Homelessness Support Specialist

We provide accommodation and support services to individuals in need. Our goal is to make home a reality for everyone.

This role is an opportunity to work directly with clients in short-term accommodation, implementing and carrying out effective care and case management. You will also receive ongoing training and development to ensure your success in this role.

Working Hours: 37.5 hours per week, shift work between 8am - 10.30pm, 7-day liability.

1. Conduct baseline assessments using the Holistic Needs Assessment tool and develop support plans for each individual.
2. Develop Housing Support Plans and risk assessments addressing areas arising from the assessment, setting goals and assisting the client reach their goals.
3. Work within professional boundaries ensuring that clients are consulted and involved in both the operation of the service and their own goal attainment.
4. Operate within a case management system assisting clients to progress to and sustain long-term accommodation, ensuring that the client's support plan is implemented, regularly reviewed, and appropriate to their current needs.
5. Review client details on our database and amend as necessary.
6. Carry out health and safety checks as per local policy and recording of same.
7. Ensure new clients receive an induction to the service and are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
8. Maintain knowledge and awareness of mental health issues, good practice in the field of mental health, and knowledge of mental health services, acting as a professional guide and mentor to colleagues.
9. Prepare reports, statistics, and other information as required and update our database and IT systems on an ongoing basis.
10. Responsible for achieving goals as determined by organizational strategy and local scorecard and individual action plan.
11. Meaningfully participate in regular supervision and performance review, contributing to the identification of job-related targets and training needs.
12. Ensure clients are consulted and involved in the operation of the service as far as possible.
13. Crisis and incident management, including follow-ups, incident reporting, and appropriate communication of incidents.
14. Ensure consistent handovers, daily diary, incident reports, and follow-ups, in accordance with operational procedures and standards.
15. Involvement in the induction and ongoing training of new staff, volunteers, and community employment participants.
16. Ensure routine maintenance, cleaning, health and safety, and wellbeing checks occur, in line with operational procedures and standards.
17. Provide high-standard customer service and address complaints in an efficient and appropriate manner.
18. Engage with and build a professional trusting relationship with people, treating them with dignity and respect.

• BA/BS degree in Psychology, Community Development, Counselling, Social Care, Social Work, or similar.
• Three years' experience working in a social or caring setting.
• Ability to conduct risk assessments, create and manage client care plans, and conduct holistic needs assessments.
• Understanding of why people become homeless and the needs they have.
• Good record-keeping and report-writing skills.
• IT skills, including Microsoft, Excel, PowerPoint, Word, and Outlook.
• Ability to manage challenging behavior while being respectful and professional.
• Excellent communicator with the ability to advocate on behalf of clients.
• Full driver's license.
• Experience working with vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
• Knowledge of the homeless sector.

• Commitment to our mission and values, and to work within our policies and procedures.
• Participate in regular supervision with your line manager.
• Actively participate in team and staff meetings and contribute to the development of policy and practice.
• Report any area of concern to your line manager in a timely manner.
• Display reasonable flexibility in relation to hours of attendance to meet the needs of the work.
• Have a flexible approach to the work in response to organizational change and development.
• Participate in and engage with a performance management program.
• Identify training needs with your line manager and participate in training opportunities.
• Manage health & safety standards in your service in line with our policies.
• Participate in the efficient flow of information within the organization.
• Undertake other duties as requested by your line manager.

Benefits: Ongoing training and development opportunities, supportive work environment, and competitive salary.