JOB DESCRIPTION. Female Support Assistant Community Outreach hours per week (flexibility will be required)

Transcription

1 JOB DESCRIPTION Title: Salary Range: Hours: Line Manager: Location: Female Support Assistant Community Outreach 13,914-15,483 pa pro rata hours per week (flexibility will be required) Service Manager Community based in Yeovil & Mendip - Home base Yeovil Main Purpose To effectively support the management of an assigned caseload contingent on needs, strengths, abilities and preferences of the client served. Provide effective support for clients involved in the service. Possess clear understanding of the service delivery and resources available for those who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Ensure that all clients & their children are given the security and support to maximise their independence, dignity and choice in accordance with the aims of the project. Key Areas Of Responsibility Support Delivery Provide high quality support for allocated clients as directed by Case Coordinators in relation to assessments and support & support plans within policy guidelines. Ensure that a support &safety plan is delivered in accordance with the client s wishes. Provide high quality one to one support in accordance with the aims and objectives of the project which is proactive and helps the client to understand and overcome any barriers they have to moving forward. Work alongside volunteers and community based resources to deliver additional support. Have an understanding of the needs of the client group and ensure that all practice reflects this in a positive way. Work along side clients and participate in activities as appropriate. Diffuse difficult or dangerous situations and to summon outside assistance when necessary. 1

2 Work in conjunction with the Housing Management Administrator to address issues of rent arrears, isolation and exclusion whilst facilitating service users involvement in accordance with the aims of the project. Provide advice to service users on housing, health, welfare benefits and other issues as necessary. Produce and maintain accurate and useful information & data in a range of formats in order to promote effective service delivery and evaluation. Produce appropriate written reports in a variety of formats to meet the requirements of managers, service providers and legal bodies. Expected Outcomes (outcomes to reflect contract requirements when known) There is a high level of engagement by clients in their individual programmes of support. 85% of clients are highly satisfied with the support they receive. At least 80% of clients improve their personal safety Minimum of 80% face to face contact time with clients. At least 60% of accommodation based clients leave the service in a planned way and move on to more independent accommodation. At least 95% of community based clients retain their tenancies with improved levels of independence The level of positive outcomes is greater than 60% in all areas. At least 65% of clients complete exit survey form. Client files are maintained in accordance with contractual requirements of Supporting People. Client record and outcomes forms submitted via CROSS, within agreed timescales Relevant data is recorded on internal Housing Management systems External agencies are involved in the review of client support. Communication Ensure any concerns relating to clients physical or emotional well being, including safety are passed on to the Service Manager or responsible person on duty. Arrange/participate in staff and service user meetings, as and when required. Work proactively with all other colleagues to ensure that relevant information is shared and that joint working is undertaken when this is in the best interests of the client Actively promote a positive professional profile of the project within the local community, ensuring the good reputation of the organisation at all times. Inter-agency Working Work proactively and creatively with community based volunteers to enhance service delivery and choice for clients Develop and maintain effective working relationships with specialists and agencies who might offer resources, funding, or individual services relevant to client needs, e.g. Registered Social Landlords, Local Authority, community mental health and drug & alcohol services, Benefit Agency and other government agencies, referral agencies, charitable trusts, other voluntary agencies and domestic abuse services Encourage joint working initiatives that would benefit clients and support the delivery of excellent outcomes. 2

3 Development Ensure all clients and staff know how to use appropriate equipment. Attend mandatory training days/courses, on or off site as and when required. Be responsible for maintaining professional knowledge and competence. Prepare for and attend supervision with service manager bi-monthly. Health & Safety Monitor and assess risks in accordance with Chapter 1 s Risk Assessment Policy and consult management as appropriate in accordance with established procedures. Carry out health and safety checks in accordance with policies and procedures. Ensure the security of the project is maintained at all times. Promote safe working practices in and out of the project. Ensure the standard of accommodation and grounds are of a consistently high level through communication and practical means. This includes assisting with clearing client rooms, identifying and reporting repairs and maintaining equipment to high standard. Ensure all equipment is clean and well maintained. General Adhere to Chapter 1 s Confidentiality Policy and ensure that all information of a confidential nature gained in the course of duty is not divulged to third parties. Ensure the standard of accommodation and grounds are of a consistently high level through communication and practical means. This includes assisting with clearing client rooms, identifying and reporting repairs and maintaining equipment to high standard. Be prepared to work flexibly across the whole service and be instrumental in ensuring integrated service delivery Undertake administrative duties and domestic tasks when required. Carry out all other tasks that may be reasonably assigned to you and within the scope of your job role. Other It is a general requirement that all employees of Chapter 1 be in sympathy with and understand the Christian aims and ethos of the organisation. The post holder may be required to work outside of normal working hours on occasion of which time off in lieu will be given. 3

4 PERSON SPECIFICATION SUPPORT WORKER Essential Knowledge and Experience Ability to maintain enthusiasm for a high level of contact time with clients on a daily basis. A proven track record of delivering effective one to one support that has resulted in positive outcomes for clients Proven ability to work to deadlines Desirable Housing association legislation Knowledge of community and volunteer resources Knowledge of supporting people legislation Experience of working in the domestic abuse arena Proven track record of working collaboratively with colleagues and other agencies to ensure clients achieve positive outcomes Knowledge and experience of using risk management tools in the effective management of supported housing schemes which including positive risk taking. Ability to demonstrate good interpersonal skills in managing complex and difficult situations Experience and understanding of working within a diverse and multi cultural environment Ability to demonstrate empathy and understanding of working with vulnerable homeless people Skills and Aptitude Good clerical/administrative skills Excellent assessment skills Excellent communication and advocacy skills 4

5 Organised and able to work on own initiative Able to be creative and proactive Ability to make a positive contribution to effective team working Good problem solving skills to be able to overcome barriers and achieve results Ability to analyse and produce reports for presentation in a variety of formats Personal Qualities A non-judgemental approach to working with homeless people Willingness to work outside of normal working hours Able to be flexible on approach to work and adaptable to change Able to keep abreast of professional knowledge and competence for own learning and development Qualifications Good command of the English language both spoken and written Secondary level education Numerate Intermediate level of IT applications and keyboard skills (e.g Microsoft Office, Word, Excel) 5