact with the Starting Point service face to face or by phone. You will provide a professional but supportive welcome, provide information and supported advice and deal with occasional crisis situations when needed. The post holder will gather and hold up-to-date information about the Starting Point Team and a wide range of other appropriate services and circulate regular information about all services available. In this way we will ensure that those who need support will have the widest range of options available to them and that there are clear pathways between services.
It will be important in the role that you work in partnership with the community in Doncaster; and with relevant statutory, voluntary or community agencies to improve the quality of life for people who would benefit from the support of the Starting Point team. This holistic approach will encourage and support the development of lasting behaviour changes that underpin improved wellbeing and life chances.
The role of a link worker will be located at the Changing Lives Doncaster Community Hub where you will be based on the front desk, welcoming people that are accessing the centre for support with the Starting Point team. Although your main task will be to provide the initial contact for the service and much of your time will be spent at reception this is much more than a reception role. You will be given the opportunity to deliver small group work within the Hub. The post holder will also need experience of working with vulnerable people as well as have good information and data handling, IT and excellent communications skills.
As part of the role you will also be a key person in the maintaining and development of the Real Help Doncaster campaign alongside the action group.