Homeless Support Worker

Full time, 37 hours a week. Working Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

£23,775 progressing to £25,027

Hampshire Social Inclusion - Eastleigh provides supported accommodation to adults, who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.

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.

We also provide community support to individuals who are or have been rough sleeping to access and maintain emergency accommodation.

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

• 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 and put together a client needs assessment and manage risks.
• Carrying out housing management duties such as collecting service charges at various locations
• Covering Health and Safety duties at various locations
• Support to move clients on from accommodation services to suitable accommodation options
• You will mediate and or negotiate with existing housing providers to help prevent homelessness
• You will help and support individuals by providing advice on housing, welfare benefits, rent deposits and household goods via a variety of schemes.
• You will help clients with the practicalities of moving to new accommodation, such as contacting energy suppliers
• You will encourage individuals to develop practical skills such as budgeting, shopping, cooking, housework, laundry, personal health and hygiene
• Carrying out drop in sessions at designated locations
• Liaise with colleges, training agencies, employers to help clients to gain access to education, find work or maintain their benefit entitlement
• Advise client on appropriate agencies to contact i.e. debt and housing issues
• Travel and cover services across a geographical patch as and when required
• Any other reasonable duties required in the interest of the organisation
  
  

Knowledge, Skills, Experience & Essential Qualifications/Training

• Clear verbal and written English
• Good IT and keyboard skills
• Polite, assertive manner, ability to self -motivate
• Passion for working in a client/customer facing role
• Knowledge of the benefits system and tenancy legislation
• Have an interest and genuine concern for homelessness and related issues
• Knowledge of voluntary and statutory agencies
• Flexible approach to what is required from the role
• A full driver's licence and access to you own vehicle is essential for this role
  
  

We reserve the right to close our adverts early if a successful candidate is found, so please submit your application as soon as possible.

Are you the right candidate for this opportunity Make sure to read the full description below.

We were formed in April 2001 through the merger of the Society of St Dismas (founded in 1962) and St Petroc Housing association (founded in 1972). Both organisations shared a passion for housing and supporting vulnerable single people.

Our vision today is to give people who are homeless, vulnerable or in need of support, the opportunity to build a brighter future.

We have services in Berkshire, Hampshire, Portsmouth, Southampton and Sussex.

We support 16-65 year olds. Our services include outreach to rough sleepers, supported accommodation (direct access hostels, move-on accommodation, and resettlement flats), day centres, community support, housing first and landlord support services.