Full time, 37hrs
Monday - Thursday 09:00 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 16:30
There is a contractual requirement to take part in the Bi-monthly street counts and the outreach shifts
TWO1163709 – Community Support Worker
This role is a great opportunity to support people who have experienced homelessness into their permanent offer of accommodation.
The right candidate would be able to recognise support needs and be able to sign post or refer into the partner agencies that can deliver help with those support needs.
A knowledge of the UK benefit system is preferrable but not essential as training will be given.
This role does require lone working so the right candidate will be confident to build relationships and manage their own case load.
Wokingham Community Support provides support to adults who are sleeping rough, helping them to access support and accommodation in Wokingham.
Our aim is to identify individuals who are sleeping rough, encourage them to complete activities that keep them safe and work in partnership with the councils and other housing providers to find housing options as quickly as possible. We then provide support to clients to maintain their accommodation.
If you’re looking for a fast paced, busy role, where you can make a real difference in the lives of those who you support, then this is the role for you!
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
1. You will have your own caseload of clients to manage within the community and will work with them on a one to one basis. You will identify their needs by listening to them and put together a client needs assessment and manage risks.
2. You will mediate and or negotiate with existing housing providers to ideally prevent homelessness
3. You will help and support individuals by providing advice on housing, welfare benefits, rent deposits and household goods via a variety of schemes.
4. You will help clients with the practicalities of moving to new accommodation such as contacting energy suppliers
5. Help individuals develop practical skills further in areas such as budgeting, shopping, cooking housework, laundry, health and hygiene
6. Carry out drop in surgeries at designated locations.
7. Liaise with colleges, training agencies, employers to help people to gain access to education, find work or maintain their benefit entitlement
8. You will be required to participate in the Bi monthly night street counts
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING
Previous experience in this type of work is not essential but you will have a real passion for wanting to work with homeless people. Your values will match ours, you will be committed to helping others and enjoy the real job satisfaction that this brings.
9. Clear verbal and written English
10. Good IT and keyboard skills
11. Polite, assertive manner, ability to self -motivate
12. Passion for working in a client/customer facing role
13. Knowledge of the benefits system and tenancy legislation
14. Have an interest and genuine concern for homelessness and related issues
15. Knowledge of voluntary and statutory agencies
16. A driver licence and access to own transport is essential