JOB DESCRIPTION. My Place, 62 Bethel Street, Norwich. Responsible for: - Job Purpose:

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION Job Title: Support Worker Location: My Place, 62 Bethel Street, Norwich Responsible to: Housing Manager Responsible for: - Job Purpose: To provide a safe, supportive and secure environment for tenants with low to medium level support needs. To provide housing-related support through needs and risk assessment, support planning and provision of positive activities and co-production initiatives. To assist tenants to move onwards to greater levels of community integration to gain enhanced and enriched independent living. MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES:- Assessment and Housing- Related Support: 1. To undertake interviews with prospective tenants to assess eligibility for the service. 2. To undertake needs and risk assessment and support and safety planning acting as an allocated worker for an up to 14 tenants. 3. To implement, monitor and review support plans facilitating tenants to lead in decisions about the support they receive. 4. Where appropriate, work with tenants and representatives from other agencies to co-ordinate an integrated support package. 5. Actively seek to empower tenants to gain and maintain control over all aspects of their lives. 6. Recognise tenant s abilities and skills and seek to encourage their development and use through strengths based approaches. 7. Offer practical advice and assistance on issues such as welfare benefits, budgeting, life skills, employment, education, training and move-on. 8. Facilitate workshops for tenants to acquire life skills such as cooking, shopping, hygiene and basic home maintenance.

2 9. In line with the support plans and the aims of the service, plan and prepare with tenants to move on to independent living or other appropriate support services as required. 10. Provide a tenant programme of positive activities and co-production opportunities on a regular basis in partnership with tenants. Intensive Housing Management: 1. Work with tenants to understand and adhere to the terms of the tenancy agreement, their rights and responsibilities. 2. Respond and intervene to antisocial behaviour through undertaking restorative meetings and apply possession proceedings where necessary. Work in partnership other agencies to take preventative and supportive measures to change behaviours. 3. Work in partnership with the property coordinator to undertake income recovery supporting tenants to maximise their income and budget to prioritise paying rent and council tax as a key life skill. Safeguarding: General: 1. Respond to emergencies following relevant policies and procedures including safeguarding, incident management and health and safety emergencies. 2. Implement safeguarding procedures where there is a new or existing concern in relation to tenants, staff or any person connected to YMCA Norfolk. 3. Ensure any information in relation to safeguarding is recorded, kept up to date and shared with the wider team. 4. In partnership with tenants, Identify measures within safety planning to be undertaken by the whole team. 1. To liaise with management and Property Co-ordinators regarding housing related issues ensuring seamless communication between the housing management and support roles. 2. To participate in ensuring compliance to equalities legislation and best practice to respond to equality and diversity issues and enable a tolerant community within the service. 3. To ensure effective liaison with all departments regarding housing relating issues and information, including the Finance Department. 4. To ensure confidentiality practices and data protection is upheld in line with policy and legislation.

3 5. To implement and adhere to YMCA Norfolk s Policy and Procedures at all times. 6. To work within established definitions of acceptable and unacceptable risk, carrying out risk assessment and adhering to risk management policies and instructions. 7. To operate within clear professional boundaries and work within YMCA Norfolk s Staff Code of Conduct. 8. To participate in regular line management, team meetings and annual appraisals. 9. To be responsible for own personal and professional development including identification of training opportunities. 10. To carry out any other tasks that may be required from time to time in accordance with the post holder s capabilities and the changing working environment. Christian Ethos 1. To work in line with the Christian identity of the Organisation within the service area. 2. To ensure all housing policies, procedures and working practices support the Christian identity and values of YMCA Norfolk. TERMS AND CONDITIONS Pay: Hours: Shift Pattern: Annual Leave: Pension: Notice Period: 9.88 per hour 37.5 Hours per Week Participating in a rota on a Monday- Saturday proving support to tenants between the hours of 9am-9pm for 365 days of the year. 33 days (pro rata) per annum inclusive of Bank and Public Holidays. Access to contributory stakeholder pension scheme after 3 months. 1 Month Conditions of Appointment: Satisfactory medical examination, satisfactory references and clear enhanced DBS check. In Service Training: Time allowed for in-service training, subject to budgetary provision.

4 PERSON SPECIFICATION Requirement Essential Desirable Application Form Selection Test Interview Knowledge K1 Knowledge of housing legislation including tenancy management. K2 Knowledge of undertaking needs and risk assessment and support planning (housing related support). K3 Knowledge of the statutory frameworks for safeguarding children and young people and vulnerable adults. K4 Knowledge of resources available to young people in the local community. K5 Knowledge of the benefits system in particular housing benefit and the welfare reform bill. Skills S1 Ability to undertake needs and risk assessment, safety and support planning. S2 Ability to implement restorative and possession procedures to respond to anti-social behaviour and breaches of tenancy. S3 Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with tenants, colleagues and other professionals. S4 Ability to demonstrate emotional stability and resilience to pressure. S5 Ability to work with agreed standards of prof. boundaries and confidentiality.

5 Aptitude A1 Competent user of outlook, work, excel and powerpoint. A2 Competent at record keeping and report writing. Experience E1 Recent experience of working in a support or housing setting with vulnerable people with support needs. E2 Experience of undertaking intensive housing management including responding to ASB and income recovery. E3 Experience of undertaking needs and risk assessment and support planning. Education Q1 O level / GCSE or Equivalent in Maths and English. Q2 Professional or skill based qualification in Housing. Q3 Evidence of recent relevant training. Christian Ethos V1. In sympathy with the Christian Identity of the YMCA.

6 Requirement Essential Desirable Application Form Selection Test Interview Personal Qualities P1 Able to present self and work effectively. P2 High levels of honesty, integrity and discretion. Circumstances C1 Able and willing to work unsocial hours. C2 Hold a full driving licence and have own transport. Health H1 Able to meet the requirements of the post with or without reasonable adjustment. Equality and Diversity O1 An understanding of equality and diversity.