Part time, 21 hours a week. Shifts between 8am and 8pm, including weekends and bank holidays.
£13,493 progressing to £14,204
Isle of Wight Homeless Services provides support to adults who are homeless or at risk of homelessness across a number of properties, one of these being a dedicated women’s only service.
Our aim is to provide person-centred support to our clients, empowering them to gain the life skills they require to move on to more independent living. We also work with a range of agencies to maximise the support and opportunities for clients.
Although this can be a challenging role, it’s also very rewarding. This is an exciting role, where no two days will be the same, you will take part in various tasks, such as running client activities and life skills projects. If you love working with people and want to make a difference in the lives of those you support, then please apply.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
1. You will have your own caseload of clients to manage and will work with them on a one to one basis. You will identify their needs by listening to them, put together a client needs assessment and manage risks.
2. Supporting the housing management worker with duties relating to the management of the building and ensuring health and safety policies and procedures are adhered to
3. Support to move clients on from accommodation services to suitable accommodation options
4. You will mediate and or negotiate with existing housing providers to help prevent homelessness
5. You will help and support individuals by providing advice on housing, welfare benefits, rent deposits and household goods via a variety of schemes.
6. You will help clients with the practicalities of moving to new accommodation, such as contacting energy suppliers
7. You will encourage individuals to develop practical skills such as budgeting, shopping, cooking, housework, laundry, personal health and hygiene
8. Carrying out drop in sessions at designated locations.
9. Liaise with colleges, training agencies, employers to help clients to gain access to education, find work or maintain their benefit entitlement
10. Advise client on appropriate agencies to contact i.e. debt and housing issues
11. Travel and cover services across a geographical patch as and when required
12. Any other reasonable duties required in the interest of the organisation
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, EXPERIENCE & ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING
Previous experience in this sector is not essential but you will be able to demonstrate a real passion for wanting to work with vulnerable people in the homeless sector. Our values will be aligned to your own ethics and ideals and you will be committed to changing the life of others for the better.
13. Clear verbal and written English
14. Good IT and keyboard skills
15. Polite, assertive manner, ability to self -motivate
16. Passion for working in a client/customer facing role
17. Knowledge of the benefits system and tenancy legislation
18. Have an interest and genuine concern for homelessness and related issues
19. Knowledge of voluntary and statutory agencies
20. Flexible approach to what is required from the role
21. Full drivers' licence and access to your own vehicle is essential for this role